Here you'll find answers to some of the questions that you may encounter regarding your personal insurance policies. Don’t see your question?  Click here to email us your inquiry.

General

1. What is the StarMinder Program?
2. What is an Umbrella policy?
3. What is an “Account Discount” and how do I qualify for one?
4. As an independent agent, how do you make decisions on which insurance companies to represent?
5. Why do insurance companies ask for so much information?
6. If I have a claim, will my insurance costs immediately go up?

Auto

1. What is “managed competition” in MA auto insurance?
2. Can socio-economic factors be used to underwrite auto policies under the new “managed competition” system?
3. Do we need to buy insurance from a rental car company when we are on our winter vacation?
4. How do I go about registering a car in Massachusetts?
5. When my child obtains a driver's permit, must I list him or her on my auto policy?
6. Can a newly licensed driver transport any age passenger?
7. How is family auto insurance coverage handled when students are away during the school year?
8. Can I appeal an At-Fault Accident Surcharge on my auto insurance premium?
9. What is a deductible?
10. How do I qualify for a Safe Driver Discount in Massachusetts?
11. How do I qualify for a Multi-Car Discount?
12. What about the Seniors' Discount on auto insurance?
13. How does the Mass Transit Discount work?
14. I understand there is a Safety Features Discount. How do I qualify?
15. What is the difference between "Comprehensive" and "Collision" coverages for automobiles?
16. Is personal property in my car covered by my auto policy?
17. If a tree falls on my car at home, does my homeowner's insurance pay for the damage?
18. If you travel to Canada by car, how do you prove to border guards that you have the required auto insurance?
19. What are the basic rules of the road for bicyclists?
20. We have an RV sitting in our yard. Is it covered for damages by our Homeowner's Policy?

Home

1. Is my Home Insurance Replacement Value the same as its market value?
2. Should I use my real estate tax evaluation as a basis to choose the amount of insurance for my home?
3. What is Ordinance insurance? Why might I need it?
4. Is flood damage covered by my homeowner's policy?
5. Does the National Flood Insurance Plan cover basement improvements such as a game room?
6. Does a Homeowner's Policy cover earthquake damage?
7. Does my Homeowner's Policy cover other structures on our property?
8. Do I need to save all my receipts in the event of a claim?
9. What is a deductible?
10. Is personal property in my car covered by my auto policy?
11. We have an RV sitting in our yard. Is it covered for damages by our Homeowner's Policy?
12. Is an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) covered by my homeowner's policy?
13. I am an avid skier. Are my skis covered by my homeowner's insurance against theft when I am at the slopes?
14. I am thinking of starting a business in my home. Does my homeowner's policy cover me?
15. Are my home possessions insured while moving?
16. If a tree falls on my car at home, does my homeowner's insurance pay for the damage?

Q. What is the Starminder Program?
A. The StarMinder Program is a free service we are offering our customers that alerts you to upcoming expiration dates for: drivers licenses; registrations for up to 3 vehicles; and MA safety inspection stickers.  You will receive 3 expiration reminder messages:  an email (30 days before), a voice mail (20 days before) and a text message (10 days before).  Sign up is easy.  Just just go to StarMinder; then fill out and submit the StarMinder registration screen. Back to list.

Q. How do I go about registering a car in Massachusetts?
A. You need a title, a bill of sale, a full description of the vehicle, and the vehicle's current mileage. You also need to pay the insurance down payment, registration fees, and sales tax. Then you're ready for the Registry; the process should go smoothly. Back to list.

Q. Can a newly-licensed driver transport any age passenger?
A. In general, the answer is no. A newly licensed driver, according to Massachusetts law, cannot transport anyone under 18 years of age.  However, there is an exception for members of the driver's immediate family. (NOTE: Teenagers driving with learner's permits do not need to be added as listed operators on your insurance policy until they pass their licensing exam.) Back to list.

