The Murphy Insurance BlogNews, updates and useful tips about insurance products and the insurance industry. We also provide insights on community events, local news and information that affect your everyday life. Enjoy!https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog.aspxA full insurance review is worth your timehttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/820/A-full-insurance-review-is-worth-your-time.aspxPersonal InsuranceWed, 21 Feb 2024 18:27:00 GMT<p><img alt="Insurance Checkup" src="/Portals/0/check.jpg?ver=YuBAAZ-V06fkxztpw61DwA%3d%3d" style="margin: 25px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 212px;" />You bought your insurance...auto, home, business, life, etc., and know you’re covered. From a money stand point, you’re good with the premium. So, why bother talking to your insurance representative unless there is something specific to take care of? </p> <ol> <li><strong>Changes in your life can impact your needs and you may not realize it;</strong></li> <li><strong>Insurance companies often come out with new coverage options that you should consider.</strong></li> </ol> <h3>Life changes that typically require an insurance change</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Change in use of your home or auto</strong> – business use, rent a room, Airbnb, driving for Uber, Lyft, etc</li> <li><strong>Change in drivers having regular access to your vehicle</strong> - make sure everyone is covered</li> <li><strong>Change in marital status or living arrangements</strong> - make sure everyone and all possessions are covered</li> <li><strong>Change of jobs</strong> - change of life or disability benefits, starting a business, company car, etc.</li> <li><strong>Birth or adoption of a child</strong> - reconsider life insurance needs</li> <li><strong>Hiring a nanny or other home worker </strong>- workers compensation</li> </ul> <p>     <br />         learn more > <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/resources/News-Articles/10-questions-to-help-assess-changing-insurance-needs2.aspx">10 questions to help you assess changing insurance needs</a></p> <h3>Options you might want to consider or reconsider</h3> <p><u><strong>Auto</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Automobile accident forgiveness</li> <li>Disappearing deductible</li> <li>Transportation Network Company driver endorsement</li> <li>Umbrella extension of underinsured and uninsured motorist coverages</li> </ul> <p><u><strong>Home</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Home service line coverage</li> <li>Oil heat fuel remediation coverage</li> <li>Optional higher limits on mold protection</li> <li>Ordinance or law coverage - pays for building code upgrades required after a loss</li> </ul> <p><strong><br /> At Murphy Insurance, we don’t believe in “set it and forget it” when it comes to your insurance protection.</strong> That’s why we send out information by newsletter, share information via our blog and social media, send individual notices and other communications. We work diligently to stay in touch about specific issues you should consider or simply when we haven't spoken in a while.</p> <p><strong>Ultimately, it takes you reaching back out to us to complete that loop and say “Yes...I want to talk”. </strong>Without a conversation, we can’t know what might have changed that requires modification of your current insurance. If anything above indicates we should talk, call us, send us an email, or stop by. Just don’t wait too long because you never know when something can happen and we want your protection to be right.</p> 82011 things to discuss with your agent before taking actionhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/809/11-things-to-discuss-with-your-agent-before-taking-action.aspxPersonal InsuranceTue, 13 Feb 2024 21:13:00 GMT<p><img alt="desire avoid signs" src="/Portals/0/signs%20desire%20avoid.jpg" style="height: 174px; width: 225px;" title="desire avoid signs" /></p> <p>Sometimes decisions you make can impact the pricing and availability of insurance. We don’t want to rain on anyone’s plans; however, it’s best to be aware so that you can make decisions with full information.</p> <p>In some cases, policies may have exclusions that eliminate coverage for certain activities; require an endorsement; not be available from some companies; or have an increased premium due to the additional risk.</p> <p>If you’re contemplating any of the decisions below, please call us first to discuss how these issues can impact your insurance coverage and premium.</p> <ul> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"><strong>Driving for a ride sharing/transportation service </strong>— Uber, Lyft, etc.</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"><strong>Buying a luxury vehicle</strong></li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"><strong>Renting a room in your home on a permanent or occasional basis</strong> — Airbnb</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"><strong>Buying a dog</strong></li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"><strong>Buying an exotic pet or farm animal</strong></li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"><strong>Installing a swimming pool</strong></li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"><strong>Constructing a treehouse</strong></li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"><strong>Buying a trampoline</strong></li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"><strong>Building a skateboard ramp</strong></li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"><strong>Hiring a nanny</strong></li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"><strong>Starting a home business </strong>— when does a hobby become a business?</li> </ul> 809Can you afford to replace that ring, bracelet, etc.?https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/784/Can-you-afford-to-replace-that-ring-bracelet-etc.aspxPersonal InsuranceWed, 07 Feb 2024 14:20:00 GMT<p> </p> <p>Insuring jewelry is different from your other personal possessions. <strong>Standard home, renter and condo policies generally have a $1,000 specific limit in the event of theft. </strong>You may be able to increase that amount to $3,000 with some companies; however, for an expensive piece such as an engagement ring, you probably would have a coverage gap. </p> <p><img alt="schedule engagement ring" src="/Portals/0/Diamond%20Ring.jpg?ver=4cNyM1RBH_2m9MIoQZTFPw%3d%3d" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; width: 300px; height: 247px;" />Solve this problem by scheduling high value jewelry on your policy, which provides separate coverage, eliminates the deductible and provides coverage in situations not only of theft but also losing an item. Generally, it <strong>costs about $12.50 per $1,000 in coverage</strong>, so a $6,000 ring would cost about $75.00 to insure. Well worth it in case you look down and find your diamond is missing.</p> <p>If you have jewelry that you'd like a quote on scheduling on your home, condo or renter policy, complete a <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/resources/Forms-Center/Scheduled-Item-Quote.aspx">scheduled item quote request</a>. It takes just a minute and we'll get back to you shortly.</p> <p> </p> 784Renters...you need insurance, too.https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/734/Rentersyou-need-insurance-too.aspxPersonal InsuranceThu, 01 Feb 2024 14:20:00 GMT<h2>What happens if…</h2> <h4>- at a party, someone slips and falls injuring their back.<br /> - your jewelry and electronics are stolen in a burglary.<br /> - you cause a fire or water overflow damaging your apartment and other units.<br /> - a pipe bursts causing damage to your furniture and possessions.</h4> <p><br /> <strong>According to a survey by Apartments.com, 58% of renters don’t purchase tenants insurance...often because they didn’t know that it existed or thought it was expensive. </strong>Yet, the average cost for a policy covering $20,000 in personal property and $500,000 of personal liability is approximately only $200 a year. That’s less than $17 a month or 55¢ a day. If you reduced going out to eat by one time a month, you could pay for renter’s protection.  And, if you skip a “big night out”, you could pay for the entire year of coverage in one night.   </p> <p><strong>Your landlord’s insurance does not cover your personal belongings. </strong>It's a common misconception that your landlord's policy provides coverage for you.  It doesn't! If you don’t have a policy because you’re trying to save, imagine having to spend thousands of dollars to replace your possessions. Sometimes people don't by renter's insurance because they think their stuff isn't worth that much. But, don’t focus the “actual current value” of what you'd get if you tried to sell all your possessions. Instead, think about what the “replacement value” of what it would cost to by everything new, which is what can happen if there is a fire.  </p> <p><strong>It’s not just about your stuff.  </strong>It’s about your being sued. If a person is injured in your home or you damage someone’s property, you could easily be sued. Not only will you have to pay to defend yourself, but if found responsible, your assets plus current and future wages are at risk.  If you don’t have renter’s insurance, but are thinking you should have it, don’t procrastinate. Get more information and a custom quote. For a list of 5 things to consider when looking at renters insurance, visit <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/rentersinsurancetips">dfmurphy.com/rentersinsurancetips</a>.</p> <p> </p> 734Changing “garaging”? Don’t delay telling your agent!https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/781/Changing-garaging-Dont-delay-telling-your-agent.aspxBusiness Insurance,Personal InsuranceWed, 24 Jan 2024 19:54:00 GMT<p> </p> <p>The location where your vehicle is<strong> primarily parked overnight</strong> is termed the “garaging location”. If the garaging location changes, your auto insurance policy states that you are required to notify the insurance company immediately. There is no grace period for notification; therefore, it’s a good idea to let your agent know in advance when a garaging change will occur. Be sure to notify your agent if you (or a family member):</p> <p><strong>Moves to a new home or apartment </strong></p> <p><strong>Takes a vehicle to college or is returning home from college for the semester</strong></p> <p><strong>Loan your car to someone for an extended period</strong> – Be sure the driver is listed on your policy</p> <p><strong>Take your car on an extended stay at another location:</strong></p> <ul> <li>at second or vacation home</li> <li>visiting friends at their home</li> <li>military service</li> <li>living away from home for work</li> </ul> <h3>Claims can be denied for failure to notify</h3> <p><strong>Failing to notify the company of a garaging change can result in an auto insurance claim being denied. </strong>The reason that garaging is such a serious issue is that auto insurance premiums are determined in part based on the garaging location. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/Parked%20Car.jpg?ver=M6TG-Y3LSZ254IZrGxOaSw%3d%3d" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" />Different geographic locations are rated differently and have different premiums based on the area’s accident and theft history. When your garaging changes, the new location may have an <strong>increased risk of accidents or theft</strong>…requiring an increase of premium to cover that additional risk. Conversely, you may find that the new garaging location has <strong>no increased risk</strong>, which leaves your premium the same. Or, it could<strong> decrease the risk</strong> profile resulting in a lower premium. It all depends on where you move.</p> <p>Admittedly, no one wants to see their premium go up, but it’s not worth delaying notifying the company because having a claim denied based on a wrong garaging address could be an expensive situation.</p> <h3>Check with us before you move</h3> <p>If you’re looking to buy a home or rent an apartment in a new city or town, you may want to check with us regarding how the move will impact your auto insurance premium. If the move will result in a substantial increase, it may impact your decision and cause you to consider locating to a different nearby town that has a lower rate. This may seem extreme, but if you’re budget conscious, then it’s wise to consider all the facts before you finalize your plans.</p> 781What to do if your pipes freezehttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/835/What-to-do-if-your-pipes-freeze.aspxPersonal InsuranceMon, 15 Jan 2024 19:50:00 GMT<p>There are lots of things you can do to <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/resources/News-Articles/ID/141/Reduce-risk-of-winter-related-losses.aspx">reduce the risk of winter related losses</a> such as frozen pipes. However, if temperatures are extremely cold and you turn on your tap to find a trickle or nothing instead of a steady flow, you probably have frozen pipes somewhere in your home. Water expands when frozen, but pipes do not, which can cause a pipe to burst. If you discover you have frozen pipes, act quickly...don't wait for them to burst.</p> <h3><img alt="frozzen pipes" src="/Portals/0/Frozen%20pipe%202.jpg?ver=hhEW6E0KmNEzHo0Z-yXJlw%3d%3d" style="width: 300px; height: 225px; margin-right: 25px; margin-left: 25px; float: right;" />frozen pipes</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Turn off the water supply.</strong> If pipes are frozen and in danger of bursting, you want to stop the flow of additional water into the pipes to reduce potential for additional damage.</li> <li><strong>Protect your possessions.</strong> Move any possessions near the frozen pipe to a safe area to prevent damage if it bursts.</li> <li><strong>Locate the frozen pipe.</strong> Check water flow at faucets to determine if the frozen pipe is isolated in one area, more extensive, or close to where water comes into the home. Feeling along pipes can help to locate the frozen area. Look for bulging.</li> <li><strong>Take action to thaw pipes immediately. </strong>Be attentive as you thaw pipes because sometimes pinholes or cracks can occur from freezing and then upon thawing leaks become evident. There are lots of do-it-yourself tips on the internet on how to thaw pipes...search "thawing frozen pipes". You may want to do some advance reading just in case. Be sure to open faucets near the frozen pipe to let steam escape and water flow out. We recommend calling a licensed plumber for assistance. </li> </ul> <h3>burst pipes</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Turn off the water supply to stop the flow of water.</strong> Immediate action can be key to reducing additional damage. If it's an emergency and you don't know what to do, call the fire department. After the water is off, you can clean up the spill and work to reduce further damage. If a burst pipe is near any electrical switches or fuses, turn the power off at the panel. Never touch anything electrical if it's wet.</li> <li><strong>Clean up, make temporary repairs and take steps to prevent further damage. </strong>An insurance adjuster doesn’t need to see the actual water spill before you start cleaning up. However, the adjuster will want to inspect any damaged items. Documenting damage with pictures and/or video can be helpful to the process. If the leak involves ceilings being saturated with water, be extra careful of weakened construction that could collapse and cause injury. </li> <li><strong>Get professional help. </strong>Most of us aren't skilled enough to make proper repairs especially if the damage is major and/or within walls. A licensed plumber (and perhaps electrician if electrical is involved) can help you make repairs. A professional water damage restoration company will remove water from your home and ensure that walls are dry to prevent a mold problem. Remember, mold cannot survive without moisture. You want to be sure repairs are done properly to prevent additional damage in the future. </li> <li><strong>Call your agent or insurance company as soon as possible.</strong> At Murphy Insurance, our claims team is ready to assist you in processing a claim and connecting you with your insurance company. We have an emergency help line for after hours claim assistance. You can contact your insurance company directly if you prefer, but be sure to call us, too. Document anything that is damaged and save receipts for what you spend. </li> </ul> <address><em>NOTE: Murphy Insurance is not a plumbing or construction expert and cannot guarantee that prevention or corrective measures will alleviate damage. Murphy Insurance is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of informaiton provided through links to other websites. Consult an experienced plumber, contractor or expert to determine the best solution for your situation.</em></address> <p><em><em> </em></em></p> 835Massachusetts snow removal laws and liabilityhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/807/Massachusetts-snow-removal-laws-and-liability.aspxBusiness Insurance,Personal InsuranceTue, 09 Jan 2024 16:36:00 GMT<h2>Keep those shovels ready</h2> <p><img alt="Winter Shoveling" src="/Portals/0/winter%20shoveling.jpg" style="width: 225px; height: 301px;" title="Winter Shoveling" />Winter is underway and we’ve already had the first snow fall of the season. If you own residential or commercial property, it’s essential to understand your legal responsibilities regarding snow removal. The state you live in has laws that dictate snow removal and in many cases, your city or town may have local ordinances or by-laws that further define snow and ice removal responsibilities.