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.

Cheap Massachusetts Auto Insurance

Are you looking for cheap auto insurance in Massachusetts? Are you looking for easy ways to save time and money? Then, you’ve found the right place …

Cheap MA Auto Insurance

Are you looking for cheap auto insurance in Massachusetts? Are you looking for easy ways to save time and money? Then, you should learn more about combining the various types of insurance you have with one insurance company to take advantage of a multi-policy discount.

You may qualify for a multi-policy discount if you have one or more cars and an apartment or home. But it might be up to you to ask your independent insurance agent about the discounts available to you. Let’s see what kind of insurance policies you can bundle, why it’s beneficial to get a multi-policy discount, and what you can expect to save by consolidating your insurance premiums under one provider.

What Policies Can You Bundle with Auto Insurance?

Chances are that you have more than just auto insurance, but what other kinds of policies can you ask your insurance company about bundling to get the most out of a multi-policy discount? Here are a few examples:

Home: Whether you rent or own your home, the insurance you buy to protect your dwelling is very commonly bundled with auto insurance.

Boat: Enjoy your adventures on the high seas, rivers or lakes more than ever while knowing you’ve done all you can to save money on insurance.

RV: A recreational vehicle is your home away from home. Insure it and other “toys” you drive with the same insurance company and save.

Life Insurance: Depending on the insurance company you are working with, you can get a multi-policy discount on life insurance, which most people consider essential to protect their family in the event of an untimely death.

Why Get a Multi-policy Discount?

When you’re already paying several insurance premiums to different providers, it makes sense to bundle the rates. The best reasons to switch your current insurance policies to one company are that you will save time and you will save money.

It’s Convenient to Bundle Insurance Policies

It’s simple, if you have multiple policies with one insurance carrier, you’ll see less paperwork and fewer bills. You’ll not only save yourself time, but your insurance company saves time too, which is one reason they offer the discount in the first place. When you’ve got a multi-policy discount, you’ll conveniently be paying just one insurance provider for your insurance needs.

How Much Money Can You Save?

The multi-policy discount you receive will depend on which policies and how many you bundle with your insurance company. Your discount will also vary from provider to provider. Usually, your multi-policy discount could save you up to 15 percent or more on your insurance rates.

We Help You Find the Best Multi-policy Discount

There are plenty of things you value in life: your car, your home, your health. Insuring yourself against the worst is important, but it doesn’t have to be time-consuming. When you bundle your insurance policies, you’ll save money on the things that are important to you.

MassAutoQuote can help you save money on your insurance. We will help you take the fuss out of paying for multiple policies and find the provider that will give you the best multi-policy discount for you. Call or click us today to find out what policies you have that qualify for a multi-policy discount.

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.

 

what to do if in an auto accident

Lynnfield, MA – January 9, 2015 MassAutoQuote Web Log –

Did you know that if you are involved in a minor fender bender and leave the scene of the accident without contacting the police, you may be breaking the law? …

What to do if in a MA auto accident

Lynnfield, MA – January 9, 2015 MassAutoQuote Web Log –

Did you know that if you are involved in a minor fender bender and leave the scene of the accident without contacting the police, you may be breaking the law?

Knowing what to do if you are involved in a car accident will help you to remain calm. Knowing what is expected can help make a stressful and unpleasant situation more bearable and help you avoid unnecessary liability, time and expense.

1. Call the police. If you are involved in an auto accident, either you or someone who is with you needs to call 9-1-1 immediately. Even if you have not sustained injuries or property damage that you are aware of, you must still wait for the police to arrive so that you can report the accident.

2. Do not talk about the incident to anyone. Speak only to the responding police officer. And call your insurance agent right away.

3. Be polite, even if you are really upset. When people get in car accidents, they are often more reactive than normal. Don’t start blaming the other driver. And if the other driver is rude to you, get in your car, lock the door, and wait for the police to come.

If there is a question about who was at fault in your accident, being overly emotional may potentially bias the reporting police officer against you to the point that he or she could give the other driver the benefit of the doubt.

4. Get all contact information from all drivers:

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Phone number and email
  • Insurance company’s name (and phone number if possible)
  • Insurance policy number

5. Be respectful to the police officer completing the accident report. You don’t need to go into great detail about what happened. It is probably better not to, because you may not be thinking straight and these reports are very hard to change after the fact. They will, however, be used as evidence by the insurance companies. Be cooperative and calm.

6. Take photographs of both vehicles and the scene of the accident. If one or both cars were totaled and you have no camera or cell phone, you can find out from the reporting officer where the cars are going to be towed and go to the lot later and take photographs of both the inside and outside of the cars. Pictures can help either prove damage or disprove damage.

7. Call your insurance agent or insurance company and report the accident as soon as possible with detailed specifics. You will need to tell your insurance company the following:

  • How the accident happened
  • Time and location of accident
  • Motor vehicles in the accident – cars, trucks, bikes, etc. Include the make and model of each car involved
  • Contact information for those in the accident
  • Injuries sustained in the accident
  • Witness contact information
  • Police report number, police jurisdiction in which the accident occurred; your insurance company will need the police report number to investigate any claim

8. See a physician immediately or as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you believe you have only a few bruises, it is important to document all injuries, no matter how minor.

