Camper plates or trailer plates?

Camper plates or trailer plates?

 

 

 

 

It’s a question almost as old as some of the Registry workers themselves: Camper plates or trailer plates on my Massachusetts camper trailer?

Camper plates must have permanent living facilities (sink and toilet).

Camper plates may also be issued to vehicles which meet the definition of House Trailer (a house trailer that has no motor power and is equipped for human habitation – includes bathroom and sink facilities). These vehicles are not to be used to transport property other than that property used for human habitation or camping purposes. A four wheel tow dolly, when used in conjunction with a tractor/trailer combination, must be registered as a semi-trailer. Trailer weight is always rounded up to the nearest thousand pounds.

Auto Home (CAMPER):

A. Definition: Auto home, any motor vehicle originally designed or permanently altered and equipped for human habitation which is not used to transport property other than that property used for human habitation or camping purposes. A motor vehicle designed primarily to transport property which has been temporarily altered or equipped for human habitation shall not be deemed to be an auto home. (MGL ch. 90 s. 1)

B. Plate Types: There are three types of auto home plates:

Auto Home Normal (Plate Type: AHN) – Auto Home Normal plates consist of three to five numbers

Auto Home Reserved (Plate Type: AHR) – Auto Home Reserved plates consist of one or two numbers.

Auto Home Vanity (Plate Type: AHV) – ALAR maintains the plate number preceded by the code “CA.”

C. Plates Issued: Auto Home Normal, Reserved and Vanity – Two plates are issued. For Trailers, the Clerk will discard the second plate.

D. Plate Fees: An Auto Home Normal (AHN) plate is charged a $50 yearly fee. An Auto Home Reserved (AHR) plate is charged $70 ($50 annual fee plus a $20 special plate fee). An Auto Home Vanity (AHV) plate is charged $100 ($50 annual fee plus a $50 special plate fee).

If the customer registers the vehicle after October 1, the registration fee will be half the initial registration fee. The special plate fee will remain the same.

E. Expiration Date: Auto Home plates expire annually on November 30.

Trailer:

A. Definition:  Trailer plates are issued to any vehicle or object on wheels and having no motive power of its own, but which is drawn by or used in combination with, a motor vehicle. It shall not include a pole dolly or pole dickey, so called, nor a pair of wheel commonly used as an implement for other purposes than transportation, or a portable, collapsible or separate two wheel tow dolly limited only to the purpose of transporting or towing a registered vehicle, nor farm machinery or implements when used in connection with the operation of a farm or estate, nor any vehicle when towed behind a farm tractor and used in connection with the operation of a farm or estate.

Camper plates may also be issued to vehicle which meet the definition of House Trailer (a house trailer has no motor power and is equipped for human habitation — includes bathroom and sink facilities.) These vehicles are not to be used to transport property other than that property used for human habitation or camping purposes. A four wheel tow dolly, when used in conjunction with a tractor/trailer combination, must be registered as a semi-trailer. Trailer weight is always rounded up to the nearest thousand pounds.

B. Plate Types: There are two types of trailer plates.

Trailer Normal (Plate Type: TRN) – Trailer Normal plates consist of four to six numbers.

Trailer Reserved (Plate Type: TRR) – Trailer Reserved plates consist of three number or less or a combination of letter and numbers (first two digits may be letters TL, TT, TR).

C. Plates Issued: Trailer Normal and Reserved – One plate is issued.

D. Plate Fees: A Trailer Normal plate fee is based on the weight of the trailer at the rate of $20 per 1,000 pounds. A Trailer Reserved plate is charged the same registration fee as the Trailer Normal plus a $20 special plate fee.

E. Expiration Date: Trailer plates expire annually on November 30. All trailer registration fees are reduced by 1/2 on or after September 1. NOTE: if the total gross weight of a trailer, which is the combined weight of the trailer and its cargo, is 3,000 lbs or less, a MA title is not required.

Homemade Trailers

Builders of homemade trailers with a gross weight of more than 3,000 lbs. must apply for a MA Assigned Vehicle Identification Number.

The gross weight of a new or used trailer is determined by the manufacturer and will be listed on the trailer’s certificate of Origin and on the trailer itself. The gross weight of a homemade trailer is determined by the builder of the trailer.

NOTE: Log Splitter of Wood chipper

A trailer registration plate may be issued fi the log splitter of wood chipper and trailer are permanent components of one another (i.e.- non-detachable). However, a trailer registration may not be issued to a log splitter or wood chipper by itself (i.e.- the unit is not permanently attached to a trailer). If the log splitter or wood chipper is detachable, the trailer carrying the log splitter must be insured and registered.

Discounts for Students

Discounts for Students

 

 

 

 

Did you know that insurance companies offer auto insurance discounts for students?

