Connell & Curley Insurance Agency, Inc.

Insurance for Dogs?

July 15, 2011

I’m a dog person. I see a beautiful dog walking its owner down the street and I stop in my tracks to marvel at its grace. Many times I walk away unable to recall the slightest detail about the person but every detail about the dog. My love for canines aside, I’m a dog person who has worked in insurance long enough to see more than my share of dog bite claims. Dogs and insurance; what’s the big deal?

Homeowners Insurance Policies have Strict Canine Coverage

A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control revealed there are a staggering 4.7 million dog bite victims annually (in the US). According to the Association of Emergency Room Physicians, 1,000 Americans per day are treated in emergency rooms as a result of dog bites. In 2010 there were 34 fatal dog attacks in the USA. Most dog bite victims are children, half of whom are bitten in the face. Severe injuries occur almost exclusively in children less than 10 years of age. The majority of attacks (61%) happen at home with the vast majority of biting dogs (77%) belonging to the victim’s family or friend. Dog bite losses exceed $1 billion per year and over $300 million are paid by homeowners insurance. Insurance companies have developed strict underwriting guidelines concerning dogs. If you own a dog or are considering getting one you should first consult an independent insurance agent to evaluate how adding a dog to your household could affect your insurance.

What does Your Homeowners Insurance Policy say About Canine Coverage?

Most Insurance companies have compiled lists of dog breeds (or mix) deemed high risk. Universally, the top of the list is Rottweiler’s and Pit Bulls. Other high risk breeds include German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas, Chow Chows, Wolf hybrids, Presa/Dogo Canarios and Dalmatians. Even partial breed, mixed dogs. Whether or not your dog is considered high-risk depends on your insurance company. Ultimately, it is up to you to make sure your dog is covered. If you have a dog that is not covered under your homeowners insurance policy you are assuming a massive risk. Any incident (even if it isn’t related to your dog) may make YOU personally/legally responsible. If your insurance company learns that you have a dog restricted under their breed guidelines they can (and do) refuse to pay claims based on breach of contract.

Think about this scenario: You buy a Dalmatian even though it is on the restricted breed list, and your home has a small fire. The insurance adjuster comes out to assess the damage and discovers your Dalmatian tied up in the back yard. The insurance company can refuse to pay for damages from the fire and they would be legally correct. In most cases the insurance companies do not always exercise their legal right to refuse payment. More often they will simply drop you from their policy after the incident, but who would take on such a gamble? If you are dead set on getting a high-risk dog, (or you already have one), then it’s your responsibility to notify the insurance company.

Insurance Companies CAN Deny Coverage for Dog Owners

For many people finding out their beloved dog can lead to having insurance canceled is upsetting. Dogs can be an integral part of a family. Many homeowners question the legality of breed restrictions. It is legal for companies to deny insurance based on dog breed. Even the AKC (American Kennel Club) has weighed in on the issue stating “The AKC believes that dog owners should be responsible for their dogs”. Simply put, YOU are the responsible party. Are the dog days over? No! You can have a dog and insurance too but it’s imperative that you understand how having a pet can affect your insurance. It all starts with a phone call to an independent insurance agency like Connell & Curley. Have a conversation about dogs and insurance. You can ask for me, the dog person!

Posted in Homeowner's Insurance | Tagged canine coverage, does insurance cover dogs, home owner's insurance, pet insurance | Leave a comment

Social Media and Insurance

July 11, 2011

Social media was introduced to the mainstream less than a decade ago. Less than three years ago the introduction of smart phones made it explode. This shift in technology forever changed the way we interact. As I like to say “shift happens”. Personal, corporate and family business is now streamed into the world through pops of information. Seemingly anyone can pick up on the information we send out. This information doesn’t go away… ever. Privacy and friendship have morphed into something not fully understood. My generation defined friendship as consistent kind behavior. Friendships were formed. Now friendships are “accepted” with the click of a button. But I sound less hip by writing in a distant point of view. We are all part of this new way of interacting and I, for one, love social media. You can reconnect with friends from the past and pick up right where you left off. Social media can be a great tool. Just remember to be cautious, and know how to use it.

