Massachusetts auto insurance Archives - Massachusetts Auto Insurance

Gap Insurance

What is it?

Gap Insurance sounds like insurance for a popular mall store in the 80’s & 90’s.

But that’s not it.

When talking about insurance, anyone that has a loan on a vehicle might need gap insurance.

So, what is it?

If your vehicle is stolen or declared a “total-loss,” your auto insurance carrier will only pay what they determine is the actual cash value.

Actual cash value can be very different than what is owed.

The difference is known as: the gap. Gap coverage covers this amount.

Without gap insurance the lender will hold you responsible therefore look to you have pay the difference between the actual cash value and the amount left on the loan.

Many insurance companies allow Gap insurance to be added to the Massachusetts auto policy.

What’s the cost?

The cost can range from between +$25 annually to +$120.

Sometimes Gap coverage is included in lease agreements.

If leasing, make certain you know whether Gap coverage is included or not because it might be quite a shock to learn you don’t.

Is Gap coverage a good idea?

In conclusion, depending on the gap, it might be a great idea!

Give us a click or a call to find out more about Gap coverage & your Massachusetts auto policy!

Massachusetts Auto Insurance

So, you’ve typed the 3 dreaded words into your Google search bar: Massachusetts Auto Insurance.

“Massachusetts Auto Insurance” are sought after key words. Page 1 is filled with big budget, insurance industry heavy hitters such as: Progressive, GEICO, Allstate, and Liberty Mutual.

From there you get an anarchy of strange, information gathering quote websites. Further still, you get a garbled, hot mess of website articles and information overload.

MA Auto Insurance

It’s a new day & age in Massachusetts. After 30 years of state set insurance rates we finally have … competition!

More than ever, it’s important to take advantage of MassAutoQuote’s service. We shop coverage and discount programs with numerous companies to find you the best rates.

By design, insurance companies have complicated, multi-tiered rating systems. In order to get the best rates, you have to know which buttons to press!

The Dreaded: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

Auto insurance and Registration (& Title) go “hand in hand” in Massachusetts. You cannot have one without the other. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not have insurance cards as proof of insurance. Instead you have your vehicle’s Registration. Your Registration is your proof of insurance.

MA is a “Title state”, meaning that, in order to get your vehicle registered you must also get the vehicle titled in Massachusetts.

In order to get your new, Massachusetts Plates you will need to get paperwork from your insurance agent.

We make buying Massachusetts Auto Insurance Simple

MassAutoQuote will have you sign an auto insurance application, and provide you with an insurance stamped, RMV-1 Form.

Our Registry of Motor Vehicles service is complimentary (free) for our clients.

If you are new to the state with out of state registration, the Registry will look for your original title and a total of $135.00 ($75.00 for your new MA title & $60.00 for your new, MA plates/registration).

If a bank/lienholder has the title to your vehicle then, perhaps, a memorandum title can be issued. If so, the Registry will require a copy of your existing Registration and, if owned less than 6 months, proof of sales tax paid.

Do I Need Commercial Plates?

If I put lettering on my Massachusetts private passenger auto, do I need commercial plates?

Great question.

Here’s the long answer:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation defines commercial vehicles (requiring commercial plates) as:

“ANY MOTOR VEHICLE WHICH IS NOT A PRIVATE PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE, ANTIQUE MOTOR CAR, MOTORCYCLE, TRAILER, SEMI-TRAILER, AUTO HOME, HOUSE TRAILER, TAXICAB, AMBULANCE, HEARSE, LIVERY VEHICLE. BUS, SCHOOL BUS OR PUPIL TRANSPORT VEHICLE”.

This includes: Any vehicle which has a vehicle weight of more than 6,000 pounds unless it is a sport utility vehicle, passenger van, pickup truck or cargo van meeting the definition of a private passenger vehicle.

