Tips On Keeping Your Home Safe This Summer

Our home’s provide security, serenity, and most importantly, safety. While are homes provide a great measure of safety, homeowners can take measures into there own hands as well. Our homes always take care of us so it is only fair if we shoulder the burden from time to time. In the summertime, it is not uncommon for insurance claims to go up. With all the summer traveling, adventures, and accidents, insurance companies stay busy in the summer. Here are the best tips to keep you and your home safe this Summer.

#1. Be Mindful When Using the Grill

Using the grill outdoors is one of the most popular things to do every summer. Cookouts can be fun and rewarding but its always serious business. Outdoor Grills can do damage and cause injuries if not used properly. Not only can a grill do damage to one personally, it can also wreak havoc on your property if you let it. Never leave a turned on grill unattended and never divert your attention away from the grill when using it. When the fire is turned on the grill, always give it your undivided attention.

#2. Do Your Part to Minimize Risk of Theft

Thieves are often calculating and resourceful. Most home thefts are often premediated and planned out. According to police reports, burglaries and thefts see a significant spike in the summer time. This is no coincidence. Thieves know summer is the time of year people are around their house the least. Do you part to protect your property by locking all the doors when you are not around and having security systems installed. In addition, never leave anything valuable in plain view for strangers. For example, do not leave laptops, cell phones etc. visible in your car or home. Homeowners insurance offers good protection and coverage against thievery.

#3 Always Keep An Eye on The Pool

There’s nothing more relaxing than swimming in a pool on a hot summer day. Swimming is one of the most popular activities in New England every summer. If you own a pool in your backyard, always know who is using the pool and when. Pool accidents are no joke and can happen to anyone. If you have a gate surrounding your pool, always make sure it is closed and locked when you are not using the area. It is unsettling the number of children who venture off into that area alone each and every year. Supervise children whenever they plan on using the pool in your backyard and limit them from running around recklessly.

Protect Yourself and Your Home This Summer: John J. Walsh Insurance

At John J, Walsh Insurance, we can help you protect your home this summer. We offer homeowners insurance, renters insurance, general liability insurance and much more! Contact us today to see all the coverages we can offer you!

Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Insurance In the Summer

The start of Summer is just days away. Summer is usually filled with beautiful weather, traveling, relaxing and loads of fun adventures. The best steps to take to ensure an enjoyable and safe summer is to make sure you have the right insurances. Here are some of the most common asked insurance questions and answers.

How does Insurance affect A Summer Vacation?

Extended Summer vacations are a common thing this time of year. Not only is having home and apartment insurance important, but having the right one is. When you are away from your home or apartment for an extended period of time, your property is more susceptible to burglary, damages, etc. It is important to remember that water and fire damage can occur even if you are not around. Always have some sort of home or apartment insurance before you or your family take a long leave in the summer.

Is Boat or Yacht Insurance Required?

Summer is a popular time to take a boat or yacht out for a spin. If you are fortunate enough to own a boat or yacht, it is important to know whether or not insurance is required in the state you use the boat or yacht in. In the state of Massachusetts, boat or yacht insurance is not required before having them registered. With that said, there are a lot of factors one cannot control when out in the waters, so it is always best to protect yourself and your vessel against the unknown. Driving a boat or yacht takes some time to master and is not as simple as it looks. Always keep in mind that there could be a handful of inexperienced boat drivers out in the waters with you.

How Important Is Wedding Insurance?

The summertime is one of the most busiest and popular times to get married, with good reason. Summer is full of gorgeous weather and plenty of down time for most people. Wedding insurance is important because your wedding is one of the biggest days of your life! Weddings require a significant investment, physically and financially. The last thing the bride and groom want is to have their big day hampered or ruined by elements they cannot control. Wedding insurance can help alleviate the costs of changing the date, damaged attire, damaged gifts, etc. Having wedding insurance will help give you a peace of mind as the big day closes in.

Wide Variety of Insurance Coverages Offered: John J. Walsh Insurance

At John J. Walsh Insurance, we offer both personal and commercial insurance polices. This summer, we will have you, your property, and your belongings covered. All you have to do is get in touch with us to get started! Contact Us Today!

What To Do If Someone Hits My Car And Drives Away?

Hit and run car crashes have become too common in our society. Getting hit by another car is always shocking and scary, especially when you did nothing wrong. When that happens to your car and the culprit just drives away, well that is just not ideal. Car insurance exists for a reason, but this is always a dreadful scenario.

What should I do?

The first thing you should do when someone hits your car and drives away is pull over safely. Make sure you and everyone inside the vehicle is okay. After that, get out of your vehicle and assess the damage from the accident. Contact the local police and let them help you file a report. Try to remember as many details as you can about the vehicle that caused the accident. Informing the police of the car color, car model, partial license plates or any other details may go a long way with helping track down the car responsible. If you are lucky, the area might have video cameras and recorded the accident. Video cameras are always essential when it comes to getting more information during car accidents.

