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Insurance can be a tricky purchase. Auto lienholder happy? Check.
Mortgage lender happy? Check.
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.
Mistake #1:
Buying Only The Required State Minimum Liability Insurance
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.
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!)
Mistake #2: Not Insuring Your Home For
Replacement Cost
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.
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!
Mistake #3: Buying Life Insurance Through Work
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.
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!
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!
Mistake #4: Buying The Cheapest Policy
It’s tempting to shop for insurance and just
pick whatever is the cheapest, but it’s usually not the best idea.
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.
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!
Mistake #5: Not Using An Agent
Best way to avoid ALL of these mistakes? Work with an insurance agent!
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.
Call us today for a quote!
508-347-9343
Every
month, we share easy tasks you can do to keep your home in tip-top shape all
year long. So here are a few simple
tasks you can do in September to prepare your home for cool fall weather!
Check Gutters - Take a few
minutes to make sure your gutters are clear.
With rain and falling leaves, gutters will be working overtime. By making sure they’re clear now, you’ll avoid water damage later on.
Clean The Dryer Vent - Lint accumulating in the dryer vent can cause a house
fire. A couple of times per year, unplug
the dryer and thoroughly vacuum the area around the dryer vent and hose. Remember to check the outside vent too!
Gather
Firewood -
Will you be burning a wood stove or fireplace this winter? Start gathering up firewood now and save
yourself from the task when it’s cold outside.
Get
Ready For Autumn
- Now is a great time to start planting some fall flowers. Mums and pumpkins make a great addition to your front
porch!
Save
On Home Insurance
- Homeowners Insurance is an important part of protecting your belongings. To make sure you have the best coverage, call
us today for a free, no obligation quote.
Did
you know that March is Severe Weather Preparation Month?
While
it may still feel like winter outside, it won’t be long until
spring arrives. And with it comes spring storms! Is your family
prepared?
Spring
weather will be here before we know it! And now is the time to think
about protecting your home and family.
First
things first, make sure you have designated a safe place to go to if
the weather gets severe. It could be a basement, closet,
or room with no windows or outside walls. Make sure this space is
cleared out enough that you could easily get your family (and pets)
inside if needed. (You don’t want to be frantically clearing out
the closet if there is a tornado!)
Next,
put together a small emergency kit. What would you need
if the power was out? Consider putting in flashlights, extra
batteries, canned food, a weather radio and plenty of water. (Don’t
forget supplies for your pets too!)
Keep
emergency phone numbers in your cell phone contacts,
including the phone number for our office (508-347-9343) in case you need to make a
claim. You could even save a note in your phone with your policy
numbers too.
If
you do suffer damage, give us a call to report a claim once the
danger has passed. We’ll do everything we can to make the claim
process simple and quick!
While
we can’t prevent bad weather, it’s always great to be as prepared
as possible. Take care of your family first and know that we’ll be
there to protect your belongings.
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.
Each
month in 2016, we’ll be sharing a short list of tasks and ideas of
things you can do to help take care of your home, vehicle, and
family. Consider them a helpful reminder of what needs to get
accomplished throughout the month to keep your important items
protected.
Here’s
what’s on the list for February:
Add
New Jewelry On Your Insurance Policy - If your Valentine
surprised you with a new bracelet or ring, make sure it’s covered!
Bring in a copy of the appraisal or receipt and we’ll add it to
your Home or Renters insurance policy. (This also applies to
artwork, guns, and other collectibles or antiques if you’re not a
jewelry person.)
Purchase
A Fire Extinguisher - If you don’t have a fire
extinguisher in your kitchen, now is the time to get at least one.
Plan a family meeting and teach everyone in the household when and
how to use it. It’s an easy way to prevent a small kitchen fire
from getting out of hand.
Getting
Married? - February 14th is a popular date for weddings!
If you’re tying the knot this month, call us to discuss your
insurance. We’ll look at your individual policies and discuss how
best to combine them for your new household. (Plus you might qualify
for more discounts!)
Show
The Love! - There is no better way to show your family how
much you love them, then with the proper amount of life insurance!
We can give you a quote on an affordable term policy and help you get
this important coverage in place quickly.
We
LOVE to help our clients! Let us know if we can assist you in any
way with your auto, home, business, or life insurance.
