Will Managed Auto Competition make may Rate go down?
I have been involved in a crash. What must I do at the accident scene?
When should I fill out a crash report and how much time do I have to complete one?
How do I get a copy of my accident report?
My car was totaled during an accident and my insurance policy did not pay what I think my car was worth. Why?
What documents do I need to register my new vehicle and what are the associated costs?
I am renting a car, does my insurance cover it?
Do I have to add my son/daughter to my policy when they get their permit?
I have a vehicle that I use strictly for business. Do I need a separate policy? Will Managed Auto Competition make my Rate go down?
Competition is designed to encourage insurance companies to offer their lowest possible premium to each driver. Although the majority of Massachusetts policyholders will probably benefit from reduced rates under the new system, the amount that you pay will depend on your individual risk factors, such as your driving record, the territory in which you live, and other rating factors approved by the Commissioner. However, maintaining a clean driving record should decrease your rates. Learn more I have been involved in a crash. What must I do at the accident scene? - When an accident occurs, you must first stop your car, no matter how small or minor the collision may seem. If you fail to stop, you may open yourself up to criminal prosecution, even though the accident may not be your fault.
- If any one has been hurt, immediately seek medical attention by calling 911 to request an ambulance. If there aren’t any injuries, 911 should still be dialed to request police assistance, as police officers are trained to handle situations that may arise after a crash has occurred.
After the above actions have been taken, now would be the time to exchange information. As the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident, you are legally responsible to provide all drivers involved, any injured persons, owners of damaged property and the police the following information: - Your Name
- Your Address.
- Your Driver’s License Number.
- Your Motor Vehicle’s Registration Number.
- Your Insurance Information.
- The Name and Address of each person in your car.
Don’t forget that you will also want to obtain the same details about the other drivers as well, as recording this information will help create a complete and accurate accident file. It is also beneficial to write down the names of any witnesses who observed the crash. If nothing else, try to write down the license plate numbers of the other vehicles involved. Having this information will aid our customer service representatives in finding the necessary data needed to file a claim. (Please note that if you alone cause damage to a parked vehicle or other property, it is your responsibility to locate the owner of such property and notify them of what happened.) Once all information has been exchanged, you can now contact your insurance agent/company to file a claim. Also, if an accident report is required, you may now begin the process of completing this document, which must be submitted to the police department (in the town where the crash occurred), your insurance carrier and the Registry of Motor Vehicles within 5 days of the occurrence.
back to top When should I fill out a crash report and how much time do I have to complete one?
According to the registry, if damage to any one vehicle or property is over $1,000, or if anyone has injuries or possible injuries, a crash report should be completed and filed within 5 days of the accident. However, it is always a good idea to call the police, whether there is injury or not. An important rule of thumb is when in doubt, fill one out.
It should be noted you do not need to fill out a crash report if an accident occurs off road, which would include parking lots, driveways, private ways, etc.
back to top How do I get a copy of my accident report?
There are three ways to obtain this document:
Place a call or stop-in at the local police department where the accident happened. Ask the on duty police officer if your report is available. If it is, inquire what the fee would be to obtain copy. - Request it from the RMV by completing a form called “Request for Copy of Accident Report”.
- Request it from your insurance company.
back to top My car was totaled during an accident and my insurance policy did not pay what I think the car was worth. Why?
Most auto insurance policies pay the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle destroyed in the accident. Actual Cash Value is the market value of the vehicle immediately before the collision occurred. Insurers are required to use a fair and reasonable method to determine the ACV of covered autos. If you car has been totaled, and you are concerned with the ACV amount as determined by the carrier, you may negotiate for a higher settlement by establishing why you believe your vehicle had more value. In the event an agreement cannot be reached, other policy provisions can be utilized to help facilitate a fair and proper settlement.
back to top What documents do I need to register my new vehicle and what are the associated costs?
In Massachusetts, the following items are required to register a vehicle: - An active insurance policy.
- A completed RMV-1 application which must be stamped and signed by an insurance agent.
In addition to the above items, you must submit one of the following documents: - A Certificate of Origin (new vehicles only), or
- The previous owner’s title, if a titled vehicle (model year 1980 and newer), or
- The bill of sale and proof of last Registration, if a non-titled vehicle.
Note: If using the Certificate of Origin or the previous owner’s title, be sure to complete the backs of these documents by listing: 1) the date sold, 2) the odometer reading 3) the purchase price. The dealer or the previous owner(s) and you must sign the back of these forms as well. The associated costs are as follows: - 5% Sales Tax will be collected based on the purchase price of the sale.
- If transferring a registration: A $15 transfer fee and a $50 title fee will also be charged. (A grace period of seven (7) calendar days is allowed to transfer your registration from your previous vehicle to your newly acquired vehicle.
After all proper documentation and fees are submitted to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, you will receive a registration certificate, new plates and a year of expiration decal sticker for your rear plate. The title will be processed and mailed in approximately six (6) to eight (8) weeks. If you have a loan on the vehicle, the title will be sent directly to the leinholder. You must also obtain a vehicle inspection sticker within seven (7) days of the registration date. Halstead Insurance is here to ensure your registry process is quick and stress free as possible. Our team of customer service representatives communicates with and entrusts a highly experienced registry “runner ” who visit’s the registry on a daily basis, thus eliminating the need for you to visit the registry yourself.
back to top I am renting a car, does my insurance cover it?
Your personal auto insurance will cover you to the extent the policy terms and conditions will allow. Collision coverage will provide reimbursement on an Actual Cash Value basis, however certain car rental companies may stipulate Replacement Cost, so always read the agreement to be sure what is required. In the case of commercial auto, it is suggested a vehicle should be rented through the use of a corporate credit card.
back to top Do I have to add my son/daughter to my policy when they get their permit?
The driver does not have to be added until the first day they are licensed.
back to top I have a vehicle that I use strictly for business. Do I need a separate policy?
Yes, whether you have just one vehicle or a fleet of many vehicles operating for business use, you will need a business automobile policy. Such a policy can cover any motor vehicle used in your business including cars, vans, trucks, and trailers, and it will protect your company in the event you or your employees cause damage or bodily injury to others. If elected, it will also provide coverage for damage to your vehicles. Businesses owning a fleet of vehicles, such as a trucking company, will have different coverage needs than a smaller company owning just a few automobiles, so insurance contracts can be attuned to account for such differences.
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