Today's well-built, well-insulated homes can trap excess moisture and condensation inside, especially if you have inadequate ventilation. Obviously a dripping pipe can cause water damage inside your home. To find problems before they cause damage, here are some tips.

Recognize the signs

• musty odors
• rusty stains around light fixtures
• damp, sticky floors
• mildew along ceiling, wall and baseboard edges
• dripping pipes
• condensation on windows and cold surfaces
• mold and mildew growth

Use preventive maintenance

• Keep inside air circulating with vents and fans to avoid condensation. Use exhaust fans in the bathroom when showering. Install an exhaust fan in your laundry area and use it when doing laundry. Make sure your dryer is vented to the outside.
• Fix leaky faucets and dripping toilets. In cold climates, water flowing down the drain under the home may freeze, causing water to back up through the drain lines and into your home.
• Invest in a good portable dehumidifier with a humidity control. Choose one that shuts off automatically when the collector pan is full.
• Use storm windows to help conserve energy and keep condensation from forming on windows. An added benefit — they help reduce heat loss.
• Be sure the skirting around the base of your manufactured home is well ventilated and allows air to circulate freely, to help eliminate unwanted moisture from being drawn into the sub-flooring.

Keep an eye on the inside

Listen for any unusual hissing sounds. This can be a pinhole leak in a water line within the floor or wall. Periodically check hard-to-reach, seldom seen spaces around the water heater, under sinks and behind clothes washers. Check the ice maker lines and filters for your refrigerator, too.

Severe weather can strike anywhere, and if a disaster hits in your area, you may not have access to food, water or electricity for days. Nearly half of adults in the U.S. do not have the resources or plans in place for an emergency – that's a big number! Always remember - there's no such thing as being "too prepared," and it's better to start preparing now than later when the store shelves are empty!

Below are some important items to include in an emergency preparedness kit:

• Food and water. A three-day supply of non-perishable good, and have one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. (Also have a manual can opener on hand!)
• Prescription medicines. Have at least a three-day supply on hand.
• Personal care items. Items like soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and contact lenses.
• First aid kit. Your local store should have them in stock. They cost anywhere from $25 to $35.
• Electronics. Be sure to have battery-powered or solar flashlight, a cell phone with a portable charger and have extra batteries on hand.
• Important papers. Copies of drivers' licenses, special medical information, social security cards, etc. Keep them in a waterproof, air tight bag so water doesn't seep through.
• Cash. With no power, stores may not be able to take credit cards and ATMs may be out of cash so keep a reasonable amount of cash available so you have it if needed.
• Basic hand tools. A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Pet food and extra water for your pet. Your furry friends also need a three-day supply of food and water.

Depending on the size of your family, you may need additional supplies not included in the list, such as baby formula or games for the kids.

If you do end up losing power, it's important to think about ways you can keep your food cold temporarily if you don't have a cooler on hand. One option is your washing machine — just fill it with ice and voila! You won't have to worry when the ice starts melting since it can drain water. Plus — it has a lid! A second option is to fill your bathtub with ice.

Keeping these items on hand is crucial and could potentially save a life. Place your emergency kit in a designated spot all family members are familiar with and have it ready in case you need to leave your home quickly. From everyone here at Lallis & Higgins Insurance– stay safe and stay prepared!

foremost.com

More than half of all fatal home fires occur while people sleep. That's why smoke detectors are so essential. They can warn you before you smell smoke and give you time to get to safety. We recommend at least one smoke detector on every level of your home, including the basement and the attic.

Here are some important things to remember when installing smoke detectors:

• To be extra safe, install one both outside and inside all sleeping areas. Having at least two smoke detectors in your home makes it far less likely that both will be inoperative at the same time.
• If your smoke alarms are wired into the home's electrical system (hard-wired), you will need to have a qualified electrician do the initial installation or install replacements.
• For battery powered smoke alarms, all you will need for installation is a screw driver. Some brands are self-adhesive and will easily stick to the wall or ceiling.
• Be sure to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions because there are differences between the various brands. Remember: Battery-powered smoke alarms typically require batteries to be replaced at least once per year. The whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
• If your home's smoke detectors are powered by electricity, add at least one battery-powered detector in case of power outages.
• Choose a smoke detector that's been approved by an independent laboratory.
• Test smoke detectors monthly. Never disconnect the batteries.
• Test your alarms while your children sleep to make sure they will wake them up. Sometimes the sound of a smoke alarm doesn't wake small children.
• Change batteries at least once a year, whether the batteries seem weak or not. Listen for the detector's signal or beep that indicates a weak battery and change it immediately.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean your smoke detectors. Excessive dust, grease or other materials may cause them to operate improperly. Vacuum the detector's grillwork.
• For more information on smoke alarms, please visit the USFA Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/

