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)

Winter Road Conditions

Winter Driving Tips

 

 

 

 

If you haven’t noticed, winter has arrived. It’s cold, it’s gray, it’s snowy and … it’s icy. In our office, we’ve reported dozens of slip & slide-type auto accidents.

Here are some winter, snow and ice driving tips:

Drive Slowly — Reduce your speed when driving on snow or ice.

Stay Alert — Be aware of your surroundings and stay a safe distance from other cars on the road.

Don’t Panic — If you car begins to slide, do not slam on the brakes or over-correct.

Johnson & Rohan Insurance Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – Noon (Except July & August)

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

If you’re checking in to report a claim during off hours, you can do so with many of our carriers 24 hours per day/ 7 days per week.

If possible, have your policy number ready and call or click:

Travelers: 1-800-252-4633
Safety Insurance: 800-951-2100
Vermont Mutual: 1-800-435-0397
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
Utica First Insurance: 1-800-456-2139
MAPFRE/Commerce: 1-866-351-2548
Grundy Insurance: 866-338-4006

Openly Insurance: 888-808-4842

Phone: 1-781-224-0909
Fax: 1-781-224-0546

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

Email Don Johnson, Charlie Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Don Johnson III, Larry Swasey

Auto Insurance Discount Review

Auto Insurance Discount Review

 

 

 

Do auto insurance rates got you down?

We recommend our Massachusetts Auto Insurance Discount Review!

Chances are, when you insured with Johnson & Rohan Insurance, we were able to save you money.

Most likely, we also improved your coverage.

Our job, as your Massachusetts insurance agent, is to shop your coverage with numerous companies, make coverage recommendations, and help you if you ever have a billing question or claim problem.

We re-rate renewals and suggest coverage improvements, shop for discounts, and recommend insurance programs.

Some of the traditional Massachusetts automobile insurance discounts include:

Age 65 or Older, Passive Restraint, Annual Mileage discounts, Anti-theft, Multi-Car, Driver’s Education

Additional discounts may include:

Account discounts, Excellent driver & excellent driver plus discounts (99 & 98 drivers), Pay in full discounts, Hybrid vehicle discount, Advanced driver training discount, Alumni & professional group discounts, Good student discount (“B” or better), Student away at school discounts

Call or click us for your Auto Insurance Discount Review!

Thank you for insuring with us.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

 

 

 

From our family to your family: we hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Our office will be closed on Thursday, November 23, 2023 and Friday, November 24th.

If you’re checking in to report a claim during off hours, you can do so with many of our carriers 24 hours per day/ 7 days per week.

If possible, have your policy number ready and call or click:

 

Johnson & Rohan Insurance Agency Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – Noon (Except July & August)

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

Phone: 781-224-0909
Fax: 781-224-0546

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

Email Don Johnson, Charlie Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Don Johnson III, Larry Swasey

Do I Need an Umbrella Policy? (Yes!)

What’s an umbrella policy? Personal liability umbrella policies help safeguard you against financial hardship in the event of a lawsuit.  They provide liability coverage that sits on top of your home and auto (and boat and second home if applicable).  Umbrellas are available in million dollar increments from $1,000,000 to up to $10,000,000.  Defense costs are also included – on top of the liability coverage and often the defense costs are higher than the damages awarded.  The costs are low and the coverage deep.  We believe the average family should have at least a $2,000,000 umbrella sitting over good auto and home liability limits.  Here are four situations where you should consider even higher limits:

Homeowners with pools

From 2005-2014, there were an average of 3,536 fatal, unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the United States- about ten deaths per day. About one in five people who die from drowning are children, aged 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.  More than 50% of drowning victims treated in emergency departments require hospitalization or transfer for further care.  These nonfatal drowning injuries can cause severe brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities such as memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning.

Dog owners

Dog bites are the single largest cause of liability loss to insurance companies.  Big dogs bite,  little dogs bite, and even the nicest of dogs can have a bad day – and the damage they do comes back to (ahem) bite its owners.

Parents of teenage drivers

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration reports that in 2015, 1,886 drivers aged 15-20 perished in auto accidents.  An additional 195,000 were injured in car crashes, so young drivers (ages 15-20) account for 5.4% of total drivers but for 9% of those drivers involved in fatal crashes.  An umbrella policy provides a serious layer of protection between you and all you have worked for.

