Why You Should Consider Flood Insurance

If you live near the coast, especially during this winter we’ve had, you may know first hand the destructive power the ocean and water can have, and the disastrous effects it can leave behind. Flooding is a real risk and is one of the most commonly occurring natural disasters in the country! Flooding can cause irreparable damage and can be extremely expensive. If you do not have flood insurance, it could cost you thousands.

Who needs Flood Insurance?

Most general homeowner’s insurance policies do not include flood insurance. They may include water damage caused by certain things like a burst pipe or a leak in the roof, but severe water damage caused by flooding may not be covered. Flooding can happen anywhere to anyone; certain homeowners are actually required to have flooding insurance if their home is located in a high-risk flood area. For homes in these high-risk regions, as defined by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, flood insurance is mandatory due to the higher likelihood of disaster.

Even if you’re not located in one of these high-risk zones, flooding is still a major possibility. Your home does not just have to be near the ocean or some body of water, it happens everywhere. Almost every region of the United States has experienced some form of flooding. Don’t wait for it to happen to you, one inch of flood water can cause $20,000 worth of damage! Protect your home and your financial stability before it is too late! Better safe than sorry right?

John J. Walsh Insurance has a variety of flood insurance options available for anyone! We offer low premiums and differing levels of coverage. Let John J. Walsh Insurance protect you and your home from the risk of disastrous flooding! Contact Walsh Insurance today to Inquire about our flood insurance programs!

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Why You Need Boat Insurance for Your Boat

It is January and although the weather has been cold, yet, in a few weeks, it could be warm enough to go on the water with your yacht. However, before you hit the water, you should check how insured your watercraft is. Many people thought their homeowner’s insurance would cover their watercraft but the insurance may only cover up to $1000. So, like a vehicle, you should have insurance for your boat or ship.

A specialized policy will offer better terms and covers more than a homeowner’s insurance. In terms of liability, you will have a limited degree of coverage depending on the type of watercraft. It’s common for liability coverage of homeowner’s insurance to exclude your watercraft if it is in excess of 50 horsepower or if it is longer than 26 feet. So, if you have a nice yacht in the North Shore or Essex County, it is highly recommended to start shopping for a boat insurance.

Also, your personal boat dock may need additional insurance instead of just covered by your home insurance. Under many homeowner’s insurances, your dock will not be covered as a result of freezing, the weight of water/ice, pressure, and thawing, and these are just some of the common problems. So, you should inquire your insurance company as to any alternatives to cover your boat dock.

Contact John J. Walsh Insurance Today

Going out on the water with your yacht is a great leisure, but you should make sure you have enough insurance before getting too far out in the water. Contact us for boat insurance and home insurance in Salem, Rockport, Gloucester, Beverly, and other areas in Essex County and North Shore.

Do I Really Need to Call the Police or File a Police Report After An Accident?

There are many auto accidents happening every day in the United States. In fact, Boston drivers are the worst according to Allstate’s “America’s Best Driver Report.  The report placed Boston at the bottom of the list, 200/200, down 1 place from 199 in 2014. However, when there is a minor auto accident that results in no injuries to little damages to the vehicles involved, many people wonder if they need to call the police or file a police report after a minor accident.

Injuries and Damage

Many car owners think when they are involved in a minor accident, a police report is not required. However, if you would like to ask for compensation from the accident, filing a police report will enhance your position in the case. You might feel pain after the accident but you were fine when the accident happened. So, with the police report filed, then your compensation request would be much easier.

This also happens in the damage to your car. Filing a police report will protect you on your journey for seeking a claim from the other party.

How to File a Police Report

In order to file a police report, you should call the police immediately after the accident occurred. Next, when the police arrive at the scene, you will discuss details of the accident and the police will interview the other party involved in the accident. Once the police report is filed, you will need a copy of it and send it to your insurance company.

Do You Need to Report the Accident to your Car Insurance Company?

If you would like to report a claim, even if you are not the one at fault, you should report the accident to your insurance company in case you need to repairs done on the vehicle. There are contract clauses in the insurance that require you to report all types of accidents to the insurance company.

 

Contact John J Walsh Insurance Today

If you need auto insurance in Salem, Rockport, Beverly, Gloucester, and other areas of the North Shore, contact John J Walsh Insurance today. We offer the most affordable insurance rates to our customers. Contact us for a free quote.

 

Is Your Garage Covered By Your Homeowner’s Insurance

Do you park your car in your garage or are you the homeowner that uses your garage as a storage space? Most of you will answer the latter because most of us park their cars in the driveway instead of in the garage. It is absolutely okay with that but have you take a closer look at your home insurance policy?

