Avoid a Homeowners Claim by Giving Your Gutters Some TLC

by | Sep 26, 2011 | Blog

As fall approaches and those beautiful leaves start falling from the trees, it is time to think about cleaning out the gutters on your home.  Clogged gutters have the potential to cause major damage.   Backed up water can damage siding, seep through walls and damage drywall and insulation as well as flood basements.  Most of this damage if caused by rain water would be covered under your Massachusetts Homeowners Insurance policy.  But there is always your insurance deductible to think about and the hassle of having to fix the damage and file your homeowners insurance claim.

There are many options when it comes to maintaining your home’s gutters.  You can clean them yourself, hire a service, or have a gutter guard system installed.  If you are not inclined, or not able to clean your own gutters, we would recommend Marlborough Gutter Cleaning.  Joe and Laura Bovaconti are long time clients and good friends of Downey Insurance.  They have even helped the Downey family through a few gutter emergencies!  They have a great on-line scheduler that makes scheduling an appointment a snap.   Visit their website www.cleangutter.com for more information.  You also can find more info on our Partners Page on the Downey Insurance site. 

VT Community Foundation is Accepting Grant Applications for VT Farms

by | Sep 16, 2011 | Blog

Through a partnership with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, The Vermont Community Foundation will be issuing grants to local VT farms affected by tropical storm Irene.   The grants will be issued from The Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund, which is being managed by The Vermont Community Foundation. 

 Community foundations are tax-exempt public charities serving thousands of people who share a common interest—improving the quality of life in their area.  The Vermont Community Foundation, founded in 1986, is Vermont’s largest foundation in terms of asset size.  They also rank among the top 10% for total assets and gifts received out of over 700 foundations nationwide.

Contributions to The Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund will be used to issue grants directly to farmers. These grants are designed to act as a jump start for farms, and may help many of them stay in business, or return to production.  The grants will only be issued for uninsured losses; anything that is covered by a Vermont Insurance policy will not be included in grant determination.  These grants, being issued in amounts up to $10,000, can be used for a variety of needs including replacing lost infrastructure, livestock, animal feed, farm mortgage costs, or land lease payments.

Grant decisions will be made in consultation with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, NOFA Vermont, Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, Vermont Farm Bureau, Rural Vermont, and University of Vermont Extension.

The deadline for the first round of applications is September 19th, with checks being mailed as early as September 30th.  The second and currently only other scheduled deadline is September 30th with grants be mailed by October 14th.

 Applications as well as donation information can be found on The Vermont Community Foundations website:  http://www.vermontcf.org/

How to Avoid Getting Scammed During Disaster Recovery

by | Sep 12, 2011 | Blog

Business owners and residents that have been affected by flooding and other damage from Hurricane Irene should be alert for fraudulent activity during the rebuilding process.  Scam artist and crocks have been known to target disaster victim in the past.  There is no doubt that they will be out trying to make a buck at your expense after Irene. 

Here are some tips from Downey Insurance to avoid getting scammed.

  • Watch out for Contractors that ask for large down payments for future work.  Always get at least 3 estimates for work to be performed, and pay your down payment by check or credit card.  Always ask for a signed contract with a clear cancelation notification policy.
  • FEMA scams are on the rise.  There is never a fee to apply for FEMA assistance.  The only way to apply for FEMA it to call 1-800-621-3362 or to register on-line at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Fraudulent charitable groups have also been known to crop up around disasters like Irene.   Never give money to someone you do not know who is “collecting money for victims.” You are much better off giving money to a recognized group or organization that is well known for disaster relief like the Red Cross.
  • Identity Theft is something you should also watch out for.  FEMA will ask for your Social Security Number when applying for assistance, but do not give it out to anyone else.  FEMA will not call you asking you to verify this information.

Any suspected fraudulent activity should be reported to your local police department.  Additionally suspected FEMA scams should be reported to FEMA directly.  Anyone who claims to be representing FEMA or your Vermont Homeowners Insurance company should be carrying identification.

Flood Recovery Information

by | Sep 1, 2011 | Blog

In response to recent flooding caused by Hurricane Irene, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has developed the following materials to help us assist residents recovering from flood damage and navigate the flood insurance claims process.  If you have any questions regarding your flood policy please call your repective Downey Insurance Group agent.

In addition, the following tips may be helpful to residents returning to flood-damaged areas.

  • Beware of Hazards. Check for damage, including structural damage before re-entering your home. Contact the appropriate professionals immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric and sewer lines. Throw away water-damaged food including canned goods that have come in contact with floodwaters. Boil water until local authorities declare the water supply safe to drink.
  • File your Flood Insurance Claim. Call your agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. Have the following information with you when you place your call: (1) the name of your insurance company (your agent may write policies for more than one company); (2) your policy number; and (3) a telephone number/e-mail address where you can be reached.
  • Take photographs. To make filing your claim easier, take photographs of any water in the house and damaged personal property. If necessary, place these items outside the home. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (e.g.: cut swatches from carpeting, curtains, chairs) to prepare your repair estimate.
  • Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their age and value where possible. If possible, have receipts for those lost items available for the adjuster. Local officials may require the disposal of damaged items. If so, keep a swatch or other sample of the item(s) for the adjuster.
  • Gather any documents, such as photographs, receipts and itemized lists you made prior to the flood.
  • Prevent mold and remove wet contents immediately.
  • Work with the adjuster to calculate the damage in order to prepare an accurate estimate.
  • Resources are available. The American Red Cross offers a free Repairing Your Flooded Home guide. This guide will help you as you first re-enter your damaged home.
  • For FEMA Disaster Assistance call 1-800-621-3362. For general flood insurance questions call 1-800-427-4661.

Client resorces for Local Aid and FEMA Disaster Assistance from Irene

by | Aug 30, 2011 | Blog

Here is a list of resources we are directing clients to for Diaster Assistance:
 
  • 2-1-1: Call 211 in the state of VT, NH or MA for information on local recourses that are available in the community.
  • As of this morning FEMA has not released funds for individuals or businesses to apply for disaster assistance in MA, VT or NH. They have released funds for the State Government to begin cleaning up and repairing the municipalities.
  • Once FEMA releases the funds for individuals and businesses to file they need to do so here: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ Business owners need to fill out the from in their personal name, then list the business later on in the form.
  • Here is some info for Businesses and Farms from FEMA:http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/business.shtm
  • Also, The Department of Agriculture urges farmers and ranchers in storm-affected areas to notify their local farm bureau service centers in order to coordinate evaluation of storm affects on crop yields.