The Murphy Insurance BlogNews, updates and useful tips about insurance products and the insurance industry. We also provide insights on community events, local news and information that affect your everyday life. Enjoy!https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog.aspxConsequences of late Insurance paymentshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/917/consequences-of-late-insurance-payments.aspxBusiness Insurance,General,Personal InsuranceThu, 21 Sep 2023 15:28:00 GMT<p>In the chaos of day-to-day personal or business life, bills can pile up. It’s not uncommon at some point to forget about a bill payment or feel that end-of-the-month crunch with a tight budget to consider deferring payment and incurring a late fee.  However, insurance premium payments are different from other bills…there’s more at stake. Late payments can impact your premium costs and insurability.</p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></p> <h2>Late fees & other costs</h2> <p><img alt="Woman reviewing info on computer" src="/Portals/0/woman%20lizasm.jpg?ver=lxkdmNQLL5zdtizda3xQ3g%3d%3d" style="width: 280px; height: 200px; float: left; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" />Although your insurance provider might offer you a few days grace period before issuing a cancellation notice, you will most likely be assessed a late payment fee for being past due. In addition, late payments can impact your insurance score, which is a rating calculated by insurance companies to represent the probability of an insurance claim being filed and can impact the premiums you pay. Payments need to be received by the due date, so leave enough time for delivery.</p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></p> <h2>Cancellation</h2> <p>If you fail to make a payment, an insurance company has the right to cancel your policy and will issue a cancellation notice within a few days of not receiving payment. If payment is not received by the cancellation date, your policy will be canceled, and the company may choose not to reinstate it.</p> <p>If they do allow you to reinstate your canceled policy, they typically will require not only funds for the missed payment but also the next payment, and in some cases, may require payment of the remaining premium in full. So if finances were already a challenge causing a late payment, it will be more costly to get your policy reinstated.</p> <p>If they choose not to reinstate your policy, you’ll have to find a new insurance provider and could have to pay a higher premium for the same coverage or have difficulty finding a company to insure you.</p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></p> <h2>Consequences of being considered a high-risk client</h2> <p>Missing one or more insurance payments can result in you being considered “high-risk” by insurance carriers. When your policy expires and is due to be renewed, your current insurance company may:</p> <ul> <li>increase your premium or;</li> <li>decide to not renew your policy, which effectively cancels it requiring you to find a new insurance provider.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></p> <p>When applying for a policy with a different company, it will ask and verify if you’ve been canceled for nonpayment, and as a result, it may:</p> <ul> <li>require one annual payment not allow you to pay in installments and;</li> <li>charge you a higher premium; or </li> <li>not want to insure you even if you have a spotless claim record.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></p> <p>If you can’t obtain insurance from a preferred “standard” carrier, then you may have to buy coverage from a “nonstandard” carrier that accepts higher risk, or you may have to go through a State program, which is referred to as assigned risk. Both these options will almost always result in having to pay higher premiums to obtain coverage.</p> <h2>How to Avoid Missing a Payment</h2> <p>With the above in mind, there are lots of reasons to avoid missed payments, and you can do so with a little planning. Here are some ideas that can help:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Automate payments using EFT automatic withdrawals.</strong> Avoids you having to remember to make manual payments. If you’re paying in installments, you may save money by eliminating installment fees. Be sure to use an account that you use regularly that doesn’t require a special transfer of funds to cover the payment which is a leading cause of missed payments. </li> <li><strong>Pay well in advance of your payment due date. </strong>Depending on how you are paying, be sure to leave enough time for the payment to be delivered. Postal mail is slower than it used to be, and even online banking can take a few days for payment to be made. </li> <li><strong>Pay in full if you can afford to do so. </strong>Installment payments can be helpful with cash flow, but making one payment reduces the chances of missed payments. Paying in full can sometimes save you money with a pay-in-full discount, and you also avoid installment fees.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></p> <p>If you’re having difficulty making a payment, please call and speak to your agent to discuss possible options. Don’t wait until your policy is canceled because it only causes more headaches.</p> 917Safe driving tips for teenshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/839/Safe-driving-tips-for-teens.aspxGeneralWed, 06 Sep 2023 18:54:00 GMT<p>When you're a new driver, you may get tired of hearing advice about safe driving. No one thinks an accident will happen to them until it does, and the statistics show that new drivers are at greater risk of being involved in an accident. Safe driving helps avoid accidents and saves lives. It can also save you money because insurance costs typically go up if you have an accident.  When you have a good driving record, car insurance is more affordable. Here are eight ways to be safer on the road.</p> <h3>1) Don’t Speed</h3> <p>One of the major contributors to fatal teen accidents is speed.  Slow down especially in heavier traffic.  Speeding won’t get you there that much sooner.  Even if other traffic seems to be going faster, follow limits and go at a safe speed.  Traffic tickets for speeding are expensive and can cause your auto insurance costs to go up significantly.</p> <h3>2) Drive Defensively</h3> <p>Focus on the road and scan the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you.  Keep a safe distance and think about how you would escape if a car suddenly stopped or came into your lane. Keep at a safe distance from cars ahead of you. The faster you’re driving the more space you need to maintain. Consider taking a defensive driving course. </p> <h3><img alt="Driving tips" src="/Portals/0/Car%20road%20trees%20sm.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" title="Driving tips" />3) Don’t Use Your Cell Phone</h3> <p>Massachusetts law and that of other states prohibit the use of a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle by drivers under age 18. Studies indicate using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk as the distraction impairs driving ability. Turn your phone off to eliminate rings and alerts that distract you. Even when you are of age to legally use a phone, don’t forget that phone use distracts…focus on driving.</p> <h3>4) Don’t Text and Drive</h3> <p>In Massachusetts and other states, laws prohibit drivers from using any mobile electronic device to write, send, or read an electronic message (including text messages, emails, instant messages, or accessing the Internet) while operating a vehicle. This law applies to drivers of all ages. Researchers have shown that texting causes drivers to look away from the road for 4.6 seconds on average. Imagine driving the length of a football field without looking at the road…that’s a lot of distance. If you see others doing this and you are in a vehicle, ask them to stop.</p> <h3>5) Avoid Distractions</h3> <p>Distractions increase the chances that you won’t notice and react to a dangerous situation or that you’ll react too late. Beyond phones, other equally dangerous distractions include eating; drinking; playing with your radio, navigation, or other controls; and loud music. All these take your focus off the road, and being alert can give you extra seconds to react, which can make all the difference in avoiding an accident. Statistics show that inexperienced drivers are more likely to lose control of a vehicle, so avoiding distractions can help you stay in control.</p> <h3>6) Drive Alone</h3> <p>You might not realize it, but other people in your car can sometimes be a distraction. Having one teen passenger can double the risk of causing a car accident. Adding additional teen passengers increases the risk. Don’t offer to drive others unless you have to. Be aware of the risks to help focus your attention on the road.</p> <h3> 7) Turn on Headlights</h3> <p>Headlights increase visibility even in daylight. The more visible you are to other drivers the better.  Don’t wait until it’s completely dark to turn on lights.  Be sure they are on in early morning and early evening so that other drivers can easily see you.</p> <h3>8) Use Seatbelts</h3> <p>Wearing your seatbelt is the law, but sometimes people take chances.  Always buckle up!  Newer cars have excellent safety equipment be sure you understand the safety features of your vehicle and how they work to protect you.  Be sure you understand how to properly brake with anti-lock brakes.