What Shouldn’t I do?

When it comes to car accidents, whether you are the victim or person responsible it is important to never leave the scene of the accident. Do not just drive away even if you think everything is okay or it is no big deal.

Who is going to pay for damages to my vehicle?

This is always an important question when it comes to car accidents. If you are able to identify the person responsible for damaging your vehicle, their insurance company will most likely compensate you to repair your vehicle. if you are unable to identify the person responsible for striking your vehicle, file a claim as soon as you can. When you file a claim for a car accident you may be able to get your insurance agency to help cover the costs.

Professional Car Insurance in Rockport, Salem & the North Shore of Massachusetts: John J. Walsh Insurance Agency

At John J. Walsh Insurance Agency, we provide insurance policies that will fit your needs. From automobile insurance, to general liability etc., we offer a handful of different insurances to make sure you are covered. Get in contact with us today to see what we can do for you!

Don’t Forget About Massachusetts Distracted Driving Law

The state of Massachusetts implemented a “Hands-Free” driving law over 14 months ago. The law has been in effect since February of 2020 but unfortunately too many Massachusetts citizens disobey and neglect the law. Distracted driving is never a good idea and this law essentially bars anyone operating behind the wheel of a vehicle to have an electronic device in their hand while driving. If you ever need to check your phone, text, email or answer your phone with your hand while driving, it is best to pull over. Just because you have car insurance does not mean you can disregard this law.

What are the Repercussions for Distracted Driving In Massachusetts?

• The penalty for first time offenders to this law will be fined $100.
• The penalty for a second offense is a $250 fine, in addition to a distracted driving educational course
• The penalty for a third offense is a $500 fine, another distracted driving educational course and a affect on your insurance rates

Are there any exceptions to Phone use while driving?

There are a few exceptions to using your phone while driving. Phone text or communication is permitted when the phone is properly mounted and it is being used hands free. Another exception to using your phone while driving is during an emergency.

Why is this a Law?

Distracted driving is still a serious problem in the state of Massachusetts and the country. Distracted driving can not only do harm to other people but to you yourself. The state of Massachusetts and the country as a whole is a better place when we are all paying attention on the road. Driving is a dangerous activity. Let’s all do the right thing and take care of each other on the road.

Quality Automobile Insurance in Massachusetts: John J. Walsh Insurance

At John J. Walsh Insurance agency, we provide professional and reliable auto insurance coverage. Car insurance is important and our team at John J. Walsh will work with you to fit your car coverage needs. Contact us today to get started on the best automobile insurance for you. We cannot wait to help out!

Why is Having Renters Insurance Important this Summer?

Renting is a popular thing to do in Massachusetts, especially in the summertime. Unfortunately for renters, most landlord insurance policies do not cover damages to the property you are renting or the people using it. Renters insurance will protect your finances against things you cannot control: theft, vandalism, fire damage and water damage. Keep on reading to learn about the benefits of having renters insurance and the reasons you should not neglect it.

Affordability

One of the biggest benefits with renters insurance is the cost. Renter’s insurance is considered inexpensive compared to other types of insurance. You do not have control over most things that can happen in your daily life, but getting renters insurance is something you do have control over. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so consider getting renters insurance if you are renting this summer.

Protecting your personal belongings

Whether you are renting or own a home, you always have valuable personal belongings. Never assume that you do not have anything of value worth insuring in your apartment, because you do. It’s for the best to not find out how significant it would cost to replace your electronics, clothing, collectables, etc., and let renters insurance take care of it for you. Some policies will even insure your belongings if they are stolen away from the place you are renting.

Injuries & Damages

If someone is injured on the property you are renting, renters insurance can help you cover liability costs. In addition, if you property is responsible to damage to another property, renters insurance can also have you covered.

Professional Renters Insurance in the Rockport, Salem, MA area: John J. Walsh Insurance

The north shore of Massachusetts is a popular place to rent every summer. With its proximity to water and Cape Cod, it is no wonder many flock to the area every summer! If you are renting in the Rockport or Salem, Massachusetts area, trust our professionals to provide the renters insurance you need. Renters insurance will make your life less stressful when unfortune incidents take place on the property you are renting. Do not assume that your landlords policy will cover you and be proactive. Your belongings and safety is priceless. Protect them today by getting started with us. Get in contact and we’ll take it from there!

Should I get Wedding Insurance?

