Posts

Why It’s Important to Replace Your Roof for Your Homeowners Insurance

Whether it’s raining, hailing, or windy outside, your roof takes the brunt of all the harsh elements. However, if your roof has been neglected and isn’t in tip-top shape when bad weather hits, then you could be putting your home at risk for leaks or other potential severe damage. If your roof is old, faulty, or on its last leg, your home may be categorized as high risk. This also means you may be paying a higher premium for your policy. Here, we’ll review what’s typically covered for roof damages and why a new roof could decrease your homeowners insurance.

Keeping your roof well-maintained is a general best practice to avoid extensive repairs or premature replacements of your roof. Typically, insurance policies may cover the following roof damages:

• Rain

• Hail

• Wind

• Fire

• Fallen objects

• Hurricanes

• Tornadoes

Some insurance companies will provide discounts to homeowners after they’ve installed a new roof. An asphalt shingle roof that’s 15 years old is more prone to leaks simply due to the fact that it’s near the end of its lifespan and has taken the brunt of 15 years of weather. For this reason, older roofs can be categorized as high-risk since homeowners are more likely to file a claim for damage, which results in a higher insurance premium.

On the other hand, a newer roof is less likely to be susceptible to weather damage simply due to the fact that it’s new. Different states and different insurance companies have their own discounts for new roofs, so you’ll want to consult with your insurance agent to determine how much of a discount you can receive as each insurance company has its own set of requirements for what qualifies for a new-roof discount.

Getting homeowners insurance will allow you to protect your home in the case of unexpected damages during storms or inclement weather. However, the price of protection can be hefty if you have an older roof. Some insurance companies will offer discounts for new roofs simply because it’s a new roof that hasn’t taken the brunt of ever-changing weather. In addition, some insurance companies will offer discounts for impact-resistant roofs. Fortunately, new technological advances in the roofing industry have allowed manufacturers to develop roofs that can withstand high winds, are resistant to moisture-related growth, and are resistant to impact from falling tree branches. Contact (Agency Name) at (phone number) or visit our website at (homeowners insurance link) to see how your homeowners insurance policy is affected if you decide it’s time to get a new roof.

Source: https://www.stateroofing.com/blog/roofing/why-a-new-roof-will-decrease-your-homeowners-insurance/

/by

Safe Driving in Winter Weather

Millions of Americans will be traveling this holiday season, and if it’s anything like previous years, a lot of that travel will be on the road. Last year, AAA estimated that more than 100 million Americans were planning a trip of more than 50 miles during the holidays and that was just between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1.

Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on local roadways, too. So even if you’re not headed out of town, these safety tips can help you make it through the season safely.

Make sure your car is ready

Before winter arrives, and before any long trip, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? How are the radiator and cooling system?

If you live in an area (or visit one often) where temperatures regularly drop below 45 degrees, it’s a good idea to get a set of winter tires-they’re better suited for the cold than all-season tires, because they’re designed to provide the best traction and handling in ice and snow. Whatever you’re driving on, however, make sure your tires are inflated properly and that they have enough tread.

Your car should have an emergency kit, too. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight, and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand are nice to have as well; they can provide traction should you get stuck.

Before you leave

If you’re going on a trip, make sure you check weather conditions along your route and take printed maps-you might not always have cell reception. Let someone know your itinerary so that if you don’t arrive on time, officials know where to look for you.

Every time you drive somewhere, even if it’s just a quick trip to the store, clear snow and ice off your car; it can be a hazard to other drivers. And don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights.

When you’re on the road

Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses, and shady spots. And remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop (or steer) better on ice.

If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Sometimes it’s best not to drive in snow and ice at all if it looks bad out there, stay home if possible.

If your vehicle becomes disabled or you get in an accident

Car trouble and accidents affect thousands of people every winter. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

If you’re in a crash, be careful-the aftermath of a car accident can be dangerous, especially in winter when visibility might be reduced and conditions might be slick. Check everyone involved for injuries and call 911 if necessary. After minor accidents, have everyone pull well off the road. Put out flares and turn on your hazard lights.

When you can’t move your car, stay inside unless traffic is completely clear. It’s far better for another vehicle to hit your car, even with you in it, than to hit you directly.

Wherever you may be headed this winter, we hope you enjoy the season with friends and family. Here’s to a healthy and happy holiday!

