Defend Your Home From Fall Water Damage

 

 

 

 

 

Tips and Hot Spots to Keep Your Home Dry This Fall

  1. Refrigerator Water Supply Line
    Look for kinks, cracks, and other signs of wear and tear in the water supply line. If you move your refrigerator to inspect the supply line, be careful not to damage or kink the line when you put it back into place.
  2. Water Heater
    Corrosion on the external pipe on the tank could be a sign of internal problems. Look for crystal-like deposits that may be white, blue, or green. And remember, water heaters don’t last forever. Check the manufacturer’s warranty for guidance about the lifespan of your water heater.
  3. Main Water Shut-off Valve
    In the event of a sudden water leak, the main shut-off valve can stop the flow of water to your home and help mitigate resulting damage. Take a minute to locate your main water valve before there’s an issue, and flag it with tape or a tag to help people spot it.
  4. Sink Fittings and Connections
    If you notice a drip or signs of a leak or other potential plumbing problems, immediately call a professional. To be alerted early to signs of a leak, install a smart water sensor under your sink.
  5. Caulking Around Your Tub/Shower
    Caulking used to seal the perimeter of a tub or shower can fail over time. Look for cracks, missing caulking or other signs of wear and tear. Regularly check sealants to ensure they are properly sealing against unwanted water intrusion.
  6. Inside Your Toilet Tank
    Look for corrosion, degradation or discoloration. Some cleaning products that can be added to the tank can prematurely degrade the components. Regularly check the components in your toilet tank. If they show signs of wear and tear, replace them.
  7. Washing Machine Supply Lines
    Supply lines are made of rubber or braided stainless steel. A cracked line could not just lead to damage to the room where the leak occurred, but also to the floor below. Turn off water supply, whether your washer is on an upper floor or in the basement, when you’re not running the machine.
  8. Sump Pump
    To test your sump pump to see if it’s functioning properly, pour water into the sump (pit) to make sure the pump kicks on. The float inside the sump will begin to rise with the water and activate the pump, an indication that it’s working.
  9. Central Air Conditioning Unit Drain Pan
    Extreme temperatures in an attic can cause plastic drain pans to crack and leak. An overflow sensor switch in the pan will shut off the air conditioning system if the pan is full. A leaking pan or malfunctioning sensor can lead to a bigger issue. Check the drain pan and test the overflow sensor switch regularly.

Consider installing smart technology water sensors in your home to quickly alert you of potential leaks and prevent large scale water damage to your home.

Pet Insurance

Pet Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over the years we’ve had numerous pet insurance inquiries.

We’ve partnered with Prudent Pet and can offer direct pet insurance coverage.

What Does Pet Insurance Pay For?

Pet insurance pays you back for unexpected vet bills related to accidents, injuries, and illnesses. With the best insurance companies, you get reimbursed for 80%, 90%, or even 100% of the vet bill (after your deductible is met).

Like most insurance options, you’ll pay a monthly premium to keep your coverage active. Once your deductible is met, you can expect your insurance provider to pay for your pet’s eligible expenses, based on your reimbursement rate, up to your policy’s limit.

What Most Plans Cover:

  • Accidental injuries (foreign object ingestion, broken bones, bite wounds, and more)
  • Unexpected illnesses (skin allergies, gastrointestinal issues, glaucoma, and more)
  • Chronic disease (diabetes, arthritis, heart conditions, and more.)
  • Dental illnesses (periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth resorption, and more)
  • Hereditary conditions (i.e. hip dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, von Willebrand disease, and more)
  • Surgery (bloat, cruciate ligament conditions, cataracts, and more)
  • Cancer diagnosis and treatment
  • Prescription medications
  • Diagnostic testing (i.e. fecal exams, allergy tests, x-rays, bloodwork, MRIs, and more)
  • Emergency exam fees

Many providers offer additional coverage benefits that can make caring for your furry friend more affordable. Depending on what features you want from a pet insurance plan, you could also get reimbursed for the cost of:

  • Alternative treatments like physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care
  • Behavioral modification therapy
  • Vacation cancelation fees
  • Lost pet advertising and reward
  • Breeding and pregnancy expenses
  • End-of-life care, euthanasia, and cremation or burial

What Pet Insurance Doesn’t Cover:

No pet insurance will cover pre-existing conditions. However, some providers will cover curable conditions after a certain waiting period with no recurring symptoms. Also, pets with a pre-existing condition are still eligible for insurance, their coverage would only exclude the specific condition that already exists.

