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Highlights from Keefe in Touch - Spring/Summer 2008

BUYER ALERT
Timely Answers to MA Auto Questions

We'll make sure your renewal goes smoothly

Which way do we go? The companies we represent now set their own rates for auto insurance and compete on price, coverages and special benefits. The State Insurance Commissioner has labeled the change, "managed competition."

What you can expect

According to the Comissioner's office, the majority of drivers should see savings; however, some drivers will see increases. Rates filed by the seventeen companies who write auto insurance in the state do show some significant variances.

Special coverage and discount benefits

The major difference in Mass auto insurance is the availability of policy benefits insurers could not offer prior to "managed competition." These new benefits include special coverages, credits, discounts, and services for drivers who qualify.

For example, experienced drivers with good driving records do well. And so do those who take advantage of account discounts by buying both their auto and home insurance through the same company.

We have more choices for you

We represent several four A-rated auto insurers who together insure over 40% of all Massachusetts drivers. When your policy comes up for renewal, we will match your situation with company that we feel offers the best overall value.

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS: Call our MASS AUTO HELPLINE: 508-528-3310.

CONSUMER TIP
Home Insurance Coverage Difference

Home Insurance Homeowners need to understand an important difference: an actual cash value pay out in the event of a loss could be thousands of dollars lower than a benefit calculated at the replacement cost.

Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to a home and its contents AFTER depreciation.

Replacement cost is the amount it would take to replace or rebuild a home or repair damages with materials of similar kind and quality, WITHOUT DEDUCTING for depreciation.

If you have questions or want a review of your coverage, call us.

SHORT TAKES

Protect yourself against uninsured drivers. Recent reports reveal that a majority of Massachusetts drivers do not carry high enough limits for Underinsured and Uninsured Bodily Injury coverages. To be safe, call us for a quick checkup over the phone.
Trampolines taboo for insurers. Many insurance companies are likely to refuse Homeowner's insurance for customers who buy trampolines for their children. Reason? The high incidence of injuries that can occur.
Identity Theft insurance. You can add excellent protection directly to your homeowner's policy for $25 to $35 a year. It's valuable coverage to help pay recovery costs if you are victimized.
7 of 10 renters uninsured. Low-cost Renters Insurance pays for damaged, destroyed or stolen personal possessions (the landlord's insurance only covers the building). Call us for a quote.
Advanced driver skills programs can save teens and adults money on auto insurance. We would be pleased to send you more information.

Did You Know?

Two Home Risks That Require Special Coverage

Your Jewelry and Other Valuables. The standard Homeowner policy provides only from $1,000 to $2,000 for theft of jewelry. If your jewelry is worth more, you should consider purchasing higher limits. For a modest cost, you can add a floater to cover specific pieces of jewelry and other expensive personal belongings: antiques, paintings, electronic equipment, collections or silverware, et al.
Wet Basements. We all know that April showers bring May flowers, but they can also bring wet basements. Water in your basement caused by seepage is not covered by your Homeowners policy. Nonetheless, if you have a sump-pump to prevent such an occurrence you can have coverage for the water damage should your sump-pump fail. Call us if you have a sump-pump and for a quote about your premium.

For complete coverage and cost information, contact us.

WE ENCOURAGE ANNUAL REVIEWS OF YOUR HOME AND AUTO COVERAGES. CALL US FOR AN IN-AGENCY OR TELEPHONE REVIEW OF YOUR SITUATION.

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Yes, We Sell Business Insurance.
From Main Street stores to office complexes to manfacturers, we offer quality, competitively-priced commercial property & liability programs.

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Disclaimer: It is understood that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional service. If legal or other expert advice is required, the services of a professional should be sought. Insurance information is general in nature; for specific coverage provisions, review contractual policy provisions.