Let’s kick off February right with a killer Super Bowl celebration! Since our home team will be taking on the New York Giants in Indianapolis, most New Englanders will likely be watching Super Bowl XLVI from home with lots of food, drink and celebration.
With only a few days before the big game, it’s time to get planning! Usually it’s the friend with the biggest TV and most couch space that wins the honor of hosting the Super Bowl party. If the carousing will be at your residence you’ll want to be sure that you have everything thought out ahead of time; including planning for the unknown.
Having the proper insurance coverage to protect you and your stuff is always a good idea, but risky situations make this especially true. The hope is that everyone will manage their behavior and act responsibly, yet this isn’t always how it happens. As the property owner you have an increased obligation to not only act responsibly yourself, but also, to make sure that your guests do the same. As the party host, you could be held responsible for your actions, and ultimately, the actions of others that attend your Super Bowl party.
From an insurance stand point, proper homeowners liability insurance coverage, as well as an umbrella policy, would be the coverage that will protect you. And remember, anything illegal, like serving alcohol to a minor, could void any coverage you have under your homeowners insurance policy.
Another potentially damaging situation might be if a guest claims that you intentionally got them intoxicated before letting them operate a motor vehicle. Designating drivers, calling taxis, or just limiting alcohol consumption are all ways to protect yourself.
It’s never a good idea to invite any New York Giants fans to your home since they are rooting for the wrong team! But this is especially true during a high intensity game like the Super Bowl. Property owners can be held responsible for physical altercations that occur on their property, especially if the cause is foreseeable. This might sound a little silly, but as the homeowner you have a responsibility to protect your party guests, as well as make sure they are not endangering themselves or others after leaving your home.
And don’t forget to make sure you have adequate personal property coverage on your policy too. We’ve heard many stories of expensive, HD flat screen TVs being damaged during poor Super Bowl plays!
Contact your Berry Insurance agent today to make sure your homeowners insurance coverages are up to par. And if you’ve never considered an umbrella policy, there is no better time than the present. Be sure to ask if this is the right fit for you.
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!
Hurricane Irene’s damage to the east coast is undeniable. This was one of the most damaging hurricanes to hit the east coast in a very long time. Although all weather stations throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey attempted to have residents prepare for the hurricane, significant damage was still done. Irene downed power lines, caused widespread power outages, and also some flooding. But the most expensive damage was because of fallen trees and branches.
So when is a fallen tree covered under your insurance policy? Well, the guidelines are pretty clear. No matter where the tree falls from, if a fallen tree strikes an insured structure on your property causing damage, it’s covered under your homeowners’ policy. If a tree just falls onto your property, but does no damage, chances are slim that removal coverage would be provided unless this is blocking the driveway or an emergency escape route.
If a fallen tree were to strike a detached garage, the incident is covered as long as the building is insured under the homeowners’ policy. Depending upon the company in which your homeowners insurance is written, you might have some additional coverage available for the clean-up of the fallen tree. Usually this is anywhere from $500 to $1,000 depending upon the specific policy. The whole ordeal will likely count as one occurrence in your insurance company’s eyes, so in the case of a deductible, it would only be paid one time.
Automobiles that are destroyed or damaged by falling trees are covered under the insured’s auto policy. A claim like this would be covered under the comprehensive portion of the auto policy (which is an optional coverage). If you’ve elected not to purchase this coverage, the damage to your vehicle will not be covered in this case.
Taken in Albion, Rhode Island by Amanda Spittell during the chaos of Hurricane Irene
During hurricane-like conditions, even branches or shrubs can be damaging to homes and other structures. If your property is damaged by flying braches or shrubs, you should submit a claim through your insurance company in order to receive payment as quickly as possible. Even if you know that a neighbors shrub/tree is what did the damage, during a storm they may not be liable to cover the damage. If a neighbor was negligent, and did not properly maintain the tree, it’s more likely their insurance policy will pay out.
When submitting a property damage claim to your insurance company, tell them what happened. Now’s the time to mention another party might be at fault, and your insurance company will further investigate this on your behalf. Depending upon the circumstances, the insurance company may seek payout from that person’s insurance company, in a process called subrogation (but this is a longer more drawn out process, so you’ll likely be reimbursed for damages by your own insurance company).
Need some help fully understanding your insurance coverages? Give a Berry Insurance independent insurance agent a call today, we can help!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!
The scorching heat is just winding down, but living in New England means we know the heat will be back. When the sun is shining and the weather is hot, getting dehydrated isn’t hard. You’ll want to make sure you drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, especially on these super hot days. On very warm days experts say you should consume 2-4 drinks per hour, but try to leave out the caffeinated, sugary, or alcoholic beverages since these won’t help your situation. Ice cold water is the best option, along with finding some shade.
