by cdowney | Feb 26, 2019 | Blog
Not all insurance agents are the same! Choosing the right one can make a big difference – in price, service, and value.
With other agencies, you get one company that sells one brand of insurance. With an independent insurance agency like Downey Insurance Agency you get choices.
Why? Because independent insurance agencies, like Downey Insurance Agency represent a number of different insurance companies, and can compare coverage and prices to find the best possible value for your individual circumstances. As independent agents, we’re committed to doing business face-to-face and being your advocate in times of need.
Here are a few reasons why Downey Insurance Agency should be your first and last stop when looking for insurance.
- We work for you when you have a claim.
- We are not beholden to any one company. This means you don’t have to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
- We are your consultants, working with you as you determine your needs.
- We are value-hunters who look after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage, and service.
- We offer one-stop shopping for a full range of products, including home, renters, auto, business, life, health, and retirement plans.
- We can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
- We are committed to customer satisfaction – it’s the key to our livelihood.
- We treat you like a person, not a number.
- We are licensed professionals with strong customer and community ties.
- We are a Trusted Choice Agency!
There is a difference. To find out how our independent insurance agency can help you find the right insurance coverage, please contact Downey Insurance Agency. Give us a call today at 508-485-0130.
by cdowney | Feb 14, 2019 | Blog
One of the most disheartening experiences is to find flooding or extreme water damage to your treasured home.
At Downey Insurance Agency, we know you want to protect what’s important. That’s why we’re offering these tips to help you prevent many of the most common causes of water damage.
Just a little time and some effort can prevent a lot of heartache and hassle.
- Make sure your water pressure is not set too high. For just $6 or so, you can purchase a gauge that will help you test your pressure for the appropriate level, which should be set between 60 and 80 PSI.
- Standard hoses on new appliances are not as durable as they used to be. So check your appliances. If they’re rubber, either replace them with longer lasting stainless steel braided hoses or replace them every three years.
- Keep water from leaking into the walls or floor of your bathroom by replacing cracked tiles and re-grouting when it’s needed.
- Examine the shingles on your roof. Worn, curled or missing shingles allow water in, so replace them as soon as noticed.
- Consider buying a water alarm, which can help you find leaks, or automatic shut-off mechanisms, which can help avoid bursts.
- A lot of water damage occurs when you and your family are away from home. Make a practice to avoid running the washing machine or dishwasher while you’re out.
- When you leave for vacations, turn off the water supply to appliances.
- Keep up maintenance on all appliance hoses, because slow leaks from worn out hoses can cause major damage (and they are not covered under Homeowners insurance).
At Downey Insurance Agency, we hope these pointers will ensure your house stays nice and dry this year!
by cdowney | Jan 3, 2019 | Blog
The Massachusetts House and Senate reached a compromise on the short-term rentals bill that taxes and regulates short-term rentals through websites like Airbnb, including language that exempts owners who rent out their properties fewer than 15 days a year. Governor Baker signed the bill into law on Dec. 28, 2018.
Under the new law, all short-term rentals must still be registered and insured, but only people or businesses that offer rentals for more than 14 nights per year are subject to the State’s 5.7 percent hotel tax.
The insurance requirements of the proposal for short-term rentals state that:
1) Operators must maintain liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 to cover each short-term rental, unless such short-term rental is offered through a hosting platform that maintains equal or greater coverage. Such coverage shall defend and indemnify the operator and any tenants or owners in the building for bodily injury and property damage arising from the short-term rental.
2) Prior to an operator offering a short-term rental through the use of a hosting platform, the hosting platform shall provide notice to the operator that standard homeowners or renters insurance may not cover property damage or bodily injury to a third-party arising from the short-term rental.
3) Insurers that write homeowners and renters insurance may exclude any and all coverage afforded under the policy issued to a homeowner or lessee for any claim resulting from a short-term rental of any accommodation. Insurers that exclude short-term rental coverage shall not have a duty to defend or indemnify any claim expressly excluded by a policy.
