tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64505252443138907712024-03-13T08:01:26.552-07:00Insurance --- Just the Facts!The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-28473640346216548422020-10-01T05:17:00.002-07:002020-10-01T05:17:35.444-07:00Identity Theft Insurance<p>The loss exposure from identity theft is increasing, along with ever-evolving methods that identity thieves utilize. Where identities were previously stolen one by one, criminals are increasingly stealing<br />massive amounts of them in a single blow. </p><p>The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) processed 1.4 million fraud reports in 2018, totaling nearly $1.5 billion in losses. In their report, the FTC stated that the most common categories for fraud complaints were identity theft and imposter scams, with credit card fraud as the most widespread identity theft cases. Fraudulent tax returns to claim a refund are also prevalent.</p><p>Most unendorsed homeowners policies do not cover identity theft, creating a significant coverage gap. At McCurdy Group, we are very concerned about this loss exposure. That’s why we encourage our clients to consider identity theft insurance options. This coverage can be purchased as a stand-alone policy or as an add-on to a homeowners policy. These policies are not meant to pay for the fraudulent charges or accounts themselves; they are meant to provide reimbursement of expenses associated with<br />the process of recovering from fraud.<br /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Here are a few examples of covered expenses:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fees for reapplication and the reissuing of various identification documents such as passports, Social Security cards, and driver’s licenses.</li><li>Loan application fees for reapplying if the initial application was denied due to the identity fraud.</li><li>Reasonable attorneys’ fees for defense of lawsuits and related costs.<br /></li></ul><p>Identity theft is a crime that can have terrible consequences. However, with swift and thorough action—and the assistance and expertise of trained professionals— victims can regain control of their credit,<br />finances, and good name.</p><p>Identity theft insurance is worth considering and the cost runs from $25 to $50 a year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Give us a call at 508-347-9343 and schedule a time to talk with us about Identity Theft Coverage. Identity Theft Insurance.<br /></p>The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-65051616405849137092020-08-31T10:40:00.001-07:002020-08-31T10:40:15.226-07:00Water Damage: A Renter's Potential Nightmare<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">According to the
Insurance Information Institute (iii.org), water damage is the second most
common cause of property damage. Yet, 63% of renters do not have renter’s
insurance. Many tenants presume their landlord's insurance policy will
cover the damage to their belongings. Unfortunately, this is not the case.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;">A landlord's insurance
covers repairs to the building itself, not the renter's personal possessions.
With winter’s chill upon us, </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;">if a
pipe were to freeze and break thus flooding the apartment’s</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> interior, the landlord would be responsible for
repairing the pipe and any damage to the structure. As a tenant, you would be
responsible for replacing your personal property.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Or let’s flip that around. Let’s say you caused the water
damage due to an overflowing tub or sink causing water damage not only to your
apartment, but to other units in the building as well. A renter’s policy can
protect you from property damage to others. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;">Renters insurance covers
your personal property in the event of a disaster. And it’s not expensive. The
average policy, depending </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;">on coverage
is about $20 per month for $20,000 policy, according</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> to the Independent Insurance Agents and
Brokers of America. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;">
</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b>What to do if you have a water loss:</b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">
</span></span><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span>Take photos and/or video of the damaged
property. And don't throw anything away until your claims adjuster
has completed an inspection. </span></span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">And
if you don't have renter’s insurance, definitely call us now at 508-347-9343!</span></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"><style>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-66853531840022565502019-04-03T15:32:00.000-07:002019-04-03T15:32:03.249-07:00Preventing Fire Losses<span style="font-size: small; line-height: 105%;">When is the last
time you did a fire safety check at your business? Fire safety is important
business. Experts have identified the most frequent causes of loss and how to
reduce the extent of damage when accidents occur. Below are questions designed
to help you decide whether you need to take additional precautions to control
the risk of fire.</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .35pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .1in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 43.1pt; text-indent: -.1in;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-font-width: 102%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; mso-font-width: 105%;">Are employees trained in fire<span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;"> </span>safety?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 17.1pt; margin-top: 2.6pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 89.85pt 89.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: small; line-height: 110%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 110%;">Do they know
exactly what to do if<span style="letter-spacing: -.95pt;"> </span>a fire<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;"> </span>starts?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 7.6pt; margin-top: 1.35pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 89.85pt 89.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: small; line-height: 118%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 118%;">Is extra training
given to those responsible for storage areas, housekeeping, maintenance and
operations where there are open<span style="letter-spacing: -.95pt;"> </span>flames
or flammable substances are used or stored?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .1in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.6pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 43.1pt; text-indent: -.1in;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-font-width: 102%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; mso-font-width: 105%;">Do you have the right type, size
and number of<span style="letter-spacing: -1.1pt;"> </span>fire extinguishers?
Your fire department or fire protection equipment supplier can best advise you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .1in; margin-right: 24.8pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 43.1pt; text-indent: -.1in;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: small; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 120%;">Are the fire
extinguishers serviced and<span style="letter-spacing: -1.15pt;"> </span>tagged
annually?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.9pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 89.85pt 89.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Do you review with employees at least once a year where
the fire<span style="letter-spacing: -.95pt;"> </span>extinguishers are and how
to use<span style="letter-spacing: .15pt;"> </span>them?</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .25pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .1in; margin-right: 3.15pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 43.1pt; text-indent: -.1in;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: small; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 120%;">If needed, have
you modernized your electrical system? Faulty wiring causes a large percentage<span style="letter-spacing: -1.45pt;"> </span>of nonresidential fires.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 1.9pt; margin-top: .2pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 89.85pt 89.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: small; line-height: 118%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 118%;">Are electrical panels accessible, with at least three feet
of clearance and<span style="letter-spacing: -1.45pt;"> </span>labeled? Except
for temporary use (or surge protection for sensitive electronics such as
computers) electrical equipment should be plugged directly into an outlet,
rather than into extension<span style="letter-spacing: -.6pt;"> </span>cords.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .5pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .1in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .05pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 43.1pt; text-indent: -.1in;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-font-width: 102%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; mso-font-width: 105%;">Do<span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">you</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">regularly</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.7pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">check</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">your</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.75pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">heating</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">system?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .45pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .1in; margin-right: 7.85pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 43.1pt; text-indent: -.1in;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: small; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 120%;">Does your
building have a fire alarm system connected to the local fire department or an<span style="letter-spacing: -1.65pt;"> </span>alarm company?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; margin-right: 7.85pt; tab-stops: 43.1pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .1in; margin-right: 15.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 43.1pt; text-indent: -.1in;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: small; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 120%;">Have smoke
detectors been installed, and are<span style="letter-spacing: -1.35pt;"> </span>they
regularly<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;"> </span>tested?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .1in; margin-right: 32.3pt; margin-top: 10.35pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 43.1pt; text-indent: -.1in;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: small; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 120%;">Does your
building have a sprinkler system<span style="letter-spacing: -1.05pt;"> </span>to
douse<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;"> </span>fires?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 110%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 27.75pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 89.85pt 89.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: small; line-height: 110%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 110%;">If so, is it
serviced, including a<span style="letter-spacing: -1.3pt;"> </span>main drain
test, at least<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>annually?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 8.15pt; margin-top: 1.35pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 89.85pt 89.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: small; line-height: 118%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 118%;">Is your sprinkler
system the right one<span style="letter-spacing: -1.5pt;"> </span>for your kind
of building and the materials used in your business? Different types of
buildings and contents require different types of fire suppression systems.