Writing defaming or disparaging remarks are liability exposures and those risks are very real. Posting, tweeting, or any form of bad and untrue things about a person, organization or their goods and services can come back to harm the writer. You may be held accountable. Using someone’s name or photo without their permission can lead to problems too. The insurance industry has seen a rise of claims stemming from these incidents. Remember that with social media now your reach is broader, quicker and things can go viral. So post only those thoughts and ideas you would shout from a rooftop, every rooftop.

Think about this scenario: A parent of a teenager drives their child to the local pizza shop to collect a phone-in order. On the way to the shop the teenager posts a comment on Facebook. “Momster driving me to Blankity Blank Pizza shop because Blankity Blank Blank Shop’s pizza has worms!” By the time the car pulls up to the “worm free pizza shop” over 20 of the teenager’s classmates have “liked” the status. A few weeks go by and Blankity Blank Blanks business is affected by the post. Patrons believed the statement about worms and it influenced them to buy pizza elsewhere. The statement was further bolstered by the endorsements of “liking” it. “Liking” gave the post validity in the eyes of other consumers. The parent of the teenager who posted the comment and all the other parents of the teenagers who “liked” it could be named in a defamation suit. Luckily, personal liability policies often include protection from defamation suits and are still fairly inexpensive. A smart way to pay for this important insurance is to opt for higher deductibles on home or auto insurance. That way you can utilize the savings to pay for a separate (personal) liability policy.

Most corporations have established rules and procedures concerning social media. If part of your work entails posting comments, writing blogs or tweeting, make certain you understand your employer’s guidelines and make certain you are covered under the company’s liability policy! Personal liability coverage excludes business pursuits. Heeding advice from the corporate world; try setting up a personal code of ethics to follow at home. Make certain all household/family members understand the risks of negative comments and posts. It’s not just a good idea in ways of protecting yourself from lawsuits, its important period. The very first thing most employers do is search the job applicant’s name. What image do you want to project?

Social media is in its infancy. It’s been credited for igniting revolutions and social awareness as well as cause for concerns like bullying. Social media will keep evolving because shift DOES happen!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged facebook, linkedin, personal liability insurance, social media, twitter | Leave a comment

Life is a Highway

June 24, 2011

Over the years helping young people insure and register cars has been interesting. Often times, it isn’t until they sit in my office that the responsibility of car ownership sinks in. Up until that moment the quest is just to GET a car. To most of us owning a car means freedom, independence and opportunities. We are, after all, Americans! The automobile is ingrained in our culture and psyche. But let’s think for a moment of the responsibility of owning and operating a vehicle.

One of the first things I tell young people is that no matter what kind of a vehicle they own: it’s replaceable. In fact, I tell everyone their car is replaceable. Rolls Royce Phantom, replaceable. Mercedes Benz S550, replaceable. 1937 Horch 853 Voll & Ruhbeck Sport Cabriolet, replaceable. What’s not replaceable is health and well-being. A car accident can be life altering. To illustrate my point with young people I sometimes ask them a question they think odd. “Have you ever bumped heads with someone, literally? Did it hurt?” Universally the answers are yes and yes. OK the average person walks between 2-4 miles per hour. How fast do you drive? Owning and operating a vehicle is a huge responsibility.

The next thing I tell young people (especially if they are under 18) if they wish to drive a car, their parents are responsible for whatever happens with that car. Putting a vehicle in a young person’s name does not harbor the parent’s liability. I tell young people to picture their car as if their home and all assets are strapped to roof of the vehicle. A lot is riding on your car and the actions you take as a driver. If you are negligent while driving, the consequences can be catastrophic. I once told a young person that if his friends wanted to be stupid in his car then he was responsible for stupid: tell your friends that if they want to enjoy the privilege of driving in the car then they have to behave. That young man told me years later that he used me as an excuse. “The insurance lady told me I could lose my car or driving privileges if I allow stupidity in my car.” The threat of not having a car, freedom, independence and opportunities is what sunk in for the young man. For this, I’ll proudly be a scapegoat to any young person!

