Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles continues to embrace online technologies and services.

http://www.mass.gov/rmv

Some of the online transactions they offer are:

  • Change Your Address
  • Free FAST LANE sign up
  • License Inquiry
  • Permit Inquiry
  • Mass/Liquor ID Inquiry
  • Order Special Plates
  • Organ and Tissue Donor
  • Pay Citations (Tickets)
  • Registration Inquiry
  • Renew Your Driver’s License
  • Renew Your Mass ID
  • Renew Your Registration
  • Replace Your Driver’s License
  • Replace Your Mass ID
  • Request a Driving Record
  • Request a Duplicate Registration
  • Title/Lien Inquiry
  • Verify Your Driver’s Ed Certificate

Auto Insurance: MA Managed Competition Redux

For Massachusetts Auto Insurance: It’s a brave new world.

Almost 3 years ago, Massachusetts welcomed “Managed Competition” auto insurance.

As a result, insurance companies entered the state.

Companies already doing business in Massachusetts were forced to sharpen pencils and improve technologies, in an effort to compete against the national and online insurance company infidels.

Insurance Agencies, too, have were forced to sharpen their pencils and embrace new rating technologies.

MA consumers? We’ve found we have choices!

Choices in premiums, choices in endorsements, and choices in insurance programs.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to have your Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agent review, shop and provide you with coverage and premium comparisons.

Call (781-246-8699) or Click us today!

MA Auto Insurance & Inspection Stickers

Recently a client asked if her auto insurance premium was going to go up for an “expired inspection sticker” ticket.

Sadly, the answer is: yes.

In Massachusetts, a citation 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.”

The ticket was for $40; her auto insurance will go up about 10% (appx. $60) over the next three years and diminish the following three.

She is going to appeal the ticket because it only expired as of March 1st.

She feels due to the harsh winter, the severeness of the insurance surcharge, the short amount of time from when it expired, and her fixed income, she should not have to pay.

We will let you know how she makes out.

Stay tuned …

In the meantime, take a look at your MASS Vehicle Inspection Sticker — Don’t let it lapse!

Click for: Massachusetts Vehicle Inspection Station Locations

MA Auto Insurance Rates

MA Auto Insurance News:

  • Over the past six months, MA auto insurance rates have been on the rise.
  • Some companies have started to charge service fees for their, once free, electronic funds transfer service.
  • If your MA auto insurance policy has been cancelled for non-payment, some companies are requiring 100% annual premium paid in full.
  • If you have a troubled driving history (accidents, moving violations, suspensions or claims), you may find yourself in the MAIP (Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan). Here you will find state set premiums and limited access to individual company discount programs.

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance proclaims:

“Since the Patrick-Murray Administration introduced managed competition auto insurance reform two years ago, drivers in Massachusetts have saved nearly a half-billion dollars, and many were able to maximize savings by shopping around for a better premium.”

The MA Independent Insurance Agent did most of this shopping.

Our Agency, Johnson & Rohan Insurance, has rated & re-rated, wrote & re-wrote, hundreds of our clients. Time consuming & costly, we consider this an important part of our service.

Give us a call, or click “get a quote.” 

We offer free, no obligation, coverage and premium reviews.

MA Independent Insurance Agents

 

There are secret agents.

There are sports agents.

And there are Independent Insurance Agents.

You spend a large amount of money every year on insurance, for a product you hopefully won’t have to use.

Who is your Independent Insurance Agent?

As your life changes, your insurance needs change as well.

  • When you get licensed, you were added to your Mom & Dad’s policy
  • When you got your first car, you got your first auto policy
  • You moved out of the dorm, got your first apartment policy
  • You fell in love, bought a ring, added it to your policy
  • You got married, bought your first home, got your first home policy
  • Started your own business, got first commercial insurance policy
  • Had you first baby, got your first term life insurance policy

Your Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agent is there to help you every step of the way.

Benefits of having a 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.
  • Your MA Independent Insurance agent works with many companies; 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.

For your free MA Independent Insurance Agent auto, home, business & life insurance review: call or click us today!

Crash Prevention Training

MA Auto Insurance: Popular with new drivers, we recommend all drivers take In Control’s Crash Prevention Training Program .

In Control: Massachusetts Auto Crash Prevention Training Program

Popular with new drivers, we recommend all drivers take In Control’s Crash Prevention Training Program .

The 4.5 hour training class literally flies by while learning & practicing:

  • Defensive Driving Techniques
  • Tailgating Avoidance/Safety
  • Steering and Speed Control
  • Spatial Awareness and Proper Backing Up Procedures
  • Hazardous Condition Driving Techniques
  • Emergency Braking (incl ABS)
  • Emergency Lane Changes
  • Dangers of Distractions

The cost of the course is $299. If recommended by your Independent Insurance Agent, you save 10%.

Course graduates qualify for auto insurance discounts up to 10%.

Some of the top, A rated Massachusetts Insurance Companies that have partnered with In Control include:

  • The Travelers of Massachusetts
  • Safety Insurance
  • Commerce
  • The Hanover
  • Plymouth Rock
  • Norfolk & Dedham
  • Quincy Mutual

Massachusetts Winter Driving

Driving in Massachusetts is a difficult & dangerous enough task on it’s own.

Throw in the perils of an unrelenting winter: snow, ice, & poor visibility and it’s enough to make you want to stay in, put on your Burt Bacharach LP & another log on the fire.

Unfortunately, sometimes we have to venture into the oustide world. Here’s a Winter Checklist before you do so:

  • Check Battery, Coolant, Wipers, Washer Fluid & Tires
  • Fill Your Gas Tank
  • Carry Supplies (Snowbrush, Ice Scraper, Shovel, Sand Bag, Windshield Wiper Fluid, Blanket, Boots & Cell Phone)
  • Clean Off Your Car
  • Drive Slow

Ice Dams

Although this is primarily a Massachusetts Auto Insurance Blog, many of our visitors are also home or condominium owners.

It is important to talk about a very troubling problem: Ice Dams.

What is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof or gutter, & when melting occurs, water backs up behind the ice dam and creates a pool of water. The water can then leak into your home causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.

Removing Ice Dams –

Removing ice dams can be hazardous work if not done properly. Never walk on a snow or ice covered roof. If using a ladder, follow the proper safety procedures. We recommend contacting professionals with the proper equipment and roofing experience to carry out this job.

First remove snow and ice from the roof, chip away a channel so the water will be able to flow through, be careful not to chip away at the roof. It’s not necessary to remove all of the ice, some will melt when the temperatures rise.

How to Prevent Ice Dams –

Properly ventilating and insulating the attic is usually the best way to prevent ice dams.

“Let’s not get the insurance companies involved.”

At small fender bender times, it’s a common request: “Let’s not get the insurance companies involved.”

But is it a good idea?

Our general rule of thumb is: No. Report the claim to the insurance companies and let them handle it. That’s why you have the insurance.

Many times, the person suggesting he pay out of pocket, in an attempt to avoid a MA state insurance surcharge, doesn’t realize the amount of actual damage. Often times people will go the body shop, get the estimate, and rather than there being $300 the damage is $1,000. The person that did the hitting, aghast, will then ask to go through insurance.

Another thing to keep in mind with Massachusetts insurance surcharges: if the insurance company (-ies) pay out less than $500, then there is no surcharge.

If you have any questions, either before or after an accident happens … call your Independent MA insurance agent. We’re here to help.