March Home Maintenance Tips

What do you need to do this month to keep your home running smoothly and your family protected? Read below to find out!

Change Batteries In Smoke Detectors - When the clocks spring forward, take a few minutes to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This way you know that they’re always in working order!

Make A Severe Weather Plan - March is Severe Weather Preparation Month. Designate a safe place in your home in case of dangerous weather. Stock it with basic emergency supplies and throw in an extra flashlight, batteries, and a weather radio too! Make sure the entire family knows where to go during a severe storm and how to get alerts.

Check Your Credit Report - March is also Credit Education Month. When was the last time you checked to see that your credit reports were accurate? If it’s been over a year, stop by www.annualcreditreport.com and order a free copy today. Then use an app like Credit Karma to check your credit score with multiple bureaus. These steps can help you catch identity theft or errors. Plus, good credit saves you money on interest and insurance!

Review Your Insurance Discounts - Are you getting all the discounts you qualify for? While you’re busy preparing your taxes and spring cleaning, take a few minutes to call us to review your policy! We’ll make sure your information is all up to date and that you’re receiving every discount that you qualify for.

And as always, give us a call at 508-347-9343 if you have any questions or need assistance with auto, home, business, or life insurance. 

How Long Does An Accident Stay On Your Record?

I hear questions like this a lot.  Tickets and accidents can cause spikes in your car insurance rates and no one wants that.  

The good news is that they eventually drop off and your rate goes back down.  The bad news is that it typically takes 3 years for that to happen.

If you get a ticket, you may be able to avoid having a surcharge on your policy by taking a defensive driving course and getting the ticket removed.  This will depend on your past record and what the court offers, but it is a good option!

If your rates do go up, make sure you are taking advantage of all other discounts to offset the increase.  Bring all of your insurance to one company so you take advantage of multi-policy discounts.  Raise your deductible for a while so you pay more out of pocket in an accident, but a lower monthly rate.  

Have questions?  We're always available to help!  Just give us a call and schedule a free review to see what is available and how we can keep your rates manageable even after an accident.

Car Insurance For Teenagers

Do you have a teenage driver (or one on the way)?  Back to school time is a great opportunity to think about car insurance savings!  

Having a teenage driver can be stressful.  You worry, first and foremost, about their safety and then about the costs.  And there are a lot of costs!  Things like purchasing an additional vehicle, getting licensed, and paying a little more for insurance. 

Fortunately, you still have options.

First you want to think about the vehicle your teen will be driving.  Premiums are higher on vehicles with comprehensive and collision coverage, which pays to fix your vehicle after an accident.  When you have a car that has only liability insurance (which pays only for damage your driver does to someone else’s car), you pay a lot less.

If you are purchasing a car for your teen and need to watch your budget, consider buying an older reliable model for cash that will not require comprehensive and collision coverage.  We can help you weigh the cost and the risk to see if it is a good option for you.  

You also want to take advantage of all available discounts.  These vary by policy but typically include a discount for driver's education and one for having good grades.  With school about to start, it's a great time to setup an incentive plan with your teenager to make sure they keep those grades up and your premiums low!  

Still have questions?  Call us to review your current policy and look for ways to help you manage the cost of having a teenage driver.

Top 7 Things To Look For When Buying Insurance

So you’re ready to shop for insurance and are hoping for a great deal.  But did you know that there are a few things to look for that are much more important than the price of the policy?  In fact, don’t buy your next policy until you look for these seven things.

#1 - A Top Rated Insurance Company  You want an insurance company that will be around if you have a claim.  Don’t choose a company that you've never heard of with a price that seems too good to be true!  If you aren't familiar with the company your agent is recommending, ask for a little more information.  Find out what they are rated in your state and how long they've been around.

#2 - Choose a LOCAL agency!  While all the commercials on TV will tell you to call a 1-800 number for a quote, it’s usually not a great idea.  A local agency gives the same great policies (from the same companies!) but allows you to deal with one person on a regular basis. It’s nice to have a local agent who you can go visit when needed.

#3 - Choose an agency that offers a variety of policies.  Keeping your insurance with one agency makes it MUCH easier when you have a claim.  Plus you can qualify for huge multiple policy discounts!  Find someone who can take care of all your needs in one local location.

#4 - After-Hours Support  What if you have storm damage in the middle of the night?  Do you want to wait until tomorrow to get assistance?  Look for an agency that offers after-hours support!  Many local agencies will provide you with 24/7 claim assistance numbers.  But make sure to ask for the information and keep it in your cell phone.

#5 - Choose an agency that’s EASY to contact!  You don’t want to have to chase your agent down every time you need something.  Ask if the agency is available by email, text, and phone while doing your shopping.

#6 - Do they offer annual reviews?  Things change, especially when it comes to insurance!  You want an agency that will regularly meet with you to review your coverage and make sure you’re protected.  Ask about their review procedures and how they make sure there aren't any gaps in your protection.

#7 - Excellent Customer Service  When it comes down to it, this is the most important!  Choose an agency that wants your business and wants to give you the best possible service!  

We meet all of the criteria above and would love to work with your family.  Give us a call today for a no-obligation quote and insurance review!

March Home Maintenance Tips

March Home Maintenance Tips

What do you need to do this month to keep your home running smoothly and your family protected?  Read below to find out! 

Change Batteries In Smoke Detectors - When the time changes, it’s a great idea to change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  This way you always know that they are working and in good order!  The spring time change this year is on Sunday March 8th. 

Make A Severe Weather Plan - Designate a safe place in your home in case of bad weather.  Stock it with basic emergency supplies and throw in an extra flashlight and batteries too!

Check Your Credit Report - March is Credit Education Month.  When was the last time you checked to see that your credit reports were accurate?  If it’s been over a year, stop by www.annualcreditreport.com and order a free copy today. 

Review Your Insurance Discounts - Are you getting all the discounts you qualify for?  Call us to review your policy and see if there are any changes that need to be made.

And as always, give us a call if you have any questions or need assistance with auto, home, business, or life insurance.  

Traveler's Discounts on Massachusetts Auto Policies

Effective Nov, 2010, Travelers now offers new and improved discounts for drivers who are:

• Good Students
• College student at school at least 100 miles from home

This is a potential savings of up to 18%.

There is also a 5% discount for new customers who submit a application at least 5 days prior to their renewal date.

Annual Low Mileage Discount: The discount used to be given for cars driven under 7,500 miles annually. Travelers has changed this to under 10,000 miles a year.

Check with your Independent Insurance Agency to be sure that you get all the discounts you're entitled to.