Archive for June, 2008

MA Auto Insurance Co. Discounts

Friday, June 20th, 2008

As a public service, Massautoquote.com, offers the following list of Massachusetts Insurance Companies and their April 1, 2008 discount programs.

We recommend that you get a quote from us. Our licensed, independent, professional Massachusetts Insurance Agents use numerous companies and will find you the best discounts and insurance programs. 

American Automobile Insurance Company  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Multi-Car, Public Transit  

Amica  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Good Student, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit, Years Licensed, Years with Company

Arbella  Advanced Driver Training, Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit, Years with Company

Citizens Insurance Company of America  Advanced Driver Training, Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit

Commerce Insurance  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit, Years Licensed, Years with Company  

Electric Insurance   Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit, Years Licensed

Encompass Insurance  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Public Transit, Years Licensed

Farm Family Insurance Company  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Daytime Running Lights, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Public Transit, Years Licensed

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Good Student, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit, Years Licensed, Years with Company

Massachusetts Homeland Insurance Company  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit, Years Licensed, Years with Company

Metropolitan Insurance Company  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Good Student, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Public Transit, Years Licensed

National Grange Insurance Company  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Good Student, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit, Student Away, Years Licensed

Norfolk & Dedham Mutual Fire Insurance Company  Advanced Driver Training, Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Good Student, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit, Years Licensed

Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation   Advanced Driver Training, Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Good Student, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Public Transit, Student Away, Years Licensed, Years with Company

Praetorian Insurance Company  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Multi-Car, Public Transit

Quincy Mutual Insurance Company  Advanced Driver Training, Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit, Years Licensed, Years with Company

Safety Insurance Company  Advanced Driver Training, Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Good Student, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit, Student Away, Years Licensed, Years with Company

State Farm Insurance Company  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Multi-Car, Public Transit

The Travelers of Massachusetts (Premier)  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Good Student, Group Membership, Multi-Car, Other Policy, Public Transit  

USAA Insurance Company  Annual Mileage, Anti-Theft, Good Student, Multi-Car, Public Transit, Student Away

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Open Group Discounts

Friday, June 20th, 2008

Group discounts, like the popular AAA discount, have long been the elephant in the Massachusetts auto insurance room. Some of these groups are “open” group discounts that are open to anyone (like the AAA discount); others are “closed” group discounts that can only be received by going through a particular agency or directly through the company. *As a disclaimer: some of these may not be complete group listings, certain groups may no longer be available, and the discount percentages may not be 100% accurate. 

Arbella Insurance    

Commerce Insurance    

Electric Insurance    

Encompass Insurance    

Farmers Insurance    

Hanover Insurance    

Liberty Mutual    

Mass. Homeland    

Metropolitan Insurance    

Norforlk & Dedham    

National Grange    

Plymouth Rock    

Travelers/Premier    

Quincy Mutual    

Safety Insurance

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ADDED VALUE/TRUSTED CHOICES

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

Part 1: Massachusetts Auto Insurance

My name is Kevin Johnson. I am a Massachusetts Insurance Agency owner. I am a licensed, professional Independent Insurance Agent.

The Nation is watching as the world of “Massachusetts Auto Insurance” moves into “managed competition.”

What is going to become of the Independent, Massachusetts Insurance Agent?

Part 2: The Incredible Shrinking Agency

With continued rate decreases and competition (slipping retention rates), many MA Insurance Agencies are working longer, working harder and still our books of business are shrinking. 

Over the past decade companies are having the local agent do more of the processing and more of the underwriting. We have had to keep pace with technological advancements with ongoing, significant expenses.

Companies try to commodatize and marginalize what we do and continue to reduce commissions.

Part 3: Is It Time To Close Up Shop? 

“No Business for Old Men.” Sounds like a movie. I can see my senior partner playing the lead role fumbling with usernames, passwords and rating software.

Direct writers and new carriers threaten our professional existences. How can we compete?