Source: https://www.safeco.com/blog/safe-winter-driving

/by

Homeowners Insurance Facts

When you decide you want to buy your first home, homeowners insurance may not be the first thing you think about. However, most mortgage lenders require you to have homeowners insurance before they will approve your loan. There are a few things you should know about homeowners insurance.

Certain losses are excluded from most homeowners insurance policies. Standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover floods or earthquakes. If you want coverage for flood or earthquake damage, you will need separate policies for those. If you are in a flood zone, your mortgage lender may require you to purchase flood insurance.

We all know that our credit score is important for many things. Did you know it can also affect your homeowners insurance premium? Some states have banned this practice; however, in most cases your credit score can affect your insurance premium. The better your credit rating, the lower your premium. So while you’re spiffing up your credit rating to get a good deal on your mortgage loan, you should maintain a good rating to save money on your homeowners insurance.

Poor home maintenance may cause a claim to be denied. Not all damages are covered by homeowners insurance. If the damage that occurred to your home is due to your failure to properly maintain your home, your claim may be denied. When it comes to home maintenance, don’t be a procrastinator!

While you are living in your new home, you will acquire new valuables, personal possessions, and may do some home improvements. You should always report these to us right away so we can ensure your coverage is sufficient for your investment. Enjoy your new home, you deserve it!

Source: https://www.hsh.com/first-time-homebuyer/facts-about-home-insurance.html

/by

Vacant Property Insurance 101

If your home is left unoccupied for weeks or months at a time, your standard homeowners insurance policy might not provide coverage in the event of a claim. Any damages or losses that occur would have to be paid out of pocket unless you have vacant property insurance. 

Unoccupied and vacant homes present a greater insurance risk than an occupied home. The emergency response time is slower and there is an increased probability of a break-in occurring. This increased risk has resulted in the exclusion of these properties in a standard homeowners insurance policy. If you own an empty or vacant house, you should purchase vacant property insurance to protect yourself and your home.

Generally speaking, if your home is left unattended for 30 days or more you’ll want to purchase vacant property insurance. Before leaving your home vacant for an extended period of time, you should contact your insurance agent and discuss how your insurance carrier defines vacancy. Below are some scenarios where a homeowner might find the need for vacant property insurance.

  • You own a vacant home that you only visit a few times per year.
  • You’ve purchased a home, but won’t be moving in for several weeks.
  • You’re constantly traveling for weeks at a time.
  • You’re remodeling your home and won’t be living there during renovations.
  • You’re renting out your home and you’re in between tenants.

Source: https://www.valuepenguin.com/unoccupied-and-vacant-home-insurance

/by

Spring Home Maintenance

🌷Spring is here!  🌸  After a long dark and cold winter, the bright sun and warm winds of the spring are a breath of fresh air! The only downside? All that sunlight helps you see your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks, and dead plants in the flower beds. Get your home in shape for spring with this checklist!

1. Examine Roof Shingles: Examine the roof to see if any shingles were lost or damaged under the winter snow and ice.

2. Check the Gutters: Loose or leaky gutters can cause improper drainage, which can lead to water in your basement or crawlspace during the spring rain.

3. Inspect the Concrete: Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. Fill cracks with concrete crack filler or silicone caulk, power-wash, and then seal the concrete.

4. Remove Firewood: Firewood stored near the home for winter should be moved at least 18 inches off the ground and at least 2 feet from the structure.

5. Check Outside Faucets: Check outside faucets for freeze damage. While you’re at it, check your garden hose for dry rot.

6. Repair Window Screens: You will want to open the windows to let the fresh air in. Ensure small holes and tears are repaired so bugs don’t get in.

This is just a short list of items you can do to prepare your home for the spring. Winter was nice and cozy but, we are ready for the spring sunshine! While you are preparing your home for the spring, it is a great time to review your homeowners insurance! 

Source: https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/10-home-maintenance-tips-for-spring-pictures

/by

Rideshare Insurance for Uber and Lyft Drivers

Passenger

On average, the roughly 1.5 million to 2 million people in the U.S. who drive for both Uber and Lyft earn $18.15 an hour before expenses. Just one car accident, though, could easily eat up that money—and more. That’s why Uber and Lyft drivers likely need separate rideshare insurance to supplement both personal auto insurance and the coverage that’s automatically provided by rideshare companies. A driver’s financial stability could ride on whether they’ve got rideshare insurance.

To understand the insurance for rideshare driving, it’s important to know the three phases while a rideshare app is on:

  1. Available: The driver is available to pick up a passenger.
  2. En route: The driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up the passenger.
  3. On the trip: The driver has picked up the passenger and is on the way to the passenger’s destination.

