Massachusetts Insurance

The moral of the story is to shop your Massachusetts Insurance with us @ Massautoquote and utitlize the power of the Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agent … you’ll be glad you did.

Massachusetts Insurance Quotes

We received a call from a long time Massachusetts client regarding his new, 2015 auto insurance renewal.

His annual premium went up from $1,057 in 2012 to $1,331 in 2013.

What happened?

He got a speeding ticket.

Although there are no surcharge points added for the first moving violation, companies take away incident free driving credits.

So, as a result, his driving record went from a step “99? to a “0.”

Happy ending:  we rated re-rated his renewal with seven companies and found another company more competitive for ”0? drivers.

We transferred his coverage and was able to lower his annual premium to $1,156 with an additional -5% if he takes advantage of the company’s pay in full discount.

The moral of the story is to shop your Massachusetts Insurance with us @ Massautoquote and utitlize the power of the Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agent … you’ll be glad you did.

MassAutoQuote Quotes Massachusetts Insurance

At MassAutoQuote, we quote insurance every day …

Massachusetts Quotes

At MassAutoQuote, we quote insurance every day. The first thing we try to get is a copy of your present MA auto insurance Coverage Selections Page.

On the Coverage Selections Page is most of the pertinent things our MA insurance agency looks for in order to provide you comprehensive, comparative rates with numerous MA auto insurance companies.

Top Review Items on your MA Auto Insurance Coverage Page:

  • What is your Part 5, Optional Bodily Injury Coverage? Although not compulsary, this coverage is perhaps the most important coverage on your MA auto policy. This is your liability, or law-suit protection, if you injure someone in an accident. State minimum-type limits are: $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident. We recommend you consider limits of, at least, $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident.
  • What is your Part 4, Damage to Someone Else’s Property Coverage? We believe you should carry limits of at least: $100,000 per accident. We’ve seen many policies with online writers with $25,000 (or less) coverage. Usually you can improve this coverage to $100,000 for just a few dollars.
  • Does your Parts 3 & 12 Coverage match your Part 5 Coverage? They should. Parts 3 & 12 protect you & guest occupants from other uninsured or underinsured drivers. These Parts are not very expensive to increase & should match your Part 5 limits.
  • Does your vehicle carry Parts 7 & 9, Collision & Comprehensive Coverage? If so, what is your Collision deductible? If $500, you may want to consider increasing to $1,000. Usually the savings pays for such things as improving your Parts 3, 4, 5 & 12!

Other items to consider: are your receiving a mileage discount? Does your insurance company offer a AAA discount? Are you getting a good student or student away at school credit? Are you age 65 or over? Are you receiving your senior citizen discount? Have you packaged your auto insurance with the same company as your home, condominium or apartment insurance? Does someone review your coverage with you annually?

Call or click us for your free, no obligation MA auto insurance review.

Massachusetts Auto Excise Tax

Yes, it’s that pesky excise tax time in Massachusetts.

In an attempt to de-mystify the annual tax, MassAutoQuote offers the following excise tax information …

MA Exise Tax

Yes, it’s that pesky excise tax time in Massachusetts.

In an attempt to de-mystify the annual tax, MassAutoQuote offers the following excise tax information:

Excise bills are prepared by the Registry of Motor Vehicles according to information on the registration. They are sent to city/ town assessors who commit them to local tax collectors for distribution.

The excise tax rate is $25 per $1,000 of valuation (NADA) subject to the following percentage formula:

In the model year: 90%; second year: 60%; third year: 40%; fourth year: 25%; fifth year & beyond: 10%

If you have turned in your plates on the vehicle you are getting excise taxed on, or if you have transferred plates and got rid of the vehicle, you may be eligible for abatement. Abatement instructions are located on your excise tax bill.

MA Auto Insurance Discounts Programs

Chances are, when you last signed up for auto insurance, things in Massachusetts were very different.

What else has changed? Maybe your situation in life?

Have you moved, gotten married, had a job change, or had kids?

Your insurance should change as your life changes …

MA Auto Insurance Discounts

Chances are, when you last signed up for auto insurance, things in Massachusetts were very different.

