Can I produce bills at the end of the year and claim on my home insurance policy for small repairs carried out in West Hartford, CT?

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Forget about that idea of yours that you thought of while you were sitting on your couch and eating some warmed up pizza in your West Hartford, Connecticut home. You can not go through all of your receipts for repairs you made over the year and use them to file a claim with your home insurance carrier.

You may have a lot of bills to pay and could use some extra money from your insurance company, but you can never collect for small repairs that are not due to a covered peril on your policy. If you read the terms of your home insurance policy, you will see, among other things that you have only a certain amount of time to report damage and file a claim. If, for instance, a windstorm blew off some tiles on your roof, and you ignored it for 10 months, you will be questioned as to why you did not report it back in January when it happened. Your home insurance policy requires you to report each individual incident as a separate claim.

Even if you have a bunch of legitimate small losses that are not just normal wear and tear or lack of maintenance, you can not combine incidents to make a bigger claim so it will be well above your deductible. Your kid may throw a baseball through your window and it may cost $300 to replace. Two months later, a limb may fall from a tree and put a big crack in your concrete patio. To get it patched up might cost you another $300.

We understand that money can be tight and that you do not want to pay for accidents or incidents that are covered by insurance. Give us a call and an independent agent might be able to get you a lower deductible so you can collect on smaller, individual claims that can occur throughout the year.

In West Harford, Connecticut, Can I Pay for My Car Insurance Policy by Installments Online?

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For many people, convenience is a big factor when it comes to auto insurance. You likely want the easiest way to make your payments and that is often doing so online. If you are in West Hartford, Connecticut, you may be in luck. Many companies provide this service, but before you sign up consider a few things.

Should you pay for your car insurance in installments? This means you would be able to take your annual or six-month plan and divide it into smaller payments, usually monthly. This is almost always something that the insurance company offers. However, many will charge a small fee for processing your payment so frequently. If this fee is minimal and it makes it easier for you to make on time payments to your insurance company, then it is worthwhile.

In addition to this, you may want to compare the features some companies provide. Not all will provide online access to making installment payments. Some will require you to set up installments that automatically withdraw from your bank account each month. This may be something you can manage on the company’s website. If you are able to access your account online, be sure to consider other features that may be available, such as access to claims, vehicle policy features, and even to add to your policy.

In today’s world, having the ability to make payments online is critical. If this matters to you, turn to our independent agent for help in finding a provider that will work with you. West Hartford, Connecticut companies do offer this type of auto policy to many consumers, but you may want to ensure it is available if you are purchasing a policy from a new company.

If I have an older car whose current market value is very low in West Hartford, Connecticut, Do I really need to purchase automobile insurance?

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You can not drive any automobile in the state of Connecticut without having auto insurance. Even if you have an old clunker that you use to get back and forth to work in West Hartford, you need to have automobile insurance.

Now, the type of coverage you must have to comply with the financial responsibility laws in Connecticut, is limited to liability coverage. The state requires you to carry bodily injury and property damage liability insurance in case you have an accident and are found to be responsible for causing injury or damage to another person or another person’s property.

Your old car, with a market value that is probably less than the monthly take-home pay of the average worker in West Hartford, Connecticut, is not required to have comprehensive and collision coverage. Comprehensive and collision auto insurance provides coverage for your vehicle, not for liability claims by other parties.

Many times it does not make sense to pay the extra premium to have full coverage on your 15 year old car that has a market value of maybe $1,000. Your car may be in perfect condition and very valuable to you, but it still is only worth a $1,000. If it costs you $200 extra to add collision and comprehensive to your auto insurance policy and you have a $500 deductible, you would be paying $200 to get up to a maximum of $500 of insurance. That is not too smart.

We often advise our clients to either avoid this coverage on vehicles with low market value or take out a policy with a very low deductible like $100 or $250. If you have an old car and are not sure what coverage you should have, give us a call. An independent agent will be happy to lay out the facts and recommend a good and affordable automobile policy for you.

I have towing and labor coverage on my auto insurance policy in West Hartford, Connecticut, Does it only come into effect after an accident?

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Your auto policy gives you a level of protection and a peace of mind as you operate your car on a daily basis. When you are involved in an accident you will end up having to get your car fixed at a repair shop. In order for you to have your current car taken to a repair shop and have another car you must have towing and rental car coverage. Here are some things that these benefits that can help you through a tough time.

The Benefits of Having Towing and Rental Car Coverage

  • The benefit of towing is a coverage that can be used anytime your car breaks down and you have to have assistance to get back on the road. The insurance company will send a tow truck to the car and if they cannot fix it on location, they will then take the vehicle to the nearest approved repair shop.
  • Rental car coverage is directly linked to your car being disabled. If you are without your car because of an accident, the insurance company will cover the cost to get you a car until your own vehicle is up and running. In some cases if you get a rental that is not related to an accident, the liability may extend to a rental for pleasure purposes.

