We just learned via the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) that the Massachusetts Senate was successful in adding an amendment to its version of the 2016 State Budget that would increase the Property Damage Threshold for Minor and Major accidents. If the language survives the budget conference committee, the new threshold for Minor Accidents will be $1,001 and the threshold for Major Accidents will be $5,001.

Do you have a sump pump in your basement? If yes, it’s important to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure that it’s working properly to keep your home dry and prevent damage from excess ground or rainwater. Periodic checking that your pump is functioning properly can reduce the chances of a failure at the worst possible moment....

1. Your homeowners policy only provides $2500 coverage for personal business property in your home. If you have a home office, you may need to increase coverage to fully protect your computer, office furniture, equipment, filing cabinets, etc. 2. If a tree falls on your vehicle, the damage is not covered under your homeowners policy. You are covered only if you carry...

For teenagers, getting your license is a right of passage. It's a symbol of growing up and having more freedom, but it also comes with more responsibility. Most teenagers seem to have a feeling of invincibility, which is great, but it needs to be tempered with an increased sense of responsibility especially behind the wheel. That's where parents come in....

Winter seems to be making up for lost time. While Massachusetts didn’t have that much snow in earlier winter months, February appears to be making up for it. The snow continues to accumulate with snow this week and there are several more weeks of winter ahead. Property owners are working to keep driveways parking lots and sidewalks cleared. And, when we get this much snow, it’s important...

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Many of us have given or received a gift of jewelry as a symbol of our love on special days like these. While it doesn’t necessarily make sense to specifically insure every piece of jewelry you own, it’s certainly wise if you have expensive pieces…especially if you wear them frequently. When you “schedule” a special piece of jewelry on your...

Having a car accident is something that everyone dreads. It’s something that parents of teen drivers especially worry about when their child first gets behind the wheel. Car accident statistics have long shown that younger and older drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents. However, a recent study published by Kansas State University has shown that gender is related to the type of severe or fatal crash in which a young driver may be involved...

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has released its annual “Hot Wheels” report outlining the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen in 2013. The report is based on theft data submitted to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) by law enforcement...

As storm season approaches, it's a great time to remember that if you need to update your insurance protection, you need to do so well in advance of an impending hurricane. There is a 30 day waiting period after you have purchased a flood policy before the protection goes into effect...

When it comes to driving, you may be able to drive and talk on the phone because driving or talking seems automatic, but both require focus. Without your full attention on the task of driving, you are a less effective driver, which reduces safety. When talking on the phone, have you ever...