For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

foremost.com

When a hurricane approaches, keep your TV or radio on the weather channel to listen for important updates. And be prepared to evacuate with the right supplies in your emergency kit!

Remain calm and follow these steps when a hurricane approaches:

Listen to your radio for weather updates

Try to stay near a radio so you can have access to the latest weather updates. You'll need accurate information to help keep you and your family safe.

Get your home ready

Walk around the yard and pick up all loose objects, like lawn ornaments and lawn furniture. Place protection over your windows, and lower the TV and radio antennas if you can. If a flood threatens and you can't remove your belongings, elevate them; for example, place your TVs on tables.

Know the community's evacuation plan

Almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts need to evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes. Evacuation plans vary. They depend on the area and the type of disaster. Check your local emergency management or civil defense office for information on what to do in your community. Notify friends or family members.

If you and your family are evacuating

If you're evacuating, carry pictures of family members with you in case you become separated. Make sure kids know family member names, addresses and phone numbers. Make sure each child has identification information, such as parent's name, address, contact name and phone number, with them. Decide on a pre-determined person to contact should you become separated.

Watch TV or listen to the radio

If your community has to evacuate, tune in to the television or radio for emergency information. You may have a day or two to evacuate, but that won't always be the case. That's why it's so important to be prepared!

Check your survival kit and emergency supplies

Make sure your survival kit is packed and ready to go. Check your emergency supplies against the list provided in our emergency checklist.

Last-minute individual items

Have each person prepare their backpack or tote bag of individual items.

Fill the gas tank in your car

Fill your car's gas tank and check the oil, water and tires. You'll need a full tank of gas in your car, but NEVER store additional gas in your home or shed. Remember, you may not be able to buy gas during an emergency. If you don't have a car, make other transportation arrangements with relatives, friends, neighbors or your local emergency management office.

When leaving the house

When you're ready to leave your home, unplug all appliances like your TV, VCR, computer, stereo and microwave. If you've been instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity. Finally, lock windows and doors.

foremost.com

Becoming a new driver can make your teens feel like they’re on top of the world. Remind them to stay safe on the road by keeping their windshield clean, properly adjusting their seat and mirrors and following these other tips:

• Follow the speed limit. I know, it's an obvious one. But when you go too fast, you have less time to stop or react. Speeding is one of the leading causes of teenage accidents. Another obvious and important reminder – always wear your seatbelt! According to the CDC, wearing a seat belt can lower the risk of death in car accidents by nearly 50%.
• Make sure your seat is adjusted properly to your height. This is very important because if you can't see through your rear view mirror, it can affect your driving. A good way to tell if the mirror is in the right spot is if you can see the headlights of the car behind you. Also, make sure to adjust your door mirrors on the drivers and passenger side.
• Keep that windshield clean. Keeping your car clean isn't just about style. In the morning and evening, light reflecting off a dirty windshield can temporarily blind you while you're driving.
• Always check your blind spot. This is something I can't stress enough! Thoughtlessly changing lanes can lead to a dangerous situation, especially with smaller vehicles like motorcycles.
• Use your turn signals. Whether you're turning or changing lanes, you need to give the car behind you enough time to react.
• Be cautious for aggressive drivers. If you do encounter an angry driver, back off and give them space on the road. The best thing is to stay calm to avoid getting into an accident with this person, or another driver on the road.
• Don't use cruise control in the rain or snow. Using this feature during heavy rain, snow or ice can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Keep your hands on the wheel, and off your cell phone! Texting and driving has become the number one distraction for teens and adults. A text isn't worth anyone's life, and each time you take your eyes off the road, you put yourself and others at risk. Another reason to keep your eyes on your phone – you will get a ticket! According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 47 states have banned text messaging for drivers. If you get caught, you may get slapped with a big fine, and get points on your driving record. A good way to avoid this is to keep your phone in a place that you can't reach while you're driving.

