The city of Boston has been destroyed by large blazes multiple times. The first devastation of fire occurred in 1631; just one year after Boston was officially established.
Here are a few tips to keep you from having to file a fire damage claim on your home insurance.
The first thing you should cement in your mind is to never leave a flame burning where it cannot be seen. Enjoying an aromatherapy session with some scented candles? Even if you need to leave the room for just a moment, blow them out. You never know if something will delay or distract you from returning immediately.
Keep pets, especially agile cats, away from lit candles, scented oil burners, and other open flames. They could bump or knock over the materials, causing a fire that could have been avoided. On the same train of thought, teach your children proper fire safety. Flames and the resulting smoke can be very dangerous.
In case a fire does occur, despite your best efforts to handle flames safely, make sure you have up to date insurance in Boston, MA. Boston boasts median home values above $100,000.
Without coverage, how would you repair or rebuild your home after a fire ravaged your property? Avoid this potential financial burden by requesting a free insurance estimate today and putting your coverage in place.
With Vargas & Vargas Insurance, you can get the coverage you need for your home. Click here to contact us today for more information!
Stay safe and protect your home this winter by preventing your pipes from freezing.
Fall may be in full swing, but for Northeasterners, winter weather is already here. This puts homeowners on high alert as lengthy periods of sub-freezing temperatures means an increased risk of pipes freezing and bursting. Damaged pipes are not merely an inconvenience. They can cause serious damage to a home’s integrity. Fortunately, preparing your house for icy weather can prevent these unfortunate scenarios from occurring. Reducing the risk of frozen pipes is just one of the ways to keep your home ready for winter.
Why Are Frozen Pipes Dangerous?
Water expands when it freezes. This puts excess pressure on pipes and can cause them to crack or burst. Preventing pipes from freezing in the first place will keep your pipes intact and protect your home from damage.
How Can You Prevent Pipes From Freezing?
Prevention is the first step. Take these steps to reduce the risk of frozen pipes inside your house and frozen exterior pipes:
Turn off all outside water sources.
Keep your house warm. Program your thermostat and leave it at the same temperature day and night, even when you leave.
Open the cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen to allow warm air to circulate around the piping.
Keep your garage doors closed. Cold drafts and wind increase the likelihood of pipes freezing.
When the weather gets exceptionally cold, let water drip from the faucet. This can relieve pressure in the pipes and keep the water moving.
If you won’t be home for a long period of time, turn off the water supply line to your washing machine.
Cover pipes with insulation or other products meant to insulate them.
Have a friend walk through your home regularly if you will be away for an extended period of time.
Clearly label the water supply line so you can easily identify it later. This can help you turn it off quickly if an emergency ensues and it needs to be turned off.
What Should You Do If Your Pipes Freeze?
If your pipes freeze, there are several steps you can take to minimize the resulting damage. These steps include:
Keep the faucet open. As the ice starts to melt, the flowing water will help the rest of the ice melt.
With a space heater, heating pad, or heated towels, apply warmth to the frozen length of the pipe.
Never use an open flame, such as a blow torch or propane stove, in an attempt to warm the pipes.
If you do experience damage to your home due to a frozen or burst pipe, rest assured that our team at Vargas & Vargas Insurance will be on hand to assist you. Contact us today to learn more about our policies or for help protecting your home.
Our society has become enthralled with the concept of “do it yourself” or “DIY.” So much so that entire industries have grown up around the idea that anyone, anywhere, with access to tools, materials and knowledge, can do just about anything they set their mind to.
This DIY mentality extends to our home. Repairs, renovations and other home improvement projects abound in this mindset.
The traditional craft of repair and renovation has been upended with this modern consumer concept. Imagine you’re an electrician and you’ve entered a Big Box Home Hardware store. As you walk down the aisle filled from floor to ceiling with electrical supplies of all types, you see a person standing in front of a display of electrical outlets. This person clearly is not an electrician, and clearly is struggling with the selection of the appropriate outlet which you’re pretty sure they’re going to attempt to install themselves.
Imagine the horror in your mind as that electrician thinking of the potential visit to the Emergency Room for that person when the wrong wire gets crossed.
And, yet, these traditional industries still thrive. The reason? No amount of online videos, tutorials or DIY books can replace the wisdom that comes from specializing in a task and learning the “tricks of the trade from experienced professionals.
