Maybe you’ve been here before. You’ve just come off the plane, picked up your baggage and gone to the rental car counter. You’re tired from the flight, about to begin an ambitious vacation or a challenging business project. And, this is the point at which you’re asked, “Do you want insurance with that?”

Most travelers, facing that question from the rental representative, have the vague notion that they don’t really need to buy rental car insurance – which somehow is covered already. With just enough doubt in their minds, and the need to make a quick decision, perhaps they buy it just to be safe.

So, which is it?

Do you need to buy rental car insurance or not?

Truth be told, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. However, you can likely reach a conclusion you’re comfortable with by considering these three questions.

1. What Types of Rental Car Insurance Are Available?

Typically, car rental agencies will offer you four types of insurance to purchase:

• Collision damage waiver – The rental car company won’t charge you for a damaged or stolen vehicle when you buy this.
• Supplemental liability protection – Electing this will ensure you’re covered for costs to others if you cause an accident in the rental.
• Personal accident insurance – This coverage will pay for injuries or death of the driver and passengers of your rental car.
• Personal effects coverage – Reimburses you for stolen personal items while renting the car.

2. What Rental Car Coverage Might I Already Have?

Start with your personal auto insurance. It’s likely that your policy will provide the same level of coverage for your rental as it does for your own car. That usually includes liability insurance, and, depending on the policy you purchased, may include collision, comprehensive and medical payments, too. There are exclusions, however. Some insurers won’t cover rentals in a foreign country, or rentals that are being used for business. Get in touch with your independent insurance agent to verify your coverages.

Next there’s your credit card. Most cards offer some degree of coverage, but it varies widely. Coverage is usually secondary, designed to step in and pick up where your auto insurance leaves off, and it tends to be mostly confined to collision, damage and theft. For coverage to apply, most cards require that you decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver and pay for the car in full with the card that provides the protection. Again, contact your card company to find out exactly what is covered.

Then, consider your health and life insurance, too. If you’re in an accident involving a rental car and you have these policies, you likely have coverage for your own costs. Plus, with your homeowners insurance, you may have personal property coverage to help repair or replace valuable belongings that are lost, damaged or stolen while you’re in a rental. Your deductible and policy limits will apply, and the same goes for renters insurance or condo insurance.

3. What Rental Coverage Might I Be Missing?

In the event something does happen to the rental car, you may be looking at loss of use and diminished value fees, and your regular policy may not cover them. Loss of use is the income that the rental agency loses due to the vehicle being in the shop for repairs, and diminished value is the calculated reduction in a vehicle’s resale value as the result of an accident. Credit cards sometimes cover these, but be aware that they may require documentation that rental agencies can be reluctant to provide.

So, before you make that next trip, give us a call and check with your credit card company. That way you’ll be ready to make an informed decision when you get to the rental car counter.

For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

What Is Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance?

Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance helps pay a lump sum in the event of a covered accident. Specifically, these covered accidents are ones that could not be foreseen and are fatal or dismembering. Deaths that come due to prior medical conditions are not covered under this accidental death and dismemberment policy. hy Employees Need Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

Unlike Workers’ Compensation, which covers only work-related accidents, AD&D insurance applies wherever covered accidents happen, such as at home or on the road. Along with life, disability and critical illness benefits, AD&D insurance can help round out a comprehensive benefits package. Access to a full range of protection solutions can help attract and retain top employees.

What Does Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Cover?

Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance policies (AD&D) provide benefits for covered accidents that result in fatality, paralysis, the loss of a limb, eyesight, hearing, speech and more. An AD&D plan may include coverage for employees only or employees and dependents and typically provides 24-hour coverage no matter where a covered accident occurs, whether at work, home or away for:

• Loss of Life
• Loss of Speech
• Loss of Hearing
• Loss of a Hand, Foot or Sight
• Loss of Thumb and Index Finger on Either Hand
• Loss of Movement

AD&D applies in the event of a covered injury, paralysis or death resulting from a covered accident, There are plenty of plan options available.

• Benefits are payable for losses that occur within 365 days of the covered accident.
• Plans are available on an employer-paid, voluntary and standalone basis.
• A variety of options are available to choose from, including high coverage limits and no medical underwriting necessary.
• Is Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Flexible? h3
• In addition to the standard AD&D plan, there are enhanced and premium plan designs and services that can be customized to best suit the specific needs of each company.