Your insurance carrier, alarm company or local fire department can assist you
in choosing the most appropriate type of<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;"> </span>system.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-top: .2pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .1in; margin-right: 87.9pt; margin-top: .05pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 43.1pt; text-indent: -.1in;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: small; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; line-height: 120%;">Have you posted </span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; line-height: 120%;">"No</span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: -1pt; line-height: 120%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.25pt; line-height: 120%;">Smoking" signs?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .05pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 89.85pt 89.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-font-width: 102%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; mso-font-width: 105%;">Do you <span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">enforce </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -1.4pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">rule?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 101.65pt; margin-top: 1.45pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 89.85pt 89.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: small; line-height: 112%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 112%;">Is there evidence<span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>of smoking?</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And while I have you thinking about fire safety, think about your business
interruption coverage too. Fire is one of the costliest perils that affect
businesses. And while business interruption insurance is often a part of the
overall property insurance coverage for a commercial property, you want to
ensure that you are covered for many of the costs of shutting down your
business and restoring operations—in addition to the separate coverage for
direct property losses provided in your standard fire insurance policy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Unsure as to all that your policy covers? Give us a call at 508-347-9343 and
we’ll review your policy with you. Remember, the best insurance is prevention.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 10.65pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Source: Insurance Information Institute <a href="http://www.iii.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.iii.org</span></a>)</span></i></span></div>
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-->The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-50140359181230292682019-03-20T04:59:00.000-07:002019-03-20T04:59:03.164-07:00AirBnB: Questions You Should Ask Before You Rent Out Your HomeA lot of events happen in our area: The Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Show, the Patriots in the<br />
play-offs, college graduations (20+ in Central MA within a 30-mile radius). All these events are tempting times to make a little extra cash by renting out your home on sites like AirBnB. But do you<br />
know the risks and liabilities? Do you know exactly what your homeowners policy covers?<br />
<br />
If you rent out your home for a one-time event, you may be covered, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), but different insurers have different requirements. Some may require advance notice; others might want you to purchase an endorsement (an add-on) to your homeowners policy to provide broader coverage for the renter. (III)<br />
<br />
Or, if you're planning to rent your home for short periods on an ongoing basis, (e.g., all three Brimfield show weeks) some insurers may consider that a "business" and require you to purchase<br />
business insurance. (III) And, if you're planning to rent your home for a longer period of time, say six<br />
months, you will likely need a landlord policy. (III)<br />
<br />
Now, let's talk personal property . . . of a paying guest, that is. Is their personal property covered by<br />
your homeowners insurance policy? Most likely not. The property of a paying guest would not be covered by a typical homeowners policy. If something, such as a fire, occurs while the paying guest is staying in your home, their own renters or homeowners policy may cover the loss of their personal property.<br />
<br />
And what about your personal property? What if a paying guest steals your property during their stay? Sorry, but you likely won't be covered by your homeowners insurance either. There are typically exceptions on a homeowners policy for theft that takes place in the part of a residence being rented to a paying guest.<br />
<br />
Oh boy…what if my guest injures somebody or causes damage to a neighbor's property? Does my<br />
homeowners insurance cover that? (Cringe) Most likely not. While the liability coverage of your homeowners policy typically does protect you from financial loss if you're legally obligated to pay for another person's injuries or for damage you do to their property; it will typically not extend to a guest.<br />
<br />
If your paying guest was responsible for another person's injury or property damage, they would<br />
need to look to their own renters or homeowners policy for liability coverage.<br />
<br />
Okay, but what if my guest damages my own property? Surely now I would be covered. Don't hate me, please, but your policy most likely won't cover these types of damages, either. Your homeowners insurance won't likely consider a broken television, for example, a "named peril." And to<br />
add salt to this wound, most homeowners / renters policies exclude property damage to a rental<br />
property.<br />
<br />
So what precautions should you take before renting out your home, even for one day? First and foremost, call us. We will help you to understand what your existing homeowners policy may or may not cover, what exclusions might apply, and if an endorsement is necessary.<br />
<br />
We recommend, too, that you do your due diligence. "Do a thorough interview of anyone before giving them access to your home. Most home sharing sites offer a screening service that gives you an overview of a candidate's background, but you likely want to go further, asking for identification, doing reference checks, asking for deposits (much like you would do when taking on a rental tenant as a landlord). You might also require any paying guests to have their own homeowners or renters insurance policy; check to see what their policy covers (liability, for instance) and consider whether their insurance is extensive enough to help you avoid any undue risk." (nolo.com)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sources: https://www.airbnb.com; http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/insurance-questionswhen-renting-out-your-home-short-term.html; http://www.iii.org/article/what-type-of-insurance-do-i-need-ifim-renting-out-my-home)</span>The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-80548423580824706712019-03-11T07:01:00.000-07:002019-03-11T07:01:01.026-07:00Top 3 Auto Perils Between March and MayWhat do you think are the top three hazards car owners face between March and May? If you said<br />
hail, water, and wind you’d be correct.<br />
<br />
The insurance industry relies heavily on historical data to predict the future. According to Farmers Seasonal Smarts Digest, while April showers may bring May flowers, many of us will also deal with another spring weather phenomenon -- hail and lots of it.<br />
<br />
Keep your vehicle in a garage or under a carport / awning during a hailstorm. If covered parking isn't<br />
available, you may want to consider a hail blanket or specialized car cover. Make sure all coverings<br />
are secure, as the wind associated with hailstorms can blow loose covers away.<br />
<br />
High winds are also perilous to cars. From falling tree limbs to tornado debris, wind damage can be<br />
extensive. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind during high winds:<br />
<ul>
<li>Never try to outrun a tornado. You would need to drive more than 70 miles per hour to outrun the fastest tornado.</li>
<li>While an overpass may seem like a great spot to wait out a hailstorm, it may put you and your car in greater danger, since hailstorms often are part of larger severe weather systems that may include tornadoes. Stopping under an overpass can result in even more damage to your car and occupants, if high winds, as well as the debris picked up by those winds, move through the underpass.</li>
</ul>
Warmer weather also brings an increased risk for damage from flash flooding brought about by spring's strong storm season, as well as windshield and body damage caused by gravel pieces from<br />
newly-formed potholes on roads across the country. Nearly 500,000 insurance claims each year<br />
are directly related to damage from potholes.<br />
<br />
Keep an eye out for "covered" potholes. Potholes can fill with water following a storm or as roadside<br />
snow melts, which makes them harder to notice and their depth difficult to judge. A good rule of thumb is to safely avoid mysterious puddles.<br />
<br />
Know where your route will take you at all times and understand if you're driving (or even parking)<br />
near drainage channels, underpasses or similar areas. These are areas where flash flooding can occur at any time, regardless of whether typical warning signs like rain clouds or heavy rain are<br />
present.<br />
<br />
And lastly, don't panic if you're caught in a flood. If you're inside your vehicle, you should consider<br />
staying where you are and waiting for rescue if safety permits.<br />
(Source: https://www.farmers.com/news/seasonal-smarts/)The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-36504048902128360842019-03-04T05:31:00.000-08:002019-03-04T05:31:00.733-08:00Water Damage: A Renter’s Potential Nightmare<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">According to the Insurance Information