If you have trees on your property, it’s your responsibility to think about the maintenance of those trees to protect your home in the event of a severe storm that could topple in close proximity to your house.
If you’re thinking about trimming, or even taking down trees for that maintenance and protection. Should you do it yourself?
The best way to answer the question is to watch a professional tree-trimming crew in action. You’re likely to very quickly realize that such work…taking down or trimming a tree…is best left in the hands of the experienced professionals.
Those “tricks of the trade” that come from the traditions and wisdom handed down in the craft become very quickly obvious as you watch the crew scale up a tree and easily slice away branches and limbs. And then when they have to take down an entire tree, the process seems at once intricate and yet elegantly simple.
Yes, sometimes it’s really best to not do it yourself and to leave it to the professional.
One of the most FAQs we receive is when a tree falls on your property but doesn’t hit your house or any physical structure, there is no insurance coverage to pay for the removal of the tree.
Call us for any recommendations you may need to help with your home improvement projects.
Most people fall into one of two categories: They either own their home or they rent it.
If you rent your home, you don’t need a homeowner’s insurance policy.
You need what’s called renters insurance. This type of insurance policy will ensure that you have the right coverage when you need it the most.
We’ve outlined below how homeowner’s insurance and renter’s insurance are similar and and how they differ. Here is our quick summary:
Property Protection
When you rent your home, you don’t own the physical property. As a result, you are not responsible for insuring the property. Instead, the insurance policy is the responsibility of the property owner.
This means that if there is damage to any part of the exterior and interior of the property including walls, ceilings, floors, doors, or windows, you are not responsible for filing or paying for an insurance claim.
Coverage for Belongings
Similar to a homeowner’s insurance policy, a renter’s insurance policy provides coverage for your personal belongings. You need to take inventory of your belongings to give an estimate on what it would cost to replace your belongings.
When you make your home inventory, make sure that you include everything that you own, including items like electronics, furniture, clothing, and jewelry. Also include any of your own personal appliances that are not owned by your landlord or apartment complex. That way, all of your stuff will be protected against perils like fire, smoke, theft, water damage, and more.
We recommend keeping the receipts of high valued items. We also recommend storing photos of each of your rooms so you have documentation of your belongings. This will help to ensure that you are covered in case of a total loss, but aren’t overpaying for coverage that you don’t need.
Reimbursed Living Expenses
If something happens to the place where you live, your renter’s insurance typically covers your living expenses for a comparable place until the damage is repaired and your home is once more inhabitable.
If your rental home or apartment is destroyed or deemed uninhabitable, call your insurance agent right away to find out what you should do so that reimbursement is allowed.
Liability Insurance
Another type of coverage that is typically included in both renters and home insurance is liability insurance. With this coverage, you are financially protected from the costs that rise if someone is injured at your home.
Depending on your insurance provider and the policy that you choose, this can include both medical costs and legal costs, which can get very expensive, depending on the injury sustained.
As always, all of the information above depends on your insurance provider and your specific policy.
We search several insurance providers to find the one that will give you the best coverage at a price that works for you and your budget.
Cost?
On average, the cost of a renters insurance policy is $120.00 per year for $10,000 of contents, including loss of use and liability coverage, Click here for more details) in Massachusetts.
If you package your automobile insurance policy with your renter’s insurance, most times, the savings by doing so more than covers the cost of the renter’s policy.
If you have any questions about the coverage included in your current policy, or if you need a new top of the line renters insurance policy quote, please call 617-298-0655 to speak with a representative here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency.
It’s Autumn; you know what that means! “Spring” towards those clocks and “fall back” an hour!
This year, Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. on November 3rd.
Turning back the clocks is a great reminder for some basic security measures to protect your home.
Smoke Detectors: Do a survey of your smoke detectors to ensure you have sufficient safety coverage around your house. Change the batteries. Generally speaking, smoke detectors should be placed inside bedrooms and in hallways near to sleeping areas. You should also have smoke detectors strategically placed in your basement within a reasonable distance to your furnace.
The more smoke detectors you have, and the better-placed they are, the chances of early warning and survival in the event of a fire increase dramatically.
You might also consider at this time installing carbon monoxide detectors, definitely in your basement near to the furnace area, but also near windows and doors that either lead to indoor garages or face onto close proximity driveways. Car idling can quickly lead to carbon monoxide buildup that seeps through windows and past doorways to cause lethal harm.