If you have sustained serious injuries, documenting the injuries, including taking photographs of the injuries, can play a significant role in any insurance settlement.

The above information will help you streamline what can be a complicated, scary and confusing process.

We Are Here for You Before, During and a Car Accident

www.MassAutoQuote.com’s Independent Massachusetts Insurance Agents are with you every step of the way. Our Agents will make sure you have the proper auto insurance and help you through the claims process should you be involved in an accident.

To learn more about what to do after a car accident, please feel free to call us at: 781-246-8699.

Teen Drivers & MA Car Insurance

When teens are about to turn 16, chances are they’re dreaming of carefree days behind the wheel with the windows down and the wind in their hair. As the parent of a new teen driver, your dreams may be clouded with worry and higher insurance rates …

Teens & MA Car Insurance

When teens are about to turn 16, chances are they’re dreaming of carefree days behind the wheel with the windows down and the wind in their hair. As the parent of a new teen driver, your dreams may be clouded with worry and higher insurance rates.

Talking to your insurance agent is a first step in dealing with both topics. Knowing that you have adequate car insurance coverage can offer peace of mind when you hand over the keys to your teenager. Your agent can help you design a policy that protects your family and meets your budget.

When to Add Your Teen Driver to Your Car Insurance

Every driver must be insured, even while they are driving with their learner’s permit. And in most cases, it’s more cost-efficient to add your child to your policy rather than buy a separate policy. Usually the new teenage driver will need to be designated as the primary driver on one of the family vehicles. If you are buying a new car as the number of drivers in your family increases, have your teen drive one of the older ones since newer cars cost more to insure anyway.

What Teen Drivers Mean for Your Insurance Rates

Typically adding a new teen driver will increase your car insurance premium somewhat since teen drivers add more risk. It’s common knowledge that teen drivers cause more accidents and tend to be more easily distracted behind the wheel. Since insurance companies need to protect against those risks, it usually costs more to insure new teen drivers. But while your rates are likely to increase, there are ways to make your car insurance more affordable.

Several Ways To Save

While the thought of having a new teen driver may send your blood pressure skyward, there are several ways to lower the cost of insuring them.

Raise your deductible. It’s an effective way to offset the cost of insuring a teen driver, but be aware that teens have more accidents, so you may not want to take on more risk than you can handle.

Share the family car. Having your teen drive one of your existing family vehicles may limit their driving time, which reduces your risk in the eyes of the insurance company. If you buy a car just for your teen, that unlimited access may mean more time behind the wheel.

Choose a new car wisely. If you need to buy a car for your new driver, you may want to research which ones cost less to insure. Your insurance agent can help.

Get good grades. Many insurance companies view responsible students as responsible drivers and reward the family with lower insurance rates.

Look for safe driver programs. Ask your insurance agent about safe driving programs. They often require the participants to sign contracts indicating they will not participate in risky behavior such as drinking and driving. They are a way to reduce your insurance premiums and also teach your child safe driving habits that could potentially save their lives.

Don’t Skimp on Coverage to Save a Few Dollars

Shaving a little off your liability coverage may seem like a way to compensate for a higher premium, but ultimately it may not be the best choice. In the event of a serious accident, skimping on your liability coverage would leave you footing the bill for anything beyond your liability limits, which could potentially put your financial security at risk.

In fact, teen car crashes are more likely to result in high-judgment lawsuits, so many insurers recommend adding an umbrella policy when insuring a new teen driver. Umbrella policies offer protection above and beyond the standard limits of your primary policies. And because umbrella policies are designed for those ‘perfect storm’ instances, they are relatively inexpensive.

MassAutoQuote Can Help

Having a new teen driver in the house can be a stressful time, but it doesn’t have to be. Contact your independent insurance agent when your teen is about to get behind the wheel. We’ll help you find out how to get affordable, dependable coverage so you’re prepared when you hand over the car keys to your child. Call, click, or stop by MassAutoQuote.com.

MA Auto Insurance Discounts

Multi-policy Discounts Can Save a Bundle on Auto Insurance Rates

Are you looking for easy ways to save time and money? Then, you should learn more about combining the various types of insurance you have with one insurance company to take advantage of a multi-policy discount …

Save MA Money Auto Insurance

Multi-policy Discounts Can Save a Bundle on Auto Insurance Rates

Are you looking for easy ways to save time and money? Then, you should learn more about combining the various types of insurance you have with one insurance company to take advantage of a multi-policy discount.

You may qualify for a multi-policy discount if you have one or more cars and an apartment or home. But it might be up to you to ask your independent insurance agent about the discounts available to you. Let’s see what kind of insurance policies you can bundle, why it’s beneficial to get a multi-policy discount, and what you can expect to save by consolidating your insurance premiums under one provider.

What Policies Can You Bundle with Auto Insurance?

