Massachusetts Auto Inspection Sticker Blues

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.”

 

Perhaps the cruelest of all surcharge points on the personal MA Auto Insurance Policy 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! About 20% increase the first three years, diminshing the following three .

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

Massachusetts Auto Insurance: Accident Forgiveness

 

The Massachusetts auto insurance market has long been neglected many of the discount and insurance programs consumers in other states have had.

Because Massachusetts auto insurance was highly state regulated many insurers left the state and some refused to enter the market.

In 2008 Massachusetts welcomed managed competition auto insurance and everything changed.

Now consumers can choose between many companies and rates can vary by hundreds of dollars.

Now, more than ever, MA auto insurance consumers should utilize the professional, discount shopping skills of the independent insurance agency.

One of the new programs many Massachusetts auto insurance companies now offer is: “Accident Forgiveness.”

Some companies make you buy it, some companies make you earn it.

Some companies will only include Accident Forgiveness if you have a perfect driving record, some will include it if you’ve had up to one previous accident.

Another MA company will give it to you only if you have a perfect driving record AND you’ve been insured with them for four years.

What is Accident Forgiveness?

Accident Forgiveness does not erase accidents already on your driving record. Instead, if you have the endorsement on your policy they will forgive future at-fault accidents.

Are all insurance companies’ Accident Forgiveness program the same?

No. Each company offers the program only to certain drivers. New drivers, or new insurers, or those with multiple accidents may not qualify.

Consumers placed with a company through the MAIP program may not qualify either. Check with your agent or company to see if you qualify.

Does Accident Forgiveness make sense for you?

Sometimes the Accident Forgiveness program is bundled with the “Disappearing Deductible” endorsement. Sometimes it makes financial & coverage sense to include the endorsement and increase your collision deductible.

Contact MassAutoQuote.com if you have any questions about Accident Forgiveness or concerns about your MA auto insurance policy.

We welcome the opportunity to review your insurance and offer different coverage and premium options.

Are You A New Massachusetts Driver?

If you are a new Massachusetts driver (or the parent of a new, MA driver), you should be familiar with the Massachusetts’ Junior Operator Law.

If you are a new Massachusetts driver (or the parent of a new, MA driver), you should be familiar with the Massachusetts’ Junior Operator Law.

Sobering statistics show that three out of every ten 16 year old drivers will be in a serious crash. Almost one of every five 17 year old drivers will be in a serious crash. More than one of every ten 18 year old drivers will be in a serious crash.

As a way to attempt to combat these statistics Massachusetts has strict Junior Operator rules & regulations. Both Junior Operator & parents should know what these rules are. Some of these regulations include:

The Junior Operator may not operate a motor vehicle within the first six (6) months after receiving a Junior Operator’s License while any passenger under the age of 18 is in the vehicle (other than the Operator or an immediate family member/sibling), unless the Junior Operator is accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years old. This person who is at least 21 years old must have at least one year of driving experience, hold a valid driver’s license from Massachusetts or another state, and must occupy the seat beside the Junior Operator.
 

The Junior Operator may not operate a motor vehicle during the hours of 12:00 am (midnight) to 5:00 am unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Parents will want to talk with their new operators about the privilege, dangers & responsibilities of driving a motor vehicle. Practice with your new operator, buckle up & remember to drive safely!

For a copy of the Massachusetts’ Junior Operator Law (pdf) Brochure:  Click here

#1 Tip to Save You Money on MA Auto Insurance …

(drum roll, please …)

1.) Drive Safely!
First and foremost, Massachusetts credits good drivers! The best automobile drivers in Massachusetts get the best rates. If you have been licensed over 6 years and have had no moving violations (speeding tickets etc), no at-fault accidents, no revocations or suspensions then you are a 99 driver (Class 10). The next best drivers are the 98. From here driving records go from 0 (neutral/ number of points that new drivers are given) to 45. Points are given out for moving violations and at-faults accidents. 0 points for a first moving violation (although you lose your credit points – so, in fact you lose two “credits”), two points for each consecutive violation. A “minor” at-fault accident (less than $2,000 combined damage) is a 3 point surcharge and a “major” accident is 4 points. Contact us if you would like to review your driving record.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance: Disappearing Deductible

Many insurance companies now offer some sort of “Disappearing Deductible” program.

Some companies make you qualify for their program with a perfect, or near-perfect, driving record.

Some companies charge for the endorsement, some include as part of a package endorsement.

Often, if you qualify for the program, it can make a lot of sense.