Thankfully, you can guide your teen to ensure their driving experience is as safe as possible with these helpful tips. From everyone here at Lallis & Higgins Insurance, good luck and safe driving!

foremost.com

When you're packing for college, you may be thinking more about clothes, gaming consoles or the perfect laptop than insurance. Whether you're heading to a campus dorm, renting a house or leasing an off-campus apartment, it's important to protect your possessions.

Don't make the mistake of thinking you're too poor to need coverage. Many students have personal items – such as electronics, furniture, sporting equipment and clothes – worth thousands of dollars. Plus, college parties are prime opportunities for trouble, including injuries to a guest or property damage to your place.

What renters insurance covers.

A common misconception about renting is that the property owner is obligated to reimburse you in the event of a catastrophe, such as a theft, fire or storm. As empathetic as your landlord may be, his or her insurance never covers you.

In other words, it's your problem if something valuable is stolen from your rental, or you return to discover your possessions destroyed by a fire. It's not a pretty picture – or an affordable one – especially for a college student.

Fortunately, renters insurance is a bargain for the protections you get in a basic policy:

• Personal property. Protects the value of your belongings from a covered event anywhere in the world, such as damage from a natural disaster, loss or theft. Common exceptions include flooding and earthquakes.
• Liability. Protects you against a claim or lawsuit if you accidentally hurt someone, or a visitor is injured in your rental.
• Additional living expenses. Pays for temporary housing and meals if you can't live in your rental while covered damages are repaired.

How to know whether you need renters insurance at college.

Whether college students really need renters insurance depends on where they live and the protections extended to them under a parent's policy. If you attend college while living at home, you're generally covered by your parents' homeowners or renters insurance.

If you live in on-campus housing, such as a dorm or a school-owned property, your parents' home or renters insurance typically extends to you if you're listed as a dependent on their policy. However, both types of policies cap off-premises coverage.

However, if you're a student in an off-campus apartment or house, your parent's homeowners or renters insurance wouldn't cover the loss. You would need to have a policy in your name to cover losses or liability claims.

If a student lives off-campus with one or more roommates, they may be able to purchase renters insurance together. While sharing a policy can save money, there are downsides. One is that your roommate's claims go on your claims history record as well, which may cause you to pay more at renewal. Problems can also arise when a roommate moves out or doesn't pay her share of the premium.

How to shop for renters insurance.

You might be surprised that the average renters policy costs just $188 per year. That's a cheap financial safety net that no renter should go without.

Be sure you understand whether a policy offers cash value or replacement value for claims. The former reimburses you for the value of personal belongings at the time of a claim (the original value minus depreciation) and the latter gives you the full value.

Premiums for replacement coverage are higher than for cash value, but they may be worth it if you have a substantial claim.

To find the best policy talk to your current insurance provider. If you already have an auto, home or renters policy, find out whether your student can be covered and at what cost. An independent insurance agency will shop around for you and get quotes from several insurers. They'll also be sure to shop apples-to-apples by evaluating prices for policies that have the same benefits and coverage limits.

For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

USNews.com/money

Due to the current state of emergency resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) continues exploring ways to reduce in-person customer visits in Service Centers throughout the Commonwealth.

The RMV is expanding drop-off services to include individuals, and renaming the B2B Centers to Registration Drop-Off Centers.This change is in recognition of the increased demand for trailer, motorcycle, and camper plates, and allows the RMV to more broadly serve all Massachusetts constituents in a timely manner.

On Monday, August 3, the RMV is piloting the new Registration Drop-Off Center service channel alternative in Braintree. This will be followed with the opening of an additional six Registration Drop-Off Centers throughout Massachusetts on August 10.

How Does An RMV Drop-Off Center Work?

The drop-off service centers are dedicated exclusively to registration and title transactions for both individual and commercial customers. Customers can drop off their completed Registration and Title Application (RTA), applicable supporting documents, and completed drop-off center form. Transactions will be processed and completed on a first-come, first-served basis, and all drop-off transactions will be completed within four business days. Payment must be done online, and customers will receive email with payment amount and instructions once paperwork is processed.