When an Uber or Lyft driver’s rideshare app is off, their personal auto insurance applies. But when the app is on, Uber and Lyft provide some coverage on the driver’s behalf. Personal auto coverage typically excludes rideshare trips. That’s because your auto insurance company has priced the policy assuming you’re driving yourself, relatives and/or friends, and that you aren’t earning money from private trips and putting a lot of extra miles on your car.

As a result, a rideshare driver’s personal auto policy typically won’t supply coverage while you’re making rideshare trips. A rideshare driver might be happy with the insurance provided by the rideshare company, especially if the driver carries only the minimum personal auto insurance required by the state. In those cases, a million dollars in liability coverage from Uber can look like a major bonus.

But there can still be gaps, which is where rideshare insurance comes in. For example, rideshare companies don’t provide collision or comprehensive insurance when the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request. And a personal auto policy that includes collision and comprehensive likely won’t cover that period. So, if you accidentally back into a pole, you’d have no insurance for the damage. Without additional rideshare coverage from their personal auto insurer, drivers may find their existing coverage may not apply to a loss that occurs while they are acting as a rideshare driver.

At A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc., your road safety is very important to us. Call us at 973-340-9100 or visit our website at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to discuss your auto insurance needs. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs!

Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/rideshare-insurance/

/by

Vehicle Maintenance Checklist for Fall

Personal Insurance Fairfiel NJ, Vehicle Maintenance, Fall Vehicle Maintenance, Check Vehicle Fluids, Inspect Vehicle Tires

The seasons are beginning to change and before we know it, cold weather will be here! The seasonal changes affect your vehicle in many different ways. Regular vehicle maintenance along with seasonal-specific car care tasks will help your vehicle last throughout the changes.

Check Fluids: This is the most important car care routine. The fluids lubricate, cool, and perform other vital functions to keep your car running. Check all fluids under the hood including: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.

Inspect Tires: Tires affect the braking ability, handling performance, and overall safety of your vehicle – needless to say they are important! Measure the tread depth at the outer tread, center tread, and inner tread. If the any of the tread depths reading is 2/32” or less, the tires are a safety hazard and need replaced immediately! You should also check the tire pressure. Ensure the tires are inflated to the specification listed on the placard inside the door jamb.

Check Lights, Blades, and Brakes: Long summer days will be coming to an end soon. Since nighttime comes earlier in the fall, you’re more than likely going to be driving in the dark. Ensure all lights are in proper working order. Snow can fall at any time during the fall and winter months. You will want to ensure your wiper blades and windshield washer are ready for these conditions. We don’t have to remind you the importance of your car’s breaks. Before the snow starts to fall is the perfect time to take a peek at your breaks to ensure they are good to go!

Check Heater: You will want a warm car during the crisp fall mornings and in the winter. Now is a good time to check the heater to see if it is blowing hot air. If it’s blowing cold air, there may be an underlying issue within the cooling system.

Emergency Kit: You never know when you are going to break down on the side of the road or get stuck in traffic during the snowy weather. Having an emergency kit in your car is a great idea to keep you and your passengers safe and warm. Emergency kits should include: extra hats and gloves, blankets, a flash light and batteries, jumper cables, a multipurpose utility tool, and a first aid kit.

As we say “goodbye” to summer and “hello” to fall and winter A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc. wants to ensure you are safe on the road. While you are making your way through your fall vehicle checklist, give us a call at 973-340-9100 or visit us online at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to review your auto insurance policy. Stay safe, stay warm, and be prepared for anything!

Sources:

https://www.carparts.com/blog/five-fall-car-care-tips/

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/car-kit?

/by

Summer Safety Tips with Kids!

Sunscreen

Summer is the season for sunscreen! When the sun is out, everyone should be protecting their skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation has found that children who have gotten severe sunburns have higher chances of developing Melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs in about 200,000 people per year in the United States. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is the best.

Sunscreen should be applied every 30 minutes and skin should be dry before applying. Regardless of age and skin type, always apply sunscreen to you and your children.

Poison Ivy 

If your children are playing outside, make sure you and your children are aware of what poisonous plants look like. Let’s say a ball has been kicked into a grassy area and your child wants to retrieve it. Teach your child to check the area before walking through it. If they cannot tell or feel unsafe walking through the particular area, tell them to grab an adult.

