2nd Income

Automobile insurance is mandatory in Massachusetts, so you must see your insurance agent first before you can register a vehicle. A policy is effective for one year in Massachusetts, not six months as in many other states. The exact amount paid for insurance by any policyholder will depend upon several factors:

• The number of years of driving experience for all operators listed on the policy;
• The driving record for all operators listed on the policy, as defined by the SDIP;
• The specific year, make, and model of the vehicle being insured;
• The town in which the vehicle is being garaged;
• The actual coverage' selected.

Various discounts are also available, as set forth by the Division of Insurance; these include discounts for having a good driving record, anti-theft devices, low mileage, air bags or automatic seat belts, senior citizens, multiple vehicles insured with the same carrier, and the use of public transit for commuting. Let's not forget at The Robert L. Summers Insurance Agency you can save with the AAA Member Discount.

Unlike some other states, in which the insurance companies charge a much higher rate for operators under a specific age, the Massachusetts rates are based on the number of years of driving experience. Operators with less that 3 years of experience pay the highest rates (regardless of age); operators with more than 6 years of experience pay the lowest.

NOTE: In response to a common misconception, red cars cost no more to insure than the same car of any other color.

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Massachusetts Auto Insurance

The Massachusetts automobile insurance policy has twelve (12) parts. Parts 1 - 4 are mandatory, while Parts 5 - 12 are optional. (Part 5, however, is highly recommended.)

PART 1 -- Bodily Injury to Others (BI)

Pays for damages to people injured or killed by your vehicle in an accident that occurs in Massachusetts (up to $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident). Injuries to the driver or passengers in your vehicle are not covered here but are covered under Part 2.

PART 2 -- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Pays up to $8000 for medical expenses and lost wages to you, anyone you let drive your car, passengers, or pedestrians who are injured as a result of your car being in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

PART 3 -- Uninsured Motorist (UM)
Pays for medical expenses and lost earnings incurred by you or your passengers who are injured or killed in an accident caused by an uninsured or unidentified ("hit-and-run") vehicle.

PART 4 -- Property Damage (PD)

Pays for damages to another person's automobile or other property when you or someone you let drive your car causes an accident.

PART 5 -- Bodily Injury to Others (extra-territorial coverage)

Allows for the selection of liability coverages beyond the minimum of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident required in Part 1. Also extends the liability coverage in Part 1 to include accidents occurring outside of Massachusetts (throughout the U.S. and Canada) and to guest occupants in your vehicle.

PART 6 -- Medical Payments

Pays for medical expenses incurred by you or your passengers over and above the amounts covered under Part 2.

PART 7 -- Collision

Pays for damages to your vehicle in an accident, regardless of who caused the accident. The standard deductible is $500, but deductibles of $300, $1000, and $2000 are also available. If you purchase the "waiver of deductible" endorsement, you will not have to pay the deductible if the accident is caused by another identifiable driver.

PART 8 -- Limited Collision

Pays for damages to your vehicle in an accident, but only if you are not more than 50% at fault and only if the other vehicle can be identified (i.e., "hit and run" accidents are not covered). The standard deductible is $500, but deductibles of $0, $300, $1000, and $2000 are also available.

PART 9 -- Comprehensive

Pays for damages to your vehicle resulting from fire, theft, missiles, falling objects, earthquake, flood, windstorm, hail, and vandalism--but not from collision. In the event that your vehicle is stolen, this coverage includes up to $15 per day for substitute transportation--for up to 30 days or until your vehicle is recovered. The standard deductible is $500, but deductibles of $300, $1000, and $2000 are also available. The standard deductible for glass loss is $0.

PART 10 -- Substitute Transportation

Pays up to $100 per day (for up to 30 days) for car rental or other transportation expenses while your car is undergoing collision repairs. Coverage for up to $30 per day is available for an additional premium.

PART 11 -- Towing and Labor

Pays up to $25 for towing and labor costs that are incurred each time your vehicle becomes disabled. Coverage for up to $50 per disablement is available for an additional premium.

PART 12 -- Underinsured Motorist (UIM)

Pays for medical expenses and lost earnings incurred by you or your passengers who are injured or killed in an accident caused by someone who does not have enough insurance to cover the loss. This coverage pays you the difference between the amount collected from the other (at-fault) driver's insurance policy and the limits purchased under this Part.

The premium rates for each of the above coverages are based on the actual options selected and several other factors, as discussed under General Insurance Information.

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Do you need Collision or Comprehensive Insurance?

First, let's define collision and comprehensive coverage in a Massachusetts Auto Insurance Policy.

Collision (Part 7 of your MA auto insurance) pays for damage to your car in an accident whether it's your fault or not. If your car is financed, it may be required by your lender.

Comprehensive (Part 9 of your MA auto insurance) pays for damage to or loss of your car from such perils as fire, theft and vandalism but not collision.

IF you have a car with little financial value, it may be a wise economic choice NOT to buy collision or comprehensive insurance. First, if you're not at fault in the accident and you have the name and address of the person that hit you, you can collect from his auto insurer. Second, you would obviously be saving the premium dollars for those coverage parts which is generally the most expensive parts of the policy. Third, if you did make an at fault accident claim, you would be subject to your deductible (generally $500.00 or $1000.00) and a surcharge in the form of "points", which would add to your insurance premium. By not making the claim, you could potentially save on your current premium but also on your MA auto premium for the next six years!