If you live in the West Hartford, Connecticut area and have questions about your car insurance coverage, then please call your independent agent today. We can help you with your insurance needs that is why it’s important that you give us a call so that we can give you specific details for your circumstances. We can also answer all of your current questions and get you the policy that will cover your driving situation.

Will my auto insurance cover me if I am hit by an uninsured motorist in West Hartford, Connecticut?

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No one should drive on the road without car insurance as it is against the law in West Hartford, Connecticut and any other state. If you are insured and your auto is hit by an uninsured motorist, you need to call the police to make a report. Hopefully the driver does not leave the scene. If they do leave, get their license plate number off the auto, make and model, and color of the auto. Call your independent agent as soon as possible.

If the driver does stay until the police arrive, get their name and address off their drivers license. Take photos if possible and try to get a quick photo of the driver in case they leave the area, which is common. Take care of any injuries first and then call your independent agent.

You should carry uninsured motorist coverage on your policy. Your coverage will pay for all of your damages. If you are seriously injured and you have reached the limits of your coverage, you may have to seek an accident attorney on your behalf to file a lawsuit.

Keep in mind that a lack of money is one big reason why a lot of people do not have car coverage. If you file a lawsuit, you may not be able to get anything from the suit. Your company may also try to file a law suit against the other driver.

If the driver offers to pay for the damages, you still must call your insurance company. The driver just does not want to get caught without coverage on their car. It is likely that this person has no money anyway.

If you are hit by an uninsured motorist, it is important that you give your independent agent in West Hartford, Connecticut, a call right away as we can give you specific details of your circumstances.

Distracted driving, it’s effects & statistics

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When you are driving, it is important to give the road your full attention. Eating while steering, changing the channel on the radio, and or using your car GPS system are seemingly harmless activities that can have deadly consequences. Marlborough drivers can benefit from recognizing the behaviors that contribute to distracted driving and why these behaviors are so dangerous.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving can refer to any activity that causes a driver to lose their focus on the road. However, common distracting activities that drivers engage in include:

  • Texting or talking on a cell phone.
  • Talking to passengers in the car.
  • Eating or drinking foods and beverages while driving.
  • Reading maps or using a GPS system in the car.

To keep safe, it is recommended that drivers refrain from these activities while they are operating a vehicle. As a rule of thumb, an activity is a distraction if it reduces your ability to see or hear fully while you are driving.

Just How Serious in Distracted Driving?

The dangers of distracted driving are well documented. The U.S. government website for distracted driving highlights the severity of the problem through the following statistics:

  • In 2011, over 3,000 drivers were killed in crashes that involved distracted drivers.
  • In 2010, distracted driving contributed to 18 percent of all crashes that resulted in an injury.
  • Text messaging while driving makes it 23 times more likely that a driver will be involved in a crash.
  • A driver’s reaction time decreases by 18 percent when using a cell phone.

As these statistics show, habits that reduce a driver’s focus greatly increase a driver’s likelihood of getting in an accident.

What if I Receive a Citation for Distracted Driving?

Connecticut takes distracted driving very seriously and specifically restricts cell phone use by drivers. Connecticut prohibits all drivers from talking or sending text messages while operating a motor vehicle. However, Marlborough drivers should note that the police in Connecticut may pull you over for other behaviors that they interpret to be distracting.

An independent agent can assist you if you are cited for distracted driving. While insurance providers take distracted driving seriously, one citation typically will not lead to increased premiums. However, multiple tickets may place you in a higher risk category. An independent agent can help you determine how a citation for distracted driving may impact your rates and help you keep your rates low if you are shopping for a new policy.

What discounts can be applied on my homeowners insurance policy in Marlborough, CT?

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Homeowners insurance is a necessary part of owning a home, but the cost doesn’t have to make your bank account scream out in pain each time you send in your payment. Here are some discounts that you might find when you go to your local independent agent in Marlborough, Connecticut:

Take measures to improve your credit score. Believe it or not, having a good credit score will save you money on your insurance policy because insurance companies have found that people with higher scores tend to file fewer claims than those who have lower scores.

Check your home for insurance risks. If you are planning to get a dog, but aren’t sure about which breed you want to get, steer clear of Pit Bulls and Rottweilers as they tend to be responsible for more claims. Also, think twice before getting the kids a trampoline or installing a swimming pool. If you have one of these risks and get rid of it, be sure to let your insurance company know so they can adjust your rates.

Install security devices. Taking precautions to reduce the risk of burglary may get you a discount on your home insurance policy. Putting in deadbolt locks, installing an alarm system, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and strong locks on windows are all things you can do to help make your home safer, and less of a risk for your insurance company.

Bundle your policies. Just like your telecommunications company gives you a discount when you use them for phone, television and Internet services, insurance companies give discounts for clients who use them for their home, life and auto insurance policies.