Companies offer a “good student” discount for children on the auto policy with a B or better grade point average.

In addition, most offer an “away at school” discount for students that go away to school (over 100 miles from home) and do not have a vehicle with them.

Other discounts available for new drivers is a credit for completing a “driver’s training” (driver’s education).

Please give us a call to review your auto insurance.

 

 

 

Massachusetts Junior Operator Law

Massachusetts Junior Operator Law

 

 

 

 

Massachusetts Junior Operator Law. Parents/Guardians: is your child getting their learner’s permit? Check out the Massachusetts RMV’s dedicated page for first time drivers:

https://www.mass.gov/guides/first-time-driver-start-here

Get information regarding:

  • Steps to Get Your Driver’s License
  • Parent/Guardian Information
  • Safe Driving Tips
  • Did you study for your learner’s permit or road test?
  • Time to take your Permit!
  • You Just Took Your Permit Exam

Junior Operator Requirements

Any driver or motorcyclist between the ages of 16 1/2 and 18 is considered a Junior Operator. The Junior Operator Law has several requirements and restrictions that significantly affect the operation of a motor vehicle by a person who has a Junior Operator’s License (JOL). The basic purpose of the law is to provide new drivers supervised opportunities in which to develop good driving skills, while keeping those drivers free of the possible distractions caused by friends under age 18 who are present while the drivers are behind the wheel. For more information on permit and license restrictions for junior operators, click here.

The Junior Operator Law and the Safe Driver Law impose penalties for certain violations issued to junior operators. For a complete list of Junior Operator violations, click here.

Happy Labor Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Labor Day!

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing holiday weekend!

Our office will be closed Monday, September 1st, and we will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, September 2nd.

Thank you.

 

>> If you’re trying to get in touch with us to report a claim, you can do so directly, 24/7 by having your policy number ready and calling or clicking:

Travelers: 1-800-252-4633

Safety Insurance: 800-951-2100

Vermont Mutual: 1-800-435-0397

Plymouth Rock: 1-844-346-1225

Mass Property: 1-800-392-6108

Progressive Insurance: 1-800-274-4499

Bristol-West: 1-800-272-7865

Swyfft Insurance: 1-877-799-3389

Hagerty Insurance: 1-877-922-9701

MAPFRE/Commerce: 1-866-351-2548

Grundy Insurance: 866-338-4006

MA 1776 “250” Plates …

The new, MA 1776 “250” plates have generated quite the buzz. We’ve had numerous clients trade in their old plates to get these new, passenger special series (PAS) plates.
The cost is $100 every 2 years (vs. regular, passenger plates which are $60 every 2 years).
Surprisingly, or maybe not, the plates are in such high demand that the RMV tells us they’ve run out of plates and it’s going to take 8 – 10 weeks for them to be issued.
In the meantime, however, the RMV will issue a paper, temporary plate until consumers receive their new plates.
We asked AI if it’s true that the RMV has run out of new 1776 “250” plates:
Yes, due to unexpectedly high demand, the Massachusetts RMV is currently experiencing an 8–10 week delivery delay for the new MA-250 special license plates. The information you received from the RMV is accurate. 
Here is what you need to know about the delay:
  • Official notice: The RMV has issued a training update for dealerships and other partners to inform customers of the delay. An email was also sent to recent customers who ordered the plates.
  • Temporary plates: Customers who do not have existing plates when they order will be issued temporary plates to use while they wait for their permanent ones. If your temporary plates expire before the new ones arrive, you can renew them online.
  • High demand: The plates were made available on May 22, 2025, and the surge in orders has led to a production and delivery backlog. 

What is Ordinance or Law Coverage?

Ordinance or Law

 

 

 

 

Ordinance or Law Coverage was recently in the news and, as a result, our Agency received a flurry of phone calls. After completing dozens of reviews of coverage, let’s talk about:

Ordinance or Law Coverage — coverage for loss caused by enforcement of ordinances or laws regulating construction and repair of damaged buildings. Older structures that are damaged may need upgraded electrical; heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC); and plumbing units based on city codes.

Ordinance or Law insurance coverage provides limited protection for costs associated with repairing, rebuilding, or constructing a structure when physical damage to the structure by a covered cause of loss triggers an ordinance or law.

According to Adjuster’s International Disaster Recovery Consulting, compliance with ordinances and laws after a loss can add 50% or more to the cost of the claim. (Paul O. Dudey CPCU and Donald S. Malecki, Adjusting Today Issue #3009, “Ordinance or Law Coverage – Code for Recovery!”).
Insureds should take a proactive approach to their insurance program and the coverage provided by the program. Learning about important exclusions and limitations after a catastrophe strikes will cause the Insured to experience frustration and anxiety. Insureds should always read their policies, and in some states, may be required by law to do so.


