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Contractors Insurance for Protection Against Inherent Risks While Plowing this Winter

Joseph Coupal - Monday, October 29, 2018

Lallis & Higgins, Weymouth, Quincy, MAContractors insurance is specialized insurance coverage for home contractors because of the risks involved in the job. Many contractors begin plowing in the winter to supplement income and keep their employees working. They need insurance for this side of the business too. Contractors insurance protects against liability from injury, property damage or damage or injury to a third party, all of which the contractor can be found liable. Contractors insurance also protects against claims for injury or damage caused by the contractor, the plow, or employees of the contractors. This holds true for those contractors who are moving into the plowing business for the winter.

The job, the job site, and plowing are all prone to hazards, accidents or injuries opening up the potential for claims or loss. Contractor insurance covers medical, legal and compensation fees and costs. In the event that there is injury or damage to a third party, contractors insurance also covers this risk.

Negligence, property damage or personal injury of contractors is covered under general liability insurance. General liability insurance will protect you against a lawsuit or cover your loss.

Claims can also be made by clients who believe they have suffered financial loss as a result of your negligence. With the right insurance policy, you are protected here as well even in the case of litigation.

For more information, or for a review of your contractors insurance policy, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.


Quick Tips for Your Personal Insurance Tune-Up

Joseph Coupal - Monday, October 22, 2018

Lallis & Higgins, Weymouth, Quincy, MAOne of the top insurance mistakes is having a bunch of insurance policies bought from multiple agents, one for you primary residence, another for a vacation home, and another for your cars. That can leave you with policies that aren’t coordinated, so you have coverage gaps. Here’s a summary of some of the biggest issues.

Home.

Be sure to review your homes replacement cost with your agent every three year or so to make sure it’s in-line with what the cost should be to replace the same like and kind home. Look for expanded replacement cost coverage where the insurer agrees to replace the dwelling even if the replacement cost exceeds the policy limit. And check that the home insurance policy would replace any special architectural and historical features if that’s important to you.

Vehicles.

Consider increasing your auto insurance deductible to $1,000 or more, and use the premium savings to increase your liability limits, or adding accident forgiveness if you do not already have the coverage in place on your policy. Check how your insurer would value your car if you own a collector or antique vehicle – is it insured at market value or at an agreed value (you want the latter).

Collectibles.

Often collectibles are very much under-insured, or not insured at all. If you have art, wine, or other valuable collectibles, you need a collectibles rider to your homeowner’s policy or a separate collectibles policy. The best policies will pay market value up to 50% higher than the scheduled amount of coverage in case of loss. Having an inventory system to keep track of your collection, and its fluctuating value, is key.

Boats, ATVs and more.

If you have ATVs, boats, or snowmobiles not covered by your homeowner’s policies, make sure they are covered by your personal umbrella liability policy.

For more information on personal lines insurance policies, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Forbes


Common Insurance Mistakes Made by Small Business Owners

Joseph Coupal - Monday, October 15, 2018

Lallis & Higgins, Weymouth, Quincy, MAIt takes hard work, dedication, creativity, and tenacity to get a small business up and running successfully, and it makes sense to have the right business insurance coverage in place to protect it. In fact, purchasing business insurance may be one of the most important decisions that the new business owner will make. The right coverage can help prevent unforeseen events from ruining all the work invested in starting and managing your new business.

Small business owners often make mistakes in the area of insurance. To help you avoid them, some common insurance mistakes business owners make are listed below:

Thinking that two insurance agents are better than one:

This is simply not so. When you use more than one agent, you are setting your business up for lost discounts (higher premiums) and potential gaps in coverage. It is better to use one agent for all your business insurance needs.

Buying unneeded insurance policies:

This is one of the most common mistakes of small business owners – paying for coverage they don’t need. Our independent business insurance agents serving the Quincy, Weymouth and South Shore area can help you determine the coverage you need and most economical way to obtain it.

Only buying general liability insurance:

This could be a serious mistake. While general liability insurance can protect you from many business risks, it does not cover everything. Work with our knowledgeable insurance agent to evaluate your risks and determine what additional coverage you need.

Not buying loss of income coverage:

Also known as business interruption insurance, this covers loss of business income in the event of a disaster. Property insurance only covers physical damage should a disaster require you to shutter your operations. Loss-of-income coverage can be added as a rider to your business owner’s policy or business property insurance policy.

Not keeping policies updated:

Successful small businesses are continually expanding and evolving. It is essential to review with your agent and update business insurance policies accordingly at least once annually, if not more frequently.

Paying too much for business insurance:

Always shop the coverage offered to find the best rates available. Our agents will work hard to help ensure that you have the right business insurance coverage for the lowest available premiums.

