We will be discussing a homeowner’s policy, not a condo or co-op. We will discuss those type of policies in the future weeks.

​While many home insurance companies offer different coverages based on what the home owners request, there are common parts of all home insurance policies. Let’s cover these common parts as well as some of the additional coverages which can be requested.

Coverage A – Dwelling
This coverage is for the structure itself. This is the coverage to rebuild the building. The four walls exterior and interior, the roof and all the interior components such as the plumbing, the electrical systems and components permanently attached to the structure, such as kitchen cabinets, bathtub, toilet, sinks, flooring, etc.

Coverage B – Other Structures
This coverage is intended to cover other structures that are on the homeowner’s property that are not attached to the actual structure itself. Usually this would be a garage, shed or other detached structure on the premises.

Coverage C – Personal Property
This coverage is intended to cover your personal belongings that are not attached to the structure such as furniture, computer, game systems, jewelry, clothing and art work. There will be limits on such items such as the jewelry and limits. We will discuss this option later.
 
Coverage D – Additional Living Expenses
This coverage was intended to cover additional living expenses for you while you are displaced due to a covered loss in your home. For instance, a hotel room will be paid for while your home is repaired due to a fire. Dining out at a restaurant will be reimbursed since you can’t cook in your own home due to the fire.

Coverage E – Personal liability
This coverage was intended to protect the owner of the property from a and injury claim by others on your property. This coverage can extend beyond your property and can follow you around the world. For example, should someone trip on your sidewalk and claim it was your fault they fell such as a raised sidewalk claim.

Additional Coverage Options available for an additional premium:

1. Replacement Cost Coverage – to guarantee replacement of the building or your personal property.
2. Animal Liability to protect from your pet injuring someone on your property such as a dog bite.
3. Additional Jewelry and art work coverage.  This type of add on usually requires appraisals to be completed to prove the value of the coverage requested on the specific named articles. 
4. Pool Liability – If you have a pool you should always disclose this to your insurance carrier so that they will adjust the risk and raise the premium accordingly so that you will be covered in the event of a loss.
5. Ordinance of Law – Every home policy covers a basic amount of ordinance of law.  This means the policy will cover you to increase coverage so that you will be compensated to repair the home up to current code and standards.  However, you can request increased coverage of ordinance of law if you feel the updated to your home would be significant.
6. Earthquake Coverage – In New York, no home insurance carriers automatically cover your home for damage caused by an earth quake, but you can endorse your policy to add this coverage for an additional premium.   
7. Service Line Protection – this would cover your sewer line, your water line and your electrical lines from the street to your home. Most policies do not protect these items, unless it is added by a specific endorsement. This is a very valuable coverage for people in our community considering how old so many of the homes are. The water and sewer lines below the ground will eventually collapse and need to be replaced. This can cost upward of ten thousand dollars. We will cover flood insurance in another article.
8. Water backup coverage – Do not confuse this coverage with FLOOD INSURANCE as that would be a totally different policy. Water backup will cover your home for damage due to the sewer backing up in to the home via the sewer main in your basement.

There are virtually hundreds of other items you can add on your home insurance policy to protect you from a potential claim. If you would like to discuss various scenarios please feel free to call us or stop by our office. However, there are much to many scenarios to discuss in this tips articles. The main thing you should take away from this article, is don’t assume everything is covered under your home insurance policy. Do your research and make sure the company you have is not only the least expensive insurance company, but a reputable company that is capable of paying claims. Price should never be the only factor you base your decision on. Trust me, the day you have a claim, you would have paid more money to cover your family properly had you known you did not have the right coverage. Quality Coverage is the most important factor you should be concerned with. If not, then why buy insurance at all? If you are not covered in the event of a loss because you wanted to save a few dollars, you will be making a big mistake when it counts in the end. Insurance is meant to make us whole again after an accident. If you have the wrong coverage, you can’t accomplish the goal of getting back to your life as it was before the claim. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor, have your policy reviewed, make sure your home which is your single largest investment of your life, is protected properly. TV Commercials from Insurance companies will show you the gimmicks of saving money in 10 minutes or less. Don’t rush through these decisions when it comes down to protecting your family from a disaster, take your time and review your coverage with someone in person. The TV Insurance companies can’t give you what an independent local agent can offer. We live in your neighborhood. We know your homes because our homes are the same.  We know the coverages you need. We will listen and act on your insurance needs. We will always be there for you when you need us, not like a representative on the phone answering a call in a warehouse somewhere across the country. Insurance is not about gimmicks, its about protection. Call on your local insurance agent for help and understanding. We help you protect what’s important. You decide what that is, then come see us, and let us go to work for you.

