@dowd.mmadmin, Author at The Dowd Agencies

‘Tis the season to think safety

Not every holiday fire is so delightful

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… candles in the window… despite the lovely images they may elicit, some traditional holiday lyrics should carry a disclaimer: Don’t try this at home!

We’re not trying to dampen spirits (honest!); on the contrary, we want everyone to enjoy a season that’s merry and bright. We just want to make sure the source of that brightness is a safe and well-controlled one. Many of the classic joys we associate with winter holidays—candles, decorative lights, indoor greenery and plenty of home cooking—are also classic fire hazards, making fire safety a key consideration this time of year.

Give thanks, stay safe

Simple safety measures make for a happily memorable Thanksgiving On Thanksgiving Day, millions of Americans fall into one of two categories: the travelers and the hosts. As to which represents the smaller piece of the furcula (better known as the wishbone; #TurkeyTrivia), that depends heavily on whom you ask. Some would rather spend hours crawling a highway than days cleaning

What to expect during an auto claims inspection

A simple process to ensure your claim is covered There is a reason why the phrase “accidents happen” is so cliché: because it’s so true. And when it comes to car accidents, it’s especially true on the icy roads of New England in fall and winter. If you’ve been fortunate enough to have never had a car accident, congratulations! Still,

Relaxing by a fireplace with a cup of coffee

Reducing your risk of homeowner insurance hazards in fall and winter

An ounce of prevention may prevent a pound of headaches As the weather turns cooler—and in New England, downright cold—we spend more time in our homes, and the risk for some types of potentially catastrophic home damage increases. The two most common type of seasonal loss reported by homeowners in the fall and winter months are water and fire damage.

Jon Lumbra named Managing Partner of Dowd Financial Services

The Dowd Agencies, LLC, a leading insurance provider serving New England for over 115 years, has appointed Chief Financial Officer Jon D. Lumbra as the new managing partner of Dowd Financial Services. “This is a natural progression of responsibility and oversight for Jon,” said John E. Dowd, president and CEO. “He brings nearly two decades of experience in financial services

Love that dirty water? Not when it’s in your home

3 misconceptions about flood insurance In Massachusetts, we enjoy the classic rock hit “Dirty Water,” especially during baseball season in the summer. But it’s a whole different story when that dirty water invades your home. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, affecting every region and state. Yet

David W. Griffin Sr. commended for 35-year commitment to the CIC

David W. Griffin Sr., CIC, LIA, the executive vice president and treasurer of The Dowd Agencies, LLC, has been recognized by The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) for his 35 years of committed professional leadership and advanced knowledge. Griffin earned the designation through a series of rigorous examinations and has maintained the designation by annual attendance at an approved

Born to be wild? Check your motorcycle insurance first

Before you get your motor runnin’ and head out on the highway, do you know if you have the right insurance coverage for your motorcycle? The answer may not be as simple as you think. Coverage requirements vary by state. At a minimum, Massachusetts requires that you carry: Bodily injury to others with limits of $20,000 per person or $40,000

Will You Really Be Able to Work Longer?

You may assume you will. That assumption could be a retirement planning risk. How long do you think you will work? Are you one of those baby boomers (or Gen Xers) who believes he or she can work past 65? Some pre-retirees are basing their entire retirement transition on that belief, and that could be financially perilous. In a new

Everybody knows your name: the benefits of local insurance agents

If you watch any TV these days, it’s likely you’ve seen the commercials: all matter of wildlife, from ducks to geckos, pigeons to Snoopy, trying to sell you insurance from major national brands. They are often good for a chuckle, and lead you to believe that shopping for insurance is fun and simple––a matter of checking a few boxes on

Author: @dowd.mmadmin