</p> 839Lightning safety: 10 myths—and the factshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/857/Lightning-safety-10-mythsand-the-facts.aspxGeneralTue, 13 Jun 2023 18:47:00 GMT<h2>To stay safe in a storm, know the truth about lightning dangers</h2> <p>“When thunder roars, go indoors!” is a truism that actually holds up. But much of what we think we know about lightning is fiction. Here are some common myths, along with the facts that will keep you and your loved ones safe in a storm.</p> <p><img alt="lightning safety" src="/Portals/0/lightning_1.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 168px;" title="lightning safety" />At any given time on our planet Earth, there are 1,800 thunderstorms in progress—and with them comes lightning. Property damage from lightning is covered by standard homeowners insurance for your home, and the comprehensive portion of an auto policy for your car—but bodily harm from lightning isn't easily remedied.</p> <p>During a thunderstorm, it's best to take shelter in a house, other structure or a hard-topped, fully enclosed vehicle. But as one of these options may not be available to you, your safety and wellbeing may depend on knowing the difference between these lightning myths and the facts.</p> <h4>Myth #1 – Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.</h4> <p><strong>Fact: </strong>Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it’s a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building was once used as a lightning laboratory because it is hit nearly 25 times per year, and has been known to have been hit up to a dozen times during a single storm.</p> <h4>Myth #2 – Lightning only strikes the tallest objects.</h4> <p><strong>Fact: </strong>Lightning is indiscriminate and it can find you anywhere. Lightning may hit the ground instead of a tree, cars instead of nearby telephone poles, and parking lots instead of buildings.</p> <h4>Myth #3 – If you're stuck in a thunderstorm, being under a tree is better than no shelter at all.</h4> <p><strong>Fact: </strong>Sheltering under a tree is just about the worst thing you can do. If lightning does hit the tree, there’s the chance that a “ground charge” will spread out from the tree in all directions. Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties.</p> <h4>Myth #4 – If you don't see rain or clouds, you're safe.</h4> <p><strong>Fact: </strong>Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or even the thunderstorm cloud. Though infrequent, “bolts from the blue” have been known to strike areas as distant as 10 miles from their thunderstorm origins, where the skies appear clear.</p> <h4>Myth #5 – A car's rubber tires will protect you from lightning</h4> <p>Fact: True, being in a car will likely protect you. But most vehicles are actually safe because the metal roof and sides divert lightning around you—the rubber tires have little to do with keeping you safe. Convertibles, motorcycles, bikes, open shelled outdoor recreation vehicles and cars with plastic or fiberglass shells offer no lightning protection at all.</p> <h4>Myth #6 – If you're outside in a storm, lie flat on the ground.</h4> <p><strong>Fact:</strong> Lying flat on the ground makes you more vulnerable to electrocution, not less. Lightning generates potentially deadly electrical currents along the ground in all directions—by lying down, you're providing more potential points on your body to hit.</p> <h4>Myth #7 – If you touch a lightning victim, you'll be electrocuted.</h4> <p><strong>Fact:</strong> The human body doesn’t store electricity. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid.</p> <h4>Myth #8 – Wearing metal on your body attracts lightning.</h4> <p><strong>Fact: </strong>The presence of metal makes very little difference in determining where lightning will strike. Height, pointy shape and isolation are the dominant factors in whether lightning will strike an object (including you). However, touching or being near metal objects, such as a fence, can be unsafe when thunderstorms are nearby. If lightning does happen to hit one area of the fence—even a long distance away—the metal can conduct the electricity and electrocute you.</p> <h4>Myth #9 – A house will always keep you safe from lightning.</h4> <p><strong>Fact: </strong>While a house is the safest place you can be during a storm, just going inside isn’t enough. You must avoid any conducting path leading outside, such as electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, plumbing, metal doors or metal window frames. Don’t stand near a window to watch the lightning. An inside room is generally safe, but a home equipped with a professionally installed lightning protection system is the safest shelter available.</p> <h4>Myth #10 – Surge suppressors can protect a home against lightning.</h4> <p><strong>Fact: </strong>Surge arresters and suppressors are important components of a complete lightning protection system, but can do nothing to protect a structure against a direct lightning strike. These items must be installed in conjunction with a lightning protection system to provide whole house protection.</p> <p>Source:  <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 857How often should I review my insurance policy?https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/847/How-often-should-I-review-my-insurance-policy.aspxGeneralFri, 09 Jun 2023 11:18:00 GMT<p>There are four events that should trigger a review of your policy:</p> <h3><strong>1. When your policy comes up for renewal</strong></h3> <p><img alt="review your insurance" src="/Portals/0/Clipboard%20Review.jpg?ver=2014-04-11-114544-000" style="margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px; float: right; width: 200px; height: 201px;" />Don’t just automatically send a check to your insurance company. Take the time to review your coverage and call your agent with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your homeowners insurance. Ask yourself the following questions:</p> <ul> <li>Has the company made any changes in coverage since last year?</li> <li>Does my policy now include a separate deductible for risks like hurricane or hail?</li> <li>Should I raise the deductible to save money?</li> <li>Am I taking advantage of all available discounts?</li> <li>Do I need to raise the amount of coverage for liability, personal possessions or the structure?</li> <li>Should I comparison shop for a cheaper rate?</li> <li>Do I need flood, earthquake or an umbrella policy?</li> </ul> <h3><strong>2. When you've made major purchases or home improvements</strong></h3> <p>If you have made any major purchases, make sure that you have the proper coverage. And, don’t forget about gifts. If you have received a diamond engagement ring or if a member of your family has bought you expensive artwork or a computer, talk to your agent about either increasing the amount of insurance you have for your personal possessions or purchasing a floater/endorsement for these items. A floater will give you higher and broader coverage for these items than you have under your homeowners policy.</p> <p>If you have made major improvements to your home, such as adding a new room, enclosing a porch or expanding a kitchen or bathroom, you risk being underinsured if you don't report the increase in square footage to your insurance company. Don’t forget about new structures outside of your home. If you have built a gazebo, a new shed for your tools or installed a pool or hot tub, you need to speak to your agent. Keep receipts and records in case you need to forward copies to your company.</p> <h3><strong>3. When you've made your home safer</strong></h3> <p>If you have installed a state-of-the art fire/burglar alarm system or upgraded your heating, plumbing or electrical system, make sure that your insurance company knows about these improvements. You may qualify for a discount.</p> <h3><strong>4. When you experience major lifestyle changes</strong></h3> <p>Marriage, divorce, or adult children who move back into the family home, can all affect your homeowners insurance. When people move in or move out, they take their belongings with them. And you may need additional coverage if there is a sizable increase in the value of the belongings in your home.</p> <p>Starting a home-based business can also trigger changes in your coverage. You will need to get additional coverage for business liability and equipment. If the business is your primary source of income, you may need a Businessowners Package Policy (BOP). You may also need professional liability coverage, which is excluded under in-home business and businessowners policies. For more information, see <a href="/business-insurance/Business-Insurance-Overview.aspx">Business Insurance</a>.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 847Boat insurance and safetyhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/859/Boat-insurance-and-safety.aspxGeneralFri, 26 May 2023 14:20:00 GMT<h3>Keep your head above water—understand how to protect your seagoing vessel, yourself and your passengers</h3> <h4>Boat insurance basics</h4> <p>The size, type and value of the craft and the water in which you use it factor into what type of insurance you need and how much you will pay for insurance coverage. As with any insurance policy, make sure you understand exactly what perils are covered and what your policy limits are.</p> <p><strong>Small craft may be covered under your standard <a href="/personal-insurance/Home-Condo-Renter-Insurance/Home-Owner.aspx">homeowners policy</a> or <a href="/rentersinsurance.aspx">renters insurance</a> policy.