Thursday, September 30, 2010
It's Official: Texting while Driving is Illegal in MA
Gov. Deval Patrick signed the bill into law earlier this year and said it should help make roads in the state safer. "Driving while texting or using a cell phone carelessly is seriously unsafe," Patrick said in a statement. "This law means police are going to take it seriously." Last year, almost 6,000 people were killed in crashes on U.S. roadways that were reported to have involved distracted driving. In Massachusetts, there were 400 crashes in 2008 where cell phones were reported to be a contributing factor, according to the state.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles and the AAA are working to warn drivers about the texting ban. The RMV has advised drivers about the new law through eight large digital billboards on highways across the state and has posted similar information on electronic road signs. Posters are also being put up at RMV branches and MBTA stations. AAA has produced two public service announcements and is sending e-mails about the new law to its more than 2 million members in Massachusetts. "Texting is the great triple threat, the most dangerous of distractions," said Mark Shaw, AAA Southern New England President and CEO. "It takes our eyes off the road, our hands off the wheel and our mental focus off our driving."
For more on the WCVB article and information about the new law, visit their website.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Study: Texting ban may cause more crashes
Although states are putting a ban on texting while driving, a new study came out today that claims the laws may not be doing much. According to an ABCNews report, texting while driving may be very dangerous, but state laws banning the activity are not reducing the number of auto crashes. Researchers at the Highway Loss Data Institute reported today they found no reduction in car collisions after texting-while-driving laws took effect. The researchers calculated rates of collision claims for vehicles in California, Louisiana, Minnesota and Washington, immediately before and immediately after those states banned texting while driving. Not only did the researchers find that crashes did not decrease after texting bans, they found that in three states, crashes actually increased slightly.
For more information regarding the changes in the law, log onto the MassDOT website.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Registry Changes for September
Three Surchargeable Events Suspension:
Effective September 30, 2010, three surchargeable events in a two-year period may cause a license suspension. A surchargeable event is a motor vehicle violation or an at-fault accident. If you get a third surchargeable event, you must complete a Driver Retraining Course within 90 days of the date of the notification you receive from the RMV. If you do not, your license will be suspended. You must complete the course each time you get a third surchargeable event within two years. It does not matter if you have already taken the course. See the Surchargeable Events section on page 46 of the Driver’s Manual for more information.
Required In-Person Renewals for Operators Over 75:
Effective September 30, 2010, operators 75 years of age or older can only renew a driver’s license at an RMV branch. The operator must either pass a vision test or present a completed Vision Screening Certificate.
Duplicate Title Online:
Effective September 22, 2010, a request for Duplicate Title online transaction will be available in the RMV’s Online Branch section of the Internet. Vehicle owners will now be able to request a duplicate title online. The request will be processed in Real Time, which means that it will be processed immediately in ALARS. To request a duplicate title, the owner must provide the following information: Valid e-mail address, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Title Number, Owner’s Driver’s License Number or FID/EIN Number and valid payment information.
For more information, visit the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle website.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Divorce Insurance: Get Unhitched, Get a Payout
The idea bubbled up from the bottom of a financial pit. After John Logan watched his wealth follow his marriage down the drain, the Kernersville, N.C., entrepreneur figured there must be a market for those who want to hedge their marital bets. He won't reveal how many policies he's sold since the Aug. 5 launch of WedLockDivorceInsurance.com. But he's surprised at how much insurance his customers are buying: some of the premiums are more than $1,000 a month.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Social Networking to Increase Insurance?
The criminals used Facebook to monitor when web users 'checked in' to places on the social network, highlighting the fact they were away from home, and then targeted the empty properties. Confused.com also urged web users not to post home addresses or personal information on social networks, as well as turning-off location-based services and only 'following' or connecting with people you know.
