Home Insurance

Avoid Common Home Insurance Claims with These Tips

Your home is your castle. While many homeowners think of home insurance claims as only possible from mass-destruction events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, the most common claims are the ones that homeowners least suspect. Fortunately, many home insurance claims can be entirely preventable. To protect your castle, take a look at these home insurance claims that are preventable.

• Loose/damaged washing machine hoses

Unfortunately, the nature of the washing machine makes it possible for disasters to occur – alternating water temperatures, shaking machines, and containment in low-traffic areas. To prevent claims, it’s wise to replace plastic hoses at least every three years and inspect them regularly for any damage.

• Roof damage

Most home insurance policies will offer coverage for roof deterioration caused by unpreventable triggers, such as vandalism or fire. Unfortunately, leaks and pest infestations can weaken a roof and cause more damage in the event of a disaster. Basics roof maintenance, such as gutter cleaning and shingle replacement, is key to a longer life.

• Cooking/candle fires

Open flame (or gas) is often necessary for cooking, warming, and illuminating the house. Next to water damage, fire devastating is the number one source of homeowners insurance claims. You can prevent fires by taking care in the kitchen, placing candles away from children and pets, and switching to electrical tealights.

Make sure you have a homeowners insurance that you can rely on. Need help finding adequate insurance? Contact Abatelli Group, Inc., serving Whitestone and neighboring cities in New York with the right and reliable coverage.

How to prepare for a power outage.  

The weather can change in an instant, meaning that homeowners should always be prepared for the worst. Part of this preparation is to prepare for a power outage caused by a storm. Storms can bring strong winds and heavy rain that knock down power lines, leaving homes without power from a couple of hours to several days. Here are a few tips to help make sure you are prepared for a power outage.

• Keep a flashlight in an easy-to-reach location. Supply it with fresh batteries and keep an extra set of batteries close by. Avoid using candles as a light source if possible.
• Get a portable radio that you can use for emergencies. This will help you to stay informed about the storm and progress of getting the power back up and running.
• Keep your cellphone charged so that you can make calls in the event of an emergency.
• Stock up on non-perishable food and drinking water. Avoid opening the fridge and freezer at all during the power cut.
• Keep a stocked first aid kit, any medications, blankets, and your pet’s supplies in a bag in case of an emergency.
• Unplug large appliances and devices to avoid them from being damaged if a power surge occurs.
• For expensive appliances, consider installing surge protectors.

Remember that a homeowners insurance policy can help to get you back on your feet after a disaster.  Make sure you have a policy that you can rely on. Need help finding adequate insurance? Contact Abatelli Group, Inc., serving Whitestone and neighboring cities in New York with the right and reliable coverage. 

Make your air conditioning unit more efficient in the home with these tips.

In the summer months, walking into a cool house is a refreshing break from the sweltering heat in New York. But for homeowners and renters alike, a chilled property comes at a price. Running your central air conditioning can cost $3.84 a day or more than $115 a month. With energy costs rising, it makes sense to take steps to make sure your A/C is running at maximum efficiency.

Maintain your A/C unit

Regular A/C maintenance is one of the best things you can do to improve your HVAC efficiency and prevent breakdowns. A yearly HVAC tune-up can keep your system functioning properly and identify issues before they arise. You can avoid high repair costs by performing regular maintenance, either yourself or by a professional

Use appliances wisely

Some home appliances, such as the oven and clothes dryer, can heat up the inside of your house and increase your cooling costs. To minimize the impact of heat-generating appliances, avoid using the oven or clothes dryer during the hottest part of the day. For improved efficiency, use them at night when it is easier to keep your property cool.

Close the curtains

Although natural light is wonderful, the rays of sunlight streaming through your windows can raise the interior temperature of your home and force your A/C to work harder. You can reduce the stress on your unit by closing the curtains and blinds during the day so that the sun doesn’t warm up your apartment.

Make sure you have an insurance policy that you can rely on. Need help finding adequate insurance? Contact Abatelli Group, Inc., serving Whitestone and neighboring cities in New York with the right and reliable coverage. 

Should you get renters insurance coverage? 

As a renter, you may be tempted to skip the thought of purchasing renter’s insurance coverage. After all, you don’t own the space and you only have a few belongings – coverage can’t help you that much, right? Think again. All people who rent an apartment or condo should consider taking out a policy to protect their belongings, wallet, and more. Here’s why.

What does renter’s insurance cover?

Most renters are under the impression that the landlord is responsible for repairing and replacing their property after an incident, such as fire or theft. This is a costly assumption to make. The landlord will have insurance that covers the whole building, excluding your own personal property. This means that if you don’t have insurance, you leave your belongings and pocket vulnerable to risk.