</strong> Most insurers provide limited coverage for property damage for small boats such as canoes, small sailboats or small powerboats with less than 25 mile per hour horsepower. Coverage generally includes the boat, motor and trailer combined. Liability coverage is typically not included, but it can be added as an endorsement to a homeowners policy.</p> <p><strong><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/boat%20motorboat.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 169px;" title="" />Larger and faster boats such as yachts require a <a href="/personal-insurance/boat-recreation-vehicles/Boat-and-Yacht.aspx">separate insurance policy</a></strong> (as do personal watercraft such as jet skis).</p> <p>Typical boat insurance policies cover physical damage to the boat itself. They also cover property damage, theft and medical payments, each with different deductibles. Your insurer may offer additional, optional coverage for trailers and boat accessories.</p> <p>Boat insurance policies generally provide broader liability protection than a homeowners policy. However, depending on the assets that are at risk, boat owners may also consider purchasing an umbrella liability policy, which will provide additional protection for their boat, home and car.</p> <h4>Boat insurance coverage</h4> <p><a href="/personal-insurance/boat-recreation-vehicles/Boat-and-Yacht.aspx">Boat insurance</a> is available in two types, each with different parameters and different premium costs.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Actual Cash Value</strong> policies pay for replacement costs less depreciation at the time of the loss. In the event of a total loss, used boat pricing guides and other resources are used to determine the vessel’s approximate market value. Partial losses are settled by taking the total cost of the repair less a percentage for depreciation.</li> <li><strong>Agreed Amount Value</strong> policies are based on a valuation of your vessel that you and your insurer have agreed upon; in event of a total loss you will be paid the "agreed amount." Agreed Amount Value policies will also replace old items with new ones in the event of a partial loss, without any deduction for depreciation.</li> </ul> <p>Here are some of the common and optional boat coverages. Make sure you understand what exactly your policy will pay for and what the limits are.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Physical loss or damage to the actual boat</strong>, including the hull, machinery, fittings, furnishings and permanently attached equipment. Physical damage exclusions might include normal wear and tear, damage from insects, mold, animals (such as sharks), zebra mussels, defective machinery or machinery damage.</li> <li><strong>Theft of the boat</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Bodily injury</strong> to persons other than the boat owner or his or her family.</li> <li><strong>Damage caused to someone else’s property</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Guest passenger liability</strong>—that is, any legal expenses incurred by someone using the boat with the owner’s permission.</li> <li><strong>Medical payments</strong> for injuries to the boat owner and other passengers.</li> <li><strong>Trailer or boat accessories</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Loss or theft of belongings</strong> may or may not be covered. Your homeowners policy may provide some coverage and boaters should specifically inquire about special equipment kept on the boat, such as fishing gear, to make sure it is covered.</li> <li><strong>Towing </strong>in the event of an accident.</li> </ul> <h4>Boat insurance discounts</h4> <p>If you're thinking of obtaining boat insurance or changing insurers, inquire about discounts for the following:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Diesel powered craft</strong>, which are less hazardous than gasoline powered boats as they are less likely to explode</li> <li><strong>Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers</strong></li> <li><strong>Ship-to-shore radios</strong></li> <li><strong>Boating education courses</strong>, such as those offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, or the American Red Cross.</li> <li><strong>Multi-policies with the same insurer</strong>, such as a car, home or umbrella policy.</li> <li><strong>Anti theft devices</strong></li> <li><strong>Depth finders and radar</strong></li> <li><strong>Years of boating experience</strong></li> </ul> <h4>Best practices for boat safety</h4> <p>There are thousands of recreational boating accidents per year, which can be costly in injuries and damages. Contributing factors to boating disasters include traveling too fast for water or weather conditions, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to follow boating rules and regulations, carelessness and inexperience.</p> <p>The best way to ensure your years of accident- and claims-free experience is to follow boating safety practices.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Properly equip your vessel </strong>with required navigation lights and with a whistle, horn or bell. Have on hand plenty life jackets and emergency safety devices such as a paddle or oars, a first-aid kit, a supply of fresh water, a tool kit and spare parts, a flashlight, flares and a radio. Carry one or more fire extinguishers, matched to the size and type of boat and keep them readily accessible and in condition for immediate use.</li> <li><strong>Before you sail or launch</strong>, check weather forecasts before heading out to ensure good boating conditions. Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Check engine, fuel, electrical and steering systems, especially for exhaust-system leaks.</li> <li><strong>When you have passengers and/or a load</strong>, pay attention when loading. Distribute the load evenly and don't overload. In a small boat, warn passengers not to stand up or shift weight suddenly. Don’t permit riding on the bow, seatbacks or gunwales. Make sure that every person on board the boat gets and wears a life jacket.</li> <li><strong>Know and obey marine traffic laws</strong>; learn distress signals and other boating signals.</li> <li><strong>In shallow waters, keep an alert lookou</strong>t for other watercraft, swimmers, floating debris and shallow waters.</li> <li><strong>Don't operate the boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs</strong>, or allow anyone who might be impaired to operate the vessel.</li> </ul> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> <p> </p> 85910 tips for “What to do at an accident scene”https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/704/10-tips-for-What-to-do-at-an-accident-scene.aspxGeneralWed, 12 Apr 2023 20:16:00 GMT<p>Even the most careful drivers can be in an accident. Because having an accident isn’t a common occurrence, you might forget what you should and shouldn’t do if you’re in an accident. Here are actions you can take to help things go smoothly and facilitate the claims process.</p> <p><strong>Stay calm. </strong> Getting upset only makes a bad situation more difficult. Maintain your composure even if the other person doesn’t.</p> <p><strong>Check for injuries and call the police.</strong> Even if the accident is minor call. Notify them of injuries so that they can call for medical assistance.</p> <p><strong>Don’t leave the scene of an accident. </strong>Even if the other driver says its okay, they could later file for injuries or you could be accused of a hit and run. Wait for the police to arrive as they provide an objective witness.</p> <p><strong>Don't move an injured person</strong> -- unless they are in immediate danger.</p> <p><strong>Try to protect the scene of the accident. </strong>Don’t move your vehicle unless it impedes traffic or it’s necessary to prevent further damage. Have a kit with emergency cones, triangles or flares.</p> <p><strong>Don't blame the accident on anyone -- including yourself</strong>. Even if you might be at fault, don’t say so to anyone. Give your full description of the accident only to the police officer.</p> <p><strong>Exchange information with the other driver.</strong> Take notes of:</p> <ul> <li>the license plate number, make, model & color of other vehicles</li> <li>names & addresses of all drivers/passengers</li> <li>drivers license numbers</li> <li>note if driver is different from vehicle owner</li> <li>insurance company information</li> <li>name and address of witnesses</li> </ul> <p><strong>Take photos.</strong> Use your cell phone to document the accident scene and damage to all vehicles.</p> <p><strong>Ask the officer where you can get a copy of the policy report. </strong></p> <p><strong>If you hit an object or unattended vehicle, try to find the owner.</strong> If you can't, leave a note containing your name, address and phone number. Record the details of the accident.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/car%20accident.jpg?ver=x3zhX__jucB6aeQC1NprRA%3d%3d" style="width: 300px; height: 375px;" />Call us as soon as possible after an accident so that our Claims Team can assist you. Don’t assume we’ll find out another way. You can initiate your claim online at dfmurphy.com/claims. In an emergency call our 24 hours emergency hotline at 800 222 8711.</p> 704Insurance check list for getting your motorcycle back on the roadhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/858/Insurance-check-list-for-getting-your-motorcycle-back-on-the-road.aspxGeneralWed, 05 Apr 2023 20:12:00 GMT<p>If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, once spring is here you can’t wait until the weather gets good enough to get your bike back on the road.  