Many in the biz. wonder if it is time to close up shop.

Part 4: Conclusion

The Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agency community is vital part of a healthy insurance system.

I have a note on my desk that says: “Add Value.” It is a daily reminder of why I am here. We are advocates for our clients. We represent our clients at claim time and we make certain of fair and timely settlements. We are a voice on the other end of the phone, or in the office, that has the interest of our client in mind.

We are here for billing problems or insurance-related, life issues.

We market multiple lines of insurance, with multiple carriers and we shop for the best rates and insurance programs. We offer Trusted Choices.  

 Part 5: Epilogue

With the strength of Added Value & Trusted Choices the Massachusetts Independent Agent should be buoyed. Instead of us wondering how to compete, we should start feeling bad for the direct writers.

They don’t stand a chance.

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Eight Gas Saving Tips

Monday, June 16th, 2008

Gas prices are through the roof. The best way to save gas money is to ride a bike. If that’s not realistic, Massautoquote.com offers Eight Gas Saving Tips:

  1. Go easy on the brakes and gas pedal. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts. Try to anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking.
  2. Avoid long idles. Turn off your engine if you expect a lengthy wait. Idling burns more gas than restarting the engine.
  3. Avoid carrying unneeded junk in the trunk. More weight equals worse gas mileage.
  4. Avoid driving at high speeds. Mileage improves by 15% if you drive 55 mph instead of 65 mph.
  5. Keep air conditioning to a minimum. Try rolling down the windows instead.
  6. If your vehicle has overdrive, use it. It’s more economical at high speeds.
  7. Keep tires inflated properly.
  8. Get regular tune-ups and maintenance checks, both improve gas mileage.

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What to do in case of an Accident:

Friday, June 6th, 2008

Your Professional, Massachusetts, Independent Insurance Agent offers:

What to do in case of an auto accident:

  1. Stop. Be Courteous. Stay Calm. Your interest will be served best if you are courteous and engage in no controversy at the scene of the accident.
  2. If there is significant damage to any of the vehicles or any potential injuries call 9-1-1 immediately.
  3. Get the names fo the owners and drivers involved. Get license numbers, telephone numbers, and registration (plate) numbers.
  4. Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of witnesses.
  5. Express no opinion as to who was at fault. Give no information except for as required by the authorities. Do not sign any statements unless required by authorities.
  6. For prompt claims help:

Contact your Professional, Massachusetts, Independent Insurance Agent.

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Home Insurance Primer

Thursday, June 5th, 2008

Home insurance rates have been going up across the country. The best way to save money on your home insurance is to package it with your auto insurance.

The first step for home insurance is figuring out the appropriate amount of coverage. Your Coverage A, Dwelling, amount should represent the “Replacement Cost” of your home. This should be the amount that it would take to rebuild your home if you were to suffer a catastophic loss. The “Replacement Cost” or Dwelling Amount should not be confused with the home’s Market Value.

Once you have the “Dwelling Amount,” the next three parts (B, C, & D) are usually percentages of this coverage amount.

 For example:

Coverage A, Dwelling, amount:                                                                      $300,000

Coverage B, Other Structures (10% of Coverage A amount):                   $30,000

Coverage C, Personal Property (70% of Coverage A w/Replacment)      $210,000

Coverage D, Loss of Use (20% of Coverage A amount):                             $60,000

Home insurance also provides you Liability Coverage (Parts E & F).

Part E, Personal Liability Coverage, protects you from on and off-premises liability claims against you & family members. We recommend limits of $500,000 per occurrence and we recommend you consider Personal Liability Umbrella Coverage that sits over these and your auto limits.

Part F, Medical Payments Coverage, is usually in the amount of $1,000 or $2,000. If provides Medical Payments coverage for anyone (except household members) injured on your property.  

For savings, we recommend you compare deductibles from: $500, $1,000 & $2,500 deductibles. 

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