MA Auto Insurance News & Notes Archives - Page 17 of 40

MassAutoQuote: 15 Seconds …

Time yourself:

Try our Quick Quote Request on the right.

7 fields of information, if you have your MA driver’s license in front of you it might take you 15 seconds.

15 seconds might save you more than 15% …

Shop your Massachusetts auto insurance with MassAutoQuote: call or click us today!

As independent, Massachusetts insurance agents, we see it every day: MA Auto insurance renewal rates are going up.

Massachusetts insurers offer premium enticing ways to capture new business, including: advanced shopper, advance issue, new home buyer, and declining e-customer credits.

Now is the time to get a brand new, shiny Massachusetts auto, home, business or life insurance quote from your insurance agent.

If you’re tired of filling out seemingly endless fields of information to get a quote request, then try our Quick Quote Request on the right.

7 fields of information will get us started.

7 fields of information, time yourself. If you have your MA driver’s license in front of you it will take you, maybe 15 seconds.

Geico suggests: “15 minutes could save you 15% ….”

We might be able to save you more than that in 15 seconds.

Call or click us for your free, no obligation, competitive, comparative, Massachusetts auto insurance quote!

Massachusetts Insurance Agent

Do you know the name of your Massachusetts insurance agent?

My name is Kevin and I’m a Massachusetts insurance agent …

Do you know the name of your Massachusetts insurance agent?

My name is Kevin and I’m a Massachusetts insurance agent.

My clients know my name and for 18 years I’ve come into our office and tried to help our clients.

I believe I add value to the very important insurance buying process.

I shop auto, home, business, and life insurance with numerous companies.

I review and re-rate renewals looking for ways to to save money and offer improved coverage.

We process endorsements, take report of claims, assist with closings, and help with billing problems.

I believe your pro-active, independent insurance agent will save you money and provide you a lifetime of invaluable service.

Call or click us for a quote today!

MA Insurance Surcharge Appeal Part 2

Have you been found “at-fault” in a Massachusetts auto accident?
If you believe you are not more than 50% at-fault in the accident, then MassAutoQuote.com believes: You should appeal the surcharge! …

Have you been found “at-fault” in a Massachusetts auto accident?

Have you received the surcharge notice?

If so, this means your insurance company determined you are more than 50% at-fault.

If you believe you are not more than 50% at-fault in the accident, then MassAutoQuote.com believes: You should appeal the surcharge!

When determining fault in an accident, unlike the insurance companies, the Board of Appeals takes into consideration contributing factors; such as: road condition (icy, wet, snow-covered), visibility, erratic driving, or other unforeseen conditions.

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 presently scheduled in: Boston, Brockton, Peabody, Plymouth, Somerville, Springfield, Waltham, or Worcester.

If you decide to appeal your surcharge, Good Luck!

In the meantime, call or click us to get your own Massachusetts Auto Insurance Quote.

MA Auto Surcharge Appeal

It’s been a tough winter for driving here in Massachusetts.

Snow storms, icy roads, and freezing conditions have been the recipe for accidents reported to our independent MA insurance agency …

It’s been a tough winter for driving here in Massachusetts.

Snow storms, icy roads, and freezing conditions have been the recipe for accidents reported to our independent MA insurance agency.

As serious as accidents can be, and no matter how small, they are never any fun.

In addition to injuries, getting vehicles fixed, and property repaired or replaced, then comes the most penal part of it all: the dreaded Massachusetts Insurance Surcharge Notice.

Depending on your driving record, where you live, and severity of accident, how much it increases your annual insurance premium varies. Safe to say, however: it’s alot.

If you have been found more than 50% at-fault in a Massachusetts auto accident and over $500 was paid out then you have probably received a MA Auto Accident Surcharge Notice.

If you feel you were less than 50% at-fault in the accident, we recommend you immediately write down all the reasons you feel you were less than 50% at-fault.

Include all factors that contributed to the accident including, perhaps, road conditions, visibility, other party’s driving etc.

If you have not received a Surcharge Notice you can contact your independent, MA insurance agent or contact the Merit Rating Board.

– File your appeal within 30 days of the surcharge date. If not, you must obtain a late appeal from the Merit Rating Board.