Any vehicle which as five or more wheels i.e.; a dually
Any pickup truck or cargo van, owned by a partnership, trust or corporation unless the vehicle meets the definition of a private passenger vehicle.
Any pickup truck or cargo van if on the bed , roof or sides of the vehicle tools, equipment, supplies and materials are transported to or from a job site (personal projects without compensation are not considered a job site).
A vehicle which has business lettering, markings and/or advertisements on it.
A vehicle used for hire to plow.
A vehicle used for hire to transport or store goods or merchandise (unless the vehicle is owned by an individual, the maximum carrying capacity is 1,000 pounds or less and is only used on a part-time basis).
A vehicle used to transport or store goods or merchandise intended for sale in the operator’s business (unless the vehicle is owned by an individual, the maximum carrying capacity is 1,000 pounds or less and is only used on a part-time basis).

So, according to the MA Department of Transportation, if the vehicle has business lettering, markings +/or advertisements, then the vehicle should have commercial plates.

MassAutoQuote: Not Geico

Lately we’ve been getting a number of phone calls from people thinking we’re Geico. No offense, but we’re MassAutoQuote: Not Geico.

Some of the differences between MassAutoQuote and Geico:

We’re a family business.
We’ve been quoting auto insurance online in Massachusetts since 1999. Geico didn’t join the party until 2009.
We’re powered by local, independent insurance agents.
We shop your coverage with numerous companies.
We do not have a $1B annual advertising budget.
We sell insurance in Massachusetts and only in Massachusetts.
We work on your side when you have a loss!
We know how to pronounce Worcester and Woburn.
We shop your coverage at renewal time to see if another company offers a lower premium.
We offer other lines of insurance including: home, apartment, condominium, commercial, and life insurance.
We do not have funny cavemen or lizards.
We do offer Free Registry of Motor Vehicles service!

So, if you’re shopping for Massachusetts auto insurance: great.

You’ve found the right place.

Typically we’ll save you money and improve your coverage.

If you’re trying to contact Geico and looking for a telephone number: we’re not Geico.

We’re MassAutoQuote: Not Geico.

Give us a call, click, or visit.

You’ll be glad you did.

Geico vs. Insurance Agent

Geico vs. Insurance Agent? Take the Agent.

Geico vs. Insurance Agent. Be careful you don’t click too soon.

Geico has funny commercials, a cute lizard, and they can, sometimes, have good rates.

From my independent, Massachusetts insurance agent perspective, however, that’s were the funny, cute, and good stuff ends.

We have a long time client that was hit head on by a vehicle insured with Geico.

The Geico vehicle was at-fault, allegedly skidding on black ice (our insured thinks the person was texting).

Geico appraised the vehicle (a 2005 Honda Accord LX with 141,000 miles) and deemed it to be a total loss.

The N.A.D.A. values for her vehicle are: $8,050 (retail) and $5,650 (trade).

GEICO offered her: $4,555 as settlement. Take it or leave it.

We had our client’s insurance carrier appraise the vehicle and they, in turn, offered her the full retail value: $8,050 (+ $503.12 … 6.25% sales tax).

Geico vs. Insurance Agent: $4,555 vs $8,050.

We recommended our client accept her company’s offer and let GEICO know she has decided to go first party through her own insurance company.

As I hung up the phone with our client, I thanked her for insuring with us.

Her response was: “Always.”

Having an independent agent as your advocate, whether deciding on coverage that’s right for you, or at claim time, can really make a difference.

That’s my biased, independent Massachusetts agent position.

Call or click us today for your free, no obligation Massachusetts auto insurance quote.

You will be glad you did.

What is Gap Insurance?

Gap Insurance sounds like something to be worried about.

Gaps can be dangerous. Gaps are something Evel Knievel might have jumped.

When talking about insurance, no one wants to have a gap in their coverage.

So, What is Gap Insurance?

If your vehicle is stolen or declared a “total-loss,” your auto insurance carrier will only pay what they determine is the actual cash value.

Actual cash value can be very different than what is owed.

The difference is known as: the gap. Gap insurance covers this amount.

