FAQ

Providing Expert Insurance Advice for Personal, Unique, & Business Policies in all the New England States

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Auto Insurance FAQs

  • Am I covered by my existing insurance when I rent a car on vacation or while my car is being repaired, or should I purchase the additional damage waiver recommended by the rental car company?

    The best answer is that your existing insurance does and doesn't cover a rental car. If you are a named insured on a Massachusetts auto policy, then the coverage you purchase for a vehicle travels with you when you rent or borrow a car. So, if you have collision and comprehensive coverage and are involved in an accident or the vehicle is damaged, your policy would respond as if it were your car. Your liability limits will also travel with you. This only applies to the named insureds (owners) listed at the top of the policy, not all drivers listed.


    Also, note that any' loss of income' charges that a rental contract may make you responsible for are not covered.


    For additional information, please see the article on rental car insurance in our Newsroom. Also, if you have additional questions about rental car insurance, please call us.

  • What if I borrow someone's car and get into an accident? Am I covered when I rent or borrow a truck?

    Your policy does not provide coverage for a borrowed or rented truck. If you are renting a truck, you should check with the rental company regarding the purchase of collision and comprehensive insurance. If you are borrowing a truck, make sure you determine whether or not the owner has purchased collision or comprehensive coverage. If the owner does not have insurance, you may be personally liable for any damage to that truck resulting from your negligent operation.

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE FAQS

  • Homeowners Insurance FAQs

    You do – it is your home and your insurance policy. To protect its investment, the mortgage company collects a set amount from you each month, puts it in escrow, and then pays your insurance and taxes when they fall due. However, the policy is still yours, and you may select the insurance you feel offers the best coverage at the best rates. If you allow the mortgage company to choose, you might well end up paying more for your homeowner's insurance.

  • What do I do when my property is damaged or stolen?

    Contact us as soon as possible. If there is damage to your home or possessions, make "emergency" repairs to protect yourself and your property from further damage, then call your agent. For example, if some of the windows in your home have been blown out by the wind, you may board them up to prevent additional damage. Your policy covers the cost of these emergency measures. However, before setting about to make permanent repairs, call us. The insurance company has the right to inspect the property in its damaged condition. They may want to send a claims adjuster or instruct you to get an estimate from an independent contractor. If you have property stolen, notify the police immediately and call your agent.

  • Last winter, my home sustained water damage due to melting ice dams on the roof. What would be covered under my homeowner's policy?

    Generally, damage to a home's exterior and interior resulting from the weight of ice and snow or ice dams is covered under a homeowners policy. However, only the area damaged in the loss will be covered. Further damage sustained due to wear and tear or neglect will not be covered.

  • My home was recently broken into, and I do not have sales receipts for the stolen items. What will the insurance company accept for proof of ownership?

    Insurance companies generally accept photos, warranties, owner manuals, canceled checks, credit card receipts, bills, servicing agreements, and even videotapes as proof of ownership if the receipts are unavailable. We suggest that you consider videotaping your home before a loss.

  • Recent rainstorms flooded and damaged my basement. Am I covered under my homeowner's policy?

    Flood coverage is generally excluded from the basic homeowner's policy. However, some homeowners' policies cover the backup of sewers and drains that cause flooding in your basement. This coverage can be purchased for a nominal premium. You should check with us to see if this coverage is provided and how much it costs.


    If you live in a flood-prone area, you should consider and may be required by your lending institution to purchase a flood insurance policy. We can inform you about the Federal Flood Insurance Plan and the exclusions and limitations of coverage in this policy.

Business Insurance FAQs

  • I'm just getting my business started. Do I need insurance right away?

    Yes, because the chance that you could suffer a loss begins with the first day of business. You can't get help after the fact. If you suffer a loss and have no insurance or have improper or insufficient coverage, there is very little, if anything, we can do to help you. It would help if you were prepared for the risks inherent in any business and the sometimes catastrophic losses they can cause. Also, many states and local jurisdictions require that businesses be insured to begin operating. And, if you rent space for your business, your landlord probably requires that you be adequately insured as well.

  • Is insurance coverage different for different businesses?

    It can be. Many small businesses are now insured under package policies that cover the major property and liability exposures and loss of income. A common package policy many small businesses use is the Business Owners Policy (BOP). Generally, these package policies provide the small-business owner complete coverage at a lower price than separate policies for each type of insurance needed.


    We can help you decide which policies are right for your business. Additional coverage for property, liability, perils, or conditions otherwise excluded (e.g., flood protection) can be purchased as endorsements to a standard policy or as a separate, second policy called a difference-in-conditions (DIC) policy. Because businesses vary, having a standard policy covering all contingencies is impossible. Also, some businesses, regardless of their size, do not fit the profile of a standard business owner's policy. For example, restaurants, wholesalers and garages have special liability needs not met in the standard business owners' policy. We can advise you of the best policy (or policies) to protect you and your business.

More Questions? No problem.

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