Some of the worst places for speeding tickets in New England
Police in some states frequently write speeding tickets and make it as hard as possible for motorists to avoid them. They also impose
particularly large penalties. This is true of several states in New England; relatively low crime rates allow police to spend many hours catching speeders. They often target drivers from other states, so it’s crucial to avoid speeding if you visit this region.
Although Massachusetts may not have the largest fines, the state’s court system makes it very difficult to appeal them. The filing fees required to contest a ticket often surpass the cost of accepting the fine, according to Yahoo Autos. Forbes reports that the minimum penalty in Massachusetts is only $50. However, exceeding the speed limit by 25 mph will cost you an extra $150.
Connecticut is known for using numerous unmarked cars. Most of the state police vehicles have few or no markings. This makes it difficult to identify them without a radar detector. Police in Connecticut often drive unmarked Ford and Chevy sports cars as well. Truck drivers try to warn each other about these vehicles; they are known as “plain wrappers” in CB lingo.
Local police regularly operate clever “speed traps” in the small towns of Vermont. These villages don’t have many businesses or residents to generate tax revenue, so they make up for it by writing plenty of tickets. Wilmington and Island Pond are two of the state’s major speed trap zones. Motorists in rural Vermont must remain vigilant by watching for unmarked cars and sudden changes in the speed limit.
New Hampshire demands unusually high speeding fines. If you speed in the Granite State, AOL indicates that you may face a penalty of up to $1,000 on your first offense. Drivers should use extra caution in southern New Hampshire; Nashua and Manchester are known for their speed traps. On the bright side, the National Motorists Association reports that tickets remain relatively rare in the neighboring state of Maine.
Keep in mind that you can be ticketed for driving too fast in icy or snowy weather, even when you have not exceeded the limit. Tell the truth and behave politely if the police stop you. If you are lucky, the officer might only give you a warning. Consider appealing a ticket if you feel that it was issued unfairly. A successful appeal will cancel the fine and prevent your auto insurance premiums from increasing. That’s right, the other downside of a speeding ticket is the effect it has on your insurance rates. Even a first time ticket can affect rates so make sure you observe speed limits and avoid this needless, costly experience.
School will be out soon, and now would be a good time to reserve your student driver magnet.
Reduce the stress of learning to drive; tips for the teacher and student.
Getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time can be an 
unnerving experience. Student drivers may face impatient drivers and honking horns when they stop at a yellow light instead of blasting through. Other drivers may stare at the student who hesitates before taking a turn at a busy intersection. Some may even tailgate as the inexperienced driver proceeds at a cautious speed, perhaps even below the speed limit.
O’Connor and Co. Insurance thought that one way to help our student drivers, and those with whom they share the road, is to have a “Student Driver” magnet on the student driver’s car. We are offering our customers who have a student driver in the family a chance to borrow a “Student Driver” magnet for their car while the student learns to drive. Even our customers who are adult student drivers can take advantage of this offer.
Most drivers will appreciate the “heads up” of knowing that they share the road with a new and inexperienced driver. The bright yellow ”Student Driver” magnet alerts other drivers to the presence of a novice driver and they will likely be more forgiving, patient and cautious.
Instead of finding the magnets embarrassing, most student drivers appreciate them. They know that other drivers understand the stress of driving for the first time and they are more confident knowing that they won’t be harassed. “Student Driver” magnets allow the inexperienced driver to be more relaxed behind the wheel. As anxiety declines, the novice driver can better focus on following the rules of the road and good driver safety practices.
Customers of O’Connor & Co. Insurance Agency, Inc. can contact our office in Dudley, MA, at 508-943-3333 and reserve a “Student Driver” magnet for up to 90 days. When customers pick up a magnet, they will be asked to leave their name, phone number and email address. When finished with the magnet, simply return it so we can give it to someone else.
Click to reserve your student driver magnet today!
The dangers of text messaging and driving
I was driving recently and came up behind a black Jeep Cherokee on
the highway. There was no cause for concern at first but after following behind for a brief time, I began to notice this driver was having difficulty keeping their vehicle between the lines on the road.
For ten minutes this operator proceeded to do what can only be described as acrobatic driving; driving that visually appeared to be so unsafe I decided to back off and give this person enough room so that when they crashed I would not be affected, it was that serious. “Is this person drunk?”
I thought but as I reasoned with myself I realized that while they weren’t doing a particularly good job of keeping their SUV between the lines, I hadn’t witnessed any other behavior to convince me that they were out and out intoxicated. Yet, I couldn’t be completely sure; you can only watch someone bounce between the dividing line and shoulder so many times before you have to say to yourself “it doesn’t matter if they are drunk, having a heart attack or just plain distracted you have to question the state of safety and just back off(and perhaps call the police).
A short while down the road, our side of the highway broke into two lanes, and I caught up to the Cherokee once again, this time pulling past the vehicle. As I pulled up alongside the Cherokee to pass…..you might have already suspected, what I witnessed was a young man in his mid to late 20s with two hands on his “Smart” phone and, apparently with only his knee, steering the vehicle. I’m not sure he even noticed me.