Once upon a time, with small deviations, all MA auto insurance rates were the same.

Since then, there have been some huge changes in the Massachusetts insurance landscape.

First, managed competition auto insurance entered the state. More auto insurance carriers entered the state and with them came competitive pricing, and consumer-friendly insurance products.

What else has changed?

Maybe your situation in life?

Have you moved, gotten married, had a job change, or had kids?

Your insurance should change as your life changes.

We will shop your Massachusetts auto insurance coverage with multiple companies, make coverage recommendations, and help you if you ever have a billing question or claim problem.

We re-rate renewals and suggest coverage improvements, insurance and discount programs.

Some of the traditional Massachusetts automobile insurance discounts include:

Age 65 or Older, Passive Restraint, Annual Mileage discounts, Anti-theft, Multi-Car, Driver’s Education, Public Transit

Additional discounts may include:

Account discounts, Excellent driver & excellent driver plus discounts (99 & 98 drivers), Pay in full discounts, Hybrid vehicle discount, Advanced driver training discount, Alumni & professional group discounts, Good student discount (“B” or better), Student away at school discounts

Call us for your free, no-obligation insurance discount review!

Uber & Your Massachusetts Auto Insurance

Uber advertises itself as: “the easiest way to get around at the tap of a button.”

The problem, if you’ve ever used Uber or if you’ve ever been an Uber driver, is that your Massachusetts Personal Auto Policy excludes Personal Vehicle Sharing!

Uber and Your MA Auto Insurance Policy

Uber advertises itself as: “the easiest way to get around at the tap of a button.”

Massachusetts Slip & Slide Accident?

If you’ve been in an auto accident as a result of sliding on snow or ice, or because of lack of visibility because of snow banks and if you’ve received the surcharge notice, you might want to consider a surcharge appeal …

Snow street scenes

Have you been found “at-fault” in a slip & slide Massachusetts auto accident? If so, you’re not alone.

Due to the historic snow falls (& more to come), our Massachusetts Insurance Agency has been inundated with auto and homeowner claims.

If you’ve been in an auto accident as a result of sliding on snow or ice, or because of lack of visibility because of snow banks and if you’ve received the surcharge notice, you might want to consider a surcharge appeal.

You should submit written appeal (& non-refundabe $50) to the MA Board of Appeal within 30 days of receiving the surcharge notice.

When determining fault in an accident, unlike the insurance companies, the Massachusetts Board of Appeals takes into consideration contributing factors. Such as: road condition (icy, wet, snow-covered), visibility, other vehicle erratic driving, etc.

The MA Board of Appeal tells us it is presently taking about 9 months before you will receive your hearing date.

Once you have received your hearing date you can: appear in person, submit a written statement, or select someone to appear on your behalf.

Appeal hearings are scheduled in: Boston, Brockton, Peabody, Plymouth, Somerville, Springfield, Waltham, or Worcester.

If you win your appeal because of our suggestion, you can thank us by getting your free, competitive MA auto insurance quote from us!

Call or click us today.

Massachusetts Winter Driving Tips

How much snow is too much snow?

I think we’re just about at the limit.

Driving during the winter in Massachusetts can be one of the most difficult and hazardous situations for both new and experienced drivers …

Winter Driving Tips

How much snow is too much snow?

I think we’re just about at the limit.

Driving during the winter in Massachusetts can be one of the most difficult and hazardous situations for both new and experienced drivers.

As the snow flies we offer some winter driving tips:

  • Reduce your speed according to road conditions. Drive cautiously and accelerate gently.
  • Never lock your brakes on icy roads. You will lose steering control. If you do skid, try to remember to turn into the direction of the skid.
  • Increase the space between your vehicle and others. You need more distance to stop safely on slippery surfaces.
  • Make sure your windshield washer has sufficient fluid and that your wipers and defroster are in good condition.
  • Before driving, completely remove ice and snow from your vehicle. Clear all windows, wipers, headlights, and brake lights.
  • Keep your fuel tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
  • Keep a sleeping bad or blanket, flashlight, water, high calorie food that will not spoil, and a shovel in your trunk for emergencies.
  • Best tip of all: Don’t Drive!