Q. Why do insurance companies ask for so much information?
A. Companies require information that enables them to evaluate the chances of a claim occurring. Favorable information supplied by you can result in a lower insurance cost. The more favorable the information, the more comfortable a company feels about taking on the risk that is involved. Back to list.

Q. If I have a claim, will my insurance costs immediately go up?
A. If you make a claim, you will not normally see a change in your costs. Companies generally focus on the frequency of your claims. If you make several claims within a 3-5 year period, you'll probably impact your costs.  Back to list.

Q. How do I qualify for a Safe Driver Discount in Massachusetts?
A. You can save money if you and any other drivers covered under your policy have not had an at-fault accident or moving violation for the past 6 years. Back to list.

Q. How do I qualify for a Multi-Car Discount?
A. You'll save between 5-10% when spouses insure all of their vehicles with the same insurance company. Back to list.

Q. What about the Seniors' Discount on auto insurance?
A. Seniors (over the age of 65) save 25%. The discount is the result of several factors that relate to the age group: less exposure to the pressures of rush hour, commuter traffic; more conservative lifestyles; less driving time and mileage and so forth. Back to list.

Q. How does the Mass Transit Discount work?
A. You save money on your car insurance, if you take the train or subway to work. For more details, contact us. Back to list.

Q. I understand there's a Safety Features Discount. How do I qualify?
A. If your vehicle is equipped with safety devices such as airbags or passive restraint seatbelts, you earn an additional savings on your auto insurance. Back to list.

Q. How is the Auto/Home Discount applied?
A. If you have both your auto and your homeowners insurance with us, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 20% on your premiums. Back to list.

Q. Should I use my real estate tax evaluation as a basis to choose the amount of insurance for my home?
A. No. The tax evaluation simply reflects the assessor's estimate of the sales value of your home. You want to choose an amount that will allow you to rebuild or restore your home should a loss occur. You need to determine the cost of labor and materials in today's dollars to do this. We will be glad to appraise your home's replacement cost for you at no charge. Back to list.

Q. Are your home possessions insured while moving?
A. This is an important question in this era of the mobile society! The answer is "Yes", but. The "but" is: you are only covered for the perils insured against in your Homeowner's Policy. For broader coverage during a move, consult with us. Your possessions are automatically covered at your new home for 30 days. Back to list.

Q. What is a deductible?
A. When a claim occurs, you are required to pay the first portion of the cost to repair or replace the insured property. This fixed amount is the deductible you selected. The insurance company pays the remainder of the claim. Deductibles are used as a method to stretch your insurance dollars. The greater the deductible amount you agree to pay for each claim, the lower your insurance premium. This can sometimes add up to a significant savings. However, you must decide how much of any claim you are willing and able to pay before choosing a deductible. We'd be glad to help you re-assess the deductibles you've chosen to see if they match your current needs. Back to list.

Q. Do I need to save all my receipts in the event of a claim?
A. Receipts are helpful in establishing a value for a lost item, but insurance companies don't require them for most everyday items. In most cases, the insurance company will ask you to compile a list of the lost or destroyed items and their approximate value. The company will then adjust your claim for "depreciation" based on that list. Your best guard against depreciation is choosing the replacement value option on your insurance. We'd be happy to discuss this option and to help you put together a Home Inventory, which can save valuable time and effort in case of a loss. Back to list.

Q. What is the difference between "Comprehensive" and "Collision" coverages for automobiles?
A. "Comprehensive" covers all perils except collision. Examples: losses by theft, fire, windstorm, flood, vandalism, falling objects, earthquake, hail, glass breakage, and more. "Collision" covers only one peril...collision. But it is the one peril (don't you love that word) that causes the most damage. That's why it is more expensive. Back to list.

Q. When my child obtains a driver's permit, must I list him or her on my auto policy?
A. You don't need to list your child as an operator of your car until he or she actually passes the driver's exam and becomes a licensed driver. A child with a valid permit can operate your car accompanied by a licensed operator up until he or she becomes a licensed driver without being listed. If you have a son or daughter with a permit, please let us know. We have some useful information on young people and their impact on your auto insurance, as well as information about advanced driver training courses that can make inexperienced drivers better drivers and save premium dollars, too. Back to list.

