Prevent Your Basement From Flooding
There are few things more depressing than walking downstairs and gazing out as your family mementos float on by in the ocean that was your basement. There are many factors that play into a flooding basement that many people do not realize until they are knee deep in it. Fortunately, there are ways to make a soggy cellar a thing of the... Read More
There are few things more depressing than walking downstairs and gazing out as your family mementos float on by in the ocean that was your basement. There are many factors that play into a flooding basement that many people do not realize until they are knee deep in it. Fortunately, there are ways to make a soggy cellar a thing of the past:
Gutters – Putting money into reliable, well-installed gutters could be beneficial to your foundation over the long run. These nifty drainage systems will send rain water onto your lawn instead of collecting around the foundation.
Slope of Your House – Make sure that your home is not at the bottom of a hill or else water will flow right on down! In order to correct a slope, purchase soil to place around your house to strengthen the protection of your foundation. If you already have a home set in an unfortunate location, you might want to consider a flood insurance policy. Talk with your agent, you may be surprised to find that you don’t have flood coverage with your MA Home Insurance!
Pay heed to these factors especially if you are looking to sell. A leaking basement is one of the top reasons for potential buyers to turn down a home. Are there any tips that you have found especially helpful? Please leave a comment to let us know!
Visit our Flood Insurance Resource Center for more information about coverage and rates!
-->What is a Nor’easter?
Did this morning’s chilly temperatures have you feeling like winter is too close for comfort? Well, a Nor’easter on its way may be an even scarier reminder. All of this talk of the Nor’easter heading for Massachusetts Wednesday night into Thursday morning has me wondering, what is exactly is a nor’easter? Unfortunately, we have all learned the basics of one... Read More
Did this morning’s chilly temperatures have you feeling like winter is too close for comfort? Well, a Nor’easter on its way may be an even scarier reminder. All of this talk of the Nor’easter heading for Massachusetts Wednesday night into Thursday morning has me wondering, what is exactly is a nor’easter? Unfortunately, we have all learned the basics of one first hand, but have you ever wondered what exactly makes a storm a nor’easter? What is the difference between that and a regular snow or rain storm? I did some research just for you, here’s what you should know about nor’easters:
- It involves winds that blow in from the Northeast and drive the storm up the east coast along the Gulf Stream.
- It is known for its heavy rain and snow, hurricane-force winds, and high surfs that cause severe beach erosion and coastal flooding.
- The two main components are Gulf Stream low-pressure system (counter-clockwise winds) and Arctic high-pressure system (clockwise winds). When the two collide the moisture and cold air produce a mix of precipitation.
- While winter conditions make Nor’easters a normal occurrence, only a handful gather the force and power to create problems inland. The precipitation depends on how close you are to the point where the two storms come together.
- There are two types of nor’easters: off-shore forming and onshore forming.
Knowing the facts doesn’t necessarily make you feel any more prepared for the Nor’easters that may come our way this winter. However, having the right Massachusetts home insurance coverage can help you feel a little more prepared. Talk with your agent and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s only one way to know how prepared your home will be if a storm hits, know the facts about your home insurance. For example, the heavy rain and snow that is typical of a nor’easter can cause flooding, which may not be covered under your basic Massachusetts homeowners insurance. It might be a good idea to ask your agent about the benefits of a specialty policy, like flood insurance – visit our resource center for more information.
-->Hurricanes, Earthquakes & Connecticut Home Insurance
Just what New Jersey needs: an earthquake as they try to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. At 1:19am today, the Ringwood area suffered a 2.0 magnitude earthquake. That same area is already dealing with power loss and downed trees. Luckily, there was no damage reported from the earthquake; just a loud boom and some shaking on the second floor of homes. When... Read MoreJust what New Jersey needs: an earthquake as they try to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. At 1:19am today, the Ringwood area suffered a 2.0 magnitude earthquake. That same area is already dealing with power loss and downed trees. Luckily, there was no damage reported from the earthquake; just a
loud boom and some shaking on the second floor of homes.
When did hurricanes and earthquakes become a threat to areas like New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts? I guess you just can’t predict what will happen next. This makes it even more important to be prepared for anything. Most people aren’t aware that their home insurance won’t give them the coverage they need for flooding. If your home is damaged by flooding, whether it is from water off the coast, heavy rain, or even melting snow, you will need Connecticut Flood Coverage for the best protection for your home and possessions. What other coverage should you consider adding to your home insurance policy?
Before winter hits, talk with your agent about your Connecticut
homeowners insurance policy and what kind of coverage you have for severe
weather damage. With this weather already hitting in fall, it’s hard to plan
for what could happen this winter and even having earthquake insurance
may become a good idea in our area. We may have slid under Mother
Nature’s radar last year with snow, but something tells me we may not be as
lucky this year. Let’s all cross our fingers for a calm winter, but remember
how important it is to be prepared for the worst. If something were to happen
to your home, you have enough on your plate to worry about; don’t let covering the damage without insurance become an added stress in the aftermath of a storm.
For more flood insurance information, please visit our Flood Insurance Resource Center.
-->Do You Need Flood Insurance?
The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy may have you thinking about your homeowners insurance coverage and what other kinds of coverage you may need in the future if a similar event were to occur. Did you know your basic homeowners insurance policy most likely will not cover you in the event of a flood? We can’t predict the weather, but if... Read MoreFacts About Hurricane Sandy
We are still seeing devastating scenes from cities and towns still suffering from Hurricane Sandy. With homes under water, cars under trees, and buildings destroyed, Sandy definitely made her mark. We can only hope those millions of Americans can restore their life after the devastation. Here are some scary facts and figures of Hurricane Sandy’s effects: At least 30 deaths... Read MoreWe are still seeing devastating scenes from cities and towns still suffering from Hurricane Sandy. With homes under water, cars under trees, and buildings destroyed, Sandy definitely made her mark. We can only hope those millions of Americans can restore their life after the devastation. Here are some scary facts and figures of Hurricane Sandy’s effects:
- At least 30 deaths have been reported in the eight states along the eastern seaboard. In the Caribbean, more than 65 deaths were reported last week.
- More than 1 million people in a dozen states along the storm’s path have been ordered to evacuate and the Red Cross estimated more than 11,000 people were housed there.
- There have been more than 8.1 million homes and businesses without power on Tuesday and an additional 145,000 lost power in Canada.
- New York closed 7 major bridges, New Jersey closed one of its busiest toll roads because of flooding, and more than 15, 000 flights have been cancelled so far. The New York City subway
system is expected to take at least 5 days to get the water out. - One disaster-forecasting company predicted economic losses for Sandy could reach $20 billion, only half of which would be insured.
There’s no denying that Hurricane Sandy was a disaster, especially for those hit really hard in New York and New Jersey. Were you covered by your New Jersey Home Insurance policy? What about your New Jersey Car Insurance if your car got hit by debris or flooded? Call your agent today to discuss your damage or file a claim. If you weren’t hit too badly, Hurricane Sandy may have you wondering “what if?” While we can only hope we won’t have another Sandy anytime soon (or ever!), it’s important to be prepared with the right coverage. It might even be a good idea to ask your agent about a flood insurance policy to cover your property in the event that your basement is starting to fill with water, or worse you find your home under water. It’s time to ask yourself: What kind of coverage do I need?
For flood insurance information, visit our Flood Insurance section.
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