MA Auto Insurance Archives

Does the Type of Car I Drive Make a Difference?

How Does the Make of Car Affect What I Pay for Car Insurance?

When deciding to buy a car, you probably factor in make, model, price, safety features and more. Car insurance may not be something you consider, but did you know that the make of a car may entitle you to an auto insurance discount?

Buy a vehicle that is popular with car thieves, and you may pay more for auto insurance, unfortunately. Buy one that has proved to experience less damage in rollover accidents, and you may save money. Buying a safer car or one that isn’t prone to theft won’t have the same impact on your premium as your credit rating or driving record, but it can affect the bottom line.

Factors that Determine If a Vehicle Qualifies for Car Insurance Discounts

There are a number of factors that determine whether the make of a car, including the model and the year, qualifies for a car insurance discount.

Safety and Crashworthiness: Safety is the primary reason why the make of the car is so important in determining if it qualifies for an auto insurance The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested the “crashworthiness” of every make and model. Based on the safety and protection a car provides in a crash, make of car and model qualifies for a range of car discounts. It is very possible that the collision insurance premium for an inexpensive car may be higher than that of a more expensive one, based on its crashworthiness, as determined by industry data.

Theft Rate: The insurance industry compiles theft data for all makes of cars and models by production This information is used to develop rating symbols that correspond to factors that companies use to modify the insurance rate for specific makes, models, and model year.

Cost to Repair: The insurance industry also compiles accident data (type of accident, damage done and cost to repair) for all makes of cars and models by production This information is used as well to develop rating symbols that correspond to factors that companies use to modify the insurance rate for specific makes, models, and model year.

Car Type Factors: There are rating factors that some insurance companies use to modify the rates for types of vehicle, depending on whether their performance is classified as standard, intermediate, high or premium.

Based on all these factors, an insurance company may apply a range of car insurance discounts to certain makes of cars. Each insurance company applies them differently.

Are There Types of Cars that Do Not Qualify for a Car Insurance Discount?

High performance or foreign/exotic sports car will most likely not qualify for a car insurance discount, and neither may a classic red Mustang convertible. These types of cars have a high theft rate and may have a high accident history as well. Some conservative companies will not even insure such high-risk cars.

Which Car Insurance Coverage Is Most Influenced by the Make of Car?

There are many components to a typical auto insurance policy, but the three that can be affected by the make of your car are liability, collision and comprehensive, which protects against theft and vandalism, among other things. The premium for collision coverage may see the biggest impact since most car accidents involve a collision and a car’s safety is directly related.

What Can I Do to Make Sure I Qualify for a Car Insurance Discount?

If your heart isn’t set on a particular make or model, call us before you buy a car. Not all insurance companies are alike, and since we have established relationships with XX auto insurance carriers, we will find the company that’s right for you—and your car. Let us help you determine the most cost-effective way to insure your new vehicle.

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Driving with Children: The Ultimate Distraction

It sounds like a horror movie or a new reality TV show, but it’s not.

It’s the ultimate distraction: Driving with Children!

It seems like kids are hard-wired to get hungry and more demanding as soon as the car starts. While driving across town or across the country, if you’re not hearing cries of “I’m hungry,” more than likely it’s “I’m bored.”

But in that second it takes to reach to the passenger seat for the pacifier-du jour you could find yourself in the back seat of the car in front of you, with a rear-end accident, possible injuries and potential auto insurance claims.

While it’s tempting to want to placate children immediately, it’s important for drivers to remember that their primary responsibility is to pay attention to the road to make sure everyone gets to their destination safely.

Be Prepared

Here are some safety tips to help keep your next trip with small children accident free.

Keep your mind on the road and off the snacks by making sure the kids have what they need before you hit the road.
You may find it helpful to keep a bag packed with snacks, activities or toys in the back seat that your child can reach easily, especially if you’re going on a long trip. Change items out frequently so they don’t get bored with the selection.
If your child is very little there are products on the market that allow you to attach toys and snack cups to the car seat to keep them at hand. However, if food is a choking hazard for your little one at home, don’t give it to them in the car.

