Blog/News - Page 23 of 41 - Johnson and Rohan Insurance

Term Life Insurance

“Life insurance is for the living.”

As an insurance agent, when I hear someone has passed away, I almost immediately think: did he/she have life insurance?

For family protection, the most pure life insurance product is: term life insurance.

Term life insurance is defined as: (n) Life insurance that pays a benefit in the event of the death of the insured during a specified term.

Term life insurance offers the biggest face value for the lowest annual premium.

We’ve put together a website that allows consumers to compare term life rates, at no cost, with top-rated, most-competitive companies in seconds.

Utilizing technology and the buying power of the masses, we introduce a new, powerful online term life insurance tool: MassQuotes.

MassQuotes allows consumers to compare term life rates, at no cost, with top-rated, most-competitive companies in seconds.

MassQuotes has simplified the life insurance process. True, one stop shopping, educate (learn about different life insurance products), calculate (the amount of life insurance you need), rate (with numerous, top companies), compare (rates and different face values and terms),and apply (submit application request and you will be on your way)!

Drones and Insurance

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Love it or hate it, the future includes a lot more drones flying through our skies. The FAA projects that 2017 will be the turning point in the commercial adoption of drone technology. Among hobbyists and amateur drone operators, the future is now. Drones can be purchased on eBay or Amazon for under $50. So you or your child may soon be a drone owner. Here are some drone tips and suggestions for your drone and insurance:

For the drone owner, the prevailing source of insurance coverage is through your Homeowner or Renters policy.
The drone itself is Personal Property under your policy but subject to named perils and the deductible (often $500-$1000) is more than the value of the damaged drone.
Liability coverage to damage done by the drone depends on the circumstances of the accident- especially if negligence is involved. If others are injured or the property of others is damaged by the drone, coverage may be found under the liability coverage of your Homeowner, Renters or Umbrella policy.
Coverage for injury to the operator, the operator’s family or pets would have to be addressed through your medical insurance policy. If the drone falls from the air and damages an auto, coverage could be found under the comprehensive section of the owner’s auto policy (or if identified, more likely the drone operator’s Homeowners or Renters policy).
All drones over .55 pounds need to be registered through the Federal Aviation Agency. Here is the link to more FAA unmanned aircraft information FAA.gov, including registration. The cost starts at $5.00.
A new company, Verifly, offers on-demand insurance for enthusiasts and commercial drone operators at a cost of about $10 per hour.

Note that we at Johnson & Rohan see insurance for the business of drones, for both commercial and consumer enthusiasts as developing rapidly and evolving. We suggest giving us a call to review your particular coverage before your next drone launch.

Advocate: Your Independent Insurance Agent

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There are many ways to buy insurance. You can buy direct online or over the phone through a direct writer …

Or you can use an Independent Insurance Agency.

Your Independent Agent plays an important role in your family financial protection plan.

Your Agent will shop coverage with multiple companies to find you the best rates.

Your Agent reviews coverage to ensure you understand your limits and will offer you coverage options.

Maybe, however, the most important job of the Independent Insurance Agent is the role of advocate.

Webster Dictionary defines advocate as:

1: one that pleads the cause of another; specifically: one that pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court

2: one that defends or maintains a cause or proposal

3: one that supports or promotes the interests of another

At claim time, if you have a claim with a direct writer, you really don’t have anyone that’s your advocate.

Your Agent, on the other hand, is there to assist during a claim to ensure insurance companies treat you fairly.

Give Johnson & Rohan Insurance a click or a call.

We’re here for you.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Plowing But Were Afraid to Ask

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It’s that time of year. Plows are breaking out in every community. Our phone rings and our client on the other end has questions about plowing and plates or plowing and insurance or both. So here’s the skinny: Massachusetts law is clear on the point that if you plow for hire, you need Commercial plates. Personal passenger plates are acceptable only if you plow your own driveway, or if say you plow a relatives driveway but do not get paid. Even still, a police office might write a ticket to a vehicle plowing with Private passenger plates- such a ticket would need to be appealed. Insurance and plowing is a little more complicated. Insurance carriers have different appetites for vehicles used for plowing. We work with some that will not write plows of any kind, others that will write only vehicles used for residential plowing and others that allow plowing without restriction. Please call if you plow and we can review your specific situation to ensure you have the right coverage and plates.

3 Great Black Friday Recipes

3 Great Black Friday Recipes

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into great lunches and dinners in their own right!

