What Would It Cost to Insure Steven Tyler’s $1 Million Dollar Hennessey Venom GT Spyder?

Lots.  I wonder what his deductible is… 

Aerosmith front man, American Idol judge and Marshfield hero Steven Tyler recently purchased a $1.1 million dollar car – a Hennessey Venom GT Spyder.  We were wondering here in the office this morning what it might cost to insure it.  Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the GT Spyder in the default list of automobiles in our rating software.  But we all agree it’s a lot.

Tyler’s GT Spyder is powered by a 7.0 liter V-8 that puts out over 1200 horsepower.  Which, from an insurance standpoint, means that it’s about as safe as strapping yourself to a missile and launching yourself headlong down Route 3 on a Friday afternoon in July (not recommended).  Tyler’s new whip will go 0-200 mph in 15.9 seconds… which means that insurance companies may actually rate it as a missile and not a car.  Tyler’s version of the GT Spyder is a convertible… which means that this thing might just be the most dangerous vehicle ever.  Needless to say, the GT Spyder may not be rated as a typical over-the-road vehicle.
We have markets for high end risks, so if you need a quote for your 1,200 horsepower car, or other high value vehicle, give us a call!

Hurricane Season Runs 6/1 Through 11/30… Are You Ready?

Many people are not aware of these dates in our region…the Atlantic Hurricane Season actually runs from 6/1 through 11/30.  Following are some tips on being prepared:

AHEAD OF A STORM

-Plan an evactuation route and destination if it is necessary to leave your home

-Teach your children what to do in the event of an emergency

-Maintain a supply of water and non-perishable foods

-Have a portable radio, flashlight, cell phone and fresh batteries

-Fill your vehicle with gasoline

-Turn refrigerators/freezers to highest setting

-Cut tree branches that could damage windows or walls

-Assemble a First Aid kit

-Make sure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medication

-Have your agent and/or insurance company contact information readily available

 

AFTER A STORM

-Beware of any outdoor hazards like dangling power lines and broken tree limbs

-Boil water until you are told it is safe to drink

-Make temporary repairs, if possible

-Throw out any food that many e contaminated due to power outage or flooding

-Contact your insurance agent as soon as practical.  If you are not able to reach your agent, call the insurance company directly – most will have phone banks manned 24/7 during this type of event.

We’re hoping that we don’t have to utilize any of this information, but feel confident you can be prepared if our area is threatened…just follow this simple guide.

Local Family Robbed by Furry Green Jerk

A Quincy family’s home was broken into Thursday night by what witnesses say was a “furry green thing.”  At approximately 1:30 AM, a neighbor called 911 to report the break-in.  Following is a portion of the transcript from that call:

Dispatcher: “911, what is your emergency?”

Caller: “Yeah, this furry green thing dressed up like Santa just climbed up my neighbor’s roof and jumped down the chimney!”

Dispatcher: “….pardon me Sir?”

Caller: “Yeah, it was like this weird, creepy, cartoony looking thing.  He has a Golden Retriever with him with, like, a stick tied to his head.”

Dispatcher: “Sir, have you been drinking this evening?”

Caller: “… I had a few chardonnays, what of it?”

The “furry green thing” targeted the presents under the family’s Christmas tree, running off with the gifts in a large drawstring sack.  Luckily, police were able to catch up with the creep about three blocks from the scene, as he tried to escape on a makeshift sled towed by the Golden Retriever.  “I don’t know what this guy was thinking,” Said the arresting officer.  “He was only going about 5 miles an hour.”  The family was extremely grateful the officer was able to make an arrest and return their presents.  “I don’t know what gets into some people around the holidays,” said the father.  “I’m just grateful they caught it… what was it, like a mutant or something?”

The identity and origin of the strange green creature is still under investigation.  A statement released by the green thing’s lawyer failed to shed light on this and only deepened the mystery:  “You think you’re better than me? Well guess what – you’re not!  You’ll soon learn you’ve not foiled my plot!”  The green thing faces a judge Tuesday after the holiday weekend.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your trusted source for local, fake news, ATA Insurance Agency.

Local Kindergartener Outraged Over Not Getting Lead in Class Play

Local Kindergartener and classically trained thespian, Jimmy, spoke out Wednesday afternoon after not being picked to play Charlie Brown in his school play, A Charlie Brown Christmas.  His teacher, who could not be reached for comment, chose him for the lesser role of Lionel.  “This is an absolute travesty!  I have been preparing for this role since September,” said 6 year old Jimmy.  “That hack wouldn’t know an internal soliloquy if it kicked him in the (rear end),” he said of Billy, the 5 year old transfer student who won the lead role.  Jimmy’s father had to restrain him backstage as he tried to barge through the door of Billy’s 1,200 square foot dressing room.  “He’s a passionate kid,” said the concerned father.

The play has drawn mixed reviews from critics.  While the script is a classic, the supporting cast gives a dynamic performance and the K-3^rd grade band provides and eclectic musical backdrop, the tension between Billy and Jimmy is palpable.  “I thought that one kid was gonna deck the other one!” said a local parent after the show.  The play shows nightly this week in the school gymnasium.  Tickets are $3 at the door and a portion of the proceeds will go towards new desks in Mrs. Lippy’s classroom.

This fake news story brought to you by your friends at ATA Insurance Agency.

Excuse me… Are you happy with that park job?