The brutal summer heat can get the best of people. Massachusetts hospitals treat citizens for heat exhaustion every summer. Recognizing the warning signs and making the proper changes can be the difference between feeling a little under the weather and taking a trip to the hospital. Evidence of sun over-exposure can be minor as in a sun burn or sweating, but can also be much more serious, such as being lethargic or dizzy. Being lethargic and the reduction of sweating could mean someone has heat stroke. A person in this condition should be removed from the sun and given medical attention.
The effects of extreme heat can quickly take a toll on any person, but it’s especially crippling for pregnant women and the elderly. If you notice someone affected by heat exhaustion, remain calm and help. This may involve getting the person medical attention or an ambulance depending upon the severity of the situation. You’ll want to get the person out of the sun and preferably into an air conditioned place. Sitting is a good idea since the person might be dizzy or light headed. Make sure the person drinks plenty of water; cold packs can be used to cool down.
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!
The ability to pay for purchases online using the internet has created a vast amount of emerging technologies, such as smartcard credit card readers. But as with everything, we need to be careful be using some of these new technologies. Below are a few tips to keep you protected:
Use a credit card, not a debit card when making online purchases. Using a debit card for internet purchases is not recommended as the card is directly linked to your bank account. Credit card companies often will provide greater reimbursement for fraudulent charges than will your bank debit card.
Shred your pre-approved credit card offers that you receive through the mail. Leaving these items in tact can present the opportunity for someone to take advantage of your name and line of credit.
Don’t sign the back of your credit cards. This way, cashiers will ask to see identification, in the case where someone else does have your credit card, they will not be able to use it.
Track usage on both credit and debit cards via monthly statements or online billing. Monitoring lets you catch any unwanted charges immediately and will give you an immediate chance to rectify the situation.
Have all credit card numbers and service telephone numbers written down and tucked away. In the case your credit card is stolen, it’s sometimes harder to report if you are not sure of the credit card number.
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!
The summer months always seem to leave a dent in your wallet. Spending money here, there, and everywhere, trying to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. We wouldn’t recommend halting the summer fun, but taking time to learn how to save some energy and money, may help make your fun go further.
Road trips are a family favorite in the summer months. Even though you might not venture far, expenses can add up quickly. Don’t make road trips more expensive than they should be. Always be sure to plan ahead. Make sure your automobile is ready for these adventures – check that your tires are filled to the correct pressure, be on the look-out for low gas prices, and don’t have the air conditioning on the entire time. Remembering to pack food and drinks versus purchasing meals and snacks on the road can be a huge source of savings. Packing food from home doesn’t have to be a drag either. A picnic lunch outside with some gorgeous scenery isn’t a punishment, especially if you’re spending that money on another fun activity!
On those summer days when you’re just hanging around the house, there are ways to conserve energy. If you have central air conditioning, don’t put the thermostat under 78 degrees, and be sure to clean the filter to maximize efficiency. Leave ceiling fans on to circulate air; this is a great way to create a cool breeze (make sure you have the fans running counterclockwise). Close all blinds and curtains during the hottest times of the day in order to eliminate the sun heating the windows. When cooking, try recipes that don’t involve using the stove or hot appliances. Instead use the microwave or an outdoor grill. Saving the laundry and dishes until a little later in the night will keep the heat out, and not force the air conditioning to work harder than necessary.
So don’t limit the fun this summer, instead limit the energy you’re using for that fun. Being energy efficient allows your money to go further.
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!
In the wake of the June 1, 2011 tornadoes affecting Massachusetts residents, people all over the state (and some out of the state) are finding pictures and documents in the midst of scattered debris. Some of these items were reported to have traveled over 60 miles in the winds of the tornado. While news reports are flowing in from people throughout the state trying to locate the owners of the items found on their property, residents should be mindful of the potential for identity theft occurring.
The tornadoes that struck Massachusetts not only destroyed homes. They also scattered possessions, including people’s personal documents possibly containing sensitive and personal data. Unfortunately, the potential for identity theft from these lost documents is often overlooked by residents who are busy rebuilding and getting back on track after the storm.
If you were a victim of the tornado, and some of your personal documents were lost in the storm, there are a few steps you may want to take to reduce or prevent your risk of identity theft. If you believe your personal information has been lost, compromised or stolen, you should immediately do the following:
1. If you have been displaced from your home, set up a mail forwarding service to your new address or have your mail held at the Post Office. You can set up these services at your local Post Office branch or online here: http://www.usps.com/all/optionsforreceivingmail/welcome.htm.