Glitch Delays RMV Branch Openings
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
New MA Safe Driving Law
These new violations include:
1. Use of a Mobile Phone by a Junior Operator
Civil Offense- No insurance surcharge (Reporting an emergency is the only exception. Drivers are encouraged to pull over and stop the vehicle to report the emergency.)
1st offense-$100 assessment 60-day license suspension and attitudinal course
2nd offense-$250 assessment 180-day suspension
3rd or subsequent offense-$500 assessment 1-year suspension
$100 reinstatement fee for any suspension
Knowledge and road test required for reinstatement
2. Use of a Mobile Phone by a Public Transport Motor Vehicle Operator Civil Offense- No insurance surcharge-$500 assessment each offense
3. Use of a Mobile Phone by a Public Transport Non-Motor Vehicle Operator Civil Offense- No insurance surcharge (MBTA Trolley), $500 assessment each violation
4. Improper Use of a Mobile Phone by Operators 18 and Over Civil Offense- No insurance surcharge (One hand must be on the steering wheel at all times and no use of device can interfere with driving)
1st offense-$35 assessment
2nd offense in 12 months-$75 assessment
3rd offense in 12 months-$150 assessment
5. Sending/Reading Text Messages Civil Offense- No insurance surcharge
(Operators cannot use any mobile electronic device to write, send, or read an electronic message including text messages, emails, instant messages or accessing the internet while operating a vehicle. Mobile electronic device includes mobile telephone, text messaging device, paging device, PDA, laptop computer, electronic equipment capable of playing video games or video disks or can take/transmit digital photographs or can receive a television broadcast. Mobile Device does not include any equipment permanently or temporarily installed to provide navigation, emergency assistance or rear seat video entertainment. Law applies even if the vehicle is stopped in traffic.)
1st offense-$100 assessment
2nd offense-$250 assessment
3rd or subsequent offense-$500 assessment
6. Negligent Operation & Injury from Mobile Phone Use Criminal Offense- Insurance surcharge
JOL Suspensions:
1st offense-180-day suspension
2nd or subsequent offense within 3 years-1 year suspension
$100 reinstatement fee
Over-18 suspensions:
1st offense-60-day suspension
2nd or subsequent offense within 3 years-1 year suspension
$100 reinstatement fee
Additional Suspensions
The law repeals the current suspension for 5-surchargeable incidents in a 3-year period and replaces it with a new suspension for 3 surchargeable incidents in 2 years. Only violations with an incident date on or after 9/30/2010 can be factored into the new suspension calculation. However, older violations will still be considered a basis for operators that accrue 7 surchargeable incidents. Similar to the current suspension process for 5 surchargeable incidents, operators will have 90 days from the suspension notice to complete a National Safety Council course to avoid going into suspension.
EXAMPLE: An operator receives a citation on October 1, 2010 and is cited for 3 offenses on the ticket: speeding, failure to yield, and a marked lane violation. Under the new law, this driver will receive a notice that they must complete the NSC course in 90 days or have his/her license suspended until completion of the class.
Elder Driving Provisions:
License applicants, either for initial licensure in Massachusetts or license renewal, age 75 and older must conduct the transaction in a RMV office. Use of the Internet for license renewals will no longer be allowed for these applicants. All applicants, regardless of age, that obtain or renew a license in a branch office are required to undergo the RMV vision test that is given to all drivers or provide a vision screening certificate from an appropriate health care provider to complete the transaction.
For more information regarding the Safe Driving Law, please visit the MassDOT website.
MassDOT Registry Website
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Hurricane Myths That Aren't Mythical
With Hurricane Earl suspected to touch down in New England Friday, WCVB TV has posted some helpful links for learning more about what to do in case a hurricane hits us. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shares these five myths about hurricane’s that people need to know aren’t mythical.
1. The area is under evacuation order but the weather looks great right now, so people should wait until the weather gets bad before they evacuate.
This can be one of the most dangerous decisions you can make. Evacuation orders are based on the best available information and are issued early enough to provide people with time to get to shelter. Waiting until the last minute can leave you with no escape if the storm does not behave according to forecast.