Since Thanksgiving is almost here, what better time to think
about what we’re grateful for? And while
we love insurance all year long, we’re especially thankful for all the things
it does for our clients. Here’s our top
10 list!
10. You don’t have to
panic when a hail storm comes along (and you don’t have a garage).
9. You can rent the
apartment and know that your possessions are still protected, even if you don’t
own your own home yet.
8. You don’t have to empty
your savings account when an uninsured driver hits your car.
7. You don’t have to worry
about losing your home to a lawsuit from an honest mistake.
6. You can invest in nice
things without worry that they’ll be stolen.
5. You know that if a big
storm comes, you can evacuate to safety without worrying about your home.
4. You know that if you
were to lose your spouse, you would be able to survive financially.
3. You know that your
assets are protected, even if you can’t predict the future.
2. You know that even if
there is a disaster, as long as your family is safe, everything will be
okay.
1. You don’t have to
worry. We’ve got you covered.
With winter arriving soon, now is a great time to prepare
your home for freezing temperatures. Use
the checklist below to give you ideas for keeping warm, preventing fires, and
saving money.
- Have your furnace inspected and serviced by a professional at
least once a year.
- Have chimneys and vents cleaned and inspected. (Built up creosote is the leading cause of
chimney fires!)
- Stock up on dry, seasoned wood for the fireplace or wood
stove.
- Check the condition of your fireplace screen. Is it in good condition and secure?
- Get a covered metal container ready to dispose of cooled
ashes. (And keep it at least 10 feet
from your home.
- Review fireplace safety with your kids!
- Make sure all portable space heaters have an automatic
shut-off and are kept at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn (like
bedding).
- Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms!
Follow these tips and your home will be ready for
winter and safe from fire hazards. If
you’re
concerned about protecting your belongings, give us a call to review your home
insurance policy today!
It's October and that means that Halloween is on it’s
way! We love any excuse to celebrate
around the office. However, I wouldn't be a good insurance agent if I didn't
give a few good liability insurance tips too.
You've heard most Halloween advice over and over.
Pack a flashlight for when it gets dark.
Put reflective tape on children's costumes.
Check the kid's candy before letting them eat any.
But what about the risks at your home?
Your Homeowners Insurance covers you if someone is injured on
your property. But there are a few things you can do to prevent accidents before
they happen!
1. Change your lightbulbs. Is your porch light burned
out? What about lights along sidewalks? Good lightning will help prevent children (and
adults) from tripping.
2. Clear hazards. Tree limbs in your yard? A hole
you've been meaning to fill? These are all potential hazards that could cause an injury and
subject you to a liability claim. Clean them up before you have people trick-or-treating
at your home!
3. No open flames. While candle filled pumpkins are
fun to make, they can be dangerous too. If you use any open flame candles, make sure
they are up high and away from any loose costume pieces.
And the easiest way to protect yourself? Make sure you
have plenty of liability insurance! Call us today to schedule a free review and
detailed explanation of how we can keep your home and family protected.
October is officially Fire Prevention Month. As your
insurance agency, this is an issue that is very important to us! Unfortunately, we've seen
clients suffer from home fires, and we want to share
some things you can do to prevent a disaster.
Beyond basic fire prevention, like checking electrical cords
and not leaving a pot unattended on the stove, there are several important
things to do with your children or grandchildren to make sure they're safe.
First, create a PLAN. When children know what to expect, they
can remain calm, even during an emergency. Help your child know exactly what to do
if a fire occurs.
Stress the importance of getting out of the house and to your
family meeting spot. Choose an area a safe distance from the house where children should go if making a fire escape. It could be a street light, mailbox, or
neighbor's tree.
If you have pets, tell your kids that your pets will find
their own way out safely and that they should never go back to rescue the pet on their own.
As a family, go through each room of the house and discuss
TWO different ways to get out if a fire occurs. Let children practice opening a latch
and unlocking doors too.
Now host a fire drill! Make the practice drills fun and
informative. Create sample scenarios and build up your kid's confidence. They'll be
better prepared for a fire and you will too!
When it comes to any sort of emergency situation, people are
what matter most. Take precautions to protect your loved ones and let your
professional insurance agents take care of protecting your home and belongings!