Drop-Off Process Details

• Customers can visit any Registration Drop-Off Center during during business days between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., without making an appointment, to drop-off their transaction paperwork.
• Prior to visiting one of the drop-off centers, customers must compile and complete all appropriate paperwork and any supporting documents, and fill out drop-off center form. (Note: form can be pre-filled online.) Customers must have a completed/stamped RTA from insurance company/agent. Customers must drop-off the required paperwork within 30 days of insurance becoming active. Drop-offs with an incomplete or inaccurate RTA will not be processed.
• An RMV door advocate will review the customer’s paperwork to ensure it’s correctly completed. Customers will not be allowed to wait, but will be contacted by email within four days after drop off with payment amount and instructions. Payment must be done online via the RMV's email-initiated payment process.
• Once payment is successfully processed, paperwork will be ready to be picked up at drop-off center within one hour.

What Transactions are Eligible for Processing at Drop-Off Centers?

The following transactions, for both individual and commercial customers, can be dropped off:

• Register and title a vehicle
• Transfer plate to a new vehicle
• Reinstate a registration
• Apply for a registration only
• Transfer a plate between two vehicles
• Register previously titled vehicle
• Transfer vehicle to surviving spouse
• Registration Amendments
• Plate Cancellations
• Individual registration renewals must be done either online, by mail, or via automated telephone, and are not eligible for drop-off service.

Where are the New Drop-Off Centers?

Dedicated drop-off centers are at the following locations. Note that the Braintree pilot starts this coming Monday, August 3; all other locations will open on Monday, August 10.

• Braintree
• Chicopee
• Haymarket (Boston)
• Haverhill
• Milford
• Taunton*
• Wilmington

* On Monday, August 10, the Taunton Registration Drop-Off Center will replace the current Attleboro B2B Center. Commercial customers can continue to drop off transactions in Attleboro until Friday, August 7.

Can Customers Wait in Service Center?

No. Customers dropping-off or picking-up their paperwork will be served in the order of arrival and should anticipate a wait time for the intake and pick-up process, but will not be allowed to wait for their transaction to be completed.

Drop-off transactions for both individual and commercial customers will be completed within four days of receipt, and customers will be notified upon completion of the payment amount and pick-up time.

Do I Have to Use Drop-Off Center for Registration Transactions?

No. Customers are able to make reservations for in-person RMV Service Center visits for certain registration and title transactions through the Online Service Center.

A common conundrum in the US service industry is gratuities – how much should we tip those who assist us? When you dine out or get a haircut, it is customary to tip, but what should you offer those who move your home?

Should I Tip My Movers? And, How Much?

Since the average American doesn’t move very often (average is five to seven years), it’s easy to forget to leave a gratuity with your movers. It’s easier to remember and know how much to tip services we use more frequently – like dining out and personal grooming. So what to do?

Of course, every moving company will say to customers who ask that "gratuities are never required but are always appreciated." Some customers who might not have the means to give cash tips often provide the movers with water, sports drinks, snacks or lunch as a small gesture of thanks.

For those looking to leave a tip with their movers, the industry recommendation is:

• between $3 and $7 per mover, per hour on the job, with a $5 tip per hour being the average.
• you can also tip 5-10% of your total bill, which often works out the same as the $5/hour principle.
• You may feel compelled to adjust these amounts depending on how many flights of stairs are in your home, the weather conditions on your moving day, completing the move at an exceptional speed or the volume of items you must move.

At the end of the day, the discretion is completely up to the customer.

Source: gentlegiant.com

What is renters insurance and is it a worthwhile expense for college students?

What Is Renters Insurance

If you live in a rented apartment, condo, or house, your landlord’s insurance never covers your personal belongings. That means if something valuable is stolen or a fire destroys everything you own, it’s your responsibility, not your landlord’s.

Since the cost to replace your personal property could be much more than you can afford, having a renters policy is a smart way to protect your finances.