Institute (iii.org), water damage is the second most common cause of property
damage. Yet, 63% of renters do not have renters insurance. Many tenants presume
their landlord's insurance policy will cover the damage to their
belongings. Unfortunately, this is not the case. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A landlord's insurance covers repairs the
building itself, not the renter's personal possessions. With winter’s chill
upon us, if a pipe were to freeze and break thus flooding the apartment’s
interior, the landlord would be responsible for repairing the pipe and any
damage to the structure. As a tenant, you would be responsible for replacing
your personal property.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Or let’s flip that around. Let’s say </span>you
caused the water damage due to an overflowing tub or sink causing water damage
not only to your apartment, but to other units in the building as well. <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A renters policy can protect
property damage to others. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Renters insurance covers your personal
property in the event of a disaster. And it’s not expensive. The average
policy, depending on coverage is about $15 per month for $30,000 policy (Independent
Insurance Agents and Brokers of America). A basic renters insurance policy
covers:</span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Frozen pipe breaks</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Windstorm or hail</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The weight of sleet, snow or
ice</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Fire sprinkler failure</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Plumbing leaks</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">An accidental
discharge from an appliance</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4;">
<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">What to do if you have a water loss</span></b></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Call your landlord and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">call
us</i></b>, your dedicated insurance representative at 508-347-9343</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Take photos and/or video of
the damaged property. And don't throw anything away until your claims
adjuster has completed an inspection. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">And
if you don't have renters insurance, definitely call us now!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">McCurdy
Insurance, 508-347-9343, where the Best Insurance is Prevention!</span></div>
The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-9738060982555489192019-02-18T11:09:00.000-08:002019-02-27T11:16:03.752-08:00Common Cold Weather Insurance Claims: Part Four<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ice on
roads </span></b></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><style>
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</style> </span>Winter
storms can do an equal amount of damage to your car. Icy roads can cause you to
lose brakes, hydroplane, and slide into another object or car. In winter
storms, you lose nearly all control of your vehicle.<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t drive during winter storms or during times of
expected inclement weather. Never drive during a declared state of
emergency.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Always have food and water in your car in case you get
trapped inside.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keep an emergency car kit and first aid kit in your
vehicle.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have your insurance carrier or AAA’s number in the car
in case you need to be towed.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">P.S. Be
sure to remove all ice from the top and windshield of your car. If any snow and
ice chunks fly off and cause an accident, you will be found at fault (which is
where your <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.insuramatch.com/learning-center/understanding-auto-insurance-what-bodily-injury-liability-coverage">auto
liability insurance</a></span></span> would come in).</span><br />
<h2>
Fire</h2>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fires are
also more common in the winter months due to the dry air and increase of
fireplace use. <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/disaster-recovery/repair-fire-and-smoke-damage/">The
national average</a></span></span> for fire and smoke damage is $9,815 but can
be up to $30,000. Avoid costly fire claims with just a few precautions:</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Check that all fireplaces, stoves, and heaters are
working properly.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keep no combustible items near heat sources.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get your <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.insuramatch.com/blog/2015/09/prepare-winter-getting-your-chimney-cleaned">chimney
cleaned</a></span></span>.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Close the fireplace flue when not in use.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Learn more about <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.insuramatch.com/blog/2015/10/check-your-home-fire-safety">home
fire safety here</a></span></span>.</span></li>
</ul>
The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-4669187086327131472019-02-13T09:31:00.000-08:002019-02-13T09:31:40.902-08:00Common Cold Weather Insurance Claims: Part Three<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Snow
and ice damage</span></b></span>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Snow and
ice looks pretty, but it can be so heavy that it can severely damage your
house. The average claim for snow and ice damage to the home is around $4,700.
Snow heavier than 1-2 feet or 4 inches of ice can crush your roof or cause
falling tree branches. Water can freeze in and clog your gutters, creating “ice
dams” that prevent proper runoff. This can cause a water buildup that can seep
into your roof and ceiling.</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prevent ice dams. Seal any gaps that allow warm air to
leak into the attic. Keep your attic ventilated. Insulate your home’s
heating system so it doesn’t escape through the ceiling.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get a roof rake to help get rid of heavy snow after
major storms.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Inspect your roof before the season for any weak areas
that need repair.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trim all trees near the house, and get rid of weak or
dead branches.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2>
Slips and falls</h2>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Moreover,
snow and ice can cause liability concerns on your property. An icy walkway or
driveway could cause slips and falls, for which you will be liable. Even if the
person injured on your property wasn’t invited, they could still sue you if
they were injured after an icy slip on your property. This same liability
applies if they are hit by a falling icicle, dead tree branch, and other winter
concerns.</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Always shovel your driveway and walkway after a storm.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Apply commercial-grade salt to help melt the ice
faster. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ensure you are fully covered with <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.insuramatch.com/learning-center/understanding-homeowners-insurance-liability-coverage">homeowners’
liability insurance</a></span></span>.</span></li>
</ul>
The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-60128211234046782142019-01-31T11:06:00.000-08:002019-01-31T11:06:00.931-08:00Common Cold Weather Insurance Claims: Part Two<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hail</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hail can
do serious damage to your roof, siding, porch, and automobile.In 2014, State
Farm alone had $2.4 billion in damages caused by wind and hail, <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-hail">according to
III</a></span></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You can’t
prevent hail, but you can prepare for it:</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Inspect your roof and siding every autumn. Repair loose
or missing tiles.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you live in an area where hail is common, you can
consider installing hail-resistant asphalt shingles. This precaution could
even help lower your insurance premium.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Never drive during a hailstorm. If you get caught in a
storm, park at a nearby gas station underneath the awning. If that’s not
possible, pull over and get in the back seat of the car away from the
windshield, which could shatter.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Like
wind, some homeowners’ policies have hail exclusion. Check with your insurance
agent to make sure you’re covered. Discuss the different sorts of claims
process and coverage lines with regards to hail. For your auto insurance,
you’ll want to have <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.insuramatch.com/learning-center/understanding-auto-insurance-what-comprehensive-coverage">comprehensive
insurance</a></span></span>, which will repair your car from “acts of God” like
hail, falling icicles, or icy branches.</span><br />
<h2>
Frozen pipes</h2>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If your
pipes get too cold, the water inside them will freeze. This ice can expand and
burst the pipes, leading to water loss and water damage in your home. <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://disastersafety.org/ibhs/water-damage-studies/">A study by
Disaster Safety found</a></span></span> that frozen pipes resulted in losses of
around $10,000, which is twice as severe as other sorts of plumbing failures.