Your big day is coming up. Do you have wedding insurance? If not, you absolutely should! If 2020 taught us anything, it is to always prepare for the unexpected and no one is above disasters. As invincible as we can feel sometimes, the reality is, none of us are superheroes. Do not let a uncontrollable factors such as lousy weather or damages ruin Your one of the most special days of your life. Protect your money, time, and assets by having wedding insurance.

What does Wedding Insurance do?

Weddings take a lot of resources, planning and effort. You never want that to go to waste. Wedding insurance is a plan that will reimburse your wedding investment when unforeseen circumstances strike. Common wedding mishaps can be having to find a different transportation company at the last minute, issues with the planned venue, or damage to the expensive wedding dress. Pulling off a perfect wedding can be tricky, so having wedding insurance to cover potential financial losses will go a long way.

Wedding insurance can also protect you against:

• Cancellation or Postponement
• Damage to wedding gifts
• Theft of expensive jewelry
• Problems with the photographers/videographers your hire
• Wedding Attire

Is Wedding insurance worth it?

Wedding insurance is absolutely worth it if you are able to find one that is easy to purchase and offers high-end coverage. Everyone’s financial situation and wedding plans are different. Before getting wedding insurance, assess your finances and wedding aspirations. Keep in mind that there are different types of wedding insurance options, so pick the one you believe is must suitable for you and your partner.

Professional Wedding Insurance Services in the Rockport, Salem, MA area: John J. Walsh Insurance

At John J. Walsh insurance, we understand a lot of elements surrounding your wedding day are out of your control. That is why we offer hassle-free, friendly wedding insurance policies. We can help you limit financial losses in the event something unfortunate happens regarding your planned wedding. To learn more or get started with us, just contact us! We are more than ready to give you a peace of mind for your big day!

Insure Your Boat/Yacht in Massachusetts

Summer is Coming Soon

This week has been one of the warmest in Massachusetts this year. That can only mean one thing: Summer is on the horizon. On nice summer days, many Massachusett residents love taking their boat or yacht out for a spin across the state. With that being said, one problem that seems to crop up with boat and yacht owners is their insurance for their boat and yachts or lack thereof. Many boat and yacht owners either cancel their insurance after a certain amount of time or don’t have it at all. Car insurance is not neglected in our state and neither should boat or Yacht insurance.

Risky Waters

Even for those who are experienced boat and yacht drivers, there are always elements of risk that cannot be controlled out on the water. Having a boater’s driving license doe not make anyone invincible to accidents or incidents that make occur when you take your boat out. Having your boat or yacht insured is also essential when it is not boating season. With the weather in Massachusetts being what it is year-round, many boats and yachts are shelved, unattended and, docked for more than half the year. There is a good chance there is no one watching over your boat or yacht during the cold, wintry seasons which leaves it susceptible to tampering, vandalism and, even theft. By having your boat or yacht insured, you are taken protective measures against that.

Mother Nature Plays No Favorites

Living in Massachusetts has taught us that mother nature is unpredictable and unforgiving. How Mother nature acts in Massachusetts is often inconsistent and out of our control. Having boat and yacht insurance is something you can control, however. Mother Nature can impact your boat or Yacht whether you take it out for a spin or have it stored up. Insuring yourself and your boat or yacht against storms, rain, floods or hurricanes is important and can save you a lot of money by avoiding repairs.

Sign Up for Boaters Insurance Today

It is almost that time of year to take your boat or yacht around for a spin in the cape or the harbor. Boat and Yacht owners have so much invested in their boats and yachts it would be senseless not to have insurance for them. If we would not be driving a car without car insurance, we should not be driving a boat or yacht with insurance either. We cannot control all the reckless and inexperienced boat drivers out there, but what we can control is having the right insurance to protect you and your interests. At John J Walsh insurance, we always offer the highest quality boat and yacht insurance. Contact us before summer starts to get you insured before a fun summer begins.

3 Tips for New Boat Drivers

Nicer weather is here and you now have a boating permit and driver’s license. You are ready to show off your new skills and boat to your friends and family. The idea of driving a boat around on a beautiful day once you meet all the boating qualifications sounds like a lot of fun, but can also be overwhelming and challenging. Before you take your boat out for a spin, make sure you have proper boat insurance. Once your boat is insured, you are ready to go! In need of some advice as a rookie boat driver? You have come to the right place.

Prioritize Safety

We all remember the first-time we drove a car. We were nervous but excited at the same time. When we first started out driving cars, people always emphasized never to speed. The same can be said to first time boat drivers. Speeding out on the water is a common problem for boat drivers of all skill levels. Unlike driving a car, boats out in the water do not have to adhere to stoplights, staying in the proper lane, and do not see nearly as much traffic. Due to this, it is easy to get carried away and drive a boat faster than you should. Drive the boat at a speed you are most comfortable with and do not speed even if you think you can handle it. Life Jackets are essential when you are out on the water regardless of your ability to swim. Always have life jackets ready and easily accessible if you choose not to wear them on the boat.

