Have You Winterized Your Automobile?

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Cold days full of snow and ice are common this time of year in West Hartford, CT. Does your automobile give you trouble during the winter?  If so, you may need to take measures to winterize it. At ALLConnecticut Insurance, we want all our customers to be safe and warm while traveling to work, school, out of town, or anywhere else you go. That is why we recommend that you winterize your vehicle if you have not done so already.

How Do You Winterize Your Vehicle?

The first step to winterizing your car is to either have a mechanic inspect it, or do so yourself. You want to make sure it is running smoothly and can keep you comfortable while handling cold and sometimes dangerous road conditions. Some of the things you should check include:

  • Make sure that your tires have plenty of tread. If not, you should replace them with either winter tires or all-weather tires.
  • Test the thermostat and defroster to ensure they work well. You don’t want to get stranded in the cold and these fail you.
  • Check levels of antifreeze. As its name indicates, this fluid keeps your car from freezing.

Also, try to keep your gas tank full. A full gas tank helps prevent the fuel line from freezing during the extreme cold. And keep an emergency kit of supplies such as a flashlight, batteries, warm clothes, food and water on hand in case you become stranded.

Stay Safe This Winter

At ALLConnecticut Insurance, we believe that by performing these maintenance steps, your vehicle will be safe to drive throughout the winter in West Hartford, CT and anywhere else. If you are stalled, involved in an accident, or otherwise need assistance, give us a call. We are here to help.

Is Your Insurance Inventory Up to Date?

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Whether you’ve been living in your West Hartford, CT home for many years or have simply carried your home insurance with ALLConnecticut Insurance from house to house, have you updated your inventory for personal possessions recently?  While it’s easy to say that you have coverage in case of loss due to fire or theft, what was sufficient all those years ago when you first sat down with your agent may not provide the protection you need now. It’s time to make sure you valuables will be properly documented is the worst comes to pass.

Jewelry and Fine Collectibles Should Be Itemized

Unless you have stipulated full replacement in the personal possession segment of your home insurance policy, it is likely that almost every item in your house would be covered at a fraction of the real cost to buy it new.  Whether you have collected an assortment of gold watches or enjoy giving gems to your spouse, typical procedures would reduce their value for insurance purposes over time.  However, you know that quality items hold their value or increase over the years. By specifying full replacement for particular items in your home inventory, the things that are most precious to you will be compensated for at a more appropriate rate.

Don’t Forget Designer Shoes and Clothing

Your closets may contain a variety of shoes, coats, handbags and suits that cost more than you might normally spend for such common items. It pays off to add name brand apparel to the inventory, so your hard earned cash doesn’t vanish after they suffer from fire or smoke damage. Every unique item should be accounted for.

If you have any questions about your West Hartford, CT home insurance policy, reach out to use at ALLConnecticut Insurance. We look forward to hearing from you.

Why Home Insurance Might Go Up

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When you live in West Hartford, CT, it’s important to know what goes into your home insurance premiums. The last thing you want to do is spend more than what’s necessary. Unfortunately, premiums do go up from time to time. However, our goal at ALLConnecticut Insurance is to help keep premiums affordable throughout the year.

Changes to the Home

Throughout the time you live in your home, you may make changes periodically. For example, you may decide to add in in-ground pool. While this provides value to your home, it also as potential liability, which means that it may cost you more on your home insurance policy. The same goes for anything else that will add value for potential liability, such as a shed, detached garage, or various other structures.

Changes in Regulations

The Connecticut Insurance Department is in charge of regulating all of the insurance that takes place throughout the state. This includes identifying what can be charged to consumers as well as the laws and regulations that insurance companies have to operate within. Occasionally, there are regulations that could cause home insurance to go up, which means that it would go up across the board, regardless of which company you work with.

Claims

Unfortunately, things happen throughout life. There may be a storm, a break-in, a fire, or something else that would require you to file a home insurance claim in West Hartford, CT. When this happens, it may be inevitable that the insurance company raises your rates. This is because they now need to make up for the claim and will charge you more financially. As for how much your premium will go up, it is typically dependent upon how much the company had to pay out for your last claim.

Learn more about home insurance and how to keep premiums affordable by contacting an independent insurance agent at ALLConnecticut Insurance today.

 

 

The Importance of Notifying Your Insurance Company Immediately After Your Car is Stolen

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If your car is missing, the first thing you will want to do is file a police report. Once you have made this report, you will want to notify your insurance company that your car is stolen. However, if you have never been in this situation before, you may wonder why it is so important to notify your insurance company right away. After all, it may seem like a hassle, especially if your car turns up a couple days later. Here are a couple of the reasons why it is important to notify your auto insurance company as soon as possible in regards to a missing car.