Freezing pipes accounts for 18% of all water damage claims. Damages from frozen
pipes can include flooding, ceiling collapse, damaged floors and walls, mold,
and more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Interestingly,
insurance companies often consider frozen pipes a “preventable problem.” They
may say that your negligence caused the damage. This means that you could be
stuck with a $10,000 water damage bill without your insurance company stepping
in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thus,
it’s crucial to protect your home against frozen pipe damage:</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Drain and disconnect all hoses.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Drain the sprinkler supply lines.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keep your home warm at a minimum of 65 degrees.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Insulate pipes in unheated spaces, like basements,
garages, and attics. You can use pipe sleeves or heat tape.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leave garage doors closed.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you have a swimming pool, run the pump during nights
where temperatures are expected to go below freezing.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When it’s especially cold outside, let cool water drip
from your faucets. This will keep your water flowing, so they have less
chance of freezing in the pipes. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Know where your water is shut off. If your pipes do
burst, the first step is to turn off the water to reduce any further
damage.</span></li>
</ul>
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-->The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-70071660645163673242019-01-22T11:04:00.000-08:002019-01-22T11:04:00.347-08:00Common Cold Weather Insurance Claims: Part One<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Preparing for winter incidents and cold
weather claims begins with prevention methods and thorough insurance
protection. Let’s take a look at the most common causes of claims in winter
weather and what you can do to protect yourself from these costly concerns.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hidden
behind that gorgeous blanket of snow are harsh winter storms waiting to do
serious damage to your home. The winter season creates the most common and
costly claims for home and car owners. In fact, <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-winter-storms">III
estimated that</a></span></span> winter storms caused $1 billion in insured
losses in 2016.</span><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance">They
also found that</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> the overall percentage of winter-related claims has
increased at a higher rate than previous decades, likely due to the severity of
storms and increase in the number of people with insurance protection. <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2016/04/06/404400.htm">Nearly
51% of all insurance homeowners’ claims</a></span></span> come from wintery
wind, hail, and weather-related water damage. Moreover, more collisions and
“acts of God” occur while out on the road during or after a winter storm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Preparing
for winter incidents and cold weather claims begins with prevention methods and
thorough insurance protection. Let’s take a look at the most common causes of
claims in winter weather and what you can do to protect yourself from these costly
concerns.</span><br />
<h2>
Wind damage</h2>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The most
common homeowners claim filed is due to wind damage. Nearly one in 35 insured
homes have a property damage claim related to wind or hail each year, <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance">according
to The Insurance Information Institute</a></span></span>. Wind is more intense
during the winter months and thus creates a majority of these costly claims.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Prepare
for wind damage:</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remove and store all unsecured outdoor items like umbrellas,
furniture, and play items.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Inspect your home for loose gutters, shutters, and
shingles.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trim dead or weak tree branches around the house. Tree
collapse is the third most costly winter weather claim, averaging nearly
$6,000 per tree.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be aware of nearby power lines. Trim trees around power
lines. Ensure power lines near your property are secure. If not, call the
phone or cable company for further fastening.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wind
damage is not always covered by your homeowners’ insurance. In fact, wind and
flood are often exclusions on many homeowners’ policies. In this way, you’ll
want to talk to your insurance agent before the winter season hits in order to
ensure you are fully protected from any costs associated with wind
damage. </span><br />
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-->The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-6092994488984000452019-01-14T04:51:00.000-08:002019-01-14T04:51:09.636-08:00Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Theft Outside the Home?True or false? Does homeowners insurance cover theft outside your home? If you said false, that's okay. Not many people know that in many cases, their homeowner's policy is a catch-all insurance policy for incidents that occur outside their home, including theft.<br />
<br />
Many personal property losses due to theft outside your home may be covered by off-premises coverage, which is included standard in many policies. (And if it is not included in your policy, an off-premises rider to your coverage can be added for a small extra charge.)<br />
<br />
Your homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for your items while you are traveling too,<br />
covering you in the event of lost luggage, items stolen from your hotel room, and loss of any personal possessions you ship back home during your travels. So if you are planning to travel, make certain that your homeowners insurance policy coverage protects all the valuable items that you bring along on the trip.<br />
<br />
By the way, did you know that if your children are college students, your homeowner's policy may even extend to losses from theft they suffer? That's right! Many policies include off-premises coverage that extends to the homeowner's children who are students and live in the dorm. So property stolen from a dorm room, or when they're studying, such as a laptop stolen while they were at the library, may be covered. (Any homework stored on the stolen laptop won't be covered. It is, however, a better excuse than the old "dog ate my homework"!)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sources: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/homeowners-insurance-cover-theft-outsidehome-<br />53333.html; https://insurance.freeadvice.com/information/home/article/290)</span>The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-15055522798198577762019-01-03T04:56:00.000-08:002019-01-03T04:56:01.069-08:00Certificates of Insurance: What You Need to KnowWhen a contractor works on someone else's property, there
are risks involved. Companies (and individuals) that hire contractors want to
be sure they won't be held responsible for any damages or injuries that may
occur. Because of this, they will often request to see a certificate of
insurance.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
A <b>certificate of insurance (COI)</b> is a standardized document
that offers evidence of insurance coverage. Included on the certificate will be
the contractor's coverage types (and their effective dates), as well as
liability limits.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
COI's are very important. If you were to hire a
subcontractor and they caused a large amount of property damage, your company
could be held accountable for those damages. It's imperative to obtain proof of
insurance because even though your contract with the subcontractor may state
that insurance coverage is required, you could find yourself involved in a
lawsuit if the coverage was, in fact, not in place. Even if you have a history
with your subcontractor and may have worked with them before (and they were
insured then), you should request a COI for each new job. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
In addition to ensuring that you won't be responsible for damages
or injuries that may occur on the job, a COI also guarantees that you can collect
compensation for poorly done or unfinished work. Not all heroes wear capes, and
not all certificates are valid. Contractors may give false or forged coverage
information, or they may allow insurance to lapse after attaining the COI form.
One of the most efficient and dependable ways to obtain a COI is to request it directly
from the insurance company or agent, rather than getting it through the
contractor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b>WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON A COI FORM:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Insured Name: Be sure that the name listed as
insured on the form is an exact match to the name of the person or company you
are dealing with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Policy Dates: Be sure that effective dates of
the policy are valid. If the policy is scheduled to expire before the job will
be completed, you will need another COI to cover those dates.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Coverage Type: At the very least, be sure the
certificate holder has both general liability insurance (to protect against
damages) and workers compensation insurance (to protect injured employees.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Liability Limits: Be sure that the limits held
by the contractor meet the limits required of your workers. If they are too
low, you can request that the contractor purchase additional coverage (and
present you with a new certificate reflecting this new amount.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Additional Insureds: Asked to be named as an 'additional
insured party' for the extent of the job that you're hiring the worker for.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Agency Contact Info: Be sure that there is a
number and/or name of someone you can reach out to at the insurance agency
should you have any questions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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-->The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-35344595903711128902018-12-27T10:28:00.000-08:002018-12-27T10:31:02.053-08:00Happy Holidays<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No matter what
holiday you celebrate -- and this time of year has a plethora of them -- the
holidays mean family get-togethers, celebrations, good times catching up with
good friends, and parties -- lots of them. And parties mean plenty of food,
laughter, and beverages of all kinds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">During the holidays
it's time to be especially careful when entertaining, and especially careful in
New England where we have more seasonal hazards like ice, snow, sleet,
cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while 'tis the season to be
jolly, when it comes to alcoholic beverages, they need to be handled and served
with care.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So allow me to get
right to the point right out of the gate. YOU CAN BE SUED as a homeowner, business
owner, or tenant. Anyone who provides alcoholic beverages has enormous
responsibility and risk. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, even as a
homeowner entertaining a few friends or relatives can unwittingly create danger. Friend
and family over-indulging in alcoholic beverages can lead to serious
consequences. Even as a social host you have responsibilities to your guests
and to the general public. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Below you will find
a few tips that may help. In fact, just being aware of these is a good starting
point. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Have fun, be safe…</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As a party host, you
probably don't want to think about your potential liquor liability. But it's
something you'll want to consider as your party planning gets under way this
holiday season.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That’s because most
states hold party hosts who offer excessive alcohol to their guests responsible
for those guests' actions behind the wheel (or for serving alcohol to minors).