It’s an awakening for anyone new to insurance discussions to realize that a $1,000 car might cost three times that to insure. It can be deflating for young people. Realizing the expense of vehicle ownership includes so many fees. Registration fees include a registration card, title and sales tax. Ongoing fees like annual emissions tests, maintenance, excise tax and gas. I’ve been known to break the tension of these talks by giving the advice of keeping off toll roads. Kidding aside, vehicles are expensive and insurance is just one aspect of the expense.

Connell & Curley Insurance Agency has developed a free app available at iTunes. It was designed, in part, to assist people with accidents. Knowing what to do and what information to obtain is important. It’s normal to be stunned by an accident and forget what information to share and obtain. We encourage everyone to load this helpful app. However, at the moment, the most important advice I have for young people (and their parents) about insurance and driving is this: Turn your phone off and place it in the back seat. If you need it, it will be available at arm’s reach.

I like to tell young people that when I first started driving the only people who had phones in their cars were police officers. Nowadays it’s uncommon for people NOT to have a mobile phone. We are so accustomed to constant communication that the expectation is for the phone calls or texts to be answered immediately. A recent survey of graduating High School Seniors revealed 80% of students sleep with their phones. This love affair with communication devices has dramatically affected our driving conditions and safety. At one time our parents felt relieved that children had a phone in the event of a flat tire or other cause for help. Now we worry that our children are distracted while driving. Distracted driving is now the number one cause of accidents. Knowing that driving is a privilege and a responsibility makes for a safer driver. As the song goes “Life is a Highway; I want to ride it all night long”. Safe travels!

Posted in Car Insurance | Leave a comment

The Springfield Tornadoes

June 2, 2011

Tornadoes are a very rare occurrence in Massachusetts. Yesterday’s tornadoes in Western Massachusetts came on quickly giving residents little time to prepare or evacuate. In Springfield we are told that most people had as little as ten minutes to evacuate. Prior to yesterday’s tornadoes (two confirmed touchdowns) the last tornado in Massachusetts was in 2008 and the last fatality from a tornado was in 1995. We are fortunate that given the intensity of the storm and the lack of warning, more fatalities did not occur. As the dust settles, literally, we turn our minds to rebuilding and restoring damaged property.

Some of our neighbors in Western Massachusetts will look to their homeowners insurance for coverage. Some of them will require money for additional living arrangements, removal of debris, and site work before they can start to rebuild. A Homeowners policy may provide coverage for all these expenses. However, it is estimated that about 60 percent of American homes are underinsured. The amount those homes are underinsured by is significant: 25 percent. Insuring your home for replacement is an important part of maintaining financial independence.

Tornado losses are covered under “windstorm” peril on a standard Homeowners policy. When New Englanders think of the term “windstorm” they often think about a much milder event than a tornado. Yesterday reminds us of the magnitude of some storms. This is a great time to think about our homes and the potential devastating events like tornado.

Insuring a home properly means buying coverage to sufficiently rebuild the home. This can be tricky because most of us think about the price we paid for our home or the amount for which we could sell it. Remember, there are many factors which influence the value of homes so the cost of rebuilding could be more or less than the price paid or the price you could sell it for today. There are other considerations to take into account when determining the amount of coverage needed to insure a home. The expense of clearing, fees for architects or other building professionals for example. Largely overlooked is the cost of local building codes that require replacement with additional features. These costs are insurable risks you may choose to cover when purchasing Homeowners insurance. A well written Homeowners policy is intended to make the insured whole again. Although you cannot be compensated for loss of time or heartache, your home can be replaced. Ultimately it is your responsibility to establish the value of your property and select the amount of insurance for your policy. An independent Insurance Agency Professional can help with that decision by explaining coverage to avoid an unpleasant surprise after a loss.

In all likelihood tornadoes in Massachusetts will remain highly uncommon. I will be thinking of our neighbors affected by Wednesday’s events as they deal with the aftermath of the storm. Connell & Curley Insurance Agency invites anyone interested in learning more about protecting their home and possessions to contact us.

