It is common for neighbors to disagree. For example, one person might think that their outdoor dog barking at people passing by is an asset for keeping them safer from intruders. However, a neighbor who enjoys peace and quiet would think the dog is a nuisance. Another neighbor might enjoy listening to his [...]]]>

It is common for neighbors to disagree. For example, one person might think that their outdoor dog barking at people passing by is an asset for keeping them safer from intruders. However, a neighbor who enjoys peace and quiet would think the dog is a nuisance. Another neighbor might enjoy listening to his or her music at a loud volume, but others who live in the neighborhood will likely find it annoying. Some situations might not be about noise. People who live in neighborhoods with a uniform appearance might hassle a new homeowner who decides to paint his or her house a clashing color. Whether the source of the problem is noise or something else, disagreements between neighbors can escalate into lawsuits. Before this happens, it is important to know what types of provisions a Homeowners policy provides for legal issues.

Many people think that a Homeowners insurance policy covers most types of lawsuits filed against them. For this reason, people are usually not as careful as they should be about preventing them. For example, consider a new homeowner who moves into a subdivision, replaces the existing fence with higher boards and paints them contrasting colors. If the subdivision has rules about the permissible colors and acceptable maximum height of fences, they will try to get the new homeowner to comply. Homeowners who refuse might find themselves facing a lawsuit for violating the subdivision’s code. The courts will likely favor the subdivision’s rules, and a Homeowners policy will not provide coverage for the legal battle. Therefore, it is important to understand exactly what legal issues are covered under the policy.

Loud noises, eyesores and changes are all issues that do not physically harm another person. Although they might be annoying, they are not issues that would be covered by a Homeowners policy if they escalate into a lawsuit. Always remember that a Homeowners policy offers protection for two types of liabilities: Property damage and bodily injury. If the family dog bites someone on the property, a guest falls off a broken step, or one of the kids breaks a visitor’s car window, a Homeowners policy covers such issues.

Since coverage is limited to two types of physical damage, it is important to work as hard as possible to settle disputes with neighbors. For example, if neighbors complain about a barking dog, it might be best to enroll the dog in training or purchase a no-bark citronella collar. Trim overgrown shrubs or trees that neighbors complain about. Many people get angry and frustrated when a neighbor makes accusations or complains. Anger is usually what causes people to be stubborn and refuse to compromise. Always listen to what neighbors have to say, and try to understand the situation from their perspective. Use common sense to arrive at a solution that is favorable to both parties. However, the best way to avoid anger and confrontation is to fix possible nuisances before neighbors complain. For additional information about avoiding problems and lawsuits with neighbors, discuss the issues with one of our agents.

Technorati Tags: home insurance, homeowners insurance, investment property insurance, renters insurance

Please complete the ONLINE -APPLICATION, and send your resume with salary requirements to:

Tracy-Driscoll [...]]]> Tracy-Driscoll Insurance & Financial Services is looking for an experienced Commercial Account Representative (min 5yrs).  Experience with TAM (Applied Management System) a plus. CT P&C Insurance License is Required.  Competitive Salary and Benefit package including 401K

Please complete the ONLINE -APPLICATION, and send your resume with salary requirements to:

Tracy-Driscoll Insurance & Financial Services
Attn:  Lisa SanAngelo
P.O. Box 2060
Bristol, CT 06011-2060

or email to lsanangelo@tracy-driscoll.com

Technorati Tags: CT Insurance Jobs

State minimum insurance requirements are minimal. Most states demand less than $100,000 for bodily injuries and $50,000 for property damage. Some states require only $10,000 for property damage coverage.

How many cars valued at greater than $10,000 travel the highways? How many trucks [...]]]>

State minimum insurance requirements are minimal. Most states demand less than $100,000 for bodily injuries and $50,000 for property damage. Some states require only $10,000 for property damage coverage.

How many cars valued at greater than $10,000 travel the highways? How many trucks carrying cargo are worth more than $10,000? $50,000? $100,000?

According to the 2010 census, the median family net worth exceeded $200,000. That amount includes houses, cars, savings, retirement funds, cash in the bank, college savings, and furniture and personal effects. Half the families are worth more, half have assets less than $200,000; all of it is hard earned.

If the family is underinsured for liability, their net worth is vulnerable to be seized in a lawsuit based on injuries or property damage caused by any family member driving a vehicle. The car owner and the car driver become parties to the suit.

Bodily injuries sustained in car wrecks devastate lives. People unable to work, the high cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation expenses, and the pain and suffering can only be compensated with money. The money comes from the insurance company or the liable party’s personal wealth.

Not convinced you need higher limits? Not all liabilities are released in bankruptcy. Many states have specific legislation disallowing debt reduction for certain accidents, most notably driving while intoxicated. Wage plans reduce take home pay by as much as 33%. Many employers do not tolerate either bankruptcy or wage garnishments.

Still not convinced? How about a selfish motivation?

Other drivers are either uninsured or underinsured. Most insurance companies will not provide uninsured motorist coverage in limits greater than the liability limits of the policy.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage from your policy pays on behalf of the driver who hits you if they are poorly insured. In a classic exercise of the golden rule, insurance companies only sell limits commensurate with the protection you offer others.

Proper limits of liability allow you to protect yourself from the improper coverage other people maintain.

So how much coverage is enough? What are reasonable limits of liability?

Ask our auto insurance professionals. And consider this:

Your assets are your excess insurance coverage. This means that when the limits of your policy are reached, your assets are at risk. Excess insurance – Umbrella policies, for example – is available in $1 million layers over your Automobile and Homeowners liability limits if those limits qualify – are high enough. Protect yourself against underinsured drivers by increasing your uninsured motorist coverage.

If you would like to review your current coverage call one of our Tracy-Driscoll Insurance specialists today at 860-589-3434

Technorati Tags: auto insurance Bristol CT, auto insurance broker Bristol CT, auto insurance quote, auto insurance quotes Bristol CT, car insurance Bristol CT, car insurance quote, get cheap car insurance, low cost auto insurance, low cost car insurance

When most people think about earthquakes in the United States, California and Alaska are the two states that come to mind. However, earthquakes can happen in any part of the country. Many people move out of areas that are prone to earthquakes after experiencing one to escape the possibility of a repeat experience. [...]]]>

When most people think about earthquakes in the United States, California and Alaska are the two states that come to mind. However, earthquakes can happen in any part of the country. Many people move out of areas that are prone to earthquakes after experiencing one to escape the possibility of a repeat experience. The truth is that there is no place that is completely safe from earthquakes. They are a very real threat that everyone must consider and plan for. One of the most vital aspects of proper preparedness is having ample insurance coverage.

Earthquake damage isn’t covered in the majority of Homeowners policies. This is also true for business policies. Both types of policies specify that damage from earth movement is not covered. Although actual damage from a quake might not be covered, property insurance might provide coverage for fires and other incidents that occur as a result of it. Policyholders should scour their policies to understand the specific exclusions. If the policy seems difficult to read, it’s important to contact an agent with any questions.

Many people think they won’t experience a major earthquake during their lifetime. This is especially true for those who live in areas where earthquakes happen every 100 years or less. Although many people might not experience a strong earthquake like the recent Virginia incident, there are over 5,000 incidents recorded each year by the USGS. Damage from earthquakes has been recorded in all 50 states in history. There have been reports of damage in 39 states alone since 1900. This proves that although some people might not live in areas that commonly experience earthquakes; they’re still not immune to the threat.

Earthquake insurance is available as a rider, which is added to a business or personal property policy. People who have one of these types of coverage should contact their insurer to find out what coverage options are available. Since they’re unpredictable and happen suddenly, it’s best to be prepared for all types of disasters. Earthquake insurance is so important that it can’t be stressed enough. Although the majority of people assume all California homeowners have this type of coverage, research indicates that about 12% actually have this type of insurance. The nation’s average is less than 12%.

Earthquake insurance costs vary by location, building type and the age of the building. It’s much more expensive to insure older buildings. In addition to this, brick structures are more expensive to insure. Buildings with wood frames withstand the force of earthquakes better, so it’s cheaper to insure them.

To offer an example, a home with a wood frame in Washington might cost between $1 and $3 per $1,000 of coverage. The same home might be less than $.50 per $1,000 insured on the East Coast. However, a brick home might cost between $3 and $15 per $1,000 in the Pacific Northwest. In most East Coast locations, the same home might only be between $.60 and $.90 per $1,000.

Every earthquake policy also has a deductible. This means that homeowners must pay upfront for a portion of the damages before the insurer pays the remaining amount. The deductible might be up to 20% of the structure’s replacement value. The percentage depends on the insurer and the location of the structure.

There are also options for renters. There are coverage policies that protect personal property. In addition to this, they usually cover living expenses if the building becomes uninhabitable after an earthquake. It’s important for renters to keep a list of belongings and their values. Major appliances, furniture, electronics and other expensive items must all be documented properly. A new way of creating a record of belongings is making a narrated video tour of the home and focusing on belongings. Contact one of our Tracy-Driscoll Insurance agents to secure the earthquake coverage that is right for your individual needs.

Technorati Tags: earthquake insurance agent, Home insurance rates Bristol CT, Insurance company in Bristol CT

A research study conducted by Fidelity, Putnam and the Employee Benefit Research Institute revealed that most workers, even those rapidly approaching retirement, haven’t prepared a retirement budget or created a plan to ensure they’ll have enough income. Having this kind of “take-it-as-it-comes” attitude can lead to [...]]]>

A research study conducted by Fidelity, Putnam and the Employee Benefit Research Institute revealed that most workers, even those rapidly approaching retirement, haven’t prepared a retirement budget or created a plan to ensure they’ll have enough income. Having this kind of “take-it-as-it-comes” attitude can lead to many unpleasant surprises down the road.

It’s a better idea to plan now for what could lie ahead. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

10 years prior

• Consider moving to a cheaper community so that your retirement assets last longer. Your geographic location has a significant impact on your expenses.
• Think about how you will spend your time. Your activities also influence how much money you’ll need.
• If you’re not already contributing the maximum to your 401(k), IRA, and other retirement savings vehicles, now is the time to up the ante. Your chances of living to a very old age are better than ever, that’s why many financial planners now use age 95 as their default life expectancy.
• Think about paying down your mortgage before you retire. Not having a mortgage means drawing less from your retirement accounts, letting them to continue to grow tax-deferred, and reducing your overall taxes.

Five years prior

• Decrease your portfolio risk by decreasing the amount of company stock and stock options in your portfolio. Talk with a CPA about the tax implications of such a move.
• Contact Social Security for an estimate of your monthly benefits.
• Gather info for any pension benefits you have accrued and how much you can expect to receive.
• Estimate available investment income based on the future value of your assets.
• Think about healthcare and long-term care expenses. Medicare isn’t an option until you reach age 65. You may also need a Medicare supplement to cover what Medicare doesn’t. Also keep in mind that even if your employer offers retiree health coverage now, it may not in the future or it could become unaffordable, so have a backup plan in place.
• Start putting together a budget based on your anticipated income and expenses.

Two years prior

• Refine your budget and your asset allocation. If retirement doesn’t seem financially possible, consider working a little longer.
• Reconcile your Social Security estimates to make sure your wages have been reported properly over the years.
• Take a few extended visits to the area where you plan to retire. Be sure you visit during different seasons to see if you’ll like living there.

One year prior

• Decide whether you will leave your 401(k) and other retirement accounts where they are, or roll them over into an IRA.
• Update your budget and review your asset allocation.

Three months prior

• Make arrangements for your rollover to be sure the money is available when needed.
• If you’re moving, perform any necessary repairs to get the house ready to be sold, and start packing.
• You must apply for Social Security three months before you want to start receiving benefits. Medicare requires you to enroll three months prior to your 65th birthday. If you’re already receiving Social Security, you will be enrolled automatically. Otherwise, you should enroll online or by phone with the Social Security Administration.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the information covered above call us today at (860) 589-3434, and one our Tracy-Driscoll Insurance & Financial Services retirement planning specialists would be happy to help.

Technorati Tags: Financial planner in CT, retirement planning specialist in CT

Tracy-Driscoll Insurance & Financial Services
126 Main Street
Bristol, CT 06010

(860) 589-3434

Technorati Tags: Connecticut, Home insurance agency, Home insurance agent, home insurance Bristol CT, Home insurance rates Bristol CT, [...]]]>

Tracy-Driscoll Insurance & Financial Services
126 Main Street
Bristol, CT 06010

(860) 589-3434

Technorati Tags: Connecticut, Home insurance agency, Home insurance agent, home insurance Bristol CT, Home insurance rates Bristol CT, home owner insurance Quote, homeowners insurance Bristol CT, homeowners insurance quote Bristol Connecticut

Very few people are prepared to face a traffic accident; however, many people will be involved in one at some point during their lives. While some are minor, others are severe and require appropriate action. Even the most careful drivers may experience an accident due to the poor driving skills of others. The [...]]]>

Very few people are prepared to face a traffic accident; however, many people will be involved in one at some point during their lives. While some are minor, others are severe and require appropriate action. Even the most careful drivers may experience an accident due to the poor driving skills of others. The best way to be prepared is to know how to respond at the scene. People who know what to do can save lives. In addition to this, preparedness makes the claims process simpler.

If an accident happens, take the following steps:

• Stop the car immediately, and check to see if anyone involved is injured. Do not move any injured individuals.
• Call the highway patrol or police immediately. Be sure to tell them how many people are involved, how many people are hurt and what types of injuries have been noted. The police will then notify an emergency response team.
• Find a blanket, sweater or anything available to cover injured people with. It is very important to try to keep them warm.
• Set up flares or other bright objects around the scene of the accident. This is especially important at night, and the objects will help other motorists steer clear of the scene.
• When an involved vehicle is parked in the middle of the road, pull it to the shoulder. If possible, it is important to avoid congesting the road.
• Ask the responding law enforcement officer where to obtain a police report copy. As a rule, it is beneficial to have one before submitting an insurance claim.
• If necessary, call a towing company to pick up the damaged vehicle. Avoid giving permission for repair work. The insurance adjuster will need to see the vehicle and assess it prior to the repair process.

When the accident occurs, it is important to obtain some information from the other drivers and passengers involved in the accident. If they are upset, try to calm them down. Write down the following bits of information:

• Names and addresses of every driver or passenger involved.
• Names and addresses of all witnesses at the scene.
• The make and model of every car involved.
• Insurance identification information for each party.
• License plate numbers of each car involved.
• Drivers license numbers of each individual.

Not all other parties may be willing to cooperate. If they do not have insurance, they might try to offer a settlement at the scene of the accident. They might also prefer not to involve the police or highway patrol. Since there are many things that could go wrong in such a scenario, always notify law enforcement immediately. Be sure to write down the law enforcement officer’s badge number and name. If any emergency personnel are involved, write down their names. After an accident, always contact a personal insurance agent.

In some cases, people hit an unattended vehicle. It might be impossible to find the owner or wait for that individual to return. In such a case, the person who hit the vehicle should leave a note with their name, address and phone number. Write down the details of the accident, and call an insurance agent immediately.

Tracy-Driscoll Insurance & Financial Services
126 Main Street
Bristol, CT 06010

(860) 589-3434

Technorati Tags: auto insurance Bristol CT, auto insurance broker Bristol CT, auto insurance quote, auto insurance quotes Bristol CT, car insurance Bristol CT, car insurance quote, get cheap car insurance, low cost auto insurance, low cost car insurance