In those states, anyone injured by a drunk driver has the right to sue the host
of the party who served the alcohol. Sometimes, criminal charges may even
apply.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A 2017 jury verdict
shows just what can happen </span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">--</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> $3.5
million jury verdict last year against a family serving alcohol to teenagers (this
could have been adults as well). A young female guest left with a male guest
who was obviously drunk. The boy caused a terrible accident that left the girl
with brain damage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is how you can help and prevent a
tragedy: </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Limit guests to people you actually know -- and
seriously consider cutting from your list anyone who habitually overindulges.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Encourage your guests to choose a designated
driver before they arrive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Serve plenty of nonalcoholic drinks and food
to help counter the effects of the alcohol.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Have activities like dancing or games going
on that don't involve alcohol.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Stop serving alcohol well before the party
ends.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Offer to call a cab or be the designated driver
for anyone who appears intoxicated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Have</span> a happy
and safe holiday season. And remember: "The best insurance is prevention."</div>
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-->The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-90154393376163744102018-12-17T10:13:00.003-08:002018-12-17T10:13:57.034-08:00Bad Santa: Protect Your Clients Against Theft This Holiday SeasonArticle by Will Jones in <i>IA Magazine</i><br />
<br />
2014 marked nearly 15,000 home thefts during November, December and January, according to Nationwide claims data.<br />
<br />
The holiday season might be a time of goodwill, a time to celebrate
and a time to put your feet up, but this time of year also presents
increased risks for homeowners.<br />
<br />
"The holidays are a festive time, but there are lots of moving parts
and it's hectic -- people get lost in it," says Lisa Lindsay, executive
director, Private Risk Management Association. "Absent a plan, they’re
likely to not pay attention to things that are important."<br />
<br />
Don't let the Grinch steal Christmas. Help your clients avoid expensive losses by sharing these four tips:<br />
<br />
<strong>Prepare for porch pirates. </strong>In 2016, nearly<strong> </strong>26
million Americans had a holiday package stolen from their front porch
or doorstep, up from 23.5 million porch thefts reported in 2015,
according to a study released by InsuranceQuotes.<br />
<br />
As online shopping becomes more popular, increasing the number of
deliveries to homes, clients should be prepared for these types of
porch pirates.<br />
<br />
While technology like smart motion detectors and cameras can alert
you when someone's on your porch, Lindsay says there are also "some
simple things that don’t require an investment in technology." <br />
<br />
Tips include making sure you're home when you’re expecting a
delivery, sending deliveries to your office, asking a neighbor to take
in a package or utilizing a pickup service such as Amazon Locker, which "allows you to pick up a package at your convenience," Lindsay says.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Protect information online. </strong>In 2017, fraud attempts
between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Eve increased by 22%, while the
number of online transactions increased by 19%, according to ACI
Worldwide, an electronic payments solutions company.<br />
<br />
When shopping online, "make sure you’re on a secure site" -- one marked
with "https," Lindsay says. A secure site is marked by a small padlock
item in the corner of the URL and, compared to websites that begin their
URL with just "http," that extra "s" literally stands for "secure."<br />
<br />
Second, "use credit over debit," Lindsay says. "With a credit card,
you have some recourse if somebody steals your information. As we all
know, a debit card comes right out of your bank account." Of course,
looking out for any unusual activity on bank statements or credit
reports is another important preventative measure to guard against
online fraud.<br />
<br />
And never do something like this: You're at the mall and you can’t
find the gift you’re looking for, so you decide to sit down, log in to
the public Wi-Fi and start searching for it.<br />
<br />
“It’s through the use of public Wi-Fi that your personal information
is transmitted, and there are people out there that are seeking to
capture it," Lindsay says. "I would really encourage people to use a
secure network or wait until they get home to make that purchase."<br />
<br />
<strong>Leave the lights on.</strong> Your clients might be headed out of town this holiday season, but remember: Crime doesn't take a vacation.<br />
<br />
That's why it's important to "make sure it appears like you're home,"
says Lindsay, who recommends putting a stop on newspapers and mail, as
well as leaving lights on. After securing the premises and making sure
alarm systems are in working order, "we also recommend that people have
someone check on their home while they're away," she adds.<br />
<br />
Additionally, "think about having a social media plan," Lindsay says. "People get lost in the moment of wanting to share where they're going
and for how long -- but that's an advertisement of where you’re not."<br />
<br />
<strong>Display the tree, not the presents. </strong>The average
burglar spends eight to twelve minutes in a home, according to the
FBI -- and that means clients who intend to stay close to home this holiday
season aren't immune to thieves either.<br />
<br />
Homeowners should always lock doors and windows before leaving the
house, and those who hide a key nearby should consider changing the
location or removing it altogether during the holidays. Another key tip:
Wait until the last moment to lay out gifts to avoid them being spotted
from outside.<br />
<br />
Lastly, "During the holidays, there's usually a lot of people coming
in and out of the home, especially if somebody's hosting a holiday
party," Lindsay says. "If you plan on entertaining or having people in
your home, just be mindful of putting your personal items such as
checkbooks, wallets and credit cards away."<br />
<br />
(Source: https://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/read/2018/12/12/bad-santa-protect-your-clients-against-theft-this-holiday-season) <br />
The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-66251740509866798502018-12-04T05:19:00.000-08:002018-12-04T05:19:00.325-08:00Will Your Christmas Party Be Holiday Cheer or a Potential Lawsuit?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most states have laws, which govern the operation of bars,
taverns, restaurants or any other businesses who are required to have a liquor
license in order to sell and serve liquor. State laws further define the
responsibilities of these business owners for the actions of their customers
who leave their place of business after having too much to drink. These
businesses are encouraged to purchase a Liquor Liability Insurance Policy to
provide protection for potential lawsuits due to property damage or bodily
injury caused by an intoxicated customer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many states extend liquor liability
to any "social host" who continues to serve liquor to anyone who appears to
have had too much to drink and will likely be driving home. So if you plan to
have a company Christmas party where liquor or alcohol will be served, there
are some precautions you may want to take: </div>
<ul>
<li>Contact your State Department of Insurance to see if current
state law will hold you and your company liable for the actions of your party
guests. </li>
<li>Contact your business insurance agent to see if a Special
Event Liquor Liability Policy is available in your state. </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">TIPs</span></u></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li>If possible, have the
party at a location other than on company property.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Don't make attendance
mandatory or require employees to work if they don't attend; this makes it
definitely a company event.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">It is best to hire an
outside bartender, since an "open bar" allows members of management and
employees to serve alcoholic drinks to other employees. The bartender
should have enough training to recognize when someone has had too much to
drink.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Don't serve drinks at the
table. Require everyone to come to the bar so the bartender can see them.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Serve lots of food and
non-alcoholic drinks.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Have someone keep an eye
on your guests, to recognize when someone has had too much alcohol. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Keep an eye on everyone as
they leave the party to determine whether or not they are sober enough to
drive. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Make arrangements for
transportation for those who shouldn't get behind the wheel of a vehicle.</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">You may even want to consider an "alcohol
free" Christmas party. You will just have to weigh the advantage of
alcohol over the potential for workers comp claims or lawsuits due to sexual
harassment, property damage or bodily injury which might result from the
actions </span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">of an intoxicated party guest or employee.</span><style><!--
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</style>The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-18729113452803338092018-11-19T05:06:00.000-08:002018-11-19T05:06:00.136-08:00Water, Water Everywhere: Loss Data May Surprise You<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Water damage is the leading cause of property-related losses
for homeowners, according to Chubb claims data.<span style="font-family: "calibri"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A recent Travelers report reveals similar findings: After
