Vermont Insurance Can Even Cover Your Injuries on the Slopes!

by | Dec 5, 2011 | Blog

There are many benefits to living in Vermont and when it comes to vacation choices in your own backyard a ski trip is hard to beat. Do you have a current life insurance policy? You might want to check the fine print before hitting the slopes. Your Vermont insurance policy may have exclusions for dangerous activities, which could mean if you were to have an unfortunate accident while on the ski slopes there could be an issue with the payout. It’s always best to check and if you enjoy some of the more dangerous sporting activities, ask your agent to find you a more appropriate policy.

Hopefully your ski vacation won’t end in disaster. To help you stay safe on the slopes, having the correct sized skis is important. Here is how to make sure the skis you choose are a good fit:

  • Don’t be misled by the length of skis. Shorter skis might appear less cumbersome but beginners usually find longer skis give them more stability.
  • Skis are sized in centimeters so remember there are 2.54 centimeters to one inch.
  • Most quality skiing shops will have a chart that lists the right ski length for a person based on his or her skiing ability and height.
  • Hold the ski upright against your body, for a beginner it should reach your chin.

Every skier has to start at the beginning and people learn at different rates, so take it slow and steady to keep as safe as possible. Taking precautions to minimize the risk of injuring yourself can help keep you safe. Checking that your Vermont insurance life policy will still be valid should something unexpected happen can give you the peace of mind to enjoy your holiday.

 

 

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Hosting a Holiday Party? 5 Things You Need to Know Now to Keep It Safe

by | Dec 1, 2011 | Blog

Tis the season for a holiday get together or a party.  Whether you are hosting a party at home or a holiday party for your business, here are some tips to keep it safe.   Sometimes there is a tad too much holiday spirit flowing and you may have to intervene to keep someone from drinking too much and getting behind the wheel.  This can be a touchy subject, but at times it is necessary to action.  Here are some ways you can keep control and keep the peace from your Small Business Insurance Partner Downey Insurance Group.

Hire a bartender for your function.  This sounds expensive but depending on the size of your party it may be a reasonable option.  Bartenders for hire will carry their own liquor liability coverage, so they will be very vigilant about not over serving.  This takes the pressure off you, so you can enjoy your function.

Do not let anyone drive if they have had too much to drink.  Period.  Like I said, this can be a touchy subject but it just might save their life or someone else’s life.  Be prepared and think this through before the party and make a plan of what you would do in this situation. 

Solidify your plan.  You could have a few fellow party goers that are prepared to drive people home if necessary.  If you have worked this out up front it will be easier to ask them in the moment, and it won’t feel like you are inconveniencing them.  Another option would be to provide the overzealous partyer a place to stay for the night.

Know your liquor liability coverage.  What would happen if someone left your party and caused a major accident or worse?  Would you be liable for over serving?  You bet.  Are you covered?  If you have a standard Homeowners Policy or a Business General Liability Insurance you would be covered up to your General Liability Limit.  We recommend a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability coverage for all of our clients.  If you are only carrying $500,000 in coverage it is usually less that $50 to bump that coverage up to $1,000,000.  It is well worth the peace of mind of knowing that you will not have to pay out of pocket.

Have Fun!  Holiday parties don’t always have to involve drinking, maybe try something else entirely.  Many cooperation’s and families are doing new and interesting things for their holiday functions.   Maybe try your hand at indoor go-kart racing, or a trip to an indoor water park. 