Password Review: In our modern technological age, we recommend adding a password review protocol to your “Turn Back Time” routine. In general, you should change passwords more frequently than once a year, but we’re often too busy to accomplish this. So, at least spend some time to update your password security this November 3rd. Check your security challenge questions on websites and definitely consider implementing a Two-Factor authentication.
Annual Insurance Review: We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that this is another great opportunity to consider calling your agent and scheduling an appointment for your annual insurance review. Things change each year with life and with the insurance carriers. It is your responsibility to know how your insurance portfolio is structured.
Once you’ve run around on November 3rd getting all that done, you’ll be exhausted for sure! Not to worry, you’ll get an extra hour of sleep this weekend!
Renter’s insurance is an important thing to have, no matter what stage of life that you are in. There are many misconceptions about renting, and some Dorchester, MA area residents wrongly think that their landlord’s insurance will cover their possessions if anything should happen to their rental unit. The Vargas & Vargas Insurance team is here to help you learn more about the options that are available to you. Renter’s insurance is something you hope you won’t need but are grateful it’s there if you do!
3 Reasons You Need a Renter’s Policy
The landlord’s insurance will only cover damage to the building itself. Damage that occurs within your unit will not be covered by your landlord’s policy, as typically, they only cover the building structure and common areas.
A comprehensive renter’s policy will cover your items from theft, even away from your apartment. A good renter’s policy will protect you from the theft of any covered articles if they are stolen. In many cases, this also includes losses that occur away from your home.
Your belongings may be worth more than you think. Many renters skip insurance because they don’t think that they have anything of value that requires coverage. This is rarely the case, as most people’s electronic devices add up to a healthy amount! Also consider all of your clothing, sports equipment, household items, and furniture. Your belongings may be worth a lot more than you initially thought.
If you are living in a rental unit without insurance, now is a great time to find out more about the options that are available in the greater Dorchester, MA area. Call or stop by Vargas & Vargas Insurance today and meet with one of our helpful and knowledgeable local insurance agents.
There is no doubt that the beauty of the autumnal leaves is a highlight of the season. But such splendor can mask danger.
Those same beautiful leaves can be dangerous once they hit the ground! Fallen leaves can cause slippery conditions because they contain a large amount of water.
Fall is also a time when we experience the first frost,which can add to the slippery surfaces. As the temperature drops, the wet leaves can freeze with a thin layer of ice creating hazardous conditions.
In addition, during the fall, the sun rises later, sets earlier, and often brings foggy days. This limited exposure to sunshine does not allow for wet/frozen leaves to dry out and pathways and walkways are now dim. All can contribute to a greater potential for accidents.
School is in session and children are walking out and about, your postal worker delivering your mail, and of course come Halloween “trick or treaters” will be traversing your property.
These are all potential liability claims should they slip and fall on your property. It only takes one false step to become the victim of a “slip-and-fall”accident.
Avoid any chance of injury to yourself or others by clearing walkways and driveways of all fallen leaves, and ensure that they are well lit. If you currently use landscape lighting on a timer, be sure to reprogram your timers in anticipation of the end of daylight savings time.
Protect your family and yourself against these all too often occurring accidents by reviewing your Massachusetts homeowner’s insurance coverage with your agent today. Call us at 877.550.0025.
Electricity flows all around us, yet we are so inured to the wonders of electricity and the conveniences it brings that we too often take for granted the hazards of electricity.
When we see a video of a lightning strike, we’re amazed, and maybe a little frightened. But that very dangerous electrical connection that can cause bodily harm and property damage is literally all around us, everyday.
Here are five electrical hazards in your home to be aware of and to check and prevent against catastrophe.
Extension Cords. Electricity seems so safe as we go through our days using it. We plug away with nary a thought of the dangers of electrical shock or fire. Extension cords are the best, and worst, example of our thoughtlessness about electricity.
You find yourself in need of an outlet to plug in your phone charger, vacuum cleaner, a lamp, or cordless drill charger. “Oh! There’s an extension cord right here!” Never mind that cord is loaded with other plugs, and the cord is plugged into another extender from one to three outlets back at the wall plate. So much electricity drawn through such a receptacle builds heat very quickly. It’s the heat that causes the fire, not an electrical spark.
