Crash Prevention Training

MA Auto Insurance: Popular with new drivers, we recommend all drivers take In Control’s Crash Prevention Training Program .

In Control: Massachusetts Auto Crash Prevention Training Program

Popular with new drivers, we recommend all drivers take In Control’s Crash Prevention Training Program .

The 4.5 hour training class literally flies by while learning & practicing:

  • Defensive Driving Techniques
  • Tailgating Avoidance/Safety
  • Steering and Speed Control
  • Spatial Awareness and Proper Backing Up Procedures
  • Hazardous Condition Driving Techniques
  • Emergency Braking (incl ABS)
  • Emergency Lane Changes
  • Dangers of Distractions

The cost of the course is $299. If recommended by your Independent Insurance Agent, you save 10%.

Course graduates qualify for auto insurance discounts up to 10%.

Some of the top, A rated Massachusetts Insurance Companies that have partnered with In Control include:

  • The Travelers of Massachusetts
  • Safety Insurance
  • Commerce
  • The Hanover
  • Plymouth Rock
  • Norfolk & Dedham
  • Quincy Mutual

Massachusetts Winter Driving

Driving in Massachusetts is a difficult & dangerous enough task on it’s own.

Throw in the perils of an unrelenting winter: snow, ice, & poor visibility and it’s enough to make you want to stay in, put on your Burt Bacharach LP & another log on the fire.

Unfortunately, sometimes we have to venture into the oustide world. Here’s a Winter Checklist before you do so:

  • Check Battery, Coolant, Wipers, Washer Fluid & Tires
  • Fill Your Gas Tank
  • Carry Supplies (Snowbrush, Ice Scraper, Shovel, Sand Bag, Windshield Wiper Fluid, Blanket, Boots & Cell Phone)
  • Clean Off Your Car
  • Drive Slow

Ice Dams

Although this is primarily a Massachusetts Auto Insurance Blog, many of our visitors are also home or condominium owners.

It is important to talk about a very troubling problem: Ice Dams.

What is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof or gutter, & when melting occurs, water backs up behind the ice dam and creates a pool of water. The water can then leak into your home causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.

Removing Ice Dams –

Removing ice dams can be hazardous work if not done properly. Never walk on a snow or ice covered roof. If using a ladder, follow the proper safety procedures. We recommend contacting professionals with the proper equipment and roofing experience to carry out this job.

First remove snow and ice from the roof, chip away a channel so the water will be able to flow through, be careful not to chip away at the roof. It’s not necessary to remove all of the ice, some will melt when the temperatures rise.

How to Prevent Ice Dams –

Properly ventilating and insulating the attic is usually the best way to prevent ice dams.

Tips to save you money

The most important thing, in this independent insurance agency owner’s view, is to have your independent insurance agent review your coverage and premium WITH YOU.

I capitalize the “with you” because it is important to be an engaged consumer.

As an engaged consumer, you want:

  • the best price 
  • all the discounts
  • you want to know your coverage
  • you want to know the companies and the people you are doing business with

Insurance is serious stuff. Insurance is asset protection.

Auto insurance protects the value of your car & provides you liability protection.

Liability protection is protection from lawsuits or injury up to your policy’s coverage limits.

Do you know your policy’s limits?

As your independent Massachusetts insurance agent, every year we shop for the best premiums & personalized discount programs with A rated companies. We then offer our clients different coverage and premium options. Often, upon renewal, we transfer our clients to another company in order to save money.

Not many are talking about it but, after two years of discounted managed competition, auto insurance rates across Massachusetts are going up.

Now, more than ever, you will find the advocacy role & shopping power of your insurance agent the best way to ensure you are getting the best rates and coverage.

If you would like a quote, please call, click, fax or stop by with your auto insurance Coverage Page.

“Let’s not get the insurance companies involved.”

At small fender bender times, it’s a common request: “Let’s not get the insurance companies involved.”

But is it a good idea?

Our general rule of thumb is: No. Report the claim to the insurance companies and let them handle it. That’s why you have the insurance.

Many times, the person suggesting he pay out of pocket, in an attempt to avoid a MA state insurance surcharge, doesn’t realize the amount of actual damage. Often times people will go the body shop, get the estimate, and rather than there being $300 the damage is $1,000. The person that did the hitting, aghast, will then ask to go through insurance.

Another thing to keep in mind with Massachusetts insurance surcharges: if the insurance company (-ies) pay out less than $500, then there is no surcharge.

If you have any questions, either before or after an accident happens … call your Independent MA insurance agent. We’re here to help.

Happy New Year!

Hard to believe 2010 is in the books. I was just getting used to typing it.

Looking back at 2010 from a Massachusetts independent agent/ auto insurance perspective, the year was a success!

Overall, Massachusetts auto insurance consumers have seen lower rates & improved insurance programs.

The past six months, however, we have seen companies start to increase their rates and tighten underwriting requirements.

MA consumers that have cancelled insurance, license or driving record problems, the environment is not as consumer friendly.

High premiums and few payment options, we believe the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ uninsured driver percentage must be on the rise.

2011 should be an exciting time for the MA auto insurance industry.

Massautoquote.com is gearing up to get quotes back to consumers even more quickly and, eventually, in real time with multiple carries.

As MA auto insurance consumers continue to find us on the internet, we will work hard to earn & keep your business.

Thank you for visting our website.

Happy & Healthy New Year!

Massachusetts Auto Insurance Rates

For all the benefits that Massachusetts’ Managed Competition auto insurance has brought consumers there is a flip side. Yes, rates are lower than two years ago and yes, there are more insurance programs (like accident forgiveness & disappearing deductible) however there is less insurability and less forgiveness when it comes to cancelled MA auto insurance policies.

We don’t know the statistic, but guarantee the Commonwealth’s percentage of illegal, uninsured drivers is on the rise over the past two years.

Consumers left out in the MA auto insurance cold (suspensions, revocations, cancellations, payment problems), there usually are no terrific rates, nor terrific payment options.

These consumers are left with the option of huge premiums, 100% due or no insurance and Registration revocation.

Still, this is not our ultimate referendum on MA managed competition auto insurance. Things remain in flux.

By utilizing Massautoquote.com, you utilize the shopping power of the independent insurance agent.

Your independent Massachusetts auto insurance agent will shop with multiple companies to find you the best available rates, coverage and programs.

MA Auto Insurance: What to do in case of an Accident

What to do in case of 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.

  1. Get the names of the owners and drivers involved. Get license numbers, telephone numbers, and registration numbers.
  2. Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of witnesses.
  3. 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.
  4. For prompt claims help contact your Independent Massachusetts Agent!