Dempsey Insurance Agency Blog

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. 

• Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow from draining off your roof
• Water that backs up behind the dam can leak into your home and cause damage
• Walls, insulation and ceilings are at the greatest risk for damage from an ice dam

How to Prevent Ice Dams?

• Proper insulation - Attic insulation should have an R value of 30.* Insulate around areas that may allow for heat to escape easily - lights, bathroom fans, sky lights, etc.
• Proper Ventilation - Allow heat to escape in other ways than the roof. Investigate gable vents, ridge vents and soffit venting
• Installation of Roof Leak Barrier - A rubberized film that gets installed under roof shingles to block water from leaking into vulnerable areas
• Keep all drains, downspouts and scuppers free of debris
• Maintain trees and plants that grow near your roof to prevent accumulation that may clog or slow roof drainage
• Get an energy audit done of your home to identify potential areas of concern

* R value is how well the material used to insulate can function at keeping the heat where it needs to be.                     The higher the value the better the insulating power.

What other factors contribute to ice damming?

• Complex roof designs
• Skylights
• Dormers
• Vaulted Ceilings
• Periods of unoccupancy greater than 30 days

What to do if you have an Ice Dam?

• Remove the first three to four feet of snow from the roofline with a roof rake or soft bristled broom

Warning - Be extremely careful while removing snow from your roof.

• Make sure the ladder is secure
• Beware of falling snow and ice as you clear the roof
• Consult with a roofing professional when dealing with snow removal
• If the home is too tall to reach the roof then hire a roofing professional to clear the snow
• Contact Dempsey Insurance agent as soon as possible.

Source: www.disastersafety.org/ibhs-risks-freezing-weather/reduce-winter-weather-damage-to-businesses https://bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/by-title/preventing-ice-dams/ http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Residential/Products/Leak_Barriers

The Registry of Motor Vehicles has issued a formal statement regarding whether paper or temporary plates are permitted on vehicles purchased by Massachusetts residents from out-of-state dealers. The letter reads in part:

"Massachusetts does not issue temporary registration plates for its own residents but it does recognize temporary registration plates validly registered in other states to non-residents of Massachusetts who are temporarily operating in this state (assuming the plates are not expired or suspended.) Thus, a Connecticut resident operating a motor vehicle in Massachusetts on validly issued temporary Connecticut registration plates is OK, but a Massachusetts resident operating a newly purchased motor vehicle in Massachusetts with validly issued temporary Connecticut plates is not.

A Massachusetts resident who purchases a motor vehicle in another state must apply for and attach valid MA registration plates to the vehicle before he/she can drive the vehicle back to Massachusetts. (This can be done by using overnight services such as Fed Ex or UPS). As an alternative, the dealer may deliver the vehicle to the buyer in Massachusetts using the Dealer's out-of-state issued Dealer Plates (but the buyer cannot operate the vehicle on those Dealer Plates in Massachusetts once the vehicle has been delivered.

A Massachusetts resident who is operating a vehicle owned by him/her and registered in another state (even with "temporary plates") is probably violating Chapter 90, Section 9 and is subject to a fine of $100 for a first offense and up to $ 1,000 for a subsequent offense. The citation is issued for an "unregistered motor vehicle" according to the current CMVI Assessment Schedule of the Trial Court of the Commonwealth, District Court Department. Section 3 authorizes operation on MA public ways of vehicles that are properly registered to non-residents of other states. There is an exception in Section 3 for a MA corporation or a resident of Massachusetts who has a business in another state with commercial motor vehicles registered and garaged in that state."

To read more about Chapter 90, Section 9 or Section 3, click here.

Information provided by MAIA.

If you’re northbound for the holiday, it’s important to note that New Hampshire’s newest anti-distracted driving law takes effect tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1.

Beginning tomorrow, it’s illegal to use a handheld phone while driving in New Hampshire. So for those of you heading north, make sure your calls are made, texts are sent and GPS is turned to “loud” before getting behind the wheel – and if you need to use your phone while on the road, find a safe spot to pull over.

And just a tip: don’t try to send that quick text or look up directions while you’re stopped at a red light or stop sign, the new law forbids that, too.

From all of us at Dempsey Insurance, we wish you and your family a happy, safe and fun Fourth of July Weekend.

The 2015 RMV Plate Lottery begins, today, June 19, 2015. The Plate Lottery Entry Form, includes the eligibility requirements and the list of available low number plates in the order in which they will be picked.

Throughout the year the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) updates independent agents on changing laws, proceedures and general happenings at the Registry. With the summer months upon us, we wanted to share news about three-wheeled motorcycles, same day license/ID policy, one-year photo extensions and Tobin Bridge toll updates.

Three Wheeled Vehicles

Three wheeled vehicles, such as the Polaris Slingshot and the Campagna T-Rex, have been certified by the manufacturers to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as motorcycles. These vehicles may have certain automobile design elements, but they can only be registered as motorcycles.

Drivers of these vehicles need to follow all motorcycle rules, wear a DOT approved helmet, and have the proper motorcycle license or permit. For a full list of motorcycle rules and requirements, please refer the customer to the online Motorcycle Manual.

 Campagna T-Rex