Posted in Homeowner's Insurance | Tagged insurance coverage, ma, massachusetts tornados, tornado, windstorm | Leave a comment

Working With Your Insurance Agent in the Best of Times

May 19, 2011

Whenever I reflect upon my 20 plus years working in an independent insurance agency, I can’t help but think about the quote from “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens. It begins with “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” Because working in a small business, especially an independent insurance agency, you get to know your clients well and you communicate with them at their very best of times, and very worst of times. This is about the very best of times.

I have had the pleasure of insuring some memorable pieces of jewelry; a few Super Bowl rings and a rare diamond, privately loaned to a local museum. However, my favorite items to insure are engagement rings. How lucky am I to communicate with a client at the beginning of a wonderful journey? I always ask about the proposals and the circumstances of their first meeting. It’s thrilling to hear and it’s been the best part of my career.

Most new fiancés are so excited about their rings it’s hard for them to give them up to be sized. Shortly after receiving such an important item, many people start to think about the devastation of losing it. For many, an engagement ring is their first major purchase. How do you protect it?

How Do I Insure My Jewelry?

Typically the most cost effective way to insure jewelry is going to be found on a Homeowners or Tenants Insurance Policy. It is fairly routine to write a new Tenants policy for a newly engaged person just so that they can have coverage for the newly acquired ring. There are situations when getting a separate insurance policy for jewelry only could make sense. For example, the item is very high in value and it exceeds what a Homeowners or Tenants Insurance Policy will allow. However, most companies allow for a fairly large amount of jewelry coverage to be added to a home or tenants policy.

The amount of coverage for jewelry available on a Homeowners or Tenants Insurance Policy is a question that comes up frequently. Although, jewelry coverage is typically included in the contents or personal property coverage section of the policy, the amount of coverage is very limited. Most policies will limit unscheduled jewelry coverage to anywhere from $500.00 to $2,500.00 in coverage. Unscheduled jewelry coverage is subject to a deductible and generally does not cover mysterious disappearances; or simply put, losing the item.

The best coverage for jewelry is to “Schedule” items to the policy. This is when you will add a specific named piece of jewelry to the policy for an agreed amount of coverage. Scheduled jewelry items are not subject to a deductible and are covered on an all risk basis, even if you lose the item. To insure jewelry this way the company normally requires a copy of a recent appraisal for each item.

In short, jewelry is not a standard coverage and the amount and type of coverage will vary from company to company. We recommend that you discuss coverage needs with a local agent like Connell & Curley Insurance to be certain you have the insurance protection you want. After all, it’s a great conversation to have and a great way to get to know an agent better, in the best of times.

Posted in Homeowner's Insurance, Tenants Insurance | Tagged engagement ring insurance, homeowners insurance, insurance coverage, jewelry insurance, local insurance agency, tenants insurance | 1 Comment

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned…

May 6, 2011

In fact, if I had done a better job at listening all these years, I would have! I think of that saying frequently these days. Like many Americans, I work harder to manage in a world that demands more of us for less. Here are my top three money saving ideas.

First: Have Fun With It!

Every time I use a coupon, rebate, or any other form of savings, I hold onto that cash like a treasure. At the end of each day I empty out my pockets of loose change and place that money in a piggy bank. The thrill of having a Piggy Bank is not just for 5 year olds! Remembering too that what I do in front of my child is what she is learning to do. So, for every coin I find in my car or sofa I place it in my piggy bank and I hear my mothers voice through my own “a penny saved is a penny earned”. Recently I went looking for bigger savings. I’ve worked in the insurance industry for over twenty years but I didn’t take my own advice! I increased my homeowner’s deductible from $250 to $1000 and by doing so I saved over $200… THIS year! If I had done that five years ago… well, spilled milk as they say. I’m happy to have over $200 in my pocket and YES, I put most of it in my Piggy Bank.