To get a free quote on your home insurance, please give my office a call at 718-829-3200. We offer home, auto, life and business insurance. Feel free to stop by our office at 3600 East Tremont Ave. We are open Saturday’s as well. Have a great week!  

​#CapitalShieldAgency #JohnCerini #BronxInsurance #Bronx #ThroggsNeck #PelhamBay #ThroggsNeckbid #ThroggsNeckMerchants

When we think of insurance, whether it may be home, co-op, apartment or car insurance, what is the first thing that comes to our mind. Is it a way to put our lives back to the condition it was before the incident?  The true definition of insurance is to make one whole again after an accident. Now there are many different things we can insure. We will discuss these many insurance policies in the weeks to come.  However, let’s start with something very important as most of us drive and have cars. Not discussing what the auto insurance policy covers, but what to do in the event of an emergency with the last step to call the insurance company (spoiler alert).

• If you are in a car accident, be cautious of your surrounding traffic. While stopped on the roadway, activate your hazard lights, inspect the damage to your vehicle, if can safely place yourself and others at out of risk of another accident, move your vehicle off the road. Use reflective lights at the edge of the area where the accident occurred facing oncoming traffic to warn other vehicles that there’s an accident ahead. Please be cautious and courteous of other motorist and pedestrians during and after the accident to avoid another accident from happening.

• If you are physically able to get out of the vehicle, please look into the others in your car and the car you had the accident with. Dial 911, or have another person do it for you, however if you can refrain from moving someone who is seriously injured until medical personnel arrive, try doing so. Moving someone may cause additional injuries if done incorrectly. Talk to them to keep them awake and alert until the ambulance arrives.

 

• Alert the Authorities. While the NYS law requires a police report if damage to the vehicles or property is greater than $1,000, you may want a report on file even if it is a minor accident. This will help you get detail record of the accident. While no one may appear injured at the time of the accident and injury may later develop or we may later discover damage to our vehicles. While the police officer is there, be sure to record the officers name and precinct number so you will know where to go and obtain the copy of the report later.

 

• Trade Insurance details with the other drivers. You should always keep a pen in your glove compartment so you can write down information (name, address, phone and email, make, model, license plate numbers and insurance information of all involved vehicles. If you notice witnesses that may be able to testify on your behalf, you will need their names and phone numbers. Witnesses can make all the difference to an insurance claim.

 

• Take photos of scene of the accident scene as well as the involved vehicles, only when safe to do so. Years ago, I would give a disposable camera to all auto insurance clients to keep in your glove compartment. This shows my age, before the flood of cell phone cameras. However in the age we now live in, there are more cell phone in the world than people. You can take photos and even video footage at the scene of the accident. Things as simple as the angle of the vehicle, the damage to each car, the position of the stop sign and traffic lights, etc. You may need as much help as possible to defend yourself. In New York, we are in a no-fault state, which puts you at 50% fault from the moment the accident occurred unless you can prove otherwise.

 

• Put your recollection of the accident on paper. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Since you have taken the photos, now write down those words. Describe which direction you were driving, at what time, lighting condition, the intersections, and draw a sketch of the accident and how it happened. This is what will be on the police report, but you should make your own notes to cross reference with those of law enforcement. If you believe the other driver is intoxicated or should be checked by the police officer, ask the officer and make a note of your request.

 

• Contact your insurance company. If you cannot drive the car away, contact your insurance carrier to have the car towed to the repair shop of your choice. Make sure that if the tow truck driver is not from your insurance carrier, they will accept all insurance payments. You will be issued a claim number and can deal directly with the insurance company or you can hire a public adjuster to represent you. However, keep in mind that a representative will charge a percentage of the money recuperated from the insurance company and is paid by you, not the insurance company.

