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D.B. of Shrewsbury saved $263.00

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A.C. of Dudley saved 231.00

M.S. of Holden saved $195.00

 
 FAQ 

  • What discounts are available for the MA Automobile Policy?
    Homeowner, Low Mileage, Multi- Car, Anti Theft, Senior Citizen, Public Transit, Safe Driver Credits, and Group Discounts.
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  • Where does my automobile policy cover me?
    Your automobile policy covers you in the United States, its territories and possessions, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
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  • I moved, what should I do?
    Contact us with your new address and you also need to contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles to change both your drivers license as well as your vehicle registrations you can do this on line at www.mass.gov/rmv/
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  • Who should be listed on my MA Automobile policy?
    All household members with driver's licenses must be included on your policy as well as any customary operators. A customary operator is anyone who uses the vehicle on a regular basis whether a household member or not.
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  • Why do I have to list the members of my household on my policy?
    Your failure to list a household member or any individual who customarily operates your auto may have serious consequences - in the event of an accident, your policy may not pay benefits under the Optional Insurance coverage Parts and your policy may be cancelled for misrepresentation. If a household member does not have their own auto policy and/or their SDIP and rating class is not charged on another policy, and their SDIP and rating class would have increased your premium had they been properly listed as an operator, Mass. allows for claim payments to be withheld.
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  • My children are listed on my policy. Does it make a difference if they are listed as a principal operator or an occasional operator?
    You must provide the insurance company with true and accurate information in order to be covered in the event of a claim. If your child operates any one vehicle more than any other operator in the household, they need to be rated as a principal operator of that vehicle. Also, with the new Ma. rulings, it is now required that if you have the same number of vehicles in the household as you have operators, the inexperienced operator must be listed as a principal operator of one of the vehicles.
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  • I'm purchasing a vehicle for my child; does it matter if I register it in their name or mine?
    As we discussed above, the principal/ occasional class applies here. But also, the liability applies to not just the driver but to the owner of the vehicle. Parents need to think about their personal liability when they are making this decision.
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  • When do I have to add my son/daughter to my Auto Policy?
    Your son/daughter needs to be added when they receive their driver's license. Note they do not need to be added while they drive on a learners permit. Once they pass their license exam, please contact our office with their license number.
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  • My children are away at school, what are my options?
    It depends on where "away" is and whether or not your child brings the vehicle to school with him/her. If your child is at college, say in another state, you can use an exclusion form to " exclude" the youthful class and step. But, if they are staying at a college where they commute home on weekends, this form would not apply. Also, when they return home for "break" you must remember to call us so that we can add them back onto the policy. If your child brings the vehicle to college, contact us so that the garaging is changed to where the vehicle stays.
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  • I have Substitute Transportation on my policy. When does my coverage apply?
    The company will pay up to the limit selected for Rental Reimbursement while your vehicle is in a shop due to a covered collision or comprehensive loss. It does not provide coverage if your vehicle is in for general repairs/maintenance. This coverage not only applies to a vehicle you may need to rent, but will apply if you need to use public transportation.
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  • I need to rent a vehicle , am I covered under my automobile policy?
    The limits on your Massachusetts Automobile Policy will provide coverage for another private passenger automobile if rented within the United States, its territories and possessions, Canada, and Puerto Rico, as long as your vehicle is left at home and not driven while you are traveling or on vacation.
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  • When I rent a vehicle while on vacation, do I need to purchase the rental companies insurance?
    This is something for you to consider. The Collision and Comprehensive deductibles on your own policy apply unless you purchase the rental company coverage which will waive your deductible. Some credit card companies do offer this coverage. Check with yours. In the event of an accident your MA Automobile Policy does not cover "loss of use" of the rental vehicle while it is being repaired.
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  • Should I keep a copy of my MA Automobile policy in my vehicle?
    If you are traveling with your vehicle out of state, or in Canada, we do recommend that you keep a copy of your Insurance Policy with you.
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  • I have purchased a new vehicle, what do I do?
