IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PEOPLE WHO HEAT THEIR HOMES WITH OIL October 14, 2010 For homeowners and rental property owners of 1 to 4 family homes who heat with oil, Chapter 453 of the Acts of 2008 became effective July 1, 2010. The law requires: The installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective
Read MoreBy July 1, 2010, you must upgrade your home heating system equipment to prevent leaks from tanks and pipes that connect to your furnace. Please click here to read more information on who must take action, who is exempt, why comply, etc.
Read MoreThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 13,000 people per year (about 35 per day) are killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. Many of these tragic accidents happen after an inebriated person leaves a party — an event in which the host of that party might be held liable for injuries and deaths to innocent parties. Although there
Read MoreThe United States has experienced a rapid growth in home-based businesses in the last decade. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are now more than 11 million home-based businesses in the country, a figure that is expected to rise in the coming years. But if you run a home business, losses associated with that business may not be covered
Read MoreMany people overlook the need to properly insure their expensive jewelry, believing that it is automatically covered by their homeowners policy. While homeowners policies do cover jewelry, this insurance usually is subject to a much lower limit than the overall contents coverage. This reduced limit is called a “sublimit,” and a typical sublimit is $1,500 for loss by theft of
Read MoreDefective electrical wiring systems cause approximately 40,000 residential fires annually, according to a United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) study. In addition, electric cords and plugs are involved in about 7,000 fires annually. The National Electrical Safety Foundation offers numerous tips to safeguard the home against electrical fire and related losses, including the following. * Verify that outlets and
Read MoreIs the amount of property insurance on your home correct? What is the appropriate amount of coverage for your home? To begin with, it should be insured for at least 80 percent of its replacement cost when covered under a standard homeowners policy. Replacement cost refers to the amount necessary to repair or replace damaged building parts with items of
Read MoreWindstorm and hurricane losses account for an inordinate share of homeowners losses every year. In particular, people on the southeastern and central eastern seaboard and the Gulf Coast face substantial loss exposures to hurricanes and tropical storms. There are, however, steps you can take concerning your home that can reduce your exposure to these losses. These include risk control measures
Read MoreIf you’re like most Americans, your home is your largest investment, so you know how important it is to protect it. You probably take safety precautions and have insurance that will cover you in case of a loss. But are you fully protected? Chances are, no. You probably are running the risk of having to pay money out of pocket
Read MoreIt’s Valentine’s Day, and thoughts of people everywhere turn to … jewelry. About one of four Americans buys jewelry, spending $2,000 per year on average, and industry experts expect jewelry sales to grow by at least 5% annually through 2025. Those who don’t buy shiny things for Valentine’s Day may prefer other types of valuables, such as electronics, artwork, antiques,
Read More