After sitting out the winter, you’ll be going through a check list to get your motorcycle tuned up, polished and road ready. </p> <h2>Make sure your insurance policy is up to date and reflects your current situation.</h2> <p>It’s exciting to get back out there, but before you do, be sure that you also do a check up on your motorcycle insurance in addition to the motorcycle itself.</p> <h3><img alt="motorcycle insurance" src="/Portals/0/motorcycle-%20driver.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" title="motorcycle insurance" />Update your insurance coverage</h3> <p>During the winter months, you may have taken your bike off the road or temporarily reduced coverage limits. If you have a plate on your bike, you may be tempted that first warm day to take it for a ride, but if you haven’t switched your policy back to the limits you normally carry on your vehicles, don’t take the chance. If you or someone else is injured, you’ll more than regret making an impulsive decision.  Also, if you’ve moved or had a significant change in how many miles you ride, it might change your insurance premium amount.</p> <h4>Coverage for your bike and equipment</h4> <p><strong>New motorcycle replacement</strong> – If you have a new bike, ask about special replacement cost coverage. New motorcycles depreciate quickly, so this endorsement will provide funds for a brand new motorcycle if you have a loss within a specific time frame or number of miles.</p> <p><strong>Custom bike equipment or accessories </strong>– If you’ve been sprucing up or customizing your bike, be sure that the value of your upgrades are listed in the value.  Unless you specifically add them, they may not be covered.</p> <p><strong>Gear & personal belongings</strong> – If wear special protective gear or carry personal belongings, check how your insurance policy covers these items or if you need a special endorsement.  You could save money in an accident if personal property is covered under the vehicle deductible rather than under your home/renter policy.</p> <h4>Coverage for injuries to others or yourself</h4> <p>When you’re on a motorcycle, you’re far more exposed than when riding in a vehicle, so be sure that your policy has top notch.</p> <p> <strong>Guest riders and yourself</strong> – Not all policies automatically cover guests, so be sure that you have coverage even for occasional riders.  Also consider medical payments coverage that can pay for medical expenses for you or guests, which can be significant even if you have good health insurance due to deductibles and other costs. Another coverage option is uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which will cover your in the event someone that causes you injury isn't properly insured.</p> <p><strong>Bodily inury to others</strong> – Even though you're on a smaller vehicle, it doesn't mean that you can't be at-fault for causing an accident. Be sure your policy has higher limits in case you swerve or somehow are responsible for causing injury. </p> <p>Our insurance Associates can walk you through your <a href="/personal-insurance/Auto-Insurance/Motorcycles.aspx">motorcycle insurance coverage </a>and discuss options for better protection. Even if it’s only been a few months, looking at your coverage with fresh eyes is always smart before getting back on the road. Situations can change and it never hurts to review. Being properly protected will make your summer fun all the more enjoyable.</p> 858Start your Engines - MA Low Plate Lottery 2022https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/909/start-your-engines-ma-low-plate-lottery-2022.aspxGeneralWed, 20 Jul 2022 21:16:00 GMT<h3>The deadline to enter the 2022 Low plate lottery is Friday, September 2, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.</h3> <p>Have you ever wanted to have a low-number license plate? If so, you’re in luck because the MA RMV is now taking applications for this year’s Low Plate Lottery. There are 198 plates available, according to MassDOT. </p> <ul> <li><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/MA%20Low%20Plate%20Lottery.jpg?ver=xBT5XPsR1MtRXE33kPANTQ%3d%3d" style="margin: 20px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 152px;" />One entry per applicant.</li> <li>You must be a Massachusetts resident with a currently registered and insured passenger vehicle.</li> <li>Companies and corporations can not apply for a low number plate.</li> <li>Requests for specific plate numbers will not be honored.</li> <li>While there is no fee to enter the contest, winners are required to pay the plate registration fee (currently $60) plus an additional fee (currently $40) every two years for the low number plate.  </li> <li>The RMV will notify all winners by mail, who will have until Friday, December 30, 2022, to transfer their old plate to their new lottery plate.</li> </ul> <div>For more information and complete lottery rules and eligibility, and a list of available plate numbers, visit <a href="https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles-announces-2022-low-plate-lottery" target="_blank">mass.gov/rmv</a>.</div> <h3>How to enter…</h3> <p>All entries must be submitted online. By law, the Registry must announce all of this year’s winners by September 15, 2022. </p> <p>Enter the lottery here: <a href="https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/_/#1" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Low Plate Lottery submis</a><a href="https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/_/#1">sion page.</a></p> 909How to Stop Receiving Mail Addressed to a Deceased Personhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/900/how-to-stop-mail-addressed-to-a-deceased-person.aspxGeneralFri, 24 Jun 2022 14:25:00 GMT<p><img alt="mailbox" src="/Portals/0/mailbox.jpg?ver=4uXdlrxxLUrNqC0kQrI4Gw%3d%3d" style="margin: 15px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 214px;" />Receiving mail for a deceased person can be frustrating and in some cases painful.  If you are, or were, an Executor of a deceased person’s estate, you most likely had the Post Office forward their mail to your address. However, this results in you receiving not only important mail you need, but all other types of mail, too. After the estate is settled, you may continue to receive mail addressed to the person.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>You may not be the Executor, but receive mail at your home if you shared a residence/address. Perhaps you purchased your new home from a deceased person’s estate and receive mail addressed to them. Regardless of the situation, there are steps you can take to reduce and eliminate such mail. Remember, it is a federal offense to open and read someone else’s mail. Unless you are a legal representative of the deceased person, do not open their mail.</p> <ol> <li><span style="line-height:107%"></span><strong>Register the deceased person on the Deceased Do Not Contact (DDNC) List </strong>administered by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). It helps to remove the deceased person from commercial direct marketing lists and is a good step to take immediately.  There is no fee to register a name.  Even the US Postal Service recommends, and links, to the DDNC.  All DMA members are required to remove names on this list from their mailing lists. In addition, many non-DMA members have access and use the DDNC to remove names. Once the deceased is registered, mailings should begin to decrease within 90 days. To learn more and register a name visit <u><a href="https://www.ims-dm.com/cgi/ddnc.php"><span style="color:#c0392b;">https://www.ims-dm.com/cgi/ddnc.php</span></a></u>. If you don’t want to click the link, simply search for “Deceased Do Not Contact List.”</li> </ol> <p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p> <ol start="2"> <li><strong>You can request that the Post Office forward ALL of the person’s mail to another address.</strong> This can be helpful if you are not the Executor and shared a residence/address, or if you are an Executor and need all of the person’s mail sent to you. However, the Post Office only honors forwarding requests for one year from the date the request was submitted.</li> </ol> <p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p> <ol start="3"> <li><strong>You can forward a single piece of mail to an appointed Executor </strong>by: <ul> <li>Neatly crossing out your address</li> <li>Printing “Forward to” and adding the new address on the envelope</li> <li>Leaving the envelope in your mailbox, or dropping it off at the Post Office</li> </ul> </li> </ol> <p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p> <ol start="4"> <li><strong>For subscriptions or mail from organizations that the deceased person patronized while they were living, contact the organization directly to inform them of the death</strong>.<span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"></span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p> <ol start="5"> <li><strong>You can write “Deceased, Return to Sender” on any mail addressed to the deceased person and leave it in your mailbox for return.</strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"></span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p> <ol start="6"> <li><strong>If you are the Executor of an estate that has been through probate court, contact the deceased person’s local Post Office and send or deliver in person a copy of the probate order closing the estate and dismissing you as the Executor, and request that all mail service be stopped immediately. </strong>You may have to complete a formal request form.