2. Only coastal areas are at risk from hurricanes.
A hurricane is not just a coastal event. The strong winds, heavy rains, tornadoes and inland flooding from weakening tropical systems can spread well inland and cause tremendous damage. For example, in 2001, heavy rainfall produced by Tropical Storm Allison caused catastrophic floods in Houston, Texas. FEMA estimated that the damages in the Houston area reached approximately $4.8 billion.
3. Winds from a hurricane can not be that much worse than winds from a summer thunderstorm.
While summer thunderstorms can produce wind gusts of more 60 miles per hour, the winds of a major hurricane can reach more than twice that speed and will be sustained for hours, much longer than a thunderstorm. Each time wind speed is doubled, the wind force increases by a factor of four. Also, minimum hurricane strength winds of 74 mph can drive a piece of 2x4 lumber through a reinforced concrete wall four inches thick.
4. The storm surge is only going to be 15 to 20 feet at worst. My condo is on the upper floor. I’m riding out the storm there.
Vertical evacuation, or escaping the rising storm surge by going to the upper stories of a building, is not always a good idea. Wind speeds increase the higher you get, so you are evacuating into a more dangerous place. Also, the high winds and water make getting help to you harder once the storm is over.
5. Why prepare for a big hurricane? When it comes, my house will be destroyed anyways.
While a hurricane’s winds can destroy even the most solidly built structures, taking some basic precautions can significantly reduce damage from a storm. Shuttering windows, bracing garage and entry doors and bringing in yard items can be the difference between destruction and minor damage.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Learn the Basics for Preparing for a Storm
- If you live in a mobile home, check the tie-downs and leave immediately.
- Prepare for high winds by anchoring securely or bringing indoors anything that might blow away or be torn loose: Garbage cans, garden tools, signs, lawn furniture, awnings and toys. Loose objects can be deadly in hurricane winds.
- Board-up or shutter large windows. When you board-up, use good lumber securely fastened. Makeshift boarding may do more damage than good. Have strong bracing for outside doors.
- Boats on trailers: Fill with water, secure to trailer and use tiedowns to anchor trailer to ground or house.
- Get away from low-lying beaches or other locations which may be swept by high tides or storm waves. If passage to high ground is over a road likely to be under water, leave early. Don't run the risk of being marooned. On the coast, damage is from water, lots of it, and storm conditions may continue for many hours.
- Add extra chlorine to swimming pool to prevent contamination, and lower the pool's water level to allow for increased rainfall.
For more helpful information about hurricanes and preparing for them, visit WCVB TV website. (Above information provided by WCVB TV)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
10 Ways to Save on Your Homeowners Insurance
As it sounds, it is best to look at several different insurance companies to find competitive prices. A good way to do this is to find an insurance agent to do the shopping for you.
2. Senior Discounts
If you are 55 or older and retired you may find certain insurance companies willing to discount you. Seniors tend to spend more time at home allowing for more time for maintenance and the ability to spot any fires sooner than a working individual. A senior discount can be as much as 10 percent.
3. Stop Smoking
Believe it or not, smoking mishaps account for almost 23,000 residential fires annually. Some insurance companies offer lower premiums if your home is smoke free.
4. Combine Your Home and Auto Policies
By buying both policies from the same insurance company, you may be able to get a multi-line discount. This is one of the more substantial discounts you can get for your insurance.
5. Improve Your Home’s Security
By adding such improvements to your home as a deadbolt lock, a burglar alarm, or smoke detectors, you can receive from some insurance companies up to $5.00 an improvement. Some companies even offer up to 15 to 20 percent for an added home security system.
6. Group Coverage
Larger employers and business associations often work out discounted prices and deals with the insurance companies for their employees and members. Check with your employer or association to see if they qualify.
