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Highlights from Keefe in Touch - Summer/Fall 2009
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Claim satisfaction is our number one priority
Goal is to assure every auto or home claim is settled promptly, fairly
Several of the companies we represent
offer direct telephone reporting of claims
today, but we still want to hear from you
and offer assistance in the settlement
process.
Call us or drop by when you need help
We encourage
you to let us
know immediately
if you are
reporting a
claim to the
company that
insures your
vehicle or your home. We will be
glad to guide you through the
process and let you know what information
the company will ask want
and need to assure a prompt and fair
settlement.
Visit our Web site at www.keefeinsurance.com/customer/claim.php for ways to report a claim and to send us an E-Mail Claim Alert. Don't hesitate to call us if you need help during the claim settlement process.
Important: report every auto accident
You need to file a crash report (forme rly
known as a police report) for any
auto claim that is $1000 or over in
damage. But no matter how small the
claim looks, even if it looks like under
$1000, report the accident. This
ensures that the claim is on file and
the text of the report is fresh and
accurate - just in case.
Claims may affect premiums
Of course, at-fault auto claims may be surcharged. Other types of claims could result in increased premiums in the future. In general, one claim may not affect your next year's auto insurance cost. But two claims in a five- year period will definitely be evaluated by the insurer and may lead to an increase.
When an "intangible" becomes tangible
When you experience a loss, the "intangible" promises in your auto or homeowner policy suddenly become very tangible! We understand the need for sensitive treatment and action. Fair and prompt payment of a loss settlement is our immediate goal.
Again, if you need help filing a claim or have questions during the processing of a claim, please call or e-mail us.
BUYER ALERT
Use Facebook or Twitter? Protect yourself against libel!
If you use popular online social networks such as
Facebook or Twitter or Myspace, be careful about
what you post on the sites. This goes for any written
communication. Derogatory statements about
others may be used against you in a libel lawsuit.
The number of Internet- related defamation suits is
increasing every year. So are slander suits based on
things you say about others. Slander is much
harder to prove unless there are witnesses to your
words.
It pays to make sure you have proper insurance coverage for libel and slander. The answer is a Personal Injury endorsement to your policy. This endorsement is inexpensive but invaluable.
IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YOU HAVE A PERSONAL INJURY ENDORSEMENT ON YOUR POLICY, CALL US TODAY.
TOUCH POINTS
- Registry cuts notices: The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will no longer send notices for the following: license and Mass ID renewals, vehicle inspection reminders, inspector license renewal notices, driver education certificates, junior operator brochures for parents, and change of address labels. For additional information and learn about ways to do your RMV business online, visit www.mass.gov/rmv.
- Recession-buster idea: It is better to raise your home and auto insurance deductibles and take on a little more risk (self-insurance) than to drop or lower limits for critical coverages. Higher deductibles lower your premiums.
- New Registry Fees. Driver license: $75; Title: $75 (was $50); duplicate registration: $25 (was $15).
- Thinking about a snowbird home? As part of your due diligence make sure you check out insurance costs. Especially in Florida. Costs for flood insurance that state are eye-openers. Also, homes located closer than five miles of a shoreline may be deemed high risk areas with high premiums to match!
- Check your driver’s license ex date. What year does your license expire? Make note of it because you will no longer receive an automatic renewal application notice in the mail from the Registry. Driving on an expired license is considered "unlicensed operation" and is an arrestable offense. The Registry is setting up an e-mail notification system for drivers who request the service.
- Cell phones and texting. It is a virtual certainty that new laws affecting the use of cell phones and messaging are coming down the 'pike. Even without new legislation, there are insurance issues like at-fault accidents and personal liability that drivers should take into consideration.
- Review your uninsured motorist limit! It is likely that the economic downturn will result in an increase of the number of drivers whose insurance has lapsed but are continuing to drive. Call us for information about this coverage.
- Hurricane season here. June 1 to November 30 is hurricane season. Forecasters predict 14 Atlantic tropical storms with 7 developing into hurricanes. CLICK HERE for a FEMA recommended hurricane supply kit (really a good precaution for any major windstorm or blizzard).
Yes, we offer Flood Insurance! Homeowner’s policies do not.
"The only thing worse than paying too much for insurance is paying too little. As your independent agent, we can help you avoid BOTH. It is all about value; what you get for what you pay."
WE ENCOURAGE ANNUAL REVIEWS OF YOUR HOME AND AUTO COVERAGES. CALL US FOR AN IN-AGENCY OR TELEPHONE REVIEW OF YOUR SITUATION.
Archived Newsletters
Yes, We Sell Business Insurance.
From Main Street stores to office complexes to manfacturers, we offer quality, competitively-priced commercial property & liability programs.
THANK YOU FOR REFERRING US TO A FRIEND!
Over 60% of our new customers come from referrals by loyal clients like you. When you refer friends or relatives, ask them to mention your name. We'd like to thank you personally!
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.
