Massachusetts Operator Report

MA Auto Accident Driving Record Program

When Must a Massachusetts Crash Report be filed?

MGL Chapter 90, Section 26 requires a person who was operating a motor vehicle involved in a crash in which (i) any person was killed or (ii) injured or (iii) in which there was damage in excess of $1,000 to any one vehicle or other property, to complete and file a Crash Operator Report with the Registrar within five (5) days after such crash (unless the person is physically incapable of doing so due to incapacity). The person completing the report must also send a copy of the report to the police department having jurisdiction on the way where the crash occurred. If the operator is incapacitated but is not the vehicles’s owner, the owner is required to file the crash report within the five (5) days based on his/her knowledge and information obtained about the crash. The Registrar may require the owner or operator to supplement the report and he/she can revoke or suspend the license of any person violationg any provision of this legal requirement. A police department is required to accept a report filed by an owner or operator whose vehicle has been damaged in a acrash in which another person unlawfully left the scene even if damage to the vehicle does not exceed $1,000.

You can print a copy here: http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/forms/21278.pdf

Once you have completed report send copies to:

  1. local or state police department in the city or town where crash occurred
  2. your independent, MA insurance agent or insurance company
  3. a copy to the RMV, Crash Records, PO Box 55889, Boston, MA 02205-5889

Where is the best place to find Massachusetts auto insurance?

We recommend getting a quote right here at www.MassAutoQuote.com and utilize the power of the Massachusetts Independent Agent!

MassAutoQuote

Because of the huge account discounts, there has never been a better time to consolidate your insurances.

Call or click us to discuss your Massachusetts auto & home insurance.

You’ll be glad you did!

MassAutoQuote Insurance

If you insure your Massachusetts auto & home with the same independent agency you ensure you get the best rates, coverage, insurance programs & discounts available.

Because of the huge account discounts, there has never been a better time to consolidate your insurances.

Call or click us to discuss your Massachusetts auto & home insurance.

You’ll be glad you did!

Massachusetts Vanity Plates

According to Mass.gov, the official website of Massachusetts, one of the most requested topics is ordering vanity license plates.

By using the following Registry of Motor Vehicles search tool, you can check to see if the vanity plate you want is available:

http://www.massrmv.com/VanityPlateRequirements.aspx

MA Vanity Plates

Have you ever thought about getting MA vanity license plates?

According to Mass.gov, the official website of Massachusetts, one of the most requested topics is ordering vanity license plates.

By using the following Registry of Motor Vehicles search tool, you can check to see if the vanity plate you want is available:

http://www.massrmv.com/VanityPlateRequirements.aspx

Directions For Ordering Vanity Plates –

Vanity plates may be ordered in person.

In Person: Go to any full service Registry Branch and complete the Application for Vanity Plates  Up to three plate requests can be made on one application. Payment must be made at the time of ordering.

Process: Within twelve to fourteen (12-14) weeks after your payment is received, you will receive a letter telling you the plates are ready and instructions on where to pick them up. The plates generally arrive at the branch within one week of the date of this letter.

To pick up your vanity plates at the branch you will be required to:

  • Submit an RMV-3, stamped by your insurance company.
  • Surrender your old plate(s).
  • Pay a swap fee.

Vanity plates must be picked up within 90 days.

Google: MA Auto Insurance

“MA Auto Insurance” is the hot key word phrase when it come to Google …

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“MA Auto Insurance” is the hot key word phrase when it come to Google regarding information about Massachusetts auto insurance.

Historically on page 1, our humble MA Auto Insurance website http://www.Massautoquote.com has recently been bumped to page 2.

The reason?  The online playing field isn’t exactly level.

Geico, for instance, spent over $1B (the B stands for billion) in advertising last year.

I have no idea what they spent on their search engine optimization, but I’m certain they spent more than us.

We are, however, Massachusetts consumers’ online independent insurance agent voice: we will save you money and improve your coverage.

Recently we saved someone 15% by switching them away from Geico. Maybe they shouldn’t spend have spent so much on advertising.

Call or click us today for your free, no obligation MA Auto Insurance quote.

You’ll be glad you did.

 

Massachusetts Inspection Sticker: Don’t Let it Lapse!

The cruelest of all surcharge points, from a Massachusetts auto insurance perspective, is the one for an ”expired inspection sticker” citation …

Massachusetts Inspection Sticker

The cruelest of all surcharge points, from a Massachusetts auto insurance perspective, is the one for an ”expired inspection sticker” citation.

In Massachusetts, a ticket for an expired vehicle inspection sticker is the equivalent, in auto insurance citation points, of a moving violation.

According to the MA Department of Insurance, surcharge points are incurred if you:

  • cause an at-fault accident
  • are convicted of or pay a fine for a traffic law violation
  • are assigned to an alcohol education program

An expired inspection sticker is considered “pay(ing) a fine for a traffic law violation.”