– Submit $50 (non-refundable) payable to the Commonwealth of MA/ Board of Appeal.

The Board of Appeal tells us it is presently taking about eight months to schedule hearings.

Need someone to talk to about the surcharge process? Give us a call at: 781-246-8699 or send us an e-mail: info@massautoquote.com.

MA Auto Insurance Claim: Crash Operator Report

Auto accidents can be scary, traumatic events.

Your auto claim experience should not be …

Auto accidents can be scary, traumatic events.

Your auto claim experience should not be.

Your MA Independent Insurance Agent is here to help you with the claim process.

A big part of what we do at our office, is help people with claims. We take first report of the accident, arrange appraisal, and ensure timely, fair settlements.

Part of the process is completing a Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report

When Does Massachusetts Require You File a Report?

You should file a report if you’re the operator of a vehicle involved in a crash where the damage to any one vehicle or property is over $1,000, or if there is an injury to any person, even if a police officer was on the scene. You should file the report within 5 days of the date of the crash.

When Should you NOT File a Report?

You should not file a report if the crash occurred on a private road, driveway, private parking lot or other private way.

Why this Report is Important

Data from this report is used for many purposes including:

Identifying locations with a large number of crashes.
Improving dangerous highways and intersections.
Developing highway safety public information programs.
Developing programs to save lives and reduce highway injuries.

Where to send completed reports:

Mail or deliver one copy to your local police department in the city or town where the crash occurred.
Mail one copy to your Insurance Company.
Mail one copy to the RMV at: Crash Records RMV; PO Box 55889; Boston, MA 02205-5889

Link: MA RMV Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/forms/21278.pdf

Your Independent MA insurance agent will help you complete the form and forward to the appropriate authorities.

Give us a call!

Massachusetts Insurance Company Spotlight: Vermont Mutual

When shopping your auto insurance, we recommend you utilize the services of a Massachusetts, independent insurance agent …

When shopping your auto insurance, we recommend you utilize the services of a Massachusetts, independent insurance agent.

One of the reasons is because your MA independent agent shops your coverage with multiple companies to find you the best premium.

In addition, they will shop different insurance companies’ insurance programs.

Not all insurance policies are the same.

Some insurers offer new, exciting programs that feature variations of Accident Forgiveness & Disappearing Deductibles.

Some insurance companies make you earn it, some companies make you qualify for it, and then allow you to buy it.

Often it makes sense for the MA auto insurance consumer to increase the vehicle’s collision deductible & purchase the endorsement.

By doing so, it is possible to improve coverage & save money.

Let’s take a look at one insurance company, Vermont Mutual, and check out their MA auto insurance program.

Vermont Mutual Insurance offers the “Advantage” endorsement to 99 & 98 drivers which, for $49 includes:

Disappearing Collision Deductible
Accident Forgiveness
New Car Replacement Coverage
Auto Loan / Lease Gap Coverage
Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts Guarantee Coverage
Enhanced Towing & Labor Coverage
Emergency Travel Expense
Enhanced Substitute Transportation.
Rental Vehicle Loss of Income
Personal Clothing and Baggage Coverage
Bail Bonds and Loss of Earnings
Air Bag – Accidental Deployment

When you sign up for Massachusetts auto insurance, ask if accident forgiveness & disappearing deductible is available.

Click or call us today for your free, no-obligation, Massachusetts auto insurance quote.

Massachusetts Drivers License

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has resumed mailing license renewal reminders to Massachusetts drivers …

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has resumed mailing license renewal reminders to Massachusetts drivers.

In November, Rachel Kaprielian, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles announced birthday postcards will be mailed out to consumers. Approximately 90,000 birthday postcards will be mailed eash month.

Details will include instructions to renew online or, if new picture is required, to go to your local branch.

Kaprielian noted: “The Registry ended the license reminder service 5 years ago in a fiscal crunch; over time we have had to get creative and more cost effective in all aspects of our business. Today, supported by advertising dollars, we are proud to once again offer this service to our customers.”

Massachusetts licenses are valid for five years.