Finally, make sure you are getting the lowest possible rates by comparing multiple policies online. Your independent agent in Marlborough, Connecticut will be glad to help you.

How Many Points are Issued for Every Violation & What’s the Maximum You Can Get?

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When drivers get a moving violation in Connecticut, the driver will receive a fine and points. The police issues the violation and the DMV sets the fine. A driver’s license will be suspended when a driver has received enough points. The DMV keeps track of driving records. When a driver has 10 points, he/she can expect a 30-day suspension of license. If he/she receives 10 points more, he/she can expect their license suspended for up to two years.

If you find yourself in this position call an independent agent in the Marlborough or West Hartford, Connecticut area, we are here to help you with your auto insurance.

One Point Violations: are issued for speeding, improver land use, and illegal use of limited access highway. Fines for driving the wrong way on one way streets, illegal passing of motorcycles using no signal, improper backing process, illegal turns, illegal multi-lane highway use and illegal use of a divided highway.

Two Point Violations: are issued for disregarding low enforcement, illegal entry or exit of highway, illegal turn from wrong lanes, illegal use of railroad crossing, no stopping at railroad crossings for commercial vehicles, no observation of restrictions on an expressway, no yield sign use, no stop sign use, no observation of traffic signals, illegally entering safety zone of pedestrians, and driving under minimum speed limits.

Three Point Violations: are issued for impaired driving, meeting traffic head-on, no yield to passing vehicles, no pedestrian right of way, no right of way to emergency personnel, no right of way when exiting onto road way, no right of way at highway junctions, or intersections, not keeping proper distance between the car in front, passing in no passing zone, and passing on right side of the vehicle.

Four Point Violations: are issued for wagering speed record, passing loading and unloading school bus and harassing other drivers.

Five Point Violations: are issued for speeding a school bus, and negligent homicide with a motor vehicle.

Remember to call an independent agent in the Marlborough or West Hartford, Connecticut area. As your independent agent for car insurance we can help you with your auto insurance policy.

What is Basic Reparation Benefits Coverage in Connecticut? What does it cover?

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Basic reparation benefits are another name for PIP or personal injury auto protection. Another name for this is No-Fault insurance. This benefit will cover the driver and all passengers, should they be in a serious accident. As your independent agent, we can help you get the insurance protection you need, depending upon your situation. If you live in the Marlborough, or West Hartford, Connecticut area, give us a call today and speak with an agent regarding a car policy.

Reparation benefits will add extra coverage to your basic auto protection. If a driver needs to use their basic auto policy to help pay for medical bills there is a set limit by the insured. When this limit has been reached than reparation benefits will take over medical bills as an extension of the person’s policy protection for injury (s) sustained in a serious automobile accident. An independent agent can help you decide if you need reparation benefits.

If basic car protection is not going to cover certain benefits, neither will reparation benefits cover those things. Both of these policies cover chiropractic care, hospital visits, doctor bills, nursing care, and rehabilitative treatment and care. If an insured cannot work due to injuries then the reparation benefit will pay benefits for lost wages. According to an independent agent, the highest that reparation benefits will pay for lost wages is about $200.00 per week.

Those people who do not have the benefit of individual health insurance or might be without work, thus without group insurance coverage may benefit from a reparation benefit. If in a serious accident your PIP coverage will pay first. When PIP limits have been reached, then the person’s medical benefits will start to pay.

Call us today in Marlborough, Connecticut and do not wait one more day to make sure your car is completely covered on the road. We also service the West Hartford area.

Preparing your boats for the hurricane season

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Having a boat can mean a lot of lazy days on the water, or a lot of jetting around, fishing, playing, and just having a fun time. Unfortunately, boating isn’t all fun and games. Sometimes it’s also a lot of maintenance. When hurricane season is approaching, you also need to consider boat insurance that will protect you in the face of danger. You might not be able to save your boat, but you could stop yourself from taking a hit financially if the boat is destroyed or badly damaged in a storm.

While most people who live in places like West Hartford and Marlborough probably don’t think much about hurricanes, Connecticut is not immune to these powerful storms. When hurricanes do hit the Connecticut area that tend to do a lot of damage simply because people aren’t used to them and don’t really know how they should prepare. Many homes are damaged, and many boats are lost, when storms come up the coast. You can save your boat, though, or at least make sure that you won’t be financially damaged. Make sure you bring your boat into dry dock if you can, instead of just tying it up at the dock. Simply securing the boat in its slip won’t be enough protection.

Of course, not everyone has dry docking options. They can be expensive, and they can be difficult to do with a very large boat. If you can’t bring your boat to a safe location, you can moor it strongly and make sure you don’t leave anything on the boat that can cause additional damage beyond the problems caused by the hurricane. You can also come in and talk to us before hurricane season arrives. As an independent agent, we can take a look at the policies from several different companies and find you the best choice to protect your boat.