By: Edward L. Blais, JD, CIC
Now is the time of year when people put away winter coats, air out their homes and clean up their yards. With all the spring-cleaning you plan to do, Blais Insurance suggests you conduct an inventory of all the personal property in your home while you clean.
Documenting all of your personal possessions may seem like a daunting task, but adding a few extra minutes to each room as you clean will save you time and unnecessary stress in the future.
The benefits of performing a home inventory far outweigh the tedious task. Maintaining proper records of your items will settle insurance claims faster, lessen your burden of proving your lost property, and relieve stress during estate planning. You will not have to remember all of your lost possessions, or potentially forget items that you could have been compensated for.
A home inventory is free, and multiple ways exist to complete one. You can organize your items by video tapping them as you walk throughout your home. Blais Insurance suggests video tapping your items in coordination with other documentation such as special software or perhaps an Excel spreadsheet. If you have a working knowledge of Excel, you can create a spreadsheet, arranging the information in a way that would make it easy to update. Updating items can be made even easier if you decide to download software from sites such as knowyourstuff.org. Software that helps with home inventories can make the process simple and fun. Lastly, you will want to keep the inventory outside the home!
Remember, it is not so much about having a list of every last thing you own as much as it is about having a place to start in the event of a significant insurance loss. If you would like further information about an inventory for your home, please call Blais Insurance at 401-725-0070, and we would be happy to answer your questions.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Every Business Owner Should Investigate Professional Liability Insurance
By: Edward L. Blais, JD, CIC
You may think that Professional Liability Insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions Insurance, is only for doctors and lawyers, but it is important to understand that this coverage is now available to many other businesses.
Your commercial general liability insurance is important to have, but does not cover for errors involving you rendering your expertise. Professional Liability Insurance protects you from client or customer claims involving this special kind of error. These claims can get costly and time-consuming regardless if a long litigation process leads to a settlement or not – and don’t forget the attorney fees.
You should consider looking into whether or not Professional Liability Insurance is available for your small business. It could save your business if it cannot afford the cost of the claim. Some businesses without this protection try to pass their financial burden down to future customers to make up the loss, but many businesses eventually close their doors.
To keep from losing everything you’ve worked for, Blais Insurance suggests you investigate the availability of Professional Liability Insurance for your type of business. Every Professional Liability Insurance policy will differ according to your industry, location or type of product or service you provide.
Call us today to learn more about this important coverage for your business at 401-725-0070.
You may think that Professional Liability Insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions Insurance, is only for doctors and lawyers, but it is important to understand that this coverage is now available to many other businesses.
Your commercial general liability insurance is important to have, but does not cover for errors involving you rendering your expertise. Professional Liability Insurance protects you from client or customer claims involving this special kind of error. These claims can get costly and time-consuming regardless if a long litigation process leads to a settlement or not – and don’t forget the attorney fees.
You should consider looking into whether or not Professional Liability Insurance is available for your small business. It could save your business if it cannot afford the cost of the claim. Some businesses without this protection try to pass their financial burden down to future customers to make up the loss, but many businesses eventually close their doors.
To keep from losing everything you’ve worked for, Blais Insurance suggests you investigate the availability of Professional Liability Insurance for your type of business. Every Professional Liability Insurance policy will differ according to your industry, location or type of product or service you provide.
Call us today to learn more about this important coverage for your business at 401-725-0070.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Insuring Your College Student
If you have children away at college, it may be wise to take a second look at what kind of insurance coverage they have for their car and any expensive items they have at school.
Many parents jump at the opportunity to lower their auto insurance rates by taking their child off their auto insurance while they are away at school without their car. However, this may not be the wisest move. Consider the risk if your child borrows a friend’s car while at school. Blais Insurance suggests you leave your college driver on your insurance policy to avoid uncovered liability claims. If you tell your insurer that you child is away at school and does not have access to their car to drive, then your insurer may reduce your rate because your college driver doesn’t have immediate access to the car and is now a lower risk.
Not only should you consider keeping your college student on your auto insurance, but you should also think about all the expensive items such as phones, iPods, laptops, TVs and cameras that accompany most college students to school. If any one of these items were stolen or damaged, it could be very costly to replace it. You have a couple of options when it comes to insuring your child’s belongings. You should review your homeowner’s policy before your son or daughter goes off to college to be sure it extends to coverage for items in your child’s dorm.
If you are interested in discussing these options for your soon-to-be college student, contact Blais Insurance at 401-725-0070 to learn more.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Don’t Let Your Insurance Lapse When Selling Your Vehicle
By: Edward L. Blais, JD, CIC
Have you ever had a car dealership ask you for a copy of your insurance policy before test-driving a car? We’re guessing not. A dealership wouldn’t ask you for your insurance because they already have that detail covered with their own coverage for their cache of cars. Just like a dealership doesn’t take chances when giving test drivers permission to take their cars for a trial, neither should you when allowing someone to test drive the car you’re trying to sell.
No one buys a used car without test-driving it first, so it is important to keep your insurance on your vehicle during the time you’re trying to sell the car. If an accident occurs, the owner of the car would be primarily responsible.
When you see the increase in your policy from adding a new vehicle don’t fret, once the old vehicle sells, perhaps within a week or two, the premium will go down upon deleting the now sold vehicle. At Blais Insurance, we are always available to answer your insurance questions, and welcome the opportunity to do so. Please call us at 401-725-0070.