Renter’s insurance covers:

• Personal property damage: If your personal property is damaged in a covered peril, your renters insurance company will cover the cost of the damage up to your policy’s limits. A covered peril is a damaging event listed in your policy such as fires, wind, and certain type of water damage.
• Personal liability: If someone is injured on your residence, and the event is found to be due to your negligence, your policy will cover the costs of legal liability. A standard policy covers up to $100,000 in liability costs.
• Additional living expenses: If your rental home or apartment becomes uninhabitable, your renters insurance policy will cover the expenses.
• Medical Payments: Coverage for medical costs if a guest is injured on your property.

Common perils include:

• Fire and lightning
• Wind and hail
• Explosions
• Smoke damage
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Water damage
• Mold
• And more!

Ready to gets started on quality renters insurance coverage? Contact Abatelli Group, Inc., serving Whitestone and neighboring cities in New York with the right and reliable coverage.

Safeguard your property and appliances from water damage with these tips.

Believe it or not, but appliances in the household are one of the main sources of water damage to homes. That’s right, it’s not rain coming in through a window or a faucet that’s been left on. Washing machines, fridges, and hot water heaters are major culprits when it comes to causing havoc in the home. Take action and prevent water damage in the home from appliances with these tips.

• Check for leaks often. Thoroughly check the area around appliances for any signs of leaking every couple of months.
• Check supply hoses. Check the supply hoses regularly to ensure a tight connection and that there are no breaks or tears. It’s a good idea to replace supply hoses for washing machines and dishwashers every five years, even if there are no signs of wear.
• Flush out your water heater. Every year, flush your water heater to remove sediment and ensure that it uses fresh water.
• Supervise running appliances. Try to only operate washing machines and dishwashers when someone is at home.
• Service machines as necessary. It’s a good idea to call out a professional to service your machines and appliances every couple of years. If the machines are nearing the end of their life expectancy, consider replacing it before it leaks or bursts.

Sometimes, not all losses can be prevented. However, following these tips should lower your chances of a leak in the home. Make sure that you know where your water shut-off valve is located so that you can quickly turn off the water to minimize damage.

Homeowners insurance can help if the worst does happen. Make sure you have a policy that you can rely on. Need help finding adequate insurance? Contact Abatelli Group, Inc., serving Whitestone and neighboring cities in New York with the right and reliable coverage. 

Consider a new roof when you see these signs.

A commonly overlooked factor of home protection is the roof. Most homeowners are under the misconception that roofs last a lifetime and only need the odd repair. However, this simply isn’t the case. Your roof is constantly exposed to weather conditions and natural disasters. Over time, this takes a toll. Below are just a few common signs that it’s time to replace your roof.

Curled Shingles

The shingles all add up to create a protective barrier for your home. Broken, missing, or damaged shingles could mean that your home’s roof is vulnerable. Buckled shingles can occur because of moisture in the attic space forcing nails to push up and out of the roof’s decking. This can leave your home exposed to outside elements.

Missing Granules

If you notice that there are missing granules on your roof, it could be a sign that it is dramatically losing its weatherproofing properties. Check in the gutters to see if there is granule build up, and you will be able to tell if you should consider roof replacement.

Age

A roof over twenty years old is most likely in need of some repair, if not replacing altogether. Roofs are exposed to the element’s on a daily basis, and all of these conditions will take a toll over time. If your roof is pushing the age of twenty, consider replacing it. 

Bear in mind that roof maintenance and replacement is up to the homeowner. Your homeowners insurance policy will only help to repair or replace the roof if it has been damaged by a covered peril, such as a fire or natural disaster.

Need help finding adequate insurance? Contact Abatelli Group, Inc., serving Whitestone and neighboring cities in New York with the right and reliable coverage.

Finding the right insurance for your studying student.

Fall is rapidly approaching and that means parents are getting their college kids ready for the new semester ahead. You may have already purchased supplies, textbooks, electronics, and fun furniture to deck out their dorm room, but are you forgetting how to protect them best? Insurance coverage looks out for your studying student and finances. Before you send your kid off to college, check out the top insurance coverages they should have. Please open our links in a new tab to continue enjoying our content.

• Renters Insurance

When your college student stays on campus and in the dorms, generally, your homeowners insurance policy will protect the possessions that they take with them. Be sure to ring your insurer to confirm the details, and create an inventory of the items that they take to college. If your student lives off campus, he or she will need renters insurance. This will protect their belongings and offer liability coverage, should any accidents occur.

• Car Insurance

Is your child taking the car to college? If so, you’ll need to alert the insurer to this fact. The premium is largely determined by the location of the vehicle, so moving it to college, even temporarily, may impact the coverage and rate. If your child is leaving the vehicle at home, let your insurer know. If he or she is attending college more than 100 miles away from home, you may be entitled to a discount.

• Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella coverage may be one of the last policies you would expect to have to consider for your student, but college opens up new risks. From liability on social media to fraternity pranks, umbrella insurance can help protect your college kid from perils that they may face.

