Did You Know?
You Can Compare Term Life Insurance Rates At No Cost
From Top-Rated Companies In Seconds on our MassQuotes website.
Getting quotes and applying for life insurance has never been easier.
… And, maybe, never at a more important time.
Happy Halloween Safety
Halloween Safety. Even more important than the truckload of candy, we want families to stay safe on Halloween.
Here are some tips to keep kids safe:
- Avoid masks that obstruct vision, particularly the periphery. Face paint or make-up is a better option than restrictive masks.
- Use hypo-allergenic make-up. Make up runs, so bring a cloth when trick-or-treating to wipe any make-up that gets near the eye.
- Carry a flashlight at all times. Once the sun goes down, keep it on.
- Don’t use any sharp props with a costume.
- Use reflective tape. It helps others see trick-or-treaters.
- Be careful of candles used in pumpkins or other decorations.
Happy Halloween from your friends at Johnson & Rohan Insurance.
MA Inspection Sticker Exemptions?
One of clients called us wondering about his expired MA Inspection Sticker. He’s in the military, based out of state, and he was wondering if there are any exemptions.
We got in touch with the Massachusetts Vehicle Check program and they tell us:
There are no exemptions, but the vehicle owner can fill out an Out of State verification form found on our website mavehiclecheck.com under motorist resources, forms. This will notify the MA RMV that the owner is out of the state and cannot have the vehicle inspected at this time.
We’re filing this one in the: “learn something new everyday” department.
Prevent Further Property Damage
Prevent Further Property Damage
In the immediate aftermath of a property loss, you may need to take steps to reduce the possibility of further damage to your home, personal property or business.
Once you and your loved ones are safe, below are the steps we suggest you take to protect your property after a loss.
Step 1: Protect your property from any further damage
Regardless of the nature of your loss, you should cleanup and undertake any temporary repairs to prevent further damage. This may include doing things like boarding up windows, tarping your roof or cleaning up non-hazardous spills and debris. If necessary, you should consult with a professional to accomplish this. Additionally, you’ll want to assess your property for damage and save all repair expense receipts associated with the loss.
Make sure to stay clear of downed or damaged utility lines, and if you plan to use a generator, never do so in a carport or garage.
Step 2: Collect relevant information
- Make a list, take photos and/or video of damaged items (prior to clean-up, if possible).
- Save all your emergency repair/expense receipts.
Step 3: If you’re unable to stay in your house
If you are unable to stay in your home because it is unsafe to do so, make short-term living arrangements for the next couple of days. Your Claim professional will review the coverage on your policy and evaluate reimbursement of emergency expenses.
- If safe to do so, attempt to stop the source of the water leak immediately. If necessary, contact a plumber or other professional.
- If the water results from damage to your roof, contact a contractor who can provide tarping services.
Clean up any standing water or wet carpets. If necessary, contact a professional cleaning service. - It is important for your Claim professional to view what may have caused the loss or damage. If feasible, retain any pipes, hoses or parts involved with the leak. If not, take photos.
- If there’s a pipe burst due to freezing conditions or you expect cold weather, you should take steps to mitigate freeze damage. Turn off the water source to the pipe or try to increase the temperature in the room – open cupboard doors and/or turn on a space heater.
- Avoid disturbing the area where the fire started until the Claim professional has contacted you to discuss the loss.
- Do not attempt to clean soot-covered walls, floors or ceilings yourself. This is better left to a professional cleaning company.
- Do not throw away any items damaged in the fire.
- If tree debris is on your home or building or has the potential to cause more damage, contact a professional for removal and/or to place a tarp on your roof.
- Contact your local electric company if any trees are on your electrical lines.
- Stay away from any power lines, especially if they are on the ground.
- If any appliances or electronics are damaged, retain them until you speak with your Claim professional.
- Consider shutting off the power to the affected area or your house depending on the nature of the event and its severity.
- Contact your local electric company if tree debris is on your electrical lines.
- Stay away from any power lines especially if they are on the ground.
As always: call Johnson & Rohan Insurance as soon as possible. We will help setup your claim, assist and advise.
Rental Car Coverage on Vacation
Worth repeating: Do I have Rental Car Coverage on Vacation?
A long time, great client recently called our office. He travels to Europe and hoped to confirm that his Massachusetts auto insurance coverage follows him when he rents a vehicle on vacation
He was surprised when I told him: coverage only follows you in the United States, U.S. Territories, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Massachusetts auto coverage DOES NOT follow you to Bermuda, Europe, Mexico or any other fabulous, international destination. In countries outside the U.S., U.S. Territories, Puerto Rico and Canada, you definitely want to purchase liability and physical damage coverage when you rent a vehicle.
The MA Coverage that follows you (U.S., U.S. Territories, Puerto Rico, and Canada) includes: Part 5, Bodily Injury to Others; Parts 3 & 12, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage, Collision and Comprehensive Coverage (including your deductible, if at fault).
Massachusetts Auto Insurance Away at School Discount
In Massachusetts, many auto insurance companies offer an Away at School Discount.
In order to qualify, your child must be a full-time student and live away from home, over 90 miles away and not have a vehicle with them at school.
If you qualify, please call or email us the details so we can apply the additional credit.
Most auto insurers also offer a “good student “(B or better average) discount. Please give us a call or send us an email to verify you’re receiving the discounts you should be getting.
Collector Car Insurance
Do you own a vintage auto? If you own a car at least 25 years old, or that might be collectible in nature, Johnson & Rohan Insurance may be able to insure it through the specialty market- great coverage at a fraction of the price.
