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New Roof? Basic Points to Know Before You Start

March 14, 2013 by

A new roof is a major home expense and often a very big job. You can save yourself a lot of headache and money in the long run by becoming familiar with roofing materials, warranties, cost, and contractors before the job begins.

Before You Start on Your New Roof

new roofMaterials. As far as roofing materials go, they should protect the home from hail, rain, snow, wind, and possibly fire. The life of your new roof is actually highly impacted by these common weather conditions. Your geographic location and the specifics of your lot also impact the life of a roof. Take a home located in the southwest desert area for an example; the sun and extreme heat can cause your new roof to age and disintegrate more rapidly than in other areas of the country. Another example would be the negative impacts on a roof caused by dampness or tree materials, such as a home in a humid area being positioned under a large mossy tree.

Roofing material manufacturers aren’t required to submit their products for testing to measure for resistance to fire, wind, hail, and so forth, but some manufacturers opt to have their product rated. This rating can help determine which material best suits your home. Unrated products have either failed their rating test or not been tested. UL 2218, a test designed by Underwriters’ Laboratories, measures resistance to hail. Under this test, the greatest hail resistant product is a Class 4 roofing material.

Roofing products can receive a Class A fire rating, which indicates effectiveness against severe fire exposure; a Class B fire rating, which indicates effectiveness against moderate fire exposure; or a Class C fire rating, which indicates effectiveness against light fire exposure. You can also use some common sense to help you determine fire resistance, such as clay shingles logically offering greater fire protection than wood shingles. Keep in mind that some local building codes might require you to use a certain standard or class of material for your new roof.

Windy conditions can rip shingles from the roof or lift the edges up and allow water to seep into the roof. Local building codes in wind-prone areas might suggest that additional nails be used to hold down certain types of shingles, such as asphalt composite shingles.

Warranties. Whatever grade or type of product you choose to complete your new roof, always read the fine print of the warranty very carefully and save one in case you need to refer to it in the future. There are several different types of warranties, including any of the following:

  • First owner – only the owner that bought the roof is covered.
  • Pro-rated – the claim is based on how old the roof is.
  • Wind – only covers damage caused directly by wind.
  • Hail – only covers damage caused directly by hail.
  • Material defects and workmanship- most products come with a manufacturer warranty covering defects in their product for 20 or more years. However, be aware that this manufacturer warranty is useless if your contractor installs the product incorrectly. This is why you need a workmanship warranty written into your contract with your contractor.

Cost. The cost of a new roof varies depending on what materials are used and the labor necessary to install the chosen materials. The weather conditions and specifics of the geographic location, as mentioned above, mean that certain roofing materials and products will be more common to specific areas of the country. Additionally, your homeowner’s association might have stipulations on what type(s) of roofing material you may use. Keep in mind that certain types of roofing materials will require more extensive labor to install, therefore raising the overall price. A roof with a steep pitch also generally increases the cost of labor since it takes more time to install the materials and poses a greater safety risk to workers. When comparing prices, also keep in mind that a roof is measured in squares. One square is equivalent to a 10×10 foot or 100 square foot section.

Contractors. Choosing the right roofing contractor is just as important as choosing the right roofing materials. Shop around and seek multiple bids on your roof. You are looking for a roofer that is established, licensed, and bonded. Before hiring a contractor, ask for references and verify their certificate of insurance and license. You might also check the businesses’ status with the Better Business Bureau and/or local chamber of commerce. Ask the contractor for a written estimate that contains details regarding all material charges, labor charges, a specified start date, and estimated completion date. Remember, when picking a contractor, the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best deal. Make sure that your payment method and workmanship warranty is specified in your contract.

In closing, knowing these basic points on roofing before you tackle the project of a new roof can help you choose the right materials and contractor, at the right price, for your home. As always, feel free to contact us if we can be of service to you.

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Homeowners Insurance: How much is just enough?

February 14, 2013 by

homeowners insuranceBecause your home is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make, you’ll want to take measures to safeguard that valuable asset. The best way to protect your home investment is through Homeowners insurance. However, you shouldn’t settle for just any policy. The type and amount of insurance you need depends on your specific home, what’s in it, and your personal requirements. But how much insurance is enough? Here are a few ways to determine how much insurance coverage you need.


Market value might not be enough.