In the upcoming weeks, we intend to discuss the different types of insurance you can purchase and break down some of the basic coverages and forms of insurance and endorsements available. If you have a specific question in mind, please feel free to send the question in to our office by email at John@CapitalShieldAgency.com Our office has been open now 22 years, and we will always be here when you need us.  When you purchase insurance, you must remember it is not always about the price, but you must evaluate the quality of coverage as well. An old client just told me last week he had a loss, and when he called the carrier to place the claim, he did not have coverage. At that moment, he realized that while the policy I had for him was a few hundred more, he would have been covered. You can always shave the cost of a policy, but will it be worth the savings when you need it most. Insurance is not a savings account and should not be used as such. When we place claims, your rates will increase. To keep your premiums down, consider raising your deductible.
​
To get a free quote on your home insurance, please give my office a call at 718-829-3200. We offer home, auto, life and business insurance. We help protect what’s important to you. When you deal with the large TV insurance companies you will never get the same level of personal attention, nor ever get the same representative on the phone. An Independent Agent can shop around the best prices for you with multiple insurance companies and make sure your coverage is exactly what you need. Many insurance companies are Captive, meaning they can only sell you one carrier. We represent many companies and can help you get the lowest price for the best coverage.

Call us today at 718-829-3200 or stop by our office at 3600 East Tremont Ave. We are open Saturday’s as well. Have a great week!  

​#CapitalShieldAgency #JohnCerini #BronxInsurance #Bronx #ThroggsNeck #PelhamBay #ThroggsNeckbid #ThroggsNeckMerchants

​The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) defines flood to be a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area, or of two or more properties from:

In 1968, the National Flood Insurance Act established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which allows property owners to purchase insurance from the U.S. government that covers certain losses from flooding. Subsequently, on April 1, 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed the executive order that created the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). From the beginning, FEMA has remained committed to protecting and serving the American people. For thirty-nine years, FEMA's mission remains: to lead America to prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from disasters with a vision of "A Nation Prepared."
​
While Most homeowners are not required by any law to carry Flood Insurance, the Flood Disaster Act of 1973 made it mandatory for homes in certain flood zones to purchase this coverage. Therefore, today if you purchase a home in a flood zone “A” or “V” most financial lending institutions will force you to purchase flood insurance if you are borrowing money. However, if you buy the home outright with no debt or a private loan from the old owners, you will most likely not be forced to purchase this coverage. 

However, while you may not be required to purchase this coverage, you should still consider it. One of FEMA’s goals is to make Flood Insurance Affordable. Pricing should not vary company to company. The pricing guidelines are overseen by FEMA to make sure the homeowner is getting a fair price for the protection needed. On March 21, 2014, President Obama signed the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 into law.

​Key Priorities include:

• Refunds, Rates, and Surcharges
• Mapping
• Promote Mitigation and Flood Insurance Advocacy. 
​

Do you know what the most common natural disaster in America is? A Flood. However, what most homeowners don’t realize is that their home insurance policy does not cover damage caused by a flood.  They need to purchase a separate policy just for the risk and loss of Flooding. Flood Insurance policies are issued through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and available to homeowners, renters and businesses. If you don’t have flood coverage and live in a coastal community, considered calling your insurance agent to quote one today. You need to be aware that there is a standard 30 day waiting period to purchase flood insurance on a property you own already. However, if the property is a new purchase only NFIP will make an exception for the closing and make the insurance effective the date of the closing.  Once the closing date passes you will have to wait the 30-day period again, so think carefully about having the coverage in effect for the closing. Especially if you are closing on the property during Hurricane Season which typically is around July through October. It is also important to note that you will not be able to start a flood insurance policy during a hurricane, closing or not. You will have to delay your closing on your home. In some cases, you may be able to transfer the old property owners flood policy to you.  