Q. I am thinking of starting a business in my home. Does my Homeowner's Policy cover me?
A. If you have a home-based business, you should review your insurance needs immediately. Your homeowner's policy specifically excludes liability for a business conducted at your home. Although your policy provides $2500 of coverage for business personal property on your premises, there is only $250 away from your home. You have three choices: (1) endorsements to your homeowner's policy so that your business equipment and liability protection needs are met; (2) a special in-home business policy; or (3) a small business owners package policy. Back to list.

Q. What is an "Account Discount" and how do I qualify for one?
A. You can earn a Home Account Discount by having both your auto insurance and your Homeowners Insurance with the same company and the same agent. We have a Home Discount Program that offers up to 20% savings on your home insurance. If you would like to know how to take advantage of the savings, contact us and ask for "Home Discount information" Back to list.

Q. Does a Homeowners Policy cover earthquake damage?
A. The chance of a serious earthquake in Westport or Wareham is less than in Seattle or San Francisco that's for sure. But nonetheless, there is some risk. What's more, the solid bedrock that underlies most of the Eastern U.S. is an excellent shock transmitter so that areas far removed from the quake center could be affected. Your basic homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage. In fact, your basic policy specifically excludes coverage for any damage caused by any type of earth movement or shifting. A simple phone call or e-mail is all you need do to add this coverage. We'll immediately add a special earthquake endorsement to your homeowner's policy. The average cost is $75 a year, about $1.44 a week. Back to list.

Q. If you travel to Canada by car, how do you prove to border guards that you have the required auto insurance?
A. You need to contact your auto insurance agent and ask for a Canadian insurance card. The card must be stamped and signed by your agent. Back to list.

Q. Is an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) fully covered by my homeowners policy?
A. No. Many homeowners mistakenly think their ATVs are fully covered. A separate ATV policy is required. Back to list.

Q. Is flood damage covered by my homeowner's policy?
A. No. Special coverage is required under a separate insurance plan. If your town has flood plain zoning in place, as most do, you may be eligible for insurance through the special federal government flood insurance program. Back to list.

Q. I am an avid skier. Are my skis covered by my homeowner's insurance against theft when I am at the slopes?
A. Yes. But the loss amount that is paid is subject to a deductible. You may want to consult with us on this. In any event, it pays to safeguard your valuable skis wherever they are! Back to list.

Q. What are the basic rules of the road for bicyclists?
A. They are valid road users and have all the rights and responsibilities of other vehicle drivers. They must drive on the right with the flow of traffic and use proper hand signals before making a lane change or turning. Back to list.

Q. If a tree falls on my car at home, does my homeowner's insurance pay for the damage?
A. No. At home or away from home, you are only covered if you have comprehensive coverage on your automobile policy. Back to list.

Q. Can I appeal an At-Fault Accident Surcharge on my auto insurance premium?
A. Yes. If you believe you were not more than 50% at-fault, you may appeal to the Board of Appeal located at your local Registry of Motor Vehicles. The filing fee is $50. You must appeal within 30 days from the receipt of your Surcharge Notice; otherwise you will lose your right to appeal. Back to list.

Q. As an independent agent, how do you make decisions on what insurance companies to represent?
A. The key factors are: (1) financial strength and stability of a company; (2) types of markets served (home, auto, business, special properties, etc.; (3) competitiveness (range of coverages offered, pricing levels and overall cost-value of policies); (4) quality of claims service provided to our customers. Back to list.

Q. Is personal property in my car covered by my auto policy?
A. Stolen or damaged items like compact discs aren't covered by your auto insurance. You'd have to file a claim on your home insurance. Most home insurance policies cover smaller, less expensive items. However, if you regularly transport expensive items such as computer equipment, ask us about purchasing a floater on your homeowner's policy. Back to list.

