Discounts...Are You Getting Them?

Discounts are the best way to save on your insurance premium each and every month. But a lot of people are missing out on them!  With a little documentation, you could see great savings.

• Security Discounts - Does your home have a security system or fire protection system? Some of these devices will help you save big on your home or renters insurance.  If you have a certificate of installation (and even if you don’t), let us know and we’ll see if you qualify.

• Driver Training & Defensive Driving - Did your child take Driver’s Ed?  Did you take a Defensive Driving course?  These classes will typically qualify for discounts!  Just bring in a copy of your completion certificate and we’ll get it added to your policy.

• Teenage Driver With Good Grades - Good grades will help you save!  Some of our policies offer a discount for students who maintain a high GPA.  Give us a call to see the requirements for your policy.

• Payment Discounts - There are many different options when it comes to paying your premiums.  Some policies offer discounts for paying in full or a reduced installment fee if you put the payment on auto-draft.  We can advise you of all the payment options so you pay as little as possible.

• Multi-Policy Discounts - When you have all of your insurance in one place, you save more!  If your auto and home insurance is spread out between multiple companies or agencies, let us help you consolidate.  You’ll be better protected (with less gaps in coverage) and save money!

The key?  Talk to your agent!  When we schedule regular annual reviews, we can review your policy discounts and make sure you are receiving the best coverage at the best price.  Call today to schedule an appointment.

Are You Prepared For a Flood?

March is the time of year when we talk about severe weather.  That can mean hail, tornados, and even floods!

Flood safety is extremely important. That’s why it’s a good idea to review these basic flood safety tips, provided by Ready.gov, with your children every year.

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

·         Listen to the radio or television for information.

·         Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

·         Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you need to evacuate:

·         Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

·         Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

·         Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, when water is not moivng or not more than a few inches deep. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.  If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If the water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.

·         Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

With a little bit of preparation, you can keep your family safe!  Review these tips for flood safety and contact us if you have questions about flood insurance coverage.

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. 

February Home Maintenance Tasks

Each month in 2015, we’ll be sharing a short list of tasks that 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:

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. 

Schedule High-Value Jewelry On Your Insurance Policy - Did your Valentine surprise you with a new piece of jewelry?  Make sure it’s covered!  While your Homeowners or Renters policy will cover jewelry, there are some limitations.  Get an appraisal and bring it in so we can discuss the best course of action.  (This also applies to artwork, guns, and other collectibles or antiques.)   

Seal Up Drafty Windows - Feel cool air blowing in around windows or doors?  Seal them up now!  You’ll be glad you did when those summer air conditioning bills arrive. 

Newlywed Insurance Review - Did you get married this month?  Call us to schedule a newlywed insurance review!  We’ll look at your individual policies and discuss how best to combine them for your new household.   

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 our clients!  Let us know if we can assist you in any way with your auto, home, business, or life insurance. 

Ask Your Insurance Agent: Are Items In My Car Covered?

Today I’m answering a question I hear all the time - “Are my personal belongings covered if someone breaks into my car?”

Unfortunately, they typically are NOT covered!  Your auto insurance covers your car from damage and accidents, but not the items inside from theft.

But there are still ways to protect yourself.  First, and most obvious, avoid keeping high- ticket items in your car in the first place.  This includes things like your laptop, iPad, purse, etc. 

If you’re out shopping, keep your doors locked and lock most items away in the trunk. 

But this isn’t always possible.  And so you also want to make sure you’re covered by carrying Renters or Homeowners insurance for your personal belongings.  These policies include a certain amount of coverage for property off premises.  These are subject to your deductible so make sure to discuss with your agent to see what kind of coverage you have currently. 

With a little bit of prevention and great insurance, you’ve won’t have to worry about items being stolen from your car.  Have questions?  Give us a call at 973-948-3200 to discuss them anytime! 

January Home Maintenance Tasks

Each month in 2014, we’ll be sharing a short list of tasks that 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 January:

Make A Home Inventory - January is all about getting organized, right?  So what better time to document what you own in case you were to suffer a serious insurance loss (like a fire).  Grab your cell phone and make a short video of each room in your home, focusing on big ticket items.  Many times, it’s difficult for our clients to remember every little possession after the shock of a large claim.  You’ll be glad you took the time to make the videos if you ever need them.

Deep Clean Your Dryer Vent - A large percentage of home fires begin in the clothes dryer!  Lint builds up in the vent and hose which can spark a fire.  Unhook the hose and vacuum the area well on a regular basis to keep your home protected.

Organize Your Warranties - Do you have a big pile of warranties, product documents, and receipts stuffed in your desk drawer?  Do you even own those items anymore?  These days, many owners manuals can be found online without taking up valuable drawer storage.  Also consider scanning and keeping a digital file of your receipts and warranties for easy storage and retrieval if needed.

Check Your Circuit Breakers - How often do you actually look in the breaker box?  Open it up and make sure the labels are correct and readable.  Also stash a spare flashlight (with working batteries) close by in case of a power outage.

Gather Your Tax Documents - It won’t be long until you’re filing your 2014 taxes.  Start gathering up all the documents you or your accountant will need. Need a copy of your insurance policies or premiums?  Call us at 973-948-3200 and we’ll be happy to help! 

Know Your Deductibles - When was the last time you reviewed your deductibles?  This is what you would pay out of pocket in the event of an insurance claim.  It’s a good idea to keep this amount in your savings account so it’s available when you need it.  Feel free to give us a call to review all of your insurance policies in detail.

January is a great time to get organized for the new year!  Let us know if we can help in any way!

 

Happy New Year!

Your Insurance Resolutions

 

2015 has arrived!  And with it come resolutions and goals for a fresh start over the coming months. 

If one of your resolutions for this year was to get organized, then here are some tips on how to get financially “fit” in 2015!  At least as far as your insurance goes...

Set up a meeting with us!  Each year, we like to do a policy review with every client.  We look at all of your policies and update your information.  Insurance needs tend to change with major life events so if you got married, had a baby, changed jobs, retired, or anything else in 2014, you probably need a review.  Many times you qualify for new discounts or we can point out ways to help you save (like getting a multi-policy discount!) 

We can schedule this meeting over the phone or in the office, whichever is easier.

Get a life insurance quote.  For some reason, life insurance is one of those things that gets neglected.  People know deep down that they need it, but often never get around to actually purchasing any.

Many times you can get a basic term life insurance policy for $30 a month or less.  (Depending on age and health status, it varies for everyone!)

Organize your insurance documents.  Keep a file with a copy of your current auto, home, and life policies in one easy-to-find place.  When your renewal comes in the mail, you can throw out the old copies.  Some people also like to keep a copy of their life insurance with their attorney or in a fire safe.  We can always help you get a copy if you need it! 

Put a current insurance card in your glove box and throw out the six old ones that are likely crumbled up in there.

That’s it!  Take care of these items and you’re on your way to being organized and properly covered in 2015!