4) Any policy or policy form intended to cover operators of short-term rentals from liabilities, whether the policy or policy form is provided by a hosting platform or an operator itself, shall be filed according to instructions provided by the Division of Insurance.
5) An operator who intends to operate a short-term rental shall provide notice to any insurer that writes a homeowners or renters insurance policy for the property where such short-term rental is to be located of the operator’s intent to operate such short-term rental.
The tax and registration requirements apply to all short-term rentals, which are defined as:
An owner-occupied, tenant-occupied or non-owner occupied property including, but not limited to, an apartment, house, cottage, condominium or a furnished accommodation that is not a hotel, motel, lodging house or bed and breakfast establishment, where: (i) at least 1 room or unit is rented to an occupant or sub-occupant; and (ii) all accommodations are reserved in advance; provided, however, that a private owner-occupied property shall be considered a single unit if leased or rented as such.
Have questions about insurance for your short-terms rentals? Call us today at 508-485-0130.
by cdowney | Jul 17, 2018 | Blog
We are proud and glad to represent to and partner with MAPFRE Insurance, the ValChoice® #1 Best Value for Auto Insurance in Massachusetts, with a score of 92 out of 100! The annual award is presented to one company in each state, based on claims handling, customer service and value.
Aiming for the most objective award in the industry, ValChoice analyzes data from state insurance departments, including financial performance, consumer complaints and regulatory actions of each carrier, for its Best Value Award. MAPFRE received a score of 92 out of 100, using data from the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.
Thank you as always for your business!
Downey Insurance Group, Downey Realty Group, Downey Financial Group & National Insurance Group!
by cdowney | Jan 12, 2018 | Blog
MEMA: Multi-Impact Rain/Flooding/Icing Event Friday/Saturday
The NWS has forecasted a multi-impact rain event Friday into Saturday. Heavy rain is expected to overspread the region Friday afternoon and evening and continuing into Saturday morning. Storm total rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches, and up to 4” in some areas are forecast over the entire region. Heavy rain combined with rapid snow melt will result in the possibility of some river and stream flooding along with the potential for isolated ice jam flooding on rivers (except Cape Cod & the Islands). The heavy rainfall combined with snow clogged storm drains may also result in significant urban/street flooding and flooding of low-lying/poor drainage areas. The heavy rain and associated flooding has the potential to impact the Friday evening commute. Strong 45-55 mph wind gusts late Friday into early Saturday could lead to a few downed limbs or small trees; isolated power outages are possible. There may be periods of dense fog on Saturday morning as well. As the heavier rain ends Saturday morning, temperatures will begin to drop from west to east, and they will rapidly dip below freezing during the afternoon and evening on Saturday, potentially resulting in flash-freezing. As the temperatures fall across the region, black ice may develop and any ice jams on rivers may freeze Saturday night and Sunday. This may cause hazardous travel conditions as well as extended river flooding.
TIMING
Friday through Saturday: rain and flooding
Saturday into Sunday: cold temperatures, refreezing and icing
THREATS
Elevated Flooding Risk (rivers, streams, low-lying and poor drainage areas)
Freezing rain and/or flash freeze
Dense fog
Strong and Potentially Damaging Winds
PREPAREDNESS & SAFETY INFORMATION
• Flood Safety and Preparedness Tips are available at: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/flood-safety-tips
• Elevate items stored in the basement and other low-lying flood prone areas of homes and businesses to minimize damage from flooding. If you have a sump pump, check that it is functioning properly.
• Clear snow and ice from street catch basins and storm drains to prevent or reduce street flooding.
• Avoid parking vehicles in low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding during heavy rainfall.
• Don’t drive through flooded roads. Remember the phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
• Safely remove any remaining piles of deep snow from flat and low-pitched roofs. If safe to do so, clear ice and snow from drains on flat roofs.