ORDINANCE OR LAW EXCLUSION

Most property insurance policies will have an Ordinance or Law exclusion. The exclusion applies to both physical damage and time element coverage. Ordinance or Law coverage is readily available in the market, typically by endorsement.

Give us a call to review your coverage.

Canine Conundrum

 

 

 

 

At Johnson & Rohan Insurance we have a soft spot for our canine friends. Part of the homeowner insurance application process is the question: Do you own a dog? If the answer is: “yes,” the next question is: What breed is your dog?

One company’s underwriting manual states:

A risk is not eligible if any animal owned or kept has shown dangerous propensities or has been involved in any occurrence that resulted in bodily injury or property damage. A risk is also ineligible if the prospective insured(s) or applicant(s) own or keep any of the following animals: Akitas, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, Chow, Dingo, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Korean Jindo, New Yorkie, Pit Bull Terriers, Presa Canario, Rottweilers, Staffordshire Terrier, St. Francis Terrier, Wolf Hybrids, Mixed Breeds that include any of the above animals, Guard/Attack dogs, and any animal with a past history of biting or that demonstrates aggressive behavior.

According to The Insurance Information Institute, in 2024, U.S. insurers paid out a total of $1.6 billion in dog-related injury claims. The average cost per claim rose by 18% from the previous year to $69,272.

While we understand the insurance industry’s concern about dogs and dog bites, we wish there was a way to review individual dogs and their history of aggressive behavior. For instance, we know the sweetest German Shepherd and the only thing he would ever bite is his food. Likewise, we’ve met very sweet Pit Bull Terriers.

Unfortunately, it seems, until dog bite claims subside, some insurance companies are going to maintain their “do not insure” list of dog breeds.

What can you do if you have a “banned breed?”

Contact us at Johnson & Rohan Insurance. We are an independent insurance agency that writes with multiple companies. We will find a market for your home insurance, no matter what kind of dog Fido is.

Safety Insurance E-Bill

Safety Insurance E-Bill Program

 

 

 

If you are insured with Safety Insurance and have signed up for their EFT billing program, billing charges have been $1 per installment.

A client recently got in touch with us, asking why his automatic installments are now $7?

In order to take advantage of $1 installments, Safety Insurance requires that you sign up for their new “E-Bill” program.

You can go to:  www.SafetyInsurance.com

If you don’t have an account, you will want to set one up. If you already have one, go to your account, click on each of your policies and sign up for “E-Bill.”

This will reduce the billing fee from $7 to $1.

If you have any problems signing up online, Safety Insurance will walk you through the process by calling:  800-951-2100 (extension 2, then 4 to get a live person).

Please call us with any questions.

Collision Coverage – If Hit by a Stolen Vehicle

Collision Coverage - If Hit by a Stolen Vehicle

I read an interesting article in the MassAgent newsletter from the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents:

Question of the Week

Collision Coverage – If Hit by a Stolen Vehicle

Question: We had a prospect come into our office to insure his car. He said recently his car was hit while parked by a car that was stolen and involved in a police chase. He has collision, but when he made his claim through GEICO (former carrier), he was told it was not covered as it was a stolen car and a police chase. Now, I know that GEICO would probably have no one to subrogate against, but I believe as long as he paid a premium to have collision coverage, it should be covered less the deductible. I’ve been an agent for many years, but am I missing a caveat that denies coverage in this circumstance? If so, it’s a new one. Thanks.

Answer

Kathy Cormier: If your customer has first-party coverage (collision), they should be able to collect from their policy. I looked at GEICO’s policy, and they have a modified version of the MAP 2008:  https://massagent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/gecc129849942.pdf. There was nothing that I saw saying they couldn’t collect under collision if damaged by a stolen vehicle. I’m including Irene Morrill, VP of Technical Affairs.

Irene Morrill: And that’s why people shouldn’t be insured with GEICO…they have no one to fight for them. I didn’t see any exclusion for “hit by a stolen vehicle” in the GEICO policy.

The person whose car was stolen is not legally responsible for the actions of the stolen vehicle – if the thief was caught…then the thief would be legally responsible for the damages, but if one buys Part 7 -it doesn’t matter.

I’d tell the client to make an insurance complaint…and say to the company that they are doing so…with the MA DOI – perhaps that will make the company decide to pay.

Filing an Insurance Complaint in Massachusetts

*This document is not a legal opinion and should not be relied upon as such. This document intends to provide a general background regarding the topic or topics discussed, not to provide legal advice. Producers and agencies should consult an attorney regarding specific situations and questions concerning the topic or topics covered in this document. Neither the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents, Number One Insurance Agency, nor any of its employees shall be responsible for any errors or omissions regarding any statements made in this document, nor any errors or omissions regarding any statutes, regulations, court rules, and/or any other government documents cited in this document.

Johnson & Rohan