Dempsey Insurance Agency Blog

Many insurance companies consider drivers’ credit scores when calculating car insurance premiums. Drivers in Massachusetts, however, don’t have to worry as much about whether their credit score will directly affect their auto policy’s premiums.

On March 26, 2018, you need documents showing U.S. citizenship or lawful presence as required by federal and state law. Review the checklist below for the types of documents you will need. All documents MUST be originals.

Get Ready:

Step 1: Locate your Social Security Number

(Choose one document for REAL ID. For a Standard ID, SSN must be verified electronically.

• SSN Card
• W-2 Form                                                              
• SSA-1099 Form
• Non-SSA-1099 Form
• Pay stub with applicant's name and SSN

* Applications without an SSN must present an SSA denial notice, forgein passport, VISA and 1-94. Documents presented must display full nine digits of SSN.

Step 2: Choose one lawful presence/date of birth document

• US Passport/Passport card
• Certified copy of US birth certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
• Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-561 or N570)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
• Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766 or I-688B)
• Foreign Passport with US VISA Affixed and I-94 Stamp

Step 3: Choose a MA residency document (2 for REAL ID, 1 for MA Standard ID)

• MA RMV-issued documents such as a renewal letter
• State/Federal/Municipal/City/Town/Country Agency-issued documents such as 1st class mail, MA-issued professional license with photo, Medicaid statement, firearms card, jury duty summons, court correspondence, property tax or excise tax dated within 60 days
• Bills such as a utility bill, credit card statement or medical statements dated within 60 days
• Lease, mortgage or rental contract dated within 60 day
• Financial-related documents such as a blank statement with image of personal checks, W-2, pension statement, retirement statement pay stubs, SSA statement or instalment loan contract dated within 60 days
• School-issued documents such as school transcript, proof of enrolment, tuition bill, school record for the current year

Get Your License/ID

• Start application online at Mass.gov/ID
• For renewals applicants must choose:
  • Standard license or ID card: may be able to complete online
  • REAL ID license or ID card: must visit a RMV Service Center or AAA office (if a member)
• All first-time applicants must visit a RMV Service Center and bring appropriate documents
• A REAL ID license/ID costs the same as a Standard license/ID

For more information visit: mass.gov/ID
Rev. 3/12/18 by MA RMV

Snow makes any commute harder, but the best way to stay safe on the road while it’s snowing is to avoid driving altogether. However, if you can’t stay home until the plows have cleared the roads, we urge you to take a minute and refresh your memory with these following safety tips:

• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights. It’s not just good sense, it’s also safe and the law.
• Remember to warm your car up but only do so after you've made sure the tailpipe is clear. Never leave the vehicle unattended.
• Know the current road conditions. Tune in to current local traffic reports before leaving home.
• Pay attention. Remember that the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
• Leave plenty of room for stopping. Roads may be slippery, even if crews have spread salt.
• Use brakes carefully. Break early, brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Watch for slippery bridge decks. Even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridge decks will ice up sooner.
• Don’t use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Remain in control of your car — you don’t want any surprises.
• Don’t get overconfident in your 4×4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster!
• Don’t pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop. The right way is to “stomp and steer!”
• Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them
• Go slow!

For more on keeping safe on the road or what to do before you head out. Keep reading!!

Don't worry! This winter doesn't have to be like the last. Preparation is the key to prevention! Here are some tips for you on making sure you do everything possible so your pipes stay warm and cozy this season. 

After three winter storms in less than a week, you may be noticing some pretty large snow piles on the roof of your home. With a slight warm up in temperature coming mid-week, now is the time to remove snow in order to prevent the buildup of ice dams - and potential damage to your home.

The coldest temperatures so far this season are expected in New England tonight and tomorrow. With the mercury dipping well below freezing, residents should take note of the increased risk for frozen pipes. While there are long term measures you can take to prevent frozen pipes in your home, like having proper insulation and sealing any cracks or gaps in your siding or foundation, there are a few small, but helpful, things you should do during extreme cold spells.

To Our Valued Customers:

We are pleased to share Mapfre Insurances' latest blog content with you; helping you prepare for the coming winter.

Our first topic is: fire safety. Below you will find tips for keeping your home and family safe during the winter months.

Over the next few weeks we will share tips on home safety, safe driving, ice dams and more. We hope you find this winter preparation campaign useful. Thank you for your continued partnership with Dempsey Insurance.

Winter is a time when safe driving and well-maintained vehicles take on even greater importance.  “Failure to keep in proper lane or running off the road” and “driving too fast for conditions” are the two of the most frequent driver behaviors, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

Snow has found us again. Get ahead of it this year by preparing your home to weather the winter. Here are some simple tips to help prevent freezing pipes, reduce ice dams, prevent roof collapse and keep your house warmer this season. For more tips and suggestions visit http://disastersafety.org/freezing_weather.