</p> <p>In 2010, Massachusetts snow removal law underwent a major change with a <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/resources/News-Articles/ID/27/Massachusetts-snow-removal-law.aspx">Supreme Judicial Court Ruling</a> that overturned a 100+ year-old Massachusetts Rule that previously allowed property owners to not shovel “natural accumulations” of snow without liability. With the change in the law, all property owners (owner-occupied and rental) now have a legal obligation to keep their property free from snow and ice for the safety of visitors and guests…whether it’s “natural” or “unnatural” accumulations.</p> <h3>When do you have to shovel or treat icy surfaces?</h3> <p>Because of the dangers caused by snow and ice, it’s wise to shovel and treat surfaces as quickly as possible. If a danger exists, you have liability. Some cities and towns specify a minimum time by which surfaces must be cleared after a storm, but you may need to clean snow sooner; i.e. Boston -  businesses 3 hours and residents 6 hours; Worcester – 12 hours.</p> <h3>Do you have to shovel sidewalks in front of your house/business?</h3> <p>Most Massachusetts cities and towns require property owners to clear sidewalks but also check your city or town ordinances. Often you can be fined for failing to remove snow.  Also remember that shoveling snow out into the street is not allowed and is a fineable offense.</p> <h3>Can you transfer responsibility for shoveling to tenants?</h3> <p>Landlords have the primary responsibility for snow removal at rental properties, which can’t be transferred by language in a lease. Property owners are responsible by law to keep all egresses free of obstruction. The only exception is when a dwelling has its own egress that is not shared with other units. In this case, a landlord may require in a lease for the tenant to be responsible for snow and ice removal of the entrance. However, this exception does not apply to the driveway or parking areas and so may not guarantee transfer of liability in some situations. It’s probably not worth taking a chance and relying on the tenant.</p> <h3>Do homeowners, dwelling fire, and commercial general liability policies cover injuries if someone slips and falls?</h3> <p>Typically, yes. Standard policies generally cover you if someone slips and falls on your property.  Be sure you purchase sufficient liability coverage of at least $500,000 or $1,000,000. For many homeowners, the additional cost to increase coverage to $1,000,000 is very small. When a lawsuit happens, you can never have enough insurance…ask any attorney!</p> <hr /> <h3>Helpful Links</h3> <p><a href="http://www.mass.gov/courts/case-legal-res/law-lib/laws-by-subj/about/snow.html" target="_blank">Massachusetts Law about Snow & Ice</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.nhmunicipal.org/town-city-article/winter-maintenance-roads-and-sidewalks" target="_blank">New Hampshire Law about Snow & Ice</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/" target="_blank">City of Boston Snow Center</a></p> <p> </p> 8078 myths about life insurance https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/782/8-myths-about-life-insurance-.aspxPersonal InsuranceWed, 20 Dec 2023 14:42:00 GMT<h3><strong>“Let’s talk about your death.”</strong> Now that’s a real conversation stopper.</h3> <p>Imagine how uncomfortable you might be saying this to someone. Yet, as an insurance agent this is  exactly what we must do to help people protect their loved ones’ future with life insurance.</p> <p><img alt="Life Insurance Family" src="/Portals/0/familySM.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 166px;" />While we’re being honest, it’s called life insurance, but truthfully, it’s death insurance.  Now that’s a real winning product name isn’t it?  And, to make it even more challenging, the purchaser knows he/she won’t benefit from it personally…who likes to buy things that they don’t get to enjoy themselves?</p> <p>Ultimately, the appeal and benefit of life insurance is that you truly love your spouse/partner/children and would never want them to suffer because of something you did or didn’t do.  However, despite our love of family, 42% of Americans lack life insurance and about 50% of those who have it are covered for $100,000 or less according to a recent bankrate.com survey.</p> <p>Most of us have tight budgets, yet still find ways to have a little fun.  Admittedly, fitting life insurance into your budget may require making some small sacrifices, but it’s worth it.  Are you willing to give up going out for dinner a few times a year or make that daily cup of coffee at home instead of buying it to have peace of mind knowing those you hold most dear have a financial safety net in the event of an unexpected tragedy?  </p> <p>Maybe it’s the natural human aversion to thinking about our mortality combined with various myths about life insurance that results in procrastination and avoidance of this topic. If you’re among those who have avoided addressing your life insurance needs, we’d like to encourage you to take action by dispelling some life insurance myths.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Life insurance is expense.</strong> Cost is often given as a reason for not purchasing life insurance; however, 80% those who give this reason overestimate the cost. There are a wide variety of policies to fit different needs, and term insurance policies are extremely affordable. A $200,000 20-year term policy for a healthy non-smoking male, age 35 costs about $150 a year.</li> <li><strong>You have health issues…you won’t qualify.  </strong>While good health certainly makes life insurance more affordable, having a health condition doesn’t automatically mean you’re uninsurable. There are companies that write policies for a range of health conditions if they are under control; however, they will be more expensive and often have lower limits. </li> <li><strong>Life insurance provided by your employer is enough. </strong> Even if you enjoy this benefit at work, it may not be enough to cover your needs. If you leave your job, you may lose your life insurance, and if your health deteriorates, you may find yourself ineligible to purchase a policy at a later date. Even with a conversion option, it may be more cost effective to purchase your own policy now.</li> <li><strong>Buy term insurance and invest the difference. </strong>Term insurance is a great value and good for covering debts and other expenses with a specific time frame. Yet, a permanent policy may be more advantageous if you have needs that require coverage for your entire life. If you had to purchase another term policy later in life to extend coverage, it may be more cost effective to purchase a non-term policy at the outset.</li> <li><strong>You’re young and don’t need to be concerned about life insurance yet. </strong>When you’re young, the annual premiums are less expensive. While you may be paying a premium for a longer time, the lower premium can fit into your budget easier as you get older. Also, the longer you wait the greater the chances of having a health issue arise that would make it more expensive or challenging to get coverage.</li> <li><strong>Your single and don’t have dependents so you don’t need life insurance.</strong> Even if you’re single, you probably have debts that could be a burden to your family or executor. Also, just because you’re single now, doesn’t mean you will be forever. Getting life insurance now may be more affordable than waiting.</li> <li><strong>Only breadwinners need to be insured.</strong> Stay at home spouses provide a lot of value maintaining a household and providing child care. The cost for a surviving spouse to pay someone to handle those tasks could  cause a financial strain. Both adult contributors to a household should be insured.</li> <li><strong>Shopping many different agents saves money. </strong>Every company has different insuring criteria, which makes the process time consuming and challenging to undertake on your own. Even talking to multiple agents can be confusing as you’ll have to make sense of all the differences. By working with one trusted agent that deals with a large number of companies, they can do the work for you and use their expertise to narrow it down to the best options saving you time and money. At Murphy Insurance, we work with over 50 different companies when searching for the best solutions.