Without gap insurance the lender will hold you responsible therefore look to you have pay the difference between the actual cash value and the amount left on the loan.

Many insurance companies allow Gap insurance to be added to the Massachusetts auto policy.

What’s the cost of Gap Insurance?

The cost for Gap insurance can range from between +$25 annually to +$120.

Sometimes Gap insurance coverage is included in lease agreements.

If leasing, make certain you know whether Gap insurance is included or not because it might be quite a shock to learn you don’t.

Is Gap coverage a good idea?

In conclusion, depending on the gap, it might be a great idea!

Give us a click or a call to find out more about Gap insurance & your Massachusetts auto policy!

MassAutoQuote is Massachusetts Auto Insurance

MassAutoQuote is Massachusetts Auto Insurance.

We’ve been quoting auto insurance online in Massachusetts, and only Massachusetts, since 1999. Not even Geico can say that.

MassAutoQuote is consumer-friendly. We offer 4 convenient ways to get a Massachusetts auto insurance quote:

Real-Time Quote – Spend a few minutes and get sample, real-time quotes from A rated carries.
Easy Quote – Click and attach a copy of your auto insuranc Coverage Page and let our insurance professionals find you the best rates.
Quick Quote – Enter only basic information and let us show yo different coverage and premium options.
Give us a click, call, fax or stop by!

Utilize the power of your independent insurance Agent!

By using MassAutoQuote you’re using the power of the Massachusetts, independent insurance Agent. We shop auto insurance with numerous, top-rated companies. We find the best discount programs and coverage. We’ll make recommendations and offer you the best premiums. We’ll save you money and improve your coverage. MassAutoQuote is Massachusetts auto insurance.

Buy your auto insurance from a Massachusetts, Independent Insurance Agent!

Some people think it doesn’t matter where you buy your insurance, but it does. Rather than if you go direct, you have a third party to help you at claim, billing or insurance shopping time. When you buy your auto insurance from a MA Agent, we work hard to keep your business. In addition, it helps keep the local economy strong and keeps jobs here in Massachusetts.

MassAutoQuote is Massachusetts Auto Insurance.

We write auto insurance in Massachusetts … and only Massachusetts.

Click, call, fax or stop by! info@massautoquote.com, phone 781-246-8699, fax 781-224-0546, MassAutoQuote powered by Johnson & Rohan Insurance, 50 Salem Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940

What to do if in a Massachusetts Auto Accident:

Getting in an auto accident can be a very scary thing.

MassAutoQuote has some suggestions,

What to Do if you get in a Massachusetts Auto Accident …

Getting in an auto accident can be a very scary thing.

MassAutoQuote has some suggestions,

What to Do if you get in a Massachusetts Auto Accident:

Stop.
Be Courteous.
Stay Calm.
Your interest will be served best if you are courteous and engage in no controversy at the scene of the accident.
If there is significant damage to any of the vehicles or any potential injuries call 9-1-1 immediately.
Get the names of the owners and drivers involved.
Get license numbers, telephone numbers, and registration numbers.
Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of witnesses.
Express no opinion as to who was at fault.
Give no information except for as required by the authorities.
Do not sign any statements unless required by authorities.
For prompt claims call your Massachusetts Insurance Agent.
If you don’t have a Massachusetts Agent: good luck and call us for a quote on your renewal!

For more information about Mass Auto Quote’s services, please give us a call or a click!

Massachusetts Inspection Sticker: Don’t Let it Lapse!

The cruelest of all surcharge points, from a Massachusetts auto insurance perspective, is the one for an ”expired inspection sticker” citation …

The cruelest of all surcharge points, from a Massachusetts auto insurance perspective, 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! If you have/ had a perfect driving record, that can amount to about a 20% increase (!!) the first three years, diminishing the following three.

So here’s your warning:

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

MA Inspection Station locator link:

http://massvehiclecheck.state.ma.us/find_emissions_repair.php

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 …

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.