Weekly Insurance Tips from John Cerini - NYS Licensed Insurance Agent

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!