Water Hazards. We have electrical devices and connections we’re using very close to water sources all through our homes. In the kitchen, the bathroom, laundry room, in work rooms, outlets and extension cords and appliances in close proximity to water is a recipe for disaster. The Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) outlet was designed to minimize these hazards. This outlet has a tripping circuit breaker built into it so there is no delay from the moment a hazard/overload is detected and the source of electricity is shut off. That could be the difference between life and death.
Kids and Pets. You can’t control either one. But you can take extraordinary precaution to prevent the hazards associated with rambunctious little ones. Install tamper-resistant outlets and outlet covers to prevent children’s access with sharp point metal objects. Secure extension cords in such a way to prevent pet nibbling access. Use heavier duty extension cords.
Coffee machines and similar appliances. These devices use high heat to brew or cook. Left unattended and with no beverage/food product left in the device can soon lead to overheating and burning and fire. Be sure your coffee machines and other self-cooking appliances have automatic off features.
Battery-Less Smoke Detectors. Smoke detectors save lives! We often recommend you check the batteries at least once a year and replace with fresh batteries. But checking more often can’t hurt, either.
Please check out our other blogs on claim prevention tips. You can reach us by calling 617-298-0655 or text us at 617-409-0329 for a free, no-obligation annual review.
Have you ever read an insurance contract? Not many have.
However, this voluminous document has everything you need to know about your insurance coverage and is essential in the event of a claim.
There is a short cut: The Declarations Page.
This document outlines and summarizes your insurance coverage. And it’s easy to read and only a few pages. It’s also key to determining if you have adequate coverage at an affordable price.
Policy Number and Policy Period This is the top of your policy. If you need to speak to your Independent Insurance Agent about your policy, you should direct your attention to this section at the outset of your conversation.
The policy period also helps for you to mark your calendar so you can be reminded of your annual review.
Maybe your credit score is improved or maybe your kids are grown. These are just a couple examples of life events that can occur that warrant an annual insurance review.
In addition to lifestyle changes, there is the likely possibility that insurance carriers have revamped their policies. You may be eligible for new discounts or more competitive pricing.
Coverages and Premiums. The different coverages of your policy are presented line-by-line with the attendant premium in the right column, or in some cases, the discount in a line item, such as a security device.
The coverages are accompanied by the coverage limit. For your homeowner’s policy for example, the dwelling limit will show what your house would cost to be replaced. Notice your liability limit. This coverage limit should never be lower than the value of your home.
Total Annual Premium. Down at the bottom of the page is the TOTAL PREMIUM for your Insurance Policy. Usually this will show as an annual number, although that may be different depending on your payment plan for the policy. You can also see different payment options for your premium; some insurance plans give you discounts depending on the frequency of payments.
These declaration pages will help when it’s time to review with your independent agent. Know your coverage, know your renewal date so you can discuss with your agent if your coverage is maximized and your premiums are competitive.
As Halloween approaches, it’s time to think about what you or your little ones will wear for the big holiday. It’s exciting to wear a costume, but when you’re out shopping, make sure that you follow these costume guidelines so that you and your children can have a sweet and safe holiday:
Make sure that your costume fits properly – When choosing a costume, make sure that you purchase the right size. As with clothing, costumes should be snug without being too tight. Make sure there are no tripping hazards, such as pants or dresses dragging on the ground.
Look for costumes that are flame resistant – Candles are a great way to set a spooky atmosphere, but they are a huge risk when wearing a costume. Ensure a costume is safe by checking to make sure that the outfit is flame-resistant.
Ensure proper visibility – If a costume requires a mask, make sure that they can see properly. This may mean altering the mask so that the eye-holes are larger, or opting for makeup instead of a mask. Remember, though, to always do a patch test on costume makeup before Halloween night.
Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes – It doesn’t matter if you’re trick-or-treating or going to a party, everyone should wear the right shoes for Halloween. Little ones may fight you on this one, but they will be miserable after just a couple of minutes of walking in other shoes. If they insist, bring a pair of comfortable sneakers and socks as a backup.
Avoid dangerous accessories – If there is a sword, broom, or other accessory that goes with your child’s costume, make sure that it is pliable, and will not injure your child if they fall on it. It also helps to make sure that accessories are lightweight and east to carry.
Make sure drivers can see trick-or-treaters – A big part of Halloween safety is making sure that you and your children are visible to drivers while you’re out and about. Children with bright costumes should be easy to spot, but dark costumes may need a little work to make them visible. Have children with dark costumes carry a colorful treat sack, or strategically affix reflective tape to their costumes.