7. Maintain Your Credit
Some insurance companies, in states it is permitted, check a person’s credit history to assess the “risk” and adjust the premium prices accordingly. Keep your credit in good condition and this may help you.
8. Check Your Coverage Every Year
Before renewing a policy, it is good to check your coverage against your current assets. For example, if you recently sold a valuable item you would want that to be reflected in the amount of property coverage you have. Also, if you were to put in an addition, you may wish to up your dwelling coverage.
9. Consider Insurance When Purchasing a Home
When you are thinking of buying a home, consider your insurance. For instance, if you buy an older home the heating, electric, etc are probably more outdated and therefore the insurance would be more. A newer home has new systems and therefore, would allow for a lower premium. Also, if you are thinking of building or buying a home, think of the area in which you wish to live. If you are on the Atlantic coast for example, you would want to think of the other insurance costs you would have, i.e. wind damage. The Pacific coast you would need to worry about the extra cost of earthquake insurance as these calamities are not covered under most home insurance policies.
10. Skip Insuring Your Land; Insure Only Your Home
Your home is at risk of various disasters such as fire, theft, etc. but the land it’s on is not at such risk. Do not include the value of the land your house sits on when determining coverages and this will help you save.
Be sure to check with your current or soon to be insurance company to see if they offer the discounts you are looking to receive. Visit http://www.candsins.com/ today!
Buying or Leasing a New Car
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
We want YOU to win Red Sox Tickets!
For more information, visit our website.
It's almost impossible to live without health insurance these days
Health insurance policies most often provide coverage for:
•Doctors visits
•Prescriptions
•Medical Testing
•Specialized care
•Surgical procedures
Although every health insurance policy is different, typically you can work with your insurance agent to create a policy that best suits your lifestyle and needs. It is important to consider your financial situation AND the health of you and your family members when creating a health insurance policy. Most insurance agents can offer you two types of health care coverage:
Indemnity Plans (or Fee-for services plans)
•Cafeteria/Flexible Spending Plans
•Indemnity Health Plans
•Basic & Essential Health Plans
•High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP)
•Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Managed Care Plans
•Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
•Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
Your insurance agent may also provide Medicare supplements, long term care, income protection, etc. Contact Cavallo and Signoriello Insurance today for a free health insurance quote and more information on all of the policy options we offer.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Restaurant Coverage
At Cavallo and Signoriello Insurance we offer general and specialized restaurant liability insurance that can address your unique risk exposure, including:
•General Liability Coverage
•Liquor Liability Coverage
•Workers Compensation Insurance
•Food Contamination Insurance
Contact us to learn more about our restaurant insurance coverage today!
Are you a landscaper in need of insurance?
At Cavallo and Signoriello Insurance, we can tailor a landscaper’s insurance policy to protect you and your crew from:
•General liability issues
•Commercial liability issues
•Vehicle and equipment malfunction or damage
Contact us today to learn how our landscapers insurance can give you the protection you need, at a price you can afford.
Massachusetts Most Common Claims
1. Water Damage
2. Wind Damage
3. Physical Damage
4. Theft/Burglary
5. Freezing Water (including bursting pipes)
Water Damage
Wind Damage
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Are you a Business Owner?
Many insurance agencies can offer the following business insurance coverage:
•Business Owners Policies
•Worker’s Compensation
•General Liability
•Errors & Omissions
•Commercial Auto
•Commercial Property
•Group Benefits
•Professional Liability
•And much more…
A business is a huge investment; do not leave it to chance by having inadequate insurance coverage. Cavallo and Signoriello Insurance is a business too, so we understand the importance of comprehensive coverage. We offer many options for business insurance, no matter how big or small your business may be. Contact us today and fill out our free business insurance quote form!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Helpful Auto Accident Tips
1. Turn on your hazard lights and move your vehicle if possible. This can prevent a second collision.
2. Do not discuss who was at fault. Let your insurance company battle it out.
3. Call the police. If somebody is injured, call 911 immediately.
4. Exchange information. This includes name, address, number, insurance info, and vehicle info. Obtain info from witnesses as well.