A $40 ticket results increased insurance costs for 6 years! If you have/ had a perfect driving record, that can amount to about a 20% increase (!!) the first three years, diminishing the following three.

So here’s your warning:

  • Check your MA Inspection Sticker, Don’t let it lapse!

MA Inspection Station locator link:

http://massvehiclecheck.state.ma.us/find_emissions_repair.php

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 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.

Is a Disappearing Deductible a Magic Trick?

A disappearing collision deductible discount is not a magic trick. It can be a way for you to save money on your car insurance premium, if you qualify …

Massachusetts Auto Insurance Magic

A disappearing collision deductible discount is not a magic trick. It can be a way for you to save money on your car insurance premium, if you qualify. Essentially, the vanishing deductible is an incentive that rewards “safe” drivers by reducing the amount of their deductible, or out-of-pocket expenses if they do file a claim.

Insurance companies know that safe drivers have fewer car accidents and get fewer speeding tickets. Safety conscious car drivers tend to follow the rules of the road. They make fewer insurance claims. This can save insurance companies a significant amount of money every year. Insurance companies like to have safe drivers as policyholders for just this reason.

Vanishing Deductible Saves Safe Drivers Money on Deductible

Some big insurers offer “safe” drivers a special incentive, called the vanishing deductible discount. While each insurance company’s specific safe driver program varies, the programs generally subtract some of the cost of the deductible for each year a driver qualifies as a safe driver. Auto insurance companies also tend to reward driver loyalty.

It is important to realize that your insurance company does not take this safe driver deductible discount off the cost of your car insurance premium. Rather, this money is money saved out-of-pocket on the amount of your deductible if you have a car accident and file a claim.

How Does The Vanishing Deductible Work?

Let’s say that you have an insurance premium that includes a $1000 deductible. This means that in the event of a car accident in which there is $10,000 worth of damage to your auto, you will have to pay the first $1000 out-of-pocket. Your insurance provider will then cover the remaining cost of repair.

Typically, if you are in a vanishing deductible discount program, each year that you do not file a car accident claim, your insurer will drop your deductible by $100. If you went for ten years without an accident, depending on the maximum vanishing deductible credit your insurance company provides, you could, theoretically wind up with a zero deductible.

What Makes a Safe Driver?

Each insurance provider has different criteria for qualifying as a safe driver. The most important factors that insurers may consider include your driving history, history of traffic violations, car accidents, and other factors. Even if you have a less than stellar driver’s record, it may still pay to ask your insurance agent if you qualify or how you can qualify in the future.

Do You Qualify for the Vanishing Deductible Discount?

To learn whether your insurance coverage includes the disappearing deductible discount, give us a call or fax or e-mail us a copy of your Massachusetts Auto Insurance Coverage Page.

Get in touch with an agent who will take the time you need to understand your options. Call or click Massautoquote.com.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance: Towing & Labor Coverage

You might think you don’t need the policy because you’ve got a brand-new car, and it’s unlikely to break down. But anyone can get a flat or run out of gas, so Towing & Labor Coverage might be of value to you …

Massachusetts Auto Insurance Towing and Labor Coverage

Car towing and labor insurance is a simple add-on to your auto insurance policy. As the name implies, it covers the cost of having your car towed for repairs.

The labor portion of the coverage is a little less clear, but it means the insurance company will pay for labor needed at the spot where your car needed assistance. It doesn’t cover labor done at an auto repair shop once it’s been towed there.

You’d use this policy to cover your expenses in cases such as:

  • A flat tire
  • A dead battery
  • An empty gas tank
  • A car stuck in the snow or mud
  • A car with the keys locked inside

So, for example, if your car wouldn’t start and the issue was a dead battery, the car towing insurance would pay for the person arriving at the scene to replace the battery on the spot if possible (but not for the battery itself. If the battery wasn’t the problem and the car needed to be towed to an auto repair shop, the policy wouldn’t pay for the work performed there.

Who Needs Car Towing Insurance

You might think you don’t need the policy because you’ve got a brand-new car, and it’s unlikely to break down. But anyone can get a flat or run out of gas, so it might be of value to you.

But the people who don’t need car towing and labor insurance are people who are already enrolled in a roadside service program, such as AAA. Those memberships cover everything a car towing and insurance policy covers – and more.

For example, if you’re riding with a friend and his car breaks down, you can use your AAA membership to get help. Towing insurance only covers the vehicle for which it is purchased.

In some cases, the towing insurance is a little less expensive than other roadside assistance programs. Be sure you know what is covered, though. Insurance companies vary in what is included. Also, you most likely will need comprehensive insurance on your auto policy in order to be eligible for a car towing and labor coverage.

The typical cost on the Massachusetts auto insurance policy is $8 per year for $50 of towing and labor reimbursement coverage. $16 per year for $100 of towing & labor coverage.

MassAutoQuote Can Help

Your independent insurance agent can help you sort out what’s your best option in your situation. Call MassAutoQuote today and we can review your Massachusetts auto insurance coverage.