</li> </ol> <p>If you’ve never talked with an insurance professional about life insurance, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to get the facts. Don’t make assumptions about affordability or options….<strong>Don’t wait until it’s too late</strong>. Reach out to us so that we give you the information you need to make an informed decision.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/Don%27t%20keep%20delaying%20request%20a%20quote_1.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 194px; float: right;" title="" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> 782Christmas tree safetyhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/746/Christmas-tree-safety.aspxGeneral Safety and Info,Personal InsuranceThu, 07 Dec 2023 14:23:00 GMT<p>A Christmas tree is often a central part of holiday decoration. Some people cut down their own tree, others get theirs from a local side of the road stand and others have opted for artificial. While beautiful, Christmas trees can also pose a serious fire hazard, so be sure to follow safety guidelines.  </p> <div> <h3>christmas tree  </h3> <ol> <li>Be sure your tree is fresh. Touch and shake the tree. Needles shouldn't fall off easily.   </li> <li>If not cutting down the tree yourself, be sure to cut a couple inches off the base and keep in in water until you are ready to set it up.  </li> <li>When setting up your tree, keep it away from heat vents, fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. </li> <li>If you choose an artificial tree, be sure it is identified as fire retardant.  </li> <li>Water your tree EVERY day.  If it stops drinking water keep a close watch on its condition.  </li> <li>When your tree starts to drop needles and seems dry, get it out of your home. Don't store it in a garage or near the home.    </li> <li>Don't try to burn limbs in your fireplace or woodstove as they flash fire.   </li> </ol> <h3>decorations</h3> <ol> <li> <p>Check lights for any frayed wires or broken sockets. Don't try to be an electrician and fix broken wires that could short circuit. It's not worth saving a few bucks and risking a fire. </p> </li> <li> <p>Read instructions on how many lights you can string together to prevent an overload.  Generally, not more than 3 sets of mini lights.   </p> </li> <li> <p>Turn off lights when the tree is unattended.  Always turn off lights when you leave the house or go to bed.  Tree fires happen really fast and need quick action to avoid a major disaster.   </p> </li> </ol> <p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/christmas-tree%20640.jpg?ver=2019-12-23-120222-497" style="float: left; width: 300px; height: 200px;" />Stay safe this holiday season...and always!  </p> <p><a href="http://safer-america.com/holiday-tree-safety/">Holiday Tree Safety Tips</a><br />  </p> </div> 746Snow plowing liability...Completed operationshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/760/Snow-plowing-liabilityCompleted-operations.aspxBusiness Insurance,Personal InsuranceWed, 15 Nov 2023 16:29:00 GMT<p>With winter comes snow and snow plowing. If you plow snow as part of your business or as a side business, you need to consider liability protection for completed operations in addition to auto insurance. Changes to Massachusetts Laws in 2010 increased the snow removal liability risk for property owners and snow plow contractors, which has made having proper protection increasingly important.  </p> <h3>Auto policy coverage</h3> <p>An auto policy provides coverage during the plowing process. For example, if your truck accidentally hits a parked car and scrapes its side, your auto policy would pay for damage to the parked vehicle.</p> <h3>Completed operations liability and coverage</h3> <p>What about your liability after the snow plowing operation is done aka “completed operations"?<img alt="Snow Plow" src="/Portals/0/SnowPlowsm.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 119px;" title="Snow Plow" /></p> <ul> <li>What is the condition of the surface?</li> <li>Is there snow/ice remaining?</li> <li>What if someone slips and falls?</li> <li>Does your auto policy provide coverage? “No” because the vehicle was not involved.</li> </ul> <p>To have “completed operations” liability coverage in the event of a slip/fall claim or other situation, it is critical for a snow plowing business to have a general liability policy.</p> <h3>Other issues to keep in mind.</h3> <ul> <li>The value of a snow plow and hitching equipment is not covered by a personal or commercial auto policy unless it is listed as optional equipment. Provide your agent with a receipt or documentation so that the value of your plowing equipment can be added to your policy.</li> <li>If using your personal vehicle to plow for a fee, your personal auto policy needs to be classified for “Business Use”; otherwise, you may not have coverage for a plowing related claim.</li> <li>If you are required to list an “Additional Named Insured” on the policy, you will need a commercial auto policy not a personal auto policy.</li> </ul> <p>Please give us a call or drop us an <a href="mailto:assistance@dfmurphy.com?subject=Snow%20Plow%20Insurance%20Coverage">e-mail</a> if you have questions about snow plow coverage. We want to help you get the coverage you need. </p> 760Why you need a personal umbrella policyhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/774/Why-you-need-a-personal-umbrella-policy.aspxPersonal InsuranceWed, 08 Nov 2023 19:16:00 GMT<p>One of the most important insurance policies you can buy is the personal umbrella policy, but many people are unaware they need one. This policy provides high limits of liability to protect you against a catastrophic liability loss. For example, a major car accident may injure numerous people or cause head injuries or death that will result in liability far in excess of the limits typically purchased in a personal auto policy. An umbrella policy sits on top of the auto and homeowners policies to provide higher limits of protection. In addition to providing higher limits, this policy normally pays for some losses not covered by the underlying policy, such as legitimate allegations concerning libel or slander.</p> <div><img alt="gavel; lawsuits and liability" src="http://www.dfmurphy.com/Portals/0/law%20gavel.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 188px; float: left;" /> <p>Personal umbrella policies are growing in popularity. In the past, only wealthy individuals and families purchased this coverage. Today, middle-income families also may procure this policy for protection in our society's increasingly litigious climate. As the tendency to sue for damages rises and awards granted by the courts grow, the personal umbrella policy is increasingly seen as an insurance necessity, rather than a luxury. It is especially attractive because of its relatively low cost.</p> <p>In particular, people with certain characteristics or who engage in certain activities have a higher-than-average need for a personal umbrella policy. These situations include the following.</p> <ul> <li>Your total assets are greater than your underlying liability limits.</li> <li>You are financially responsible for the actions of a young, inexperienced driver.</li> <li>You live in an exclusive and affluent neighborhood.</li> <li>You have a high-profile career or high income.</li> <li>You frequently host guests on your property.</li> <li>Your residence includes a swimming pool.</li> <li>You own waterfront property, a farm, or a ranch.</li> <li>You own watercraft, aircraft, or off-road vehicles.</li> <li>You own numerous rental properties.</li> <li>You engage in extensive international travel for pleasure.</li> </ul> <p><br /> Indeed, one could even argue that a lower-income person needs an umbrella policy. Consider an apartment dweller who inadvertently starts a fire while smoking in bed, and the fire damages adjoining apartments. The smoker's liability exposure could be enormous in such a situation. So, once again, a personal umbrella policy is a wise purchase for people in nearly all income groups.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.irmi.com/default.aspx">International Risk Management Institute, Inc.</a>  </p> <p> </p> </div> 774What is Oil Spill Clean-up Coverage? Why you should have it.https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/873/what-is-oil-spill-clean-up-coverage-why-you-should-have-it.aspxPersonal InsuranceWed, 08 Nov 2023 19:13:00 GMT<p>If you have a heating oil tank in your home, be sure you consider purchasing an “Escaped Liquid Fuel Endorsement” aka Oil Remediation coverage for your policy if you haven’t already done so.  Because not every home is heated by oil, home insurance policies typically exclude coverage for fuel contamination to personal property, groundwater, and a neighbor’s property unless you have purchased oil remediation coverage, which is optional.