The following optional benefits are also available with AD&D Insurance:

• Accelerated Death Benefit
• Accident Hospital Income
• Adaptive Home and Vehicle Benefit
• Anti-Inflation Benefit
• Bereavement Counseling Benefit
• Child Education Benefit
• Coma Benefit
• Common Disaster Benefit
• Critical Burn Benefit
• Day Care Benefit
• Funeral Expense Benefit
• HIV Occupational Accident Benefit
• Loss of Use Benefit
• Newborn Coverage
• Newlywed Coverage
• Paralysis Benefit
• Permanent Total Disability
• Rehabilitation Benefit

Lallis & Higgins Insurance makes it easy for brokers and employers to find the right coverage. Connect with us today.

Hanover

To protect yourself from some of the perils of college, we would recommend you have insurance for both your car and rental home. Car insurance is mandatory in Massachusetts, while renters insurance is strongly encouraged. Luckily, you can save on both by bundling your purchase with one insurer. Most large companies offer solid discounts ranging from 3% to 10% for those who get both a rental and auto insurance policy with them.

How to Bundle Your Auto and Rental Insurance Policies

Bundling two policies is quite simple: When you're shopping for a renters or car insurance quote, the company will usually ask you if you would like to bundle your policy with the other. If you currently don't have either policy, you have the flexibility to go to whatever company suits you best. It is more likely you will already have a car insurance policy however, since auto insurance is mandatory mostly everywhere. In that case, you can just obtain a renters quote from your company and see how much of a discount you would receive.

If you plan to purchase renters insurance, it may be worth investigating a quote with insurers who offer bundling discounts to see if you can get a lower overall price for your insurance. Even if you already have both auto and renters policies, you should shop around to see if you can find better rates. In fact, your shopping may lead you to conclude you don't even need to bundle. Bundling policies with the same insurer is most likely to provide the biggest discounts, but you should always compare quotes, as it's possible that independent policies with two different insurers could provide you the best combination of price and coverage.

Even if your current auto insurance company offers bundling, you should not assume they offer the lowest cost policies around. In major cities, where most renters reside, the difference between the costliest and cheapest insurance company averages over $3,000. We encourage every car insurance customer to shop around for new insurance at least once every two years, and this biennial search is the perfect time to look into the possibility of buying a renters insurance policy to bundle and save.

Should You Bundle Your Car Insurance and Renters Insurance?

As a general rule, it only makes sense to bundle auto and renters insurance if your new price will be less than what you are currently paying or you can't find a cheaper deal by going with two different companies.

However, outside of the discount, there a several advantages to insurance bundles you should consider when making your decision. The first one is a stronger relationship with your insurance company. Should you run into some bad luck and have a couple accidents in a short amount of time, your company will be less likely to drop you if you have a secondary policy with them. There is also a convenience factor of receiving one bill for both insurance policies when you're a multi insurance customer. In addition to more competitive prices, these factors likely contribute to the finding of auto insurance company customer satisfaction that customers with bundled policies tended to be more satisfied with their company than those who don't bundle insurance packages.

For more information on bundling car insurance and renters insurance, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: valuepenguin.com

Free Fun Fridays offers families no-cost admission to many of the most treasured cultural venues in Massachusetts. This program was created to increase access and enrichment opportunities for children and families throughout Massachusetts during the summer months. Every Friday, from the end of June through the end of August, multiple sites are open for free. We reach out to schools, veterans groups, libraries, seniors centers, and many other community organizations to ensure that everyone knows that they are also welcome.

2019 Free Fun Fridays Schedule

Download the Free Fun Fridays Schedule HERE.

Since 2009, Free Fun Fridays has drawn more than 900,000 visitors to venues throughout the Commonwealth. The program has grown to include participating venues in every corner of the state, helping them open their doors for free to the community. 

highlandstreet.org

Being a small business owner puts you in control of your destiny, but there are major costs that go along with being the boss. With licences, office rent, and staff payroll to deal with already, some aspiring entrepreneurs shrug off the idea of purchasing business insurance in the start-up phase. Why worry about a “what-if” scenario when you have more tangible expenses to deal with, right? But hiccups on the job happen all the time, whether it’s a grease fire wrecking the kitchen of your restaurant, or a cyber-attack stealing sensitive company data. And when you’re the owner, you’re the one left holding the bag when things inevitably go wrong. Put simply, protecting your business with an insurance plan outweighs the costs of any disaster.

It’s time to demystify the headache of getting insurance and make sure you’re living the dream for years to come. In partnership with Intact Insurance, here are some reasons why small business owners should have a coverage plan in place.