Nana’s Turkey Pot Pie

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter

1 onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

4 tablespoons flour

4 cups chicken or turkey stock

2 potatoes, peeled and diced

2 cups shredded turkey

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 prepared pie crust

1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt butter in saucepan and cook chopped onion until tender. Stir in celery and carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add potatoes and simmer until tender. Stir in turkey, parsley and peas. Pour mixture into casserole. Top with pie crust and brush with egg. Bake for 30 minutes until crust is golden.

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Mayflower Open Faced Sandwich

Ingredients:

One slice of whole grain bread

Left over turkey (about one cup)

Left over turkey gravy

Two tablespoons whole berry cranberry sauce

Left over stuffing, about an ice cream scoop full

Chopped parsley or chives (optional)

Directions:

Place the bread on a dinner plate. Place the stuffing on top of the bread, the turkey on top of the stuffing, gravy on top of the turkey. I like the cranberry on top of the gravy, others like it on the side with the re-heated mashed potatoes. Sprinkle the plates with chopped parsley or chives.

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Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

Ingredients:

1 ounce sweetend cranberry juice

1 wedge lime

Champagne or sparkling wine

Cranberries (frozen)

Directions:

In a chilled champagne flute, add cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime. Top off the glass with champagne and garnish with 3 cranberrys. We substitue ginger ale for the champagne for the kids (who love it).

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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Prepare your home for cooler days ahead

Fall foliage is beautiful, but not when it builds up in your gutters. Take these tips into account during the cooler autumn months.

Have your furnace cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.
Keep flammable materials, including all lawn and power equipment, away from water heaters and wiring in the basement.
Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to cold temperatures, and turn up the thermostat during extra cold periods.
Check for damage to your roof, and clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season to keep leaves from building up in gutters.
Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration.
Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet bases; and make repairs as needed.
Have your chimney cleaned and maintained annually by a professional.
Clean and/or replace your furnace filter.
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material.
Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.
Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible, filled and ready for operation.
Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure there is one on each floor of your home. Test them monthly, and change the battery annually or as needed.

10 Great Boston-Area Apple Picking Orchards

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Belkin Family Lookout Farm

10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 89 Pleasant St., South Natick, 508-653-0653, lookoutfarm.com

One of the oldest working farms in the country, Belkin Family Lookout is a staple in Boston, and the closest to the city. With Asian pears, apples, and pumpkins, your will find plenty to pick here. During the week, families can enjoy a hay pyramid, farm-themed play area, moon bounce, and more (all included in the admission fee). The weekends bring even more delights, with face painting, hayrides, and (for $5) pony and camel rides.

Brooksby Farm

9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, 54 Felton St., Peabody, 978-531-7456, brooksbyfarm.org

In Brooksby’s farm-fresh store, the smell of cider fills the air, with doughnuts and fresh fudge abound. The store also takes on a heartwarming holiday theme throughout the seasons, with fresh pies and baked goods to fill gift baskets. Brooksby is perfect for a relaxing weekend, with barnyard animals and the perfect orchard for your apple-picking needs.

Dowse Orchards

9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays & Sundays, 98 North Main St., Sherborn, 508-653-2639, dowseorchards.com

With 200 years of farm production and 60 years with a roadside farm stand, Dowse is definitely a safe bet for good fall fun. Fall at Dowse brings pumpkins, mums, and pick-your-own apples. In the beginning of October, many apple varieties reach their prime at Dowse, specifically Golden and Red Delicious. If your apples are going toward a sweet tooth, grab some Goldens for the perfect pie, or pick some Reds to slice for a salad.

Connors Farm

8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 30 Valley Road, Danvers, 978-777-1245, connorsfarm.com

Though apple picking is available all week, on weekends Connors Farm can’t be beat for activities. With a corn maze, hayrides, bouncy houses, pumpkin tetherball, and more, the weekends have countless family activities available. In October, Connors takes on Halloween, transforming into a haunted farm with a flashlight maze ($14), Haunted Corn Fields and Zombie Safari Paintball on Friday and Saturday nights (each $24.99 or $39.99 for both).

Boston Hill Farm

9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (bags only sold until 5 p.m.), 1370 Turnpike St., North Andover, 978-681-8556, bostonhillfarm.com

If you are the eat-as-you-go type of apple picker, Boston Hill Farm is the place for you. September and October are prime time at Boston Hill for the Macintosh, Cortland, and Macoun apples, perfect for munching while picking. Along with the standard apple cider doughnuts, Boston Hill’s farm store has less traditional offerings like cinnamon doughnuts and sugar pumpkins (you can pick the real thing in their fields, too). After you’ve picked your fill, grab a scoop of Richardson’s ice cream and go hang out with the bunnies and sheep.

