Massachusetts At-Fault Surcharge · Appeal Prep
Got an at-fault surcharge? Don't let the deadline pass and the points stick.
You have only 30 days from the notice date to appeal to the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal. We build your attorney-reviewed appeal packet fast, so you file knowing the Standard of Fault, your strongest facts, and exactly what to say. Free to start.
No account · No payment to start · Attorney-reviewed
Two ways to get ready
Deadline close? Choose Guided for priority. Start free either way.
Full attorney-reviewed appeal packet. You file and present it yourself.
Most chosenEverything in Solo, plus an attorney consultation on your appeal.
Start free intake →2 minutes. No payment until you choose to build your packet.
A surcharge isn't automatic — and what it costs is not minor.
Being in an accident isn't the same as being more than 50% at fault. But the surcharge is real, the deadline is short, and the points can follow you for years. Know what's on the line.
The 30-day deadline is strict
Your appeal must be filed AND received within 30 days of the date on your surcharge notice — a received-by date, not a postmark date. Miss it and the surcharge generally stands.
Points follow you for years
A surchargeable at-fault accident adds points (3 for a minor, 4 for a major) that are tracked by the Merit Rating Board and generally follow a driver for about 6 years.
Your premium goes up
Points can raise your premium. How much varies by insurer — there is no fixed official figure — but the cost can add up across multiple policy terms if you don't appeal.
Point values and premium impact are governed by 211 CMR 134.00 and depend on your insurer. This is general information, not legal advice.
The Standard of Fault is rebuttable. Often, the facts don't fit it.
Each Standard of Fault is a presumption that applies "unless a showing to the contrary is demonstrated by the evidence." With the police report, photos, dashcam footage, and a clear account, we build the showing that rebuts it, fact by fact.
Test my case — free →For a surcharge to stand, both must be true…
- You were more than 50% at fault under the Standards of Fault (211 CMR 74.00); and
- Your insurer paid a claim of more than $1,000, excluding your deductible.
If either isn't met, the accident isn't surchargeable. We help you show the gaps.
From notice to ready — in four steps
Start free. We'll build a hearing-ready appeal packet for the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal.
Start your free intake
Tell Allie about your accident and the notice — no account, no payment. An instant conflict check confirms we can help.
We build your appeal
Your account of the accident, the facts that rebut the Standard of Fault, and an evidence checklist — aimed at the Board of Appeal.
Attorney review
A licensed Massachusetts attorney reviews your packet, flags the weak points, and tells you what to expect at the Board of Appeal.
File and present ready
You know the Standard of Fault, your strongest facts, and exactly what to say at your hearing.
Before you do anything else
Check the date on your surcharge notice and mail your appeal early. The 30-day deadline is a received-by date, not a postmark date. Also keep paying any increased premium while the appeal is pending — otherwise your policy can be cancelled (a refund or credit follows if you win). If your deadline is close, start now and choose the Guided tier for priority.
Pick how much help you want
Both tiers include the complete, attorney-reviewed appeal packet. Start free — you only pay when you choose to build it.
- Full AI-assisted intake with Allie
- Your account of the accident, organized
- Facts that rebut the Standard of Fault
- Evidence checklist + what to say at the hearing
- Attorney review before you file
- — Attorney consultation
- Everything in Solo — full toolkit + attorney-reviewed packet
- Up to 30-minute attorney consultation (Zoom or phone)
- Direct Q&A with the attorney on your appeal
Surcharged, and not sure what's next?
How long do I have?＋
Only 30 days. Your appeal must be filed AND received by the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal within 30 days of the date on your surcharge notice. This is a received-by deadline, not a postmark deadline, so mail it early. Preparation can't wait.
What makes an accident surchargeable?＋
Two things must both be true: you were more than 50% at fault under the Standards of Fault (211 CMR 74.00), and your insurer paid a claim of more than $1,000, excluding your deductible. If either is missing, the accident should not be surchargeable. We test the finding against both thresholds.
What happens if I don't appeal?＋
The surcharge generally stays on your record, and the related points can affect your premium for about 6 years. Filing on time is the single most important thing you can do.
Do I need a lawyer?＋
No. Most drivers handle the appeal themselves. This packet is built so you can do that well, with your appeal organized and reviewed by a Massachusetts attorney before you file.
My deadline is in a few days — can you still help?＋
Yes. The Guided tier prioritizes your packet so you can file before the 30-day window closes. Start the free intake now and choose Guided.
The 30-day deadline is running whether you're ready or not.
Start the free intake now. No account, no payment — just the fastest path to an appeal you can stand behind.
Start my appeal — free →Mass Surcharge Appeal provides self-help information and document preparation for appealing a Massachusetts at-fault accident surcharge to the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal. This is attorney advertising. It is not a substitute for legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship, and no particular outcome is guaranteed. We are not affiliated with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, the Board of Appeal, the Merit Rating Board, or any insurer.