Have you ever had a car dealership ask you for a copy of your insurance policy before test-driving a car? We’re guessing not. A dealership wouldn’t ask you for your insurance because they already have that detail covered with their own coverage for their cache of cars. Just like a dealership doesn’t take chances when giving test drivers permission to take their cars for a trial, neither should you when allowing someone to test drive the car you’re trying to sell.
No one buys a used car without test-driving it first, so it is important to keep your insurance on your vehicle during the time you’re trying to sell the car. If an accident occurs, the owner of the car would be primarily responsible.
When you see the increase in your policy from adding a new vehicle don’t fret, once the old vehicle sells, perhaps within a week or two, the premium will go down upon deleting the now sold vehicle. At Blais Insurance, we are always available to answer your insurance questions, and welcome the opportunity to do so. Please call us at 401-725-0070.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Don’t Drop Comprehensive and Collision Coverages in the Winter
After the Holidays, it can be an expensive time of year paying all the bills, and you may be thinking of dropping your comprehensive and/or collision coverage on your older car to lighten your monthly premium payment. However, we suggest you consider these reasons to keep coverage at least during the winter months.
The winter can be an unpredictable time, because weather patterns range from blizzards to golf ball-sized hail. Comprehensive coverage covers your car in non-collision claims that arise outside your control – like that tree branch that fell on your car because it snapped from wind or the weight of heavy snow.
Just as winter weather can be unpredictable, so can the slippery conditions of wintry roads, and car accidents are far more likely to occur when roads become slick. Collision coverage is important to maintain because it protects you from damages done to your car in an accident, whether it’s your fault or not.
Blais Insurance recommends that should you decide to drop comprehensive and collision coverages for whatever reason, it only makes sense to do it after the perils of winter have passed. If you have any additional questions about car insurance, please call us at 401-725-0070.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Careful … that 15 minutes could cost you more than you think.
Despite what many advertisements promote, much more goes into insurance than just price. And it takes more than 15 minutes to do it right. The real question for consumers should be: What does that eye catching price really buy?
Imagine if I said to you: How much would you pay me for my car? Without knowing what type of car it is, you would have no idea what a fair price would be. This example illustrates the questionable nature of online, instant insurance quoting – how do they adequately protect your home and auto exposures without first seeing what you need to protect.
The only way to shop for insurance responsibly is to start with the coverages you need, then research and secure the best possible price for those coverages. Unfortunately, the second you need it, it is already too late to obtain any more of it. You have to get it right the first time.
Your home is most likely the largest investment you will ever make. Therefore, it is essential to make sure it has adequate insurance, which enables you to rebuild in the terrible event it is destroyed or damaged.
If you build an addition, remodel your home, or refinish your basement, it is important to update your policy. Call us at 725-0070 to review your current policy and arrange for an estimator to determine how much insurance your home needs. Please be advised however, it will take us longer than 15 minutes!
Monday, April 11, 2011
The benefits of working with a local, independent agent
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 whether to shop for insurance online consider the benefits of working with a local, independent insurance agent.
Rest assured knowing your insurance is being managed by a licensed, trusted insurance professional. Insurance agents must be licensed, insured and adhere to all state regulations. In addition, they must meet educational and accreditation standards.
Insurance professionals offer a higher-lever of service. According to Jana Bell, Director of Operations at HomeInsurance.com, “Customers who work with a licensed agent before purchasing their auto insurance policy have a better chance of finding the right coverage and qualifying for all available discounts.” Bell goes on to say that, “State and lender requirements vary per customer and a licensed consultant is there to ensure you get the most appropriate coverage for your needs.”
Placing your insurance with insurance professionals offers greater security, safety and quality. Have you ever tried to search purchase insurance online? Millions and millions of hits generate and, while some are larger, reputable insurers, many are ‘fly by night’ quote sites. It is become increasingly difficult to ascertain which sites are legitimate.
An agent knows his/her marketplace and can advise accordingly. An agent can personally visit your home or business to assess need. They can review pertinent paperwork, and they understand all state and local laws. In addition, they 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. When dealing with an online company, and something happens by design or through an incident that affects your policy, they can do little to adjust your policy beyond the standard parameters. An agent will work with you to address your specific situation and arrive at appropriate, fair coverage options.
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.
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 whether to shop for insurance online consider the benefits of working with a local, independent insurance agent.
Rest assured knowing your insurance is being managed by a licensed, trusted insurance professional. Insurance agents must be licensed, insured and adhere to all state regulations. In addition, they must meet educational and accreditation standards.
Insurance professionals offer a higher-lever of service. According to Jana Bell, Director of Operations at HomeInsurance.com, “Customers who work with a licensed agent before purchasing their auto insurance policy have a better chance of finding the right coverage and qualifying for all available discounts.” Bell goes on to say that, “State and lender requirements vary per customer and a licensed consultant is there to ensure you get the most appropriate coverage for your needs.”
Placing your insurance with insurance professionals offers greater security, safety and quality. Have you ever tried to search purchase insurance online? Millions and millions of hits generate and, while some are larger, reputable insurers, many are ‘fly by night’ quote sites. It is become increasingly difficult to ascertain which sites are legitimate.
An agent knows his/her marketplace and can advise accordingly. An agent can personally visit your home or business to assess need. They can review pertinent paperwork, and they understand all state and local laws. In addition, they 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. When dealing with an online company, and something happens by design or through an incident that affects your policy, they can do little to adjust your policy beyond the standard parameters. An agent will work with you to address your specific situation and arrive at appropriate, fair coverage options.
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.
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