Category: Insurance

What are the benefits of having an insurance agent over a large insurance company?

Insurance Agent vs Insurance Company, which is best for you? First of all the independent local agents are that…local. You will probably know your insurance agent. The benefit of this is that the agent will be familiar with your life style, which is an important factor in tailoring your insurance program so it is perfect for you. A local agent will know the exposures in the area and be able to best protect your personal property and family in the event of a loss.  As a local agent, we are accustomed to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MA RMV) guidelines, processes and fees.  We can also go to the registry for you…and we do not charge!

Local agencies also have the benefit of having walk-in services.  You can come visit us and sit down to talk about your policies or claims.  When you call in to our office during business hours you will always get a person answering your call, never any prompts or machines.

local insurance agent

The added benefit of an agent is that we can match you with an insurance company that most closely fits your insurance needs. Independent agents offer many different companies to write your insurance through. Every person or household has different exposures and there is a company out there that focus on your unique exposures.  With the large insurance companies they only offer their own insurance, which may not fit your needs perfectly.

As independent agent, we work for you rather than as an employee of one particular company.  So our interests are on our customers, not on making a parent company happy.

Insurance Policy Discounts

Are you getting the best deal on your insurance? Make sure you are taking full advantage of the discounts offered. One of the more common credits with your home and auto policies would be alarm systems. Other than the actual system and its capabilities, it shows the insurance company that you are concerned about protecting your personal property. Also, most companies will offer a significant discount when you insure both your auto and home with them, a multi-policy discount. When you have more than one policy with the same company it shows them that you have faith in them and their products. Loyalty is a big factor.

piggy bank

Some other common discounts include, but are not limited to:

  • Everyone is “going green”, so if you eliminate the printing of your policy and have it emailed to you instead, you will receive a discount.
  • Low mileage discount, if you are more of a local area driver, this is the discount for you.
  • Pay your premium upfront and receive a discount.
  • If you are part of AAA or AARP, you will receive a discount.
  • Are you or your children on the honor roll? Receive a good student discount.
  • Business (commercial) insurance will enjoy similar discounts as personal insurance, such as alarm systems and larger deductibles.

By selecting a larger deductible on any type of policy, commercial or personal, you receive a discount. Again you are showing the insuring company that you are invested in protecting your property. If you know that you will have to pay the first $1,000 of a loss you are more likely to use extreme caution while driving and/or caring for your home/business.

In life and health insurance policies the better you take care of yourself, the more of a discount you receive. The most prevalent would be smoking. Non-smoker rates are considerably less than smoker rates. Your nutrition and health habits will determine the rates that the company uses to determine premiums. Eat a healthy diet and exercise and your rates will be better. The younger that you start a life insurance policy the better your rate will be also. Thinking about death at a young age is a daunting task, but it will prepare you for the future and guarantee better rates. So set up your life insurance now!

Always ask about additional discounts to ensure the best premium. Call us for more information! mancuso-nowak.com

As Temperatures Drop, Don’t let Your Fireplace cause an Accidental House Fire!

fireThe cold weather is coming quicker than you may think. As temperatures drop, it may be time to start up the fire place. Your children may enjoy sitting in front of the fire on crisp cold nights and sharing fun stories. Your fire place may also be a central meeting area for guests and family members. Whatever the case may be, it is important to put safety first, or problems could ensue. The last thing you want to happen is damage to your home due to an accidental house fire.

Whether you have a wood, metal, or another type of stove, you should be aware of the potential accidents that could occur. This is especially true if the fire place is the primary source for heat in the house. Here are some tips that can help you and your family take the proper precautions for protection:

  • Before you light the first fire of the season, make sure your chimney has been inspected. This should be done by a certified specialist so no one gets hurt.
  • Never burn other materials in the fire place besides seasoned hardwood. Putting cardboard, paper, or flammable liquids in there is not a good idea.
  • Keep the front area of the fireplace clean by removing all flammable items surrounding it. Have your family help you keep this space organized and clear of debris.
  • Stack the firewood you use for the stove at least 30 feet away from your home. This is for safety so if a fire were to start, more damage will not occur.
  • Every year, make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly.

At Mancuso-Nowak Insurance Agency, we hope these fireplace safety tips help you make it through the fall and winter with no fire problems. If a fire does grow out of control, immediately contact your local fire department. In addition, having the right level of home insurance can help protect you from financial loss when the unexpected occurs. The goal of our team is to make sure that Massachusetts residents understand their insurance options. Our dedication to your needs makes us different than the rest!