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Two Quick & Easy Steps to Reduce Maine Home Insurance Costs

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Two Easy Steps to Save Money on Maine Homeowners Insurance

2 Easy steps to save money on Maine homeowners insurance

Our Portland Maine area insurance clients save an average of $133 per year on Maine homeowners insurance when they increase the property deductible from $500 to $1,000. It was once common to have a $500 deductible, but many clients think it’s smart to increase to $1,000 now for three reasons:

  1. They wouldn’t make a $500 claim anyway. Most people save their insurance for larger problems. They wouldn’t file a claim for less than $1,000. They know that insurance companies do look at claim history when pricing insurance, and they want to only file a claim when they really need to.
  2.  Inflation has made a $1,000 the rough equivalent of what was a $500 years ago, when they bought their home insurance. It only makes sense to adjust their policy.
  3. It usually saves money in the long run. The average savings payback is a little less than 4 years. Most people don’t file a homeowner claim more often than that.

Noyes Hall & Allen clients also save an average of $200 more when they bundle their Maine home and auto insurance. Because insurance companies in Maine offer discounts on both home and auto insurance when you insure both with them, you can probably reduce your auto insurance costs by bundling as well. In addition to saving money, packaging your home and auto coverage provides other benefits:

  • Only one person to call for all your insurance. If you move, change bank accounts, or have a question about your insurance, you only need to remember one contact.
  • More clout with the insurance company. Insurers often give more favorable treatment to clients who place more business with them. Some offer member benefits or better coverage to package clients; others offer the simplicity of  combined billing and other correspondence; all of them are more inclined to give a long-term multi-policy client the benefit of the doubt in a sticky situation.

Would you like a review of your personal insurance program? Contact a Noyes Hall & Allen agent at 799-5541. We represent several of Maine’s preferred insurance companies, so we can find the best value combination for your unique situation.

 

 

Can I Replace Building Materials With Green Ones After an Insurance Claim?

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Portland, Maine is a hotbed of green living. Maybe its our proximity to the sea and mountains. Or the people we attract from around the USA and the world. Whatever the reason, many Portlanders care about the environment, and make lifestyle choices accordingly.

Our farm-to-table game is strong. The cool kids here buy local, with Portland Buy Local and South Portland Cape Elizabeth Buy Local leading the charge. The cities of Portland and South Portland are converting landfills to solar farms. We have an award-winning private community composting service, Garbage to Garden. We even discuss green living over beer at Portland Greendrinks.

It’s only natural that many locals choose to repair or replace any damage to their home with “green” materials and technology. Now, they may be able to get help from their insurance companies. “Off the shelf” home or condo insurance won’t pay to replace your old oil boiler with super-efficient heat pumps. Or replace your water heater with a solar setup after a fire. Fortunately, Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance represents  insurance companies that will.

Going Beyond What You Lost

Traditional homeowners or condo insurance is designed to put you in the same condition after a loss that you were before (“indemnity”, in legalese). Your insurance company promises to replace the items you lost with “like kind and quality”. If your home had green materials, the insurance company will replace them. If you didn’t have them before, you can upgrade at your own additional cost.

Upgrade to Green Materials After Your Home is Damaged

Say your home had traditional materials and technology, and you suffered a fire. You want to replace what you lost with greener options, like bamboo flooring, solar and geothermal heating, low-VOC paints, and high efficiency insulation. Some of these may save money in the long run, but initially cost more than their traditional counterparts. Basic insurance policies only pay to replace what you lost with “like kind and quality”. But there are options.

Two Insurers that Pay for Green Upgrades

In response to customer demand, Concord Group and Travelers, have introduced “green home insurance endorsements”. These provide an additional amount of coverage to replace with environmentally-friendly, non-toxic or energy efficient options. Usually, there is a maximum amount of additional coverage as well.

These endorsements are inexpensive – often $2-3 a month. 

Would You Choose to Rebuild or Repair “Green”?

We can help. For Greater Portland Maine home, condo or vacation home insurance, contact Noyes Hall & Allen at 207-799-5541. Because we’re a locally-owned Trusted Choice Independent Insurance agency, we offer choice among many insurance companies.

We’ll help you find the best value for your individual circumstance. Of course, we also offer Maine auto, motorcycle and boat insurance and insurance for Maine businesses as well. We’re always happy to answer your insurance questions.

Contact your Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance agent  at 207-799-5541 for details. We’re independent and committed to you.

Can an Insurance Company Make Me Remove Roof Moss?