5. Talk to the police. Write down his/her name and department. Ask for the incident number.
6. Take photos of the car and surrounding area. If you do not have a camera, write down the names of streets and possibly draw a quick diagram.
7. Call your insurance company. The sooner the better! Most companies offer tow services as well.
We hope that you never get into an accident, but if you do, remember these tips!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Number one agency in Southeastern Massachusetts!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Texting Ban & Vision Tests Coming Soon to MA
The bill still needs to be approved by both the House and Senate before being sent to the governor for final approval. The measure was backed today by a joint transportation committee. The legislation comes after months of wrangling and after the deaths of two people when elderly drivers were behind the wheel.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
New Homeowner Oil System Upgrade
This law has two major provisions that require:
•the installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective sleeve on systems that do not currently have these devices
•insurance companies that write homeowner policies to offer coverage for leaks from heating systems that use oil.
Most homeowner policies do not currently include such coverage, leaving many to pay for costly cleanups out of their own pocket. Although it is mandatory that insurance companies offer this coverage, the insurance is an optional purchase for homeowners. The effective date for both provisions is July 1, 2010. However, to be eligible for the new insurance coverage, homeowners must ensure that their oil heating systems are in compliance with the new law.
Homeowners who have been certified to be in compliance with (or exempt from) the leak prevention measures qualify to purchase insurance that:
•provides "first party coverage" of at least $50,000 for the cost of cleaning up a leak to soil, indoor air, or other environmental media from a home heating system at the residence itself and reimbursement for personal property damage
•provides "third party coverage" of at least $200,000 for the cost of dealing with conditions on and off the insured's property because the leak from this system has or is likely to impact groundwater or someone else's property. The coverage also includes costs incurred for legal defense, subject to a deductible not to exceed $1,000 per claim.
Happy Summer!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Thank YOU for voting!
Road Test Scheduling Now Online
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Spring Time Surprise for Teen Drivers
Take the Pledge
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Summer Safety Tips
Whether you're installing, remodeling or opening your pool for the summer, follow the easy pool safety tips below:
1) Never leave a child alone in and around a swimming pool or spa
2) Flotation devices do not replace supervision
3) Remove large flotation toys after use to have a clear view of the pool
4) Do not allow diving into the pool
5) Always keep a home or cell phone near the pool
6) Remove the pool cover completely before using the pool
7) Keep deck or terrace area free of clutter (i.e pool toys, towels and floats)
8) Use multiple layers of security (i.e fences, nets and alarms)
9) Learn how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
10) Teach all children to swim as soon as possible
To download your free Pool Safety Tip sheet to keep by your pool, visit the Pool Safety Organization website!
If you're unsure of the coverage you have with your homeowners policy, or would like to get a free quote, call a C & S agent today at 888-245-1618.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
College Grads: Will you be needing health insurance after graduation?
1. Know your rights
While many states kick you off your parents' policy after you graduate from college, other states require your parents' insurance to stick with you, sometimes until you're 26.
2. Consider COBRA
If your insurance company boots you from your parents' policy, you can pay to stay on under the COBRA laws. Because only you are going on COBRA, not your parents, it may not be as expensive as you think. It's worth checking it out.
3. Be wary of short-term policies
If you think you might land a job soon, it might be tempting to buy a short-term policy. But before you sign on the dotted line, Karen Pollitz, project director of Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute, says to read the fine print. Some short-term policies can kick you off at the beginning of each month if you've become an expensive person to insure, she says. "If you expect to start a new job in two months, but you get hit by a car in two weeks, your month-to-month policy will end mid-treatment and you'll be stuck with the remaining bills," she warns.
