Blog/News - Johnson and Rohan Insurance

Tips to Save Money on Auto Insurance

Tips to Save Money on Auto Insurance. We pay auto insurance premiums too. We feel your pain. We are also in a position to do something about it.

Johnson & Rohan Insurance markets with eight auto insurance companies to shop your insurance for the best coverage and lowest premiums.

We offer our Tips to Save Money on Auto Insurance:

Driving record – Maintain a good driving record by avoiding accidents and violations for a period of time.
Discounts – Ask us about discounts you may qualify for, such as low mileage, good student or support policy discounts.
Payment options – Some companies offer discounts for paying for your insurance in full at renewal or signing up for auto pay.
Increase your deductibles – Increasing your deductibles will save you money. Sometimes a lot of money.
Compare quotes- Ask us to shop your coverage with our numerous carriers and have us make coverage recommendations.
Utilize the strength of an independent insurance agency – Johnson & Rohan Insurance has decades of experience. We find the best markets, premiums and coverage options. We advise and advocate.

Why are my Massachusetts auto insurance rates so high?

When you Google “Why are my Massachusetts auto insurance rates so high?”

Do I Have Hurricane Coverage?

Do I have hurricane coverage?

The Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1st – November 30th with the peak occurring between mid-August and mid-October.

Our office receives phone calls and emails asking: Do I Have Hurricane Coverage?

The quick answer is, if you have home insurance, yes you have Hurricane Coverage.

The question then becomes: What is your deductible?

Some coastal homes have special (not so special) Hurricane or Wind deductibles. Usually between 1% – 5% of the Coverage A, Dwelling, amount.

This deductible can be a huge number. A 5% hurricane deductible on a home with $1,000,000 Coverage A, dwelling, amount would be a $50,000 deductible.

This could be quite a shock to the home owner that has their roof torn off due to a hurricane.

Tips to survive a hurricane:

Find a secure, safe shelter. Never stay in a mobile home, trailer, high rise, or your car.
Stay away from any windows. Find an interior room in which you have access to emergency supplies.
Don’t use electronic devices.
Don’t light candles. Ensure you have several flashlights with plenty of extra batteries on hand.
Have your portable radio on so you can monitor the weather and follow any instructions of local authorities.
Don’t leave your secure area too soon. The storm may appear to have calmed but you may simply be in the eye.
Wait for the all-clear signal from local authorities.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy July 4th!

In celebration of Independence Day, Johnson & Rohan Insurance Agency will be closed on Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th.

We will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 8th.

To all our clients, vendors, family and friends: Have a safe and Happy 4th of July weekend!

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

As always, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by appointment!

Phone: 1-800-491-1414 or 1-781-224-0909
Fax: 1-781-224-0546

Johnson and Rohan Insurance
50 Salem Street
P.O. Box 52
Lynnfield, Massachusetts 01940

What does being an independent agent mean?

Johnson & Rohan Insurance Agency, Inc. is your trusted, independent insurance agency.

What does being an independent agent mean?

An independent agent plays an important role in your family financial protection plan.

Your agent will shop coverage with multiple companies to find you the best rates.

Your agent reviews coverage to ensure you understand your limits and will offer you coverage options.

Maybe, however, the most important job of the independent insurance agent is the role of advocate.

Webster Dictionary defines advocate as:

1: one that pleads the cause of another; specifically: one that pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court

2: one that defends or maintains a cause or proposal

3: one that supports or promotes the interests of another

At claim time, if you have a claim with a direct writer, you really don’t have anyone that acts as your advocate.

Your agent, Johnson & Rohan Insurance, on the other hand, is here to assist during a claim to ensure insurance companies treat you fairly.

Give Johnson & Rohan Insurance a click or a call.

We’re here for you.

Term Life Insurance Exam Tips

term life insurance exam tips

When it comes to life insurance quotes, it’s all based on how you were rated. Super-preferred? Preferred? Standard, non-standard, smoking? Declined? Term Life Exam Tips.

When applying for life insurance you want to be truthful. Then, at exam time, you want to put your best foot forward.

