A winter coverage guide for homeowners in Quincy and Weymouth

Winter on the South Shore can bring snow, ice, high winds, freezing temperatures, and coastal storms. Before the season begins, homeowners in Quincy and Weymouth should review their insurance coverage and prepare their properties for potential damage.

Review your home coverage

Check whether your dwelling coverage reflects the current cost of rebuilding your home. Remember that replacement cost is different from market value and may include labor, materials, debris removal, permits, and updated building requirements.

Review your policy’s wind, snow, ice, fallen-tree, and roof-damage coverage. Deductibles, exclusions, and coverage limits can vary, so ask your insurance professional to explain how your policy handles winter storms.

Understand flood protection

Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flooding caused by rising water, storm surge, or an overflowing body of water. Flood insurance is usually purchased separately and may be especially important for properties near the coast, rivers, or areas with drainage concerns.

Ask about flood coverage, waiting periods, limits, and exclusions before a storm is approaching.

Prevent frozen-pipe damage

Freezing temperatures can burst pipes and cause extensive water damage. Before winter:

• Insulate exposed pipes.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses.
• Keep the home properly heated.
• Know where the main water shutoff valve is located.
• Arrange for someone to check the property if you travel.

If a pipe bursts, shut off the water if it is safe, document the damage, and contact your insurer promptly.

Protect your belongings

Create a home inventory by photographing valuable belongings and saving receipts when available. Ask whether jewelry, collectibles, electronics, business equipment, or other high-value items require additional coverage.

If you work from home or operate a business on your property, confirm that your policy provides adequate protection for equipment, inventory, liability, and business interruption.

Prepare your property

Before the first major storm, inspect the roof, chimney, gutters, downspouts, trees, steps, railings, and exterior lighting. Trim hazardous branches and address maintenance issues promptly. Keep records of repairs and upgrades to your home’s heating, plumbing, electrical, and security systems.

Schedule an insurance review

Review your declarations page, deductibles, exclusions, limits, and endorsements. Notify your insurance professional about renovations, additions, valuable purchases, or changes in how the property is occupied.

For homeowners in Quincy and Weymouth, winter preparation should include both home maintenance and an insurance checkup. Before winter begins, confirm what your policy covers—and what it does not—so you can face the season with greater confidence.

For more information, contact Lallis and Higgins Insurance.

No matter what kind of home you live in, the following home fire prevention tips will help you form home fire-safe habits and prevent fires:

Proper maintenance can prevent fires

Several mechanical systems in a house require maintenance. These systems include heating equipment such as furnaces, flues, fireplaces, space heaters, wood stoves, water heaters, kitchen stoves, as well as electrical systems and electrical appliances. The bad news: if these systems aren't properly maintained, the potential for fire increases. The good news: fires in all these systems are preventable. The information here will help you decrease the chance of having a fire in your home.

Carelessness

Storing all matches and lighters out of the reach of children can prevent a tragedy. Fires caused by a homeowner's carelessness, such as a grease fire or a fire that started because flammable liquids were stored inside the home, are also preventable.

An ounce of home fire prevention could be worth a life

Fire drills

It's important to hold family fire drills at least two times a year. If you have very young or elderly people in your mobile home, assign someone to help them. If there's a fire, get everyone out of the home, then call the fire department.

Exit windows

Make sure at least one window in every bedroom can be used for easy and fast escape in case of fire. Don't attempt to reach the front or rear door during a fire — always use a window as your exit.To exit from a window, slide it up or sideways and remove the screen. Kick the screen out if you need to. If your home has crank-out style jalousie or awning quick-exit windows, remove the interior storm sash by turning the pivot clips. Trip the exit latches at the window sill and slide the window open or open it at the hinges and make your exit. If there's no trip latch on the window or no time to open it, break it with a chair, lamp or shoe and get out.

Fire extinguishers

Keep one fire extinguisher in the kitchen and another near the furnace. Make sure they're multi-purpose, dry-chemical extinguishers, suitable for class A, B and C fires. Teach all family members how to operate them. Small home fire extinguishers operate for only five to ten seconds, so be sure of your aim.

Smoke detectors

Mobile homes built since 1976 come equipped with smoke detectors. If your home doesn't have smoke detectors, you need one high on the wall or ceiling adjacent to bedroom areas. Place another in the kitchen. Check your smoke detectors once a month by pressing the test button. Replace the battery in each smoke detector at least once a year. Never remove the battery except when replacing it. If your smoke detector is a photo unit, replace the bulbs every three years. Keep the grill of the detector free of dirt by dusting and vacuuming it regularly.If your home's smoke detectors are powered by electricity, add at least one detector that's battery powered in case of power outages.