To learn more about insurance for your college student, contact Abatelli Group, Inc. for a quote. We can help you secure reliable Whitestone, NY car insurance coverage!

Homeowners insurance for a second property.

Owning a second home can be great. Whether it’s a vacation home, apartment in the city or a rental property, an extra home is often a bonus. However, homeowners need to be aware that each of their properties needs reliable and accurate insurance. When it comes to finding quality insurance for protecting your investment, seasonal homes can pose unique challenges you’ll want to consider.

Issues like the following will impact how much you pay to insure a second home, as well as the type of coverage your carrier is willing to provide.

• Personal Property

You keep your vacation home stocked with a few necessities, whether it’s sun loungers or snowboards. You’ll want to cover as much of your personal property as possible under your vacation home policy. Create a separate home inventory for your second home and update it as you add new belongings or move items out. Knowing the value of your possessions can help you select the right level of personal property coverage on your policy.

• Home Sharing

It makes financial sense to rent our your property while you are not using it to generate some extra income. However, your insurance carrier may not cover damage while the home is being occupied by anyone other than yourself. Before you list your vacation home for rent, be sure you understand whether or not you’re covered. In some cases, you may need to purchase additional coverage.

• Additional Cover

When you’re not living in your property, you aren’t there to check up on it often to ensure all is well. For this reason, you may want to purchase additional cover in case something does happen – and it gets quickly out of hand. For example, a flood or earthquake can damage a property within minutes. These two perils are often excluded from standard coverage so be sure to take out separate policies to protect your property.

Need help finding adequate insurance? Contact Abatelli Group, Inc., serving Whitestone and neighboring cities in New York with the right and reliable coverage.

Home safety tips for while you’re away on vacation.

The summer months are carefree, warm, and the ideal opportunity to jet set to foreign locations and fun spots. Who doesn’t love going on vacation? Before you enter R&R mode, however, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to protect your home from a break-in or accident while you’re away. While your homeowners insurance in Whitestone, NY will work to help you in the event of damage or theft, preventing such incidents are important. Check out these tips on how to protect your home when going on vacation.

Simple tips to protect your home:

• Be careful what you say on social media prior to leaving and while you’re away. Don’t announce that you will be away for 2 weeks as someone could see this information as an opportunity to visit your house.
• Take care of landscaping before you leave – Mow the lawn, trim the hedges, and leave the garden in good condition.
• Pull the plug on your electrical devices and appliances, apart from fridges and freezers.
• Set automatic timers for the lights you use often to make it appear as if someone is in the home.

Ask someone trustworthy to check on your home:

• Ask a friend or neighbor to visit your home while you’re away to collect mail, empty the mailbox, and wheel the garbage bin in from collection day.
• Ask him or her to enter your home periodically to ensure everything is in order.

Review insurance:

• Review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that you have adequate coverage in place.
• Update your home inventory list before you leave.

Need help finding adequate insurance? Contact Abatelli Group, Inc., serving Whitestone and neighboring cities in New York with the right and reliable coverage.

Spring cleaning tasks that prevent insurance claims.

Our job as independent insurance agents is to help you mitigate the risk that exists in your life, whether that applies to your possessions or your well-being. A spring cleaning checklist is likely to be on every homeowner’s to go list with spring arriving just a couple of days. Checking off these tasks while you’re cleaning can help to prevent costly insurance claims.

Change the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Spring is a good time to change the batteries in your home smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s also a good idea to test these units (once a month is recommended) while you are replacing the batteries to ensure they are still working correctly before it’s too late.

Clean the dryer. It’s a good idea to check that the dryer’s hose is free of lint. While you may clean the lint trap after every load, some lint can get past the filter and into the hose. If the hose is clogged with lint, it could spark a fire when creating heat for the dryer.

Change your air filters. A clean air flow reduces the efforts of your air conditioning and heating units in performing their functions. In turn, this simple task can extend the lives of the units motor.

Seal windows and doors. Check that all the seals on windows and doors are in good condition. Fill in any gaps that you see and replace worn or dried out caulking. Where there are gaps, leaks can form and cause damage.

Clean out the gutters. Debris and dirt from winter can clog up the home’s gutters and downspouts, which could cause the gutters to break and allow water to seep inside of the home. A good clean out of the gutters can keep the water flowing away from your house and prevent the possibility of water damage and leaks.

Trim the trees early. Keeping dangerous branches at bay can limit your exposure to potential car damage and personal injury, not only to you and your property, but that of neighbors and visitors.

One of the most important parts of protecting your home is securing homeowners insurance policy, which can provide the right amount of protection to fit into your lifestyle and property. Contact Abatelli Group, Inc., serving Whitestone and neighboring cities in New York with the right and reliable coverage.