Although you might be tempted to purchase just enough Homeowners insurance to cover the market or resale value of your home, this might not be enough. Although the market value might be enough coverage for some homeowners, that’s typically not the case. Your home’s market value is not the same as what’s known as its “replacement cost.” The replacement cost of your home is the amount of money you would need to rebuild your home to its previous condition if a loss were to occur. This amount is different from your home’s market value, purchase price, or the outstanding amount of your mortgage loan.  Whether to use market value or replacement cost value when insuring your home is a judgment call that requires serious consideration. Contact our offices today to discuss.


Calculate the replacement cost.

So, how do you figure out the replacement cost of your home? Your Homeowners insurance company can calculate how much it would cost to rebuild your home based on:

  • Square footage of your home
  • Type and quality of your home’s construction
  • Any updates, special features, or add-ons to your home
  • Quality and cost of materials used in your home


Read the fine print.

Before you purchase a policy, read all the fine print so you know exactly what the policy covers. Homeowners insurance generally covers damages to your home and “other structures” on your property, such as a shed, detached garage, gazebo, or pool. In the standard homeowners insurance policy, the amount of insurance coverage you receive for other structures is 10% of the amount of coverage you receive on your home. For example, if your insurance policy covers $100,000 on your home, the maximum payout you would receive for all of your other structures would be $10,000. If you believe that the structures on your property are worth more than 10% of your home coverage, give us a call so we can discuss the possibility of additional coverage.


Take a look at your personal liability coverage.

Most Homeowners policies also include personal liability and medical expense coverage. Generally, your Homeowners insurance company will pay up to $100,000 on a legitimate civil claim against you for an injury that occurred on your property. However, this still might not be enough to cover a major lawsuit. You might consider purchasing a separate Personal Umbrella Liability policy, which can offer additional protection. This type of policy offers a higher level of liability coverage and ensures that you and your family’s assets will be protected if someone sues you for damages. Umbrella policies typically pay up to a predetermined limit, which is usually $1 million, for liability claims made against you and your family.


Protect your valuables.

If you have particularly valuable jewelry, artwork, or collectibles in your home, you might want to opt for even more Homeowners insurance coverage for additional protection. You might assume your valuables are fully covered by your Homeowners insurance, but that’s not always the case. It all comes down to what’s called the “sublimit” — this is the limit on the amount the insurance company will pay for specific types of personal property. Although your policy’s total personal property limit might be $75,000, the sublimit for jewelry might be as low as $1,500. Read through your contract and find your policy’s sublimit for artwork, jewelry, and collectibles. If your valuables are worth more than the sublimit, you might want to purchase additional insurance to cover them. You can purchase what’s called a “floater” and have this worked into your Homeowners policy. Insurance floaters typically cover one specific item, so if you have multiple valuables, you might need to purchase floaters for each item you want to insure.


Talk to a professional.

Discuss your unique Homeowners insurance needs with one of our insurance agents. We can help you determine what kind of policy will best fit your needs and whether or not you might require additional coverage. Give us a call. One of our team members will be happy to speak with you about your personal insurance needs.

Filed Under: Personal Insurance

Roof Collapses – 6 Prevention Tips

February 14, 2013 by

Although Punxsutawney Phil predicted that Spring was well on the way, the historic February blizzard (and most residents in the Northeast) begged to differ. Although the landscape is incredibly beautiful and makes for pretty pictures, recent storms have us thinking about heavy snow and the damage it can do to your roof. If left unattended, snow on your roof can turn into a serious issue… one that leaves you having to close your business or relocate your family. Roof collapses are something every building owner should give careful thought to.

A structure”s ability to stand up to weight of ice and snow depends on several factors, including: live and dead load design, age of the building and roof, condition of the roof, elevation, and the way the roof is maintained during and after major snow storms.

To avoid roof collapses, safely remove snow using the following guidance from The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IIBHS).

6 Tips for Preventing Roof Collapses

roof collapses1. For safe removal that won’t endanger you or damage your roof, consult a roofing contractor. They can offer expert guidance on roof collapses and how you can prevent them.

2. Regulations and standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). Fall Protection Guidelines, should always be followed.

3. A heavy duty push broom with stiff bristles or a roof rake may be used to brush off the snow down the slope of the roof.

4. Do not pull snow back against the slope or sideways. The snow may get underneath the cover and can break shingles.

5. Do not use a shovel or snow blower on the roof. These can both tear up the roofing system and cause significant damage.

6. If you see indications that the roof is deflecting under the weight of the snow in certain areas, be sure to keep people away from those areas and seek the help of a professional snow removal expert. Sometimes the smartest thing to do is to know what you don’t know, and enlist the help of an expert.