Second: Be Smart About Savings

Ok, so you’re smart, but we all must be AWARE too. I’ll use myself as an example: The other day I was queued up in the drive-through coffee lane and when I went to pay with a credit card I had an obvious revelation. $2.13 x 365 = overflow in my Piggy Bank! Not to mention the 365 Styrofoam cups and plastic lids I could keep out of a landfill just by changing a habit. Coffee brewed at home is less expensive and greener. I think of this scenario when I speak to people about insurance. We must think of smart ways to save premium dollars and avoid the mistake I’ve been making for years. Buying coffee but paying someone else to brew it and serve it was not a clever use of money. The same holds true for some insurance products. Why would you pay an insurance company to mail you bills? Unless you pay your premium in full each year you are doing just that. Opt for EFT billing or paperless billing to avoid fees and possibly even receive a discount. Be aware of what you are really paying for and take advantage of free advice. Some insurance representatives are accredited to charge for their advice like attorneys. These professionals are a wealth of knowledge. Although we could charge for advice, Connell & Curley Insurance Agency has not done so in over 45 years. We consider ourselves a part of the community. Stop in our office and ask our advice, we are happy to give it!

Third: Be Practical

Sometimes savings or discounts are of no value. How can that be? Because, as consumers, we must be practical. The common sense practicality our parents taught us has become diluted. The constant stream of information and stimuli we are subjected to is a way of life. We are so overwhelmed by someone else’s ideas bombarding our minds that we don’t have time to think for ourselves. Case in point; I was talking to a gentleman who is a customer of a BIG insurance company. He was complaining that when he contacted his service center in Southern California the representative didn’t know how to process a claim for pothole damage. Apparently, these famous abysses known as “pot holes” are not common in San Diego! The client had to make several subsequent phone calls, each time talking to a new person and educating them on New England road hazards. Then discussing if it was a comprehensive or collision claim. When I asked the gentleman why he did business with the BIG company he told me he liked their commercials. He was honest. I am too. I LOVE some of those commercials! But practically speaking, this man was better served working with a service oriented company… and his $12 savings was eaten up by time.

So the next time you see a Penny on the street, pick it UP! Remember, what your mother told you and please remember to thank her on May 8th.

A penny saved is a penny earned!

Posted in General | Leave a comment

Fun in the Summer Sun, with the Right Insurance Policy

April 22, 2011

Most parties and events will be enjoyed and go off without a hitch. However, what if something went wrong? Would you be protected by your homeowner’s insurance policy?

For those of us who love the iconic J. Giles song “Aint Nothing but a House Party” it will be remembered as the anthem of our youth:
“They’re dancin’ on the ceiling they’re dancin’ on the floor. People everywhere are coming through the door. They know there’s a party going on…”
With this in mind, here are a few things to consider before planning a party.

Special Event Insurance for Homeowners

Homeowners insurance covers certain injuries that could happen to a guest in your home. Say a guest slips on a loose patio paver or chips a tooth on a slice of your famous Pecan Pie; these are incidents where your homeowner’s policy may respond. Also some homeowners’ policies may include liquor liability, as long as the individual and/or homeowner is not in the occupation of making, selling or distributing of alcohol for money.

You MAY be Liable for Your Guests’ Actions

Serving alcohol at your home is a responsibility. You can be sued if an impaired driver leaves your home. If someone consumed too much, drives off and gets into an accident it exposes you and your assets. Driving impaired is a criminal offense so your guest’s automobile insurance will cover only the bare minimum. That is all that is available for his/her injury to persons or their property. Who is responsible for any remaining damages? You? You may be sued as a negligent social host.

In recent years we have seen an increase in state courts extending liability to social hosts who knowingly gave alcohol to intoxicated guests. News stories of underage drinking have emerged as a growing concern for homeowners. The person providing the alcohol or place to consume it is the responsible party. In some cases, the parent was responsible even when they were unaware of the party. And it isn’t just homeowners that are affected by these rulings. Homeowners, condo dwellers and renters alike may all be liable for the actions of others in their residence.

How to Protect Yourself, Your Home, and the Party Atmosphere

The best way to be protected from these kinds of claims is through vigilance. Be aware of what guests are consuming and be unafraid to confront a guest if he/she needs a ride home. Be vigilant to keep impaired drivers off the road. Talk to all household members, especially young people about drinking. Even if your friend has only had a couple of drinks at your house you can be held responsible for your share of the liquor he/she consumed. If he or she continues to another party, continues to imbibe, and an incident occurs, liquor liability may be included in a suit. Be aware that this is a judgment call – did you contribute to your guest’s impaired condition? Is there evidence that you did all that was reasonable to prevent the bad situation from occurring?