Train the Troops

“Training” your children for proper automobile behavior is also key for avoiding highway hassles – and potential auto insurance claims. Making sure they have snacks and books before you hit the road is a start. The second part of the equation is to let them know that if they drop it, it’s gone for good. Period.

Do a final check-in with everyone before you take off to make sure that they have what they need: music, snacks, activities. Then remind your children that once you hit the road, they’re on their own.
Remain focused: cell phones and electronics only complicate the issue even further. Turn handheld devices off or leave them in the trunk to avoid the temptation to answer a call.
If the backseat erupts into chaos, keep yourself calm and your eyes on the road. If you’re unable to diffuse the situation safely or unable to ignore it, pull over at your first opportunity.
If you must pull over, make sure you pull over in a safe place. The side of the freeway is not the place to calm a child and is something law enforcement officers frown upon.

Retrain Your Brain

It is part of the human condition to want to sooth a child in distress, and parents are especially in tune with satisfying kids’ every need. Remind yourself that your job in the car, first and foremost, is to arrive safely at your destination.

Ultimately children respond to adult’s reactions. Once you retrain yourself not to react, your kids will do the same. If you can remain calm and firm, your kids will eventually learn to accept that they are not going to get their way the minute they make a request. They may not be happy when you get where you’re going, but at least they’ll be in one piece.

Contact MassQuotes.com: We are your online, Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agent

You will do whatever it takes to protect your family, on the road and at home. That includes making sure your insurance protection is adequate and up to date. MassQuotes will be happy to sit down with you to review your coverage. Click, call or stop by today to make sure your current policy is right for your family.

Real Time Massachusetts Auto Insurance Quotes

MassQuotes is your site for Massachusetts Insurance.

Our Independent Agents utilize numerous companies to rate your auto insurance and find you the best coverage and discount options.

When you submit a quote request through our website, you will receive up to 2 “real time” quotes.

These quotes will be from Vermont Mutual Insurance and Safety Insurance.

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MassDOT Registry Of Motor Vehicles Steering Customers Online

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From MA Registry of Motor Vehicles

For Immediate Release: 09/29/2014

Combined licensed and registration renewals to top 1.35 million through end of 2014

BOSTON– Monday, September 29, 2014 — Today, MassDOT Registrar of Motor Vehicles Celia J. Blue encouraged customers to make MassRMV.com their first stop this fall as the agency braces to close out the year with more than 1.35 million driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations up for renewal.

“MassRMV.com is designed to help our customers save time and to allow our branch employees to focus on more complex transactions,” said Registrar Blue. “By making MassRMV.com their first stop, customers will find they are able to renew in a matter of minutes or discover they need in-person attention at one of our branches.”

Customers leaving business to the last minute may face long branch waits. Drivers may renew their license 12 months in advance of their expiration date; the RMV will handle 243,589 license renewals from October through December.

A postcard reminder mailed from the RMV lets customers know if they are eligible to renew online or if they must visit a branch for a new picture which is required every 10-years. To ensure customers are aware of their license expiration date, it is critical they update their mailing address with the RMV. An address change can be done online for free anytime at MassRMV.com.

All vanity plate registrations expire in November and commercial vehicle registrations are up for renewal in December. Many commercial renewals require the registrant to visit a branch in person, making the last days of each year some of the busiest for RMV branches. There are 1,114,758 vehicle registrations scheduled for renewal through December.

The RMV’s AAA partner locations in Boston, Framingham, Saugus, South Dennis, West Springfield, and Worcester are able to perform license and registrations for AAA members, most of these locations offer Saturday morning hours. In the months ahead, an additional six AAA’s will begin offering expanded RMV transactions.

Later this year, the RMV Division will introduce a self-service license and ID renewal kiosk called FasTrack at select branch locations. Customers without any outstanding issues like parking tickets, fine or citations, will be able to visit the FasTrack and update their photo and renew on the spot.