Visit IIBHS for more information on things you can do to avoid roof collapses, and as always, feel free to give us a call any time with questions you may have.

Filed Under: Business Insurance, Construction Insurance, Personal Insurance

Auto Claim – Don’t Be Denied

January 17, 2013 by

auto claimNo one wants to hear that their auto claim has been denied.  We pay for protection and expect it to be there when we need it. Even though expectations of coverage are reasonable, sometimes the policy you thought would cover damages, to your disappointment, does not.   Sometimes that disappointment could have been avoided.  Here are 5 straightforward tips to help you avoid disappointment.

  1. Practice Full Disclosure. Being honest with your insurance company could save you the risk of having an auto claim denied down the road because of previous omissions. What’s worse, if an insurance carrier learns that a misrepresentation was deliberate, they can cancel your policy.
  2. Keep Your Insurer Up to Date. Did you install an after-market upgrade?  Some equipment or add-ons are not found in the manufacturer’s list of options and may increase the value of your car. Your coverage should reflect that. Purchase a new vehicle? Don’t forget to call your agent and have them add it to your policy. Should you suffer a loss to a vehicle you forgot to add to your policy – no coverage, auto claim denied.
  3. At the Scene. Should an accident occur, be sure to gather as much information as possible and document everything.  If there are witnesses find out what they saw and how to contact them. What seems so clear at the scene may appear differently when reports are received from various drivers.  Having documentation (witness statements, pictures, dates, times an accident description) and available witnesses can result in a more decisive and timely response from an insurance company regarding your auto claim.
  4. Stay Current on Your Premiums.  Neglecting to pay the monthly payment on your premium can result in the cancellation of your policy. Damages incurred after a policy has been cancelled will not be covered.
  5. Know Your Policy. Make sure you have the coverage your think you do. An independent agent can answer your questions and help you navigate the language in your policy, including the declarations page, definitions, exclusions and various endorsements. Understand your coverage and be sure to ask for changes if you feel they are needed.

Some things (such as accidents) are simply unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean you’re defenseless. Take note of the steps above and minimize the risk of having your auto claim denied. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Filed Under: Personal Insurance

New Home Insurance – What’s Right for You?

January 16, 2013 by

new homeIf you’re building a new home, congratulations! However, if you don’t insure your new residence during construction, you’re exposing yourself to a huge risk if a fire, theft, or other event damages or destroys your partially-completed home.

You can protect yourself by buying a Builders Risk policy on the new home. This will cover you for any damage to the home as it’s being built, and might also provide some coverage for theft of building supplies (although the building contractor’s insurance should also cover this). The policy will not include Liability insurance. You may be able to extend the homeowners coverage from your current dwelling to include liability for the new home with a special endorsement. Speak to one of our agents today to ensure you have proper coverage in place.

Once your new home is complete, it makes sense to re-evaluate your coverage. If you chose a Builders Risk policy for coverage, you will want to replace it with a homeowners policy. If you have a standard homeowners policy, make sure that you have insured the home to its full value, especially if you have altered the original building plans (for example, by adding a room or upgrading building supplies). Be sure to also revisit your dwelling limits periodically.

If you have any questions about protecting your new home while it’s being built, just give our insurance professionals a call. We’re always here for you.

Filed Under: Personal Insurance Tagged With: , ,

10 Winter Driving Tips

December 26, 2012 by

Winter Driving TipsWinter in New England can be magical… but it can also be dangerous for drivers. In case we end up with snow, and you must be on the roads tonight and tomorrow, follow these winter driving tips and stay safe!

 

BEFORE THE STORM:

1. Winterize your vehicle. Check tires and tire pressure, battery, belts and hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater/defroster, wipers and ignition system. Check antifreeze and be sure to fill the appropriate reservoir with de-icing washer fluid.

2. Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. Be sure to clear the roof, hood, and trunk, and especially all windows, mirrors and lights.

3. Keep gas tank half-full. This can prevent your gas lines from freezing up.

4. Always wear your seat belt. Always.

 

DURING THE STORM:

5. Avoid using your parking brake on cold, rainy or snowy days. A warm wet parking brake may freeze when it cools off.

6. Don’t use cruise control on slippery surfaces. If your wheels begin to skid and you don’t step on the brake to stop, the continued acceleration can cause you to overdrive the road conditions and lose wheel traction and control of the vehicle. If you do step on the brake to stop, slow, or even turn off the cruise control, the change in tire speed can also cause the wheels to slip, lose traction and skid out of control. If there is heavy rainfall, water puddles, and a slippery road surface, hydroplaning and serious accidents can occur.

