by Downey Insurance Group | Oct 21, 2011 | Blog
Changes to the FEMA flood map is causing confusion for homeowners and mortgage companies in Vermont. As the flood maps are rezoned due flooding caused by Irene, some homeowners are finding themselves inside the new “flood zone” even though they were not affected by the recent flood waters. This has been aggravating to some homeowners who are now being forced to purchase flood insurance by their mortgage company.
Vermont Homeowners Insurance like every other state specifically excluded flood coverage. Flood insurance is covered with a separate mono-line flood policy. Few private insurance companies are willing to delve into the flood market due to the loss scenario. A good analogy is “when it rains it pours” having the potential for many, many claims filed all at once in not very appealing to most VT insurers. Purchasing a private flood insurance policy can have its advantages over FEMA’s policy. At Downey Insurance we do have access to this slim Vermont flood insurance market.
If you have been notified by your mortgage company that you need to purchase flood insurance, we can help you. Let us take care of the leg work for you.
by Downey Insurance Group | Oct 18, 2011 | Blog
Having a blast here is Las Vegas, Nevada at the Red Rock Resort and Casino with Astonish Results. We have met and reconnected with some of the most motivated, forward thinking, and results driven people in the insurance industry. It was such an honor for them to request Charlie Downey to speak at the E-Agent summit on: Do the Math – How Measurement in an Insurance Agency can help spur growth. I believe there is no one better to speak on this topic, and he totally blew everyone away! However, all of the speakers at the E-Agent Summit have been fantastic. We all have shared and learned from each other during our time together, and that is what it’s all about. The social media strategies that we have been discussing are on the cutting edge of the marketing revolution, and we are proud to be a part of it.
Charlie’s presentation touched on many key principles including learning to be proactive in running your business. Is the best way to make sure you are fostering growth. Knowing your sales and profit margins, and all of your statistics, is vital to owning and growing any type of business. Insurance is no different. Then after you have the numbers you have the opportunity to tweak and align your business to succeed. Charlie uses and applies these principles in his Insurance Agency to help his employees be more successful in helping our clients. In our Marlborough, MA office Charlie has been helping his employees help our clients with their Massachusetts Insurance needs for 24 years. More recently after the launch of our Keene, NH office he has been growing that location faster than we ever expected using Metric’s Management. Our Brattleboro, VT office is no different; we have had growth spurred by the right leadership.
All in all I am proud to be part of what we are doing at Downey Insurance. As our Social Media Marketing Manager, I am blown away by how social media and a positive proactive management style can reinvent your business.
by Downey Insurance Group | Oct 13, 2011 | Blog
Downey Insurance of Marlborough, MA is now accepting donations for the Marlborough Food Bank also known as the Marlborough Community Cupboard or the Marlborough Food Pantry. They are in a very difficult position. Their needs overreach their current resources. In this economy more and more people are out of work and struggling to meet the needs of their family. The Food Pantry is vital to make sure these families and children are not going hungry.
With the holiday’s right around the corner, many families are struggling. Helping a family provide a meal for their children may allow them one less worry for the day. If you are fortunate enough to have a full pantry please consider donating to those who are in desperate need today. The Marlborough community has always had a way of rallying for those that are in need. Currently State Rep. Steven Levy along with the Lions Club have put together a Haunted House, open weekends in October to benefit the food bank. Click HERE For more information.
Some of the items they need most include:
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Mixed Vegetables
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Canned Fruit
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Canned Soups
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Baked Goods
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Jellies or James
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Coffee
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Tea
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Canned Meats
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Personal Hygiene products (toothpaste, deodorant, dental floss, mouthwash, shampoos, conditioners, facial washes, q-tips, soap)
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Paper Goods (paper towels, paper plates, tissues, napkins, toilet paper
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If you are unable to donate food, the food bank also accepts monetary donations on their website, click Donate Now.
by Downey Insurance Group | Oct 6, 2011 | Blog
The state of Vermont is pushing forth an effort to protect drivers and citizens from uninsured losses. In an effort to crack down on uninsured driving, the state of VT passed a law that will increase the maximum fine for driving uninsured from $100 to $500. This new law may decrease the rate of uninsured autos on the road.
Driving uninsured is not only irresponsible, it can be extremely costly. If you cause bodily injury or property damage to another vehicle you may be on the hook for a law suit that could cost you thousands of dollars. This hassle could easily be avoided by obtaining a Vermont Auto Insurance policy.
Another safeguard that the state of Vermont has in place for Vermont drivers is Uninsured/Underinsured UM/UIM coverage on the standard Vermont Auto Insurance policy. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured vehicle, this coverage will kick in and pay the claim to the extent of your limits. Avoiding the waiting period that comes along with litigation is priceless, it allows you to move on with your life, and lets the Insurance Company deal with the lawsuit against the uninsured driver.
For more information about obtaining a Vermont Auto Insurance policy, you may visit our website at www.downeyinsurance.com.
by Downey Insurance Group | Oct 3, 2011 | Blog
Do you know the stats on distracted driving? They are not pretty. According to Distraction.gov in 2009, 5,474 people were killed on U.S. roadways and an estimated additional 448,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes that were reported to have involved distracted driving. Of those killed in distracted-driving-related crashed, 995 involved reports of a cell phone as a distraction. That is 995 people that would be alive today if these drivers had taken the pledge to make their car a no phone zone. This includes no texting while driving, and not talking on your cell phone, including hands free devices. Hands free devices have not proven to be less distracting.
The best way to avoid using your phone while driving is to turn it off while in the car, if that is not an option, turn the ringer off and check it while you are not in motion. If you have to return a call, please pull over in a parking lot and make sure you are off the road while using your cell phone.
If you have not already please take the No Phone Zone Pledge. This is not only a public safety issue, but if everyone worked to end distracted driving, we might even see the insurance rates drop for auto insurance.
by Downey Insurance Group | 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.