2. Monitor your credit report. Obtain a free copy of your credit report ASAP to see if there may be incorrect or new addresses, unidentified account information or new accounts recently established. You can request 1 report per credit bureau per year, for free, via the following methods:
- Request by Internet: https://www.annualcreditreport.com
- Request by Phone: (877) 322-8228
- Request by Mail: Complete the Annual Credit Request Form and mail to: Annual Credit Report Request Service P.O. Box 105281 Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Note: Experts recommend you request your credit report from just one of the three major credit reporting agencies at a time. This way you can stagger your credit report requests throughout the year, unless you see something in your report that you suspect is fraudulent.
3. Contact at least one of the credit reporting bureaus and place a free ‘fraud alert’ on your credit profile. You only need to contact one of the agencies, who are required to contact the other agencies for the fraud notifications.
- There is no cost to you to place this alert
- You should contact at least one of the credit bureaus ASAP to let them know you may be a victim of identity theft, and you would like to place a ‘fraud alert’ on your credit file
- Your credit file will be flagged with a statement that says you may be a victim of fraud and that creditors should phone you before extending credit
Contact numbers for the three credit reporting agencies are:
- Equifax fraud department: (888) 766-0008, Web: www.equifax.com
- Experian fraud department: (888) EXPERIAN (888-397-3742), Web: www.experian.com/fraud
- Trans Union fraud department (800) 680-7289, Web: www.transunion.com
4. If you feel you need additional protection added to your credit file at the credit reporting agencies, you may want to also consider placing a ‘Credit Freeze’ with each of the credit reporting bureaus. A credit freeze will lock access to the your credit profile for up to ninety days and is more powerful than a Fraud Alert.
A credit freeze provides you with an effective method to stop (‘freeze out’) identity thieves from getting credit in your name. A freeze prevents a lender from seeing your credit report. And since most lenders won’t grant credit without reviewing your credit report, the credit request is effectively ‘frozen out’ – and so is the identity thief. But don’t worry, you can un-freeze your credit report at any time using a PIN (Personal Identifying Number) to unlock access to your credit file when necessary.
You can call or write to each of the three main credit bureaus to request the freeze. The freeze can later be removed by phone. The credit bureaus are required to unlock your report within three days of notification. There is usually a cost of $10 per credit reporting agency to lock and unlock a credit freeze.
5. If you have lost any credit cards, debit cards or check books you should call your financial institutions to notify them right away. You should also inquire about getting new account numbers and cards mailed to you.
6. Contact your insurance agent right away if you believe you are a victim of identity theft. In addition to being able to purchase a stand-alone identity theft policy, some homeowners insurance companies offer limited identity theft restoration and/or reparation coverages via endorsement.
“The main thing people need to know in this type of situation is that, while documents with their personal information may have been lost in the storm, anyone finding your document isn’t intending on committing identity theft,” states Craig Peterson, President and CEO of The Cyberian Group, Inc. “Your risk may be higher, so it’s prudent that at a minimum, watch your accounts over the coming months, get a copy of your most recent credit report, and file a fraud alert with one of the credit reporting agencies. These are free, easy steps to take for greater peace of mind.”
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current Massachusetts home insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!
Berry Insurance has several clients in the central and western parts of the state, where damage was the most severe. Hearing about the destruction they incurred was hard enough, but seeing the images on the news was even harder.
Over the weekend I had a chance to visit my hometown of Southbridge, MA where I toured some of the streets struck by the devastating tornado on June 1, 2011. Roads were in disarray with trees strewn about. Some streets were still closed and some were only accessible to residents. The National Guard was there. Houses were marked for demolition. It was heart breaking.
Below are some images from my trip as well as reflections from a few of our clients who live in, or have ties to, the town of Southbridge, MA.
Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the storm, both the residents of Southbridge and the state as a whole. We encourage anyone who can help the victims of the storm to contact local government officials or the Red Cross.
It’s hard to believe that I came home last night to this beautiful rainbow in the sky, especially after the devastating tornado activity we had in Massachusetts a few days ago!
As families and businesses continue the cleanup and rebuilding process, it’s hard to think that this could happen to us again. But unfortunately, it just might. And if you were like me, when the tornado came knocking, I wasn’t ready to answer the door. (You can read all about my experience when the severe tornado weather hit Massachusetts).