Following these term LIFE EXAM tips can help obtain THE BEST RATES

• Fast for four to eight hours prior to the exam and try to schedule
the exam for first thing in the morning, prior to eating
• Limit salt and high-cholesterol foods 24 hours prior to the exam
• Limit caffeine and nicotine 24 hours prior to the exam (can
increase blood pressure, cholesterol)
• Drink a glass of water one hour prior to the exam
• Get a good night of sleep prior to the exam
• Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours
prior to the exam (can increase fat in blood and liver functions)
• Smokers should not smoke 30 minutes prior to exam (tends to
constrict artery walls and elevate blood pressure)
• Avoid the use of nasal decongestants if possible for 24 hours
prior to the exam (can increase blood pressure readings)

Helpful reminders

• Be prepared with a photo ID at the time of the exam
• Provide names and dosages of current medications
• Provide any history of problems associated with providing a
blood sample
• Women should mention to the examiner if menstruating at the
time of exam (can cause blood in the urine specimen)
• Have available names, addresses and phone numbers of any
doctors or clinics visited in the last five years
• Tell the examiner if exercise is a regular activity
• Tell the examiner if vitamins or aspirin are taken on a daily basis
If you have experienced one of the following health conditions, follow these additional guidelines:

Hypertension
• Avoid stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes)
• Schedule a morning exam
• Have the examiner take blood pressure after you have had a chance to relax –
three attempts at 10 minute intervals
• Take usual medications

Diabetes
• Schedule the exam for 2½ hours after a meal (no sweets or sugars after the
meal), but if blood is being drawn, fast for eight hours prior to the exam
• Empty bladder right after meal
• Drink one to two glasses of water before the exam

Urinary Specimen Problems (albumin, red blood cells, sugar, etc.)
• Empty bladder right after meal
• Drink two to three glasses of water before the exam
• Avoid sweets or foods with sugar content before the exam
• Avoid strenuous exercise, such as running, for 24 hours prior to the exam
Coronary, EKG Problems
• Avoid stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes)

Save Money on Auto Insurance with Telematics Discount

In a world where data accumulation is king, auto insurers are keen for information on drivers and driving habits. Johnson and Rohan represents three of Massachusetts’ largest auto carriers (Safety Insurance, Travelers and Progressive) and each is offering discounts to insureds for using software that will monitor driving. To entice consumers, they offer potential discounts- anywhere from 5% and in some cases, up to 27% discounts to premiums. Typically they’ll track:

- - - - How fast you drive
        
        Braking patterns
        
        Acceleration rates
        
        Where you drive- city or suburban
        
        Miles driven per week
        
        Traffic patterns for commutes

Insurers accumulate the data using mobile apps, diagnostic plug-in devices, Bluetooth beacons or vehicle options like OnStar. Insurance companies monitor the feedback and offer discounts to safer drivers. Usually there is a base discount offered at inception and after a 30 or 60 day trial, a discount is established.

Telematics are not for everyone. The better you drive, the more you can save. However, some programs can raise your insurance premium if the driver has poor driving habits. Each company has its own tools and programs.

The perfect candidate for larger discounts are drivers that drive slowly and safely, drive fewer miles and typically drive locally, and outside of high volume traffic patterns.

Give us a call if you’d like to know more about your telematic auto insurance discount options.

Safety Insurance New 5% Telematics Discount

Safety Telematics Discount

Safety Insurance has announced their new Telematics Discount Program which will save you 5% on your auto Massachusetts auto policy.

Stepping into spring means a new chance to save with the telematics discount!

We’ve partnered with Cambridge Mobile Telematics, a world leader in telematics, to bring you the Drive with Safety Mobile App.

The Drive with Safety app is designed to understand driving habits and promote open discussions about safe driving practices within your family.

Register the whole family for the program under the Policies tab of your Personal Auto policy on your My Account to earn a 5% discount*. Download the Drive with Safety App, log in using your phone number and you’re ready to start driving!