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It is quite common for Maine homeowners and landlords to receive a recommendation from their insurance company to remove moss growth from the roof of their building. Usually, this occurs following an inspection by the insurance company. Here’s some background on the issue, and what options you may have in dealing with it.

Does Moss Damage Roofs?

While there has not been much scientific study on the subject, most roofing professionals believe that moss is harmful to roof surfaces. Since most Maine homeowners insurance and landlord insurance pay for water damage and ice dams, insurance companies are understandably concerned with the subject. You may think they’re being picky, but insurance companies are in the business of reducing risk – theirs, as well as yours.

http://bryophytes.science.oregonstate.edu/
http://bryophytes.science.oregonstate.edu/

According to Oregon State University, roofing professionals say that the root-like structures of moss grow into cracks into roofing material, accelerating degradation and causing leaks. Moss can also hold moisture on your roof, allowing mold and rot to take hold. Finally, moss can grow under the edges of your roof shingles, loosening them and allowing water to enter.

How to Remove Moss from Your Roof

The University of Minnesota Extension shares that you should scrape away as much moss as possible. A power washer may work. Be careful not to damage your roof in the process. If you’re unsure, hire a professional to remove the moss. You can also use a commercial moss removal product. Most contain zinc sulfate, and are most effective when the moss is actively growing. Be careful: zinc can corrode some metals, including copper. Minnesota Extension cautions you to NEVER use table salt on your roof: it is corrosive to metal, and not effective at controlling moss.

 How to Keep Moss from Growing on Your Roof

  • Keep leaves, branches and other debris off your roof.
  • Remove overhanging branches (or hire an arborist to do it). Moss thrives in a dark, damp environment. Direct sunlight and good aeration prevent moss growth.

If Your Insurance Company Requires Removing Moss from Your Roof

Insurance companies can be like spouses. A “recommendation” means “do it, if you know what’s good for you”. An insurance company can (and often will) cancel your insurance for failure to respond to reasonable loss control recommendations.

If you receive ANY recommendation from an insurance company – about any situation – talk to your agent (you DID buy your insurance from a local agent, right?).

  • Ask them for their advice. They can tell you how urgent the situation is, and whether this is something that all insurers would require.
  • They may be able to recommend a local contractor or resource to help.
  • They can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
  • If you need more time than the insurance company has allowed, your agent may be able to negotiate that for you (depending upon the severity of the situation).
  • If you’re unable or unwilling to complete the recommendation, your agent can discuss your insurance options.

The Bottom Line

When all is said and done, you don’t HAVE to make the repairs or changes that your insurance company tells you to. But, they don’t HAVE to insure you if you don’t.

Most preferred insurance companies in Maine have similar underwriting requirements, but some underwriters are pickier than others. Also, depending upon your circumstance, you may be willing to  have less coverage, a higher deductible, or pay a higher rate to keep your property “as is”.

If you have questions about Portland Maine area insurance, contact Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance. We have represented many insurance companies, and served the community for more than 80 years. We have the experience to help you make an informed decision.

Make Your Home Safe and Welcoming for Halloween

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Halloween is one of America’s favorite holidays. Kids love to dress up, get together with friends, and go door-to-door in search of the biggest and best goodies. Plus, Candy Corn.

Ross Berteig photo (Flickr)
Ross Berteig photo (Flickr)
If your neighborhood teems with little zombies, superheroes and princesses, be sure your yard and stoop are safe and welcoming. A little pre-planning can prevent an accident that could be tragic for kids and their parents, and trying for you.

Here are some pointers for ensuring your house is a safe place for Halloween trick-or-treaters.

Pets First

Many dogs and cats are scared or disturbed by the repeated doorbell-ringing and the parade of oddly dressed strangers. Find a safe and comfortable space in your home, or take them to a friend or family member’s home in a less active neighborhood.

Clean Up

Many Halloween costumes can limit vision. This can increase the chance of tripping and falling. Make sure your yard is free of toys, yard tools, fallen branches or piles of leaves.  Create a clutter-free walking path well before dusk falls this Halloween.

Light Up

Create a well-lit path, and keep your steps and porch brightly lighted. Trick-or-treaters aren’t familiar with your home and yard. If your regular outdoor lighting isn’t sufficient for the high traffic of Halloween, supplement it with solar, string, LED, or glow-in-the-dark yard lights .

Try This Slick Door Trick

Here’s a neat idea: remove the glass from your storm door before trick-or-treaters arrive. This allows you to hand out goodies without opening the door, so kids don’t have to take that dangerous step backwards. Plus, it really freaks the kids out! Bonus: if your door has a solid bottom panel, it can help keep your pets safely inside the house.