Q. Do we need to buy insurance from a rental car company when we're on our winter vacation?
A. If you have collision and comprehensive insurance on your personal auto, you automatically have the same coverages, subject to your deductible, under the physical damage insurance. You are NOT covered, however for the soft costs. That is, your personal policy will not pay for any lost business income for the rental car company while their damaged vehicle is being repaired. Some credit cards include coverage for this loss of use.  If you aren't certain that yours does, we recommend that you buy the insurance from the rental company. Back to list.

Q. How is family auto insurance coverage handled when students are away during the school year?
A. All household members need to be listed as operators of family vehicles. While students are away at school, they may be excluded as operators. A signed exclusion form needs to be filed. This saves premium dollars for the parents. But they must remember to call us and add back student operators during holiday breaks, spring break, summer, etc. Back to list.

Q. Does the National Flood Insurance Plan cover basement improvements such as a game room?
A. No. Flood insurance does not cover finished walls, floors, carpeting, and personal belongings. It does cover your foundation. Functional items such as plumbing, furnace, water heater and circuit breakers are covered under your policy's building coverage. Other limited items such as washer or dryer or a freezer are covered under your policy's contents coverage, which must be purchased in addition to building coverage. Back to list.

Q. Does my Homeowner's Policy cover other structures on our property?
A. Yes. But the standard limit of coverage is 10% of the amount of insurance on your main house. If your house is insured for $200,000, your other structures are covered up to $20,000. Other structures include your garage, sheds, pool, fences et al. What would it cost you to replace "other structures?" You may want to increase your limit to fit their replacement costs. If so, contact us. Back to list.

Q. We have an RV sitting in our yard. Is it covered for damages by our Homeowner's Policy?
A. No! For example, if a tree or limb falls and damages your RV, you are not covered by your homeowner's policy. Physical damage is not automatically covered. An RV must have specific collision and comprehensive insurance to pay for damage losses. Call us for more information about the benefits and cost. Back to list.

Q. Is my Home Insurance Replacement Value the same as its market value?
A. An emphatic NO! Your Home Replacement Value relates to what it would cost to rebuild your home if you had a total loss of the insured structure(s). This figure, of course, does not include land value. Market Value relates to your home's worth to prospective buyers. Back to list.

Q. What is “managed competition” in MA auto insurance?
A. While insurance companies may set their own rates and offer special product benefits and features, the Commissioner of Insurance maintains approval authority. She will exercise tight control over how rates are set. For more info, click here for more info. Back to list.

Q. Can socio-economic factors be used to underwrite auto policies under the new “managed competition” system?
A. The regulation bans the use in rating of gender, marital status, race, creed, national origin, religion, occupation, income, education, homeownership, and age as against public policy. The one exception: drivers age 65 and over will continue to receive a discount. The Insurance Commissioner has set similar bans in the use of underwriting based on age, sex, race, occupation, marital status or principal place of garaging; nor should companies use education or home ownership in underwriting. Back to list.

Q. What is Ordinance insurance? Why might I need it?
A. This is a relatively unknown but critical coverage for homeowners. If you have damage to your house and it requires substantial reconstruction, your local building inspector will require the work to be done according to the latest building codes. For example, you may need to install a costly new wiring system. Insurance companies only pay for a dwelling to be rebuilt in its original condition. They will not pay for upgrades which can cost thousands of dollars. The answer is Ordinance insurance. It is an inexpensive endorsement to your home insurance policy. We recommend it. Back to list.

Q. What is an Umbrella policy?
A. A serious automobile accident or other incident could lead to a large lawsuit against you or a family member and easily exceed the liability limits of your auto or homeowners policy. Today, more than ever, people – especially homeowners and others with substantial assets to protect – are purchasing an Umbrella policy to provide additional levels of coverage. Protection is available in increments of $1 million and is more affordable than you may expect, averaging about $200 to $250 for the first $1 million. Back to list.