</p> <p>In 2008, Massachusetts passed a law that requires:</p> <ol> <li>the installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective sleeve on systems that do not currently have these devices; and</li> <li>insurance companies that write homeowner policies to offer coverage for leaks from heating systems that use oil.</li> </ol> <p><img alt="Liquid Fuel" src="/Portals/0/oil%20heat.JPG?ver=2019-11-19-170741-497" style="width: 300px; height: 287px; float: right; margin: 10px;" />Given the amount of time since the law went into effect, homeowners with oil heat have most likely had their heating systems serviced and upgraded if necessary to comply with the law; however, many homeowners have not purchased this optional coverage and would have to pay out of pocket if a spill occurs.  Example:  A homeowner has a gasket fail in their heating system causing oil to leak onto their finished basement.  Oil is absorbed into the flooring, walls and concrete, but luckily, the homeowner discovered the leak before it reached the ground below. The cost to repair was over $30,000, which wouldn’t be covered without having an Escaped Liquid Fuel Endorsement.</p> <p>The possibility of an oil spill remains regardless of the age of your system and any upgrades.  Clean-up and potential liability costs can be substantial compared to the cost of adding this coverage, which ranges between $50-$100 on average depending on the coverage you purchase. Coverage limits provided vary by insurance company, but typically start at a minimum of $50,000 for your personal property and $100,000+ for third-party liability.</p> <p>If you have oil heat, but haven’t yet talked with us about obtaining oil remediation coverage, contact a Murphy Insurance Associate today to discuss available options.</p> 873Keys to properly insuring your homehttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/713/Keys-to-properly-insuring-your-home.aspxPersonal InsuranceWed, 01 Nov 2023 18:12:00 GMT<p><br /> <strong>To protect your home and your financial well-being in the event of a major fire or other disaster, you should regularly review and update your insurance.</strong> You need enough insurance to rebuild and replace your possessions if your home is completely destroyed. </p> <h3>How much will it cost to rebuild your home?</h3> <p>The real estate market value of your home is not the same as the current construction rebuild cost. Most policies provide replacement cost coverage, which pays to repair or replace damage with materials of similar kind and like quality up to the limit of your policy. Therefore, it is important to be insured at <strong>100% of the estimated replacement cost</strong>.</p> <p>While many home policies adjust automatically to keep pace with increasing construction costs, it’s wise to complete a home replacement cost estimator every 5 years or <strong>anytime you make major alterations, additions or upgrades</strong>. Other highly recommended coverage options to consider are:<br /> <br /> <strong><img alt="home insurance" src="/Portals/0/home%20protection.jpg?ver=2020-11-18-133520-063" style="float: left; width: 300px; height: 200px;" />Extended Replacement Cost coverage</strong> - If available, this endorsement <strong>provides 25% or more in additional coverage</strong> over your limits, which could be needed if labor and materials costs fluctuate drastically. </p> <p><strong>Ordinance or Law coverage</strong> - If your home is severely damaged, you may be required to rebuild or update it to meet new (and often stricter) building codes. This coverage <strong>pays a specific amount</strong> toward these costs.</p> <h3>What will it cost to replace ALL your possessions?</h3> <p>Generally, personal possessions are covered for <strong>up to 50% of the insurance limit</strong> on the building structure. You may be able to extend coverage to 70% by purchasing a<strong> “package endorsement”</strong>. Be sure the amount is enough for all your possessions. </p> <p>Also, Be sure to <strong>purchase replacement cost coverage for your personal property</strong> rather than an actual cash value policy, which only pays the replacement cost minus depreciation. For example, if a fire destroys a 10-year old television, a replacement cost policy pays to replace the TV with a comparable new one. An actual cash policy only pays a small fraction of the replacement cost because it considers that the 10-years of use. You want to be able to replace everything without having to worry about depreciation.</p> <div> </div> 713Halloween safety - part 2: trick or treat tipshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/758/Halloween-safety-part-2-trick-or-treat-tips.aspxGeneral Safety and Info,Personal InsuranceThu, 26 Oct 2023 15:00:00 GMT<p><img alt="Trick or Treat Safety" class="flushright" src="/Portals/0/Trick%20or%20Treat_1.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" title="Trick or Treat Safety" /><strong>Trick or Treat!</strong> No doubt you'll be hearing that a few times during these spookiest of days.</p> <p>Halloween isn't just celebrated on October 31st these days. Many communities sponsor activities and events during the week leading up to the big day. Whether you go all out personally or just enjoy others getting into the spirit, here are 10 tips to keep trick or treating and Halloween fun and safe for everyone.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Drivers be extra careful on the road.</strong> On Halloween, the streets are crawling with ghouls, witches and all sorts of creatures. Individual kids and groups can pop up where you least expect them on dark roads. Take it slower behind the wheel and be more cautious.</li> <li><strong>Have an adult along.</strong> Trick or treating isn't what it was years ago. You need to be more careful in multiple ways. Even older kids need supervision. Adults can hang back so that kids feel independent but are still under your protective watch. </li> <li><strong>Help your kids pick a costume that is safe as well as fun.</strong> Make sure that costumes and masks don't obstruct vision. Be sure the costume material is fire proof or treated to be fire retardant.</li> <li><strong>Be visible.</strong> Carry a flashlight, glow stick and/or use reflective tape to help make kids more visible to drivers.</li> <li><strong>Show and remind kids how to cross the street safely.</strong> Cross at marked intersections if possible and look both ways. If in a group, older kids should take the hand of younger kids. If there are no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic.</li> <li><strong>Feed kids a good meal before trick or treating.</strong>  It reduces the temptation to eat candy before they get home. All candy should be inspected by an adult before being eaten...besides there may be something good that needs "adult sampling".</li> <li><strong>Use cell phones to stay in touch</strong> with older kids, who are going out on their own. Plan a route in advance and be sure your kids know not to deviate from it. You want to know where they are even with cell phone contact.</li> <li><strong>Review normal safety tips.</strong> Kids shouldn't go inside a house of someone they don't know. Don't take rides from strangers.</li> <li><strong>Know the details if kids are attending a party on their own.</strong> Make sure you've met the parents who will be supervising and get contact numbers.</li> <li><strong>Discuss the difference between "tricks" and "vandalism.</strong> No kid is perfect and even well-behaved kids can bend to peer pressure. Throwing eggs at a house may seem funny, but it causes damage that can ruin Halloween.  Even pranks that don't cause permanent damage such as TPing make a huge mess for a homeowner. If your kids are caught doing something, don't you clean up after them...make them apologize and do the clean up themselves.  It's how they learn right from wrong...and responsibility.</li> </ol> 758Halloween safety - part 1: home safety tipshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/756/Halloween-safety-part-1-home-safety-tips.aspxGeneral Safety and Info,Personal InsuranceMon, 23 Oct 2023 17:20:00 GMT<p><img alt="Halloween Safety" src="/Portals/0/halloween-1508418_1280.jpg?ver=XFhkgXkP__kxLT_eT0wcWg%3d%3d" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" title="Halloween Safety" />Halloween isn’t just for kids.  All you have to do is drive around and see the decorations, and you know that Halloween is right up there with Christmas when it comes to getting into the holiday spirit…pun intended. </p> <p>Insurance may not come to mind as you're planning your costumes or decorating your home, but there are certain risks involved especially if you are inviting people into your home or onto your property.  