The National Safety Council and other American research organizations have some alarming statistics about motor vehicle crashes in the United States that help illustrate how the increasing prevalence of cell phone use and the danger of text messaging is directly impacting motor vehicle-related deaths.
Among them:
- Motor vehicle crashes are one of the top three causes of death for all U.S citizens.
- Motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for U.S. citizens aged 3 to 34.
- Roughly 1.6 million car crashes each year are directly attributable to cell phone use, both texting and talking.
- The risk of motor vehicle collision increases by a factor of 23 when a motor vehicle operator texts while driving.
- In 1995, only 13 percent of the U.S. population were cell phone subscribers. As of 2009, that number has increased to an eye-popping 91 percent.
This last statistic may be the most troubling because it means we have reached a point in time where virtually every U.S. citizen is a cell phone user. Many young adults have never known a time in their lives where cell phone use hasn’t been a part of their every day existence ? in the home, in the school and, most troubling, in the car. Texting and driving laws, while well meaning, are very difficult to enforce. Given the increase in motor vehicle crashes and fatalities that texting brings, the car insurance buying public is likely to feel the effects of impaired driving in their insurance costs for many years to come.
In the end, it’s important to remember that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Put down the cell phone when you’re driving. Let’s be careful out there.
Why use independent agent vs. a direct writer for your Insurance?
What is the first thing you think about when you need insurance? We 
think one of the first considerations is deciding weather to go it alone with a “direct writer” or to have an “independent agent” on your side.
Direct writers
What is a direct writer? A direct writer issues policies for only one company. They work for only one company and represent only that company. With a direct writer there is no choice or means of competition, you have only one company to choose from. Having a direct writer can affect you at the time of claim. The direct writer works for the insurance company and will remain loyal to them at the time of claim. There is no insurance agent working for you, loyal to you and only you, in your relationship with a Direct Writer.
Independent Agents
An independent agent doesn’t work for any single insurance company. He or she represents multiple companies from which he/she will shop for you. With more choices available, your insurance agent is more likely to find the perfect fit for your specific needs. If you experience problems with one company, your independent agent can easily find another one for you. Your Independent agent will go to bat for you if you need to make a claim.
Benefits of independent agents
You can develop a valuable relationship with your independent insurance agent and knowing your needs and unique circumstances is important in the insurance relationship. You are a person instead of a number. The direct writer’s first duty is to their employer. A direct writer is a captive agent because he/she can only offer you one company. The independent agent offers you multiple plans from multiple companies. Because he or she can work with different companies, your independent agent can secure multiple pricing and coverage options. With an Independent Agent if your insurance needs change there are more options to address these changes. With an independent agent, you get personalized claims service because you deal with people you already know, not strangers. He or she will work with you in the event of a claim. Because he or she works with many different companies, your agent is a one-stop shopping center!
Which one is right for your needs?
If you only need or want one insurance pricing or coverage option, a direct writer may be ok. Have your insurance needs changed much in the past years? Do you expect much change in the future? If you want to preserve the option to change plans, or companies easily, an independent insurance agent is best. Do you like a lot of options when choosing an insurance plan? An independent agent provides many options.
Choosing an insurance plan right for your needs is hard work. Make it easier by finding the right kind of agent for you. Unless you prefer limited choices and foresee little change in your needs, an independent insurance agent is your best bet.
Bundling your home and auto insurance can save you money.
Bundling (combining) your auto and home insurance policies
together with the same Insurance Company and Agent can be one of the best ways to save money on Insurance costs. In fact, bundling policies provides one the highest discounts available, on both policies.
The reason that insurance companies give their best discounts to their customers who have multiple policies is that it is the easiest way they have to attract and keep new business. A customer who is saving hundreds of dollars by keeping all of their policies with the same insurance company is more likely to move their business to qualify for the savings and much less likely leave(once they have the discount in place). Insurance companies are always looking for ways to acquire additional business, that doesn’t cost them a lot of time, effort, or money to keep. It is just that simple and keeping business simple means savings to the insurance company as well as you, the customer!
For the customer, there are several additional benefits besides saving a money. Customers get the convenience of having all of their policies with one Agent and that means being able to deal with the same individual on a consistent basis. This often means just one bill to pay, making monthly budgeting a lot easier. In the event of an Claim emergency or disaster, having all of your policies together with the same agent or company means peace of mind and, once again, that comes from dealing with the same individuals that you have a strong relationship with. Some companies will even assign the same adjuster to all of your policies. In the event that you have to claim on multiple policies, this can make life a lot easier since you will not have multiple insurance companies trying to get the other one to pay out on your claims.
Keeping your car and home insurance with the same agent and company is a great idea for people living in Dudley MA, Webster MA and Oxford, MA areas. It allows these customers to save money and simplify their lives.