From all of us at MassAutoQuote.com: Stay Safe Massachusetts!

Massachusetts Insurance Substitute Transportation Coverage

You drive to and from work every day. You take your kids to the ballgame. You go shopping. Have you ever wondered if your car were in an accident, how you would be able to survive without a car? We have the answer …

MA Auto Insurance Rental Coverage

You drive to and from work every day. You take your kids to the ballgame. You go shopping. Have you ever wondered if your car were in an accident, how you would be able to survive without a car? We have the answer. It’s Substitute Transportation Coverage to the rescue. The good thing about car insurance is that you can buy a number of endorsements for additional protections and rental car reimbursement is one of them.

What Is Substitute Transportation Coverage?

Substitute Transportation Coverage is Part 10 on the Massachusetts Personal Auto Policy. Substitute Transportation Coverage provides financial protection for you if you need a vehicle when your car is damaged in an accident covered by your Comprehensive or Collision coverage. Some policies cover car rentals when your vehicle undergoes mechanical repairs. Rental reimbursement is generally available only with policies that include collision and comprehensive coverage.

How Do I Know If I Purchased the Coverage on My Massachusetts Car Insurance Policy?

The first several pages of your insurance policy are called the declarations pages. These pages contain the declarations of the coverages you have purchased for each of your vehicles and include the specific description of your vehicle(s). Look for a line item listed as “Rental” or “Extended Transportation,” with a dollar amount listed to the side of it. You have purchased this insurance only if there is a dollar coverage amount next to it and there is a policy premium amount listed for the insured vehicle. You may purchase the coverage for one vehicle but not for another, at your option.

How Substitute Transportation Coverage Works

The optional rider offsets the daily cost of a rental vehicle for a specific time period and up to the specific daily limit you purchased. You can generally purchase limits of $15/day $450 total (costs about $14 annually) and $30/day $900 total (costs about $54 annually). The first number indicates the daily maximum coverage and the second is the maximum coverage for 30 days. For example, if you purchase 30/900, the policy would pay up to $30 per day for up to a maximum of 30 days or $900, whichever comes first.

Most insurance carriers have pre-arranged agreements with several car rental agencies that may include direct bill and pre-negotiated rates. Remember, if you exceed your policy limits, you are responsible for the difference. You should select a rental rate based on the type of car you need. If you have a family SUV, you should select a daily rental rate for a comparable vehicle.

How Do I Know When I Am Covered?

The time to find out if you have this coverage is BEFORE an accident. So call your independent agent. If you purchased the coverage, you are insured while the vehicle is in the shop being repaired, up to your coverage limits. If your vehicle is not drivable, you may be able to get a rental vehicle before your vehicle is being repaired, but always check with your agent first. If your vehicle is stolen, call the insurance company or your agent immediately after calling the police to report the car stolen since most have a clause in the policy that does not cover a rental vehicle for the first 48 hours after the reported loss. If your vehicle is totaled you will have a limited time frame in which to replace it and that may be less than the maximum that could be paid out under this coverage.

MassAutoQuote.com Can Help!

As your online independent insurance agent, MassAutoQuote can help you select the appropriate Substitute Transportation Coverage limit for you. Contact us when you are purchasing your auto insurance and we can help you find the right insurance company.

Massachusetts Safe Driver Auto Insurance Discounts

All these years you’ve been a safe driver. You honor the speed limit and traffic signals, wear a seatbelt, and avoid accidents and cell phone distractions. You’re the ideal auto insurance customer. But does that mean you automatically get a safe driver discount? …

Safe Driver Auto Insurance Discount

Do you qualify for a Safe Driver Discount?

Safe Driver Discounts Can Save You Money on Your Car Insurance Premiums

All these years you’ve been a safe driver. You honor the speed limit and traffic signals, wear a seatbelt, and avoid accidents and cell phone distractions. You’re the ideal auto insurance customer. But does that mean you automatically get a safe driver discount?

Truth is, it’s up to you to ask the auto insurance company for a safe driver discount. It’s worth the effort, because if you qualify, you could gain considerable savings on your car insurance premiums. Let’s take a closer look at what affects personal auto insurance premiums, how you can qualify for a safe driver discount, and what your discount might be worth.