Shut it Down

When you’re done for the night, make it obvious by turning all inviting lights off. However, if you’re still offering candy in a bowl on the porch, keep the path well-lit until your sweet treats are tucked away inside the house.

At Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance, we hope your Halloween is all treats, no tricks, and – most of all – safe and fun.

New Maine Driving Laws: Texting, Electronic Proof of Insurance and More

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Several new Maine motor vehicle laws went into effect October 9, 2013. Among other topics, they deal with distracted driving, electronic proof of insurance, driving permit practice time, and accidents involving bicycles. Here are some of the key points Maine drivers will want to know.

Distracted Driving

Drivers cited for texting while driving will be charged:

  • a $250 minimum fine for the first violation;
  • a $500 fine for the second or subsequent offense within three years, plus 30-days license suspension for each offense above two. These suspension periods are mandatory, without a right to a hearing.

Electronic Proof of Insurance Electronic Proof of Insurance

Noyes Hall & Allen has provided electronic proof of insurance to our clients for several years. Most local city and town halls have accepted them after we made initial calls to explain them.

Now, the State of Maine has caught up. Police officers and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles must now accept proof of insurance in electronic form as well as paper.

Did you know?

Most of the insurance companies we represent offer an optional online account to our clients. Once you create an account, you can retrieve copies of bills, policies, evidence of insurance and other documents. If you’re interested, follow the link above to your company’s web site and create your account.

Practice Driving Time for Permits

The minimum practice time for anyone younger than 21 who applies for a learner’s permit after October 9 increased from 35 to 70 hours, including an increase in night driving from 5 to 10 hours.

three foot rule poster

Bicyclists and Roller Skiers

Bicyclists are now part of the definition of “traffic”. Along with motorists in 21 other states, Maine drivers have already been responsible for keeping a distance of at least 3 feet from a bicycle on the road. Now, a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicyclist or roller skier is prima facie evidence that the motorist violated the three-foot law.

Other new driving laws deal with Veterans; driving on an expired license; and Operating Under the Influence (OUI). For more information about these new laws, visit this Maine Secretary of State web page.

For more information about Maine commercial vehicle insurance or Maine auto insurance, contact Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance in South Portland at 207-799-5541. You can even get up to 5 Maine car insurance quotes online in 10 minutes at our website. We’re independent and committed to you.

How to Winterize Your Motorcycle

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You’ve seen them out there: hard-core Maine riders who hop on their motorcycles in the rain and the cold and hit the road late into the season. Plenty of others limit their road time to warmer weather. After all, riding is about enjoying yourself.

motorcycle rider from Safeco TV commercial

Eventually, a Maine winter forces even the hardiest riders to put their bikes up for the season. These tips will help ensure your ride is ready to go when our days get longer and the weather warms up.

 

Keep it Covered

If you can’t store your motorcycle in a garage or shed, make sure you protect it properly from the elements.

DO: use a breathable cover designed for motorcycles .

DON’T: use a tarp or a cotton sheet; they trap moisture, which can lead to mildew or rust.

 Check the Fluids

The American Motorcyclist Association recommends that you:

  • Top off the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer, then run the engine for a few minutes to spread the stabilizer through the system.
  • Check your coolant to ensure your bike is protected against freezing weather.
  • Change the engine oil either before you put the bike away, or before you take your first ride in the spring.

Power Up

If your motorcycle has an alarm system or other features that can drain the battery, invest in a charger to keep the battery alive. Otherwise, the AMA says, make sure it has a full charge when you put it away and recharge it once a month. You can also maintain a trickle current to keep the battery charged.

Keep it Clean

Both Honda and the AMA say you should clean your motorcycle thoroughly before putting it into storage. Special treatments are available to help avoid oxidation, fading and keep your bike looking sharp.

Honda recommends that you:

  • Change your brake and clutch fluids every couple years;
  • Clean the area around the outside of the spark plugs to ensure debris does not get into the cylinders.

A little preparation before and during storage will ensure that when it’s time to ride in the spring, you won’t have anything to worry about – except where to go! How about the Lakes Region or the White Mountains? Spring can’t get here soon enough, can it?

Tune Up Your Insurance

While you’re taking a break from riding this fall and winter, why not come in to Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance and talk about your Maine motorcycle insurance coverage options? If it’s been a while since we’ve done a review for you, let’s talk about how we can help you performance-tune your motorcycle insurance – and Maine home and auto insurance, too. Just contact Noyes Hall & Allen at 207-799-5541. We’re independent and committed to you.

(Thanks to our friends at Safeco Insurance for providing some of this content.)