Vermont Mutual Insurance Company, for example, offers their “Advantage” endorsement for $49 per vehicle.

This endorsement, among other things, includes a “Disappearing Deductible” program. The program works like this: when you add the endorsement, Vermont Mutual will give you an automatic, year 1 credit of -$200 toward your Collision deductible.

If you have a $500 Collision deductible and you get in at-fault accident (or are the victim of a hit & run), then Vermont Mutual will apply the credit and, instead of the $500 deductible, a $300 deductible will apply.

If you carry a $1,000 Collision deductible, an $800 would apply.

Each year you go accident-free, an additional – $100 deductible will apply, up to a maximum of -$500 credit, after four years without an accident.

If you are able to choose a disappearing deductible program, we recommend you consider increasing your Collision deductible from $500 to $1,000.

The savings more than pays for the cost of the endorsement.

Please call or click us with any questions or to discuss your available options.

 

MA Automobile Excise Tax

As a reminder, and in an attempt to de-mystify the annual, peskyMassachusettsautomobile excise tax, we offer the following excise tax information:

Excise bills are prepared by the Registry of Motor Vehicles according to information on the registration. They are sent to city/ town assessors who commit them to local tax collectors for distribution.

The excise tax rate is $25 per $1,000 of valuation (NADA) subject to the following percentage formula:

In the model year: 90%; second year: 60%; third year: 40%; fourth year: 25%; fifth year & beyond: 10%

If you have turned in your plates on the vehicle you are getting excise taxed on, or if you have transferred plates and got rid of the vehicle, you may be eligible for abatement. Abatement instructions are located on your excise tax bill.

Buying Massachusetts Auto Insurance

It matters where you buy your Massachusetts insurance. Buying MA auto insurance is not like buying bread or milk.

Insurance is an important safety net for your family, your home, car & business.

Do not treat the purchase lightly.

Buying online from a company not familiar with Massachusetts could cost you money, service, and protection.

Your MA Independent Insurance Agent:

  • Is a licensed professional with strong customer and community ties.
  • Gives you excellent service and competitive prices because your agent can access the insurance coverage from more than one company.
  • Unlike other agents, your Independent Insurance agent is not beholden to any one company; thus, you don’t need to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
  • Assists you when you have a claim.
  • Is your consultant, working with you as you determine your needs.
  • Offers you a choice of Massachusetts insurance plans and programs.
  • Is a value hunter who looks after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage and service.
  • Offers one-stop shopping for a full range of products – Massachusetts home insurance, renters, Massachusetts car insurance, business, life and health.
  • Can periodically help you review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
  • Treats you like a person, not just another number.
  • Customer satisfaction is the key to a Massachusetts independent agent’s livelihood. So, serving you is a very important concern.

There Is A Difference between your Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agent and buying from a company online, not familiar with Massachusetts rules and regulations.

Massautoquote.com  Your Online Massachusetts Independent Agent.

Cancel Your MA Plates Online

As a reminder:  Did you know the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles allows MA consumers to cancel your auto registration (plates) online?

In order to cancel your MA auto insurance, you must first cancel your registration.

You can either bring your plates to your local Registry of Motor Vehicles branch, mail or drop off the plates to your agent, or you can cancel them online at:

https://secure.rmv.state.ma.us/PlateReturn/intro.aspx

In order to cancel them you will need: an e-mail address, your Plate type & Plate number, your license number, & the last four digits of your social security number.

Once you have cancelled your MA plates, you will want to notify your MA insurance agent & provide a copy of your Plate Return Receipt.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance

 

Right now is a great time to shop for MA auto insurance.

Why?

Because long gone are the days of state-set Massachusetts auto insurance rates.

Since April 1st of 2008, Massachusetts realized “Managed Competition” personal auto insurance.  State regulations loosened, companies entered and re-entered the Commonwealth.

Insurance companies are now free to charge different rates for different coverage than other companies.

Massachusetts auto insurance consumers were long neglected some of the insurance programs offered to drivers in other states, such as:  accident forgiveness & disappearing deductibles.

To get your free, no obligation Massachusetts Auto Insurance Quote:  Call or Click us today!

Competetive, Comparative Auto Insurance Quotes

Massautoquote is your online Massachusetts insurance broker.

We utilize the power of the independent insurance agent to rate you with multiple companies & find you the best rate and insurance program.

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Your personal information will never be used, or sold, for any purpose other than to supply you with the requested insurance information. You will never receive an uninvited solicitation from anyone as a result of Massautoquote’s service.