    Congratulations!! Contact us to advise whether you are getting new plates or transferring your current plates to the new vehicle, and to discuss the possible need for changes in coverage.
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  • Can I give my plates to someone?
    Usually NO. But, the RMV of Ma. upon submission of proper documents does allow some instances such as: Low Number Plate. With written consent of the current low plate holder, these plates can be swapped to a family member. Vanity Plates. With written consent of the current vanity plate holder, these plates may be swapped to a family member. Surviving Spouse. With the appropriate documentation, plates can be transferred to a surviving spouse.
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  • How will the RMV calculate the 5% sales tax for a vehicle I recently purchased and plan to register in Mass.?
    For any vehicle purchased through a licensed dealer, the 5% sales tax will be applied to the net purchase price of the vehicle, as listed on the purchase agreement or bill of sale. For any vehicle purchased through a private party (an unlicensed dealer), the 5% sales tax will be applied to either the purchase price or the NADA value, whichever is higher. The RMV calculates the NADA value at the time of registration.
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  • I bought a car from a private party and it has a current and valid Mass. inspection sticker. Do I have to get a new sticker?
    Yes. The current inspection sticker belongs to the owner of the car. It is not transferable to the new owner. You have 7 days from the date of registration to get a new sticker.
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  • Do I have to report a minor accident to the police department?
    You have to report all accidents that involve injuries or have over $1,000 in damage.
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  • I own a pickup truck that my son uses on weekends during the summer for his lawn service business. He drives the truck from house to house with his equipment in the bed of the truck.
    Yes. Not only should you have commercial auto insurance, but you should also have commercial plates on the pickup. If the use of the vehicle was incidental to the business or was used to carry small tools etc, you may be able to use a " Business Use" class on your personal lines policy instead.
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  • Will my Personal Auto Policy cover me if I plow snow?
    Coverage may be available under your personal automobile policy, please contact your us for additional information.
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  • How do I get reimbursed for a towing bill?
    Please send us the copy of the tow bill so that we may submit to company for reimbursement. We suggest you increase this coverage to $100 per tow. The company is not required to reimburse for a police tow/impound, so this type of tow may be denied.
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  • Do I need towing if I have AAA?
    The basic AAA membership only allows a certain number of miles per tow. Your MA Automobile policy offers two limits of coverage $50 per disablement at a cost of $8.00 and $100 per disablement at a cost of $16.00(these are annual premiums). Please note this coverage is a reimbursement not an actual towing service like AAA.
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  • What is the difference between 'Part 1 - Bodily Injury to Others' and 'Part 5 - Optional Bodily Injury to Others'?
    'Part 1 - Bodily Injury to Others' covers bodily injury to anyone injured by your auto, but only for accidents that occur in Mass. Injuries to either the driver of your auto or passengers in your auto are not covered under this Part. 'Part 5 - Optional Bodily Injury to Others' extends your coverage under 'Part 1 - Bodily Injury to Others' and includes coverage for accidents occurring outside of Mass., and on private ways. Injuries suffered by guests in your auto are covered under this Part.
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  • Can I appeal an accident surcharge?
    Yes. If you believe you were not more than 50% at-fault, and/or there were extenuating circumstances to the accident, you may appeal to the Board of Appeal at the Division of insurance. The law requires you to file an appeal within 30 days from your receipt of the Surcharge Notice and pay a $50 fee - otherwise you may lose your right to appeal. There is a late appeal process that is possible if you miss the file date.
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  • What happens when my vehicle is declared a total loss?
    If your vehicle is a total loss and you carry collision coverage, your company will call you with a settlement offer, which will reflect book value for your auto. You may get an ACV estimate by using our links to help you. Other factors can effect these values such as damage to the vehicle unrelated to the claim, reconditioning fee or if you decide to retain the vehicle, the salvage value that the company would have received. Once a settlement figure has been reached, the company will forward all necessary paperwork to you to complete. Also, if you have a loan/lease on the vehicle, the company will contact them to find out the " payoff" which they will deduct from your settlement check. If you owe more than what the car is worth, called being upside down in the loan, the company must pay the loan/ lease company. This is why you should always consider purchasing "GAP" insurance from your dealer at the time of purchase. Once all the paperwork and title , if necessary, is received by the carrier, they will send the payment to you. Please remember that if you are renting a vehicle, the company does not allow much time after the check has been sent to you. So, please begin your search for a new vehicle asap. When the company calls seeking permission to move your auto from the tow yard to a salvage yard, give them permission, but make sure you retrieve your plates from the vehicle. If you refuse to give permission, it could result in out-of-pocket expenses for the unnecessary storage charges. Contact us of your plans to either replace your vehicle or turn in your plates.