analyzing eight years of claims data, the insurer found that 20% of homeowners
claims were attributable to non-weather water issues including plumbing, sewer
or appliance leaks and failures -- making non-weather water losses the second most
common homeowners claim, after wind (24%). Meanwhile, 11% of homeowners claims
were caused by weather-related water.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beyond just contributing to claims frequency, water is also
the culprit in many devastating losses. Travelers reports that non-weather
water and weather-related water damage accounted for 17% and 7% of the most
expensive homeowners claims in 2009-2016, respectively -- and since 2015, water
losses exceeding $500,000 have doubled, while those exceeding $1 million have
tripled, according to Chubb.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite all this evidence, however, consumers may not be
taking water threats as seriously as they should. Regarding weather-related
water losses, Chubb reports that nearly half of homeowners believe weather
reporting is "regularly" or "frequently" exaggerated, and 36% believe it’s "sometimes" exaggerated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #414141;">Furthermore, between summer 2017
and 2018 -- a timeframe that encompassed one of the <span style="color: black;">worst hurricane seasons on record</span> -- Chubb
reports that 64% of homeowners did not change their home protection strategies.</span>
<span style="mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 0; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: none; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #414141; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">But people
are still at risk from hurricanes even if they don’t live near the coast: 33%
and 31% of Chubb’s Hurricane Harvey and Irma claims, respectively, were 25-50
miles away from the shoreline. And hurricane or not, <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #1293BE; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">flood remains the No. 1 disaster</span> </span>in the U.S., says Ana
Robic, COO, Chubb Personal Risk Services.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 0; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: none; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #414141; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">"A lot of
people think, 'This is never going to happen to me -- this is only a problem in X
location,'" says Tanya Brown-Giammanco, lead researcher on the Insurance
Institute for Business & Home Safety’s <span style="color: windowtext; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #1293BE; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">Hurricane Harvey Wind Damage Investigation Report</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">. </a>"But most
locations in the U.S. are prone to some kind of disaster."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 0; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: none; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #414141; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">Non-weather
water can also be more devastating than many homeowners may realize. "Once a
consumer has a water loss, they’re definitely more aware of it for the next
time," says Angi Orbann, vice president of Product Personal Insurance at
Travelers. "But other than that, consumers typically aren’t thinking about
those type of water losses."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #414141;">And if a homeowner is away and
doesn't notice a leak immediately, "the damage can be quite severe," Orbann
adds. "Think about a two-story home where there’s a bathroom on the second
story. If that hose line goes, it’s easy for it to be running down to the
downstairs and possibly the basement for eight hours or longer if you’re away
for a weekend. Those claims tend to be very disruptive."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 0; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: none; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #414141; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">Robic
outlines a real-life scenario in which a homeowner was away on vacation when
their washing machine hose burst, causing water to run unmonitored for several
days. The water caused significant damage to the first and second floors of the
home, including substantial damage to a newly renovated kitchen on the first
floor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 0; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: none; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: #414141; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">At McCurdy Insurance,
we will talk with you about your most common and most expensive risks and
advise you on how to prepare for or prevent some of those losses.</span><span style="mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 0; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-type: none; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: black; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;"></span></div>
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-->The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-45596698578835903492018-11-07T07:46:00.000-08:002018-11-07T07:46:01.816-08:00Car Rental Insurance A Redundant Expense . . . Or Is it?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"You want the insurance, right?" asks the young man behind
the counter at ACME Car Rental. "You know, like just in case. You know. Right?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe you know, maybe you don't. You stare at the legal
pad-size document, and squint to read the <strong>Collision/loss damage waiver</strong>,
liability coverage, medical payment coverage, personal injury protection, and
so on all printed in <span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">8 point type.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's our advice. Before you rent a car, review the
coverage on your personal car insurance policy. In many policies, the coverage
your auto policy extends to a rental car. So buying rental car insurance may
duplicate the coverage you already have. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are unsure, give us a call. We'll review the
following with you:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .35in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .35in; text-indent: -.15in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Does liability, comprehensive, and collision
coverage and any deductibles extend to rental car agreements? Coverage may not
apply if a rental car is stolen or damaged, so you may need supplemental.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .35in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .35in; text-indent: -.15in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Are towing fees for rental cars covered?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .35in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .35in; text-indent: -.15in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Does your homeowners or renters insurance extend
to personal items in a rented car? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .35in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .35in; text-indent: -.15in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Does your auto policy offer loss of income
coverage? The rental car company may charge you for what they could have earned
had a damaged car not needed repair.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Also, call your
credit card company.</span> If you pay for a rental car with a major credit
card, the card issuer may offer secondary car rental insurance at no charge.
Note: Coverage extensions from your existing policy or your credit card may not
apply if you’re renting a car for business.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Armed with the above
answers, review your rental coverage options. And remember:</span> Never sign
anything or agree to coverage without reading the policy thoroughly. </div>
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</style>The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-85762725080731211082018-08-06T05:05:00.000-07:002018-11-07T04:42:55.846-08:00How To Ruin Your Child's Financial FutureMany times we get calls to exclude a young driver from the parent's auto policy because their child is away at school. Sure, you'll save a few bucks, but what will you do when they show up unexpected and want to take the car to go to the movies or a friend's house?<br />
<br />
And that's just your car. What if your child borrows someone's car at school? Or what if they drove home from the party because they were the sober one, and what coverage was on that car?<br />
<br />
You spend thousands, tens of thousands of dollars sending your child to school for a better life, and then BAM! a car accident ruins their life because they were an excluded driver -- that is, NO coverage.<br />
<br />
And what about too little coverage? An accident with property damage could go well beyond the minimum limits required by law. In order to register and drive your car in Massachusetts, the state requires that you have a minimum level of certain types of auto insurance coverage. These include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Bodily Injury to Others: $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident</li>
<li>Personal Injury Protection: $8,000 per person, per accident</li>
<li>Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto: $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident</li>
<li>Damage to Someone Else's Property: $5,000 per accident</li>
</ul>
Really, folks, when you consider hospital costs, those minimums will leave you hanging. And if your adult child is responsible, the judgment could follow them for years and years.<br />
<br />
Moral of the story — KEEP YOUR CHILD INSURED!The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-4642838671283976032018-06-04T05:39:00.000-07:002018-06-04T05:39:01.095-07:00The Uninsured Motorist: Your Worst NightmareDid you know that there are almost 13% of drivers -- that's around one in every eight-- who are uninsured? And did you know that uninsured motorists cause $2.6 billion in claims? (Insurance<br />
Research Council.)<br />
<br />
In Massachusetts, drivers are legally required to have auto insurance. But it's not enough to insure<br />
oneself. You need to insure yourself against those who have no insurance or who are underinsured.<br />
<br />
Even those who do have insurance may opt for minimum coverage. The only way for innocent<br />