Keep things running during interruptions

Beyond the immediate costs of repairs or replacements, you also need to make sure water damage, fire or theft doesn’t derail your company’s day-to-day activity. Since every second you’re out of business is a financial setback, a business interruption coverage plan can help shoulder the load of operating expenses like rent and staff wages, while also covering the cost of profits lost. If you’ve suffered extreme property damage, interruption coverage can also assist with the relocation costs as your official workplace undergoes repairs.

Protect your property from disaster

Commercial property insurance provides protection for your workplace, from the building itself to the contents inside it. This means you’re safeguarded from damage at the hands of disasters like fire, or water damage resulting from a burst pipe. In the case of a break-in, property insurance can likewise help take the sting out of necessary building repairs and security upgrades, and can help with the cost of replacing stolen equipment or goods.

Ward off cyber crime

Property theft is an obvious concern for businesses. What many don’t consider is that an enterprise’s online presence can be just as vulnerable to thieves as their office space. A sneaky cyber attack could uncover confidential information, potentially putting the finances and personal data of your clients––and your company––at risk. Privacy Breach coverage can help get back in business sooner by recovering remediation expenses, business interruption loss and legal expenses.

For more information on small business insurance, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Yahoo! Finance

Thank you to all who voted for the Reader's Choice Awards and thank you all for another great year! Lallis & Higgins Insurance came in 1st in Weymouth and we also took the Silver for the Regional Favorite. This award expands through nine cities that include Weymouth, Milton, Quincy, Braintree, Abington, Canton, Rockland, Randolph, Holbrook.

We look forward to continuing to serve you and your insurance needs.

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular might be one of the world's biggest fireworks displays, but there are many other places to catch Fourth of July fireworks around the city.

In chronological order, here are seven spots to watch July 4th fireworks in/around Boston...

Somerville 4th of July Fireworks
Date: Thursday, June 27
Time: 9:15pm
Location: Somerville

Parade of Lights & Fireworks: Boston Harborfest
Date: Tuesday, July 2
Time: 9:15pm
Location: Boston Harbor

July 4th Celebration in Newton
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 9:00pm
Location: Newton

Salem Celebrates the Fourth
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 9:15pm
Location: Salem

City of Waltham Annual 4th of July Celebration
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 9:30pm
Location: Waltham

Boston Pops July 4th Fireworks Spectacular
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 10:30pm
Location: Charles River Esplanade

Independence Day Celebration in Everett
Date: Saturday, July 6
Time: 9:00pm
Location: Everett

Enjoy, and Happy Fourth of July from Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: thebostoncalendar.com

When you’re excited about vacation, it’s easy to forget about what you’re leaving behind. That is, until you get to the airport and wonder: Did I lock the door? Is the iron on? Is the garage door open? Secure your home before you leave so you can travel with maximum confidence and peace of mind. These home security tips for when you’re on vacation will help ensure that you won’t return to any unpleasant surprises.

1. Lock the doors and windows

Locking up might seem too obvious to mention, but an estimated 32% of burglars enter through unlocked doors. Windows are also weak points, so keep them closed and locked, even on the upper floors. A clever burglar can still access them, and an open window anywhere in the house might let in animals, rain or wind.

2. Clear out the mailbox

Mail piling up is a tip-off that no one’s home. Have a trusted neighbor, friend or housesitter collect your mail and keep it safely out of sight. Alternatively, you can request a temporary mail hold or mail forwarding through USPS.com. If you subscribe to any newspapers or subscription boxes, pause your delivery.

3. Use lights to create the illusion that someone’s home

Darkness is another trademark of an empty house — it also allows thieves to sneak in undetected. Nix that vulnerability by leaving a few lights on. Better yet, use motion detector lights to illuminate any intruders, or opt for smart lighting so you can set the lights to a timer and control them remotely.

4. Keep the yard maintained

Unless you have an extremely low-care yard, the lawn or garden will definitely need attention if you’re gone long enough. Make sure your landscaping professional continues working in your absence, and if you don’t have one, ask a neighbor or hire temporary help. If you live in a wintry climate, consider snow removal as well.

5. Leave a car in the driveway

Former burglars have reported that a vehicle in the driveway is a major deterrent in scoping out potential targets, because it almost always means that someone is home. Leave your (locked) car where people can see it, or see if a neighbor wants to park there.

