... not being from a regulated state, I am now confused. What's the deal here? Can anyone recommend an agency? I'm in Needham, would like something local if that makes a difference 'round these parts.

Mark

I am so not used to this regulated stuff. No Allstate, State Farm, Safeco, Chubb, etc. None of the folks I'm used to dealing with, which is boggling my mind.

So, I just pick an agent, and they find some insurance for me? I will keep Hanover in mind, thanks guys.

Also, what are the premiums like out here? In Seattle, for my '00 A4 2.8q, it is like $100-$150/mo, if I recall.

For my wife and I (both of us 38, and she has a 2003 Honda Pilot), it costs about $2k/yr, but that is with one major accident (my fault - rear ended someone...oops) on record.

Also, depends on where you live, Needham won't be as expensive as Boston or Cambridge.

29, me and the wife, clean records. should be reasonable.

thanks again, people.

If it needs to be close, then Needham.... this is just so weird :)

I will e-mail you Monday AM with a contact.

Some jackass rear ended me, and that's what he had. No problem with the claim or the repairs.

I personally have Liberty Mutual - never had to use them (knocks on desk), but they are easy enough to deal with on the phone, and they have a walk in office in Lexington, so no agents, if you don't want them.

One thing to watch out for when you sign up - MA insurance pricing is based on a step program (Hi, I'm John, and I'm a ... oh, wrong step program), where you start at a 15 or 16, (i forget which exactly) and it goes down for every year you have a safe record, to a low of 9. When I put my wife on my insurance, she had a NY State license, and they insisted on starting her at a step 15, even though she had years of safe driving, claiming that they couldn't access her out-of-state record. After arguing with them, they fixed it, but it was a hassle, and possibly a scam they use to get extra $ from new customers who don't understand the system.

One other quick thing: If you work for a big company, check with your HR department to see if they have an insurance discount with a provider in MA. Its one of the only ways I've found to get a discount here.

=-John-=