What If I Do Not Have Home Insurance?

You can technically own a home without home insurance, but that is not a good idea. Buying a home is a huge investment and always an extremely expensive purchase. For most people, buying a home will be the priciest acquisition they ever make in their lives. By having the proper homeowners insurance, you ensure that your home and belongings are protected when something unexpected happens to your property. Here is what can happen if you do not have home insurance coverage.

No Relief For Damages to Your Home

When damages occur to your home in any form, lack of home insurance will prevent you from receiving compensation when it comes to repairs and replacements. In New England, mother nature can wreak havoc on homes and cause significant damages. These damages are not inexpensive to fix and homeowners will be entirely responsible without homeowners insurance. Its never fun to pay out of your own pocket when rain, snow, hail or windy damaged your home.

No Compensation for Loss Of Your Possessions

Without homeowners insurance, not only will you not receive relief for property damage, but you will also not receive compensation for stolen or damaged belongings. Some items can be replaced but some cannot. Whether they are expensive or sentimental, many of your belongings are valuable and should be insured.

You Could be Held Liable If Someone Gets Hurt on Your Property

Something you never want to hear or see is someone getting hurt on your property. Unfortunately, it happens and you could be held liable if you do not have homeowners insurance. You might assume nobody you invite to your home would sue you if something bad happens to them but you never know. All it takes is one dog bite, trampoline injury or swimming accident to get hit with a lawsuit.

Professional Homeowners Insurance in Rockport and Salem, MA: John J. Walsh Insurance

At John J.Walsh insurance, we can help set you up with a homeowners insurance policy that works best for you. With numerous years in the history, rely on our team to help you protect your home. Contact us today to learn more!

Unusual Things Home Insurance Can Cover

Home insurance helps you protect your most valuable assets. There are a handful of things that can happen to your home that are out of your control. Home Insurances policies are quite extensive and it is important to understand the type of coverage you have. While Home Insurance covers the essentials, here are five unusual things your home insurance policy might cover.

1. Objects that Fall out Of The Sky

Although it is an extremely rare occurrence, your home is most likely protected by insurance against objects that can fall down on it. For example, if a asteroid, satellite, or debris wreak havoc on your house, your home insurance can cover the damages.

2. Damage From Certain Animals

A home insurance policy is not going to cover damage to your property from every animal, but you would be surprised which animals your insurance policy can cover for for. Do not expect compensation for damages caused by birds, rats, or certain bugs, but expected your home insurance policy to cover you in an instance an animal like a deer causes damage. Every home insurance policy will differ, so it is best to know which animals allow you to be reimbursed.

3. When the Dog Bites

Some dogs just love biting people and there is nothing you can do about it. If your dog bites someone on your property, you could be slapped with a lawsuit or claim. One unusual aspect many home insurance policies cover is dog bites believe it or not. Keep this in mind the next time your dog bites someone.

4. Raucous Guests

When you invite guests over to your home or property, they might cause accidental damage to your property. Fortunately, most home insurance policies will cover damaged caused by others. On a related side note, if your restaurant or company serves alcohol to others, it is essential to have liquor liability insurance. This insurance will cover you and your business should someone you served alcohol to gets in trouble with the law.

5. Dorm Room Theft

What is unknown to many is that some home insurance plans can cover your child’s belongings even when they are away at college. There are some qualifications that need to be met in order for the belongings to be covered such as age of your child and student status.

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At John J. Walsh insurance, our team can help you secure the right Home Insurance Policy. We will work with you to find the right coverage for you and your family. Contact us today to learn more!

Do I Need Liquor Liability Insurance?

Not only is it wise for restaurants and bars to have Liquor Liability Insurance, it is actually required in the state of Massachusetts for establishments with a liquor license. Liquor Liability Insurance refers to being insured for anything that can go wrong when a establishment gives someone alcohol. Adults are usually responsible for their actions, but a business who provided someone with alcohol, or too much of it, can be held liable. Alcohol is a popular avenue for adults, but when it causes harm, it is no longer fun and games and it is critical to be protected.

What Does Liquor Liability Help Cover?

When someone gets intoxicated by alcohol, they can injure themselves, others or property. Those responsible for serving the person at fault alcohol are not exempt. When your business has liquor liability insurance, your business can get aide in legal costs, settlements, repairs to fix damage. In addition to that, since intoxicated individuals often act uncontrollable, liquor liability insurance covers claims regarding physically assault on another individual, drunk driving, or injuries.

How do I know if I need Liquor Liability Insurance?

If you own a restaurant, catering service, nightclub, bar, liquor store, or grocery store, and carry alcohol, you should get liquor liability insurance as soon as possible. In some cases, you may not even be allowed to open a new store until you acquire this insurance.

Does This Insurance Protect against Serving Minors Alcohol?

No, there is no exemption for serving minors alcohol. Serving minors alcohol is illegal and comes with serious repercussions. Always make sure to check for valid IDs and avoid serving alcohol to any underage.

How Can I get Liquor Liability Insurance for My Business?

Alcohol can unfortunately lead to accidents so it is essential to protect your business. At John J. Walsh Insurance, we can help you acquire liquor liability insurance. We are sure you have some questions, so please contact our professionals and we can even give you a free estimate! Contact us today to insured you establishment.

What Is Valuable Property Insurance Exactly?

We all have valuable items and possessions inside our homes and apartments. Did you know you probably have more valuable property and items than you think? Valuable property is essentially property or items valued at a hundred dollars or more. Valuable Property Insurance can cover your property and belongings in more ways you can think.

How is this Different than Homeowners Insurance?

While Homeowners Insurance is a similar insurance, homeowners insurance comes with limitations and deductibles. Homeowners Insurance might not cover everything you want. With Valuable Property Insurance, you can make sure everything you value is specifically covered if something were to happen to them. Valuable property Insurance offers extra protection for your possessions. When it comes to items you love, protecting them is invaluable.

What Items are Covered Under Valuable Property Insurance?

Items such as:

• Jewelry
• Watches
• Electronics
• Mobile Devices
• Cameras
• Instruments
• Art
• Collectibles
• Clothing and Apparel

How Does Valuable Property Insurance Coverage Work?

This insurance provides two types of coverages: Actual Cash Value and Replacement Cost Coverage

Actual Cash Value Coverage:

Choosing this coverage would help you replace a missing valuable item by giving you the value of the item at the current time. This coverage could also help replace the missing item, but not always with a brand-new one. Think of fair market value when choosing this coverage.

Replacement Cost Coverage:

This coverage helps insure that your personal items are covered in terms of buying them again. This coverage costs more than Actual Cash Value coverage due to the fact it could insure the overall cost of replacing a missing expensive item.

How Can I get Valuable Property Insurance in Massachusetts?

If you are a Massachusetts resident and work like Valuable Property Insurance, look for further than John J. Walsh Insurance agency. We proudly service the North Shore and have two offices, one in Salem, MA and another in Rockport MA. Unlike homeowners or renters insurance, Valuable Property Insurance comes with zero deductibles, and delivers extra coverage. Get started today by contacting us!

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!