BUYER ALERT

After twelve months of “managed competition”, it is clear that auto insurance rate differentials between companies are relatively small.  But there are significant differences in coverage options and discount programs. 

Home-auto account credits

When auto and home policies are placed with the same insurance company represented by us, customers receive an account credit.  These two benefits can result in significant savings.

Important note: Renters and condo owners qualify for the same account credits that single-family homeowners do.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Let's say you bought a new car recently. Its book value today after two years and 52,000 miles on the odometer is $19,000. The amount outstanding on your car loan is $22,000.

Unfortunately, you're involved in an accident that totals the car. The insurance claim is settled for the book value, $19,000. You are now the "owner of an upside-down car." You need to come up with $3,000 out of pocket to pay off the original loan! There's a way to turn this dilemma around: buy inexpensive auto "Gap" insurance. Call or email us for a quote.

SAFETY CORNER

As a danger on the road, tired drivers are often compared to drunken drivers. In Massachusetts, authoritative safety sources estimate that tired drivers caused more than 600 collisions and 90 deaths in 2008. Drowsy driver legislation is being considered in seven states, including Massachusetts, New York, Kentucky and Illinois.

Send us a copy of your title!

Your title will show the release of the lien by the bank or other lender. We will remove the lender from your auto policy.  If you do not do this and you suffer a claim, the claim check will be issued in your name and your lender’s. To cash the check, you would have to get an authorized signature from the lender. This is inconvenient and time-consuming especially if the lienholder is located out of a state.

• Check your driver’s license status on your birthday at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles new Website Transaction site.  Remember, the RMV will no longer mail you a license renewal reminder notice. www.mass.gov/rmv.
• Did you test your smoke, CO alarms at daylight savings time? If not, we encourage you to do it today. This winter has seen several New England fatalities resulting from fires, smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. www.nfpa.org
• See us for boat, motorcycle, RV, ATV, and classic car insurance. We offer quality protection and attractive rates for these special coverages.
• New IRS standard mileage rates are 55 cents for business miles driven; 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.
• Saving money with higher deductibles during the economic downturn is a strategy that could make sense. There is greater saving today when increasing a homeowner’s deductible from $500 to $1,000.  Similarly, increasing the collision deductible by the same amount on your cars can produce significant savings. If your car is over 6 years old, it may make sense to drop collision.  For counsel, call us.