Also, if you're driving on Halloween, you need to take precautions, too.</p> <h3>8 tips for safety around your home and on the road. </h3> <ol> <li>If <strong>decorating with lights</strong> be sure that all electrical plugs are in good order. Throw out any strands or cords that are frayed or not working properly.</li> <li>Candles often add to the spooky quality of decorations.<strong> Be extremely careful with open flames.</strong> You don’t want them to catch on decorations or clothing. Don’t leave open flames unattended. Consider using battery operated candles, which can even have a realistic flicker, to light pumpkins and other displays.</li> <li>If <strong>carving pumpkins, make sure that kids are closely supervised</strong> around knives. Don’t try to rush doing this at the last minute…sharp knives and moving fast are a recipe for disaster.</li> <li><strong>Make sure driveways and walkways are well lit.</strong> While dim lights may add to the spooky feel, it can also be dangerous if people can't see where they are going. Nothing can spoil the fun more than a lawsuit because someone tripped, fell and was injured.</li> <li>If you set up a major <strong>“haunted house” at your home and invite neighbors </strong>and friends to walk through, you may want to consider increasing your liability limits.</li> <li><strong>Having a party?</strong> Put away breakable items that could be accidentally damaged. If you're serving alcohol, take precautions to limit your liability exposure. Speak with your insurance agent as you may need additional protection.</li> <li><strong>Attending a Halloween party? </strong>Be safe. If alcohol is being served, have a designated driver. Don't drink and drive.</li> <li><strong>Drivers be extra careful if you're out on Halloween.</strong> Dark streets and kids/groups walking on roads where you might not normally see a lot of pedestrians can be a dangerous combination. Drive defensively.</li> </ol> <p><span style="line-height: 18px;">Have a spooktacular Halloween.</span></p> 756Community & volunteer related liability loss exposureshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/800/Community-volunteer-related-liability-loss-exposures.aspxPersonal InsuranceFri, 20 Oct 2023 17:22:00 GMT<p>Many people face a variety of community-related and volunteer-related loss exposures. For example, if you or a resident family member holds some type of leadership role in a community, charity, religious, not-for-profit, or political organization. You should consider the following risk management recommendations.</p> <ul> <li><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/volunteer-2055042_1920.jpg?ver=2020-10-21-092751-823" style="margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 207px;" />Confirm that the organization has appropriate directors and officers (D&O) coverage is in force.</li> <li>Verify that the organization's by-laws include an indemnity agreement requiring reimbursement of costs of defense and settlement or judgment amounts due to your personal liability arising from your actions on behalf of the organization or the organization's own actions.</li> <li>Accounting audits may rarely be performed for not-for-profit organizations. As a result, you should ask and verify that audits are implemented for these organizations. Otherwise, your exposure to loss is greater.</li> <li>If your community service involves no remuneration or slight remuneration (e.g., under $2,000 annually), your homeowners policy may provide coverage, although the liability limits may be inadequate. To broaden this liability coverage to include more perils, consider adding the personal injury (HO 24 82) or similar endorsement to your homeowners policy to provide some protection from allegations such as libel, slander, and wrongful eviction.</li> <li>In addition, personal umbrella coverage is warranted; an umbrella policy with broad protection arising from these types of activities should be selected.</li> </ul> <p>Source:  <a href="https://www.irmi.com/" target="_blank">International Risk Management Institute</a></p> 800Before you say, "I don't need renter's insurance"...https://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/850/Before-you-say-I-dont-need-renters-insurance.aspxPersonal InsuranceMon, 16 Oct 2023 17:20:00 GMT<p>Only 37% of renters have renter insurance according to research by the Insurance Information Institute. That's a scary number showing that <strong>many people underestimate how much they are putting at risk</strong> by not having this extremely affordable coverage. If you don't have renter's insurance, <strong>are you saying "No" before you are clear on what renter's insurance does for you?</strong></p> <p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" longdesc="Video about Renters Insurance Coverage" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JfbWQchrKjM" width="560"></iframe></p> <p>One of the most important things renter insurance covers is damage to your personal property. <strong>Your landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover any of your personal belongings</strong> if a covered loss such as fire, water damage from an overflowing sink or toilet, theft or vandalism, happens to your apartment. Most of us know bad things can happen, but then tell ourselves, "It won't happen to me." Just think about any house or apartment fire you’ve seen on the news recently. Those people probably thought the same thing, but then it actually did happen.  Sadly so many are not prepared for having to replace everything they own.</p> <h3>It would cost a lot to replace everything you own.</h3> <p>A common objection is “I don’t need renter insurance because I don’t own a lot of stuff.” You have clothes, furniture, appliances, electronics and much more. <strong>It’s not about the value of what your stuff is worth used if you sold it all; it’s about what it will cost to buy everything new if you lost it all.</strong> Imagine losting all your clothes in a fire. It could cost you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to replace them.  </p> <h3>It costs less than you think.</h3> <p>On average,<strong> it costs about $15 a month to cover everything you own plus you’ll probably get a discount on your auto insurance</strong> because you’ve purchased renter insurances. A pizza can cost more than $15.  If you still think that’s a lot, think about the cost of replacing everything you own. Most people wouldn’t want to think about spending all their disposable income replacing everything they own. Odds are, you’re one of those people.</p> <h3>Renter insurance is about more than just the things you own</h3> <p>Renters insurance also covers:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Your liability expenses if someone gets hurt in your apartment.</strong> Imagine someone tripping on a rug and falling causing a head injury or broken bones.. Your renter's insurance will probably cover some legal costs. And even if they don’t sue you, your insurance can cover certain medical expenses for your injured guest.</li> <li><strong>Increased living expenses.  </strong>This doesn’t mean your insurer will pay for your rent, but if there is a covered loss, making your apartment uninhabitable, your policy could reimburse you for food and temporary housing. Dont be the person standing outside your burning apartment building in the middle of winter having lost everything you own, having no place to go, and having no idea how you'll pay to get back on your feet. Renter insurance can help get life back on track a lot faster.</li> </ul> <p>Even if a disaster happens and someone else might be responsible that you could put in a claim against, that takes time plus there’s no guarantee they have insurance or you'll be successful. For just a few dollars a month, you’d have the peace of mind knowing that you have a plan to help you recover financially.</p> <h3>It’s easy to buy and less than 15 minutes to apply.</h3> <p>We’re all busy, but <strong>applying takes just a few minute at most</strong>. You can apply via our <strong><a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/get-a-quote/Renters-Insurance-Quote.aspx" target="_blank">online application</a></strong>, so while you're watching TV or just sitting around you can use that time to protect your stuff and yourself. Why not give yourself the peace of mind?</p> <p>Let us protect you…please <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/get-a-quote/Renters-Insurance-Quote.aspx" target="_blank">get in touch with us</a>.