You May Be On the Hook for Damages if You Don’t Notify Your Insurance Company

If your car has been stolen, it is important to notify your insurance company right away, or you may be liable for the damage the thief does in your car. Notifying the insurance company won’t prevent the thief from causing damage, but it can help you prove that you didn’t authorize your car to be taken, and thus, you should not be held responsible.

You Start the Process for Recouping Money From Your Stolen Car

The other reason to notify your insurance company right away if your car was stolen is because this starts the clock for recouping money for a stolen car. Most companies have a waiting period that you have to wait out until they will pay for a stolen car. Unfortunately, this period may start from the time you notify the insurance company, not the time that the car was stolen. As such, it’s important to notify your company right away to start this clock.

If you have questions about auto insurance and stolen cars, or want to make sure you are fully covered in case your car is stolen in the greater West Hartford, CT area, contact AllConnecticut Insurance.

Your Vehicle is Damaged by Water – Who Pays?

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The recent disaster caused by Hurricane Matthew reminds us all that water is a powerful force, which can cause major damage. For those who own vehicles that could be damaged by severe rains, mud slides, flood, or hurricanes, insurance coverage needs to be in place to cover this risk. The staff at All Connecticut Insurance in West Hartford, CT recommend that everyone check their insurance policies for the proper type of insurance to cover water damage to vehicles caused by severe weather.

Imagine these scenarios:

  1. High winds cause a tree branch to break, which lands on your vehicle’s windshield breaking the glass and allowing rain water to fill up the interior.
  2. You are driving across a small bridge and the river water washes the bridge away taking your vehicle with it.
  3. Your house is not in a flood zone; however being the careful person you are, you were smart enough to get flood insurance anyway. A "one-hundred year" event happens, which means the area floods for the first time in over one-hundred years. The house becomes flooded and your car is completely under water.
  4. You go away for vacation and we you get back your car is buried under a mud slide.
  5. You park on the street near a lake, river, or beach. The water rises and covers your car.

These are just a few of the common scenarios, which may cause water damage to your car. Whether you have insurance coverage depends on the type of insurance you have. Luckily, you do not have to figure this out alone. The risk you have depends on many factors and how close any major water source is to where you keep the vehicle most of the time. Severe weather is something to take very seriously because it is increasing. Check with your agent at All Connecticut Insurance in West Hartford, CT  to make sure you have adequate coverage for weather and water damage.

5 Things That Might Bring Your Insurance Rates Down

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There are quite a few variables when it comes to what you’re going to pay each month for your car insurance. Different insurers offer different discounts for different things, and you might not qualify for this or that discount based on certain factors. But, there are a number of things that you can do that will, generally speaking, bring your rates down no matter who you’re buying from, be it ALLConnecticut Insurance or some national brand:

Take Advanced Driving Courses

Attendance of advanced driving courses is often used as an alternative to paying the full price of a traffic ticket, or even doing some jail time. If you agree to advanced driving courses as part of a deal with the judge, it might not help your insurance rates all that much. But, if you complete advanced courses voluntarily, it looks very good on your record.

Bring Your Grades Up

Insurance tends to be a little pricier for young drivers simply because you haven’t had much time to prove yourself a safe driver yet. But, if you’re still in high school or college, you may be able to get a better deal by keeping a good GPA, proving that you’re a responsible person.

Ask About Their Discounts

Just ask, see what you qualify for, or what you could easily qualify for with a little effort.

Buy The Right Car

A Ferrari is going to raise a lot of red flags with most insurers. There are specialty insurers who will cut you a break on flashier autos, but modest, low-profile cars are usually cheaper to cover.

Maintain Good Credit

As with keeping your grades up, you’re simply showing that you’re a responsible person.

Discover the Benefits of a Good Home Insurance Policy

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When you purchase a home in West Hartford, CT, you want to make sure your investment is protected. Your home is the biggest investment you’ll ever make, and if you have to pay to repair damages to your home, it could be devastating financially. This means you need to ensure that you and your home are protected with a good home insurance policy. Here’s a look at a few of the benefits you can enjoy when you have a quality homeowner’s insurance policy in place.

Benefit #1 – Protection for Interior Damage – Unfortunately, accidents and disasters happen indoors and can cause serious interior damage to your home. You could deal with water damage from frozen pipes or you may end up dealing with interior damage due to a robbery. While policies can vary, most will cover many types of damage to the interior of your home.

Benefit #2 – Coverage for Exterior Damage – Acts of nature, such as wind, lightning, and hail can all result in devastating damage to the exterior of your home. Repairs could cost you thousands of dollars if you don’t have good homeowner’s insurance. However, depending on your policy, many types of exterior damage will be covered.

Benefit #3 – Personal Property is Protected – Coverage varies, but a good home insurance policy often covers personal property within your home. Personal property includes jewelry, furniture, clothing, computer equipment, and more. If these items are damaged or stolen, your policy may cover their replacement or repair.

