By berryinsurance on June 21, 2010
A jurisdiction-wide ban on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone is presently in place in seven states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Washington) and the District of Columbia. While Massachusetts isn’t one of these states….YET…you should be aware that Massachusetts is one of the few states that allow localities to decide their own laws when it comes to cell phone use.
And as of May 25, 2010, one of our fine cities in Massachusetts has chosen to enact such laws….
So as you’re traveling the Pike, 128, or route 9 heading towards Brookline, be careful how you use your phone. While they haven’t banned cell phone use while driving, they have banned texting (surfing the World Wide Web, sending or receiving e-mails or messages, or similar activities) while driving. Drivers caught texting in Brookline could be slapped with fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second one, and $300 for later violations.
A recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, reported in the New York
Times on July 28, 2009, found that when the drivers texted, their collision risk was 23 times greater than when not texting. Using your cell phone, for any reason, while operating a motor vehicle, has been found to create driver distractions, increasing the risks of an accident. If you must use your cell phone, it is recommended that you limit any cell phone use while driving to only those activities that are capable through hands-free devices.
More Resources:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Massachusetts Driving Laws
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Business, Laws, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged auto insurance, Berry Ins, berry insurance, berry insurance franklin ma, berry insurance quincy ma, brookline ma, cell phone laws, insurance franklin ma, insurance quincy ma, MA auto insurance, Texting, texting bans, Texting while driving
By berryinsurance on June 17, 2010
Driving is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly! Many times drivers don’t consider others on the road when driving, which can lead to accidents, or even unnecessary deaths. Driving an automobile is a responsibility that should be clearly considered and fully thought out! Driving safe is more than just an option, it’s a responsibility. Failing at this responsibility can mean serious consequences for you, as well as for others.
Some tips for being a safer driver are as follows:
- Concentrate; remember that driving is your number one priority. Set up your mirrors and make any necessary adjustments before you start driving!
- Being tired can have the same affects as alcohol on a driver; don’t drive if you think that you shouldn’t.
- Pay attention to how fast you are traveling! Speed limits should be given attention to not only to avoid tickets and prolong the life of your brakes; but also so that serious injuries can be avoided.
- When driving on the highway, the high speed lane is for passing. Driving in the high speed lane only makes you vulnerable to instances of road rage when people want to go faster than what you are.
- Leaving some extra time in case of traffic, or something unexpected is necessary when driving to destinations. Not all aspects of your drive are predictable, even if it is the same drive that you make every day.
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Laws, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged Defensive Driving, driving, ma, Ma Ins, Mass, massachusetts auto insurance, massachusetts life insurance, safe, safe driving
By berryinsurance on June 15, 2010
We want to alert you to a newly passed piece of Massachusetts legislation that will affect all entities that hold a Liquor License.
Effective August 28, 2010 all Liquor Licensees will be required to give proof of Liquor Liability Insurance when renewing or applying for a new license. This new legislation was signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick on May 28, 2010 and represents a significant change in the insurance requirements for any establishment that holds a liquor license.
The new law requires that establishments maintain coverage under a liquor legal liability insurance policy for bodily injury or death for a minimum amount of $250,000 on account of injury to or death of one person, and $500,000 on account of any one accident resulting in injury to or death of more than one person.
At Berry Insurance, we can answer any questions you may have about the new requirement; the minimum required limits, and can help you in obtaining a quote for this coverage.
We recommend you not to delay in putting this new mandatory coverage into place. Not carrying the required limit could jeopardize your liquor license and your ability to serve.
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Business, Laws, Misc, Uncategorized Tagged Berry Ins, berry insurance, business insurance, business insurance franklin ma, business insurance quincy ma, liquor liability insurance, liquor license, restaurant owner, restaurants boston ma, serving liquor
By berryinsurance on June 11, 2010
It’s that time of year again…The Workers Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of MA (WCRIBMA) and the Insurance Commissioner have announced an overall 2.4% rate decrease in workers compensation rates effective September 1, 2010.
While the overall result is a rate decrease, some class codes are going up! For example, if you’re a painter, you rate is increasing slightly from $5.01 to $5.09. The increase for exterior carpentry is even more significant: going from $7.50 to $8.68.
What’s this mean for you? Well, you can view the rates that have changed at the WCRIBMA website. Or better yet, just give us a call. At Berry Insurance, we have an advanced software program that will help you project your future workers compensation premiums. We’ll also tell you what you’re experience mod. will be and how it will impact your premium!