Chances are that you have more than just auto insurance, but what other kinds of policies can you ask your insurance company about bundling to get the most out of a multi-policy discount? Here are a few examples:

Home: Whether you rent or own your home, the insurance you buy to protect your dwelling is very commonly bundled with auto insurance.

Boat: Enjoy your adventures on the high seas, rivers or lakes more than ever while knowing you’ve done all you can to save money on insurance.

RV: A recreational vehicle is your home away from home. Insure it and other “toys” you drive with the same insurance company and save.

Life Insurance: Depending on the insurance company you are working with, you can get a multi-policy discount on life insurance, which most people consider essential to protect their family in the event of an untimely death.

Why Get a Multi-policy Discount?

When you’re already paying several insurance premiums to different providers, it makes sense to bundle the rates. The best reasons to switch your current insurance policies to one company are that you will save time and you will save money.

It’s Convenient to Bundle Insurance Policies

It’s simple, if you have multiple policies with one insurance carrier, you’ll see less paperwork and fewer bills. You’ll not only save yourself time, but your insurance company saves time too, which is one reason they offer the discount in the first place. When you’ve got a multi-policy discount, you’ll conveniently be paying just one insurance provider for your insurance needs.

How Much Money Can You Save?

The multi-policy discount you receive will depend on which policies and how many you bundle with your insurance company. Your discount will also vary from provider to provider. Usually, your multi-policy discount could save you up to 15 percent or more on your insurance rates.

We Help You Find the Best Multi-policy Discount

There are plenty of things you value in life: your car, your home, your health. Insuring yourself against the worst is important, but it doesn’t have to be time-consuming. When you bundle your insurance policies, you’ll save money on the things that are important to you.

MassAutoQuote.com will help you take the fuss out of paying for multiple policies and find the provider that will give you the best multi-policy discount for you. Contact us today to find out what policies you have that qualify for a multi-policy discount.

 

What Makes My Massachusetts Auto Insurance Rate Go Up?

Driving safe is something that insurance companies love their customers to do. It saves the insurance providers a significant amount of money if their insured clients do not ever have accidents …

MA Auto Insurance Increase

Driving safe is something that insurance companies love their customers to do. It saves the insurance providers a significant amount of money if their insured clients do not ever have accidents. Thus, they tend to favor safe drivers with lower policy premiums and incentives like a disappearing deductible for each year they do not file an auto accident claim.

On the other hand, those who are involved in car accidents or who have received a moving violation may be due for a car insurance increase when it comes time for the annual policy renewal. If a car accident involved little or no property damage, there may not be a car insurance increase in the premium. Moving violations, in most cases, do trigger an increase in car insurance.

Factors That May Cause Car Insurance Increases

  • Type and number of moving violations you receive
  • Seriousness of a car accident that you are involved in
  • Cost of the insurance claim you or the other involved driver files
  • Your level of fault in the car accident, unless you live in a “no-fault” state
  • Appearance of the moving violation on your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR); or the accident on the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (L.U.E.), which is a database that records claims information.
  • Number of years you have been with the company without an auto accident

Minimize Moving Violation Cost with Safe Driving Courses

There are ways to minimize the “cost” of a moving violation. For instance, if you take a safe driver’s course to gain insight into driving safe, some insurance companies may decide not to raise your insurance rates. In some cases, your moving violation may be changed to a non-moving violation, so the insurance company will not raise your rates. Each company has its own set of rules for determining just what will trigger a car insurance increase and what factors go into determining driving safe benefits.

Driving Violations and Car Insurance Increases

Drivers with one-car, single driver policies whose driving record included one violation paid 18 percent more on average for car insurance then did drivers who had no moving violations, according to an Insurance.com analysis of more than 30,000 insurance policies purchased in 2010.

Those drivers with two violations paid 34 percent more for their auto insurance; drivers with three violations paid 53 percent more than whose drivers who had no violations. A DUI can result in an insurance company refusing to renew an insurance policy. It seems that driving safe pays off in more ways than one.

Types of Moving Violations Triggering a Car Insurance Increase

  •  Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – DUI
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Careless driving
  • Fleeing from law enforcement officers
  • Running red lights
  • Driving the wrong way on a one-way or a divided highway
  • Improper passing
  • Lack of child restraint
  • Unsafe U-turn

Does My Insurance Go Up Immediately?

Generally, increases due to a moving violation or a car accident happen at the time you renew your policy. If you have not told your insurance agent about the accident or the ticket, it may take longer to have an impact. Eventually, your ticket or accident will be discovered. If you decide to switch insurance providers, a claims history or driver’s record will reveal any tickets or accidents.

How to Avoid a Car Insurance Increase

If you have received notice of a car insurance increase at the time of your renewal, you can speak to an independent insurance agent who will help you shop for less expensive insurance. Independent insurance agents generally work with a wide range of insurance providers, so they can help you find a car insurance that meets your needs and your pocketbook.

Questions about Your Insurance Policy?

Talk to an independent insurance agent who has a deep understanding of the issues involved in car insurance increases and the benefits of driving safe. Call, click or stop by Massautoquote.com to learn more about getting the best insurance for the best rate available to you.