</li> </ol> 900Take The Scream Out Of Halloween By Having The Right Type And Amount Of Insurance Coveragehttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/890/take-the-scream-out-of-halloween-by-having-the-right-type-and-amount-of-insurance-coverage.aspxGeneral,Personal InsuranceSat, 30 Oct 2021 12:00:00 GMT<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Take Reasonable Steps To Prevent Injury Or Property Damage</span></span></span></h2> <div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Halloween can be a fright when trick-or-treaters flock to your property. But taking reasonable steps to safeguard your home and having the right homeowners or renters insurance makes it easier to get into the spirit of things, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). </span></div> <p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Your homeowners or renters policy provides financial protection for a number of disasters, whether they occur on Halloween or any other day of the year—including the following:</span></span></span></p> <ol> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span>Fire: </strong>If a jack-o-lantern or other decoration goes up in flames and damages your property, your homeowners or renters policy covers fire-related losses. And, if your home is uninhabitable following a covered peril like a fire, additional living expenses (ALE) coverage will pay for alternate accommodations, such as a hotel, while your home is being repaired.</span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/halloween2.jpg?ver=2013-10-25-163448-000" style="margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 200px;" /></span></span></span></strong></span></span></span>Vandalism: </strong>In the event your home or your personal possessions are damaged by neighborhood tricksters, homeowners and renters insurance policies provide coverage for vandalism and malicious mischief.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Injuries: </strong>The liability portion of a homeowners or renters policy comes into play if a trick-or-treater is injured while at your home. This would provide coverage for legal expenses and possible judgments against you—up to the policy limits. Your policy also includes no-fault medical coverage so the injured person can file their claim directly with your insurer—without having to sue you. And if your dog gets a little skittish from all the commotion and accidently nips a trick-or-treater, your liability coverage includes damages or injuries caused by pets.</span></span></span></li> </ol> <p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Of course, the best solution is to prevent damage or injury from happening in the first place.</span></span></span></p> <h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For Homeowners: </span></span></span></h3> <ul> <li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><strong>Keep walkways well-lit and free of clutter.  </strong>Not only will a well-lit home send a message to your neighborhood that you are participating in the festivities, but it will also ensure that those goblins can see where they are going as they approach your door.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Keep electrical wires tied down so that scampering trick or treaters don’t stumble. </strong>Many long trailing costumes put kids at risk of tripping, especially if they are wearing masks and are unfamiliar with the property. Electrical cords should be securely tied down and out of the path.</span></span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Make sure handrails/railings are secure. </strong>A child can easily fall when mounting the stairs if railings are wobbly or come loose. Fix or reinforce your railings a few weeks before the witching hour.  </span></span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span><strong></strong><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Use battery-operated bulbs instead of candles in pumpkins. </strong>The National Fire Protection Association’s most recent statistics show that decorations were the first items to be ignited in 920 reported home structure fires on average each year, resulting in six civilian deaths, 47 civilian injuries and $12.9 million in direct property damage.</span></span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Consider raising liability limits.</strong> Generally, most homeowners insurance policies provide a minimum of $100,000 worth of liability insurance. It is generally recommended that homeowners consider purchasing at least $300,000 to $500,000 worth of liability protection. If you own property or assets that are worth more than the liability limits in your policy, <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/personal-insurance/Personal-Umbrella.aspx">a separate umbrella or excess liability policy</a> can provides extra coverage.  </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span></li> </ul> <div><font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Source: <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></span></font></div> <p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"></span></span></span></p> 890Murphy Insurance offices open to visitors on June 1, 2021https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/898/murphy-insurance-offices-reopening-to-visitors-on-june-1-2021.aspxGeneralThu, 27 May 2021 15:08:00 GMT<hr /> <h3><span style="color:#c0392b;">Face coverings following CDC guidelines</span></h3> <p><strong>All individuals regardless of vaccination status are required to wear face coverings.  </strong>Thank you in advance for adhering to these guidelines for your safety, the safety of our other customers, and team members.</p> <hr /> <h3>Our offices are reopening to visitors on June 1</h3> <p>With the COVID-19 vaccine rollout well underway and the Commonwealth of MA updating guidelines, we are pleased to announce that our <strong>Bolton, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Marlborough and Medway offices will be open to visitors starting Tuesday, June 1</strong>. Our Mendon office, however, remains closed at this time. Click here for <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/locations.aspx">location details and office hours</a>.</p> <h3>Remote options can be more efficient</h3> <p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/family%20light%20blue.jpg?ver=YgU3LmBg9HC68uj6400mMw%3d%3d" style="width: 300px; height: 169px; float: left; margin: 10px 20px;" />We remain committed to the health and safety of our clients, team and visitors. While vaccinations have improved the COVID situation, there are still risks, which makes limiting in-office visits prudent. We encourage you to consider continuing phone, email and other methods you’ve utilized over the last 14 months to handle routine insurance needs.</p> <p><strong>If your needs require an in-person visit or consultation, we recommend that you call us at 800-222-8711 before visiting as there may be a more efficient way of assisting you.</strong> Your time is valuable. We want to make working with us as easy as possible.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Payments</strong> – Murphy Insurance will continue the practice of no longer accepting cash payments at our offices effective June 1, 2021. This was a difficult decision that is necessary for security reasons; however, with us not being able to accept cash payments for the past year due to our offices not being open to visitors, we’ve been able to work with customers to find other alternatives. Mailing a check, online banking/bill payment services, EFT, carrier website or other carrier provided options are the most efficient way to make payments. Let us know if you need assistance.</li> <li><strong>Quote requests, coverage updates, completing documents, and claims</strong> – All these needs and more can be handled by phone or email communication from the convenience of your home or office.</li> <li><strong>Registry (RMV) Services</strong> – Call ahead. We can often reduce your wait time by preparing paperwork in advance.</li> </ul> <h3>Office Safety Measures<span style="language:en-US"></span></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Masks</strong> - Out of an abundance of caution we will continue to require masks at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and revise our precautions when appropriate. Thanks in advance on behalf of our team and customers.</li> <li> <strong>Practice social distancing</strong></li> <li> <strong>Limit visitors to only individuals necessary to conduct business</strong> - Ideally, only one person per family unless otherwise required.</li> <li><strong> Hygiene </strong>- Hand sanitizer is available. We routinely disinfect surfaces in high-touch or common areas.</li> </ul> <p><br /> Thank you for choosing Murphy Insurance Agency. We appreciate having you as a client. Please contact us with any questions or for more information. Please be well and be safe!</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Michael D. Murphy and Dennis F. Murphy III</p> <p> </p> 898Toys for Tots needs your help!https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/892/toys-for-tots-needs-your-help.aspxGeneralFri, 27 Nov 2020 13:00:00 GMT<p>Our offices are closed to in-person visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, we are unable to host our annual public toy drop-off for Toys for Tots. After so many years of collecting toys, we are saddened that we can't do so. However, <strong>we encourage you to continue to support Toys for Tots</strong> and want to share information to help you find ways to donate because <strong>this year, more than ever, kids and families need help</strong>. Make your donation early so that toys can be delivered.  