Umbrella Policies Offer Additional Protection

In addition to vigilance, we suggest everyone augment their homeowners, condominium owners, or tenant’s policies with additional coverage known as “personal umbrella” insurance. The cost of a million dollar policy is minimal. Contact Connell & Curley Insurance Agency, Inc. and discuss personal liability. A policy premium of a couple hundred dollars a year could save your home and more. Remember, the best host is prepared for any occasion!

Posted in Homeowner's Insurance | Tagged connell & curley, homeowners insurance, liquor liability, personal umbrella insurance, umbrella policies | Leave a comment

Connell & Curley: The Boston Marathon Story

April 19, 2011

Proof, that dreams come true!

I’ve been watching the Boston Marathon at the same spot since I was a little girl. It is a tradition I share with many friends and now my own little girl. We watch and cheer the runners. It’s a joyful day. I see every runner that passes as an embodiment of a goal realized. Months and years of training lead up to that day. Seeing the Boston Marathon is an inspiration that stays with me the whole year. A message of hope in a sea full of runners. Every goal, as evasive as it may seem, all comes down to taking a first step. One foot in front of the other from Hopkinton to Boston.

I watch the Boston Marathon from the lawn at Connell & Curley Insurance Agency in Downtown Natick. Connell & Curley is a pivotal location in the Marathon, the 10 mile marker. This is where the race really begins. It is also where the spectator part of the event takes on a life of its own. And it all began when a couple of friends started chatting over morning coffee on a cold day in early spring 1965.

Two friends in a group of many, Dick Thompson and Alfred Connell shared morning coffee together for decades. It was during those early morning chats that many great dreams where concocted. On one particular Friday morning in March 1965, the two friends decided instead of working on Patriots day they would have a party to entertain colleagues and clients. The perfect excuse for a party was to watch the Boston Marathon pass by their offices. This idea seems obvious to us now but in 1965 the Boston Marathon was a far smaller race with fewer spectators concentrated mostly at the end of the race. The idea of having a party to watch a few runners pass by was more a reflection of how much the fellows liked to throw a party! The first year was a mild success but the next year, 1966, two great things happened…

On April 19th, 1966 Roberta Louise “Bobbi” Gibb became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. At the time woman were not permitted to run the event and it was widely believed that women’s bodies could not endure a marathon. Bobbi ran as a bandit and hid her physique under bulky clothes. However, her secret was revealed when other runners recognized her as a woman. News of Bobbi’s participation spread. By the time Bobbi passed through Natick she had the courage to remove her bulky track suit and show the world that a woman was running the Boston Marathon. By this time, on the front porch of Connell & Curley Insurance, the two friends with their clients and friends, who gathered for a party, reached a fever pitch. “It’s true! It’s a woman! She is running in nurses shoes! Run Bobbi run! We support you!” The cheering continued until she could be seen no longer. It erupted again when the radio transmitted her victory. Bobbi Gibb ran the whole length of a Marathon. Not just any but THE Boston Marathon! The Governor at the time, John Volpe greeted her with jubilation. And, back on the front porch of Connell & Curley Insurance, the two friends agreed, an annual party was to be held every Marathon Day to rejoice in friendship and to witness her story!

Posted in General | Tagged alfred connell, bobbi gibb, boston marathon, connell & curley, dick thompson, john volpe | 1 Comment

Flood and Earthquake Coverage: Is Your Home Protected?

April 5, 2011

Homeowners insurance is often less expensive than other kinds of insurance products. More than half of premium payments cover policy payouts from claims. However, it’s important to know what your home policy covers. Homeowners Insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage. Separate policies need to be purchased to cover these natural disasters.

Flood Insurance-Does it Fit Your Needs?

According to the National Weather Service, flood losses cost homeowners $5.2 billion dollars last year. Many home and business owners are unaware that flood damage is not covered by a basic policy. Uncovered claims can be devastating and cost uninsured home and business owners thousands of dollars.

