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Vacant Home Insurance: There is a Risk to Not Being There

Joseph Coupal - Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Lallis & Higgins Insurance -- Quincy, Weymouth, MA

Whether your home is for sale, under renovation, or part of an estate, you should strongly consider consulting an independent insurance agent about the risks associated with not being there and to review your vacant home insurance policy options. Consulting one will open you doors of opportunities to protect your home and everything inside it while it is unoccupied for various reasons.

Many people vacate their home but fail to consult their insurance agent/advisor. They wrongly assume that their homeowner’s policy will cover the new situation. While that policy will protect a home from certain risks it likely will not cover all risks. Every homeowner should be advised that some insurance providers will deny claims on an existing homeowner’s policy for homes that are no longer occupied. That is why you really need to consult your agent and determine what should be done in order for you to achieve a comprehensive coverage for your property.

The vacant home and property insurance policies that we independently research and we write throughout Massachusetts can help you provide the protection that your property needs when there is no one around. Just because you the home is not occupied does not mean it no longer needs protection while you are away. For this reason, it is really imperative to consult an independent agent about it, know you options, and come up with a comprehensive insurance for your vacant home.

To find out more about vacant home insurance, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.


Don’t Delay — Start Thinking About Winterizing Your RV Today

Joseph Coupal - Thursday, October 24, 2019
Lallis and Higgins Insurance, Weymouth, MA

Unless you’re headed to a warmer climate for the winter, fall in Weymouth and Quincy, MA is the time to start preparing your RV for winter (as long as you’re done using it for a while, that is).

The elements can wreak havoc on your RV’s systems and exterior, but with these five RV winterization tips, you can take steps to protect your investment and make sure it’s ready to go in the spring. Before you get started, though, remember to always check the owners’ manuals for both your RV and any appliances inside — and follow those specific instructions.

  1. Drain and blow out the water lines. Frozen water will do a real number on your RV’s water system. So, clear the lines and drain the tanks, and then add nontoxic (not automotive) antifreeze following the specifications in your manual.
  2. Clean the interior. You don’t want food to spoil and risk mildew on bedding and clothing, so remove all of it from your RV. You also want to get anything out that will attract animals and insects looking for a cozy winter home. After you clean the interior, open up the cabinets and fridge and leave them that way. Close your blinds to keep the sun out, too.
  3. Then, tackle the exterior. Clean all surfaces, including tires (which should be properly inflated), and then put on an RV cover if you have one. Make sure awnings are dry before you roll them up, and close all the windows and doors.
  4. Find a good place to park. After you’ve spent all this time getting your RV protected for winter, don’t park it somewhere unsafe, where a tree could fall on it or high weeds will attract insects.
  5. Watch the battery. Actually, don’t watch it — disconnect it, particularly if you won’t be driving your RV for at least 30 days.

Bonus tip: While you’re not driving your RV, call Lallis & Higgins Insurance to discuss your insurance coverage. You may be able to save money on your policy if it won’t be on the road for an extended period of time.


Small Business Insurance Mistakes that Cost You Money

Joseph Coupal - Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Lallis & Higgins Insurance, Quincy, Weymouth, MA

Independent insurance agents are your best bet for finding true value for your insurance dollar. At Lallis & Higgins Insurance we believe that a well-educated business insurance consumer will ultimately seek out the advice of trusted independent insurance agents.

Here are five Small Business Insurance Mistakes that Cost You Money.

Not Having the Right Insurance for Online Sales

Online sales help boost many small businesses’ revenue. However, defective products can lead to expensive lawsuits. Business owners should have a product liability insurance to help protect them against these types of lawsuits. Also, a contingent business income (CBI) coverage can protect policyholders against economic losses caused by damage to property owners.

Not Checking Your Business Credit Before Getting a Policy

Small business owners often don’t realize that the insurer may check their business credit profile as part of the underwriting process. A poor business credit history may make it difficult or more expensive to get the insurance they need. Before you apply for any kind of business insurance, consider checking your business credit profile to see where you stand.

Not Taking Advantage of IRS Code Section 162

Section 162 allows for an Executive Bonus plan. An executive bonus plan is a fringe benefit, funded with life insurance, given to a select group of key employees and/or business owners. It provides protection to the executive’s family during their working years, and when it’s funded with permanent life insurance, it can also provide tax-advantaged supplemental retirement income.

Not Having a Cyber Insurance Policy

Cyber insurance protects businesses and individual users from internet-based risks. It is designed to help an organization mitigate risk exposure by offsetting costs involved with recovery after a cyber-related security breach. Unfortunately, only around 58% of small businesses have cyber insurance. There are businesses who incur losses due to cyber-security risks and having a cyber insurance can help you prevent such risks and losses.

Buying a Policy Based on Price Rather than Value

Most small business owners treat insurance as a commodity and as a result, are buying based on price rather than value. When it comes to buying , one size does not fit all. It is critical that the insurance carriers understand your business and craft the coverage to meet your needs. Cheap policies are not always the best policies for your business.

If you have questions regarding securing insurance for your business, call us! We are independent insurance professionals serving all of Massachusetts.


Fire Safety Month: How to Protect Your Home and Family

Joseph Coupal - Monday, October 07, 2019
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Fire Safety Month: How to Protect Your Home and Family in Quincy, Weymouth, MA

For Fire Prevention Month this year, families should improve their home’s safety by checking their alarms, testing the alarms regularly and adding reliable protection when replacing expired alarms. We are dedicated to helping protect what matters most because a home emergency can happen at any time and we want you to be prepared.

Fire Prevention Month is the prefect time talk with your whole family about fire safety – include testing alarms, changing the batteries or upgrading to 10-year sealed battery alarm for hassle-free protection, and escape planning.

  • 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms
  • Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental death
  • 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly*
  • Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home
  • Just 43% of homeowners have an escape plan*

Are You Fully Protected?

Having functioning alarms installed throughout your home is the first line of defense for fire prevention. They work around the clock to give your family an early alert in the event of an emergency, allowing you time to safely escape. Smoke and CO alarms should be placed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as inside and outside each bedroom. Fire alarms should also be placed on every level of the home, especially in the kitchen and garage.

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved ones safe!

Top Tips for Fire Safety

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
  • Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
  • Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
  • If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

For more information on protecting your home, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Firstalert.com


2019 Fall Bucket List

Joseph Coupal - Thursday, October 03, 2019
Lallis & Higgins Insurance,  Quincy, Weymouth, MA

Four activities you and your family can do this fall:

1. Corn 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

2. 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.

3. 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!
  • Witch’s Woods in Westford, MA. https://witchswoods.com. We dare you to go for this haunted hayride through the Nashoba Valley Ski area!

4. Visit a zoo for a not so scary experience. 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 19 – 31th. www.southwickszoo.com
  • Franklin Park Zoo in Boston www.zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo. Conveniently located in Boston. Zoo Howl takes place on 10/26 and 10/27 from 11:00am3pm each day.
  • RogersWilliams Park Zoo in Providence Rhode Island. This zoo has a fun Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular from October 4th to November 4th. www.rwpzoo.org


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