Review the replacement value of your vehicle (Kelly's Blue Book - Kelly's Blue Book website) and the estimated savings on your insurance premium and decide for yourself if carrying collision and comprehensive makes sense or not.

This information is advisory in nature. No liability is assumed by reason of the information in this document.

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Personal Umbrella

An umbrella policy is designed to protect you in the event of a major loss. It is an "excess liability" policy which provides additional limits of liability insurance over and above your underlying policies i.e. Massachusetts homeowners Insurance or Massachusetts auto insurance. They typically start at $1 million and can run up to $10 million or more.

If you think they're just for rich people, you might want to reconsider. It's not that difficult to imagine getting into an auto accident and having the unfortunate circumstances of hitting a carload of people. The damages could easily top $1 million dollars. The umbrella policy pays damages for bodily injury, property damage or personal injury for which the insured is legally responsible.

There are certain underlying and underwriting requirements needed in order to obtain the policy. First, you must carry specified limits on your underlying policies. For example, most insurance carriers would want you to maintain $250,000/$500,000 on your auto policy for "bodily injury to others" and $300,000 liability on your homeowner's policy. You must also have a safe driving record and a good loss history.

The cost may surprise you as they generally start at $225.00 per year for $ 1 million of coverage. Ideally, you'll never need the coverage but if you do, you'll be happy for the coverage.

This information was brought to you by the Robert L. Summers Insurance Agency (617-542-8432) in Boston, Massachusetts. The Robert L. Summers Insurance Agency sells Massachusetts Auto Insurance as well as Massachusetts Homeowners Insurance.

This information is advisory in nature. No liability is assumed by reason of the information in this document.

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Massachusetts Auto Insurance Policy

The Massachusetts auto Insurance policy consists of 12 parts with Parts 1-4 being mandatory. You may or may not need each part of the policy depending on your driving habits, age of the vehicle and other considerations. In addition to the parts of the policy you carry, you must consider what limits to carry for each part. For example, Part 5 (Optional Bodily Injury to Others) covers you up to a specified limit (your choice) for injures you may be legally responsible to pay for an at fault accident. The limits obviously depend on what you can afford and what you'd feel comfortable with in the event of an accident. The coverage's you initially choose may or may not be adequate with each passing year as vehicles, drivers and conditions change. It's always a good idea to review your policy with a licensed agent every year or sooner if conditions change.

On April 1, 2008 Massachusetts switched from a "non competitive" rate setting state to a "managed competition" process. You need to be sure when you are shopping around for an auto policy that you are comparing like kind policies. Be sure to match the parts of the policy and the limits for each part to get a fair evaluation from.

This information was brought to you by the Robert L. Summers Insurance Agency (617-542-8432) in Boston, Massachusetts. The Robert L. Summers Insurance Agency sells Massachusetts Auto Insurance as well as Massachusetts Homeowners Insurance.

This information is advisory in nature. No liability is assumed by reason of the information in this document.

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Shopping for Massachusetts Auto Insurance

Competitive rates came to Massachusetts Auto Insurance on April 1, 2008. In order to be sure you have chosen the best option for your particular situation, you need to shop wisely. First, determine what coverage parts you want and what limits you need for each part of the policy. Then get quotes for those exact specifications from several companies. You have to be sure that each company is quoting with the same criteria. Although price is a major consideration, it's not the only factor in deciding where to place your business. You might want to consider the financial strength of the company (A rated companies). You should consider their reputation for handling claims or how long they have been writing Massachusetts Auto Insurance. You should also consider your relationship with your current agent. If you have a good relationship with your agent and he/she has met your needs, it might not be worth saving a few dollars to find another carrier.

Its good to shop around but ultimately you must decide what factors are most important to you.

This information was brought to you by the Robert L. Summers Insurance Agency (617-542-8432) in Boston, Massachusetts. The Robert L. Summers Insurance Agency sells Massachusetts Auto Insurance as well as Massachusetts Homeowners Insurance.

This information is advisory in nature. No liability is assumed by reason of the information in this document.

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Massachusetts Auto Insurance Discounts

Are you aware of the many discounts offered for Massachusetts auto insurance? Every company in Massachusetts must offer "mandatory" discounts which would include anti-theft devices, passive restraints, multiple cars and age 65 or older drivers.

There are also many optional discounts including:

With the advent of competitive rating being established in Massachusetts effective April 1, 2008 it makes sense to review your policy with your agent to be sure you're taking advantage of all your available savings.

This information was brought to you by the Robert L. Summers Insurance Agency in Boston, Massachusetts http://www.rlsummers.com. The Robert L. Summers Insurance Agency sells Massachusetts Auto Insurance.

This information was brought to you by the Robert L. Summers Insurance Agency (617-542-8432) in Boston, Massachusetts. The Robert L. Summers Insurance Agency sells Massachusetts Auto Insurance as well as Massachusetts Homeowners Insurance.

This information is advisory in nature. No liability is assumed by reason of the information in this document.

Massachusetts Insurance
Insurance Agent Boston MA
Umbrella Insurance
Massachusetts Renters Insurance
Massachusetts Home Insurance
Massachusetts Homeowners Insurance
Massachusetts Auto Insurance
Legal Insurance
IRS Audit Defense
Boston Insurance
Tax Audit Defense
Massachusetts Condo Insurance