Tornado Warning Terminology and Coverage with Massachusetts Homeowners Insurance

by | Nov 29, 2011 | Blog

Tornadoes commonly occur in Massachusetts. Most Massachusetts homeowners insurance policies classify tornado damage as wind damage. Destruction to your property from a tornado is usually covered by basic home insurance, but some policies may have a higher deductible for wind damage so it is important to read your contract carefully. Understanding the two main terms usually used to describe tornado danger can help you stay safe when living in a tornado prone area. Tornado watch: this means a tornado is possible so make a point of listening to media updates. Your family may have to move to a safe place extremely quickly so remind everyone to stay close to the appropriate tornado shelter. The signs of a tornado threat may be a low, dark cloud or a spinning funnel shaped cloud. Be aware that sometimes a tornado can develop so rapidly there may be no obvious danger signs beforehand. Tornado warning: this means you need to go to a tornado shelter immediately. A passage way or inner room on the lowest level may be the safest area in a multi level building. Leave vehicles and mobile homes and take shelter in the nearest solid structure. Lie flat in a ditch or low point if caught outside in a tornado and stay aware of flying debris. After a tornado has passed remember to keep listening to media alerts for potential emergency situations that may have been caused by the storm. It is also a good idea to take photographs of any damage for your Massachusetts homeowners insurance claim. With Downey Insurance Group, you can get the coverage you need with our agency’s assistance. Contact us today for more information!   *

Marlborough Historical Society – Festival of Trees 2011

by | Nov 25, 2011 | Blog

 

It is such a wonderful time of year, and celebrating the Christmas season would not be complete in Marlborough without visiting the Festival of Trees.  This year The Marlborough Historical Society will be holding ”The  4th Annual Festival of Trees “ in a new location:  Hellenic Hall at Sts. Anargyroi Greek Church, 9 Cashman Street, November 25, 26th, 27th and December 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Everyone in our MA Insurance office loves sponsoring this event because is brings so much Christmas Spirit to the Marlborough area.  Even though this is a relatively new tradition, it has already stolen the hearts of many locals and we believe it will continue for many, many years to come.   Then to bring this wonderful program to and end on December 10th The Marlborough Historical Society will be holding “Christmas at the Farm” at The Peter Rice Homestead (the home of the Historical Society).

This year the Festival of Tress will include Santa’s Workshop, Candyland, Holiday Decorations, Miniature Victorian Village and Train Display, Crafters, Santa Claus, and an Animated Display from Edaville USA Railway.  But the main event, the trees, is not to be missed!  Dozens of beautiful trees will be decorated and on display ready to be raffled off for you to take home!  We have a coupon for discounted admission.   Don’t let this tradition pass you by!

Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe EVER from Your MA Auto Insurance Specialist

by | Nov 23, 2011 | Blog

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  If your house is like ours on Thanksgiving there will still be an abundance of leftovers after everyone eats themselves into a food coma.  If you struggle with what to do with all those leftovers I have the perfect leftover recipe for you brought to you by your MA Auto Insurance Specialists.  See we do think about things other than Insurance, although everything relates to Insurance in our world!  This also is a great solution for all of those who are lucky enough to be guest this Thanksgiving and are sent home with a plate full of goodness.   I am sorry I don’t have any pictures; these have never lasted long enough to photograph! 

I introduce the Perfect Leftover Recipe – Leftover Turnover Pies!  These are so yummy my mouth is watering just thinking about them.  What could be better than combining all your delicious Thanksgiving foods and pie crust!  Super yum!

Thanksgiving Leftover Turnover Pie’s

  • For this recipe you could use pre-made pie crust, homemade pie crust, puff pastry or pre-packaged crescent roll dough.  All of these will add their own unique flavors to your turnovers.  I always use whatever I happen to have on hand, or I whip up a pie crust from scratch.
  • Combine your filling ingredients.  My favorite combo is: Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing, Mashed potato, and Gravy. 
  • Cut or shape your dough into circles or rectangles, fill and seal!  The size and shape of your Turnover Pie’s is totally up to you, you can’t really get this wrong.   You may want to seal your edges with a little egg wash, but it is not necessary. 
  • Cooking time and temp will vary by size and type of crust.  Check the baking directions for your crust of choice, for a good estimate.  You don’t need to “cook” your filling as it is already cooked just make sure it is heated thoroughly.  Your cooking time will mainly be for the crust.  If you have an oven light this is a great time to use it!  400 degrees for 20 Minutes usually does the trick.  When your crust is golden brown, remove from the oven.  Let stand for 10 minutes, then enjoy!!!!

This is one of our favorite recipes and I hope your family comes to love it as much as we do.   Thanks everyone, from your MA Auto Insurance specialists at Downey Insurance Group!