Ideally, <strong>donate by December 9th</strong>.</p> <h3><a href="https://www.toysfortots.org" target="_blank"><img alt="Toys for Tots" src="https://www.dfmurphy.com/portals/0/Train%20Logo.jpg" style="float: left; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px;" title="" /></a>Where you can donate toys locally</h3> <p>There are still many public drop-off points across Massachusetts and throughout the country, and we encourage you to find a location and make a donation. Murphy Insurance staff will be conducting our own internal toy drive and getting them to Toys for Tots, we hope you'll join us.</p> <p><br /> <strong><a href="https://toysfortots.org/request_toys/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Click here to search online for a local drop-off location.</a> </strong></p> <h3><a href="/resources/Toys-for-Tots.aspx">More information ></a></h3> 892Toys for Tots drive 2019...Donate by December 10https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/872/toys-for-tots-drive-2019donate-by-december-10.aspxGeneralMon, 18 Nov 2019 22:32:55 GMT<h2>Drop off a toy by December 10.</h2> <p>Join us in helping to make the holiday happier for families and kids in need this holiday. Starting, Monday, November 25, Murphy Insurance is again serving as a collection spot for Toys for Tots at all seven (7) locations in Bolton, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Marlborough, Mendon and Medway. Deadline for donations is December 10 in order to allow the Marines time to deliver them before the holiday..</p> <h3><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/Toys%20for%20Tots.jpg?ver=2019-11-22-114233-717" style="width: 300px; height: 423px; margin: 0px 25px; float: left;" />What kind of toys can I donate?</h3> <ul> <li>new</li> <li>un-wrapped</li> <li>preferably around the $10 or above price range</li> <li>books are also needed (children receive 2 toys each and 3 books count as ONE gift!) </li> <li>homemade toys are also accepted</li> </ul> <h3>What kinds of toys are NOT allowed?</h3> <ul> <li>used toys</li> <li>toys that look like realistic weapons</li> <li>toys with candy or food</li> <li>toys with chemicals (i.e., experimental labs, acid, crystal projects, etc.)</li> </ul> <h3>What ages of children are eligible to receive toys?</h3> <ul> <li>ages 0 up to 12 years</li> <li>gifts for older kids are often in great need</li> </ul> <p>Thanks for joining us in this effort to help families in the area.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> 872Contributions to Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program delayed 3-monthshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/861/Contributions-to-Massachusetts-Paid-Family-and-Medical-Leave-PFML-program-delayed-3-months.aspxGeneralWed, 19 Jun 2019 22:27:00 GMT<p><meta content="IE=11.0000" http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" /><!-- DEPLOYMENT IDENTIFIER: 1410cf858762f05a0a747aeff643f07e5488f05d --><script 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Date).getTime(),f=e("handle"),c=e(3),s=e("ee"),p=e(2),d=window,l=d.document,m="addEventListener",v="attachEvent",g=d.XMLHttpRequest,w=g&&g.prototype;NREUM.o={ST:setTimeout,SI:d.setImmediate,CT:clearTimeout,XHR:g,REQ:d.Request,EV:d.Event,PR:d.Promise,MO:d.MutationObserver};var h=""+location,y={beacon:"bam.nr-data.net",errorBeacon:"bam.nr-data.net",agent:"js-agent.newrelic.com/nr-1123.min.js"},b=g&&w&&w[m]&&!/CriOS/.test(navigator.userAgent),x=n.exports={offset:u,now:a,origin:h,features:{},xhrWrappable:b,userAgent:p};e(1),l[m]?(l[m]("DOMContentLoaded",i,!1),d[m]("load",r,!1)):(l[v]("onreadystatechange",o),d[v]("onload",r)),f("mark",["firstbyte",u],null,"api");var E=0,O=e(5)},{}]},{},["loader"]);</SCRIPT><SCRIPT>dataLayer = [{"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"US","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"news","entityId":"473046","entityUuid":"a3978887-9906-4a37-9087-56849ef10a83","entityLabel":"Notice to Massachusetts Employers about PFML delay","entityLangcode":"en","entityVid":"3609606","entityUid":"2111","entityCreated":"1560524747","entityStatus":"1","entityField_organizations":{"414111":"Department of Family and Medical Leave"},"entityName":"gdesrosiers","userUid":0}];</script><script type="application/ld+json">{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@id": "https://www.mass.gov/news/notice-to-massachusetts-employers-about-pfml-delay#news", "publisher": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.mass.gov/themes/custom/mass_theme/images/stateseal.png" } } ], "@type": "NewsArticle", "description": "The Massachusetts Legislature and the Baker-Polito Administration have enacted legislation to delay the start of employer and employee contributions to the Paid Family and Medical Leave program (PFML) by three months to October 1, 2019.", "disambiguatingDescription": "An update regarding the 3-month delay to the PFML program, including changes to important deadlines and contribution rates.", "headline": "Notice to Massachusetts Employers about PFML delay", "author": [], "name": "Notice to Massachusetts Employers about PFML delay", "datePublished": "6/14/2019", "articleBody": "The Massachusetts Legislature and the Baker-Polito Administration have enacted legislation to delay the start of employer and employee contributions to the Paid Family and Medical Leave program (PFML) by three months to October 1, 2019. \n\nThis delay will allow employers across the Commonwealth more time to prepare their organizations and workforces for PFML. Please read below to see how this delay will affect you and your responsibilities under the law. \n\nRequired Withholding Now Starts October 1\n\nThe start date for required PFML contributions is now October 1, 2019. On that date, employers must begin withholding PFML contributions from employee qualifying earnings.  Employers will be responsible for remitting employee and (if applicable) employer contributions for the October 1 to December 31 quarter through MassTaxConnect by January 31, 2020. \n\nContribution Rate Change\n\nThe PFML law requires that the Department adjust the contribution rate to offset the shorter period for collections that will result from the three-month delay. As a result, the total contribution rate has been adjusted from 0.63% to 0.75% of employee qualifying earnings. This adjustment will ensure that full funding will be in place for the commencement of benefit payments in January 2021.  \n\nTimeline Extended for Required Employee Notices \n\nEmployers now have until September 30, 2019, to notify all covered individuals of their rights and obligations under PFML. Check the Department website at mass.gov/pfml in the coming days for updated notices to provide to your workforce. \n\nTimeline Extended for Exemption Applications \n\nEmployers that offer paid leave benefits that are at least as generous as those required under the PFML law may apply to the Department for an exemption from making contributions. Employers will now have until December 20, 2019, to apply for an exemption that will excuse them from the obligation to remit contributions for the full period commencing with the October 1 start date.\n\nPFML Regulations Will Be Final and Effective on July 1, 2019\n\nThe final regulations will be posted on the Department website at mass.gov/pfml on Monday, June 17, 2019. The regulations will be formally published under the title 458 CMR 2.00 DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE.\n\nMore about PFML\n\nBeginning in 2021, PFML will provide temporary income replacement to eligible workers who are welcoming a new child into their family, dealing with a serious illness or injury, caring for an ailing relative, or dealing with complications resulting from the military deployment of a family member. The program is funded by payroll-based contributions from employers, employees, and certain contract workers.\n\nTo learn more about PFML, including information about how this new program impacts your organization, more background on exemptions, and details on contribution levels, please visit mass.gov/pfml." } ] }</script>Recently we shared information with you about the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave program that was due to be implemented by July 1, 2019.  The Massachusetts Legislature and the Baker-Polito Administration have enacted legislation to delay the start of employer and employee contributions to the Paid Family and Medical Leave program (PFML) by three months to October 1, 2019.</p> <main id="main-content" role="main" tabindex="-1"> <p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/law gavel_1.jpg?ver=2016-04-13-155739-203" style="width: 300px; height: 225px; float: right;" title="" />This delay will allow employers across the Commonwealth more time to prepare their organizations and workforces for PFML. Please read below to see how this delay will affect you and your responsibilities under the law.</p> <h4>Required Withholding Now Starts October 1</h4> <p>The start date for required PFML contributions is now October 1, 2019. On that date, employers must begin withholding PFML contributions from employee qualifying earnings.  Employers will be responsible for remitting employee and (if applicable) employer contributions for the October 1 to December 31 quarter through MassTaxConnect by January 31, 2020.