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Massachusetts says auto rates reduced by 8%
Posted by Paul in Competition, Consumer Advocacy, Massachusets Division of Insurance on July 3rd, 2009
According to the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, auto insurance rates dropped 8% since competition was introduced to the state auto insurance market:
According to a state study, auto insurance rates dropped 8.2 percent from April 2008 to April 2009, compared with a 5.2 percent decline from 2006 to 2007. The state allowed insurance companies to start setting their own rates on April 1, 2008, under what officials called a “managed competition’’ plan. Previous to that, auto insurance had been highly regulated.
Great news for consumers in Massachusetts – make sure you get a competitive Massachusetts auto insurance quote, from sites like MassDrive.com, before you renew your auto insurance policy.
Direct writers battle it out in Massachusetts
Posted by Paul in Competition, Consumer Advocacy on May 20th, 2009
Direct writers are preparing for a battle with each other – and agents – with Geico and Allstate setting up shop in Massachusetts. According to the Insurance Journal, it’s been a long-time coming:
“We have been looking forward to serving Massachusetts drivers for a long time,” said Steve Cunningham, regional vice president, in a statement released by Geico. “We are very happy to be here and doing business with Massachusetts residents. We think we can bring them low rates and great service.”
…
“People are looking for value and choice,” said George Ruebenson, President of Allstate Protection. “As a company with a solid reputation and a national presence, Allstate will provide
Indeed, the consumers of Massachusetts do want choice – that’s why MassDriver.org exists, to bring light to the options and choices that Massachusetts consumers have in their search for the best auto insurance for their needs. You can’t save if you don’t compare!
Got Geico?
Posted by Paul in Competition on May 20th, 2009
MassDriver told you Geico was on its way to Massachusetts,, and now Geico’s begun selling policies in the Bay State:
GEICO started selling auto insurance to residents of the state of Massachusetts on Monday.
Employees of GEICO started giving quotes online. The company said its first customer was Beth Opishinski of Whitman, Mass.
Beth, if you’re out there, let us know how your experience went!
Allstate gets more buzz on move into Massachusetts
Posted by Paul in Competition on May 20th, 2009
Allstate is heading back to Massachusetts:
The personal lines insurance company said it targeted Nov. 2 as the date in which it would offer rates to consumers, if it was successful in setting ratings with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.
Yet another big carrier brings additional options and choice for Massachusetts Drivers! We’ll be sure to report as news develops with Allstate’s application.
Massachusetts Auto Insurance Rates Slowly Coming Down
According the Boston Globe, Massachusetts auto insurance rates are slowly lowering for many consumers.
Other companies that have recently changed their auto insurance rates, according to published reports, include Commerce Insurance Co. of Webster, which is lowering its average rate 4.5 percent; Liberty Mutual of Boston, which is raising its average rate 4 percent; and Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Co., which is raising rates an average of 3 percent.
“After four successive years of declining rates, including last year’s 10.7 percent decrease, loss trends, expenses, and inflation dictated a need to increase rates,” said John Natale, a spokesman for Liberty Mutual, which is based in Boston.
Massachusetts RMV makes your driving record available online!
Posted by Paul in Consumer Advocacy, Massachusetts RMV on April 13th, 2009
The Massachusetts RMV announced today that your driving records are now just a click away, according to The Boston Globe.
Drivers can view their record onscreen and download it for $6, or they can pay $20 for a certified copy that will be sent to them by mail.
Copies of driving records are required as a condition of employment by some businesses or in any court matter involving motor vehicle violations, the Registry said.
Looks like a big win for drivers in improving the RMV’s easy-of-use. Let MassDriver know how easy or difficult you find the RMV’s new system.
Check out the Massachusetts RMV’s site!
Progressive Adding To Its Offer in Massachusetts
Posted by Paul in MassDriver.org, Progressive Insurance News on April 6th, 2009
If you own an RV or a motorcycle and you’re a Massachusetts resident, Progressive can insure your vehicle.
Have you had experience with Progressive? Let MassDriver and the rest of our readers know by commenting on this story!
Did you save money? Let MassDriver know!
Posted by Paul in Consumer Advocacy, MassDriver.org, Saving Money On Auto Insurance on April 6th, 2009
Recently, MassDriver covered reports that Western Massachusetts residents saved money on auto insurance. We want to know if you did too! Either comment on this blog post or complete the MassDriver survey. Let us know if you saved!
From Western Massachusetts: You Saved Money!
Posted by Paul in Competition, Consumer Advocacy, Massachusetts Auto Insurance Rates, Video on March 31st, 2009
WWLP in Springfield is reporting that Western Massachusetts residents saved money on auto insurance last year.
WWLP reports that customers saved money by going with a new insurance company and by leveraging managed competition with their existing agent.
Lawmakers working to preserve Massachusetts Auto Appeals Board
Posted by Paul in Consumer Advocacy, Legislation, MassDriver.org, Massachusetts Insurance Agents on February 16th, 2009
WBZ is covering updates on bills introduced on Beacon Hill to save the Massachusetts Auto Appeals Board. A new hook? The existence of the board generates about $2.5M in revenue for the commonwealth of Massachusetts in fees:
Proponents of the current appeals process say it saves drivers about $25 million a year because 45 percent to 50 percent of them win their appeals; and the $50 fee they pay gives the state $2.5 million a year in revenue.
WBZ also has some video on this subject. To view it, click here.
MassDrive.org has covered the elimination of the Massachusetts Auto Appeals Board in past posts.
