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We launched www.HomeownerQuote.com in 1999 as a website that offers Massachusetts consumers home insurance quotes and advice. Whether you wind up insuring with us or not, we try to educate and inform folks about Massachusetts homeowner insurance.
We utilize the power of the Massachusetts independent agent to find you the best rates and coverage.
In this spirit, we wish you the happiest of Holidays and a safe New Year!
Thank you for visiting our site.
The first day of winter is December 21st and, here in Massachusetts, it is time to get your home ready for the cold months ahead.
Here are some tips that will help get you and your home ready for the cold weather:
Clean your gutters
By cleaning your gutters you ensure that melting ice and snow can drain. This is your first line of defense against the dreaded ice dams. An ice dam is when when water backs up, freezes, melts and causes water to seep into the house causing lots of damage to ceilings, walls and floors. As you clean the gutters, look for leaks, misaligned pipes, and make certain downspouts carry water away from the home.
Repair drafty areas
The most common, drafty areas of your home are: recessed lighting, window and door frames, electrical outlets.
Put door sweeps under exterior doors and caulk drafty spots around window and recessed lighting. Outside, seal leaks with weather-resistant caulk or, for brick areas, use masonry sealer.
Insulate
Add insulation to existing insulation in the attic. The general rule of thumb is you need a minimum 12 inches of insulation in your attic.
Have your furnace inspected
After you’ve turned on the heat, it’s important to have furnaces cleaned and tuned annually.
Check the windows
It’s time to take out the window screens and put in the storm windows, providing you with an extra layer of protection and warmth.
If you do not have storm windows, try a window insulator kit. Insulator kits are inexpensive and very effective for keeping the heat inside your home.
Have your chimney inspected
Chimneys should be inspected annually. Woodstoves should be cleaned more than once a year. Also remember to keep the chimney’s damper closed when the fireplace isn’t in use.
Reverse your ceiling fan
Reversing the ceiling fan will push warm air downward and force it to recirculate, keeping you more comfortable. Note: when in reverse, the ceiling fan blades should turning clockwise.
Insulate your pipes
Burst pipes are a consumer and insurance nightmare. Prevent burst pipes making sure outside valves are turned off and pipes are insulated.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
It’s always a great time to check the operation of your smoke and carbone monoxide detectors. When winterizing your home, take the opportunity to test your alarms.
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT:
UMBRELLA
COVERAGE?
A Personal Liability Umbrella Policy “sits-over”
your home and auto liability limits. Coverage
limits start at $1,000,000 and provide you
protection from lawsuits.
Coverage is relatively inexpensive to purchase.
$1,000,000 of coverage sitting over two autos
and a home would cost about $180 annually.
Umbrella Policies require underlying motor
vehicle liability limits of $250,000 per
person/$500,000 per accident.
In addition to coverage limits, insurance companies
provide legal defense. So, in essence,
when you purchase higher limits you are also
purchasing improved legal defense.
Please call or click us if you would like to discuss Personal
Liability Umbrella Coverage.
www.HomeownerQuote.com has been giving out free Massachusetts home insurance quotes since 2001. When taking advantage of our services, you are utilizing the power of the Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agent.
Your MA Independent Agent shops your coverage with numerous companies to find you the best premiums and coverage.
In Massachusetts, homeowner insurance rates are not all the same.
Different companies have different appetites for different kinds of risks.
Do you own or are you buying a coastal home?
Is your home in a flood zone?
Do you own a dog?
Do you have a trampoline?
Have you had past insurance losses?
What kind of condition is your home in?
All these questions are factors when determining the most competitive Massachusetts home insurance market.
Give us a call or click us today.
You will be glad you did.
•Young children should be accompanied by an adult or responsible teenager when going door-to-door.
•If you can’t accompany your children, instruct them to trick-or-treat in their own neighborhood and along well-lighted streets.
•If children are going to be out after dark, make sure they carry a flashlight.
•Teach your children to use sidewalks if they can. If there are no sidewalks, they should walk on the left side of the street, facing traffic.
•Know with which friends your children will be and which route they are taking.
•Leave your porch light on so children will know it is okay to visit your home.
•Instruct children never to eat anything until they are home and the treats have been carefully examined. Cut and wash fruit before eating. Throw away anything unwrapped. Check the wrappers of commercial treats for evidence of tampering. Call the police if there are any suspicious treats.
Tips to Save You Money:
Consider larger deductibles. Different property deductibles are available for choosing; $250, $500, and $1000 deductible are available. Savings in increments of 10% are commonplace per deductible.
Try to remain in the Voluntary Market! Insurance Companies reserve the right to insure or renew properties. If you have had a few losses within the past couple of policy years your insurance company may decide to not renew you.
The MPIUA (Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association) offers insurance to properties that are not insurable on the voluntary market. The cost to insure with them is usually considerably more expensive than the consumer will find on the voluntary market.
Some of the credits that are available to insurers are:
Protective Device Credits … starting with deadbolt locks, extinguishers, and smoke detectors are available. Larger credits are available for Local and Central Station burglar and fire protection systems.
Non-smoker credits … if you and household members are non-smokers some companies offer discounts to non-smokers.
Loss Free Year Credits … if you have not had any losses in multiple years some companies offer “Loss Free Credits.” Check with your Independent Insurance Broker to see if you qualify for any companies’ programs.
Home Renovation/New Home Credits … if you have renovated your home within the past 10 years some companies offer Renovation Credits. If you are buying a new home, some companies offer large New Home credits.
Account Discounts … some insurance companies offer 10% “Account Discounts” if you insure your home and auto with the same company … in addition, some companies may waive service charges.
Shop Around!
Different companies offer different discount programs for different properties and property owners. Shop around with different companies to see who is offering the best deals. Your local, independent Insurance Broker uses numerous companies to find you the best rates & service!
It is important to understand your insurance coverage.
Each year at renewal time, you should schedule an insurance review with your independent, Massachusetts agent.
If you do not have an agent and you go directly through the insurance company, do yourself a favor, call them and ask for a coverage and discount review. Then call a local, independent, Massachusetts insurance agent to compare.
Become an engaged insurance consumer!
Some questions to ask:
Please utilize our services, as well, for an annual insurance review, explanation of coverage, & discount double-check.
HomeownerQuote = Massachusetts Home Insurance. Call or click us today!
Whether your homeowner insurance is renewing or if you’re starting a new policy, following is a list of things to consider:
Contact us for your free, Massachusetts homeowner insurance quote.
The homeowner insurance policy is one of “utmost good faith”- meaning that each party involved in the insurance contract (client, agent & insurance company) is acting in good faith and that everyone trusts one another.
Many industry experts are predicting property insurance increases in the years to come. We offer our top insurance savings ideas:
Call or click us at HomeownerQuote.