Familiarize Yourself with the Weather

The weather in Massachusetts can be all over the place, even in the summer. Before you take your boat out for a spin, know what the weather is like and what is on tap. Sudden rainstorms are popular in Massachusetts in the summertime and nobody wants to get caught out in the water in a storm. Never take your boat out in a middle of a thunderstorm and always keep in mind how mother nature can be unpredictable.

Have Fun

You worked hard to get a boat and a driving license, so it is only fair to experience relaxation and enjoyment. Keep it safe, do some of the fun activities you have planned on your boat and soak it all in!

At John J Walsh Insurance, we have assisted and consulted with many boat owners over the years. If you are still looking for the right insurance for your boat or yacht, contact us today and we will be more than happy to get the conversation going.

How to Get the Right Kind of Boating Insurance

Getting basic boat insurance is required if you own a boat. However, there are many different types of policies and policy additions that you can get to cover you and your boat even better. Getting the right boating insurance comes down to knowing what coverage you’re the most likely to need given your location, experience, and type of boating you do most frequently. Let’s take a look at some of the most common additions and coverage options that are overlooked but may save you later on.

Fuel Spill Coverage

If your boat spills fuel or oil into the water, federal law states that you’re financially responsible for the damages that are caused. The costs can add up extremely quickly, so it’s ideal to have a fuel spill coverage policy just in case. People who boat near coral reefs and other fragile ecosystems are more likely to get fined for a fuel spill, since the damage will be more noticeable. The cost of fuel spill repairs can easily reach a million dollars or more and if you’re like the majority of people, you can’t afford that out of your own pocket.

Total Salvage Coverage

Total salvage coverage will cover all or part of the costs to salvage your boat if a storm takes it away from where it’s typically docked. A boat that’s carried to a marsh won’t be able to be easily recovered by water or land, that means that getting it back to where it belongs will be very expensive. Carrying total salvage coverage on your boat is much more affordable than paying tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket to have your boat retrieved after a storm.

Uninsured Boater Coverage

Boat insurance is not required by law in all areas. That means that if you’re hit by another boat, they may not have insurance to repair the cost of damages done to your boat or passengers. You could also be involved in a hit and run accident with another boater and be unable to report the accident to their insurance if they do carry it. Uninsured boater coverage is extra coverage on your policy to protect you in the event of either of those situations.

If you’d like to find out more about the best boat insurance policies for you, contact John J Walsh Insurance today! We have a wide variety of policies to choose from and rather you’re looking to get insured for the first time or improve the coverage you already have, we’re sure to have something to fit your needs and budget. Ideally, you’ll never need to use your boat insurance, but realistically, you will at one point or another. Let us help you stay protected so you can enjoy the water worry-free!

What to do if You Accidentally Hit a Parked Car

One of the most stressful scenarios that’s incredibly common is hitting a parked car and having a car accident. Backing out of a parking space too quickly happens – but when another car is involved, it can be frightening. Don’t drive away from the scene of the accident until you follow these steps to protect yourself against potential criminal charges and fines.

Leave a Note

If you hit a parked car and you don’t have time to wait for the owner to return, you legally have to leave a note. Put a note on the car with your name and contact information, as well as your insurance information. This allows the owner of the car to contact you or your insurance company if they want compensation for the damages.

Find Possible Witnesses

Look around to see if anyone saw you hit the car. If they did, ask them if they can provide a witness statement of what happened. This helps protect you since the other car owner wasn’t around. You can get a witness statement either on video or in writing, but it will need to be signed if it’s in writing. Take the name and number of the witness in case the police or insurance companies need more information.

Wait for the Owner to Return

If you’re able to wait for the owner to return, that’s the best course of action. Then you can provide them with your contact and insurance information face to face and give an explanation of what happened. If the owner begins to get angry, contact the police to act as a mediator.

Take a Picture

Always take pictures before leaving the scene. Take picture of your car and the other car that was involved. Photos from the time that the accident occurred will be helpful to insurance companies and the police if they have to get involved.

Call Your Insurance Company

Once the other car owner has your information and everything has been documented, you’ll need to inform your insurance company of the accident. It’s up to the other owner rather or not they seek compensation for damages, but your insurance can help repair damages to your car regardless of what the other owner decides. If you don’t tell your insurance company about the accident and then the other owner decides to file a claim later, your insurance company can refuse to cover it.

To learn more about what you should do in the event of an accident or to get a new quote for your car insurance coverage, contact John J Walsh Insurance today! We want to make sure you’re covered in the event of an accident.