 

Should I Bundle My Car & Home Insurance Together?

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Many people buy insurance one policy at a time, as the need arises. It makes sense: you buy a car, then rent an apartment, then buy a condo or home, and maybe a boat or other toy later. Maybe you bought one online, another over the phone, and the third from an agent.

It’s easy to keep the policies you’ve always had. But smart insurance buyers know that it makes sense to combine their insurance with one company (some people call it “bundling insurance”). And, the smartest ones know to use a Maine Trusted Choice independent insurance agent.

10 Reasons Why Smart People Combine Home and Auto Insurance

1) Saves Time – Who wants to figure out which company insures what, make 3 different phone calls,  remember multiple passwords, or enter duplicate info online, when they can do it once?

2) Higher liability protection- Most insurers will only provide their highest liability protection (personal umbrella insurance) if they insure at least your home & auto.

4) Less Likely to Miss Something Important – Let’s say you move; you might remember to change your home insurance, but forget to change the address on your auto or boat policy. Next thing you know, your other policy is canceled because you didn’t get a bill.

 5) Big Love (or at least respect) from the Insurance Company – All businesses value you more when you do more business with them. In the insurance world, that can come in handy if you ever need a favor (e.g. you missed a payment while you were on vacation, or need to insure something unusual).

 6) Your Agent Knows You Better – The more your agent knows you, the better advice they can provide, and the more effectively they can advocate for you. Wait, you DID buy insurance from a human – not a reptile or a computer – didn’t you?

7) Save Money – Most insurers save their best pricing for customers with more than one policy. If you’re only buying one policy from them, you can do better.

8) Easier to Insure the Risky Stuff – Insurers aren’t lining up to sell you fire insurance for your remote getaway camp. But, if it’s just another part of your portfolio of coverage with that company, they’re much more likely to accommodate you.

9) Better Coverage – Some insurers offer special coverage forms only available to clients who “bundle” auto & home insurance.

10) Perks – One example: Hanover Insurance’s Platinum Experience (link to .pdf) is only available to package customers. It features perks like home inventory tools, exclusive claim contacts, and auto repair diagnostics and estimates.

Our Greater Portland Maine  insurance agency has helped clients manage their risk for more than 80 years. For a no-obligation consultation and review of your insurance, contact a Noyes Hall & Allen agent. Because we represent many insurance companies, we can help you find the best fit for your individual situation. We’re independent, and committed to you.

Does Maine Homeowners Insurance Cover a Sharknado?

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Reader George asks via Twitter:

“Please settle a bar bet: If a #sharknado hits my house in Portland, Maine, would my homeowners insurance policy cover the damage?”

Great question, George. First, keep that bar stool handy; you might need it soon. Of course, we have to make some assumptions before answering that question:

  • You have the most common Maine homeowners insurance form, (commonly called an HO-3).
  • Your Maine homeowners policy doesn’t have a special wind deductible or exclusion.

The short answer is “yes”. While a terrifying sci-fi concept and irresistably campy movie idea, a sharknado is nothing more than a glorified windstorm. And, a standard Maine homeowners policy covers wind damage to your home.

What if the damage is caused by the shark, not the wind?

Wind damage includes anything that’s carried by the wind. Whether it’s a tree limb, storm debris, your neighbor’s deck furniture, or a man-eating shark, if the wind flings it into your house and damages it, it’s covered by your homeowners insurance.

What if a a sharknado destroys my car? Does my Maine auto insurance cover  damage from a sharknado?

If flying sharks damage your car, that’s also covered by your Portland Maine auto insurance – provided you bought “other than collision coverage”. But, we’re sorry to tell you George, but you won’t be needing your car to get home, and not only because you’ve been drinking.

Disclaimer:

Only a Maine insurance agent can advise you about your personal coverage and your insurance policy. Policy coverage can differ widely. If you’re looking for a Portland Maine insurance agent who can provide personal advice, including protection from a sharknado, contact a Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance agent at 207-799-5541.

Oh, and there’s no such thing as a sharknado.

As far as we know.

Should I Buy Trip Cancellation or Travel Insurance?

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A client of our South Portland Maine insurance agency recently returned after wintering in the Caribbean.  She shared the story of a friend who fell on the island, breaking her leg. Fortunately, the travel insurance the couple had purchased saved the day – and thousands of dollars. The injured woman’s husband called the travel insurance company from the parking lot where his wife fell. Within 10 minutes, an ambulance arrived to transport her to the local hospital, where she was evaluated and stabilized. Once it was determined that her leg was broken, they wanted to return home for surgery and recuperation.