How You Can Qualify for a Safe Driver Discount

Typically, auto insurance carriers review your motor vehicle record (MVR) for the state in which you are licensed to determine your safe-driving status and corresponding car insurance premiums. While carriers’ safe-driver discount eligibility requirements vary, here are some steps you can take to enhance your chances of getting a safe driver discount.

  • Get Certified: You should get certified as a safe driver. Completion of a defensive driving program that’s approved by your state and carrier may qualify you for a safe driver discount. Be sure to send a copy of the completion certificate to us at XYZ Insurance to qualify.
  • Review Your MVR: If your quoted auto insurance has a much higher premium that you think reasonable, review your MVR and correct any potential errors. You can usually obtain your MVR online, or from your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or by asking your auto insurance agent.
  • Understand What Affects Your MVR: In most states an MVR reflects violations we receive in the course of driving a vehicle. It’s important to note that:

o Violations are generally classed as either moving or non-moving and they do not necessarily affect your MVR the same. o Even if you don’t own the vehicle your record will be “charged” if you are driving and there is a violation. o The nature of the violation determines if you will receive “points” under your state regulatory scheme. The more points you accumulate, the worse for your MVR and the more you will pay for auto insurance.

  • Drive Safely: If you accumulate more points on your MVR than the law allows, your license becomes suspended pending your satisfaction of various state requirements. At the same time, the more points you have, the higher your auto insurance premium will be.Furthermore, you’ll have fewer insurance carriers willing to cover you. So, by all means drive safely to keep your points low!
  •  Wait It Out: In most states violation points are removed after three years. But remember that certain moving violations, such as excessive speeding, may remain on your MVR for five or more years even though the points have been removed. More serious moving violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving with a suspended license, can also remain on your record and may result in your never being eligible for a standard or preferred rate carrier in the future. 

    What Is Your Discount Worth?

    Safe driver discounts vary among carriers but could range from 5% to 15% off your car insurance premium. With some auto insurance carriers, one discount may qualify you for additional discounts, reducing your annual car insurance premiums by hundreds of dollars. Add to this the cumulative effect of years and years of discounts, and you’ll find it definitely pays to be an attentive driver and earn the safe driver discount. If you’re a preferred driver and want to save even more, ask your carrier if taking a safe-driving course would help further reduce your car insurance premium.

    Safe Driver Discount Help Is Here

    As a driver, you understand that obeying traffic laws and being attentive behind the wheel are important for more than just your safety; they also can have a long-term impact on your auto insurance premiums. As your independent insurance agent, we specialize in getting the best coverage and most competitive rates for our customers.

    Contact us at Massautoquote.com to find out if you qualify for a safe driver discount, as well as other car insurance savings that come with your well-earned status as a safe driver.

Massachusetts Winter Storm Driving Tips

As 2015 Blizzardmania approaches Massachusetts, Massautoquote.com offers the best safety tip for Blizzard driving: DON’T DRIVE! …

Snow street scenes

As 2015 Blizzardmania approaches Massachusetts, Massautoquote.com offers the best safety tip for Blizzard driving: DON’T DRIVE! … but if you have to, here are some Storm Driving Safety Tips brought to us by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation:

  • Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights – even the hood and roof- before driving
  • Leave plenty of room for stopping.
  • Pay attention don’t try to out drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
  • Know the current road conditions. Call 511 from your cell phone or any of the following from either your cell phone or landline phone.
    • Metro Boston: (617) 986-5511
    • Central Mass: (508) 499-5511
    • Western Mass: (413) 754-5511
  • Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
  • Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.
  • Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line. Be aware of this when exiting the highway.
  • Don’t use the “cruise control” option driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the slightest touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
  • Don’t get overconfident in your 4×4 vehicle. Remember that, if you are driving a four wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle may help you get going quicker but it won’t help you stop any quicker. Many 4×4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don’t get overconfident in your 4×4 vehicle’s traction.
  • Look further ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely.
  • Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
  • Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right. (See additional information below.)
  • Most importantly please remember to SLOW DOWN! Also, seat belts should be worn at all times – it’s the law.