Massachusetts licensing fee chart:

Class A (5 Year License) $75.00

Class B (5 Year License) $75.00

Class C (5 Year License) $75.00

Class D (5 Year License) $50.00

Class M (5 Year License) [Motorcycle Only] $50.00

Motorcycle Endorsement (on existing license) $15.00

License/Learner’s Application and Road Test (for all classes) $20.00

Instant Issue License/ID $50.00

Permit Application (2 Year Permit Classes: A, B, C, D, M) $30.00

CDL Endorsement (with CDL Permit Application) $10.00

CDL Endorsement (after CDL Permit Issued) $30.00

Each additional CDL Endorsement during same transaction) $10.00

Duplicate HazMat Certificate $10.00

Amend License (Add/Delete Restrictions) $25.00

Duplicate License $25.00

Duplicate Permit $15.00

Mass ID (5 Year ID) $25.00

Liquor ID (5 Year ID) $25.00

Amend ID $25.00

Duplicate ID $25.00

Out of State License Conversion Class A, B, C $125.00

Class D, M $100

Motorcycle Endorsement (on existing license) $15.00

Every 10 years Massachusetts licenses require a new photo to be taken.

Drivers age 75 and older are required to complete license renewals at your local Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles branch.

Top 10 Reasons to Use an Independent MA Agent

Disclaimer: I’m biased, I am an independent MA agent. I’m also, however, convinced that a pro-active independent agent with a sharp pencil who shops your renewals and takes advantage of different discount and insurance programs will save you a ton of money over the years …

As a Massachusetts Insurance consumer, you have many choices where to buy your insurance. You can go online and “do it yourself,” you can call a direct writer, or you can utilize a professional, independent Massachusetts insurance agent.

We’ve put together our Top 10 list of reasons why you want to utilize the an independent insurance agent …

Top 10:

#10. Your Independent MA Insurance Agent will save you money!
#9. Your Independent MA Insurance Agent rates with multiple companies!
#8. Your Independent MA Insurance Agent works on your side when you have a loss!
#7. Your Independent MA Insurance Agent will provide strong referrals from existing customers!
#6. Your Independent MA Insurance Agent has strong local ties and supports your community!
#5. Your Independent MA Insurance Agent will improve your coverage!
#4. Your Independent MA Insurance Agent provides 24 hour a day, 7 days a week auto claim service!
#3. Your Independent MA Insurance Agent provides prompt, courteous service!
#2. Your Independent MA Insurance Agent offers free Registry of Motor Vehicles Service!
#1. Your Independent MA Insurance Agent makes house calls!

Massachusetts Insurance: Winter Driving

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

Before the snow flies we offer some winter driving tips:

Living in Massachusetts has it’s benefits. We have Boston, beaches and mountains. We have easy access to New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Maine. Boston is renowned for our institutes of higher learning and world famous hospitals. We have winning sports teams and we get to enjoy the wonder of the seasons: hopeful springs, warm summers, dramatic falls and … frozen winters.

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

Before 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.
Carry your cell phone and a car cell phone charger.

If you don’t have to drive: don’t! If you find your driving in inclement weather: stay safe.

From all of us at MassAutoQuote.com: Have a Happy Holiday and a safe New Year!

15 minutes could save you MORE than 15% …

Recently our Massachusetts Insurance Agency has written clients away from Geico and saved them more than 15%.

As a case study, let’s take a look at one of them …

Geico spent $921 million on advertising in 2012.

“15 minutes could save you 15%.” Then again … they may not.

Recently our Massachusetts Insurance Agency has written clients away from Geico and saved them more than 15%.

As a case study, let’s take a look at one of them:

A 27 year old woman living in Charlestown, MA (perfect driving/ step 99) owns a 2011 Mazda 3 sedan and, with Geico, carried liability limits of: $100,000 per person/ $300,000 per accident (parts 3, 5 & 12); $50,000 Property Damage coverage (part 4); Collision and Comprehensive coverage with $1,000 deductibles and no waiver of deductible.

Her 6 month Geico premium: $1,611.80

Our annual premium, with $100,000 Property Damage coverage (part 4) including waiver of collision: $1,656.

Calculator aside, our 12 month policy, with better coverage, is about 50% less than Geico.

Maybe that’s why they spent $921 million dollars on advertising last year.