Month: October 2016

Scary Myths about Home Insurance

Posted on by Thomas Gennetti

Don’t be a victim of these homeowners insurance myths….

pumpkinsss

Seeing as today is Halloween, I was thinking it would be appropriate to talk about a few myths about homeowners insurance that are downright scary because they can end up costing us a lot in the long run!

Myth 1: “There’s no need for me to review my policy at renewal because I chose the correct coverage the first time.”
Think about how much your life changes from year to year. For example, you inherit a diamond ring from your grandmother, or added an addition to your home; these all require important and necessary changes to your insurance policy.

Myth 2: Since I am a renter, my landlord will cover property damages.”
It is possible that your insurance company is partnered with a company that offers renters insurance to tenants, but it is more likely that your landlord’s policy only protects the building itself. Keep in mind that even if the landlord owns any appliances inside your rented home, they are not responsible for damages to your personal property.

Myth 3: “I have an umbrella policy, so I have full coverage.”
Okay, the purpose of a personal umbrella policy is absolutely to add an extra layer of liability protection on top of what your auto or home policies provide, but that does not mean you are fully covered! Here are 3 things you need to know about umbrella coverage:

  • It typically will not cover business activity. If an accident occurs in your in your home or vehicle while you are using it for business purposes, you probably won’t be covered.
  • Umbrella coverage only kicks in after you’ve exhausted your coverage on a primary policy, for example, your auto or homeowners.
  • Your umbrella policy will not help with your own injuries or losses; it provides coverage strictly for if you are sued by another person or found at-fault for injuring others or damaging their property.

There are many other myths regarding your homeowners insurance – don’t fall victim of them! Contact an agent at Cochrane & Porter if you have any questions about this: 781-943-1555 or info@cochraneandporter.com!

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Posted on by Thomas Gennetti

october-is-adopt-a-shelter-dog-month

October is observed as Adopt a Shelter Dog Month by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Of course, the most fitting way to celebrate would be to actually adopt a shelter dog, but that isn’t always feasible! Don’t worry though, if you can’t physically adopt a dog there are other ways you can help out.

  1. Tweet or re-tweet messages that send people to shelter animal websites
  2. Update your Facebook status. For example: “October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month. Save a life: Adopt a dog!”
  3. Sign up to be a foster parent or shelter volunteer, or contact your local shelter or rescue group and find out ways you can help.
  4. Discuss the importance of pet adoption to your children and how helpful adopting animals is beneficial for both their lives and your own
  5. Write an ad in your local paper about the importance of adopting shelter animals

According to a poll by Edge Research, those who adopt a dog from a shelter are much more likely to feel positive about their experience, as opposed to someone who purchased a dog from a pet store.

Check out this information about pet adoption, provided by Rachel Ray:

rachel-ray-pet-adoption

Now, go out and adopt a shelter animal! Just kidding. But we hope this helps understand how much you are helping when you do adopt an animal.

Are you a pet owner and interested in saving 25% off every trip to the vet? Our Veterinary Discount Plan guarantees savings on your pets’ healthcare at every participating location!

As always, do not hesitate to contact an agent at Cochrane & Porter for any of your insurance needs! 781-943-1555 or info@cochraneandporter.com

National Teen Driver Safety Week

Posted on by Thomas Gennetti

It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week!

Did you know motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20-year-old’s in the United States? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,678 drivers age 16 to 20 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2014, compared with 1,651 drivers in this age group in 2013. This week is dedicated to raising awareness and finding solutions to prevent teen deaths and injuries on the road – the best places to get involved include local charities and schools.

NHTSA recommends the “5 to Drive” rule to parents:

  • No cell phones while driving
  • No extra passengers
  • No alcohol
  • No speeding
  • No driving or riding without a seat belt

Take a look at the image shown below from America Automobile Association (AAA):

teens-crash-causation

Are you surprised that texting isn’t the most common form of distraction among teens? I was! It goes to show you how distracting having other people in the car can be.

Other helpful information:

  • Teenagers are more likely to be involved in an accident later in the afternoon and night than any other time of day.
  • There is a greater chance of teenagers getting into an accident if other teenagers are present in the car.
  • J.D. Power and Associates provides safe-driving reminders for parents of teens.

Especially as parents of a teen driver it’s vital to stress the importance of being safe while driving. Accidents aren’t always caused from distractions – sometimes it’s simply because the driver is inexperienced.

As always do not hesitate to contact us for any of your insurance need at 781-943-1555 or info@cochraneandporter.com!

Happy and safe driving! 

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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by Thomas Gennetti

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

breast-cancer-awareness-month

Did you know breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women? Every October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.

There are several different symptoms of breast cancer – sometimes people have no symptoms at all. Some include a change in the size or shape of the breast, a new lump in the breast or underarm, or new pain in any area of the breast. The good news about breast cancer is that many women survive, especially if it’s found early and treated immediately. A mammogram can help detect breast cancer at an early phase.

The American Cancer Society recommends women start annual mammograms between ages 40 and 44. The American Cancer Society explains, “Some women – because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors – should be screened with MRIs along with mammograms. (The number of women who fall into this category is very small.) Talk with a health care provider about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you.”

Follow the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation on social media: Facebook | Instagram  | Twitter | Pinterest

Looking to help?
Host an in-person or virtual fundraiser
Make a one-time or ongoing donation

As always, do not hesitate to contact an agent  Cochrane & Porter for any of your insurance needs at 781-943-1555 or info@cochraneandporter.com!