Ahhh, it’s that magical time of year when I have to rush around during the final week before Christmas to shop for my loved ones.  There’s just something special about that burning sensation I get at the base of my skull when my fellow last-minute shoppers put their own interests above everyone else’s.  Last night on my annual journey through the enchanted South Shore Plaza, I encountered a handful of joyful patrons who were so overwhelmed by the holiday spirit that they forgot to be polite and constructive members of modern society.  While searching for a parking spot, I was reminded of my favorite episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm – The Pig Parker, in which Larry goes on a mission to promote parking space etiquette.  “This is chaos! Society can’t function like this,” he proclaimed to a gentleman who had just parked his vehicle across two spaces.  “That’s just shoddy… it’s not an open field! This is not a farm,” he pleads.  Alas, these wise words apparently went unheeded last night in the parking garage behind Sears at the Plaza.

I just hope that as panic truly sets in later this week, procrastinating Christmas shoppers take a deep breath and remember that they are not barbarians living in the Stone Age, and that their actions may have consequences that affect other people.  Already, we have seen the psychological affects of the season driving people to the brink of insanity.  On Monday afternoon, an unsuspecting driver in Quincy was pepper-sprayed by a fellow motorist following a traffic dispute.  It’s a shame that enraged driver did not see the aforementioned episode of Curb, otherwise they may have heeded the words, “society can’t function like this.”

So to all my fellow procrastinators, and all motorists braving the roads this week:  be careful, treat others like humans… not punching bags, and above all, don’t be a pig-parker!

From the ATA Insurance Agency family to yours – Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas,  Happy Holidays… and don’t be a pig-parker.

What do you think of the Walter Hannon Pkwy in Quincy Center?

So far the new Waler Hannon Parkway that connects Burgin Parkway to the Southern Artery has gotten mixed reviews.  I have personally only driven it a handful of times during low-volume hours, and I found it to be a vast improvement over the convoluted maze it used to be.  Others, however are arguing that increased traffic volume on the new road will lead to an increase in car accidents and ultimately, higher Massachusetts auto insurance premiums for Quincy drivers.

Interestingly, control over traffic signals has yet to be fully turned over to the city.  Reportedly, the state Department of Transportation and city engineers are continuing in a joint effort to adjust traffic patterns and the timing of traffic signals along the new road.  So, apparently, it is still a work in progress.  There are still plans to develop over 400,00 square feet of retail space along the new Hannon Parkway, which could conceivably amplify the traffic congestion problem.  If problems persist, traffic accidents could increase, leading to higher insurance premiums for Quincy drivers.  As we all know, even a minor accident can increase your Massachusetts auto insurance premium exponentially.

In any case, drive carefully out there, especially this week when people like me will be scrabling around after work to pick up last-minute gifts.

Please feel free to share your thoughts on the new Walter Hannon Parkway in Quincy.

What’s your favorite local diner?

One of my favorite things to do on a dreary Saturday morning is sit down in a dingy joint with a cup of coffee, an extra large ice water and an outrageously huge plate of eggs benedict, corned beef hash and home fries.  I have repeated this ritual countless times in fine breakfast dining establishments accross the country, and even internationally in Spain, France, Italy and the Caribbean.  In my infinite crummy diner wisdom, my all time favorite diner is the Wheelhouse in Quincy, MA. 

Thinking about my date tomorrow morning with a hearty feast at the Wheelhouse got me wondering… what are some of the favorite local diners out there?

Zip Line Course in Quincy Quarries?

A local developer has proposed plans for a zip line course on the Quincy side of the Blue Hills area near the Quincy quarries.  The development would span the granite cliffs, offering knee-wobbling zip line flights and panoramic views of the Boston skyline.  Currently, there are a few zipline courses in Western Mass, and Northern NE.  The Quincy zip line course would be the first development of its kind in the Greater Boston area.

Dangerous… maybe.  Controversial… perhaps.  Pretty cool… yep.  Conservationist and climbers may argue that the cables and crouds will spoil this pristine area.  Others might say its a great way to showcase a relatively unknown area to a new crowd, offering a unique wilderness experience with Boston skyline views, just minutes from the city.

Tell us what you think!

Progressive Insurance fined $125,000 for misleading Massachusetts consumers

The Mass Division of Insurance has fined Progressive $125,000 for failing to properly explain their rating system to their clients.  The DOI claims Progressive told roughly 3,200 Massachusetts auto insurance customers that their credit rating was used in setting their auto insurance rates.  However, credit scores have never been used in rating Mass auto insurance – in fact, the practice was formally banned earlier this month.  Acording to sources, Progressive stated that their reps mistakenly referred concerned customers to a generic explanation of rates on their website.  Some say this may reflect an uninformed and indifferent approach to customer service.  Your best source for unbiased and accurate insurance advice continues to be Massachusetts independent insurance agents.  Progressive has been fined by the DOI numerous times over the past few years for overcharging some customers and for comparing their 6-month rates to competitors 12-month rates.

Read more about this story here. 

Using credit scores banned in underwriting MA auto insurance

Consumers and insurance agents scored a big victory on November 22, 2011 when Governer Patrick signed a law banning the use of credit rating in the underwriting and rating of Massachusetts auto insurance.  Previously, using credit for rating insurance premiums was restricted only by a regulation imposed by the Insuracne Commisioner.  Now it is part of Massachusetts law, and can only be amended or appealed by the Legislature or the Governor.

Consumers and agents have been pushing for this legislation for a while now, and we see this as a big win.  The Mass Association of Insurance Agents commissioned a poll which showed that 64% of Massachusetts consumers believed that credit should not be a factor in the rating of Massachusetts auto insurance. 

Let us know what you think!