Flood Insurance and your Vermont Homeowners Insurance Policy

The last short term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program that was passed is set to expire on November 18th. Unless another short term or long term solution is passed by both the Senate and the House we will not be able to effect new flood insurance policy’s until a solution is passed.

If you have been putting off getting a flood insurance policy now is the time to do it.  Watching the pace that the house and senate have been operating at, it is anyone guess when they will get this resolved.  This hold up will be very inconvenient for many people.  Anyone trying to secure Vermont Homeowners Insurance in their new home that requires flood insurance will have a very hard time doing so.  Also mortgagee companies in Vermont may not allow a loan to close on a home in a flood zone without this coverage.

 If you currently have Vermont Homeowners Insurance and you think you need a flood insurance policy call us today to get the process started.  All applications and deposits have to be processed before November 18th 2011 to meet the expiration deadline. 

After the recent flooding that took place in VT you do not want to risk missing out on the protection you need.  Your Vermont Homeowners Insurance policy will not cover your home or property for flood insurance. 

Vermont Insurance is Our Specialty at Downey Insurance Group

Do you need Vermont Insurance?  If so you have come to the right place.  Downey Insurance, with locations in Brattleboro, VT, Keene, NH and Marlborough, MA can help you with all of your Insurance needs.  Vermont Insurance is our specialty in our Brattleboro VT office.  We have many products to choose from, no matter what your insurance needs may be.

Vermont Auto Insurance, Vermont Home Insurance, and Vermont Business Insurance are some of our specialties.  We have the ability to match you with the Insurance Company that is the best fit for you.  Doing business with us is very easy, let us do the shopping for you. 

Visit our website and fill out a quote request, to get started.  Join the Downey Insurance family today.  Our Vermont Insurance knowledge and customer service cannot be beat.  Our team in Brattleboro is by far the best and praised by our Personal and Commercial Clients alike. 

We want you to be part of our Vermont Insurance family!  Let us professionally manage your insurance; you won’t regret it switching to Downey.

Be Properly Covered with New Hampshire Auto Insurance Before You Go On Vacation

 

 

 

 

There’s nothing like going on a vacation, but don’t forget to make sure your car and your New Hampshire auto insurance policy are in order before you go. First, make sure your insurance is active.  It is not hard to innocently forget to renew your insurance policy. The last thing you want to happen is to have an accident in the middle of nowhere and discover that your policy has lapsed, so make sure everything is up-to-date.

 

You also may be travelling across state lines. Other states may have different liability limit requirements. While your policy may have a provision for this, it’s always wise to let your agent know you’ll be driving interstate and double check your coverage. Those who live in a state where liability insurance isn’t required will need to obtain it before driving into a state that does require it.


Many people decide to rent a car when they go on vacation, and of course, that car needs to be insured. Don’t just accept that you need to purchase the insurance that the rental car company is selling – your own policy may already include rental car coverage. Check to determine what you are covered for, as you could save a significant amount of money on renting a car.

Make sure your car is in good working order before you leave home. Change your oil if required, check your tire pressure, and ensure the car has been serviced recently. Driving an unsafe car can be extra risky on unfamiliar roads and highways, and your New Hampshire auto insurance costs could rise if you cause an accident. Not to mention that it wouldn’t be the best way to start a vacation! If you want some more information, feel free to contact Downey Insurance Group today.

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Earthquake Coverage – Homeowners Insurance MA

Does your Massachusetts Homeowners policy cover Earthquake damage?  Earthquake insurance may not be something you have thought about here in New England.  But, after the earthquake in Virginia over the summer and now Oklahoma of all places is seeing seismic activity this past weekend, it may not be a bad time to look into whether your Massachusetts Homeowners Policy covers earthquake Damage.

If you live in New England, we are arguably low risk for and earthquake, even though we are directly on a major fault line.  This fault line runs right though our region.  It has historically been inactive but it still is a major fault line.  If we were to have an earthquake it could potentially be a doozy. 

Most Massachusetts Homeowners MA policies do not include earthquake coverage in their standard homeowners policy.  Most insurance companies do offer Earthquake coverage as an add on endorsement.  This endorsement is usually very reasonably priced and can be added on at any time during the policy period. 

If you have any questions regarding your policy or adding earthquake coverage to your policy please feel free to contact us.

Massachusetts Homeowners Insurance + A Disaster Kit = Protection for Your Family

It may sound like a no brainer.  But it could mean the difference between surviving a disaster physically and financially.   The last year in Massachusetts has been intense.   We have had tornados, a hurricane, and an early snow storm that has left many without power for many days.  Insurance claims for 2011 are much higher than expected.   It seems like being prepared is taking on a whole new meaning. 

 Massachusetts Homeowner Insurance is so important for your family in the event of a disaster.  Most natural disaster damage (except for flood or ground water seepage) is covered under your standard homeowners policy. Would you be able to afford to rebuild your home after a disaster?

A Disaster Kit is not something that most homeowners have, but they should.  Having the supplies to feed and take care of your family in an emergency can mean everything when you need it.  Some people in Massachusetts have now been without power for 3 days.  Stores in the area can quickly sell out of staples like bottled water and canned food.  FEMA provides a good list for a Complete Disaster Kit.  If you cannot assemble a complete disaster kit, you may want to consider having the following on hand or whatever you think your family would need for the recommended 3 days of provisions:

Water

Baby Formula and/or Baby Food

Canned Meats/Fruit/Veggies

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Crackers

Nuts

Coffee or Tea

Toilet Paper

Paper Plates and/or Utensils

Small Camping Stove