Highland Farm Orchard

10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 635 Highland St., Holliston, 508-429-8370, highlandfarmorchard.net

Though the apples are the only fruits available here for pick-your-own, Highland Farm Orchard is currently picking fresh yellow-and-white corn, Asian pears, and veggies daily to stock their store. With 11 different varieties in the orchard, Highland Farm keeps apple pickers around all season. If you can’t make it out before the end of October, Highland is the safest bet, as their Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Braeburn apples will be ready in early November. Be careful—hayrides are reservation only, so be sure to call ahead to reserve one for your family.

Honeypot Hill

9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 138 Sudbury Road, Stow, 978-562-5666, honeypothill.com One of Boston’s premier orchards, Honeypot Hill is known for hayrides, delicious fresh cider and cider doughnuts, caramel apples, and apple pies. The whole family can enjoy the new Big Green Monster Hedge maze. On the weekends, Bosc pears are available for pick-your-own as well.

Shelburne Farm

9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 106 W. Acton Road, Stow, 978-897-9287, shelburnefarm.comReady to start decorating for Halloween? Pick the perfect pumpkin at Shelburne for $0.60 per pound, or pick one up from the stand on your way out. On the weekends, a $5 pass gets parents and children into hay and tractor play areas for after-picking fun, or families can enjoy hayride tours of the orchard for the full experience.

Carver Hill Orchard

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays, 101 Brookside Ave., Stow, 978-897-6117, carverhillorchard.comWith summer squash, eggplant, corn, and beans, Carver Hill Orchard offers year-round picking, but comes to the height of its pick-your-own season with the fall apple and pumpkin selection. Macintosh, Macoun, Honey Crisp, Baldwin, and more apples line the rows at this farm.

Smolak Farms

7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 315 South Bradford St., North Andover, 978-682-6332, smolakfarms.com

With the most varieties of any farm near Boston, Smolak Farms is the best choice for varied picking. In the Antique Apple Orchard, Smolak Farms grows 20 types of apples, preserving some varieties that are no longer grown commercially, including the Pink Pearl and Sheepnose. The farm has four other orchards, with plenty of unique options for visitors. With hayrides, activities, animals, and more, Smolak Farms is an all-around winner.

Apple picking is about more than juicy fruits. A lot of farms also offer fun activities for the whole family. Happy fall from Johnson & Rohan!

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Johnson & Rohan Insurance

Johnson & Rohan Insurance is a family owned and operated, full-service, independent insurance agency located in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. With over 100 years of experience, Johnson & Rohan ensures every customer receives the lowest possible premiums and best possible coverages. As an independent agency, Johnson & Rohan represents many of the top insurance companies in the State. The agency invests in state of the art rating software with the ability to take the needs of an individual or family and we shop these needs with dozens of companies to find you the best rates and coverages. But more than that, we think it’s our old fashioned sense of customer service you’ll notice first. We’re a family business treating our clients and their families as we would our own.

At the time of a claim…

People don’t buy insurance thinking about claims, but claim time is where the true value of an insurance agent stands out. As independent agents, we work for you at the time of a loss. We advise and advocate for you during this process and take the extra time to ensure you get a prompt and fair settlement. You will have a veteran insurance professional advocating for you and your claim with the insurance company that direct sellers won’t provide.

Ask our clients…

Our Agency thrives, in part, because of our extremely high retention and referral rates. Our customers appreciate what we do for them and they tell their friends. We believe you will notice a difference from other agencies every time you call our office. We are eager to serve you and to do whatever it takes to earn your trust and business.

Products…

Serving all your insurance needs:

Personal Lines- Auto Insurance, Homeowners, Personal Liability Umbrella, Life, Diability, Condo, Renters, Boats, Power Sports

Commercial Products- Businessowners, Professional Liability, Commercial Auto, Workers Compensation

Product Support…

Did you know we have four websites providing consumer insight and expertise into Personal Lines and Commercial insurance?

JohnsonandRohan.com– Our flagship site, packed with information on homes, autos, life and umbrella coverage plus access to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, on-line bill pay and more.

MassAutoQuote.com– A great reference site with real time access to the Registry and real time insurance quotes.

HomeownerQuote.com– A user friendly site set up to provide tips on saving money on Homeowner policies, easy explanations of Homeowner policy coverages and easy to use quote requests.

MassQuotes.com– A comprehensice Personal Insurance site with insurance advice, insights and tips abd easy quote requests.