You don’t need to be an expert to choose the right auto insurance policy, but you should be aware of some of the basics that will ensure you get the best rate for which you qualify and are protected appropriately. Here are a few of the most common mistakes made when choosing auto insurance, and the ways in which they can affect you.

Choosing Coverage That Is Too Low
Each state has a minimum requirement for liability coverage. In order to quote the lowest possible rates, some insurance companies will always quote at the state minimum. While this will ensure it is legal to drive your car, the minimum liability limit might not be enough to cover you properly in the event of an at-fault accident.

When you request an auto insurance quote, be sure the liability limits are high enough to thoroughly protect you and your assets. If a serious accident occurs and your policy limits are quickly reached, you will find yourself in court facing a lawsuit for the rest of the damages. It’s better to be protected correctly in the first place.

In Massachusetts, the state minimum is $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. This is typically inadequate when considering the cost of ambulance transportation, hospital care, physical therapy, and whatever other costs may be incurred. If there is an accident with 3 or 4 people in the vehicle, that $40,000 will be used up pretty quickly. State minimum may save money on monthly premiums, but is never an option that will fully cover you.

Missing Out On Discounts
The number of discounts offered by most insurance companies today can be a long list. But it’s the major ones that you should pay the most attention to. The discount for having more than one policy with an insurer is often quite a large one. If you own a home, try to have your homeowner’s and auto insurance with the same company. It just makes sense, financially and for the sake of simplicity. You will not only get a discount on the auto policy, but on the homeowner’s premium as well.

Skipping Affordable Extra Coverage
Most auto insurance policies have an option for roadside assistance. Some may include it automatically, while others require a small extra premium. This coverage will give you protection in case of a mechanical breakdown, locking your keys in the car, or other situations in which you require help. The yearly cost of adding this coverage is far less than the cost of having your car towed, so it just makes sense to add it, but many people don’t realize it is even available.

Small mistakes like these can cost you a lot of money, and have even more serious consequences. Avoiding them is simple if you are aware of them when you select an auto policy.

​​A Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in our area, C. Pina Insurance Agency and our affiliated partners are able to provide our clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. We operate under an "insurance cost reduction" quoting plan that provides you with the best coverage at the best rate!

With the burgeoning new marijuana industry in Massachusetts, many people have a lot of misconceptions about how a retail dispensary is run, and what they are able to do. One misconception is that its a cash business. Because of the fact that marijuana is NOT legalized on the federal level, it is true that federally chartered banks do not offer services to marijuana businesses. That doesn't mean that state chartered banks cannot, or will not do it. Please call us for a referral to one of our banking partners if you're looking for banking and credit/debit processing services.

Anyway, because of the misconception that local retail dispensaries are cash-only businesses, there is the heightened possibility that some may try to steal all of the perceived cash on hand. In other states marijuana dispensaries are increasingly becoming targets for armed robberies. In this post, we'll try to explain how to keep your dispensary safe during a robbery.

​How you handle yourself while on the job can help reduce the chance for an incident. Even more importantly, how you handle yourself during a hold-up situation can prevent injury or death.

​Since you need to be 21 and show ID to purchase medical marijuana, those without an ID should never be allowed into any area where products are displayed or transactions occur. Aggressively regulating entry can help reduce opportunity. This is required by the Cannabis Control Commission and is a key part of every dispensary's approved security plan.

​Even when employees take all the proper precautions, there is still chance for a robbery. If such a robbery occurs while you are at work, remember the following tips:

• Try to remain as calm as possible. This will go a long way in keeping others, and the robber, calm.
  
• Comply with the robber’s instructions.
  
• Announce your actions to the robber so they don’t feel threatened by your movements.
  
• Give the robber any money or goods that they ask for without resistance, but don’t offer up anything they haven’t already mentioned.
  
• Make mental notes about the robber’s appearance so you can inform police.
  
• Never attempt to physically stop an armed robber.
  
• When the robber leaves, secure the building as soon as it is safely possible.
  

Do what you can to make sure you stay safe during a dangerous situation; do not try to be a hero. Your first priority should be to make sure everyone on the premises remains safe by trying to bring the situation to an end as quickly as possible.

As one of the fastest growing agencies in our area, C. Pina Insurance Agency and our affiliated partners are able to provide our clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. We operate under an "insurance cost reduction" quoting plan that provides you with the best coverage at the best rate!