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  • I was in an accident and my policy does not include physical damage or substitute transportation. What do I do?
    If there were other vehicles involved in this accident and they were determined to be at fault for the incident, you may place a claim for your damages and rental through the at-fault party's insurance company. If you were at fault for the accident and do not carry the appropriate coverage, there will be no reimbursement from any insurance company for damage to your vehicle or substitute transportation expenses. We will be happy to provide other carrier's phone contacts to assist you. You may have questions about the process, we usually can help.
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  • Why did the company withhold my deductible when I am not at fault?
    This means the company is still investigating the accident and has not yet verified all the necessary information, so they release partial payment to you. If it is determined you were not at fault , the deductible will then be mailed to you. This is where " the waiver of deductible" is helpful because if it cannot be decided by the facts who is more at fault, your deductible will not apply.
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  • My windshield is broken and I carry comprehensive insurance coverage on the vehicle. Do I have to pick a glass repair shop from a list provided by my insurer?
    No. You can go to any glass repair shop you choose to have the repairs done, without any penalty. We provide a link to glass companies that are on the preferrred list.
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  • I was forced off the road by another vehicle and struck a tree. Will my deductible be applied to the loss?
    In most cases, single car accidents always have the deductible applied to the loss. Unless you can specifically identify the other vehicle, have a police report to support your case, and/or the other vehicle is indeed found at fault,your deductible will apply.
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  • My car was broken into and my cell phone, laptop, portable CD player and a number of CDs were stolen. Am I covered?
    The Mass. Personal Automobile Insurance policy specifically excludes coverage for tapes, discs or records. Cell phones, laptops and CD players (and other sound producing equipment) are only covered if they are permanently installed in a vehicle, you are a AAA member or if you have added this endorsement to the policy and up to amount of coverage. (see auto package endorsement effective 08/01/08 ) Otherwise, portable devices that may be used in your vehicle may be covered under your homeowers insurance policy.
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  • How do I cancel my policy?
    Insurance law states that the only way you may cancel your policy is when you return your license plates to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. You may return your plates to the Registry of Motor Vehicles directly, or you may send them to us. We do not charge for registry service and attempt to process them as quickly as posssible. The date of cancellation is always the following day of the plate return because the vehicle " could" be on the road legally the day of the receipt. If you return your plates to the Registry, you will receive two plate return receipts. Mail, fax, email or call us so that we may process the appropriate transaction to your policy. The RMV does not notify us, so please let us know asap. If you move to another state, when you obtain insurance and registration, please send us copy of such so that we can cancel the policy effective on the date your new policy was written. This only applies if the new policy shows the same vehicle(s). If you change the vehicle, then you must return the plates ( see above).
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  • My registration renews at the end of the month, but I haven't received the registration renewal application from the RMV yet. Why?
    Typically, the RMV will not send out registration renewals to registrants who have any of the following outstanding items: parking tickets; moving violations; excise taxes; warrants and Fast Lane violations. Additionally, your failure to maintain a valid inspection sticker or to notify the RMV of a recent address change may prevent you from receiving your renewal application.
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  • Under what circumstances does the RMV require commercial plates on a vehicle?
    The Registry of Motor Vehicles controls the answer to this question. There are three possible reasons the Registry requires a commercial plate on your truck: 1) the gross vehicle weight of your truck is 10,000 pounds or more; 2) your vehicle has a business sign on the side or the back of the cab (this includes magnetic signs); or 3) you are using this vehicle for delivering merchandise, used for hire to plow, or to transport tools, supplies, materials or equipment to and from job sites in the bed of the vehicle or on the top or side of the vehicle. OR: Any vehicle with more than 4 wheels on the ground. Any pickup truck or cargo van owned by a partnership, trust or corporation.
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  • What options do I have to pay my premium? Do I have to pay a service/finance fee?
    EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) - No finance fees Full Payment - No finance fees Installments - Finance fees apply
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  • I received a cancellation notice. What do I do?
    If you receive a cancellation notice, please pay the minimum amount due by the cancellation notice. Payment must reach the company on or before the cancellation date in order for the policy to be reinstated. If you feel that you can't pay the minimum amount due, contact us asap. You may also use our website to link to the company to pay.
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  • My policy has cancelled for nonpay, what do I do?
    DO NOT DRIVE your vehicle because you don't have any coverage if you get in an accident. Contact us asap.
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  • Does the replacement cost of my house have anything to do with its market value?
    Generally, no. The replacement cost of your house is an estimate of the cost to rebuild your house as it currently stands with 'same, like, kind and quality' materials. It includes adjustments for the current cost of labor and materials. It does not include the value of the land on which your house stands since land is not insurable. It does include the value of any improvements, upgrades or additions you have made to your house. Market value is simply the price the market is willing to bear for your house and the land on which it sits. While your house may have a replacement cost of $200,000, its market value may be $400,000 given its location. In this case, your house will only be insured for $200,000, its replacement cost. You may have bought your house for $100,000, but its replacement cost is $200,000. In this case, your house should be insured for $200,000.
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  • Can an insurance company refuse to insure my house because I own a particular breed of dog?
    Yes. Most homeowner's insurance companies have adopted lists of undesirable dog breeds that have demonstrated a propensity to bite. If you own such a breed and did not disclose it to the company at the time of the application, the company can deny coverage for any claims related to the dog, cancel your policy or non-renew coverage. Not all companies have a restricted dog list, we'll get you covered. We know how important your family dog is to you.
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  • Do I need a condominium policy when my association pays for a master policy?
    A policy to cover your condominium offers many of the same discounts as a homeowner's policy. In addition, it provides coverage for betterments and improvements made to your unit (i.e. - new cabinets, hardwood floors, etc.). Although this insurance is not required, it is recommended because replacement cost will restore the unit to its original condition, although any improvements you have made in the meantime will not be covered. Also, if you rent out your condo (in and out of state) it is important to have coverage in case those you rent it to cause damage to your unit.
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  • Does my landlord's insurance policy cover me or should I buy renter's insurance?
    Your Landlord's insurance policy does not provide coverage for your possessions. Although renters do not own the building they occupy, they still face many of the same exposures faced by homeowners. When fire or water damage happens, you could be left without basic living necessities. Your possessions are worth a lot to you; therefore, you need insurance that covers you. It will make the task of starting over less devastating.
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  • Why do I have "Other Structures" coverage on my policy when I do not have any other structures?
    "Other Structures" coverage includes any unattached structures, i.e. garages, sheds, fences, and pools. Other Structures are automatically included in the policy and can not be deleted or decreased however they can be increased in the event you have other structures that exceed the limit provided.
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  • What are scheduled items?
    Scheduled items can be anything from fine arts to jewelry to silverware. You list specific items to protect them more thoroughly as these become " all risk" vs " named peril". You simply provide an appraisal (dated w/in past 3 years) or a bill of sale and the item can be scheduled on your Homeowners policy. An additional charge will apply.
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  • Am I covered for water damage?
    Water is a covered peril, but it depends on the source. Please contact us if you have a loss. The most important thing to know about water damage is the exclusions: Flood, surface water, waves, tidal water, overflow of body of water, or spray from any of these, whether or not driven by wind. Water that backs up through sewers or drains or that overflows from a sump. Water below the surface of the ground, including water that exerts pressure on or seeps or leaks through a building, sidewalk, driveway, foundation, swimming pool, or other structure.
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  • A water pipe in my basement burst and the water damaged my personal property. Will my homeowner's insurance provide coverage for this claim?
    Yes, but only as relates the property damaged as a result of water being released from the burst pipe. The policy will not pay for the repair of the pipe itself, only the damage that ensued.
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  • Do I need Flood Insurance?
    Flood is excluded from the homeowners policy. If you are in a flood zone, your mortgage company will probably require but the Federal Government needs to "declare" an event a flood for the coverage to be activated.