If your business is expanding, you may be purchasing equipment, setting up new facilities, hiring employees, or adding to your product or service lines. To protect all you have invested in your business, it is crucial for your insurance coverage to keep pace with the changes. Contact the independent insurance agents at Lallis & Higgins Insurance. We have the knowledge, experience and affiliations to advise you on the coverage you need, shop the policies for the best rates, and help you make the right business insurance decisions.


Four Actives You and Your Family Should Do This Fall:

Joseph Coupal - Monday, October 08, 2018

Lallis & Higgins, Weymouth, Quincy, MACorn Mazes, apple and pumpkin picking.

  • Sauchuk’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Plympton has fun activities for all ages. Two corn mazes, Hay Wagon ride, cow rain jumpy pillows and more! This is one of our favorites to visit each fall. www.sauchukmaze.com.
  • Lookout Farm in South Natick offers both pumpkin and apple picking during the fall. The farm also has children’s play area along with a train and hay ride. www.lookoutfarm.com
  • Connors Farm in Danvers on top of the apple and pumpkin picking – this farm offers a 7-acre corn maze, barn yard animals hay-jump and slide, and more… www.connorsfarm.com

Go for a walk or hike! Some of the most beautiful walking and hiking trails are at our footsteps. Here are a few of our favorites.

  • World’s End Hingham GPS address 150 Martins Lane Hingham, MA 02043. Overlooking the Boston sky line, this location brings the best of both land and sea.
  • Blue Hills trails in Canton are a great location to hike. They have different levels of hiking from beginner to intermediate. You can also visit the Trailside Museum at the base of trails after you’re done with your hike.
  • If you enjoy the foliage and like going for car rides, then you may want to take a trip up to New Hampshire this fall for a hike. A Moderate Hike Moose Mountain is just a little more than an hour and a half from Boston. For those more adventures keep driving north to the Franconia Notch State Park.

Haunted houses! If you like a good thrill, then these places may give you want you’ve been looking for.

  • Factory of Terror – located in Fall River, Worcester and West Warwick RI. www.factoryofterror.com. If you like a good old fashion scare, then this is right up your alley.
  • Barrett’s Haunted Mansion in Abington www.bhmansion.com. Experience the madness behind the walls of Black Hinge Maximum Security Penitentiary at Barrett's Haunted Mansion. Prisoners are unhinged and running rampant!
  • Ghost Ship Harbor is a unique experience that brings the terror of a haunted house onto the historic USS Salem battle ship. www.ghostshipharbor.com

Visit a zoo. The Fall is a great time to visit a zoo, and many of the zoos decorate for the seasons. Here are our top three zoos to visit in New England:

  • Southwick Zoo in Mendon, MA. Just an hour south of Boston this zoo is a must see. They even have carnival rides for the little ones to enjoy. Zoo Boo Days are from October 13 – 31th. www.southwickszoo.com
  • Franklin Park Zoo in Boston www.zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo. Conveniently located in Boston. The Jack O’Lantern Journey started October 5th and runs to November 4th from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Rogers Williams Park Zoo in Providence Rhode Island. This zoo has a fun Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular from October 4th to November 4th. www.rwpzoo.org

10 Things to Do to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Joseph Coupal - Wednesday, October 03, 2018

Lallis and Higgins Insurance, Weymouth, MAFall is a wonderful time in Weymouth, Quincy and the surrounding areas — if your home is ready for it.

Yes, this is the time of year to fix small problems before they become big, and big ones before they become catastrophic. Here are 10 tips to help:

1. Look up. Examine your roof closely. Remove moss, clear debris from your gutters and downspouts, and repair any damage.

2. Look down. Check for signs of animals and insects around your home and garage, including in the basement and crawlspace. Bring in a professional to get rid of unwanted guests.

3. Keep things warm. Heat escapes through leaks around windows and doors, so seal up any drafty areas. Outside, put covers over faucets before temperatures drop.

4. Keep things dry. Drain outdoor hoses, faucets and irrigation systems. Look in the basement and crawlspace for wet spots. And, make sure your water heater or boiler isn’t leaking.

5. Clear the air (or vents and filters, at least). When’s the last time you checked your dryer vent? You should take a look at attic vents and exhaust ducts, as well. And, change that furnace filter!

6. Take a walk. Cracks in your driveway or walkways will only get bigger, so get them fixed soon. If your deck has signs of wear, make repairs now.

7. Get a tune-up. You or a professional should clean and tune your furnace, boiler and/or water heater, as well as your oven and range.

8. Don’t play with fire. Before building your first fireplace fire of the season, check for soot or creosote build-up.

9. Don’t play with fire extinguishers, either. But, check them to ensure they still have pressure. Don’t have fire extinguishers? Put them on your shopping list, ideally one for each floor.

10. Don’t forget those smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. Replace batteries when needed, and test regularly that alarms are working.

Keeping your home insurance policy in tip-top condition is smart, too. Remember to check in with us at least once a year to update your policy so you’re covered for your new remodel, additions or personal possessions.

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



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