The Dowd Agencies

Archive for the ‘Auto’ Category

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance has built an information portal for consumers.  Consumers can compare sample premiums for new private passenger automobiles policies sold in Massachusetts.

Bear in mind: The rates are only sample premiums and do not reflect discounts, including renewal discounts, that could apply to you. 

Contact Dowd to see what discounts/credits you may be eligible for.

According to NBC News, about 340 children have died from being left unattended in a vehicle in the last 10 years. Such tragedy does not have to happen; it can be avoided. Here are some suggestions you might want to incorporate into your daily routine if you have small children in your car.

- Put something you’ll need like your cell phone, handbag, lunch, or briefcase on the floor in the back seat.

- Get into the habit of always opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach your destination.

- Ask your child’s day care provider to phone you if your child doesn’t show up when expected. Many children’s lives could have been saved by a telephone call. Give childcare providers all phone numbers, including those of family members or friends.

- If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.

- Keep a large teddy bear in the child’s car seat when it’s not occupied.

When the child is placed in the seat, put the teddy bear in the front passenger seat.

Remember that driving a car is the single most dangerous thing we do each day. Always be sure to use an age-appropriate car seat when you have a small child in the car.

And, although flying on a scheduled airliner is certainly safer than riding in a car, don’t forget the car seat if you are flying with your little one.

One of the most important insurance policies you can buy is the personal umbrella policy, but many people are unaware they need one. This policy provides high limits of liability to protect you against a catastrophic liability loss. For example, a major car accident may injure numerous people or cause head injuries or death that will result in liability far in excess of the limits typically purchased in a personal auto policy. An umbrella policy sits on top of the auto and homeowners policies to provide higher limits of protection. In addition to providing higher limits, this policy normally pays for some losses not covered by the underlying policy, such as legitimate allegations concerning libel or slander.

Personal umbrella policies are growing in popularity. In the past, only wealthy individuals and families purchased this coverage. Today, middle-income families also may procure this policy for protection in our society’s increasingly litigious climate. As the tendency to sue for damages rises and awards granted by the courts grow, the personal umbrella policy is increasingly seen as an insurance necessity rather than a luxury. It is especially attractive because of its relatively low cost.

In particular, you should consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy if you have certain characteristics or engage in certain activities, including the following.

* Your total assets are greater than your underlying liability limits.
* You are financially responsible for the actions of a young, inexperienced driver.
* You live in an exclusive and affluent neighborhood.
* You have a high profile career or high income.
* You frequently host guests on your property.
* Your residence includes a swimming pool.
* You own waterfront property, a farm, or a ranch.
* You own watercraft, aircraft, or off-road vehicles.
* You own numerous rental properties.
* You engage in extensive international travel for pleasure.

Have you ever wondered what it would cost you if you were stopped for drunk driving?  There are many expenses, some that you might not have considered.  A copy of a brochure that has been developed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts itemizes the cost associated with a DWI offense.  For the sobering facts click here. 

Melanie’s Bill was signed into effect on October 28, 2005. It significantly increases penalities for impaired driving offenses in Massachusetts, especially those involving repeat drunk drivers.

The Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agents Association has launched a new web site to help consumers understand the new changes in Mass. Auto Insurance.  You can get answers to the most frequently asked questions, review a chart of what the most popular companies are planning to offer on April 1st and find out how the Independent Insurance Agents  person to person service makes all the difference.  Click here to access this helpfull, informative site.

Dowd Insurance is excited about the upcoming changes in auto insurance, and we are ready for it.

Over the next few months, you will be hearing about the new competitive auto insurance market in Massachusetts.  We represent the top auto insurance carriers in the state, and we will be working with them to offer a variety of coverages and discounts along with highly competitive rates.  Dowd is monitoring these changes closely, and will keep you informed. 

Dowd Insurance has a knowledgeable, friendly staff who will work with you and your family to ensure you have the proper coverage at the best value. We appreciate your business with the Dowd Insurance Agencies, and we look forward to meeting your needs now and in the future.

Questions, questions, we all have questions on the competitive auto coming April 1, 2008.

We, at Dowd, want you to know we are excited about the upcoming changes in 2008 Massachusetts Auto.   We don’t have all the answers right now, but we are working hard and will be ready when that time comes.

As an Independent Agent representing a variety of strong auto carriers we can help you select the best coverage at the best price, especially if we write both your home and auto.

For information on what our carriers have filed for auto rates with the Division of Insurance please click here. 

The information we are using has been compiled and supplied by our Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents.