Category: Blog

Spring Cleaning: Keeping Records for Insurance Claims

Spring cleaning isn’t just about decluttering closets and dusting shelves—it’s also the perfect time to take proactive steps to protect your home. From making small repairs to updating your home inventory list, a little effort now can save you from major headaches in the future. In this blog, we’ll go over how documenting repairs, upgrading security measures, and how keeping records for insurance claims can help simplify insurance claims and ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Spring Cleaning and Home Improvements

Beyond the usual tidying up and disposing of clutter, spring is a great time to tackle the home maintenance projects you’ve been putting off this cold winter season. Here are some simple home improvement tasks you can work on to help you stay ahead of any potential home issues and complicated insurance claims.

  • Exterior Home Maintenance. Checking your roof for small leaks, cleaning gutters, repairing missing fence panels, and inspecting your walkways and stairs are all small tasks that can protect you against hefty insurance claims or liability issues.
  • Interior Home Maintenance. Deep cleaning of major appliances, inspecting for leaks, and testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can catch any significant repairs or health concerns early, minimizing potential damage.
  • Improving Security. Improving your home with new locks and security systems will help keep your home safe and potentially decrease insurance payments.
  • Home Inventory and Documentation. Gathering important documents and updating your home inventory with any large purchases will help streamline any claims you may need to file.

Keeping Records for Insurance Claims

Keeping records of any upgrades, projects, or purchases you’ve made is key in creating simple insurance claims. Not only will this demonstrate to your insurance company that you’re committed to maintaining your property, but you’ll also have all the detailed information for any claims you may need to submit. Here are some key pieces of information to keep track of:

  • Save all paperwork regarding purchases for materials and labor, as well as any contracts with repair services.
  • Warranties and Guarantees. Ensure you won’t be paying out of pocket for an item that has existing coverage.
  • Take photos and videos of any damages that have been repaired, along with organized time stamps and dates.
  • Improvement Log. Keep a general log of all improvements with clear descriptions and costs.

Have questions or need guidance? At the Safeside Insurance Agency, we strive to serve all our customers with the right service at the right price. Whether you’re unsure where to start your documentation or simply need assistance reviewing your current policy, we’re here to help. Call us today at (508) 753-8862 or visit our website here, and let us guide you in finding the perfect plan tailored to your needs.

3 Common Homeowner’s Insurance Mistakes

A leaky pipe. An outdated policy. A roof that hasn’t been inspected in years. These may not seem urgent, but when you’re dealing with a denied claim or costly repairs, you’ll wish you took proactive steps to make sure you’re protected. Homeowner’s insurance serves as a safety net, but only if you do your part. In this blog, we’ll go over 3 common homeowner’s insurance mistakes and what steps you can take to stay ahead. Continue reading 3 Common Homeowner’s Insurance Mistakes

How to Choose the Best Life Insurance Policy for Your Family

Do you have a life insurance policy? If you don’t, it’s time to begin thinking about how you can adjust your financial planning to reflect your family’s long-term security. Life insurance isn’t about covering expenses—it’s about ensuring your loved ones are financially protected if something happens to you. In this blog, we’ll dive into what you should consider when customizing your life insurance and when you should review your policy.   Continue reading How to Choose the Best Life Insurance Policy for Your Family

What to Know About Auto Insurance Before Your Next Road Trip

With warmer weather approaching, road trip season is almost here! But before you pack your bags and hit the road, take a moment to ensure your auto insurance is road trip ready. A little preparation can help you avoid unexpected setbacks and costly repairs. In this blog, we’ll cover how to handle auto troubles on the road and what steps to take to ensure you’re fully protected before your journey begins. 

Continue reading What to Know About Auto Insurance Before Your Next Road Trip

A Guide to Exterior Weather Damage and Homeowners Insurance

As the winter weather continues to settle in, homeowners are faced with the harsh reality of the damage snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause to the exterior of their home. From roof and siding damage to foundation cracks, the risks of weather damage are more than just an inconvenience — it can lead to costly repairs, safety hazards, and long-term structural issues. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how you can prepare for weather damage and the role homeowner’s insurance can play in your exterior home repairs. Continue reading A Guide to Exterior Weather Damage and Homeowners Insurance

A Guide to Reviewing Insurance Policies for 2025

As 2025 unfolds, it’s the perfect time to set new goals, build better habits, and make sure your insurance policies align with your plans for the year ahead. Insurance is something we tend to set and forget, but taking the time to review insurance policies is key to avoiding unexpected expenses. In this blog, we will go over the importance of reviewing your policies and what changes you can make to align with your 2025 goals. Continue reading A Guide to Reviewing Insurance Policies for 2025

College Car Insurance: What Might Affect Your Premiums

College is a new milestone that comes with more responsibility. If you are a parent deciding to keep your child on your plan or a college student driving a car to school under your parents’ insurance, it is important to understand the insurance terms and how you or your child is protected. So today, we will uncover the importance of safe driving, where you drive, and the decision to stay on your parents’ plan. 

Car Insurance: Terms & Definitions

To understand how your car insurance protects you, it is vital to know what premiums, deductibles, and policies are, as well as the types of car insurance coverage that college students should have.

  • Premium – The price you pay to an insurance company in exchange for coverage of your car and yourself.
  • Policy – The plan itself that offers several types of coverages for automobile situations.
  • Claim – Is what you “file” by calling your car insurance company, letting them know you will need to use your policy to cover accident damages. This allows the insurance company to help pay for a portion of the damage.
  • Deductible – The money you pay before the insurance company covers the rest of your claim. Deductibles are usually chosen at the time of choosing a policy.
    • For example, if your deductible is $500, and the cost to repair your car is $2000, you pay the $500 upfront before the insurance company pays for the remaining $1500.
  • Coverage – Is what protects you and your car from damage, ranging from liability, uninsured/underinsured, comprehensive, collision, and personal injury protection.

How to Decide to Stay or Leave a Parent’s Policy

This decision is on a case-by-case basis. Overall, the cheapest option is to stay on your parents’ plan. But this might not be the most convenient given your new location. If you move to a rural area, policy rates might be cheaper compared to a metropolitan area. Also, if your parents do not have the best driving record, getting your own might lower policy costs if you are a safe driver. The best way to decide is by getting car insurance quotes from agencies, as there may be discounts for college students. 

Ready to start exploring insurance policies? Check out our blog on debunking myths on auto insurance to help you choose the right plan! Also, be sure to check out our blog, What Affects the Cost of Your Car Insurance Premiums?, for more information. At Safeside, we are committed to providing quality service to suit everyone for their long-term protection and well-being. Learn more about us and contact us today to get started!

Renters Insurance and Theft During the Holiday Season

As the holiday season quickly approaches, many find themselves making large purchases to gift to their loved ones. Unfortunately, paired with the season of giving, is a 20% increase in theft-related crimes. In this blog, we will go over how you can handle theft during the holiday season as a renter and what strategies you can use to protect your assets to provide your family with the comfort the winter months bring.  

How Does Renters Insurance Protect Against Theft? 

If you are renting a home or apartment this holiday season and have not purchased renters insurance, it is the perfect time to think about adding it to your plan. At a low monthly cost, renters insurance not only protects your home against damages and liabilities, but also theft—whether it occurs in your home or off the property.  

Things to Consider 

  • Taking a Home Inventory: Having an up-to-date list of all your “big ticket items” is key in keeping track of how your totals stack up against what your policy limits are, especially when you start purchasing expensive gifts. 
  • Filing Claims: If you are filing multiple claims, you will have a higher premium. Consider the value of the items before filing a claim, as it may not be justifiable. 
  • Deductibles: Before your insurance covers the remaining cost of the stolen items, you will have to pay a deductible beforehand.  

Protecting Your Belongings Against Theft

Being mindful about busy shopping plazas, package deliveries, and keeping your house secure is key in protecting yourself before renters insurance needs to step in. 

  • Hide Valuable Items: If you have completed a big shopping trip, keep them out of sight from potential thieves and do not leave them in your vehicle overnight. Parking in well-lit, monitored areas is also a good idea.  
  • Lock Your Home and Vehicle: Always lock your vehicle and home, even if you are leaving for a short period of time.  
  • Install a Security System: Having a security system outside of your home can help you monitor any unusual activity, especially as your package deliveries increase. If it is an option, change the delivery time to when someone will be home. 
  • Vacations: Pause mail and newspaper deliveries while away, so there is no noticeable pile-up. Think about leaving a couple lights on, or better yet, place them on a timer.  

 Now that you know how renters insurance can protect you and your family both at your home and off your property, it is time to review your coverage to make sure your policy limits match your needs. To review your coverage or start services with us at the Safeside Insurance Agency, you can call us at (508) 753-8862 or visit our website here. With over 30 years of experience servicing the Worcester Area, we are here to find you the coverage you need to keep you and your loved ones safe.  

 

Guest Liability and the Holiday Season: Keeping Guests Safe

The holiday season is a time for gathering with family and friends, and filling homes with laughter, love, and celebration. But when you host guests during the holidays, there’s a chance that accidents could happen on your property, leading to unexpected liability issues. Understanding guest liability and knowing how to protect your visitors – and yourself – can help ensure a safe and joyous season. Continue reading Guest Liability and the Holiday Season: Keeping Guests Safe

Most Common Insurance Claims in the Fall

As the crisp fall air rolls in and the leaves start to change, many of us look forward to cozying up by the fireplace, heading out for scenic drives, and preparing for the upcoming holiday season. However, autumn also brings unique challenges that make proper insurance coverage vital. From weather-related accidents to home safety challenges, we will go over the most common insurance claims that are filed during the fall and how you can make sure you have the needed protection.  Continue reading Most Common Insurance Claims in the Fall