Call us for a free quote on your Homeowner's Insurance today!
Every month, we
share easy tasks you can do to keep your home in tip-top shape all year long. In August, we still have warm temperatures and a few hot
summer days left to enjoy. So what can you do this month for your
home?
Get Rid Of
Allergens -
Many people
suffer from allergies due to dust mites. But there are ways to rid your home of
the dust without spending all day cleaning.
Look for where dust
lurks. Use a damp cloth to clean all window
blinds and fan blades once a month. If you have carpet, make it a priority to
vacuum on a regular basis. These things will get rid of dust and
prevent allergies.
Clean The Grill -
After a summer of heavy use, make
sure your grill is still in good shape. Heat it up for 10-15 minutes to burn
off any residue and then scrub the grill with a wire brush. Start looking for a grill cover to keep it protected through
the winter.
Plan A Fun Labor
Day Weekend -
Okay this isn't
a home maintenance item, but it's still fun! Labor Day weekend is only a few weeks
away. Why not schedule a cookout or party
with family and friends?
Save on Home Insurance -
If we don't currently insure your home, call
us for a quote today. We'll look for every possible discount without
sacrificing important coverage. Great insurance coverage is the best protection
you can have!
Regular home
maintenance is important and frequently overlooked. We tend to forget about our HVAC
system until it quits working on a hot day! That's
why, we're providing a few simple tasks and reminders you can do each month to
keep your home in tip top shape all year long.
Here's where you
can get started in July:
Do an energy audit. Hot weather is a great time to find
all the spots in your home where air may be sneaking in. Plugging those leaks can save as much
as 20% on your heating and cooling bills!
Look at every door
and window area for places where you can see daylight through a crack or feel a
draft. Don't forget the mail slot and
fireplace too! If you'd rather use a professional,
contact your utility company for a recommendation on a home energy auditor.
Protect your patio
furniture. You probably have all of your nice
outdoor furniture in use right now. Make sure to take a few minutes to
clean it each week (and protect it during storms) and it will last for many
years.
Check the tags on
pillows and cushions for specific cleaning instructions and regularly hose down
the furniture itself. Remember, patio cushions are a favorite place for busy
squirrels so try to keep them protected!
Save on Home Insurance. If we don't currently
insure your home, call us for a quote today. We'll look for every possible discount and insure that you have all the coverage you need. Great insurance coverage is the best protection you
can have!
Most people think the biggest risk to their home is a fire or
a bad storm. It’s why they buy insurance
(and the fact it’s required by their mortgage lender).
But in reality, the biggest concern is protecting your assets
from a liability claim. Consider this...
Warm weather has arrived and everyone is beginning their yard
work. Mowing, planting
flowers, and digging those vegetable gardens. There is a lot
of work to be done.
So let's say that you dig a large hole in the front yard so
you can plant a new tree. You
walk away for a moment and while you're gone the kid next
door runs through the yard,
falls in the hole, and breaks his ankle.
Unfortunately, you could be held responsible for his injury.
But not to worry, your homeowner's liability insurance is made for these kind
of situations. It will pay if someone is injured on your property. It's also
the coverage that protects you if the dog bites your child's friend (as long as
it's not a restricted breed) or if your cousin falls down your front steps.
If you have a large number of assets, then you'll want higher
liability coverage. If the
injury exceeds your liability coverage amount, then you could
be sued for the difference.
Work with us to determine the amount of coverage that you are
comfortable
carrying.
No one can protect themselves by just being careful alone.
There are too many
possible scenarios that you could never avoid. But with the
right insurance coverage,
you'll never have to worry.
Call us today for a free review and to discuss how much
liability coverage you need.
April has arrived and brought spring with it! There is no better time than now to get
focused on home maintenance and spring cleaning. Here are a few things you can do in April to
protect (and organize) your home.
Check For Damage -
Winter can be really hard on your home.
A quick inspection around your property can reveal a lot of home
improvement projects! Look for any
damage to your roof or outdoor window screens and doors. Make note of chipped paint or areas that are
in need of general maintenance. Decide
what you can do yourself and what will require a professional.
Spring Clean - Now
it’s time to tackle the inside of your home.