If you or your children have been exposed to poison ivy, here are some symptoms of an on-coming rash:

  • Small bumps or hives
  • Itchy skin
  • Redness or red streaks
  • Blisters that drain fluid when popped

Not all symptoms are severe and need medical assistance. For minor cases, home remedies like cold showers will help the symptoms to dwindle. If home remedies are not working and the rash continues to spread, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Bicycles

Bicycle accidents are common among children in the summer, especially those just learning how to ride one. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission states that at least 300,000 children in the United States make a trip to the emergency room due to bike-related injuries.

The best way to keep your children safe on his or her bike is to make them wear protective gear, such as a helmet, knee pads and shoulder pads. If a child does get into a bicycle accident, minor injuries can be treatable at home. For major accidents, like those that result in broken bones, must seek medical help immediately.

Swim Safety

Summer is the best time for laying out by the pool and swimming all day! Whether it is a public pool or a private pool, the same rules apply to each. To ensure that your children are safe at any pool, go over the safety rules with them.

Many rules like no running and no diving in the shallow end apply to almost any pool. If your child is not a very good swimmer, provide a life jacket to ensure their head is always above water. If there are no lifeguards on duty, watch your children at all times or swim with them. If there are lifeguards, provide the right swim gear necessary!

Hydration

Make sure you and your children are drinking plenty of water when being outside. Dehydration can happen to anyone, especially children. It is important to eat and drink frequently throughout a summer day. Here are some symptoms of dehydration that everyone should be cautious of:

  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Irritability
  • Dry mouth
  • Excessive sweating
  • Dark yellow urine

Bee Stings

Bee stings are painful for anyone. Bees and insects are known for being practically everywhere during the summertime. Beehives can be located anywhere from trees to outside toys. Usually, hives are located in small areas where they are not always visible.

To make sure that your children are safe from getting a bee sting, check the area they are playing in for hives. Bug spray can help; however, it will not kill bees. In case of a bee sting, check if the stinger is not in the wound. Once removed, apply ice to relieve some pain and to shrink swelling. Once the area is less inflamed, wash the area and place a bandage if necessary. If your child is allergic to bee stings, seek medical assistance immediately.

/by

Collector Car Insurance

There is nothing more stunning than seeing a classic car rolling down the road. If you are a proud classic car owner you want to do everything you can to protect your investment. You keep it clean and well maintained, but do you have the proper insurance for your beloved classic?

Traditional auto insurance policies usually cover your car up to its actual cash value, which equals its replacement cost minus depreciation. Collector car insurance usually covers your classic vehicle for an agreed, or guaranteed, value that is mutually agreeable to you and your insurance company. Collectible cars generally increase in value, especially if they are well maintained and/or restored. Everyday automobiles generally decrease in value over time. So it is important to have the right insurance coverage for your classic car!

How do you know if your car is eligible for collector car insurance? Insurance companies require that a collectible car not be used as a primary driving vehicle. Insurance companies will also place a maximum annual mileage restriction. This restriction can vary from state to state, but generally the mileage cannot exceed 7,500 miles per year. You can only use your classic vehicle for pleasure driving or a hobby activity such as participating in a parade or attending a classic car show.

 

A.C. Marmo& Sons Inc. loves our classic cars and we know you do too! If you have any questions regarding collector car insurance, please give us a call at (973) 340-9100 or visit us online at https://www.acmarmo.com/ and we will be happy to assist you.

Source: https://www.valuepenguin.com/classic-car-insurance

 

/by

A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc.

Fairfield Location:
350 Passaic Avenue
PO Box 11115
Fairfield, NJ 07004
973-340-9100

973-340-2254

info@acmarmo.com

Lavallette Location:
1605 Grand Central Avenue, Suite #3
Lavallette, New Jersey 08735
(732) 793-7530


(732) 733-7534

We are licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Send us an email

Personal Insurance

Auto Insurance

Homeowners / Condo / Renters Insurance

Shore Property Insurance

Flood Insurance

Probate / Estate Bonds

Personal Umbrella Liability Policy

Business Insurance

Business Owners Policy

Commercial Auto Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Commercial Umbrella Liability Policy

General Liability Insurance

Data Breach / Cyber Liability Insurance

Restaurant Insurance

Professional Liability / Errors & Admissions

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)

Performance Bond / Contract Bond

Health & Life Insurance

Life Insurance

Group Health Insurance


About



Blog


Privacy Policy