Who would need flood insurance, you ask, and how much would it cost? Let’s review:  

The Homeowner

As a Homeowners, you can purchase flood insurance covering up to $250,000 of flood damage to your home. A standard flood policy will cover structural damage, including damage to the furnace, water heater, air conditioner, floor surfaces (carpeting and tile) and debris clean-up. The contents of your home are not covered under a standard flood policy, but for an additional premium, you can purchase flood coverage for up to $100,000 of damage to your personal property.  

The Renter

Flood is not covered under your basic renter’s insurance policy. Since you don’t own the building, you would only be concerned with your personal property within the apartment. Talk to your insurance agent and decide if your risk is great enough to warrant flood coverage as a tenant. 

The Business Owner

A standard business owner’s policy (BOP) does not cover flooding. However, a flood insurance policy can be purchased to cover up to $500,000 on a commercial building and its contents.  

How Much Will Flood Insurance Cost?

The average homeowners flood insurance premium is approximately $700 a year, based on a study done by FEMA. However, in NYS premiums can be much higher than the national average. Premiums for flood insurance will vary depending on your risk level for a flood loss, the amount of coverage you choose, the type of coverage you need and your deductible. You should consider raising your deductible to lower your premium. In some parts of the Bronx, if you are in a flood zone “X” your premium can be as low as $460.  Contact your insurance agent to find out what flood zone your home is in.

Where Do I Buy Flood Insurance?

You can purchase flood insurance for your home or business regardless of whether the property is in a floodplain. Every property is in a flood zone, the question is which zone is your property in? Contact your insurance agent or company to find out if your community participates in the NFIP. You can also visit www.floodsmart.gov to learn more about flood insurance.

What to do If your property is damaged by a flood.

If you don’t have flood insurance, you will not have coverage on your homeowner’s policy, but you are welcome to call your insurance company and make sure. If you were lucky enough and did purchase a flood insurance policy, the first thing to do is call the claim department of your insurance company and file a claim. The insurance company will send an adjuster out to review the damages and assess whether they are covered by the policy, however please know that you also have the right to have a public adjuster represent you to make sure the payout is fair. The public adjuster will be compensated from the claim paid by the insurance company. If a federal disaster is declared for a flood in your area, you can also apply to FEMA for disaster assistance, whether you have insurance or not.

As with any home insurance, whether flood insurance or regular home insurance, it is always a good practice to make an inventory of all your personal property. To provide proof to your company for your items lost, it is also great to take photos and video of your home and narrate what you are videoing and zoom in on serial or model numbers. Receipts of the items recently purchased will also make filing a claim faster and easier. If you would like to pick up a blank home inventory sheet, please feel free to stop by my office anytime for a free consultation. Once you have completed this inventory list, you should make sure the list, photos and/or video remain in a safe, dry place away from any potential damages. You may even consider getting a fire proof safe. In our area of the Bronx, you can purchase one at Galaxy Locksmith on East Tremont. If the event of a loss, whether fire or flood, your documents will be no good to you if they are damaged.

I hope this article has answered some of your questions about Flood Insurance. Specific questions you may have can always be addressed in person at our office located at 3600 East Tremont Ave in the Throggs Neck Section of the Bronx. We welcome you to call or stop by for a free consultation. Our number is 718-829-3200. Flood Insurance, Home Insurance, Auto Insurance, Business Insurance and Life Insurance can be very complex. There is nothing better than a face to face meeting with your insurance agent. We would love to be the company you come to for all your insurance needs. With the summer coming, please get ready for upcoming hazards, such as hurricanes, vacationing while your home is vacant. Let your neighbors know who your insurance agent is so that in the event you are not home and a claim takes place, your insurance agent can get your home protected from more damage until you get home. Have a Great Summer!

​#CapitalShieldAgency #JohnCerini #BronxInsurance #Bronx #ThroggsNeck #PelhamBay #ThroggsNeckbid #ThroggsNeckMerchants

For those of you who did not know, I am also a NYS Licensed Insurance Agent. Today’s article is about home insurance. Do you have any insurance? Do you own a home, co-op or condo? Do you rent an apartment? If you answered yes to any of these, then your answer should be, “Yes of course I have insurance” If you have a mortgage, your mortgage company makes it mandatory for you to have coverage.