New Englanders Need Flood Insurance

The Northeast has had a steady rise in flood damage in seemingly low risk areas. Land development in this region accounts for the increased risk, especially where natural runoff paths have been altered. Flood Insurance has been available since a congressional act in 1968 establishing the National Flood Insurance Program. The maximum coverage amount available for Homeowners is up to $250,000 for structural coverage and up to $100,000 for contents. Lesser amounts are available. Renters can purchase policies worth up to $100,000 in contents coverage. Businesses may purchase up to $500,000 for structural coverage and up to $500,000 contents coverage.

After the Flood

Those homeowners hit with uncovered flood damage claims often get hit hard with another problem; mold. Mold becomes a difficult problem to contain if flood damage is not properly rectified. Flood insurance policies cover both immediate and long term circumstances due to water damage.

Earthquake Risk in the Northeast

A 2000 study by the Federal Emergency Management Commission (FEMC) shows that earthquake damage in the United States costs about $4.4 billion per year. This figure is only representative of the initial overall capital loss. The study did not take into consideration loss of rent, wages, or transportation.
A few members of the Massachusetts insurance community have made an effort to educate consumers about earthquake risk, since homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage.

Earthquake Coverage Policy Facts

Since Massachusetts changed its auto insurance policies, there are many new players in the Massachusetts insurance game. Be wary of any agent that does not spell out precisely what your insurance policies cover and do not cover. Most independent agents represent several insurance companies, and can find an earthquake coverage policy to fit your budget and lifestyle.

Massachusetts Residents Need Earthquake Coverage

Is Earthquake a real risk to the Northeast? Studies indicate that the potential cost of earthquakes has been growing because of increasing urban development. Older buildings and infrastructure add to the vulnerability of the Northeast. These regions are classified as having “low seismic hazard” but “high seismic risk” because of the high concentrations of buildings and an infrastructure built without taking into account seismic codes. The likelihood of catastrophic quakes occurring in these areas is statistically low but the potential cost is very high. In plain language, our geographical area is not high risk, but our architectural choices are. To be prepared, learn more about your home insurance policy and adjust coverage where you see fit.
Floods and earthquakes are just as much of a threat to residents of the Northeast as to any other area of the country. Contact us at Connell & Curley with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your homeowners policy!

Posted in Earthquake Insurance, Flood Insurance | Tagged earthquake insurance, federal emergency management commission, femc, flood insurance, homeowners insurance, massachusetts, new england, northeast | Leave a comment

Springtime and Home Repair

March 16, 2011

Here at Connell & Curley it is our goal to provide useful information and timely reminders to you, our valued clients and friends.

Spring is in the air, how does this affect my home and homeowners insurance?

Please note homeowners policies do not cover floods. Typically there is a 30 day waiting period from the day you apply for flood coverage to the day that coverage becomes effective. If you want a quote or information about obtaining flood insurance, please click here. Flood coverage, though limited, may be your best bet for what is sure to be a damp spring. Flooded basements, damaged walls and foundations can lead to problems down the road. Cover yourself and your largest investment with a simple phone call to Connell & Curley to discuss your options.

Before Your Next Project, Take These Steps!

Hiring a contractor at your house? It is in your best interest to get proof of liability insurance from the contractor before they begin working for you. If you have questions about the limitations of your homeowners policy, or if you are a contractor in need of insurance, please contact us. Home improvements can maximize your investment, but take the extra steps and be sure you and your home are covered in case the home improvement does not go according the plan.

Looking for a new Car Insurance Policy?

Remember, safe, Incident-Free Driving saves you money. The Registry of Motor Vehicles is now collecting the $25 court filing fee that district courts impose on civil motor vehicle infraction violators who wish to appeal the citation before a clerk magistrate. If you have questions about your own driving record, points, or surcharges, please let us know. Connell & Curley will find the most cost effective, all around coverage for your driving needs.
Follow us through the seasons for homecare tips and tricks to make the most of your homeowners and car insurance policies!

Posted in Newsletter | Tagged car insurance, homeowners insurance | Leave a comment

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