Don’t overlook Halloween weather – Remember, it’s usually pretty chilly in Boston on Halloween night. Historical temperatures show an average high of 56 and a low of 42. Make sure that you and your children don’t feel that chill by choosing warm costumes, or wearing long underwear. Go out earlier to avoid the nightly temperature drop.
When you have all of these tips in mind, picking out a safe costume will be easy. And make sure that you stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog throughout the month for more safety tips. Call Vargas and Vargas Insurance for an insurance review at 617-298-0655.
Nothing is better on a nice sunny day than being on your very own motorcycle and driving the roads in Dorchester, MA. When you are looking to get a motorcycle, you also need to consider your other needs and responsibilities. One factor to consider is your need for motorcycle insurance. There are several reasons why you need to have motorcycle insurance.
Compliant with State Laws
One important reason why you need to have motorcycle insurance is Dorchester is because it will keep you in compliance with state laws. Similar to any other state, those that operate a motorcycle in the state of Massachusetts need to have liability insurance in place at all times. When you have this type of coverage in place it will provide protection to all other drivers and pedestrians on the road if you are ever found to be at fault in an accident.
Lender Requirements
Many motorcycle owners today end up taking out a loan when they buy their motorcycle. If you do have a motorcycle loan, the lender will undoubtedly require that you carry a full collision and comprehensive insurance policy at all times. This will then give you coverage for a wide variety of situations that could cause a loss, including theft or accident damage. It will also protect the lender’s loan collateral.
Before you get on a motorcycle in the Dorchester, MA area, you should reach out to Vargas & Vargas Insurance. The professionals at Vargas & Vargas Insurance know how important it is to be covered by insurance when you get on the bike. When you work with them, the insurance professionals will work hard to ensure that they fully understand your situation. They will then work to get you into the right policy for your situation.
Alarms, cameras, door and window locks, passwords.
That should cover everything you need to remember this Autumn as you perform your twice annual security review!
Alarms. Is your alarm system up to date with the latest equipment? Check with your alarm provider to be sure your technology is up to date. Then conduct a survey to be sure that all contact points for your alarm system are secure with no loose contact plates or wiring. What about power sources for your alarm system? Be sure that outlets that provide power to your alarm appliances aren’t overloaded with other appliances.
Cameras. When did you last update the firmware for your cameras? Even if you’ve set up devices for automatic updates, you should check to be sure that updates have occurred. Keep hackers out of your systems with the latest software/firmware updates. How are the sight lines for your cameras? Have storms or critters moved cameras out of alignment? Are those lenses clean and intact? Do a visual inspection up close of each camera to make sure there is no damage to the lenses our housing. Are the mounting screws secure?
Door and Window Locks. Check for loose strike plates, loose screws. Are the locks easy to close and open? A tiny dash of a lubricant might be necessary to ensure smooth lock operation. Do your window sashes line up to make the locking secure and firm? If you’re using electronic locks have you updated the passwords? Is the power to such locks secure?
Passwords. We cannot say enough about using very secure passwords and about changing passwords frequently. Thankfully many smartphone manufacturers and other third party providers are creating secure password storage apps for your phones. Be sure to back up your passwords in writing somewhere in your home, in a book where you won’t forget it and where it’s unlikely that an intruder would look there to find your passwords. Yes, written backup. You read that correctly.
When you conduct a home security review you should also have a conversation with your Independent Insurance Agent to ensure your insurance policy reflects new security measures you’ve installed in your home. This could help to save you money on your insurance premiums.
Please check out our other blogs on claim prevention tips. You can reach us by calling 617-298-0655 or text us at 617-409-0329 for a free, no-obligation annual review.
When there’s a chill in the air, is there anyone who doesn’t enjoy a blazing and crackling fire to warm their home? Whether it’s a fireplace, wood stove, or pellet stove, there’s something cozy and inviting about a fire.
However, to ensure a safe experience it’s important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned on an annual basis or after burning a cord of wood, whichever comes first.
Fires leave a gummy residue, called creosote, which can stick to the lining of your chimney. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood, pellets, or coal and is created by soot, smoke, gases and other particles.
When you burn wood to produce heat, gasses are produced that do not efficiently burn away. These gases now condense into liquid form. The liquid sticks to the inside of your chimney walls and/or liner. Over time it dries in the form of creosote.