Don’t be caught by surprise when your renewal comes in. Let the Certified WorkComp Specialists at Berry Insurance work for you! Give us a call at (800) 941-3317!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Business, Experience Modification Factor (MODS), Laws, Misc, Payroll Misclassification, Uncategorized, Workers Compensation Insurance Tagged berry insurance, work comp insurance, workers comp, workers compensation premium, workers compensation rates, workmans comp
By berryinsurance on April 14, 2010
Although the ‘move over’ law was passed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and surrounding areas back in March 2009, many residents are not aware of what this law really means and what it requires of drivers. This ‘move over’ law states that drivers should use due caution, reduce speed, as well as, if possible move over lanes in order to allow emergency vehicles to do their job.
This law requires that anytime an emergency vehicle is pulled to the side of the road with their emergency lights on that drivers take proper precautions. Depending upon the number of lanes flowing each way on the highway, drivers can then assess if they can safely make a lane change, but a lane change is required if the highway is four lanes or more.
If you cannot make a safe lane change Police do not want you to stop on the highway! Slowing down is certainly sufficient; stopping would only make matters worse. Mainly, officers want drivers to use caution and think in order to make the roads safe!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Business, Laws, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged auto insurance, Barry, barry insurance, berry, Berry Ins, berry insurance, berry insurance agency, emergency vehicle, home insurance, Laws, MA laws, march 2009, Mass Auto Insurance, Mass Home Insurance, Massachusetts, massachusetts auto insurance, massachusetts homeowners insurance, massachusetts workers compensation, move over law, qui, Quincy MA, Rhode Island, RI, United States, waltham, Waltham M, Waltham MA
By berryinsurance on February 17, 2010
After many revisions and delays, the new data privacy regulations put forth by the Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation will take effect in Massachusetts on March 1, 2010. The new law requires Massachusetts businesses to create, maintain and adhere to a security program to protect private information of Massachusetts residents.
The Standards for the Protection of Personal Information of Residents of the Commonwealth (201 CMR 17), requires businesses that own, license, or store personal information, to take proper measures to protect that data. The regulations define personal information as a person’s name combined with a social security number, driver’s license number, financial account number, or credit/debit card number. Businesses are also required to create a program that protects employee information as well as client data.
Every business that owns, licenses, or stores personal information as defined by the new law must have their information security program in writing detailing the measures adopted to secure such data. In addition, the new regulation requires the encryption of all portable devices that contain any personal information of clients or employees. There are also suggestions on email encryption when it is technically feasible to do so and the level of training needed to make sure staff members are in compliance.
To read more about the new regulations and make sure your business is in compliance before March 1, 2010, click here.
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Business, Laws, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged 201 CMR 17, berry insurance agency, commercial general liability insurance, compliance, data protection, driver’s license number, email encryption, financial account number, franklin, general liability insurance, ID theft, ID Theft Insurance massachusetts, identity theft insurance, identity theft insurance massachusetts, Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation, privacy laws, protect employee information, protecting client data, quincy, saving money on insurance, social security number, Standards for the Protection of Personal Information of Residents of the Commonwealth, store personal information
By berryinsurance on February 8, 2010
New Massachusetts laws regarding cell phone usage while driving are currently being reviewed by the state Senate after being passed February 4, 2010 by the House of Representatives. While many other states have already passed laws of this nature, currently Massachusetts only bans cell phone use when pertaining to school bus drivers.
New laws if passed would make Massachusetts the seventh state to require hands-free devices to be used while driving, which includes both cell phone calls and sending text messages. This law would ban cell phone use in general by drivers before the age of 18, and also would require drivers over the age of 75 to renew their license in person every 5 years which will include a vision test.
Penalties enforced include $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and if caught a third time, penalties increases to $500. Hands free devices will vary in price according to the cell phone carrier, but is worth the investment for personal safety. Most cell phone service providers have various versions of hands free devices – some of the major retailers include Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Please visit these websites for more information and pricing details regarding these hands free devices.
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Business, Laws, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged auto accident, auto accident prevention, auto insurance, auto safety tips, automobile insurance, Berry Ins, berry insurance, berry insurance agency, business insurance, cell phone bans, cell phone driving laws, franklin, insurance franklin ma, quincy
By berryinsurance on December 24, 2009
‘Tis the Season for holiday parties….Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s.…you name it! Parties come in a variety of types and sizes, ranging from your small home get-together to office parties held at an outside venue. Oftentimes (you know….to help warm us all from the cold of the season) the main party ingredient comes in the liquid form. But when alcohol is served, liquor liability and your exposure, must be considered.
Small Home Get-Together: Any liability arising out of serving alcohol at your small home party is typically covered by your homeowners policy. However, this may not be the case, depending on your carrier and the policy forms.
Personal Party Hosted at an Off-Site Venue: Check with your venue on what coverage they will provide and what coverage you need to purchase. Often, you will need to purchase a one-day special event policy. Even if you aren’t required to purchase this coverage, you may want to anyways. This policy may provide higher limits than your homeowners coverage. In addition, you won’t need to worry about whether any damages that may occur at the event would be covered.