However, it recently came to my attention that there was a homeowner in Pelham Bay who did not have a home insurance policy because they had no mortgage, so they thought to save money. This is not how you want to save money. In the event of a fire and you have no coverage, you will lose everything. By having the insurance policy, they will make sure you get your home rebuilt or your household furnishings replaced. At a time when we are distraught do to a fire, flood or other losses, we don’t need the extra stress of financial burden to replace our living conditions. Apartment insurance can be very inexpensive. In most cases can be less than $15 a month. If you have auto insurance, you can get a multi-policy discount if you get the apartment, co-op or home insurance policy with the same insurance company.

I thought this week with this crazy weather we might discuss some insurance tips for the Summer.  Does it feel like summer while you are reading this?  Getting ready for the hot weather is important to your home whether you live in an apartment, condo, co-op or a house.  We need to be ready to avoid hazards, fires and potential insurance claims.  As a Travelers Insurance Company Representative, I am proud to offer insurance from one of the best companies in the world.  Here are some tips from Travelers Insurance Company.

For many, there is no better time of the year than summertime to be outside in the yard enjoying the weather and sunshine. Warm temperatures and longer days make the perfect backdrop for picnicking, barbecuing or just enjoying drinks and snacks on the deck or patio.
Your home in the summer should be a source of enjoyment, both inside and outside. The harsh winter, however, can leave its mark, which can temper or even ruin your summer enjoyment if you do not prepare. A bit of time spent on seasonal maintenance can keep your home in top shape for the warmest season.

Start of the Season

Preparing your home for the warmer months should produce a sense of enjoyment, not dread at what might be damaged, broken or need replacing. If you do find any damage, make any necessary repairs right away to mitigate further damage and help keep you and your family safe.

Be sure to check both inside and outside the home for damage or wear and tear, as well as evidence of any unwanted guests such as wildlife or rodents. Also, walk the property to make sure everything is where it should be, and do a long-range as well as close visual inspection of the house.

Inside the House

It is good practice to check the locks on your doors each season to make sure they are secure. Do this by opening the doors and make sure they close and latch properly. Inside the home, check all window locks to ensure they all function correctly. Check window and door screens for any holes.

Check electrical outlets and cords for potential fire hazards, such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. To avoid a potential fire, be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.

Carefully inspect your toilet. Look for the leaking or issues with the toilet float valve, and check all pipe connections. Also, inspect washing machine hoses, and replace any hoses that show signs of cracking, wear or leakage.

Clean or replace your furnace filter to reduce any fire hazard. Likewise, with your dryer vent and lint trap, as well as the space under your dryer.

Outside the House

The living space beyond the four walls also may need a little TLC after the harsh winter. Check any wood structures, including steps and decks, for rot or other deterioration, and repair or replace any rotted or loose boards and protruding nails.

If you have a swing set or other type of recreational equipment on your property, inspect it for any potential dangers such as rusty bolts or sharp edges, and make sure it is in good condition and operates properly.

Check the windows and doors, and their frames, for any evidence of damage, and walk the perimeter of the house for any obvious changes or damage. Also, have your roof inspected by a professional once every few years to identify areas of potential leakage.

Your home in the summer should be a place of relaxation and enjoyment. By taking steps to properly and regularly maintain your house, it will remain a source of pleasure for years to come.

To get a free quote on your home insurance, please give my office a call at 718-829-3200. We offer home, auto, life and business insurance. We help protect what’s important to you.  We will always be here when you need us. When you deal with the large TV insurance companies you will never get the same level of personal attention, nor ever get the same representative on the phone. An Independent Agent can shop around the best prices for you with multiple insurance companies and make sure your coverage is exactly what you need. Many insurance companies are Captive, meaning they can only sell you one carrier. We represent many companies and can help you get the lowest price for the best coverage. Call us today at 718-829-3200 or stop by our office at 3600 East Tremont Ave. We are open Saturday’s as well. Have a great week!  
   

This is our very first post. We're not quite sure what we're going to write about here, but the plan is to create helpful content for customers and prospective clients about information that is relevant to you.

We hope you'll come to view this as a top resource for keeping your family and your finances safe.

Here are a few of the topics we may be writing about:

• Answers to clients' frequently asked questions.
  
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