</p> 850Making sure that your home is properly covered for a disasterhttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/804/Making-sure-your-home-is-properly-covered-for-a-disaster.aspxPersonal InsuranceMon, 09 Oct 2023 17:19:00 GMT<p>For many people, their home is their greatest asset, so it is crucial to avoid being underinsured. To protect their investment from disasters, homeowners should update their insurance regularly to include improvements, major purchases, and increased rebuilding costs.</p> <div> <p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/house-fire-disaster%20sm.jpg?ver=TVqGq3tgPuWuopAZKZ5CWA%3d%3d" style="margin: 15px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 200px;" />In recent years, construction prices have risen significantly. Furthermore, after a disaster, materials and labor may become scarce, driving repair and rebuilding costs up even further.</p> </div> <p>To properly insure your home, it is important to ask your insurance agent or company representative four key questions.</p> <h3>1. Do I have enough insurance to rebuild my home?</h3> <p>Your policy needs to cover the cost of rebuilding your home at current construction costs. Unfortunately, some homeowners simply purchase enough insurance protection to satisfy their mortgage lender. Others confuse the real estate value of their home with what it would cost to rebuild it. Quite simply, you should have enough insurance to rebuild your home in the event that it is completely destroyed. Be sure to consider the following: </p> <ul> <li><strong>Replacement Cost  </strong> Most policies cover replacement cost for damage to the structure. A replacement cost policy pays for the repair or replacement of damaged property with materials of similar kind and quality.</li> <li><strong>Extended Replacement Cost </strong> This type of policy provides additional insurance coverage of 20 percent or more over the limits in your policy, which can be critical if there is a widespread disaster that pushes up the cost of building materials and labor.</li> <li><strong>Inflation Guard </strong> This coverage automatically adjusts the rebuilding costs of your home to reflect changes in construction costs. Find out if your policy includes this coverage or if you have to purchase it separately.</li> <li><strong>Ordinance or Law coverage </strong> If your home is badly damaged, you may be required to rebuild it to meet new (and often stricter) building codes. Ordinance or law coverage pays a specific amount toward these costs.</li> <li><strong>Water Back-Up  </strong> This coverage insures your property for damage from sewer or drain back-up. Most insurers offer it as an add-on to a standard policy.</li> <li><strong> Flood Insurance   </strong>Standard home insurance policies provide coverage for disasters such as fire, lightning and hurricanes. They do not include coverage for flood (including flooding from a hurricane). Flood insurance is available through the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (<a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/">www.floodsmart.gov</a>), but can be purchased from the same agent or company representative who provides you with your home or renters insurance. Make sure to purchase flood insurance for the structure of your house, as well as for the contents. Excess Flood Protection, which provides higher limits of coverage than the NFIP in the event of catastrophic loss by flooding, is available from some insurers. Keep in mind that there is a 30-day waiting period before the insurance is valid. </li> </ul> <h3>2. Do I have enough insurance to replace all of my possessions?</h3> <p>Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for your personal possessions for approximately 50 percent to 70 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home. So if you have $100,000 worth of coverage on the structure of your home, you would be covered for $50,000 to $70,000 worth of the contents of your home, depending on the policy.</p> <p>The best way to determine if this is enough coverage is to conduct a home inventory, which details everything you own and the estimated cost to replace these items if they are stolen or destroyed by a disaster. To help with this task, you can use the <a href="https://content.naic.org/consumer/home-inventory" target="_blank">National Association of Insurance Commissioners Home Inventory App</a>. Remember to keep your home inventory in a safe place, and take it with you if you need to evacuate your home during a disaster.</p> <p>You can insure your possessions in two ways: by their actual cash value or their replacement cost. Make sure you review with your agent or company representative which type of coverage is best for your particular situation. </p> <ul> <li><strong>Cash Value Policy</strong>  This coverage pays the cost of replacing your belongings minus depreciation.</li> <li><strong>Replacement Cost Policy </strong> This coverage reimburses you for the full current cost of replacing your belongings.</li> </ul> <p style="margin-left: 40px;">To illustrate the difference between the two types of policies, suppose, for example, a fire destroys a 10-year-old television set in your living room. If you have a replacement cost policy for the contents of your home, the insurance company will pay to replace the TV with a comparable new one. If you have an actual cash value policy, it will pay only a small percentage of the cost of a new TV set because the old TV has been used for 10 years and is now worth a lot less than its original cost. Some replacement cost policies specify that the new item be purchased by the insurance company as they may be able to purchase at a bulk or special rate. The price of replacement cost coverage is about 10 percent more than that of actual cash value.</p> <h3>3. Do I have enough coverage for additional living expenses?</h3> <p>Coverage for additional living expenses pays the extra costs of temporarily living away from your home if you can't live in it due to an insured disaster such as a hurricane. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals, transportation, and other living expenses incurred while your home is inaccessible or being rebuilt. It is important to note that it covers only those expenses that are over and above your regular living expenses, so it would not cover your mortgage, or regular trips to the grocery store. If you rent out part of your house, this coverage also reimburses you for the rent that you would have collected from your tenant if your home had not been destroyed.</p> <p>Coverage for additional living expenses differs from company to company. Many policies provide coverage for about 20 percent of the insurance on your house. Some companies will sell you a policy that provides you with an unlimited amount of loss of use coverage, for a limited amount of time.</p> <p>Make sure you know exactly how much coverage you have for additional living expenses, and whether there is a time limit. If the standard coverage is not adequate, it can generally be increased for an additional premium.</p> <h3>4. Do I have enough insurance to protect my assets?</h3> <p>Although not a key element in disaster planning, it is also important to have adequate liability protection. This covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or your family members may cause to other people. It also pays for damage caused by pets. Liability insurance pays for both the cost of defending you in court and for any damages a court rules you must pay—up to the limits of your policy. Most homeowners insurance policies provide a minimum of $100,000 worth of liability insurance, but higher amounts are available.</p> <p>It is important to purchase enough liability insurance to protect your assets. If the standard liability coverage in your homeowners policy is not sufficient, you may need an excess liability, or umbrella, policy, which provides additional coverage over and above what is covered in your home (and auto) insurance policy.</p> <p>If you do suffer damage from a disaster, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible and begin the claims filing process.  Also if you need the assistance of FEMA, here are their <a href="http://www.fema.gov/news-release/frequently-asked-questions-about-fema-disaster-assistance" target="_blank" type="Url"> Frequently Asked Questions about FEMA Disaster Assistance</a>.</p> <p>Source:  <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> <p style="margin-left: 40px;">                   <a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/get-a-quote/Homeowner-Insurance-Quote.aspx"><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/request%20review%20and%20quote%20button.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 60px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /></a></p> <p> </p> 804Home winter weather preparation tipshttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/805/Home-winter-weather-preparation-tips.aspxGeneral Safety and Info,Personal InsuranceThu, 28 Sep 2023 17:03:00 GMT<h2>simple steps to make your home safer, warmer, and cheaper to live in</h2> <p><img alt="winter weather home preparation tips" src="/Portals/0/winter%20ice.