Click the “sign up today” button and/or login to your Safety Insurance account, click on “Policies” tab then click the “Enroll!” button under the “Drive with Safety Telematics App.”

Enter the cell phone number of each driver, who will then receive a text message with an invitation to download the app, then start saving!

Massachusetts Pesky Automobile Excise Tax

Massachusetts Automobile Excise Tax

The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) sends the Town billing files periodically throughout the calendar year. However, the majority of registered vehicle excise tax bills are typically mailed out in February from a January RMV file.

Massachusetts excise tax bills are prepared by the RMV according to information on the registration. They are sent to city/town assessors who commit them to local tax collectors for distribution.

The excise tax rate is $25 per $1,000 of valuation (NADA) subject to the following percentage formula:

In the model year: 90%; second year: 60%; third year: 40%; fourth year: 25%; fifth year & beyond: 10%.

If you have turned in your plates on the vehicle you are getting excise taxed on, or if you have transferred plates and got rid of the vehicle, you may be eligible for abatement . Abatement instructions are located on your excise tax bill.

Ice Dams

Preventing Ice Dams

The formation of ice dams is a result of the interaction between heat escaping from inside a building and the cold exterior temperatures. This warm air rises to the attic, warming the roof deck and causing the snow on its surface to melt. As the melted water flows down towards the colder eaves, it refreezes, forming an ice dam that traps water behind it. This trapped water can eventually leak into the attic and interior of the building, causing costly damage.

Debunking Common Myths About Ice Dams

Myth 1: Ice Dams Only Form on Roofs with Poor Insulation

Reality: While poor insulation can contribute, ice dams may form on any roof, regardless of insulation quality. The key factor is uneven roof temperatures, which can be influenced by various factors, including the architecture of the building and external weather conditions.

Myth 2: Gutters Cause Ice Dams

Reality: Gutters do not cause ice dams. Ice dams form when snow melts on a warm roof and refreezes at the colder roof edge. However, clogged gutters can exacerbate the problem by trapping melting snow and water, providing a foundation for ice to build upon.

Myth 3: Icicles Indicate Ice Dams

Reality: While icicles may be a symptom of ice dams, they are not a definitive indicator. Icicles can form independently of ice dams in many cases. However, large icicles hanging over gutters can sometimes be a sign of underlying ice dams.

Myth 4: Chipping Away Ice Dams is a Safe Solution

Reality: Attempting to physically remove ice dams can be hazardous and may cause damage to the roof. Instead, recommending the use of calcium chloride ice melt or professional removal services is safer and more effective.

Myth 5: Ice Dams are Only a Cold Climate Problem

Reality: While more common in colder climates, ice dams can occur in any region experiencing snowfall and fluctuating temperatures. Properties in regions with less frequent snowfall may be more at risk due to a lack of preparedness and awareness.

Myth 6: A New Roof Will Prevent Ice Dams

Reality: Even new roofs can succumb to ice dams if the underlying causes are not addressed. Proper attic insulation and ventilation are helping in discouraging ice dams, not just the age or condition of the roof.

Understanding these misconceptions is the first step in effective ice dam management. By knowing what not to do, you can focus on guiding your clients toward the right preventive measures and solutions, as recommended by experts like Quaker Special Risk.

Proactive Measures to Prevent Ice Dams

1. Enhance Insulation and Ventilation

Improving attic insulation and ventilation prevents the uneven melting and refreezing of snow on the roof, which is a critical step in winter home safety. Ensure that the attic floor is air-sealed to prevent heat from escaping and that adequate insulation maintains a consistent roof temperature.

2. Regular Roof Maintenance and Inspection

Regularly inspecting and maintaining the roof can identify and rectify potential issues that might exacerbate ice dam formation. This includes clearing debris from gutters and downspouts and ensuring the roof is in good repair before winter.

3. Utilize Roofing Techniques and Materials

Consider installing snow and ice shields on the roof, especially in areas prone to heavy snowfall. These materials provide an additional layer of protection against water damage.

(Article shared by Quaker Special Risk)