Insidiously, it continues to build up, layering on like a stalagmite, on the surface of your chimney liner or your flue tile every single time you and your family enjoy a fire.
This is a highly flammable substance that can quickly erupt into a blazing chimney fire if subjected to a high enough temperature. That is why it must be removed periodically.
Hiring a chimney sweep is the traditional way to clean the inner surface and restore safety to the home. Chimney sweeps are trained to determine whether chimneys are structurally sound and whether they need to be cleaned. They will make sure the chimney is up to code, especially important in older houses, and make sure there are any birds or animals in the chimney, or anything that would block the flow of smoke. They also check that there’s no water coming into your home.
How Do I Prevent Creosote Build-up?
There are steps you can take at home to reduce creosote buildup and the risk of a chimney fire. Foremost is picking dry wood to burn. Dry wood will appear gray on the surface and have cracks on the end.
Don’t throw pizza boxes or other trash in the fireplace because it causes a thicker smoke, which lowers the temperature in the chimney. While many people use a newspaper to start a fire, it is recommended that a fire log or fire starter should be used instead. This reduces the risk of sparks flying out of the fireplace. Use a screen and stay in the room while the fire is burning.
Don’t forget to check your existing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers to ensure all are in working order. If your home does not have the prevention devices, please install immediately.
Chimney maintenance is a priority for your property since harmful gases can build up inside the flue. Lethal carbon monoxide also builds up inside the flue, and if there’s damage to the inside of your chimney, this can seep in to your home. Have you chimney checked by a qualified tradesman regularly to ensure your family’s safety.
For information on ensuring your home is covered in case of a chimney fire, contact Vargas & Vargas at 877.550.0025
Leaves are falling all around … or they will be. Yes, i’m getting sidetracked with Led Zeppelin’s Ramble On lyrics.
It’s time to maintain your home during the Fall in order to prep your house for winter. Here are several basic maintenance items to attend to as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer.
The cost of maintenance is always less than the cost of a claim.
Gutters and Downspouts. The build up of leaves and other debris makes for a constant battle during the fall. Climb the ladder and clean those gutters! Grab your hose and run it through the downspout to clear blockages. Accumulated detritus in your gutters creates a water condition at the edge of your roof. This means that water may cascade directly down from the soffit deep below your foundation. Next thing you’ll have water seeping up and into your basement.
Windows and Doors. Remove the window air conditioners, replace window screens with storm windows. Same for screen doors. Check doorways for loose or broken edging and insulation.
Heating Systems: Autumn is a great time to replace the filter for your furnace! The smallest of details could be the cause of the biggest of problems.
Landscaping around the base exterior of your house. Be sure that dirt hasn’t built up at a reverse angle down towards your foundation: rake the dirt so that it angles downward and away from your foundation. This helps to prevent water buildup against the foundation which then seeps down and into your basement.
Please call to inquire how water accumulation in your home may or may not be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. If your house “floods”, you will want to know how it affects your wallet.
Please check out our other blogs on claim prevention tips. You can reach us by calling 617-298-0655 or text us at 617-409-0329 for a free, no-obligation annual review.
Gravity combined with water can be an enemy to your property.
Leaking water through even the tiniest of openings in your roof follows the laws of gravity. It will fall downward causing damage on its way to the inner sanctum of your home.
The good news is that you can prioritize your to spend a little time on the weekend to prevent water from entering your home through your roof.
Gutters. Get ready for it. Fall is coming and and it’ll be time to clear and clean those gutters! The thought of hauling oneself up on a ladder on a Sunday morning to claw through the muck of wet leaves and other detritus isn’t appealing. Mostly, we think of this as a time-consuming activity that could otherwise be spent with our family. In reality, frequent gutter clearing can be done fairly quickly. It’s when we let the muck pile up that it sucks up our time. More to the point, when you clean those gutters, you’re conducting a serious prevention campaign! You’re avoiding the wood rot that happens from built up water that gets into the soffits of your house and under the shingles of your roof. Once water gets in there, the damage is more severe than clearing out your gutters.
Chimney caulking. You’ll need to get up on the roof to check closely the caulking around the bricks of your chimney. The caulking should not have broken or loose pieces and should have a uniform adhesion to the bricks. Make sure the shingles around the base of your chimney are secure to the roof. Check the chimney for loose mortar.
