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.

The five most common driver etiquette mistakes

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If your behavior behind the wheel has been garnering a lot of disgruntled honks lately, you might want to put some thought into improving your driver karma. Being aware of the driver etiquette rules your breaking is the first step to cleaning up your driving.

The following are the five most common driver etiquette mistakes that you can easily avoid with a bit of consideration and awareness:

  1. Passing excruciatingly slowly- Passing other cars should be done fairly quickly because during passing, two cars are very close. This can make some drivers slightly uncomfortable, especially if it goes on for long periods of time. If you’re going to pass someone, speed up and do it quickly to put some distance between yourself and the other car. 
  2. Not switching lanes to make merging and turning easier- If you’re driving along a two-lane roadway with no traffic, switch lanes to make space for other drivers who are trying to get on the same roadway. 
  3. Hanging around in the left lane- Other drivers are going to get impatient- a may even begin suffering from twinges of road rage- if you’re driving in front of them at a slower speed but remaining in the passing lane. 
  4. Sloppy turn signal use- Whenever possible, avoid changing your mind about turning after putting your turn signal on. Also, always take care to use your turn signals even if you’re driving along a very familiar route. 
  5. Using your cell phone- Even if cell phone use while driving isn’t against the law in your state, don’t do it. This type of distracted driving compromises safety and will inevitably detract from your reaction speed at red lights or while waiting at stop signs. 

Learn more about responsible driving by contacting ALLConnecticut Insurance. 

What kind of businesses need umbrella insurance?

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Umbrella insurance isn’t something that is commonly thought about when you’re trying to set up a business, but it can be one of the most valuable coverages that you’ll ever invest in.  If your business falls into any of these categories, then it may be a good idea to look into umbrella insurance.

  1. Manufacturing. Product recalls can easily put a small or medium-sized business in bankruptcy court. Umbrella insurance policies can provide funds to replace or repair damaged products, as well as additional funds to cover any settlement payment. Some policies are even written so that lost sales and other secondary expenses as the result of the recall are compensated for.
  2. Residential Services. Plumbers, electricians, and general contractors are prone to lawsuits due to the dangerous nature of their work and the high number of clients that they interact with.  Umbrella insurance will cover the costs to hire legal counsel, and can even help to pay off a settlement. Keep in mind that every insurance policy is written so that it can be tailored to the specific needs of each client.  That means that your policy will provide coverage limits that make sense for your specific business.
  3. Retail. Odds are you have a lot of money tied up in your inventory and you rely heavily on foot traffic for the majority of your sales. This can make a natural disaster very dangerous for your business.  While other policies may cover physical damage to your property, only umbrella insurance can provide compensation for missed sales and damaged inventory.

If you’re thinking about an umbrella insurance policy for your business, call the professional insurance agents at ALLConnecticut Insurance. They can help you to craft a policy that meets your needs.

Get the right insurance on your RV

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Before heading out of West Hartford, CT with your RV this summer, it would be a good idea to make sure you have proper insurance coverage on your vehicle. A motorized RV, such as a motor home, must have liability insurance just as an automobile would in Connecticut. Smaller RV’s must also have liability coverage at a minimum, but may operate under a different policy than an auto policy.

RV insurance is rather specialized a it is often a vehicle that is used only part of the year, and may be parked for extensive periods. It is generally also a high-value vehicle, and that makes the insurance cost more. In addition to liability, there is collision and comprehensive coverage available for a motor home type vehicle.  Collision and comprehensive are not required by the state, but may be required by the lender if you still owe on the RV.  Collision covers damage to your vehicle if you are at fault in an accident. Comprehensive covers none automotive damage caused by your vehicle in an accident.

Gap insurance is also a possibility one might consider. This covers the difference between the market value and the cost to replace if your RV is totaled. In a collision policy the insurance company pays the market value, but you may owe more than that or it might cost more to replace than that. With gap insurance you would be covered.  For some people an umbrella policy is a good idea. This covers you if you have a major claim against you that is more than your insurance limits.

The agents at ALLConnecticut Insurance can help you get the policy you need to cover your RV. You may also get quotes by visiting us online. Existing customers may contact us to get a free policy review to make sure all of your policies are up to date.

 

Why Commercial Insurance is Important

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Starting a business is hard and keeping it financially stable is a long-term struggle. Having commercial insurance is the best way to protect your company from any unforeseen disasters or lawsuits that may disrupt your business.

Common Types of Commercial Insurance

  • Liability Insurance – protects you if someone is injured on your property. If a customer is hurt because of an accidental spill, they could bring a lawsuit against you. You may be required to pay medical costs as well as pain and suffering fees.
  • Worker’s Compensation – gives you protection if an employee becomes injured during working hours. Even if part of their job is to haul heavy boxes, you may be responsible if their back is injured at work. The injured employee could also receive weeks of paid time off and medical coverage for the injury. Without worker’s compensation, your business could suffer if you had to pay out-of-pocket.
  • Property Damage Insurance – can give you relief if your business was damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, storm, or other types of disasters. You work extremely hard to keep your business going and you wouldn’t want an accidental fire to shut you down permanently.
  • Disability Insurance – is optional plan coverage that may help if you become disabled or too sick to run your own business. You may receive partial income while you are disabled.
  • Business Interruption – is an option that would help if you needed to maintain your income in the event of a disaster.

If you need to research a new or existing insurance plan, the independent agents at ALLConnecticut Insurance in West Hartford are available to help. Whether you are a small, medium, or large business, the agents will be able to offer information and plan options for your company.