6. Hide or lock up valuables

Easy-to-grab expensive items are extremely alluring to criminals. Conceal and secure the high-value items in both your home and garage. Lock up the most important things in a household safe. Remember that many thieves don’t draw the line at stealing physical goods — they also want to steal your identity. Lock up social security cards, financial information and any personal identification that you’re not bringing with you.

7. Don’t broadcast your plans online

Don’t post about your vacation on social media until after you return (and make sure your kids don’t either). By sharing travel plans, you’re advertising that your house will be empty. You can never be completely sure who sees that information, especially if you have many followers or a public profile.

8. Get your security system ready

If you have a home security system or security cameras, make them obvious to potential intruders. Cameras should be conspicuous so they can see and be seen. Post home security signs and decals prominently. If you don’t have a system, fake signs might be better than nothing. Also, make sure the security system and any automated devices you have are programmed correctly for your absence. If you have a professionally monitored system, inform the company that you’re going away. Make sure cameras, smoke detectors and any other components are on and in good working order, and that your smart home devices are programmed appropriately.

9. Adjust the thermostat

Adjust the thermostat to prevent the HVAC system from needlessly heating or cooling empty rooms. Programmable smart thermostats make this a lot easier, and you can remotely adjust them to comfortable temperatures for when you get back.

10. Prevent water damage

Some experts recommend turning off the house’s main water supply valve to prevent possible water damage from leaky pipes. This is a viable option if you live in a moderate climate and the house will be empty, but if you live in a cold area, or someone will be checking in while you’re gone, you probably want to leave the water on.

For more information on home insurance and protection, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: Safety.com

Motorcyclists are a special breed. The feeling of hopping on and catching the wind appeals to your unique sense of self-reliance and independence. We get it. We share your love of cruising the open road and feeling the kind of freedom only a motorcycle can offer. Of course, not all riders are alike. That’s why we tailor the precise motorcycle policy you need to protect yourself and whatever style of bike you ride. All so you can roll with greater enjoyment and peace of mind.

There are as many kinds of motorcycles as there are riders. And as the popularity of motorcycling continues to grow, especially among women, more styles and sizes of bikes come onto the market each year. Whether you’re into cruisers, choppers, sport cycles, touring bikes, scooters, or dirt bikes Lallis & Higgins Insurance has the motorcycle coverage you need to properly protect it. Enjoy the flexibility of choosing the best policy to fit your life by letting a knowledgeable independent agent work with you to craft coverage to meet your unique needs.

+Custom Parts and Equipment
+OEM Parts Coverage
+Gear Replacement at No Extra Cost
+New Harley-Davidson® Replacement Cost

What Your Motorcycle Policy Covers

Your mandatory motorcycle insurance requirements will depend on where you live. Of course, Safeco policies are written to satisfy all state requirements, so talk with a local independent agent to learn about mandatory insurance levels in your area including:

+Bodily Injury Liability
+Guest Passenger Liability
+Property Damage Liability

Enhanced Coverage Options

+Comprehensive
+Collision
+Comprehensive
+Medical Payments
+Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
+Roadside Assistance
+Trip Interruption Coverage

For more information on the best motorcycle insurance for your needs and lifestyle, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

It takes more than age to make it a classic. A collector car isn’t just a way to get around. It’s an investment that will continue to appreciate in coming years. Not all classic or antique cars are used the same, so Lallis & Higgins Insurance will work with you to select the appropriate antique care policy to accommodate coverage needs, miles driven, vehicle age, and vehicle modifications to make sure you have the best policy to meet your needs. Here are some features you should look for when shopping for classic car insurance:

• Agreed Value: This means the provider will pay you the full (agreed to) amount in the event of a covered total loss, less any applicable deductible. This type of coverage is much better than “actual cash value” or “stated value” that you may get with some companies.
• Low Rates: Why pay full-time insurance when you driver your collector car only part-time.
• Coverage Options: Not all collector cars are the same, so Lallis & Higgins Insurancecan work with you to determine the right amount of coverage to meet your specific needs.
• Generous Mileage: You’re proud of your collector car, so drive it. Not all insurance companies have a mileage limit, but most collector cars should be driven less than 5,000 annual miles to maintain their value.
• Roadside Assistance: Whether you’re down the street or on a classic rally through the mountains, you’ll want to find coverage that will flatbed your car to the closest qualified repair facility.

Do you need the insurance for your prize Mustang, Camaro, Charger, Corvette, Thunderbird, or other collector car? Talk with Lallis & Higgins Insurance today to identify the best combination of coverage, value, and price for you. We can help make sure your insurance continually meets your needs.