A renters insurance policy typically gives you 3 types of coverage:

1. Personal Property protects the value of your belongings from a covered event, such as damage from a natural disaster, theft, or vandalism.
2. Liability protects you against a claim or lawsuit if a visitor gets injured on the property.
3. Additional Living Expenses pays for temporary housing and meals if you can’t live in your rental while damage for a covered event is repaired.

Do College Students Need Renters Insurance?

Whether college students need the protections of renters insurance depends on where they live. A student who lives at home or in on-campus housing is covered under his or her parent’s renters or homeowners insurance.

Both renters and home policies usually have a cap on the amount of off-premises coverage. For instance, claims that a student makes on-campus could be limited to 10% of the parent’s coverage limit. In other words, if parents have $100,000 of coverage on their home, the student would be covered up to $10,000, after paying the deductible.

However, college students renting an off-campus apartment, condo, or house should have their own renters insurance policy. They aren’t eligible to get coverage from mom and dad’s renters or homeowners policy.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that students are too poor to have belongings to protect. Most students living off-campus have thousands of dollars worth of personal items, such as electronics, computers, furniture, bicycles, clothing, and textbooks that make buying renters insurance worthwhile.

How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost?

You might be surprised to learn that the average cost of a renters policy is only $184 per year. That’s a really inexpensive financial safety net that no renter should be without.

If a student is renting off-campus with one or more roommates, they may be able to purchase a policy together and split the cost. However, if you’re unsure about how long your living arrangement will last, it is recommended that you go ahead and buy your own policy.

Having renters insurance means that you’ll be in good shape if a roommate leaves the toaster oven on and causes a fire or there's a bad roof leak. You’ll have reimbursed living expenses to help pay for temporary housing and food if you have to move out due to an unexpected event. You won’t have to live without your favorite electronics or clothes for very long and can stay focused on your schoolwork.

More questions on renters insurance? Lallis & Higgins Insurance has answers!

quickanddirtytips.com

Campgrounds across New England are finally open! Maybe you didn't think you were going to use your RV this summer. Now you can, and it is time to get RV insurance.

It doesn’t matter if you use your RV recreationally or as a full-time residence—the best RV insurance protects your unique needs. Lallis & Higgins Insurance will help you build a custom policy that protects you and your motorhome in almost any situation.

Whether you’re driving your RV or towing it, we’ll insure it

From state-of-the art class A motorhomes to pop-up campers, we take pride in insuring all types of RVs—including travel and utility trailers. Check out the common types of RVs we insure:

• Class A motorhomes - The largest type of motorhome ranging from 21-40 feet in length.
• Class B motorhomes - The smallest type of motorhome, comonly known as camper vans.
• Class C motorhomes - Mid-sized RVs ranging from 20-33 feet in length, also known as mini-motorhomes.
• Cargo & horse trailers - Large, enclosed trailers used for transporting horses, vehicles and more.

Common questions about RV insurance

How much does RV insurance cost?

Annual policies remain affordable, but your price for motorhome and travel trailer insurance depends on many factors, most notably:

• Type, age, and condition: RV insurance is primarily based on the make and model of your vehicle. An older, smaller travel trailer will likely cost less to insure than a new, luxurious motorhome. Just like your rate will be costlier for a state-of-the-art conventional travel trailer compared to a pop-up camper.
• Use: How often you use your RV will impact your cost to insure it. If your RV is your primary residence, your coverages and premium will differ from someone using their motorhome or travel trailer for only a few weekends per year. Learn more about full-time RV insurance.
• Driving history: A clean driving record can help when it comes to RV insurance, too. Tickets on your motor vehicle report or prior accidents could affect your premium.

Do you have to have insurance on a travel trailer?

If you’re financing your travel trailer, your lender may require comprehensive and collision coverage to insure the vehicle against physical damage. Since you don’t drive your travel trailer, no states require you to insure a vehicle that you pull with a car or truck.

Does Roof Protection coverage apply to the interior of your RV?

Yes. The coverage includes protection against damage to any part of the vehicle caused directly by a roof malfunction.

Do you insure destination trailers and horse trailers?

Yes to both. We cover destination trailers like standard travel trailers. Horse trailers can be covered up to $50,000.

More questions about RV insurance? Lallis & Higgins Insurance has answers!

Progressive.com