The car that you parked in the garage is insured on your auto policy and the home you are living in is insured on your home insurance policy. However, what about your garage, and the items you put there for the sake of out of sight. In many homes, there are in fact expensive items being placed in a garage such as a washer and a dryer. In addition to that, a second refrigerator and a wine cooler can be placed in the garage. If not properly insured, they will add up to a lot of value that will hurt you if there’s a loss.

So, whether your property in the garage is covered or not depends on if it is attached to your home. If the garage is attached to your home, then it will be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. However, if it is not attached, then you will need to take a second look at the policy. In most cases, the policy will cover other structures that are on your residence. If you are using a portable shed, then you are not going to be covered. It is highly recommended to consult an insurance agent to fully understand your policy.

Contact John J. Walsh Insurance Agency Today

Contact John J. Walsh Insurance Agency Today if you have any questions about your homeowner’s insurance. We are proud to offer homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, boat insurance, umbrella insurance and more. We have been serving Salem, Rockport, Peabody, Glocester, and other areas in North Shore and Essex County.

 

 

3 Reasons Why Today’s Home Burn Faster

Did you know today’s homes burn faster? Many homeowners would think the larger the home, newer construction materials would make a fire burn more slowly, leaving more time to escape. However, that is not the case, about 30 years ago, there is an average of 17 minutes to escape, today only 3-4 minutes to escape.

There are several reasons why homes burn more quickly:

• The building materials such as particle board and other man-made materials which constitute most of the building materials today burns faster than solid wood, concrete or masonry. They are lighter and cheaper to use than wood but they burn faster.
• The larger the space is, the more items to burn for fires. Fires can spread quickly that are largely open and with more things to add to the fuel, there is more fire.
• Couches and carpets that were used to be made of natural materials are no longer made. It might be cheaper and more durable but they have less resistance to fires.

Here are some things you should do to help you keep your family safe:

• Have a working smoke detector
• Purchase fire extinguishers
• Create an escape plan

A house fire causes a significant amount of damages and having a homeowners’ insurance can cover some of the costs to rebuild your home. Contact John J Walsh Insurance today for a free quote. We are proud to serve Salem, Gloucester, Danvers, Peabody, and other areas in Essex County.

 

Advantages of Hiring an Agency Over Online Insurance

Advantages of an Agency Over Online Insurance

As consumers, we are always informed with commercials telling you can save on your insurance costs by filling out some information on a website. It might be true when some online carriers provide coverage at lower premium costs, however, are lower premium costs the only thing you need?

Buying your insurance policies through an independent agent may have more benefits than you realize. An agent can offer quotes from multiple companies to make sure that you will get the best coverage at the most affordable price. An agent can easily answer any questions you might have about a particular insurance.

An independent agent can also offer the following benefits:

• One stop shopping for home, auto, commercial
• Provide inside knowledge
• Assistance with claims
• Friendly service

Contact John J Walsh Insurance Today

When you contact John J Walsh Insurance of Salem and Rockport today, you will start to establish a relationship with a dependable and reliable insurance agent. We are your first contact to assist you with all your insurance policy matters. When you call our number, you will be talking with a live representative, no recordings. Contact us today for your auto, flood, home insurance in Salem, Beverly, Peabody, Gloucester, Rockport, and more.

 

5 Important Things to Know About Flood Coverage

The Ins and Outs of Flood Insurance

Many homeowners who are not in a flood zone often say they don’t need flood insurance because they are not in a flood zone. However, that is not exactly true.

Did you know most of the country is in a flood zone? Whether it’s flooding from the ocean or a river near you. Some areas are often more severe than others and thus, you may want to purchase flood insurance.

So here are five important things to know about flood insurance:

1. Homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover you from flooding. Thus, you might be required to buy a separate policy depends on the location of your home. You can contact a local agent to help you find the coverage that is right in your area.
2. Many coastal areas in Massachusetts require you to purchase flood insurance. However, flood insurance also applies homes located near a major river. A flood could happen if you live near a river that has flooded in the past such as the Merrimack River.
3. Flood zones determine the costs of flood insurances. The FEMA zone along with other factors will determine the costs and if you decided to purchase a house next to a major body of water, your insurance rates are going to be higher than houses that are in a less severe zone.
4. If you buy the home that is located in a flood zone by paying the entire amount or pay off your mortgage, you might have the choice of carrying the coverage or not. However, if you borrowed from a lender, you are most likely required to buy flood insurance.
5. Make sure when you purchase a policy, you understand what is covered and what is not. Contact a local agent for help.

It is important to remember flood zone maps are always updated. Your house could be located in a less or more severe flood zone from time to time. Whenever a change happens, you may want to contact an insurance agent to discuss you are still insured at the level you want.

Contact Flood Insurance Agent, John J Walsh Insurance Today

If you have questions about a new or existing flood insurance policy, contact us today. We can answer any questions you have about flood zones and policies. We are proud to serve Salem, Beverly, Danvers, Gloucester and more.