Loose shingles. Especially after a bad storm, taking a walk around your home for a visual inspection of your roof shingles, or, better yet, while you’re up on the ladder cleaning your gutters, can save you costly repairs. Shingles should not have loose flaps or curled edges. Secure loose shingles and replace damaged or curled shingles.
Overhanging tree branches and limbs. Anything that’s too close to the roof and large enough can cause roof damage during severe weather, should be trimmed away from your roof.
Ask the Pro. It can’t hurt to have a professional roof inspection done every few years. Call us for assistance and a referral to an inspector.
Please check out our other blogs on claim prevention tips. You can reach us by calling 617-298-0655 or text us at 617-409-0329 for a free, no-obligation annual review.
Growth can sneak up on us. Whether it’s your family or your business, one day you realize you’ve grown larger than when you started.
Two cars when once there was one.
Five employees when previously you had two.
A new spouse when you once lived alone.
Growth is a good thing, it’s the keeping-up-with-growth that’s difficult. Unless you’re organized and prepared, then growing becomes easy-peasy.
One area we often overlook, when growth occurs is whether it sneaks up on us or we prepare for it, is with our insurance.
Here’s where your Independent Insurance Agent comes in. We help your growth spurt feel smooth, organized, and best of all, prepared for any happenstance.
We often advocate that our clients undertake an annual review with us to see what coverages best suit their needs with natural changes over time. This helps to ensure quality coverage at an affordable cost whenever possible.
Our facility as your Independent Agent is there for you to advocate and manage when the “growth” word pops up. Not only can we find the right insurance coverage for your new larger family or business, but we can help you control the costs of that insurance.
Call us today so we can discuss all of your wonderful growth opportunities and reduce any growing pains so you experience the best possible insurance solutions.
You can reach us by calling 617-298-0655 or text us at 617-409-0329 for a free, no-obligation annual review. Click here to Visit our Contact Us page.
Fire hazards are everywhere. Yet, we often ignore the danger, or, worse, we’re completely unaware of the lurking, imminent threat of fire breaking out. Fire is a devastating event, inflicting tremendous damage, sever injury and death! Fire can wreak havoc in a fierce, fast, moment.
Smoke detectors are your primary line of defense to protect your life when a fire breaks out.
But you should take the time to carefully inspect your home for hazards that could easily become a threatening event.
Extension Cords Overloaded electrical extension cords cause fire by overheating and exploding in flame. Additionally, they are often near to furniture or draperies that burn rapidly.
Take time to unburden your electrical outlets from overloaded extension cords. If you absolutely must increase utilization of a particular outlet in your house, consider hiring an electrician to upgrade the wiring and quality of that outlet. Install of an outlet with a “Ground Fault Interrupt” (GFI) breaker that shuts the outlet off in the event of overloading.
Consider purchasing a high-quality surge protection power strip with built-in circuit breaker.
Coffee Machines Does your coffee maker have an “Auto-Off” feature? We forget to turn off coffee machines; they continue warming the near-empty carafe, ultimately burning off any remaining liquid, thus creating a fire hazard while you’re away from home.
Circuit Breaker Panel Upgrade When is the last time you asked a Licensed Electrician to inspect the circuit breaker panel in your house to determine its viability for your current needs? A simple inspection and potential upgrade of worn or insufficient breakers can go a long way to presenting a first line of defense against fire hazards.
Lightning Do you have a lightning rod installed on your home? The lightning rod is a simple metal bar that captures a lightning strike and sends the resulting electrical burst harmlessly away from your roof.
Inspect all electrical outlets Be sure there’s no furniture, clothing, newspapers or other flammable objects too close to, or obstructing the electrical outlets around your home. A flimsy fabric accidentally falling on the electrical cord to a lamp can potentially overheat and create an immediate fire situation.
Call us so we can help you with other claim prevention tips. You can reach us by calling 617-298-0655 or text us at 617-409-0329 for a free, no-obligation annual review.
Last week we discussed strategies to become “the authority” on your topic. Here are a few more strategies to consider.
It’s no surprise that I LOVE starting the week (and everyday) with words of wisdom. Today’s are:
“A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show them.” – Steve Jobs
3. Know Your Audience and Add Real Value
Knowing your audience is the core of the marketing process—without it, you wont know your audience’s pain.
Seek to understand the personal goals, frustrations, and daily struggles of the individuals included in your audience.
What do I mean by being “real”? People think frequently and often, “What’s in it for me?”