7. Decrease your speed. Even if roads appear to be bare, when temps are hovering around the 37 degree mark, the ground is frozen and black ice can form on the road. Drive with caution. Allow up to three times more room for stopping.

8. Use low gears to keep traction, rather than brakes, especially when heading down slippery hills. Using the brakes encourages the wheels to lock, whereas engine braking helps reduce speed while keeping the wheels rotating – this can help prevent wheel lock-up and maintain your ability to steer without having to resort to ABS.

9. Remember – bridges and overpasses freeze first. They lose warmth more quickly than other road surfaces and can become icy and treacherous. Slow before approaching these areas, and avoid harsh braking as you pass.

10. Never pass snow plows or sanding trucks. If the roads are bad enough to warrant a snow plow, then passing ANY vehicle is probably not a wise choice. Both plows and sanders will pull over periodically to let other vehicles pass. The best advice is to stay three car lengths behind them.

 

Hopefully, following these winter driving tips will help you avoid accidents, but should you need to file a claim, we’re always here for you. Give us a call and we’ll can walk you through the process.

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Long Commute? Don’t Short-Cut Insurance on Tech Toys

December 26, 2012 by

auto toysAs traffic increasingly approaches gridlock in urban areas, and higher housing costs cause workers to push their homes ever further from work, it’s no surprise that commuting times have lengthened considerably. Longer trips to work mean that more and more car-bound commuters are looking for ways to pass that seat time either productively or pleasantly. Hands-free cell phones, enhanced stereo systems, laptop computers, PDAs, and (hopefully only in the back seat) DVD players and video games are standard equipment in many vehicles.

Have you considered how your Personal Insurance coverage will cover losses to these often-expensive additions?

To determine how much coverage, if any, your Auto or Homeowners policy will be adequate in insuring these tech toys, you’ll need to determine:

  • The value of the device
  • Whether it’s “built-in” to the vehicle, or powered through an adapter
  • The value of any media (such as CDs, DVDs, or game cartridges) used with the device
  • Whether the device is for personal or business use, or both

Be sure you have the coverage you want before a loss reveals a possible gap in your protection. Contact one of our Personal Insurance professionals today.

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10 Holiday Safety Tips

December 17, 2012 by

Christmas is a beautiful time of year, filled with the stuff memories are made of. As we gather with loved ones and celebrate the season, however, there are also some dangers. The best gift you can give is a safe Christmas. Follow these 10 Holiday Safety Tips to ensure your Christmas is a happy one.

holidaysafety

1. Tackling the Tree. If you opt for a real Christmas tree, make sure it’s been freshly cut. Trim 1″ from the bottom, and water… OFTEN. If an artificial tree is more your style, be sure to purchase one that is made of fire-resistant materials.

2. Lovely Luminescence. We all love twinkling lights – it just wouldn’t be Christmas without them… but if not properly cared for, they can create a blaze of an entirely different kind. Inspect the strands for evidence of fraying, cracks, or bare spots, and make sure you don’t overload electrical sockets.

3. Delightful Decorating. Driving around looking at lights is one of my family’s favorite things to do in December. If you’re into decorating the outside of your house (and we thank you), be sure to never use indoor lights outside. They are not designed to withstand the elements and if they get wet, could cause electrical shock.

4. Cozy Candles. Looking to add some ambiance to a festive occasion? A few candles can change the entire atmosphere of your party from ordinary to enchanting. Be sure to check your candles frequently, though. Make sure they’re in sturdy non-combustible holders, with a way to catch dripping wax. Invest in high-quality candles manufactured by reputabe candle makers (check out Soyfire Candle). Clean and trim wicks to 1/8″ to 1/4″ before lighting. Long or crooked wicks lead to uneven burning and dripping.

5. Detector Dash. Get in the habit of testing your smoke detectors each year as you pull out your holiday decorations. Swap out old batteries for fresh ones, and replace any units that aren’t functioning properly.

6. Kickin’ in the Kitchen. Did you know that cooking is the leading cause of winter fires? More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day than at any other time of the year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Never leave the stove unattended, and always keep a fire extinguisher handy. Using extra care in the kitchen can help you avoid a recipe for disaster.

7. Festive Fireplaces. Who doesn’t love to bask in the glow of a cozy fire and listen to the crackling logs? Make sure you use a screen with your fireplace to prevent flying embers. Also, never burn wrapping paper. Doing so could produce a build-up of dangerous chemical fumes.