Of course, while a good home insurance policy offers many benefits, it’s important to understand that these policies have exclusions as well. It’s important to find out what exactly is covered by a policy before you make a purchase. If you want to learn more about homeowner’s insurance or you’re ready to purchase a new policy, contact ALLConnecticut Insurance today.

 

Car Care Tips for Extreme Weather

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In Connecticut, the temperatures are difficult to handle when the weather becomes extreme. Taking care of your vehicle is essential in order for you to get around in inclement conditions. ALLConnecticut Insurance is an independent insurance agency that serves the West Hartford, CT community. We want you to know how to keep your vehicle safe and secure during extreme weather conditions.

On Extremely Hot Days

When the sun is at its peak, it can cause detrimental effects on your vehicle, especially the battery. Heat can cause the liquid inside of your battery to evaporate resulting in a dead battery that is unable to charge. Replace your battery at least every three years and have it checked regularly.

When the Temperature Drops

Cold weather can be unkind to your tires. It can decrease the tire pressure and you can lose the ability to control your vehicle while you are driving. Your tires can also become damaged if you drive on low pressure for great distances. Check the pressure when it is cold and keep them properly inflated according to your vehicle’s manual.

How Rain Affects Your Vehicle

Storms can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s finish. Corrosive rain can destroy the exterior of your car and promote rust damage. To prevent this type of damage, you should use wax before it rains and wipe your car down after the rain ends.

Heavy Winds can Distract You

When the winds kick up, it is important that you think about your safety. Heavy winds can push cars into different lanes. You should pay close attention in windy weather and keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel. Watch out for large vehicles, such as trailers or 18-wheelers.

In Westford, CT, ALLConnecticut Insurance has independent agents that are ready to help you purchase an auto insurance policy that is tailored to fit your needs.

 

Roll into the Beautiful West Hartford, CT Fall Season with these Home Preparedness Tips

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While you may regularly maintain your home, there are tasks that you need to remember to complete in the fall to prepare it for the season.  These steps will also help get you ready for the winter weather ahead.  Completing these tasks will help protect your most valuable asset.

Gutters:  Ensure that gutters and down spouts are cleared of any debris.  This home system, when operating efficiently, protects the exterior of the home and foundation.  Also, clearing any debris during the fall will prevent ice jams in the gutters during the winter snows.

Roof:  Fall is also a good time to check the roof for damaged or missing shingles and metal eave flashings.  Repairing these now can prevent leaks and roof damage during the coldest months of the year. 

Fire Extinguishers:  Check the pressure gauge on your home’s fire extinguishers to make sure that they are fully charged.  Clean the unit and make sure that the nozzle is clear with the pins securing in place.  Also, make sure that every household member understands how to operate the unit. 

Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Monitors:  Checking the batteries annually and the units at a regular time each year ensures that they will function properly when needed.

Pipes:  Check to make sure that all exterior pipes are securely wrapped and protected from freezing.

Lastly, don’t overlook reviewing your home insurance policy.  Your needs change over time and your coverage needs may have also changed.  Compare coverage options online at AllConnecticut Insurance Brokers who serves West Hartford, CT.   Then call or visit the professionals at AllConnecticut Insurance Brokers.  They will help you get the coverage you and your family needs.  Don’t wait.  Call today!

What features should you look for in home insurance?

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If you’re a home owner in West Hartford, CT, then you know how important it is to protect your home and family from disaster.  Fortunately, the agents at All Connecticut Insurance Brokers LLC understand how crucial your home insurance policy is to your family’s financial security.  That’s why they work hard to write policies that protect your home and everything in it.  If you’re looking for a new home insurance policy, make sure you consider if it has these features.

  1. Does it cover all types of disasters?  Many home insurance policies have exclusions that mean your home isn’t covered in the event of a disaster such as a hurricane or sinkhole.  While that might be an acceptable level of risk for some people, you may want to ask your agent about getting a rider on your policy that would cover these issues.
  2. Are smaller items covered?  While your home owner’s policy probably covers all of the items inside of your phone, the deductible is probably set high enough that it doesn’t make sense to file a claim over a single lost piece of jewelry or broken cell phone.  It is possible to add riders to your policy, however, that cover these items at a lower deductible.  Often, these riders are much less expensive than the point-of-sale policies offered in many stores, and they offer better coverage.
  3. Are accidents covered?  A home insurance policy can do more than simply provide funds for replacement appliances or a home repair.  It can also provide coverage for accidents that occur on your property.  This can include funds for medical bills or legal representation. 

If you live in the West Hartford, CT area and you’re looking for a new home insurance policy, be sure to call the agents at All Connecticut Insurance Brokers.  They have years of experience helping clients like you find the policy that is right for them.