Other pet insurance coverage exclusions may include:

  • Pet supplies (food, toys, treats)
  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Elective surgeries
  • Routine care/Wellness exams*
  • Preventive care*
  • Spay/Neuter*
  • Vaccinations*
  • Boarding or daycare
  • Pet property damage
  • Personal liability claims
  • Specific exclusions

*If you’re interested in plans that reimburse for routine and preventive care (checkups, vaccinations, spay/neuter, dental cleaning), consider a Wellness Plan add-on.

Click: HERE to get your free, no obligation pet insurance quote.

Three Second Rule Driving Tip

Three Second Rule driving tip

 

 

 

 

 

 

The American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association suggests using the three second rule driving tip to help prevent rear-end accidents.

The “three-second rule” accounts for your reaction time to the movements of the vehicle ahead and your vehicle’s stopping distance.

You should add more time if the road is slippery, if you’re being crowded by a tailgater, if you’re towing a trailer or if you’re driving a large truck.

The three second rule driving tip:

When the vehicle ahead of you passes a stationary object, start counting:  1,001 … 1,002 …

The first second is your reaction time; the next two seconds account for your braking distance

You should not reach the object before you count to … 1,003. If you do, you are following too closely.

At a vehicle speed of 55 mph, the three-second rule creates a gap of 243 feet between cars.

Call Johnson & Rohan Insurance for your Massachusetts Insurance needs.

Happy Halloween Safety

Halloween Safety

Halloween Safety. Even more important than the truckload of candy, we want families to stay safe on Halloween.

Here are some tips to keep kids safe:

  • Avoid masks that obstruct vision, particularly the periphery.  Face paint or make-up is a better option than restrictive masks.
  • Use hypo-allergenic make-up. Make up runs, so bring a cloth when trick-or-treating to wipe any make-up that gets near the eye.
  • Carry a flashlight at all times.  Once the sun goes down, keep it on.
  • Don’t use any sharp props with a costume.
  • Use reflective tape.  It helps others see trick-or-treaters.
  • Be careful of candles used in pumpkins or other decorations.

Happy Halloween from your friends at Johnson & Rohan Insurance.

MA Inspection Sticker Exemptions?

One of clients called us wondering about his expired MA Inspection Sticker. He’s in the military, based out of state, and he was wondering if there are any exemptions.

We got in touch with the Massachusetts Vehicle Check program and they tell us:

There are no exemptions, but the vehicle owner can fill out an Out of State verification form found on our website mavehiclecheck.com under motorist resources, forms. This will notify the MA RMV that the owner is out of the state and cannot have the vehicle inspected at this time.

We’re filing this one in the: “learn something new everyday” department.

 

Prevent Further Property Damage

Prevent Further Property Damage

Prevent Further Property Damage

In the immediate aftermath of a property loss, you may need to take steps to reduce the possibility of further damage to your home, personal property or business.

Once you and your loved ones are safe, below are the steps we suggest you take to protect your property after a loss.

Step 1: Protect your property from any further damage

Regardless of the nature of your loss, you should cleanup and undertake any temporary repairs to prevent further damage. This may include doing things like boarding up windows, tarping your roof or cleaning up non-hazardous spills and debris. If necessary, you should consult with a professional to accomplish this. Additionally, you’ll want to assess your property for damage and save all repair expense receipts associated with the loss.

Make sure to stay clear of downed or damaged utility lines, and if you plan to use a generator, never do so in a carport or garage.