Be careful not to overload electrical circuits

Lights that flicker or dim indicate trouble that must be corrected. When replacing fuses, install only recommended fuses. Use fuses and breakers that are the proper size for the wire. A ground monitor is a valuable tool for locating any shorts or other problems in the electrical system. If you are inexperienced in working with electricity, don't try to correct electrical problems yourself. Call a qualified electrician.

Don't overextend an electrical outlet with extension cords

Replace frayed or broken electrical cords. Make sure all appliances are properly installed. Buy electrical appliances and equipment approved by a certified testing laboratory. Never run cords under rugs. Keep dust from accumulating on televisions, electrical equipment and appliances.

Source: Foremost.com

Insured and agent at table discussing coverages

Homes become vacant for many reasons. Maybe your home is for sale but you haven't found a buyer yet. Or you've purchased a new home but won't move in for a while. It could be a rental property that's between tenants. Whatever the cause, there are some insurance risks that you should keep in mind.

You may be thinking, why get vacant home insurance when you already have regular homeowners insurance? Well, most homeowners policies exclude or limit coverage if the home is vacant, so you'll need more specific coverage.

Insurance coverage is extremely important for a vacant home, because there are lots of dangers that threaten vacant homes in particular. If you're debating whether or not you need a vacant policy, talk to your insurance agent! Here are some things to ask about:

Cost

Vacant home insurance typically costs more than regular homeowners insurance due to potential risks like weather threats, fires and vandalism. However, you may be able to get a discount by installing security systems around the house. Even if your insurance company doesn't provide a discount for extra security, it's a good idea that will make your home safer!

Coverage

Each vacant home insurance policy is different. Many cover damage caused by fires, lightning, wind storms, hail, vandalism and theft. Check with your insurance company to see what options you have. (Remember to ask if flood damage coverage is an option!) There are also different time lengths for policies. Many are 12 months long, but they could go up to four years, so find out what will work best for you. You'll also want to consider Liability coverage, which applies if anyone is hurt on your property and you're found legally responsible.

Restrictions

Many insurance companies have different definitions of what is vacant and what is unoccupied. Additionally, there may be a specific time length distinction for the type of coverage. Restrictions can also be based on the age or value of the home. Discuss these variables with your insurance agent to find the coverage that works best for you!

For more information, contact Lallis and Higgins Insurance.

Source: foremost.com

Are you rushing to get dinner on the table or do you have the time to let something simmer on the stove? Here are some comforting fall soup recipes for you.

As the air turns crisp and the leaves change, no meal is quite as cozy as a bowl of warm, hearty soup. The best fall soups highlight comforting spices and flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Think aromatic herbs, the subtle warmth of ginger and cinnamon, or cozy, cheesy and indulgent flavors.

Click the link below for all kinds of recipes that capture the essence of fall. Whether you’re craving a hearty stew, a velvety puree, a brothy noodle soup, or a spicy chili, each spoonful is like a warm embrace.

For soup recipes from Taste of Home, click here.

Fall is one of our favorite times of year on the South Shore of Boston! 🍂 From September through November, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the season, including fall festivals, harvest celebrations, craft fairs, food festivals, family events, Oktoberfest celebrations and Halloween fun.

We’ve put together a list of South Shore fall festivals and events for 2026, with events in towns throughout the South Shore and South of Boston.

We’ll keep adding new events as 2026 dates are announced, so be sure to check back!

South Shore Boston Fall Festivals & Events 2026

Ongoing South Shore Fall Festival 2026

King Richard’s Fair will run weekends Sept 5th to Oct 25th

Boston Lights at Franklin Park Zoo 2026 | Lantern Experience August thru Nov 8th

September 2026 Fall Festivals & Events
Saturday, September 5
Middleboro 4h show

Sunday, September 6
Spindles Car Show Marshfield
Middleboro 4h show

Saturday, September 12
Marshfield Community Rib Cook-off
2026 Cohasset Greek Food Festival |
River Rock Music Festival in Hingham
Sip & Sip & Stroll ™️ Harvest September 12, 2026 Middleboro