The next day, a private jet flew them from the island to their local airport, where an ambulance transported them to the hospital. The bill for the island hospital stay and medical evacuation to the U.S. was over $25,000. Travel insurance paid for nearly all of it. Without travel insurance, they would have been on their own to navigate the medical system of a foreign country. They may not have been able to afford to go home as quickly as they did, either.

Are you planning a big trip? Consider buying travel insurance. High end vacations require a lot of advance planning. Sometimes, the unforeseen happens between your deposit deadline and your travel date. If your plans change or if  the provider is unable to fulfill the trip, it could mean a significant cost to you. Vacation insurance protects you against the financial impact of some of the things that can go wrong on vacation.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Policies differ, but most of  “package travel insurance” policies provide some coverage for:

  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Missed Connection Flight Change Charges
  • Medical Expenses for Emergency Accident or Sickness
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation Expense
  • Baggage Delay, Loss and Theft

The amount of each coverage varies from policy to policy. Some programs also allow you to add optional limits and coverage.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of travel insurance depends on:

  • The cost of your trip;
  • Your destination;
  • Age of travelers;
  • Method of travel;
  • Travel dates;
  • Level of coverage you choose.

For example, the cost to insure a $3,700 cruise to the Caribbean for a 50-year old lasting two weeks could cost as little as $161 per person.

What is Commonly Excluded  from Travel Insurance Policies?

  • Certain cancellation reasons (e.g. work, “change of heart”, etc.);
  • Injuries sustained in sports activities;
  • Identity Theft;
  • Political Evacuation;
  • Pre-existing Conditions (unless you purchase coverage shortly after making your travel deposit).

Many programs allow you to “buy back” these coverages.

3 Questions to Ask When Considering Travel Insurance

  1. Does my medical insurance cover me outside the U.S.?
  2. Do my credit cards protect me from trip cancellation?
  3. Does my auto insurance protect me where and when I travel?

If you live in Maine, travel insurance is available from Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance in South Portland. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you evaluate whether travel insurance is right for you. Contact a Noyes Hall & Allen insurance agent at 207-799-5541.

Who Is Liable for Pothole Damage to Your Car in Maine?

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pothole

Potholes can cause hundreds to thousands of dollars of damage to your vehicle, including flat tires, bent rims, misaligned steering and underside  damage. They can even cause an accident if you lose control of your vehicle or swerve suddenly to avoid one.

 

What should you do after you hit a pothole? Clients of our South Portland Maine insurance agency commonly ask three questions after they hit a pothole:

Who Pays for Pothole Damage to My Car?

Potholes can appear quickly, and can reappear even after they have been filled repeatedly. Maine law absolves municipalities from liability for damage caused by potholes unless the pothole was reported more than 24 hours before your accident, and untreated.  This is difficult to prove, which means you’re usually not going to get help from city or town hall. Maine State Law is even more lenient with state-owned roads: the state of Maine is never liable for damage caused by potholes.

 

 

Is Pothole Damage to My Vehicle Covered by Insurance?

Hitting a pothole, or any other hazard in the road (other than live animals) is covered by the collision section of your Maine auto insurance or Maine commercial vehicle insurance policy. If you purchased collision coverage, your collision deductible will apply. If it is a single-car incident, it’s considered “at fault”, and therefore may increase your auto insurance rates. Your Maine insurance agent can help you decide whether or not you want to file an auto insurance claim for pothole damage.

Will Anyone Else Pay for Pothole Damage?

New car dealers sell a product called “road hazard warranty”. It typically covers road damage to tires and rims, with a small deductible. Check to see if you purchased this warranty when you bought or leased your vehicle. If so, you may be in luck.

"Fix It! Portland." web page.
“Fix It! Portland.”

What to Do if Your Vehicle is Damaged by a Pothole

  1. Pull off the road as soon as it’s safe. Is your vehicle is still OK to drive? If not, call a tow truck. 
  2. Note the date and time of the accident. Take a photo of the pothole and report it. If it’s a town road, report it to your municipality’s Public Works Department. If it’s a state route, report it to MDOT (207-885-7000 in Southern Maine).  The City of Portland has a web page: FixIt! Portland. They also have a mobile app.
  3. If you’re not sure your vehicle is OK, have a repair garage check it.
  4. Call your insurance agent if you’re considering whether to report an insurance claim.

 

Have questions about Maine auto insurance or Maine commercial vehicle insurance? Want to compare Maine car insurance quotes in 10 minutes? Contact Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance at 207-799-5541. We’re independent and committed to you.