Frequently Asked Questions
If I fail to list an operator or list the correct place of garaging can my Insurance Company deny a claim?
If you or someone on your behalf gives false, deceptive or misleading information and such information increases the Insurance Companies risk of loss, then yes, they may refuse to pay claims on all of the optional insurance coverage on the policy.
Am I covered by my auto policy if I rent a car?
If you are a named insured on a Massachusetts auto policy, then the coverage you purchase for the vehicle travels with you when you rent or borrow a car in the USA, its territories, possessions and Canada. Therefore, if you have collision and/or comprehensive coverage on your Massachusetts auto policy, it follows you. Note that any "loss of income" charge that a rental contract may make you responsible for is not covered. There is no coverage for a rental or borrowed truck, nor is there coverage provided for family, friends or significant others.
Will my Insurance Company pay for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts?
If the repair of the damaged part impairs the operational safety of the auto, they will. For non safety parts, unless your claim occurs during the first 15,000 miles, you are not entitled to OEM parts. State regulations allow for used, reconditioned or aftermarket parts.
Do I need commercial plates if I have lettering on my vehicle?
Yes, in Massachusetts the State requires a vehicle to have commercial plates if there is magnetic or permanent lettering on the vehicle.
My auto was declared a total loss following an accident. Is my Company required to give me the replacement cost?
Your insurance Company will only pay you the actual cash value of the auto as of the date of the loss, not the cost to replace it. Your auto's value is determined by the following factors: the retail value for an auto of like kind and quality, any improvements you may have made and any decrease in value resulting from prior unrelated damage which is detected by the appraiser.
If I have an antique, classic or restored auto what should I do?
If your auto has substantial value because of its exceptional condition, you should have it appraised and insure it for the appraised value.
How much coverage should I carry on my house?
You should carry enough coverage to restore your home to the same condition it was in before the loss. This is called "Full Replacement Cost", which is not the same as the Market value, actual cash value (depreciated value) or tax assessed value.
How do I prove what my personal belongings are after a loss?
Pictures, videos, receipts, and written inventory are all ways to help establish what you had after a loss. These should be kept offsite. You may need to provide an adjuster with descriptions and replacement values of items that are damaged or stolen. Remember when a larger loss happens you will be hard pressed to remember everything.
My Homeowners Policy contains coverage for specific scheduled items such as jewelry. What happens at the time of a loss?
In most cases, your Insurance Company has the option to replace the item. They do this because they can replace the item at less cost because of their ongoing business relationship with the vendor. If you decide not to replace the item, the insurer may only pay you the amount they would have spent to replace the item.
A rain storm flooded my basement. Is there any coverage under my Homeowners Policy?
Flood coverage is excluded under the basic Homeowners Policy. Most Companies offer an endorsement that provides some coverage for back up of sewers or drains and failure of a sump pump. If you live in a flood prone area, you should consider a Flood Insurance Policy.
What happens if I have a business in my home?
What happens if I have a business in my home?
Can my Insurance Company refuse to offer me coverage because of the breed of my dog?
Yes, your insurance company may decide to non-renew or decline to offer you a policy because you have a dog they feel increases their exposure to a liability claim. Each Company has their own list of dogs they will not accept.