Start working on clearing out and donating unused items (Think tax
deduction next year!). This could be the
perfect time to take inventory of any high value items that need to be
documented for your insurance, like guns, artwork, and jewelry. Take photos or make a quick video of those
items and store it in a secure (and fire-proof) location. Knowyourstuff.org has a free online home inventory software.
Organize Your Tax
Documents - You probably just finished your taxes in the past few
weeks. Were all of your documents easy
to locate? What could make the process
even easier next year? Update your
filing system or schedule a meeting with Dottie Booth by calling (508) 867-0478 and get prepared now.
Car Maintenance -
April is Car Care Month. If you've been
putting off an oil change or a tune-up, get it scheduled now. Your car will run better and maintain it’s
value longer!
Spruce Up Your Porch -
How does your front porch look these days?
Could it use a little extra care?
Buy a new welcome mat, plant a pot of flowers, and make sure you can
easily read your house numbers.
Get Great Homeowners
Insurance - The best way to protect your home? Having the right amount of insurance! Let us give you a no-obligation review of
your current policy. Call 508-347-9343 to schedule your appointment today.
P.S. Your Invited to our Ribbon Cutting! All our wonderful customers are invited to our official ribbon cutting of our brand new office! I hope you’ll join us on May 8th at 4:00 p.m. for the ribbon cutting and the celebration of our 40th year serving our local communities. There will be food, beverages, local celebrities, raffles, and other surprises! Hope to see you there!
Protect Your Family During
Severe Weather
Did you know that March is Severe Weather Preparation Month?
While it may still feel like winter outside, it won’t be long
until spring arrives. And with it comes
spring storms! Is your family prepared?
First things first, make sure you have designated a safe place to
go to if the weather gets bad. It could
be a basement, closet, or room with no windows or outside walls. Make sure this space is cleared out enough
that you could easily get your family inside if needed. (You don’t want to be clearing out the closet
if there is a tornado!)
Next, put together a small emergency kit. What would you need if the power was
out? Consider putting in flashlights,
extra batteries, canned food, and plenty of water. (Don’t forget supplies for your pets too!)
Keep emergency phone numbers in your cell phone contacts,
including the phone number for your insurance company! You could even save a note in your phone with
your policy numbers too.
While we can’t prevent bad weather, it’s always great to be as
prepared as possible. Take care of your
family first and know that we’ll be there to protect your belongings.
You can help prevent serious damage to both the roof and inside of your home by minimizing the likelihood that an ice dam will develop, and by removing one as soon as you spot it. Ice dams can form when water from melting snow re-freezes at the edge of your roofline. Without roof snow removal, an ice dam may grow large enough to prevent water from draining off the roof. This water can then back up underneath roof shingles and make its way into your home.
How Do You Know if You Have an Ice Dam?
- Look carefully at the icicles around the exterior of your house. If they are confined to the gutters and there is no water trapped behind them, then an ice dam has likely not formed. Nonetheless, icicles can pose a danger to people when they fall off, so try to safely knock them down while standing on the ground, making sure not to stand directly beneath them. If you cannot safely reach them from the ground, consider hiring a contractor to help.
- Check for water stains or moisture in the attic or around the tops of exterior walls on the top floor of your house. Stains and moisture may indicate that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane.
How to Remove an Ice Dam:
- Melt the ice dam. Fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride ice melt, and place it vertically across the ice dam so that it melts a channel through the dam. If you try this, make sure you can safely position the ice melt on your roof, and make sure to use calcium chloride, not rock salt. Rock salt will damage your roof. Also, be aware that shrubbery and plants near the gutters or downspouts may be damaged.
- Get professional help. If you cannot safely reach the roof, avoid using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. Consider hiring a contractor to remove the ice dam.
If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call.
Travelers Insurance made a wonderful 'winter home maintenance tips' article. It is below. Have a safe and happy winter!
As winter nears, make sure your home is prepared to withstand another season of cold temperatures, driving winds and icy conditions. The maintenance that you do today can help prevent more costly emergency repairs in the height of a storm, when it can be difficult to find supplies and licensed contractors.
Following are five important categories to focus on for this winter:
Your Heating System
Before you give your heating system a workout this winter, take the time for preventive maintenance. It may help extend the life of your system and identify potential problems.
Before winter:
- Have your furnace or boiler checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year, preferably before the heating season begins.
- Clean or replace the furnace filter on forced hot air systems.
- Have your chimney checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year. Pay particular attention to having creosote build-up removed for chimneys servicing woodstoves and fireplaces.
During winter:
- Have your fuel tanks filled and keep an eye on levels throughout the winter.
- Set your heat no lower than 55 degrees as the temperature inside the walls where water piping is located is colder than the living spaces; open doors to unoccupied rooms to keep an even temperature throughout the house.
- Maintain your wood-burning or pellet stoves according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Your Insulation
Is your insulation prepared to protect you from the cold? As an important line of defense from winter’s gusty winds and freezing temperatures, it is worth taking some time to inspect and upgrade insulation and weather stripping before the season starts.
- Add extra insulation in the attic to guard against ice dams. If too much heat escapes into the attic, it can warm the ice and snow on the roof. When it refreezes, it can cause an ice dam, which can lead to water damage inside your home or possibly even a roof collapse.
- Add weather stripping around doors and caulk windows to guard against drafts and heat loss.
- Remove screens from windows, and install storm windows.
Your Utilities
Freezing temperatures can be especially damaging to your home’s water piping. Make sure your pipes are adequately prepared to withstand a cold snap and remember to take extra precautions if you are going to be leaving your home, including shutting off your water.
- Check for water leaks and fix problems immediately; wrap water piping in UL-Listed heat tape and insulate if it is exposed in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces or attics. Use only thermostatically controlled heat tape if your water piping is plastic and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
- Learn how to shut off your water and know where your pipes are located in case they do freeze; you may be able to prevent water damage.
Your Winter Safety Measures
As you prepare for winter, following are some further safety measures that are especially important during the cold season.
- Trim trees and remove dead branches so they do not damage your home or injure someone if they fall because of ice, snow or wind.
- Keep gutters clear of leaves, sticks and other debris to ensure melting snow can drain properly. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
- Repair steps and handrails to make them safer in the ice and snow.
- Check smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries to ensure they are operating properly.
Your Key Supplies and Equipment
The first storm of the year can come sooner than you think. Stock up early and get key equipment, like snow blowers and generators, in good working condition long before you need them, so you can be prepared to enjoy what the season has to offer.
- Make sure you have snow shovels and a roof rake on hand. Stock your ice melting compound to melt ice on walkways.
- Have your snow blower and generator serviced and any necessary repairs made.
- Keep fuel for snow blowers and generators in approved safety containers and away from heat or flame producing devices. Do not store fuel in your basement.
When was the last time you looked closely at your oil tank?
Does it look more like this?
Or like this?
The McCurdy Group has recently upgraded our oil tank, and we would like to encourage you to consider doing the same. Did you know that when fuel oils leaks, it has the potential to ruin concrete floors, wood support beams, and even beneath floors and walls. If the area is saturated with fuel oil, demolition and removal can be your only option. And if the fuel oil leaves the house though cracks in the floors, drain tile systems, or sump pump, an environmental investigation may be necessary to check for soil and ground water pollution. The fuel oil can also cause damage to anything that is being stored near the tank.
If your tank look's questionable, you can call River Air HVAC at 774-230-6880. They did a wonderful job replacing our tank, and will be able to help you too.
If you are worried about a leak in your fuel tank these damages may be covered under your homeowners policy or the coverage may be available for purchase, you should contact your insurance agent.
Before we know it will be that time of year to pack up and go south for the winter to escape the New England winter’s fury. Here are some tips to start thinking about before you leave for securing your home while you’re gone:
•Turn the heat down but keep it high enough so that you won’t end up with frozen pipes that could burst
•Set programmable timers for the lights and television so that it appears that you are still living in the home
•Lock all windows and doors, including the inside garage door to the house, and place steel bars in slider doors
•Give a trusted friend or neighbor a key and ask them to check the house periodically
•Arrange to have the snow cleared from your sidewalk and driveway
•Ask your neighbor to park in your driveway periodically
•Add motion-detecting security lights outside
•Make sure your gutters are cleaned to prevent ice damns damage while you’re gone
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