4. Shop around for a policy
Prices vary widely by location. We asked the folks at ehealthinsurance.com to price out some policies for us. For example, a healthy 24-year-old in Dallas, Texas, can get a policy for $117 a month, or in Chicago, Illinois, for $136 per month, or Miami, Florida, for $208 a month. All these policies have a $1,000 deductible, which means the insurance doesn't start paying until you pay $1,000 out of your own pocket.
5. Consider graduate school
Susan Vance, who teaches a class on financial responsibility to students at St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, says you might want to consider graduate school, since policies generally will cover dependents as long as they're students. "I actually know someone who really didn't want to go to school but did so primarily for the insurance coverage," she says. "I think most college kids take it for granted," she says. "We expect to have it. But it goes away at graduation."
Life Insurance? Tell me more!
Answer: In 1759, the first life insurance policy was issued in the United States of America.
The company that issued this policy was the "Corporation for the Relief of Poor and Distressed Presbyterian Ministers and of the Poor and Distressed Widows and Children Presbyterian Ministers". In 1856 the name was changed to The Presbyterian Annuity Company, later to be changed in 1888 to The Presbyterian Ministers Fund. Fore more information, check out this article!
You may be asking yourself, when is the best time to buy life insurance? Well, the best time to buy life insurance is right now! But, do you know what life insurance policy is right for you? At C & S, we can help you! Our dedicated team of life insurance professionals understand Massachusetts's market and regulations, so they will be able to find the right plan, or mixture of plans, for your specific needs. With so many options many people find themselves overwhelmed when they receive life insurance quotes. For example, most people choosing term life, they have a strategy for long term net worth. They need specific coverage for a period of their lives to protect from debt, loved ones and children. While, whole life insurance can be used in the retirement year as cash assets and it can provide equity for loans and have fixed payments that do not increase with time. To help figure out what life insurance policy is right for you, let one of our life insurance professionals put together the right quote for you! Visit our website or call C & S Insurance Agency today at 888-245-2618!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Barbeque Safety Tips
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Want Red Sox tickets?
Take Pictures of Your Home!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Renters Insurance-Why bother?
DO NOT make the mistake of assuming your landlords homeowners insurance will cover you and your assets. A landlord's policy covers only the physical structure of the rental property, not your belongings. If the person owning the building has renters insurance, they will be protected from costs to them should something happen to the building, but they are not responsible for covering your belongings.
By purchasing renter's insurance, it ensures that your property is protected. Don't make the mistake of thinking you are invincible; you DO need insurance for your belongings, even if you live in a rental property.
Contact C & S Insurance today for more information & to fill out our free renters insurance quote form!
Have a business?
Are you Covered? 2010 Top Ten Most Stolen Cars
2010's Top 10 Most Stolen Cars:
10. 2002 Ford Explorer
9. 1999 Ford Taurus
8. 1994 Acura Integra
7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
2. 1995 Honda Civic
1. 1994 Honda Accord
Avoid car theft with these easy tips!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Planning a summer vacation?
Your new RV comes with a responsibility to protect and secure it from the dangers of America's roadways. RV insurance coverage with Cavallo and Signoriello will protect your traveling companions and assets while you're on the road. So, whether you're climbing the rockies, hiking through the hot desert of the southwest or heading east to the Nation's Capital, an RV can get you there and with coverage from C & S, it will be a worry free! For more information, visit the C & S website!
Insurance agent? Looking for a job?
Peace of Mind on the Water
At C & S Insurance, we make sure that you enjoy your time on the water without having to worry about what could go wrong. Our agency specializes in writing insurance policies for boaters, so you can be certain we will provide you with the best protection available. We understand the differences between power boaters, sailors, and commercial fishermen. We can tailor an insurance policy to your unique needs! Our watercraft insurance plans can provide you with coverage against many different types of loss. For more information about watercraft insurance or other personal insurance policies, call 888-245-2618 to speak with an agent now, or head over to the C & S website!
Happy Sailing!