Kids & Cars in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, in order to best protect assets, parents may want to consider registering and insuring a vehicle in their child’s name. 

In MA parents are provided 100% insulation from lawsuits arising from bodily injury or property damage claims.

Mass. MGL Chapter 231, section 85A: “If a car is registered to the child and the child gets into an accident causing personal injury and/or property damage, there is no reponsibility on the parent. It does not make any difference who bought the car or who pays for the insurance, or how old the child is so long as we are talking about negligence.”

On this basis, it might make sense to register and insure the vehicle they drive in their name.

Call or click us to get your free, no obligation Massachusetts auto insurance quote.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance Discounts

Massachusetts auto insurance discounts include:  Good driver, Good student, Driver training, Mileage, Multi-vehicle, Multi-policy, Age 65+, Air-bag, T-pass (public transportation), Hybrid vehicle, Roadside assistance (AAA), Alumni, Professional organization, Anti-theft, Advanced driver training, Years at residence, Agency loyalty, Renewal, E-customer, Advanced issue, Advanced shopper, Autopay, & Paid in full.

Not all companies offer the same discount programs which is why it is important to take advantage of the shopping power of your local, independent insurance agent.

Submit a quote request with Massautoquote.com and we will shop your insurance with many companies to find you the best auto insurance coverage and discounts!

Massachusetts Blizzard ’13 Driving Tips

The first rule for driving during a blizzard is:

Don’t Do It!

If you have to drive in bad weather, here are some suggestions:

1) Common sense: plan ahead, drive at a safe, legal speed, drive alert, sober, buckle up.

2) Winterize your vehicle: check your car’s battery, brakes, fluid levels (antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil), heating and exhaust systems, fill your gas tank, check tires, additional windshield washing fluid, and emergency kit (including blankets, clothing, roadside visibility markers, first-aid kit) flashlight, and extra batteries, bag of sand, waterproof matches, jumper cables, chains, ice scraper/snow brush, small shovel, energy bars or trail mix, cell phone & charger, toolkit and brightly colored cloth — to tie to the antenna).

3) When driving in winter weather:  take extra care pulling out of driveways and streets blocked by snow banks, back your car into the driveway so you have better vision when pulling out, be even more aware of joggers & other vehicles, don’t turn corners too tightly, try not to slam on your brakes.

Travel only if necessary during a blizzard or severe storm.

Massautoquote wishes everyone a safe and warm Blizzard of 2013!

MA Ways To Save On Your Auto Insurance Guide

 

With each new Coverage Selections Page and policy booklet, auto insurance consumers in Massachusetts should also receive a: “Ways to Save on your Automobile Insurance” guide.

The guide, mandated to be distributed by companies selling auto insurance in Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Department of Insurance, offers shopping & coverage tips & guidelines.

Table of contents:

  • Shopping for Insurance
  • What is in My Insurance Policy?
  • How Do I Lower My Premium?
  • My Driving Record
  • My Consumer Rights
  • Accidents, Claims and Fraud
  • Things to Remember

If you would like us to forward you a copy of the MA “Ways to Save on Your Automobile Insurance” guide, please just give us a call or click.

If you are looking for a competitive Massachusetts auto insurance quote, please just give us a call or click, as well!

 

Moving to Massachusetts?

 

Moving to Massachusetts?

Trying to figure out the best way to register and insure your vehicle?

We can help.

Massautoquote.com has been giving out free, no-obligation, online MA auto insurance quotes since 1999.

By getting a MA auto insurance quote from us, you utilize the shopping power of the Massachusetts independent insurance agent.

How to get your Massachusetts license plates –

In Massachusetts insurance and registration go “hand-in-hand.”

You can’t have one without the other.

Once you have found the auto insurance coverage and premium you are comfortable with, your MA auto insurance agent will put together a Registry of Motor Vehicles Form 1 with an insurance stamp.

Massachusetts is a “Title state,” in order to get new MA plates you have to turn in your prior, out-of-state title, and get a new MA title.

Your MA driving record is determined by things such as:  years licensed, at-fault accidents, violations, citations, and suspensions.

How to get your Massachusetts license-

MA state law that an individual has thirty days after establishing residency to turn in your old, out of state license, and get a new license. In order to a MA license, the state requires: out of state license, proof of residency (in the form of a lease agreement, bank statement, utility bill etc.), social security card, and birth Certificate.

MA Sales Tax Exemption Forms:

Remember:  You must obtain annual vehicle inspection sticker within seven (7) days of your vehicle’s registration date.

Massachusetts Slip & Slide Accident Appeal

 

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 in the accident and more than $500 was paid out in damages.

If you believe you are not more than 50% at-fault in the accident, then you should appeal the surcharge.

You should submit the 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.

MA Auto Insurance: Accident Forgiveness & Disappearing Deductible

Many insurance companies in Massachusetts now offer versions of Accident Forgiveness & Disappearing Deductibles.

Some 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.

Insurance company spotlight: Vermont Mutual

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.

Massachusetts 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, consumers can check to see if the vanity plate you want is available:

http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/rmv/VanityPlateRequirements.aspx

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.

MA Auto Insurance Coverage: Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist (Parts 3 & 12)

Often overlooked on the MA auto policy are Parts 3 & 12, Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage.

These limits are important. So important, we recommend coverage be equal to your Part 5 coverage which, hopefully, is at least $100,000 per person/ $300,000 per accident.

Uninsured & Underinsured coverage protects you and occupants from other drivers. Coverage also extends to you and household members involved in an accident as a pedestrian. 

A recent report from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) shows that there is a remarkable correlation between unemployed and being uninsured.

Please click or call to discuss your Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage limits.