Sunday, September 13th
2026 Cohasset Greek Food Festival |
West Bridgewater Lions Club Fall Harvest Fest

Saturday, September 19th
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival Brockton
Boston Pizza Festival 2026 | September 19-20 in Boston MA
Hingham Nursey Touch a Truck
Family Funday at Jacobs Pond Norwell MA
Lakeville Fall Family Festival 2026
Marshfield South Shore LobsterFest 2026
Cape Cod Canal Day 2026
Hanson Day 2026
Houghs Neck Chowdafest 2026 | Quincy MA Chowder Festival
Pembroke Celebrates with Fireworks

Sunday, September 20th
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival Brockton
Boston Pizza Festival 2026 | September 19-20 in Boston MA

Saturday,  September 26th
Duxbury Oysterfest & Shuckfest
Corn festival South Shore YMCA Hanover
Endless Summer Fall Festival Nantasket Beach
Soule HomeStead Harvest Fest in Middelboro
Fall Festival at Weir River Farm Hingham
Harvest Moon Fest Wareham
East Bridgewater Commercial Club Chili Chowder Fest

Sunday, September 27th
Sharon Day 2026

More information and festval links:
https://365thingssouthshore.com/2022/08/31/south-shore-boston-fall-festivals-events/

What do outdoor adventures look like for you? Whether it's an ATV, UTV, dirt bike, dune buggy, golf cart or other off-road vehicle (ORV), you'll want to make sure you have the right type of insurance coverage to protect your toys. It's important to ask your independent insurance agent the right questions about what type of coverage you're seeking and customize it to fit your lifestyle. To help you get started, we put together the following list of questions after speaking with Kevin Henry, the Director of Product Management at Foremost® Insurance.

1. What typical coverages are available for ATV/UTVs?

Ask your agent or broker about standard coverages that are available, as well as optional ones you might consider. Standard coverages include Collision, Other Than Collision, Liability and Medical Payments. They help provide coverage for damage to your ATV itself or damage or injury that you may cause while riding your ATV.

2. Is my safety apparel covered?

Whether it's helmets, goggles or other clothing that helps minimize injuries from an accident, most companies will offer safety apparel coverage for when these things get damaged. We want riders to be as safe as possible while enjoying the outdoors, so we encourage wearing safety gear.

3. Is there optional equipment coverage available?

Most people have customized or added options to their ATVs. Optional Equipment coverage helps cover things like towable trailers, racks and winch kits for your ATV.

4. Am I able to insure my ATV/UTV year-round?

Year-round coverage is definitely something you may want to consider. Some policies have a lay-up period for colder weather when you may not be able to ride. But when an unusually warm day comes around and you want to take your ATV out, you might be stuck without coverage. A year-round policy lets you take it out whenever Mother Nature's providing good weather and, with some companies, you can do this for the same price as seasonal coverage.

5. What kinds of discounts are available?

Everybody wants to save money. Ask what's available for you. Some companies, like Foremost, offer discounts for things like multi-units, multi-policies, maintaining continuous coverage when you renew and for having prior off-road vehicle insurance.

Your safety is number one to us. Stay safe wherever you choose to go on your off-road vehicle, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: foremost.com

Does home insurance cover natural disasters? Short answer: Most disasters. More accurate answer: It's complicated.

As with every insurance question, there's never a simple yes or no answer. If you have coverage questions, it's always best that you reach out to your insurance agent. And if you don't have one, consider finding a Foremost insurance agent near you.

Home insurance only covers damage that is "direct, abrupt and accidental" and resulting from one of the "covered perils" contained in your policy. Many natural disasters are typically covered in a homeowner's policy ranging from windstorm and hail damage to fire.

However, some perils such as flood damage or earthquakes are typically excluded. Flood and earthquake insurance are usually bought separately from your homeowner's policy, highlighting the importance of reading through your policy's specifics.

Make sure you're covered, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: foremost.com

Liability Coverage

This is the kind of coverage you probably already have if you're a driver. Almost all states require you to carry auto liability insurance.

Liability coverage pays for the damage you cause if you get into an accident, up to certain limits and exclusions outlined in your policy.

It typically covers your liability for both bodily injury (medical expenses for others) and property damage (repairs to others property). It's important to note that liability coverage does not cover your car or your medical expenses - only the damage you cause to other people and their property in an accident would be covered.

Collision and Comprehensive

Collision and comprehensive coverage are usually optional but can help cover your property in the event of damage.

