Education is key when purchasing auto insurance

By: Edward L. Blais, JD, CIC

At Blais Insurance, we understand that each one of our policyholders is unique. The insurance coverage you choose should perfectly match your needs, priorities and budget. As a Trusted Choice® independent agent, we have the knowledge and experience you need, coupled with access to the nation’s top-rated insurance companies, to shop for a policy that is customized to you.

Before purchasing auto insurance, there are several factors you should consider. It’s best to figure out exactly what you want from your auto insurance coverage before you compare policies.

Consider the following questions when you’re getting ready to shop for auto insurance:

1. How Much Do You Love Your Car?

If you truly love your car, then you will want it fixed perfectly—or replaced with the same model—if anything happens to it. That means you will need the widest range of insurance, including collision, comprehensive and glass coverage. However, if your car is older and you want to save on your insurance premium, you might consider purchasing liability insurance only.

2. How Much Do You Drive?

Do you absolutely need your car every day? Do you drive only 100 miles a month or closer to 1,000 or more? It is imperative that your policy reflects how much you drive.

3. Will You Be Using Your Car for Work?

If you use your car for more than just driving to work, and instead perform work tasks, commercial auto insurance is a necessity. A personal auto policy will not provide coverage if you utilize your car for deliveries, transport paying passengers, etc.

4. What Type of Car Do You Drive?

Insurance companies have access to endless data, which is how they arrive at your insurance premium. They know which types of cars, makes and models are more, or less, likely to incur claims. While a fully-loaded sports car may be more likely to be stolen, a mid-size sedan might not be. By the same token, you may receive discounts if your car has the latest safety features and a good safety record. Either way, your risk is reflected in your insurance premium.

5. Where Do You Live?

Where you live will impact your insurance rates. For example, cars parked on the street in urban areas face a greater risk for theft or vandalism, therefore you may want to purchase comprehensive coverage.

6. Who Else Will Be Driving the Car?

Generally, your car insurance will cover other occasional drivers. However, if other drivers live with you and use your car they should be listed on your policy.

7. What Are Your Legal Obligations?

Nearly every state requires that you carry minimum liability coverage for your car. At the very least, you need to make sure your policy complies with state mandates. However, to be safe, Blais Insurance recommends you purchase additional liability coverage. It is important to remember that if you are involved in a serious accident, you may be sued for a large sum of money.

8. Is Your Car Financed or Leased?

If you still owe money on your car or have to return it in good condition when a lease expires, you’ll likely be required to insure the car for its full value. Additionally, you may be required to purchase additional insurance for any gap between what you owe and the car’s market value. Collision and comprehensive will cover damage to your car up to its value, and supplemental gap insurance will cover the rest.

There are several other factors that are considered when purchasing insurance, including your age, gender, driving record, and credit score.

For more information on how you can find high-quality insurance coverage that fits your needs and budget, call Blais Insurance today at 725.0070.

With content provided by the Insurance Information Institute

Preventing Frozen Pipes

By: Edward L. Blais, JD, CIC

Extremely cold temperatures are officially upon us and with that comes the increased threat of frozen pipes. At Blais Insurance, we are committed to helping you safeguard your largest investment from a potential loss. Frozen and burst pipes can cause extensive water damage to the interior of your home.

To help you prevent frozen or burst pipes in your home, please read the following tips, provided by our friends at MAPFRE Insurance, to help you do everything possible to prevent your pipes from freezing this season.

How to determine if you have a frozen pipe:

• Turn on each water supply faucet (both hot and cold) to ensure that there is a steady stream of water. 
• If the flow of water is slowed or there is no flow, then it is likely that your pipe has frozen. 

What to do if you have a frozen pipe:

• Identify the blockage (probably the area of most exposure) and use a blow dryer (do NOT use an open flame torch!) to heat the supply line, while leaving the faucet open. 
• Continue heating the pipe until there is a steady flow of water.

Tips for keeping your pipes from freezing:

• Insulate all accessible pipes using pipe insulation (this can be found at your local hardware store).
• Seal all cracks, holes, and other openings on the exterior walls with caulk or insulation.
• If the temperature drops lower than usual and you have pipes in cabinets or closets, leave the cabinet/closet doors open or use a fan to increase warm air circulation around the pipes.
• Pay close attention to local weather reports and prepare for extreme cold weather.
• When extreme cold weather is predicted, let all faucets drip to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe, and if freezing does occur, to relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet. The pressure buildup is the actual cause of bursting pipes.
• Shut off the water supply during periods when the home may be unoccupied, particularly when cold weather is expected.

For more information on how you can protect your home, please call Blais Insurance at 725.0070.

Protect Your Family From the Silent Killer

By: Edward L. Blais, JD, CIC

With the start of the new year, Blais Insurance would like to remind you of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. All too often, we hear stories in the news of countless lives that could have been spared if the building had properly working carbon monoxide detectors.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide. At Blais Insurance, our top priority is keeping you and your loved ones protected. To safeguard your family, please read the following tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association:

• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
• Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.

Blais Insurance would also like to remind you that now is the perfect time to review your current insurance policies to ensure they are providing the amount of coverage you need. To schedule a policy review, please call 725.0070.

Preventing Fraud this Holiday Season

By: Edward L. Blais, JD, CIC

Shopping for the holidays brings an increased risk of credit card fraud and identity theft, as hackers and other online criminals have much easier access to an abundance of transactions.  As credit cards become more prevalent than carrying money, it’s important to practice safety measures to prevent these types of instances. 

Protect yourself and your finances this season by following these tips to ensure you have a safe and worry-free holiday:

1. Avoid lending out your card: Never leave your credit cards, receipts, or statements around your home or office. When you no longer need them, shred them before throwing them away.