What to do in case of an auto accident
Automobile accidents are unexpected and stressful and can leave 
even the most experienced motorists shocked, stunned and more than a little shaken. If you are in an accident, O’Connor & Co. Insurance Agency is committed to helping restore your peace of mind as soon as possible.
Accidents happen and they can be quite upsetting, especially if you don’t know what to do after it happens. Whether it was your fault, or the other driver’s, it’s important to know what steps to take following an accident to make filing your claim a little easier:
If you’re in an auto accident, obtain the following information:
- Date, time, and city of the accident
- Accident location (street names and landmarks)
- Year, make, model, color and plate number of the other vehicle
- Driver’s name, address, and telephone number of other vehicle
- Owner’s name, address, and phone number (if not the driver)
- Name, address, and phone number of occupants in all vehicle(s) involved in the accident
- Name of the insurance carrier for the other vehicle
- Policy number for the other vehicle, if possible
- Name and phone number of witnesses
- If your vehicle has to be towed, make sure to get the tow companies information
CLICK HERE to pull up an Accident Reporting Form to print and keep
in your glove compartment. This form will help you to gather the Clipboardnecessary information in the event of an accident.
Once you have collected the information from the accident; contact us at the agency and we will set up your insurance claim, go over the claim process with you, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
You do not have to get an estimate on your own. An appraiser from your insurance company will determine the dollar amount of damages to your vehicle. The appraiser may be available at a drive-in appraisal location designated from your insurance company or an appointment can be set up for the appraiser to see your vehicle at your convenience.
An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your claim and the adjuster will determine the final settlement and the liability of your accident.
A Commonwealth of Massachusetts Crash Operator Report must be completed if damage to either vehicle is over $1000 or if anyone in either vehicle is injured. We have crash reports at the agency and can help you fill it out. We can also forward the report to your insurance adjuster, police, and Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Automobile accidents take a toll on everyone involved; financially, emotionally and sometimes physically. The claim process will be easier following an accident if you know the details of your policy. If you have any people in car questions regarding what would be covered in the event of an accident we are here to help make sure you have the correct coverage for your specific needs.
Side notes:
Collision Coverage: An optional coverage that provides money to repair your vehicle no matter whose fault the accident is. Your deductible will be applied, if you are found at fault. This coverage is required by most banks, if you have a loan on your car.
Comprehensive Coverage: An optional coverage that provides protection against: fire, theft, glass breaks, vandalism, hail, flood, malicious mischief and contact with birds or animals. Although comprehensive coverage does come with a deductible, there is no deductible on glass replacements or repairs.
Substitute Transportation: An optional coverage that reimburses you up to the limits shown on your policy’s declaration page. Substitute transportation provides coverage for certain situations if your vehicle was involved in a collision and is being repaired or replaced.
O’Connor & Co. Insurance Agency is an independent agency available to make coverage recommendations, review your policy, and keep up with your changing insurance needs. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.
Teenage Drivers and Automobiles, protect your assets
We recommend that parents, in order to best protect assets, consider
registering and insuring a vehicle in their child’s name. In Massachusetts parents are provided 100% insulation from lawsuits arising from bodily injury or property damage claims.
Mass. MGL Chapter 231, section 85A: “If a car is registered to the child and the child gets into an accident causing personal injury and/or property damage, there is no reponsibility on the parent. It does not make any difference who bought the car or who pays for the insurance, or how old the child is so long as we are talking about negligence.”
On this basis it might make sense for parents to consider insuring a vehicle in their child’s name.
Cancelling your Massachusetts plates online.
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles now allows Massachusetts consumers to cancel your auto registration plates online.
The first step in canceling your registration is to either bring your plates back to any RMV branch office or to YOUR insurance agent. You can also cancel your plates online at: RMV Plate Return
If you want to cancel online, you will need to provide the RMV with an e-mail address, your plate type & number, your license number, and the last four digits of you social security number.
Once you have cancelled your Massachusetts plates, you will need to notify your Massachusetts insurance agent & provide a copy of your plate return receipt.
Stay calm while driving. Keep your auto insurance rates low.
Driving on the road can be a challenge nowadays, I have been driving 
for over 30 years and do not remember such hostility that we face on our roads today. I try to drive the speed limit and can’t tell you how often I feel like I am in going in slow motion. I often ask myself, “Why are we going so fast?” I think I have some great reasoning for staying calm and safe on the roads. Here are just a couple of reasons.
- My safety, the safety of my family, and the safety of other families .
- Speeding tickets last a long time and will go against my insurance policy and I like to keep my money for other things.
- Fuel Efficiency vs. Speed
How Much? According to studies backed by the Department of Energy, the average car’s MPG is advertised at 55 mph. But as the speed increases:
– 3% less efficient at 60 mph
– 8% less efficient at 65 mph
– 17% less efficient at 70 mph
– 23% less efficient at 75 mph
– 28% less efficient at 80 mph
That means that there are many more fill-ups needed at the gas station, costing you an unnecessary expense. So let me ask you. Is it worth it to be fast?