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 225px;" title="winter weather tips" />Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences on your home; fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid winter related damage. Keep in mind, the time to winterize is when the leaves begin to turn and not when the snow begins to fall.</p> <h3>outside</h3> <p><strong>Clean out gutters.</strong> Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming, which is what happens when water is unable to drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls. </p> <p><strong>Install gutter guards</strong>. Gutter guards prevent debris from entering the gutter and interfering with the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.</p> <p><strong>Trim trees and remove dead branches. </strong>Ice, snow and wind could cause weak trees or branches to break free and damage your home or car, or injure someone walking by your property.</p> <p><strong>Repair steps and handrails.</strong> Broken stairs and banisters can become lethal when covered with snow and ice.</p> <p><strong>Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations.</strong> Use caulking to seal cracks and wall openings to prevent cold air and moisture from entering your home. Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent warm air from leaking out and cold air from blowing in.</p> <h3><strong><strong><strong><a href="https://www.dfmurphy.com/resources/Forms-Center/Contact-Us.aspx"><img alt="Contact us & review" src="/Portals/0/request%20review%20winter%20button.jpg?ver=2020-10-02-104832-377" style="margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 15px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 100px;" /></a></strong></strong></strong>inside</h3> <p><strong>Keep the house warm. </strong>Set the thermostat no lower than 65 degrees to keep pipes from freezing inside the walls of your house, where temperatures can be much colder. </p> <p><strong>Add extra insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. </strong>If too much heat escapes through the attic, it can cause snow or ice to melt on the r<strong></strong>oof. Water then can refreeze, leading to more ice build-up—and even ice dams that can damage your roof. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will also help protect pipes, and you may also consider insulating garages and other unfinished areas to keep pipes from freezing.</p> <p><strong>Provide a reliable backup power source.</strong> In the event of a power outage, continuous power will keep you warm and help to prevent frozen pipes or a frozen battery operated sump-pump. Consider purchasing a portable generator to ensure safety. (Note: Be sure to follow all guidelines for the safe operation of portable power generators.)</p> <p><strong>Have your heating system serviced. </strong>Furnaces, boilers, and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to prevent fire and smoke damage.</p> <p><strong>Check pipes. </strong>Look closely for the presence of cracks and leaks, and have them repaired immediately. Pipes in attics and crawl spaces should be protected with insulation or plug-in heating cable.  When purchasing heating cable, be sure to select UL®-listed models with built-in thermostats to turn on the heat when it is needed. And always follow manufacturer instructions closely.</p> <p><strong>Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system.</strong> This will protect the system against increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.</p> <p><strong>Remove combustible items placed near any heat sources. </strong>This includes wood stoves and space heaters.</p> <p><strong>Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.</strong> Not only do residential fires increase in the winter, but so does carbon monoxide poisoning—so check that your detectors are in working condition on a regular basis.</p> <p><strong>Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located.</strong> If your pipes freeze, time is of the essence. The quicker you shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better your chance of preventing major damage.</p> <p><strong>Hire a licensed contractor to look for structural damage.</strong> (And have all necessary repairs performed as soon as possible.) Also, inquire about measures to prevent flooding from melted snow and ice runoff. Plastic coatings for internal basement walls, sump-pumps, and other improvements can prevent water damage to your home and belongings.</p> <h3>flooding</h3> <p>Flooding related to melting snow can overburden sewer systems, causing raw sewage to back up into the drains in your home. Backed-up sewers can wreak havoc, causing thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture, and electrical systems. <a href="http://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/Post/1738.aspx">Sewer backup</a> is not covered under a typical homeowners or renters insurance policy, but must be purchased as either a separate product or an endorsement. Nor is sewer backup covered by flood insurance, which is a separate policy available from the <a href="https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/">National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)</a>, that covers floods from tidal surges and overflowing bodies of water.</p> <p>Source:  <a href="http://www.iii.org" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a></p> 805Steps to take when renewing your insurancehttps://www.dfmurphy.com/blog/PostId/918/steps-to-take-when-renewing-your-insurance.aspxBusiness Insurance,Personal InsuranceWed, 27 Sep 2023 17:03:00 GMT<p>Even if you haven’t filed a claim, factors impacting the cost of insurance are outpacing inflation. Price surges caused by labor and supply chain issues have inflated repair and replacement costs for vehicles and property. Also, the increasing frequency and severity of accidents and other loss situations, such as weather-related disasters, are influencing overall rates. Our team of insurance professionals can work with you to ensure you’re getting the right amount of coverage at the right price…what we call a good value. Steps you can take to help manage your insurance protection are:</p> <p><span style="color:#505050"></span></p> <p><span style="color:#505050"></span></p> <p><span style="color:#505050"></span></p> <p><span style="color:#505050"></span></p> <p><span style="color:#505050"></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family:Symbol"></span><strong>Review your coverages annually: </strong>When you receive your annual renewal notices for your policy from your insurance carrier, read them to review any coverage or premium changes and assess if any adjustments may be needed.</li> <li><strong>Consider raising your deductible:</strong> The deductible is the amount of loss paid by you before your insurance coverage kicks in. Having a higher deductible can result in savings, so discuss options with your insurance professional.</li> <li><span style="font-family:Symbol"></span><strong>Confirm possible discounts: </strong>Many insurers offer auto insurance discounts such as low-mileage and good student discounts, among others. Home insurers often give consumers discounts for some types of security systems. Multi-policy discounts for having all your insurance with the same carrier typically also provide savings. Talk to your insurance professional.</li> <li><span style="font-family:Symbol"></span><strong>Take steps to prevent losses:</strong> Having theft reduction devices are typically reflected in auto insurance premiums. Insurers welcome retrofits and renovations that strengthen residences. For businesses, risk reduction achieved through prevention methods, procedures, and training can favorably impact premiums.</li> <li><span style="font-family:Symbol"></span><strong>Keep in mind that value includes an insurer’s service: </strong>An insurer should be judged on factors besides the cost of their policies including the insurer's financial strength, services offered, and reputation for customer satisfaction.</li> </ul> <p><strong><strong><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/man%20reviewing.jpg?ver=a31dFmzg50UOdxNeJtWbYQ%3d%3d" style="width: 300px; height: 200px; float: left; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px;" /></strong></strong>By being aware of the risks specific to your property, taking preventive measures when possible, and keeping an open dialogue with your insurance professional, you can help manage your insurance costs effectively.</p> 918