Families with toys

Motorcycles, four-wheelers, snow mobiles, boats, jet skis – they sure are fun.  But accidents resulting from their use can often be extensive and end up with expensive bodily injury claims.  Again, use your umbrella to protect your home and family.

So if you’re taking the time to read this and don’t have an umbrella policy, or if you think your policy might have too low of limits, give us a call to review.  (781) 224-0909.

J&R’s Top 10 List- Best Boston Area Chicken Wing Restaurants

 

fried chicken on black plate

J&R’s Top 10 Boston Area Chicken Wings-

At my house, Fall is all about watching football and eating chicken wings. If you like wings, you’re in luck.  We put together a list of our top 10 chicken wing joints, most around Boston.  You can click the names to access their websites and get directions.

  1. MaMagoo’s– A Cambridge classic.  Try the awesome chicken fingers with the honey mustard sauce.  My favorites!
  2. Buff’s Pub– For over 80 years this Newton, old school, hole in the wall has served great wings. And they finally take credit cards!
  3. DJ’s Famous Wings– With Falmouth and Hyannis locations, the Cape’s best wings.
  4. Crave– Allston. Wings are their signature dish. That says it all.
  5. Sidelines Sports Bar– Salem (near Salem State). 18 different sauces, from Teriyaki to Diablo Buffalo.  North Shore’s best wings.
  6. Bonchon– Korean style with locations in Waltham and Boston
  7. Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant– Southie’s go to football and wings bar.
  8. The Smoke Shop– Best of Boston 4x winner for BBQ. 6 locations including a new one in E Boston.
  9. Wendell’s Pub– Norton. Two fryolators, one grill and only one cook. Classic.
  10. BT’s Smokehouse– Sturbridge. Esquire Magazine’s #1 ranked bbq in New England.  Right off the Pike!

Enjoy!

Massachusetts Insurance Rates

Massachusetts Insurance Rates

 

 

We’re all facing rising Massachusetts insurance rates. Johnson & Rohan Insurance quotes auto insurance with 8 carriers and even more home insurance companies.

Unfortunately, we are in a hardening insurance market. It seems that every company is increasing coverage and premiums.

Replacement cost (pure construction cost) on homes has never been higher due to the cost of building materials and the cost of labor.

The cost to repair vehicles or replace a windshield has never been higher.  Windshields with automatic traffic controls- braking and lane control cost even more because they have to be “tuned” after installation.

In order to save money you might want to consider increasing your deductibles from $500 to $1,000 or $2,500 or $5,000.

Double check the discounts you’re getting. Are you receiving a support or “bundled” policy discount? If you have your auto and home insurance with the same company, you should receive a large “account/bundle” discount. Do you have a central station fire and burglar alarm system? Make sure the system is reflected on your home insurance policy.

Review the endorsements you have on your policy. Most likely you carry “replacement cost protection on personal property.” This is a nice endorsement which eliminates depreciation on your personal property at claim time. Sometimes referred to as “a hidden deductible” if you don’t carry the endorsement. If you removed the endorsement you may save $200 – $300 on a standard home policy.

Do you have kids on your auto insurance policy? If so, you know how expensive they are. Review your auto insurance discounts to make certain they’re receiving a “good student” discount (B or better average). If they go away to school (over 100 miles from home) and don’t have a car with them, they qualify for an “away at school” discount. Review your auto’s annual mileage. If you average less than 7,500 miles a year, most companies offer a mileage discount on your auto insurance.

With rising Massachusetts insurance rates, give us a call, or send us an email, to discuss and review your insurance renewals.

Off Hours Claim Reporting

Johnson & Rohan Insurance recommends you call us when you have a claim. We will then report the claim to your insurance company and have them contact you. In addition we’ll advise, advocate and forward claim number and handler information.

Claims, of course, don’t always happen during office hours and if you find yourself in need of reporting a claim, following please find off-hours claim reporting numbers:

If possible, you will want to have your policy number ready and call or click:

 

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – Noon (Except July & August)

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

Phone: 781-224-0909
Fax: 781-224-0546

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

Email Don Johnson, Charlie Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Don Johnson III, Larry Swasey

Johnson & Rohan