by Downey Insurance Group | Mar 16, 2012 | Blog
Taking out New Hampshire home insurance is highly recommended to help give you coverage for loss or damage. This may be as the result of a break in, fire, or a natural disaster. However, in assessing your options, you may have come across the terms “actual cash value” and “replacement cost”, and may be wondering what the terms mean and if there are any price differences:
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
An actual cash value policy will replace the value of the possessions lost or damaged. However, it will take into account depreciation of the property and other wear and tear. For example, a payout for a 3-year-old flat screen TV worth $1,000, which was stolen in a burglary of your house, may have lost some value over the time of use. Even though actual cash value policies usually pay less than replacement cost, the level of premium you need to pay is usually lower.
Replacement Cost (RC)
A replacement cost policy pays the full cost of the item’s replacement, unless there are any arrangements such as deductibles. It is also usually more expensive to buy than an ACV policy.
Obtaining the right type of
New Hampshire home insurance to suit your coverage requirements is crucial. The option you choose will reflect your goals and the value you afford to your property. Talk to us for more information on this subject!
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by Downey Insurance Group | Mar 9, 2012 | Blog
Managing your risk is a key component of effective management. Every company is different, depending on the type of business activities in which they are engaged, and therefore, the risks to which they are exposed can vary. Financially managing this risk through Massachusetts insurance is highly recommended.
However, there are a number of ways to reduce the chance of accidents happening in the workplace. Effective implementation of these steps may reduce the need to claim against your business insurance policy:
Set up a safety committee
Usually, a liaison between staff and management, the safety committee should monitor areas where safety is an issue and suggest methods to prevent accidents occurring and improve overall health and safety.
Update your risk assessment regularly
Your risk assessment survey, which would have identified the key risk areas of your company, should be regularly updated and monitored to take into account changing circumstances.
Consider a further training program for your staff
By including safety rules, regulations, and procedures as part of a widened training program for staff in high risk areas, you may help reduce the chances of an accident occurring.
Most importantly, make sure that your Massachusetts insurance is adequate to cover your risk level. For more details on this, contact one of our agents!
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by Downey Insurance Group | Mar 2, 2012 | Blog
There are a number of steps you can take to help increase your home’s security and in doing so, reduce your claims against your New Hampshire home insurance policy. You can install a sophisticated and recommended burglar alarm system to help deter any unwanted intruders. Also, you can secure windows and doors by strengthening their hinges and joins and using locking devices. However, have you also considered joining a local neighborhood watch group?
These organizations tap into the sense of community and the ideal that neighbors and friends “watch out” for each other. With regard to increased security against would-be burglars, members of these groups attempt to keep a watch on their neighbor’s property and carry out helpful tasks such as removing mail from the occupant’s mail box — especially since a full mail box could indicate an uninhabited property.
Should you be new to the area, ask your neighbors for more information. Many such watch committees are run through law enforcement agencies or another local authority. Where there is no such group in your area, you could consider starting one. More information can be found at
USAonwatch. By being active in a neighborhood watch group, you could demonstrate to your insurance provider that you are serious about security, and who knows? You might save some money on your
New Hampshire home insurance in the process!
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by Downey Insurance Group | Feb 23, 2012 | Blog
One of the most important types of Massachusetts insurance is homeowners insurance. Making sure this is paid on time, as well as being adequate to give you coverage in the event of a burglary are both important, particularly if you live in an area which is known to be prone to crime.
When we consider securing our homes against burglary, we may think about strengthening doors and windows with improved locks and even metal bars to help physically prevent would-be burglars from entering the premises. We may also think about purchasing an expensive burglar alarm system to deter thieves. Both of these methods should give assistance in the fight against burglary. However, there are some low cost things you can also do to act as a deterrent.
Thieves looking to break-in will normally wait until the house is empty, which is usually during the day when many people are at work. Should your house be covered with tree or shrub branches, this may act as an effective cover for the burglar. By cutting these back, the thief will be more visible to your neighbors, or people walking on the nearby street. The burglar may well think that the risk of being seen is high and decide to move on.
A simple method such as increasing a person’s visibility to others as they approach your house is a simple addition to your strategy, which can help prevent burglaries and consequently reduce the risk of a theft claim on your Massachusetts insurance. For more information about homeowners insurance, talk to one of our representatives!
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by Downey Insurance Group | Feb 21, 2012 | Blog
Did you have a great Presidents Day weekend? Most Massachusetts auto dealers did, they hit record breaking sales numbers! This is not just good news for them it means the auto market is on the rebound with the economy. Massachusetts Auto Insurance Agents will certainly be busy today. If you have questions about adding your new vehicle to your policy, or starting a new policy, give us call Massachusetts auto insurance is our specialty.
There are some amazing deals out there that are just too good to pass up. With February being a short month and the new models starting to be delivered to the showrooms the dealers are offering some fantastic deals to move their current stock.
Dealers are now able to offer more than ever for a trade in due to the high demand and the low inventory of used vehicles. People have been holding on to their old cars for a few more years and trying to squeeze as much as they can out of them before they trade them in pushing the average age of a vehicle on the road up to 10.8! The highest it has ever been. Used cars in good condition are a high demand commodity right now. Your used car may be worth more than you think!
Auto dealers in Massachusetts are optimistic about sales for 2012 according to the Worcester Telegram. The numbers look promising. There are still some amazing local deals that are available through the end of February. If you need Massachusetts Auto Insurance for your new vehicle, call us at Downey Insurance. We want to be your new Insurance agent for your new car!
