Greetings Everyone!    


The holidays are certainly a time to "eat, drink and be merry".  However, part of the "joy" of the season involves holiday shopping . The risk of becoming the victim of identity theft increases drastically this time of year.  We've dedicated this months newsletter to this topic. Hopefully, the tips we have included will help protect you not only throughout the holiday season but also throughout the new year!

Most importantly....... We would like to wish all of  our valued friends, relatives and clients a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year!  We thank you for your continued loyalty and  as always, pledge to continue to service you to the best of our ability!
 
Regards, 
Cindy Traverso, Paul MacDonald and Laurie Mancinelli

'Tis The Season
of Identity Theft
November ushers in the season of the warmest memories: Thanksgiving meals, family get-togethers, and of course, holiday shopping.  And perhaps the only thing that could disturb these cozy thoughts is the idea of spending your holiday season trying to regain your good credit and name lost to identity theft.   

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the  average number of U.S. identity fraud victims annually  is 11,571, 900.  Of the identity thefts reported, 64.1%  involved the misuse of an existing credit card.  So before you take to the stores or the Internet this holiday season, be sure to take a few minutes to read over these tips from the Federal Trade Commission to protect your identity.

Offline 
  •     If your personal mailbox is not locked, be sure to remove mail promptly.  Never leave your paid bills in your mailbox; deliver them directly to a postal mail-box or the post office.

  •      Don't tempt an identity thief with a credit card just waiting to be opened.  You can opt-out of per-screened credit offers by calling 1-888-567-8688 or logging onto  www.optoutprescreen.com. 

  •     Be sure to shred any document that contains personal information, such as credit offers/applications/cards, checks, insurance forms, bank statements, and prescription labels.
This information has been prepared and is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.  The information and content provided here is not intended to be relied upon for making personal, safety, insurance, medical, legal or other  decisions.

  • When you set out for holiday shopping, take only what you need.  Never carry your social security or Medicare card with you unless you specifically need it.
Online
  • Be wary of what you share on social media, as this information could be used by an identity thief to answer personal questions.  Consider limiting your social network group or limiting what information can be seen by others
  •     Do not use the same password for all your accounts.  Change your passwords often.  Use numbers, symbols, and capitalization to ensure your password is unique.
     
  •     Use encryption software to guard your online transactions, and be wary of wireless networks that are not secure.
     
  •     When disposing of an old computer or cellphone, be sure to wipe it clean of any personal information.
     
  • Monitor your financial accounts daily, and report any suspicious or fraudulent activity immediately.

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While November may seem like a time of being close with the ones you love, it also a prime season for identity theft with the increase in shopping, postal mail, and internet activity.  Protect yourself using the tips above and using caution when sharing personal information.  Remember to call your insurance agent to learn more about our identity theft coverage, with reimbursements ranging between $5,000 and $50,000.
 Good News for our Customers! 
Effective July 1, 2014, the state of Massachusetts  increased the thresholds for surcharge able car accidents.  The new threshold for minor accidents is $1000 and the new threshold for major accidents is $5000.  The previous thresholds were $500 and $2000 respectively!  With the rise in vehicle repair costs this represents a significant savings  for MA drivers who are involved in at -fault accidents.   
 

For more assistance on this matter feel free to  call us or reach out to us at mtminsure.com 
 
 
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New Car Notes.............................................

We've had some hairy situations lately where our clients purchased a new or used vehicles and were unaware that they were driving it WITHOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE.   " Rule of thumb" -  never  leave a dealership with a newly purchased vehicle  without calling us first and making sure that coverage is in place ----regardless of whether or not you are transferring plates from  one vehicle to another.  Keep us in the "loop" so we can properly protect you!
Veggie Stuffed Holiday Creation  
Made with love.
 
If there is anything better than love for bringing families, friends, and communities together during the holidays, it's food! Looking back on Thanksgivings, Christmases, and New Year's Eves with the people we love, the cherished memories almost always include mouthwatering holiday meals and sweet treats made with affection. There is just something about food, especially a home-cooked meal, that causes people from all walks of life to pause and revel in the holidays the way they were meant to be enjoyed-with others.
 
In honor of food's universal power to bring people together, We have included a link for a palate-pleasing holiday appetizer.    



 
MTM Locations
ABOUT OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE
 
Our Customer Service Representatives are high skilled insurance professionals who are happy to assist our customers all day long. Please feel free to reach out to them at any time to review your policies and discuss new options that may be available to you


Call any of our locations for assistance

North Andover MA (978) 681-5700

Billerica  MA (978) 667-9031

Bradford MA (978) 372-1229  
or
Reach out to us on our website

 
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Three Convenient Locations

MTM Insurance Associates, LLC 
 Hours: 8:30-5:00 Mon-Thur. 8:30-4:00 Fri.
 1320 Osgood Street
 North Andover, MA 01845
 (978) 681-5700

MTMBrainerd Inc.
Hours: 8:30-5:00 Mon-Thur. 8:30-4:00 Fri.
1A Andover Road
Billerica, MA 01821
(978) 667-9031  

MTM Insurance of Greater Haverhill, Inc.  
Hours: 8:30-5:00 Mon-Thur. 8:30-4:00 Fri.
229 So. Main St
Bradford, MA 01835
(978) 372-1229