by Downey Insurance Group | Nov 5, 2013 | Blog
By now, we are all familiar enough with those large flat panels we see on some rooftops to know that they are solar panels. Solar energy is becoming much more popular and solar panels have become more esthetically acceptable than in years past due to the decline in nature’s energy sources. You may even have been contemplating going solar for a while now. If you are thinking about it, here are some reasons why going solar could be a great option for you:
- You will save money. We all could stand to save a few bucks, right? Well going solar will give you energy independence considering you will most likely make more energy than your home will need. You will see your electric bill not only go down, but possibly diminish completely.
- You will not be depleting the earth’s resources. Unless the sun was to stop shining, the energy that can be converted from its rays is limitless. Unlike fossil fuels that seem to be utilized much more than they should, the sun’s energy is just waiting to be used.
- You will be increasing the value of your home. A lot of homebuyers want to know that their new home will be green and not help to increase their carbon footprint. Solar panels will help do just that. So if you are looking to sell in the future, adding solar panels is a great idea.
You may wonder if solar panels will increase your homeowner’s insurance premium. We can certainly work with you to find the best policy to fit your newly solar paneled home. Your insurance does not have to increase significantly. In fact, some companies offer discounts for going green with solar panels. Give us a call with any of your questions before you make the decision to go solar!
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by Downey Insurance Group | Oct 24, 2013 | Blog
It is hard to figure out how to save money if you do not first look at your spending habits. Take a peek at your most recent bank statement to see where all your money goes on a daily basis. Where are most of your purchases? Do you visit the ATM on a regular basis? Are you paying too much for items that could be bought at a lower rate?
If you notice that most of your purchases are made at the same place, find out if that place has any type of loyalty program. Some companies like to reward their loyal customers by offering discounts or free items after so many are purchased. It is certainly something to look into the next time you think about buying something.
If taking money out of the ATM is something you find yourself doing quite often, realize that you are probably paying a fee every time you do it. Even if your bank does not charge a fee, you could still be charged one by the ATM you are using. Sometimes those fees could be upwards of $5. If you go to that ATM 5 times a month, that’s $25 extra that could have been avoided. Figure out how much money you will need for the month and only visit the ATM once to save $20.
If you think you are paying too much for certain things, give the company a call to see about lower your rates. For example, you may be paying too much for your insurance policies. If you call us we can see if you qualify for any discounts or credits on your current policies. We can also offer you quotes on new policies that may save you money in the long run. Just give us a call. And we can help.
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by Downey Insurance Group | Oct 7, 2013 | Blog
If you own a business that deals in the distribution of food, you are most likely familiar with the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). This act was put together to enforce labeling of products that contain the eight most common food allergens in the United States (eggs, wheat, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and milk) and help prevent unnecessary allergic reactions in people with food allergies.
When you sell foods you want your customers to enjoy them without worry of having an allergic reaction from an unknown ingredient. Having the FALCPA in place can help make that much easier. However, there may be times when even the most prominent labeling and disclosure of your ingredients can still be overlooked by your customers. In those cases, you could be sued for the allergic reaction your customer may have.
While it would be unfortunate for anyone to have a reaction to your products, you still most likely will not be held liable for their misfortune. But defending yourself can be costly. Paying lawyers to defend your business and hiring research teams to find out the cause of the problem can be a financial burden for not only your business, but your personal bank account as well.
Thankfully your business liability insurance policy will help pay for the legal costs you will endure in your business if a case like this were to happen. But your best bet is to research the laws in your jurisdiction regarding food allergies and your customers. Having the knowledge in your arsenal beforehand can prevent lawsuits from coming. Proper labeling and following all the laws can protect you and your business. If you have any questions about food allergy laws or how your business liability insurance will protect you, give us a call and we can help.
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by Downey Insurance Group | Sep 24, 2013 | Blog
Summer may be coming to an end, but hurricane season is just about to take the front seat. We are about to reach the peak of this year’s stormy season and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) we may be in for a bumpy ride. Are you ready?
Considering the last few months have not really made too many records in terms of weather, you may think we are in the clear for the rest of the year. But the NOAA has predicted that we could have 13 to 19 named storms this year. That means 13 to 19 storms could have winds up to 74 mph blowing around. Of those 16 to 19 storms, they say 3 to 5 of them could be major category 3, 4 or even 5 with winds of at least 111 mph. That’s certainly nothing to sneeze at. Take some time now before those storms show up to prepare your home and family for the worst.
Review all your documents and make copies of all the important pieces of information like your birth certificates, passports, mortgage info, deeds, and any special photos. Keep those copies at home and store the originals in a safe place away from your home. Bank safe deposit boxes are a great place as long as they are out of the storm’s path as well. Putting your valuables in a bank that is just down the street from your home may not be the best option.
Make an emergency plan with your family. Map out an evacuation route in case you need to get out of the area. Check the FEMA website for other tips as well. They list different things you should put in your emergency kit and how to secure your home for impact of a large storm.
And call us to review your home insurance policies. If you do not have a flood insurance policy, now is a great time to invest in one. Do not wait until it is too late.
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by Downey Insurance Group | Sep 9, 2013 | Blog
What are your most valuable household items? Without really knowing the replacement value of your most prized possessions, how would you file an insurance claim for them if something were to happen to them? It is important to know what each of your costly belongings is actually worth to find out how to insure them.
Take for example that beautiful necklace your grandmother passed down to you on your 13th birthday. You know it looks shiny and has at least 4 diamonds in it, but do you know the value of those diamonds? What type of material is the setting for those diamonds? And how many carats is the gold chain that diamond charm hangs from? Without knowing for sure, you may be missing out on a proper insurance policy for it.
Have your prized possessions appraised to see what type of value they really hold. You may find that your homeowner’s insurance may not be enough to cover a loss if it was to happen. Typical homeowner’s policies have limits for specific items like jewelry, precious stones, electronic devices and firearms. If your homeowner’s insurance policy follows suit with most others, you may only be able to recover $2000 for a loss to your grandma’s necklace. If the necklace is worth more than that, you will not be able to recover it.
It might be better to open a floater insurance policy strictly for that necklace on its own. We can find a policy with a minimal premium that will cover your necklace and other valuable items for the amount it would cost you to replace them if they are lost, damaged or stolen. Just give us a call and we can help find the right policy for you. We want you to have peace of mind when it comes to your personal items.
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