So before another storm strikes, it’s time to get prepared! Here are a few tips (this list is definitely not exhaustive) to help you create your disaster plan:
As you’re watching the news reports of the devastation and damages in Massachusetts, make a list of all the things that could have happened to you, or maybe even did happen to you, during the storm. For example, did your power go out? What would you do if your car was damaged? Where would you go if you lost your home?
Once you’ve exhausted your list of “what ifs”, start to brainstorm solutions. Be sure to get your whole family involved!
Contact local and government officials to find out what kind of alert systems are available in your region. And be sure to post emergency phone numbers in a place where everyone can find them.
Make sure all your loved ones are accounted for. Don’t assume that your family will be together at the moment a disaster strikes. Be sure to talk with your workplace, daycare centers, etc. to incorporate their plans with your own.
Don’t forget about your non-human loved ones! News reports have been coming in about all the pets left homeless or abandoned as a result of the disaster. Make sure you outline how you will protect your pets.
Create an emergency supplies kit. First aid kits are great, but you may want to take it one step further by adding in blankets, spare clothes, flashlights, snacks, water, etc. And don’t forget to keep a kit in your car too!
Create an evacuation plan. Sometimes staying put isn’t the best idea!
Create a home inventory and keep it in a safe or secured location. This will help you with any insurance claims you may need to file. It’s also a good idea to make copies of vital documents, insurance policies and credit cards to keep in the safe as well.
Review your plan annually. Be sure to update it and incorporate any changes in your life.
Some additional resources to check out:
Ready.gov – They have some great online tools including pdf checklists you can download
Good luck! And if you have any tips or suggestions, please comment below. We’d love to hear them and share them with the community!
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For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current Massachusetts home insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!
The reports keep coming in on the devastation yesterday’s tornadoes caused Massachusetts and surrounding areas. Our thoughts go out to all those affected, especially in the hardest hit areas around Springfield, Monson and Sturbridge.
If you were affected by the storm, here are a few tips to help you get back on track and get your insurance claim process started:
First things first – check on your family, friends, loved ones and pets to make sure all are accounted for and safe.
Take notes and pictures to document your damages. The more detailed these are, the faster your claims process will be.
Take steps to prevent any further damage to your property. Start to make any immediate and necessary repairs. If you do so, be sure to keep receipts to include in your claim. If repairs aren’t needed immediately, you should contact professionals and obtain estimates of damages and costs to repair.
If you don’t already have one, start a home inventory. Try to be as detailed as possible.
Call your insurance agent to start the claims process. Your insurance agent can assist you with filing your claim and can advise on what will be covered.
If able, help your neighbors. The areas hardest hit are in need of volunteers. Talk to your local and government officials to see if there is anything you can do to lend a hand.
Even if you weren’t affected by the storm, we encourage you to contact your Massachusetts insurance company to discuss your homeowners and auto insurance policies. Now is the best time to review your coverages and make sure you’re protected should another storm system head our way. Proper insurance coverage can give you peace of mind should another devastating event happen.
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For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current Massachusetts home insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!
Today is June 1st – the first day of hurricane/tornado season. And I know we’ve had watches and warnings, but I can’t say I ever remember a tornado like this hitting Massachusetts. So when I came home at quarter to five tonight to messages on my answering machine about the impending tornado coming my way, I was in shock.
My husband was also on his way home, so within a few minutes we were packing up supplies and grabbed our son and two cats and headed to hunker down in the basement. Luckily, our power stayed on so we managed to stream WHDH.com, Channel 7 News, on our laptop. As we sat and watched multiple tornados strike towns across the state, I started making a mental note of if we had everything we’d need….baby clothes, food and supplies…check…snacks, water and a flashlight…check….laptop and phones…check…clothes for us, shoes and my eye glasses…oops. So, apparently our disaster plan wasn’t as well thought out as it should be.
Pete Bouchard’s forecast showed tornado activity hitting my town twice during the evening. So then I moved on to thinking about what would happen if we were hit and what my insurance would cover. If the power went out and the food in my refrigerator spoiled, would that be covered? Or what if my basement flooded from the rain? Or what if a power surge destroyed my electronics? And as a condo unit owner, what exactly am I responsible for insuring and what is my master condo association responsible for?
Well, thankfully we made it through the storm with no damage. And my 4 month old son slept through most of it too! We hope everyone made it out ok and our thoughts go out to those who were affected by the storm. If you weren’t one of the lucky ones, or even if you were thinking the same thoughts that I was, give Berry Insurance a call. We’re here to help you through the claims process and can answer your questions to make sure you’re properly covered before the next storm!
We’d also love to hear from you on your experiences during this wild weather. Feel free to comment below. And please, Stay safe!
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For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current Massachusetts home insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at http://www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!
