Special Considerations

Home/Auto Account Discount

If you have both your Auto and your Homeowners Insurance with us, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 20% on your premiums.

Replacement Cost Valuation (Free Value Review)

Your Home Replacement Value relates to what it would cost to rebuild your home if you had a total loss of the insured structure(s).

This figure, of course, does not include land value. Market Value relates to the value of your home to prospective buyers. We will be glad to calculate either of these values for you at no charge.

Safety Discounts

Burglar and smoke alarms qualify for discounts.

Backup of Sewer or Drain

This additional coverage refers to water or water-borne material which backs up through sewers or drains (such as floor drains and sinks) or which overflows or is discharged from a sump, sump pump, or related equipment.

Personal Liability

A serious automobile accident or another incident could lead to a large lawsuit against you or a family member and easily exceed the liability limits of your Auto or Homeowners Policy.

Today, more than ever, people – especially homeowners and others with substantial assets to protect – are purchasing an Umbrella policy to provide additional levels of coverage. Protection is available in increments of $1 million and is more affordable than you might expect, averaging about $200 to $250 for the first $1 million.

Ordinance Coverage

This is a relatively unknown but critical coverage choice for homeowners. If you have damage to your house, and it requires substantial reconstruction, your local building inspector will require the work to be done according to the latest building codes.

For example, you may need to install a costly new wiring system. Insurance companies only pay for a dwelling to be rebuilt in its original condition. They will not pay for upgrades that can cost thousands of dollars.

The answer is Ordinance Insurance. If not already included in your policy, it is an inexpensive endorsement. We recommend it.

Business in the Home

If you have a home-based business, you should review your insurance needs immediately.

Your Homeowners Policy specifically excludes liability for a business conducted at your home.

Although typically your policy provides $2500 of coverage for business personal property on your premises, it covers only $250 for equipment away from your home.

You have three choices: (1) endorsements to your Homeowners Policy so that your business equipment and liability protection needs are met; (2) a special in-home Business Policy; or (3) a Small Business Owners Package policy.

Earthquake Coverage

The chance of a serious earthquake in Westport or Wareham is less than in Seattle or San Francisco, that’s for sure.
Nonetheless, there is some risk.

What’s more, the solid bedrock that underlies most of the Eastern U.S. is an efficient shock transmitter, which means areas far removed from the quake center could be affected.

A basic homeowners policy does not cover earthquake damage. In fact, a basic policy may specifically exclude coverage for any damage caused by earth movement or shifting.

A simple phone call or email is all you need to do to add this coverage. We’ll immediately add a special earthquake endorsement to your Homeowners Policy.

Jewelry

A standard Home Insurance Policy covers theft of your jewelry, but only up to a $1,000 limit.

As of 2016, the cost of an engagement ring was, on average, $5,978. So, if there’s a ring -– or more than $1,000 worth of jewelry –- under your roof, you probably need a rider to have it covered in full.

Silverware

Silver or silver-plated flatware collections are a popular target for burglars, and are usually covered up to $2,500 if stolen, which may be only a fraction of the replacement cost.

If there’s a set of silver in your home, you should consider additional coverage to protect its full value.

Rugs, Artwork, and Antiques

The biggest issue with items whose value is largely based on their antiquity or artistic nature is the ability to establish that value after a loss.

Additionally, theft coverage for coins and firearms is limited to $200 and $2,000, respectively.

It is important to obtain appraisals on items such as this to determine if additional insurance coverage is necessary to protect your one-of-a-kind possessions.

Collectibles

Whether you have a sports memorabilia shrine, a rare coin collection, or a vault of vintage comic books, special attention is necessary to ensure proper protection.

While there is no set limit on the coverage provided, establishing the value of the collection without an appraisal is very difficult.

Keeping your pride and joy protected with a valuable items endorsement that covers your collection for its full value not only eliminates the valuation issue but also can broaden the coverage to include such losses as breakage of fragile items.

We offer programs for each situation and free insurance-to-value reviews.

Homeowners Deductible Options

One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of Homeowners Insurance is to select the option of a higher deductible.

Selecting the highest deductible you can comfortably manage makes the most long-term sense in keeping your insurance cost down.

While your share of any loss you suffer will be greater, your annual premium savings can range from 10% to 20% or more.

Ask your account manager to assist you with finding out which deductible works best for you and how much you may save.

Flood Damage Coverage

Standard Homeowners Policies do not cover flood damage. Special coverage is required under a separate insurance policy.

If your town has flood plain zoning in place (most do), you may be eligible for insurance subsidized by the federal government. Ask us for more information.

Contact us today for a Homeowners Insurance Quote.