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  • Does my Homeowners policy cover my child's personal belongings while away at college?
    If they are living in a dormitory, 10% of your personal property( coverage C) coverage is extended to the property in the dormitory room. If they are living in an off campus apartment building, they will need to apply for a tenant's policy of their own.
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  • Do I need earthquake coverage?
    Massachusetts has experienced earthquakes, and/or earth movement and if damage occurred to your home it would not be covered under your Homeowners policy. An earthquake endorsement can be added for an additional premium.
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  • Should I add water back up coverage to my policy?
    If you have the potential for water in your basement from backed up sewers and drains and/or failure or overflow of sump pump, water back up coverage is a good endorsement to be added to your Homeowners Policy for an additional premium.
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  • When should I notify you of any improvements I have made to my property?
    Any improvements that change the square footage of your property, and/or any major upgrades, i.e. kitchen, baths, finished basements, and swimming pools, etc. You should notify us prior to the project and then at the completion so that we can increase your policy accordingly.
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  • Is my personal computer covered?
    Yes, your personally owned computer is covered under the MA Homeowners Policy for named perils. You may want to purchase broader coverage. Contact us for additional information.
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  • If I purchase vacant land, am I covered under my homeowners policy?
    Yes, as long as there are no structures on the property , your homeowners policy will automatically provide liability coverage for the vacant land that you own.
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  • I own a time share property. Am I covered for liability under my homeowner policy?
    Your homeowners policy will provide liability coverage at the time share during the time that you are occupying it.
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  • I have a business in my home. Will my homeowners policy provide coverage for the business?
    Depending on the type of the business, you may be eligible for an In-Home Business Endorsement. For more information please contact us.
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  • I am thinking about starting a new business. What type of insurance do I need?
    PLease call us to discuss. We offer a wide range of insurance programs to meet your needs.
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  • I work full-time for a plumbing contractor. At night and on weekends I do plumbing jobs on the side for extra money.
    No. Your employer's insurance will only respond to claims arising out of and during the course of your employment. Your homeowner's insurance specifically excludes coverage for such business pursuits.
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  • Who is required to carry Mass. workers' compensation insurance?
    Mass. law requires that any person or entity that employs 1 or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. Failure to comply with the law may result in work stoppage, fines and imprisonment.
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  • Do I need a Personal Umbrella policy?
    A Personal Umbrella Policy provides Excess Liability coverage in increments of $1,000,000 over and above your Personal Liability contained in your Homeowners coverage, your Automobile Liability, and your Watercraft Liability. YOU must decide what it is that you need to protect and how much that need encompasses. We recommend that everyone have a Personal Umbrella Liability Policy. This protection is invaluable in protecting your assets. Also, you need to carry minimum limits of: $300,000 for your Personal Liability $100,000/$300,000 Bodily Injury and $100,000 Property Damage for your Automobile Liability $300,000 for your Watercraft Liability
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  • What do I do if I have a loss to my home?
    Please contact us to discuss your specific situation. Remember a deductible always applies to property loss and there are exclusions that may apply.
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  • What should I do in the event of a claim?
    Keep receipts for materials. Stop any further damage. Call or email us to report your loss. OR, use our website to link to the company. See our claims forms for needed information. OR Some Basic Guidelines to report the claim: AUTO INFORMATION: Date, time, location & description of loss Your vehicle & operator information The plate number and operator information of any other vehicle involved ( license #, DOB) Names & telephone numbers of other parties or witnesses or anyone that was injured HOME INFORMATION: Date, time & description of loss The names of any other parties involved in the loss or in the clean up after the loss.
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Thank You to all our customers who have submitted these excellent questions.

We will continue to post answers to the questions here but please know that these answers are to be used as a basic guideline and the specific answer may differ for a specific circumstance. We want you to be completely satisfied and to be assured that your questions as they are specific to you are always important to us.

So, please feel free to contact us. Your questions may even be added to our FAQ!!
 

 

 

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