2. Don’t give your account number to anyone on the phone unless you’ve made the call to a company you know to be reputable. If you’ve never done business with them before, do an online search first for reviews or complaints.

3. Carry your cards separately from your wallet. It can minimize your losses if someone steals your wallet or purse. And carry only the card you need for that outing.

4. Save your receipts so that you can later compare them with your statement.

5. Open your bills promptly or check them online often and reconcile them with the purchases you’ve made.

6. Report any questionable charges to the card issuer.

7. Notify your bank if your address changes or if you plan to be traveling.

8. If you are avoiding the malls and shopping online, only order on secure web sites - To ensure your information is protected look for an unbroken key or padlock at the bottom of your web browser.

9. Beware of one of the newer credit card fraud scams known as "skimming" - Keep a close eye on your card while your purchases are being processed so that it is not swiped through alternative devices.

10. Protect your credit cards - Sign your card, and write that a merchant must "check ID" on the back of the card.

Though fraud and identity theft aren’t 100% percent avoidable, following these precautionary measures can help to lower your risk and prevent financial headaches this season.  If you do notice any suspicious activity, be sure to contact your provider immediately.  From all of us at Blais Insurance, we wish you a safe and wonderful holiday season.

Keeping your options open: An Independent agent offers you choices

By: Edward L. Blais, JD, CIC

At Blais Insurance, we are a third generation, family-owned business, and we understand the great responsibility that comes with protecting what matters most to our policyholders.

We care about this community and our neighbors, because it is the where we have raised our families and maintain our business. When considering where you should purchase your insurance consider the benefits of working with a local, independent insurance agent.

When working with a direct insurance writer, one employed by the insurance company, or a captive agent, one required to write exclusively with one company, your choices are limited to only one insurance company. Therefore, if the unexpected should occur, and your rates skyrocket, your insurance company could not respond to your benefit. Your options are limited and this could cost you dearly.

Having been in business for over 100 years, Blais Insurance has access to the best insurance companies in the country. This means we can shop for the insurance coverage that works for your specific needs and budget. We offer choice, where the direct insurance writer and captive agent cannot. Additionally, we offer the following benefits:

• Rest assured knowing your insurance is being managed by a licensed, trusted insurance professional. Independent agents must be licensed, insured and adhere to all state regulations. In addition, we must meet educational and accreditation standards.
• An agent knows his/her marketplace and can advise accordingly. We can personally visit your home or business to assess need. We can review pertinent paperwork, and understand all state and local laws. In addition, we are your best source for best practices to avoid claims.
• Should you have a claim, your agent is there for you. While independent agents work hard to help policyholders avoid claims entirely, if you do have a claim an agent will fight on your behalf and keep you informed regarding claim status.
• Agents bring value to the insurance-buying process. Independent insurance agents have access to many companies and will work with you to design a customized policy, tailored to your personal or business insurance’ needs. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your insurance coverage we urge you to call or stop by our offices for a coffee and a chat. Our staff is always available and eager to assist you however we can.

To schedule a policy review, please call our office today at 725.0070.

Don’t Become a Victim of Fraud

By: Edward L. Blais, JD, CIC

While the Northeast was spared the wrath of Hurricane Matthew, our neighbors down South were not as lucky. Many are still struggling to bounce-back from the damage and, unfortunately, several news stories have surfaced depicting how many have become victims of fraud.

In the event of a natural disaster, trusted and qualified contractors are often hard to come by. This leaves the door open to scams by less-than-reputable individuals. In an effort to make sure you and your family are protected from scam artists, Blais Insurance would like to provide you with the following tips to keep in mind:

• Be suspicious of anyone knocking on your door, offering a fast and cheap repair
• Do your best to attain at least three written estimates for your job
• Check with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (www.dbr.state.ri.us) to verify the contractor is licensed and in good standing
• Request proof of insurance and a current copy of their policy
• Establish a written contract that dictates the entire scope of the project in detail
• Never pay the full cost of repairs up-front
• Visit the Better Business Bureau website (www.bbb.org) to make sure there are not any complaints against the contractor or the company
• Only pay for the project once it is completed to your satisfaction

Before any work is begun on your home, we remind you to call Blais Insurance at 725.0070 to make sure the work is completed and covered according to your homeowner’s policy. We are committed to helping you protect what matters most, and would be happy to review your current policy to ensure it provides the insurance coverage you need.

Blais Insurance Offers Premium Flood Insurance Coverage

By: Edward L. Blais, JD, CIC

With the recent thunderstorms we’ve experienced over the past few weeks, you may have noticed some minor street flooding.  As we all anxiously await the arrival of fall, Blais Insurance would like to make certain policyholders are aware that severe storm conditions could lead to home flooding. Excessive rain has to go somewhere, and poor drainage could force that water to seep into your home.

Homeowners’ insurance policies cover property damage that results from a sudden discharge of water from a home plumbing system or appliance. An example of this would be if a pipe burst in your home. However, many people find out at the time of a loss that water damage resulting from ground water seeping into a basement is never covered under this policy. As a result, prevention becomes a proper focus where seepage is concerned. Moreover, damage from flooding is only covered under a separate flood insurance policy when a qualified flood event occurs. With the possibility of more rainstorms still ahead of us, homeowners in high-risk flood areas are no longer the only ones who require flood insurance.

Blais Insurance offers premium flood insurance coverage at affordable rates through the National Flood Insurance Program. As a reminder, there is typically a 30-day waiting period from when the coverage is purchased to when it goes into effect. At Blais Insurance, our business is protecting what matters to you, and our experience will help you make certain that you are fully protected. As a local, independent agency, we can personally visit your home or business to assess need and we can help you understand local laws.

If you require any additional information, please feel free to call our office at 401.725.0070.