motorists to protect themselves from underinsured drivers is to purchase adequate underinsured<br />
motorist (UIM) coverage.<br />
<br />
Underinsured motorist coverage is extremely important. Many insurance companies battle fiercely to beat competitor price quotes. What they too often fail to explain to drivers is the true reason why their rates are so much lower: <i>Lack of important coverage, such as UIM benefits.</i><br />
<br />
What Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage Offers: Massachusetts requires the purchase of minimum levels of certain types of auto insurance coverage for those who register and drive a motor<br />
vehicle. These are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Bodily Injury to Others: $20,000 per person and up to $40,000 per accident</li>
<li>Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $8,000 per person, per accident</li>
<li>Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto: $20,000 per person and up to $40,000 per accident</li>
<li>Property Damage: $5,000 per accident</li>
</ul>
While it may seem $20,000 is a lot of money, in fact it is not when you are involved in a serious<br />
crash. According to researchers, the average auto liability claim for bodily injury in the U.S. was<br />
$15,443 in 2013. That is a figure that has risen steadily over the years. It’s also an average, which means there are many people who suffer injuries for which the medical bills far exceed that amount.<br />
<br />
Although Massachusetts is a no-fault state, meaning innocent motorists first turn to their own car<br />
insurance company to cover losses, drivers may step outside of this no-fault system when the:<br />
<ul>
<li>Injured person incurs at least $2,000 in reasonable medical expenses and/or</li>
<li>Injuries from the accident caused permanent and serious disfigurement, broken bone or a substantial loss of sight or hearing.</li>
</ul>
UIM coverage steps in to cover medical bills and lost wages if you are injured or if a loved one is<br />
killed in a crash where the at-fault driver only carries minimum car insurance. Your policy would<br />
pay for damages above the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage amount, up to the limits of your<br />
UIM policy. For example:<br />
<ul>
<li>The at-fault driver has a bodily injury limit of $20,000, the minimum required by law.</li>
<li>You carry a maximum of $100,000 per person in UIM coverage.</li>
<li>The total amount of your injuries and lost wages equals $60,000.</li>
<li>Instead of being stuck with only $20,000 from the at-fault driver, you can recover an additional $40,000 from your own auto insurer, for a total of $60,000 -- full coverage of your losses.</li>
</ul>
Another benefit of UIM coverage is that it doesn't just apply to accidents that occur while you're in the car. For example, you are struck by a car while walking or bicycling. UIM benefits would cover<br />
these damages as well.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, most people don't become aware of the importance of uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage until it's too late. The benefit of securing adequate UIM coverage far outweighs the cost, and will serve you well in the event of a serious Massachusetts car accident.<br />
<br />
Do I have you wondering if you have UIM coverage? Give us a call at 508-347-9397 and we'll<br />
check your policy and set you up if you do not have underinsured motorist coverage.<br />
(Source: https://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=38160)The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-78503850434574590872018-05-14T06:30:00.000-07:002018-05-14T06:30:11.098-07:00Always Carry An UmbrellaHere's a scenario: If you were to cause an accident that destroys the other car, and the driver and passengers are injured, how much would your insurance cover? And how much could end up coming right out of your pocket?<br />
<br />
Truth is, the costs that can be recovered from a major car accident can be very high:<br />
<ul>
<li>Medical treatment expenses</li>
<li>Income loss from missing work</li>
<li>Pain and suffering</li>
<li>Emotional distress</li>
<li>Property loss</li>
<li>Punitive damages</li>
</ul>
And a good personal injury lawyer will find even more damages to add to that list. That's why we recommend you get a Personal Umbrella Policy.<br />
<br />
Umbrella insurance is a personal liability policy that will provide you extra protection from lawsuits that may arise from things such as:<br />
<ul>
<li>damage you caused to someone's property</li>
<li>injury in an accident on your property or caused by your dog biting someone</li>
<li>false claims and arrests</li>
<li>slander</li>
<li>invasion of privacy</li>
</ul>
Umbrella insurance protects you if you are sued under your insurance policy on your house and/or your car for amounts that exceed the limits of those policies. It protects you if you are sued for slander, and also covers legal fees. Umbrella policies cover your future earnings, as a court could award part of your paycheck as settlement for the rest of your life.<br />
<br />
Learning the simple truth about Umbrella Policies can make them an indispensable part of your insurance coverage. Don't delay, call us TODAY at 508-347-9343 and get yourself a good umbrella.The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-11676654582937341962018-05-04T10:33:00.000-07:002018-05-04T07:28:45.998-07:005 Biggest Mistakes When Buying Insurance<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Insurance can be a tricky purchase. Auto lienholder happy? Check.
Mortgage lender happy? Check.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But this simply isn't enough! Some things on your insurance policy deserve
a little more attention. As an insurance
agent, here are some of the BIGGEST coverage mistakes I’ve seen.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mistake #1:
Buying Only The Required State Minimum Liability Insurance </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Every state has a minimum amount of liability
insurance that is required in order to drive a car.
But it’s typically nowhere near enough coverage! Choosing only the minimum liability insurance
could leave you open to a lawsuit, garnished wages, or potentially losing an
asset, like your home. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Discuss different liability amounts with your
agent to see what is necessary based on your income, net worth, and
liabilities. (Another bonus? It won’t cost nearly as much as you might
think!) </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mistake #2: Not Insuring Your Home For
Replacement Cost</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many people think they only need enough
coverage to insure their home for the amount they paid for it. Not true!
You need to be insured for the amount of money it would cost to REPLACE
your home.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If a fire or tornado destroyed the house, you
would need insurance to replace it. The
total cost could be tens of thousands more than the house would have sold for
on the market. If you’re currently only
insured for the cash value of your home, you could be at risk! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mistake #3: Buying Life Insurance Through Work</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Most people tell me that they have life
insurance through work and aren’t interested in purchasing their own
coverage. This is also a mistake. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The problem?
The majority of us don’t stay at jobs for 30 years anymore. And if you develop health issues and leave
your current employer….you might not be able to get coverage again!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you purchase your own life insurance (which
is extremely affordable), you are covered no matter where you work or what
health problems you might develop in the future. It’s the smarter choice!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mistake #4: Buying The Cheapest Policy</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s tempting to shop for insurance and just
pick whatever is the cheapest, but it’s usually not the best idea. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">First you want to make sure that you’re buying
from a reputable company. You want a
solid insurance carrier that you can trust to pay your claims. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And you want to make sure you’re comparing
apples to apples. Does the cheaper
policy only insure your home for cash value instead of replacement cost (like
mistake #2)? Does one company exclude water leaks but another cover them? Big details can be hidden in the small print!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mistake #5: Not Using An Agent</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Best way to avoid ALL of these mistakes? Work with an insurance agent! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We know all about insurance and can find the
right coverage for your specific situation.
We’ll make sure your liability limits are high enough, that your home
will be replaced after a loss, that you won’t lose your life insurance when you
change jobs, and that you aren’t buying an inadequate policy that doesn’t
protect you.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
</div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Call us today for a quote!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">508-347-9343 </span></div>
The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-9980657719836166832018-03-29T11:30:00.000-07:002018-05-04T07:26:37.020-07:00Replacement Cost vs. Market Value How
many times have you looked at your Homeowner's policy and thought that the
coverage on your house was way too high? And that you could never sell your
house for that amount. <br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
With
the housing market being what it is, people think that the coverage on their
homes should reflect the market value -- but you couldn't be more wrong. The
difference between market value and replacement cost is that market value
reflects what a home can be sold for but replacement cost is what a home can be
re-built for. Do you see the difference? </div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
With
the cost of services and materials, you want to make sure that you have enough
coverage to rebuild your home in case of a loss. Some may say that they would
never rebuild their house the way it is now, but let's consider the problems
with that theory if you have a loss and the home is not completely destroyed.