You need to be seen by your clients as something they value and can use. This will aid in making a real connection with them so you can be a reliable resource.
4. Be Consistent
Consistency is a key component to establishing your reputation as an authority and building the trust that comes with the reputation.
5. Engaging With Your Community
Cement your position as an expert in your community by being open and engaging with them. This doesn’t mean just placing a small sponsor add in an events fundraiser booklet or responding to comments and answering questions. You need to get out and meet your “tribe” through volunteering at events, community and fundraisers. Additionally, have conversations with them by asking what they need. Most importantly, follow up and through based on your conversations.
6. Build Relationships With Experts and Influencers
Reach out to experts and influencers within your niche and in related niches that target the same audience that is your best customer. These folks are strategic alliances and could be your best referral source.
While it takes time and work to position yourself as an authority in your field, the benefits you receive will be worth the investment.
As the most trusted expert, whether you are a real estate agent, mortgage professional, builder etc., you will be the first choice in the minds when they need to hire someone that provides the services that you offer. This is because you have not only helped them to know, like and trust you, but you have also clearly demonstrated the expertise that proves you can help them solve their problems or overcome their challenges.
Getting children prepped and off to school is often a hectic time.
The last thing you want to think about is insurance. So, don’t. That’s right, don’t think about insurance!
You’ve got too much on your plate, between clothing decisions, book-buying, book-bag purchases and packing. So, no, there’s no time for insurance.
What you can do, on the other hand, as your crazy, zany, busy early school days proceed is be mindful of things happening that could become an insurance event. Putting your insurance into a “zen-like” part of your busy day can only help you avoid the dreaded-of-all-insurance-situations: a claim!
Let’s start with young drivers. They grow up so fast. When they pass their driver’s test, it’s a bittersweet. You have more freedom and they have more independence with getting from point A to point B.
You forgot to remember that she’d be asking to use the car to hang out with friends, attend school events, go shopping. Back to school time is a great time to be mindful, thinking of your young new-driver’s desires, and prepare yourself, and them, for that driving experience.
It’s important to carefully remind them about safe driving techniques in order to avoid accidents and claims!
Rushing out the door on those first insane days of school can lead to other potentially dangerous situations, the kind that lead to insurance claims.
How about discussing safety measures before they even leave the house to get on the road? Such as, the coffee machine? Does it have an Auto-Off feature?
Too many household fires are caused by coffee machines burning through empty coffee carafes for hours on end.
There are other potentially dangerous events you can avoid when you add a small dose of “insurance mindfulness” into your crazy Back-To-School Days.
Call your Independent Insurance Agent and ask her to help you become a Zen-Master of avoiding calamitous insurance claim events. We promise that it’ll be better to enjoy watching your children run off to school in the mornings while you sip your coffee in peace.
Call us for a no-obligation, FREE insurance quote to help you determine that you, your family and your business are protected! You can reach us by calling 617-298-0655 or text us at 617-409-0329 for a free, no-obligation annual review. Click here to Visit our Contact Us page.
I LOVE starting the week (really everyday) with words of wisdom. Todays are:
“When you speak to everyone, you speak to no one.” ~ Meredith Hill
For the last few weeks, we have been talking about niches and niche marketing.
There are so many choices and options today when people are looking to solve a challenge or problem.
How do they make that choice?
One way is that they find a trusted expert or authority who has built a relationship with them and has proven their expertise on their topic.
When your community needs someone that offers YOUR products or services, will you be TOP OF MIND and the authority they turn to for assistance?
Here are some strategies to become “the authority” on your topic:
1. Focus on a niche
Don’t be the proverbial “ jack-of-all-trades and master of none”. If you want people to see you as an authority, specialize in something. Pick a niche that narrowly focuses on your ideal Customer. With this level of specialization, you can focus on what they need and/or want. You will be better able to personalize your message to speak directly to your ideal client(s) and connect with them emotionally. This is vital to your success in becoming an authority.
Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the right niche for your business and community.
2. Choose the right channels.
Once you have chosen your niche, you must also select the right channels to share your knowledge and expertise. You don’t want to waste your time sharing your knowledge in place where your community is not spending their time.
Do you know if they spend their time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, or somewhere else?
Knowing this will increase your engagement with your future clients based on your relevant, focused content.
Next week, stay tuned for item #3: Adding real value by knowing your audience.