Collision coverage provides coverage for your car in the event of an accident, regardless of who's at fault and minus your deductible. This type of coverage typically applies to a collision with another vehicle or structures.

Comprehensive coverage provides coverage for your automobile in the event of non-collision events, like hail, falling objects, or if your car is stolen. The specific events covered will be written in the policy.

Lenders often require collision and comprehensive coverage for financed or leased vehicles to protect their investment.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments h3 Some states require PIP insurance, but it may also be added as an optional coverage in other states.

Personal injury protection pays for your medical expenses and lost wages (up to the policy's stated limit) in the event you are injured in an accident, regardless of who's at fault.

Medical payments is another optional coverage that will also pay for the medical bills (up to the policy's stated limit) of any passengers in your car who may have been injured.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist

Unfortunately, some drivers attempt to save money by driving without insurance altogether.

In these cases, it's important to have un- and under- insured motorist coverage. Some states require this type of insurance while others allow you to opt out of these coverages.

Uninsured motorist coverage typically helps pay for your losses that are caused by someone without liability insurance. Similarly, underinsured motorist coverage will pay for your losses when someone's liability coverage limits don't cover all the injuries they caused.

Uninsured motorist property damage is a type of car insurance that covers damage to your vehicle and other property caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. This is also an optional coverage that may not be available in all states.

Gap Insurance

As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it loses a significant amount of value due to depreciation. Unfortunately, if you're financing a car, your loan obligation doesn't decrease along with the actual value of the vehicle. So, if you have a total loss of a car that was worth $35K at the time of the accident and your loan was for $40K, your insurer typically only pays for the actual value of the car at the time of the accident, leaving you with a gap - the remaining $5K of the loan amount to pay.

When purchased, gap insurance helps with this problem by offering to cover the difference between what the car is worth and what you owe.

In some instances, it is required or provided by your lender, but it is usually optional.

If you're exploring your coverage options, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Build a smart draft plan, stay flexible, and chase upside without ignoring safe roster foundations.

DO: Know rankings, ADP, roster changes, and league trends before draft day. Prioritize volume, target rising offenses, and use bench spots on high-upside players such as rookies, breakout candidates, and backup running backs who could become starters.

Also do: Be intentional at quarterback and tight end. Either pay for elite options or wait for value later; avoid overpaying for the middle tier. And draft players you actually enjoy rooting for.

DON’T: Overplan, chase last year’s results, or assume players are “injury-prone” just because they have missed time. Be willing to challenge consensus when your research supports it.

Also don’t: Avoid players only because they are on bad offenses, in backfield committees, or facing supposedly tough schedules. Opportunity and talent matter more than labels.

Before the positional drop-offs, try to secure at least one reliable option at each key position, then use later picks to take calculated risks. Fantasy titles are usually won by managers who combine preparation with upside.

Source: nfl.com

Summer may be drawing to it’s “official close” but there’s still a lot of time to visit some great beaches on the Southshore of Massachusetts! In fact, August 30th is National Beach Day. Maybe you should choose a new beach to see to celebrate!

The top beaches on Massachusetts' South Shore include the wide, activity-filled Nantasket Beach in Hull, the expansive 7-mile barrier Duxbury Beach, Marshfield’s scenic and dog-friendly Rexhame Beach, and Scituate’s classic community spots like Peggotty Beach and Humarock Beach. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Top South Shore Beaches

Nantasket Beach, Hull, MA

Famous for its golden-grey sand, gentle surf, historic Paragon Carousel proximity, and sweeping views of the Boston skyline. It features robust facilities and nearby dining.

Duxbury Beach, Duxbury, MA

A massive barrier beach stretching nearly 7.5 miles with pristine dunes. Public access is available at Duxbury Beach Park (approx. $25 parking fee) with a pavilion, restrooms, and close proximity to local food spots like Blakeman's.

Rexhame Beach, Marshfield, MA

Known for soft white sand, high dunes, walking trails, and adjacent salt marshes. It is popular with families and allows dogs during specific off-peak rules or areas.

Peggotty Beach, Scituate, MA

A classic family-friendly neighborhood beach featuring flat, packed sand at low tide and great swimming, located just a short drive or walk from Scituate Harbor's shops and eateries.

Humarock Beach, Scituate, MA

Situated on a narrow peninsula where the South River meets the ocean, offering a tight-knit beach-town vibe with local restaurants and ice cream shops within walking distance.