8. Buffet Bonanza. Holiday foods make every celebration better… unless it results in food-related illnesses. Be sure to cook all foods to the proper temperature. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw foods (meat, eggs, poultry, seafood) away from ready-t0-eat foods. Refrigerate all items promptly.

9. Safe & Secure. Out picking up your last minute gifts? Always be sure to lock your car doors by using the button, rather than your key fob. The latest thieves are using a signal capture device that allows them to open your car without force if you don’t lock your doors manually.

10. Diligent Disposal. After all the fun is done, you’ll need to dispose of that Christmas tree. Never burn old trees or needles in your fireplace or woodstove. Instead, take it to a recycling center, or have it picked up.

Safety is an important concern year round, but particularly during the holiday season. Not only are there increased hazards associated with Christmas, but tragedies that occur this time of the year also leave their mark on years to come. The holiday season should be merry and bright, not dangerous. We hope these Safety Tips will serve as a reminder to be extra vigilant as you make your way through the holiday season.

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Christmas Parties – What’s Your Liability?

December 3, 2012 by

If your holiday plans include throwing a party, you’d better be sure you have adequate insurance in the event of an injury claim by one of your guests. This advice stems from a new study sponsored by Trusted Choice, a division of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers ofAmerica.

The study was conducted by TRC, an independent research company inFort Washington, Pennsylvania. The researchers polled 1,009 adults in a telephone survey about their plans for a social gathering. Their research revealed that of 28.5 million Americans who plan to have parties in their home, 21 million do not have a Personal Umbrella insurance policy, making them vulnerable to lawsuits, which could result in financial ruin. The remaining seven million didn’t know what coverage they currently carried.

The importance of proper coverage cannot be underestimated because inNew Hampshire (and 29 other states), hosts can be held legally responsible for guests who drink, drive and cause an accident. Interestingly enough, 53% of those surveyed said the host should be held responsible. Most of those who responded in this manner, however, have not taken any steps to protect themselves. The researchers concluded that people don’t buy Umbrella policies because they think enough coverage is offered by their Homeowner and Auto policies. Nothing could be further from the truth. Large jury awards coupled with substantial health care costs make it commonplace for lawsuits to exceed the liability limits on the average Homeowner/Auto policy.

If you’ll be welcoming others into your home for holiday festivities, check with your agent to ensure that your policy limits are sufficient to provide coverage. Although most risks cannot be eliminated entirely, with a little planning and care, you can host the party of the season, and actually enjoy it yourself, knowing that both you and your guests are better protected. Have a safe and happy holiday!

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Condo or Condon’t – Condo Insurance

November 15, 2012 by

There are some advantages to condominium living. One, people feel, is that the association handles insurance so they skip the hassle of having to arrange their own coverage.  While that’s true to some degree, as with most things in life, it’s more complicated than it appears. There are traps for the unwary. To know what the association is going to take care of you need a copy of the by-laws and the master deed. These documents should be made available to your insurance advisors in order that they may design your coverage to coordinate with the “master policy”.

Questions to ask yourself when determining what kind of coverage you need:

  • Will the master policy cover the parts of the unit that you own? – Many associations are obligated to purchase property insurance that covers all building elements including those owned by an individual.  Others are not and the master policy covers only commonly owned elements of buildings.  The master deed identifies commonly owned elements and delineates the boundaries of individually owned units.  The by-laws indicate the association’s obligation.
  • What deductible has been chosen for the master policy? – If damage occurs in your unit only there is little doubt you will be responsible for the deductible even if the master policy provides coverage.  Many associations choose higher deductibles than an individual would be comfortable with in order to keep condo fees low.
  • Who will provide coverage if you improve your unit by adding higher end cabinetry, counter tops or other enhancements? – The master deed and by-laws will answer this question.
  • What is your exposure for assessments due to uncovered or inadequately covered damage to common elements or high deductibles?
  • Is your investment protected in the event of a total loss? – Again, look to the master deed and by-laws as well as the limit available under the master policy.
  • What will you need to adequately cover your personal property and your personal liability exposures? – Of course, the association will not provide any protection in these areas.  They are usually handled with a Condominium Unit Owners Policy.
  • Is the master policy written on a specialized condominium form? – Forms and endorsements have been developed for condominiums that recognize the special relationship of unit owners and the association in relation to the insurer.  These forms are important in reducing the exposures of individual unit owners.

Don’t assume. Whatever you do, don’t assume that your condo association has you covered. Do some research, get answers and get peace of mind.

Filed Under: Personal Insurance Tagged With: ,
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