In 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) was created to unify the state’s various transportation agencies. MassDOT now includes the Highway Division, the MBTA and Rail Transit Division, the Aeronautics Division, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. MassDOT is committed to providing a safe and reliable transportation system to all those who travel in the Commonwealth and works to deliver excellent customer service. MassDOT has been nationally recognized for its innovative approach to transportation, including the Accelerated Bridge Program, the “Where’s My Bus and Train?” apps and “Fast 14” work. For more information, visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot blog: http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/ , or follow MassDOT on twitter at https://twitter.com/MassDOT and Facebook at www.facebook.com/massdotinfo .

Massachusetts Insurance

Massquotes utilizes the power of the local, Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agent to find you the best combination of price and service for MA auto, home & life insurance.

Our agents quote you with numerous Massachusetts Insurance Companies to find you the the best insurance coverage, the most discounts & the best rates.

When you request a quote from us, you utilize Independent Agents that will shop for the best coverage and premiums. You will also get advice for coverage from licensed, professional, independent agents. Call us today at 781-246-8699.

What to do if in a MA Auto Accident

What to do in case ofa MA 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 help contact your Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agent or company representative at once.

When Buying a Car in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a “title” state. This means that the person or dealer you purchase your car from must sign over the title to you before you attach your plates and take the car home … even though the dealer may be going to the Registry of Motor Vehicles for you. An insurance stamp is also required before going to the RMV.

Once your vehicle is registered, you have seven days to complete the annual, MA vehicle inspection ($29).

MA inspection and emissions repair stations locator:

http://www.mass.gov/rmv/stations/index.htm

MA Teen Drivers Auto Insurance

Ways to keep MA auto insurance premiums for new, MA teen drivers as low as possible:

Number of years licensed, the longer the better.
driving record, the cleaner the better
driver’s education?
Full-time, good student?
AAA?
Advanced Driver Training?
Do you still live at home?
What is the value of your car?
Is there a lender?
What kind of liability limits do you carry?

All can be factors to help lower a new driver’s MA auto insurance rates.

Consider these sobering statistics on teen driving:

Automobile accidents are the number one killer of our nation’s youth.
Drivers under the age of 20 were involved in 13% of all accidents, yet they account for only 5% of all drivers.
5,000 teenagers die each year from auto accidents.
Alcohol is responsible for almost half of all teen motor vehicle deaths.
25% of all teen accidents involve speeding.
Half of all teenage traffic fatalities occur between 6:00 p.m. Friday and 3:00 a.m. Sunday.
In one year, drivers 19 and under were involved in close to 3 million motor vehicle accidents.

The price of a bad decision can include injury to yourself or others, loss of life, loss of life style or loss of personal freedom.

Ways to prevent MA teen auto accidents

Drive defensively. If you assume that other drivers are not as skilled and thoughtful as you are, you will instinctively become more careful and cautious when on the road.
Do not speed. When you speed, you have less time to react, less time to make the right decision.
Never drink and drive. Alcohol can seriously impair your decision-making skills and reaction time.
Take the keys away from friends who have been drinking.

Adults can set an example by practicing safe driving habits.

Massachusetts Crash Operator Report

As a MA consumer service, MassQuotes offers the following link to your Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report:

Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report

When Should You File a Report?

You should file a report if you’re the operator of a vehicle involved in a crash where the damage to any one vehicle or property is over $1,000, or if there is an injury to any person, even if a police officer was on the scene. You should file the report within 5 days of the date of the crash.

When Should you NOT File a Report?

You should not file a report if the crash occurred on a private road, driveway, private parking lot or other private way.

Why this Report is Important

Data from this report is used for many purposes including:

Identifying locations with a large number of crashes.
Improving dangerous highways and intersections.
Developing highway safety public information programs.
Developing programs to save lives and reduce highway injuries.

Where to send completed reports:

Mail or deliver one copy to your local police department in the city or town where the crash occurred.
Mail one copy to your Insurance Company.
Mail one copy to the RMV at: Crash Records RMV; PO Box 55889; Boston, MA 02205-5889

Link to MA RMV Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/forms/21278.pdf

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