</p> <h4>Contribution Rate Change</h4> <p>The PFML law requires that the Department adjust the contribution rate to offset the shorter period for collections that will result from the three-month delay. As a result, the total contribution rate has been adjusted from 0.63% to 0.75% of employee qualifying earnings. This adjustment will ensure that full funding will be in place for the commencement of benefit payments in January 2021. </p> <h4>Timeline Extended for Required Employee Notices</h4> <p>Employers now have until September 30, 2019, to notify all covered individuals of their rights and obligations under PFML. Check the Department website at <a href="https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-family-and-medical-leave">mass.gov/pfml</a> in the coming days for updated notices to provide to your workforce.</p> <h4>Timeline Extended for Exemption Applications</h4> <p>Employers that offer paid leave benefits that are at least as generous as those required under the PFML law may apply to the Department for an exemption from making contributions. Employers will now have until December 20, 2019, to apply for an exemption that will excuse them from the obligation to remit contributions for the full period commencing with the October 1 start date.</p> <h4>PFML Regulations Will Be Final and Effective on July 1, 2019</h4> <p>The final regulations will be posted on the Department website at <a href="https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-family-and-medical-leave">mass.gov/pfml</a> on Monday, June 17, 2019. The regulations will be formally published under the title 458 CMR 2.00 DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE.</p> <h4>More about PFML</h4> <p>Beginning in 2021, PFML will provide temporary income replacement to eligible workers who are welcoming a new child into their family, dealing with a serious illness or injury, caring for an ailing relative, or dealing with complications resulting from the military deployment of a family member. The program is funded by payroll-based contributions from employers, employees, and certain contract workers.</p> <p>To learn more about PFML, including information about how this new program impacts your organization, more background on exemptions, and details on contribution levels, please visit <a href="https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-family-and-medical-leave">mass.gov/pfml</a>.</p> <p>Source:  <a href="https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-family-and-medical-leave">www.mass.gov</a></p> <p>Related Post:  <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/Post/2218/Is-your-business-ready-for-MA-Paid-Family-Medical-Leave-Law-effective-July-1-2019.aspx">Is your business ready for MA Paid Family & Medical Leave Law effective July 1, 2019</a></p> <!--EndFragment--></main> 861Is your business ready for MA Paid Family & Medical Leave Law effective July 1, 2019?https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/860/Is-your-business-ready-for-MA-Paid-Family-Medical-Leave-Law-effective-July-1-2019.aspxGeneralFri, 10 May 2019 00:16:00 GMT<p> <style type="text/css">var{border: #333333 1px dotted;font-style:normal;}.CC_DIVIDER{margin:0px auto 0px auto;} .CC_NOEDIT{margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;} .MSOTABLEFIX{mso-table-lspace:0pt;border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-rspace:0pt;} .OuterBGColor{background-color:#F5F5F5;} .InnerBGColor{background-color:#FFFFFF;} .MainWidth{width:610px;} .MaxMainWidth{max-width:610px;} .BodyPadding{padding:15px 5px 15px 5px;} .TopMargin{padding:0px 0px 8px 0px;} .PreheaderContent{padding:8px 0px 9px 0px;} .PreheaderText{color:#4d4d4d;font-family:"Times New Roman",Times,serif;font-size:9pt;} .LOGO{padding:8px 0px 9px 0px;} .BorderWidth{padding:1px 1px 1px 1px;} .BorderColor{background-color:#000000;} .EmailContainer{padding:8px 0px 15px 0px;} .IMAGE{padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;} .SECTIONHEADLINEPADDING{padding:8px 0px 9px 0px;} .SECTIONHEADLINECONTENT{padding:8px 10px 9px 10px;} .SECTIONHEADLINEBGCOLOR{background-color:#000000;} .SECTIONHEADLINETEXT{color:#FFFFFF;font-family:"Times New Roman",Times,serif;font-size:24pt;} .HEADLINECONTENT{padding:8px 20px 9px 20px;} .HEADLINETEXT{color:#121212;font-family:Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:18pt;} .SUBHEADLINECONTENT{padding:8px 20px 9px 20px;} .SUBHEADLINETEXT{color:#121212;font-family:Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14pt;} .Content{padding:8px 20px 9px 20px;} .FEATUREPADDING{padding:8px 20px 9px 20px;} .FEATUREARTICLEBGCOLOR{background-color:#F5F5F5;} .FEATURECONTENT{padding:15px 17px 15px 20px;} .LEFTIMAGE{padding:0px 15px 10px 0px;} .RIGHTIMAGE{padding:0px 0px 10px 15px;} .FEATUREHEADLINETEXT{color:#121212;font-family:Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14pt;} .FEATURETEXT{color:#333333;font-family:"Times New Roman",Times,serif;font-size:12pt;} .FEATURELINK{color:#0078C1;font-family:"Times New Roman",Times,serif;text-decoration:none;font-size:12pt;} .ARTICLEPADDING{padding:8px 20px 9px 20px;} .ARTICLEHEADLINETEXT{color:#121212;font-family:Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14pt;} .MAINTEXT{color:#333333;font-family:"Times New Roman",Times,serif;font-size:12pt;} .MAINLINK{color:#0078C1;font-family:"Times New Roman",Times,serif;text-decoration:none;font-size:12pt;} .BUTTONBGCOLOR{-moz-border-radius:5px;background-color:#000000;width:auto !important;-webkit-border-radius:5px;border-radius:5px;} .BUTTONCONTENT{padding:9px 15px 10px 15px;} .BUTTONTEXT{color:#ffffff;font-family:"Times New Roman",Times,serif;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;font-size:14px;} .DIVIDERPADDING{padding:15px 20px 15px 20px;} .DIVIDERHEIGHT{padding-bottom:0px;} .DIVIDERBGCOLOR{background-color:#000000;} .BottomMargin{padding:9px 0px 8px 0px;} .COUPONPADDING{padding:8px 0px 9px 0px;} .COUPONBGCOLOR{background-color:#FFFFFF;} .COUPONBORDER{border:3px dashed #000000;border-color:#000000;} .COUPONHEADLINEBGCOLOR{background-color:#000000;} .COUPONHEADLINECONTENT{padding:10px 10px 10px 10px;} .COUPONHEADLINETEXT{color:#FFFFFF;font-family:"Times New Roman",Times,serif;font-size:22pt;} .COUPONHEADLINEWIDTH{width:150px;} .COUPONCONTENT{padding:10px 20px 10px 20px;} .COUPONTEXT{color:#000000;font-family:"Times New Roman",Times,serif;font-size:12pt;} .SOCIALMEDIAPADDING{padding:8px 0px 9px 0px;} .SOCIALMEDIAICON{padding:0px 5px 0px 5px;} .SPACERHEIGHT{padding-bottom:9px;} </style> </p> <table _mce_style="display: table;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="textEdit"> <tbody> <tr> <td _mce_style="color: #000000;"><!--StartFragment--> <p>As a Massachusetts employer, you're likely going to have new responsibilities under the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law, which goes into effect July 1, 2019. This law applies to all employers. This law applies to employers with a workforce of any size with few exemptions. As a quick recap:</p> <h3>The Massachusetts PFML law was passed to provide paid family and medical leave and make changes to state wage and hour provisions.</h3> <ul> <li _mce_style="color: #000000;">The new law will be implemented in phases over the next five years beginning with a change in the calculation of tipped employees' wages, a decrease in holiday premium pay and an increase in the minimum wage to $12 per hour all effective Jan. 1, 2019.</li> </ul> <ul> <li _mce_style="color: #000000;">Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits will be funded through employer and employee contributions beginning July 1, 2019; benefits will be available to eligible workers in 2021.</li> </ul> <h3>Starting July 1, 2019, you should begin:</h3> <ul> <li> <p>Reporting wages paid, payment for contract services rendered, and other information about your workforce</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Determining contribution amounts for your workforce and for any contribution due from you as an employer where applicable</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Making deductions to cover worker contributions from payments you make to your workforce, either as wages or as payments for services from Massachusetts 1099-MISC contractors</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Notifying your workforce of the PFML law</li> </ul> <p> <img alt="" src="/Portals/0/Know%20the%20rules.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" title="" />Recently, our Employee Group Benefits Team received a number of questions about complying with the requirements of this new law. Although the law doesn't impact the employee benefit services that we provide, we strive to help clients stay on top of major changes related to employee benefits by recommending helpful resources. </p> <p>For PFML, the best source of information is the Mass.gov website, which explains requirements for employers and has a variety of tools to help you calculate contribution amounts. <a _mce_href="https://www.mass.gov/guides/a-guide-to-paid-family-and-medical-leave-for-massachusetts-employers" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #d0112b; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://www.mass.gov/guides/a-guide-to-paid-family-and-medical-leave-for-massachusetts-employers" linktype="1" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on">https://www.mass.gov/guides/a-guide-to-paid-family-and-medical-leave-for-massachusetts-employers</a>. If you use a payroll service, they may also have information that may assist you.