For example, say your home is insured for $160,000 but it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i> be insured for $200,000 and you have a kitchen fire that
resulted in $50,000 worth of damage. The fact is, the insurance company will
only pay you $40,000, less your deductible. That means that you’ll have to
write a check for that remaining $10,000 in order to get your kitchen back in
working order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
The
reason behind this is in the numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because you have only insured your home for 80% of its value, you will
only receive payment for 80% of the loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you have questions about replacement cost, contact your insurance
agent. </div>
The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-30880386613188315372017-11-28T19:48:00.002-08:002017-11-28T19:49:17.426-08:00Will Your Party Be Holiday Cheer or a Potential Lawsuit?<div class="MsoNormal">
Most states have laws that govern the operation of bars, taverns, restaurants or any other business that is required to have a liquor license in order to sell and serve liquor. State laws further define the responsibilities of these business owners for the actions of their customers who leave their place of business after having too much to drink. These businesses are encouraged to purchase a Liquor Liability Insurance Policy to provide protection for potential lawsuits due to property damage or bodily injury caused by an intoxicated customer. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVy7xlUQqHE/WFvxLzJGNBI/AAAAAAAAARQ/VWnvbWynHmo-6dAGRtItzppbTnEobWNtgCLcB/s1600/Untitled.jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVy7xlUQqHE/WFvxLzJGNBI/AAAAAAAAARQ/VWnvbWynHmo-6dAGRtItzppbTnEobWNtgCLcB/s200/Untitled.jpg.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, even you as a homeowner have the same exposures.<br />
Many states extend liquor liability to any “social host” who continues to serve liquor to anyone who appears to have had too much to drink and will likely be driving home. So take these tips to heart:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">¨<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If possible, have the party at a location other than your home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">¨<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Serve lots of food and non-alcoholic drinks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">¨<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have someone keep an eye on your guests, to recognize when someone has had too much alcohol.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">¨<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep an eye on everyone as they leave the party to determine whether or not they are sober enough to drive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">¨<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make arrangements for transportation for those who shouldn’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You may even want to consider an "alcohol free"<br />
Christmas party. You will just have to weigh the advantage of alcohol over the potential for lawsuits due to bodily injury that might result from the actions of an intoxicated party guest. </span>The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-52945124062068139842017-09-14T10:23:00.000-07:002017-09-14T10:23:11.342-07:00The Hacking of Equifax: Was Your Information Compromised?
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--></style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Happened. </b>(As
posted on the <a href="https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/consumer-notice/">Equifax
web site</a>) - On July 29, 2017, Equifax discovered that criminals exploited a
U.S. website application vulnerability to gain access to certain files. Upon
discovery, we acted immediately to stop the intrusion. The company promptly
engaged a leading, independent cybersecurity firm which has been conducting a
comprehensive forensic review to determine the scope of the intrusion,
including the specific data impacted. Equifax also reported the criminal access
to law enforcement and continues to work with authorities. Based on the
company’s investigation, the unauthorized access occurred from mid-May through
July 2017.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Information Was
Involved. </b>Most of the consumer information accessed includes names, Social
Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and in some instances, driver’s
license numbers. In addition, credit card numbers for approximately 209,000
consumers and certain dispute documents, which included personal identifying
information, for approximately 182,000 consumers were accessed. We have found
no evidence of unauthorized access to Equifax’s core consumer or commercial
credit reporting databases. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Equifax is
Doing. </b>Equifax will send direct mail notices to consumers whose credit card
numbers or dispute documents with personal identifying information were
impacted. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1 align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Also,
Equifax has established a web site, </span><a href="https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/potential-impact/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/potential-impact/</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, where you can check if your personal information
is potentially impacted. The process is </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">easy to do. Simply click on the
link, “Check Potential Impact,” and provide your last name and the last six
digits of your Social Security number. </span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Based on that information, you will receive a message
indicating whether your personal information may have been impacted by this
incident.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Regardless of whether your information may have been
impacted, Equifax provides the option to enroll in TrustedID Premier, a
complimentary identity theft protection and credit file monitoring program. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Equifax also recommends that consumers be vigilant in
reviewing their account statements and credit reports, and that they
immediately report any unauthorized activity to their financial institutions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additionally, Equifax recommends that people monitor their
personal information and visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website, <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.ftc\.gov\/idtheft\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">www.ftc.gov/idtheft</span></span>, to obtain information
about steps they can take to better protect against identity theft as well as
information about fraud alerts and security freezes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ng-scope">Suggestions from the Federal Trade
Commission include:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Check
your credit reports at </span></span><a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.annualcreditreport.com</span></a><span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
You can order a free report from each of the three credit reporting agencies
once a year.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consider
placing a </span></span><a href="http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">credit
freeze.</span></a><span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> A credit freeze makes it
harder for someone to open a new account in your name.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you
place a freeze, you'll have to lift the freeze before you apply for a new
credit card or cell phone - or any service that requires a credit check.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you decide not to place a credit freeze, at least consider </span></span><a href="http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs#difference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">placing
a fraud alert.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Try to
file your taxes early - before a scammer can. Tax Identity Theft happens when
someone uses your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. Respond
right away to letters from the IRS.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span class="ng-scope"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Don't
believe anyone who calls and says you'll be arrested unless you pay for taxes
or debt - even if they have part or all of your Social Security number, or they
say they're from the IRS.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450525244313890771.post-75721952031072921772017-08-30T12:05:00.001-07:002017-08-31T13:36:28.232-07:00Are You Insured for Hurricane Damage?Do you know if your homeowner's insurance policy would have covered your home had Harvey come our way? The answer depends on the source of the damage and the type of storm deductible to be applied, that is, named storm deductibles, windstorm deductibles, or hurricane deductibles. The distinction between these types of can be worth thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDqUmsBFXZo/WacMZXl-ocI/AAAAAAAAASA/m2eeKropmSQt2JEzIsWjbQlhsz8BWvKvgCLcBGAs/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="107" data-original-width="170" height="201" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDqUmsBFXZo/WacMZXl-ocI/AAAAAAAAASA/m2eeKropmSQt2JEzIsWjbQlhsz8BWvKvgCLcBGAs/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="320" /></a>Typically, damage caused by wind, downed trees and power outages are covered. However, flooding caused by rain or surface water is typically not covered.<br />
<br />
In Massachusetts, the standard homeowners insurance policy typically covers damage caused by wind, which includes broken windows, roof and interior damage caused by trees or limbs falling onto the home. Tree damage to cars may be covered by your comprehensive auto policy coverage rate.<br />
<br />
Flooding, which is defined as any water that rises from the ground or from the sky, is typically not covered by homeowner’s insurance policies. To be reimbursed for hurricane flooding damage, homeowners would have already secured Federal Flood insurance. The average flood premium is about $700 annually, according to the National Flood Insurance Program.<br />
<br />
Unlike other types of insurance, flood insurance coverage doesn't begin on Day One. With few exceptions, you must wait thirty days after you first purchase a flood insurance policy before your policy will take effect.<br />
<br />
So don’t delay. Call us today to discuss what options are best for you. You know the old saying: Better to be safe, than sorry.The McCurdy Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393794006903035053noreply@blogger.com0