Downey Insurance Group Blog | Great Insurance People

If you filed an auto insurance claim for an at fault accident this winter you do have the right to appeal the Massachusetts DMV surcharge.  Bad weather can cause all kinds of auto accidents that under normal driving conditions would have been avoided.  Due to the number of storms we have had this season people may have tried to drive to work because they can not afford to take anymore days off.   Our Downey Insurance Group offices were closed on Feb. 2nd with our agents checking messages, following up with clients, and filing our customers claims from home.

The Massachusetts State Police said yesterday Feb. 2nd  - “Massachusetts State Police continue to respond to numerous spinouts, disabled motor vehicles and minor crashes caused by the weather. Regular snow patrols out of the barracks are being supplemented by troopers from various specialty units, including the truck team, motorcycle unit and community action teams.”

There is a $50 fee for appealing a surcharge in Massachusetts, but surcharge points on your record can increase your Auto Insurance premiums costing you more.  If you feel that your accident was weather related, you may apply for an appeal by filling out the Surcharge Appeal Form on the reverse side of your surcharge notice from your Insurance Company.   If you have any questions regarding your auto claim please feel free to call our offices of Downey Insurance Group in Marlborough, MA  Brattleboro, VT and Keene, NH at 508-485-0130.   If you are not already a valued Downey Insurance client our experienced staff is the best in the business and they would love the opportunity to review you insurance at your convenience.  Call us today or visit our website www.downeyinsurance.com.

More information regarding filing a surcharge appeal nay be found here on the Mass DMV website.

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The unprecedented snow load on roofs in the Northeast has led to some building damage and

collapse. According to reports from several localities, schools, churches, commercial and

residential buildings, carports and awnings have been affected.

As the next in a series of winter storms moves into the region, property owners and residents

should be aware of the weight loads these storms may be creating, especially on flat roofs.

Take the following precautions to protect life and property:

1.  Watch for falling snow and ice from roofs.

2.  Don’t put untrained individuals on roofs to clear snow. Falls from roofs and possible

exposure to electrical wires while on the roof are serious hazards.

3.  Inspect roofs for leaks or structural deficiencies that may develop during the storm.

4.  Make certain gutters, drains and downspouts are clear of ice and debris.

5.  Clear snow and ice away from exhaust vents that go through exterior walls.

6.  Clear decks of snow to reduce stress on them.

After the storm:

1.  Clear areas around downspouts so that water from melting snow has a path to flow

away from the house or building.

2.  Remove snow from side walls to prevent high snow mounds from pushing them in.

3.  Temporarily shore up and brace dipping or sagging roofs or walls.

4.  Improper operation of doors or windows, deflection of ceiling finishes or exposed

beams, roof leaks or sprinkler heads moved from their normal positions could be signs

of roof failure.

Owners and residents of flat roof buildings in particular are urged to be aware of the possible

snow load danger. The threat from heavy snow weight will remain for some time after the

storm ends because cold temperatures expected for the rest of the week won’t allow much

melting to occur.

If you have questions about your building’s condition, contact a structural engineer or your

local building official for an assessment of the conditions.

Reposted from our friends at Hanover Insurance.

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