</p> <p>As is typical, the state is still finalizing the regulations; however, compliance is still required as they work toward adopting final regulations by 2019. Now is the time to begin planning so that you will be prepared for the July 1 compliance deadline. The state website is the best resource for information, and if you have a vendor that assists you with managing your payroll, they may also have additional insights to share.</p> <!--EndFragment--></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> 86012 steps for locating a lost life insurance policyhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/838/12-steps-for-locating-a-lost-life-insurance-policy.aspxGeneralThu, 17 Jan 2019 01:00:00 GMT<p> </p> <p>Locating life insurance documents for a deceased relative can be a daunting task—for one thing, as of this moment there are no national databases of all life insurance policies. However, with a little sleuthing, you can successfully navigate the paper trail.</p> <p>Here are some strategies to help simplify your search.</p> <h4>1. Look for insurance related documents</h4> <p>Search through files, bank safe deposit boxes and other storage places to see if there are any insurance related documents. Also, check address books for the names of any insurance professionals or companies—an agent or company who sold the deceased their auto or home insurance may know about the existence of a life insurance policy.</p> <h4>2. Contact financial advisors</h4> <p>Present or prior attorneys, accountants, investment advisors, bankers, business insurance agents/brokers and other financial professionals might have information about the deceased’s life insurance policies.</p> <h4>3. Review life insurance applications</h4> <p>The application for each policy is attached to that policy. So if you can find any of the deceased’s life insurance policies, look at the application—will have a list of any other life insurance policies owned at the time of the application.</p> <h4>4. Contact previous employers</h4> <p>Former employers maintain records of past group policies.</p> <h4>5. Check bank statements</h4> <p>See if any checks or automated payments have been made out to life insurance companies over the years.</p> <h4>6. Check the mail</h4> <p>For the year following the death of the policyholder, look for premium notices or dividend notices. If a policy has been paid up, there will no notice of premium payments due; however, the company may still send an annual notice regarding the status of the policy or notice of a dividend.</p> <h4>7. Review income tax returns</h4> <p>Look over the deceased's tax returns for the past two years to see if there is interest income from and interest expenses paid to life insurance companies. Life insurance companies pay interest on accumulations on permanent policies and charge interest on policy loans.</p> <h4>8. Contact state insurance departments</h4> <p>Twenty-nine state insurance departments offer free search services to residents looking for lost policies. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has a “Life Insurance Company Location System” to help you find state insurance department officials who can help to identify companies that might have written life insurance on the deceased. To access that service, go to the NAIC’s <a href="https://eapps.naic.org/orphanedpolicy/" target="_blank">Life Insurance Company Location System</a>.</p> <h4>9. Check with the state’s Unclaimed Property Office</h4> <p>If a life insurance company knows that an insured client has died but can’t find the beneficiary, it must turn the death benefit over to the state in which the policy was purchased as “unclaimed property.” If you know (or can guess) where the policy was bought, you can contact the state comptroller’s department to see if it has any unclaimed money from life insurance policies belonging to the deceased. A good place to start is the <a href="https://eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator/#/welcome" target="_blank">National Association of Unclaimed Property Administration</a>.</p> <h4>10. Contact a private search service</h4> <p>Several private companies will, for a fee, assist you with the search for a lost life insurance policy. They will contact insurance companies on your behalf to find out if the deceased was insured. This service is often provided through a websites.</p> <h4>11. Might the policy have originated in Canada?</h4> <p>If you think the policy might have been purchase in Canada, try contacting the <a href="https://www.clhia.ca/domino/html/clhia/CLHIA_LP4W_LND_Webstation.nsf/index.html?readform" target="_blank">Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association</a> for information.</p> <h4>12. Search the MIB database</h4> <p>There is no central database of policy documents, but there is a database of all applications for individual life insurance processed since January 1, 1996. (nb: There is a fee for each search and many searches are not successful; a random sample of searches found only one match in every four attempts.) For more information, go to <a href="http://www.mib.com/lost_life_insurance.html" target="_blank">MIB’s Consumer Protection</a> page.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 838Who we are...learn a little more about Murphy Insurancehttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/841/Who-we-arelearn-a-little-more-about-Murphy-Insurance.aspxGeneralWed, 28 Feb 2018 02:53:00 GMT<p>Murphy Insurance just celebrated its 80th year. Our longevity certainly says something about our success in taking care of our customers. If you already know us as a customer...Thank You. If you don't know who we are, take a couple minutes to check out this quick video to learn a little about Murphy Insurance! And...even if you do know us, you might find it interesting, too! Enjoy!</p> <p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1GlORrqu2XM" width="560"></iframe></p> 841Toys for Tots drive...donate by December 11https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/832/Toys-for-Tots-drivedonate-by-December-11.aspxGeneralSat, 25 Nov 2017 02:38:00 GMT<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(131, 176, 50);"></span><span style="color: rgb(131, 176, 50);">Join us in making the holiday happier for kids in need. Drop off a </span><span style="color: rgb(131, 176, 50);">toy by December 11.</span></h2> <p><img alt="Toys for Tots" src="http://www.dfmurphy.com/portals/0/Train%20Logo.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 85px;" title="Toys for Tots" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Drop off your donation</strong> of a new, non-wrapped gift at any of our seven (7) locations in Bolton, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Marlborough, Mendon and Medway. <strong>Deadline for donations is December 11</strong>, so that the Marines have time to deliver them.</p> <h2><font color="#83b032">What kind of toys can I donate?</font></h2> <ul> <li>new</li> <li>un-wrapped</li> <li>preferably around the $10 or above price range</li> <li>books are also needed (children receive 2 toys each and 3 books count as ONE gift!) </li> <li>homemade toys are also accepted</li> </ul> <h2><font color="#83b032">What kinds of toys are NOT allowed?</font></h2> <ul> <li>used toys</li> <li>toys with military theme</li> <li>toys with candy</li> <li>toys related to weapons, law enforcement or military</li> <li>toys with chemicals (i.e., experimental labs, acid, crystal projects, etc.)</li> </ul> <h2><font color="#83b032">What ages of children are eligible to receive toys?</font></h2> <ul> <li>ages 0 up to 12 years</li> <li>gifts for older kids are often in great need</li> </ul> <p><strong>Thanks for joining us in this effort to help families in our communities.</strong></p> 832Fending off home burglarshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/780/Fending-off-home-burglars.aspxGeneralSat, 23 Jan 2016 00:15:00 GMT<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that there are over 2 million burglaries per year in the United States. Nearly two-thirds of these burglaries occur in residences. Approximately 30 percent of all burglaries happen through an open or unlocked window or door. A home burglary occurs every 13 seconds in America.</p> <p>There are numerous things a home owner can do to reduce his or her chance of being a victim of this unfortunate crime, including the following.</p> <ul> <li>Keep your windows and doors locked, since burglars obviously prefer easy access.</li> <li>Install heavy-duty exterior doors.</li> <li>Safeguard doors with extra-long screws and high-quality door locks.</li> <li>Utilize a motion-sensing switch for your outdoor lights.</li> </ul> <p><img alt="home burglary protection" src="/Portals/0/home.jpg" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; width: 300px; height: 225px;" /></p> <ul> <li>Trim your shrubs and bushes so that windows and doors can easily be seen from the street.</li> <li>Ask for a crime assessment inspection of your home from your local police department. They are typically available free of charge.</li> <li>Keep your garage door closed, even when you are inside your residence.</li> <li>Utilize a property identification marking system for your valuable possessions.</li> <li>Store small valuables, such as rare coins and expensive jewelry (that you do not typically wear), in a safe-deposit box at your bank. </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Copyright 2016 <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="http://www.irmi.com/default.aspx" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="padding: 0in; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: rgb(206, 17, 38);">International Risk Management Institute, Inc.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> 780