Office Party: Coverage for your firm’s office party really depends on the type of business you are in, and whether you are charging for the event. Typically, a commercial general liability policy will provide liquor liability coverage so long as the firm is not in the business of “manufacturing, distributing, selling, serving or furnishing alcoholic beverages.” As long as you don’t meet that description, your small office party held in your conference room will most likely be covered.
Office Party Hosted at an Off-Site Venue: Again, check with your venue on what coverage they will provide and what coverage you need to purchase. You may be covered under your commercial general liability policy as long as the drinks are free and no license is required.
As always, certain things are excluded, no matter what kind of coverage you have. For example, intentional wrongful acts are not covered. An example of this would be serving alcohol to a minor or continuing to serve to someone who is already intoxicated. Another exclusion would be for any negligence found. For example, even if you don’t serve the alcohol but are aware that a minor has consumed alcohol, you are without coverage should that minor have an accident after leaving the party.
Our advice – Err on the side of caution! When having a party, large or small, personal or business, be sure to take all reasonable precautions when serving alcohol. These days we live in a very litigious society, and when people get hurt, they tend to sue everyone involved. To make sure you’re protected, give us a call at (800) 941-3317. We can discuss the details of your event and make sure you are properly protected. Visit us online at Berry Insurance.com!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Business, Laws, Life, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged Berry Ins, berry insurance, berry insurance agency, business insurance, business liability, commercial general liability insurance, commercial insurance, franklin, general liability insurance, holiday parties, holiday party, insurance, insurance franklin ma, insurance savings, liquor liability, quincy, waltham, workplace injuries
By berryinsurance on December 23, 2009
An increase in motor vehicle accidents involving drivers talking or texting on cell phones is resulting in more stringent motor vehicle laws throughout the U.S, especially in New England.
According to a July study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, a texting driver is 23 times more likely to have an accident or a near miss than a non-distracted driver. In Massachusetts we know this to be the case. In the last several months we’ve heard on the news several incidents of accidents resulting from texting – T drivers, bus drivers, and regular private-passenger vehicle drivers, like you and me.
I think we’d all agree that doing anything more than focusing on the road while driving (i.e. eating, texting, talking on the phone) is highly distracting and very dangerous. Most states are beginning to recognize these distractions as serious issues, and have begun passing stricter driving laws in an effort to minimize these accidents and protect all of us on the roads.
So, how do the New England state laws stack up?
Below is an outline of the state cell phone driving laws, excerpted from the Governors Highway Safety Association. Travelling outside New England? Visit the GHSA’s website to read all of the state’s cell phone driving laws.
Are you an employer? Do you have a Cell Phone Safety Policy in force to protect your employees and help lower your claims exposure? If not, give us a call at (800) 941-3317. Companies that fail to adopt a written policy that prohibits the use of cell phones or texting while driving are increasing the likelihood of injury to their staff and potential lawsuits result from employee-related accidents. We’ll help you get back on the road faster and safer by providing you with a sample policy and flyers you begin using today!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Business, Laws, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized, Workers Compensation Insurance Tagged auto accident, auto accident prevention, auto insurance, auto safety tips, automobile insurance, Berry Ins, berry insurance, berry insurance agency, cell phone bans, cell phone driving laws, franklin, insurance, insurance franklin ma, insurance savings, ma, massachusetts auto insurance, quincy, saving money on insurance, texting bans, waltham, Workers Compensation Insurance, workplace injuries
By berryinsurance on November 30, 2009
As the colder weather approaches, we thought this a good time to remind our adventurous teen drivers of the perils of black ice. Most often formed when the temperatures are right around freezing point, black ice is often invisible or appears to be wet pavement and catches many drivers off guard. As teens likely have little or no experience in recognizing or driving on ice, a few simple tips may be helpful when the temperature is at or below 32 degrees:
- Use caution when cornering or stopping, particularly when roads appear to be wet.
- Keep a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
- If you see vehicles suddenly swerve or brake for no apparent reason, black ice is likely present.
- Reduce speed by decelerating or by shifting into a lower gear. Avoid sudden braking.
- Practice driving on ice in a safe area, such as a large empty parking lot, with a seasoned driver.
Call us at (800) 941-3317 or visit us online at www.berryinsurance.com to make sure your teen driver is adequately protected!
Berry Insurance: serving auto owners and teen drivers in the Massachusetts area.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Laws, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged auto accident, auto accident prevention, auto insurance, auto safety tips, automobile insurance, Berry Ins, berry insurance, berry insurance agency, franklin, insurance, insurance franklin ma, massachusetts auto insurance, quincy, waltham
A jurisdiction-wide ban on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone is presently in place in seven states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Washington) and the District of Columbia. While Massachusetts isn’t one of these states….YET…you should be aware that Massachusetts is one of the few states that allow localities to decide their own laws when it comes to cell phone use.