Step 2: Collect relevant information

  • Make a list, take photos and/or video of damaged items (prior to clean-up, if possible).
  • Save all your emergency repair/expense receipts.

Step 3: If you’re unable to stay in your house

If you are unable to stay in your home because it is unsafe to do so, make short-term living arrangements for the next couple of days. Your Claim professional will review the coverage on your policy and evaluate reimbursement of emergency expenses.

  • If safe to do so, attempt to stop the source of the water leak immediately. If necessary, contact a plumber or other professional.
  • If the water results from damage to your roof, contact a contractor who can provide tarping services.
    Clean up any standing water or wet carpets. If necessary, contact a professional cleaning service.
  • It is important for your Claim professional to view what may have caused the loss or damage. If feasible, retain any pipes,   hoses or parts involved with the leak. If not, take photos.
  • If there’s a pipe burst due to freezing conditions or you expect cold weather, you should take steps to mitigate freeze damage. Turn off the water source to the pipe or try to increase the temperature in the room – open cupboard doors and/or turn on a space heater.

  • Avoid disturbing the area where the fire started until the Claim professional has contacted you to discuss the loss.
  • Do not attempt to clean soot-covered walls, floors or ceilings yourself. This is better left to a professional cleaning company.
  • Do not throw away any items damaged in the fire.

  • If tree debris is on your home or building or has the potential to cause more damage, contact a professional for removal and/or to place a tarp on your roof.
  • Contact your local electric company if any trees are on your electrical lines.
  • Stay away from any power lines, especially if they are on the ground.

  • If any appliances or electronics are damaged, retain them until you speak with your Claim professional.
  • Consider shutting off the power to the affected area or your house depending on the nature of the event and its severity.
  • Contact your local electric company if tree debris is on your electrical lines.
  • Stay away from any power lines especially if they are on the ground.

As always: call Johnson & Rohan Insurance as soon as possible. We will help setup your claim, assist and advise.

 

Rental Car Coverage on Vacation

Rental Car Coverage on Vacation

Worth repeating: Do I have Rental Car Coverage on Vacation?

A long time, great client recently called our office. He travels to Europe and hoped to confirm that his Massachusetts auto insurance coverage follows him when he rents a vehicle on vacation

He was surprised when I told him: coverage only follows you in the United States, U.S. Territories, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

Massachusetts auto coverage DOES NOT follow you to Bermuda, Europe, Mexico or any other fabulous, international destination. In countries outside the U.S., U.S. Territories, Puerto Rico and Canada, you definitely want to purchase liability and physical damage coverage when you rent a vehicle.

The MA Coverage that follows you (U.S., U.S. Territories, Puerto Rico, and Canada) includes: Part 5, Bodily Injury to Others; Parts 3 & 12, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage, Collision and Comprehensive Coverage (including your deductible, if at fault).

 

Massachusetts Auto Insurance Away at School Discount

Massachusetts Auto Insurance Away at School Discount

In Massachusetts, many auto insurance companies offer an Away at School Discount.

In order to qualify, your child must be a full-time student and live away from home, over 90 miles away and not have a vehicle with them at school.

If you qualify, please call or email us the details so we can apply the additional credit.

Most auto insurers also offer a “good student “(B or better average) discount. Please give us a call or send us an email to verify you’re receiving the discounts you should be getting.

 

 

Collector Car Insurance

Collector Car Insurance

 

 

 

 

Do you own a vintage auto?  If you own a car at least 25 years old, or that might be collectible in nature, Johnson & Rohan Insurance may be able to insure it through the specialty market- great coverage at a fraction of the price.

We have two great Collector Car Insurance markets:

Grundy invented the agreed value classic car insurance policy in 1947 and are a true leader in the market- insure your classic with “The Olde Original.”

Hagerty Insurance is another established leader in classic car insurance- between the two, let us put together a customized quote from a single car to major collection.

What is your car worth? Find out by clicking: here.

Johnson & Rohan