We have two great Collector Car Insurance markets:
Grundy invented the agreed value classic car insurance policy in 1947 and are a true leader in the market- insure your classic with “The Olde Original.”
Hagerty Insurance is another established leader in classic car insurance- between the two, let us put together a customized quote from a single car to major collection.
Disabled Veterans Tax Exemptions in Massachusetts
Did You Know? In Massachusetts disabled veterans approved for a Disabled Veteran (DV) plate by RMV Medical Affairs are exempt from paying certain RMV registration and/or driver’s license fees.
Disability Veteran plates are issued only to qualified Massachusetts resident veterans who meet the same qualifications as those applying for a disability plate. The DV plate letter (RMV35A) details your service connected disabilities. You must have a combined rating of at least 60% service connected disabilities for qualifying conditions. These are the same disabilities that would qualify you for disabled parking. These plates are issued only to qualifying persons who are the primary owner of a registered passenger vehicle.
RMV fees that are exempted include:
Registration fee
Per M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 33(29), disabled veterans do not need to pay a registration fee for one passenger vehicle or pick-up truck. It must be owned by the veteran and used for non-commercial purposes. The veteran can choose either one set of DV plates or one set of passenger plates. If the veteran chooses passenger plates with an additional special plate fee (special, vanity, or reserved plates), the special plate fee must be paid. If the veteran owns additional vehicles, registration fees must be paid for those vehicles.
Driver’s license fee
Per M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 33(29), disabled veterans do not need to pay fees for driver’s license transactions. It does not matter if the veteran has obtained DV plates, but he/she must be approved for them.
Excise tax
Per M.G.L. Chapter 60A, Section 1, disabled veterans do not need to pay excise tax for one passenger vehicle or pick-up truck. It must be owned by the veteran and used for non-commercial purposes. It does not matter if the veteran has obtained DV plates, but he/she must be approved for them. Application for the excise tax exemption must be made to the board of assessors of the city or town where the vehicle is registered. If the veteran owns additional vehicles, excise tax must be paid for those vehicles.
Sales tax
Per M.G.L. Chapter 64H, Section 6, disabled veterans do not need to pay sales tax for one passenger vehicle or pick-up truck. It must be owned by the veteran and used for non-commercial purposes. To be eligible, the veteran MUST obtain DV plates for the vehicle. If the veteran purchases additional vehicles, sales tax must be paid for those vehicles.
Report A Claim
During the months of July and August, we are open 5 days per week. Monday – Friday. 9:00 a.m – 5:00 pm. Closed on Saturdays.
To report a claim during off hours (24/7):
Vermont Mutual: 800-435-0397
Safety Insurance: 866-906-5016
Progressive: 800-776-4737
Travelers/ Standard Fire: 877-425-2466
MPIUA: 800-392-6108
Commerce/MAPFRE: 800-922-8276
Amica: 800-242-6422
Plymouth Rock/Pilgrim Insurance: 617-951-1620
Hagerty Insurance: 800-385-0274
Swyfft Insurance: 855-479-9338
Openly: 857-990-9080
From our family to your family: we hope you have great, safe 4th of July weekend!
Our office will be closed on Monday, July 4th, Independence Day.
Home Insurance Coverage Questions
Life can be messy. To help prevent some of the messiness, consider calling us to review your home insurance coverage. Home insurance coverage questions:
1. Is my home covered if we need to rebuild?
Have us complete an updated Replacement Cost Survey. Upgrades to a kitchen or bathroom, new kitchen appliances, or updates to a basement can all affect the cost to repair or rebuild your home.
2. Do I have enough coverage for my expensive items?
Your homeowner coverage includes “special limits of liability” which, for example, the most the insurance company will pay: $1,000 for loss by theft of jewelry, watches, furs, precious and semiprecious stones; $2,500 for loss by theft of silverware, silver-plated ware, goldware, etc.; $2,000 for loss by theft of firearms. If you have any special items consider scheduling the item by appraisal.
3. Do I have enough liability coverage to protect my assets?
Home and auto policies carry liability limits that help protect you from judgments against you and legal fees, up to policy limits. Do you know your policy limits? In our litigious society, you may want to have us help you review your limits. If you don’t have one already, consider purchasing additional coverage in the form of a personal liability umbrella policy. Umbrella coverage starts at $1M and “sits-over” your auto and home liability limits.
4. Do I qualify for additional discounts?
An annual insurance review is a great time to ensure you’re receiving all applicable discount. For example, have you installed a security system? If so, additional protective device discounts may be available. Are you getting the proper account discounts? What would be the savings/cost if you were to increase/lower your deductible? Give us a call so we can review.
5. Does my newly finished basement affect my coverage?
Finishing your basement increases the cost to rebuild your home, in addition you may want to make sure you’ve added an additional, optional sump pump failure/ water backup endorsement.
6. Does my policy provide enough coverage for landscaping equipment or outdoor appliances?
When you install a new sprinkler system, larger shed, new pool or hot tub, or if you’ve purchased a fancy, backyard grill or riding mower, you might want to upgrade your insurance coverage. Significant investments require a review of your Dwelling and Personal Property Coverage.
Like home maintenance, an annual insurance review is an important part of protecting your biggest investment.
7. Do I have coverage for an oil leak?
In order to qualify the “Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law” requires either a non-metallic sleeve around the pipe that feeds the burner or a safety valve to prevent leaks. Companies require “certificate of compliance” signed by oil burner technician.
8. Do I have Ordinance or Law coverage?
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. Limited coverage can be added by endorsement.
Give us a call, a click or a visit and we will be happy to review your insurance coverage with you.