How Recreational Insurance Keeps You Afloat

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Navigating the waters of Boston Harbor can be a thrilling experience, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend boater. However, as the saying goes, smooth seas do not make skillful sailors. That’s where our guidance at Smoller Insurance Agency comes into play for residents of Boston, MA and surrounding areas. 

Understanding Recreational Insurance

Boat ownership comes with a unique set of responsibilities, and we recommend safeguarding your investment to the best of your ability. Recreational insurance is a wise choice for anyone who wants to enjoy their time on the water without worrying about potential property damage expenses. The right recreational insurance can protect you, your loved ones, and other boat owners from the financial consequences of unintentional mistakes or unpredictable circumstances. 

The type of policy you choose may depend on the type of boat you have, where you plan to use it, and existing policies you may have for your home, car, or other recreational vehicles. 

Navigating the Waters of Uncertainty

Accidents happen, and being prepared is the key to overcoming unforeseen challenges. Whether you are an experienced boater or a novice on the water, inclement weather, irresponsible boaters, unexpected obstacles, or mechanical failure are all things outside your control that can damage your boat and sink your plans. 

We at Smoller Insurance Agency can guide you through the intricacies of recreational insurance and have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by boat owners in Boston, MA. We take pride in our commitment to providing comprehensive coverage tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to explore your options and discover how our expertise can keep you afloat in the unpredictable seas of life.

Will renters insurance cover the repair of the laptop I accidentally dropped?

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Renters insurance provides coverage for a tenant’s personal belongings. Renters insurance has the ability to provide peace of mind for renters, similar to what homeowners insurance provides homeowners. It can be costly to replace damaged, vandalized, and stolen items. Renters insurance provides coverage for a renter’s personal belongings should they become vandalized, damaged, or stolen, and more. Our team at Smoller Insurance Agency is committed to helping Boston, MA renters get the coverage they need.

How does renters insurance work?

Tenants pay a monthly fee for renters insurance. If a personal belonging is stolen, damaged, or vandalized and is covered by the renter’s insurance policy, the tenant files a claim to receive financial compensation to repair or replace the item. Liability coverage is also included in a renters’ insurance policy. If a guest becomes injured or has property damaged while visiting the tenant’s apartment/condo/rented space, the tenant can file a claim to cover medical care/payments or pay for the repair of the damaged property. Depending on the insurance policy, renters insurance can also replace lost income, cover bills, and cover groceries and other necessities. However, renters insurance isn’t designed to cover the physical rental space, just the tenant’s personal belongings. 

Will renters insurance cover the repair of the laptop I accidentally dropped?

No. Renters insurance will not pay for the repair or replacement of a laptop or personal belonging that was damaged by negligence. Unfortunately, the renter’s insurance policy outlines the types of damage and circumstances that are covered by the policy. Making a mistake or accidentally breaking personal belongings isn’t covered by renters’ insurance. If you have more questions regarding renters insurance, call us at Smoller Insurance Agency in Boston, MA. We’d be happy to answer all of your questions. 

Guarding Your Ride: How Motorcycle Insurance Thwarts Theft and Vandalism

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Motorcycle theft in the Boston, MA area, in particular, is a significant concern for riders. To safeguard their cherished rides, motorcyclists turn to motorcycle insurance, which offers critical protection against theft and vandalism.

Key Benefits of Motorcycle Insurance for Theft and Vandalism

  • Theft Protection: Motorcycle insurance includes coverage for stolen bikes. If your motorcycle is stolen and not recovered, the insurance can help you replace your bike, ensuring you can get back on the road.
  • Vandalism Coverage: In the unfortunate event of vandalism, where your motorcycle is intentionally damaged, motorcycle insurance can cover the repair or replacement costs. This protection safeguards your investment from senseless acts of destruction.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage, a component of motorcycle insurance, protects a wide range of non-collision perils, including theft and vandalism. This is crucial for motorcycle owners, as it offers all-encompassing protection against unexpected incidents.

Preventing Theft and Vandalism

While motorcycle insurance is a vital tool in protecting against theft and vandalism, there are several preventive measures motorcyclists can take to reduce the risk:

  • Security Systems: Invest in high-quality security systems, such as alarms, locks, and GPS trackers, to deter theft and increase the chances of recovery in case of a stolen motorcycle.
  • Safe Parking: Park your motorcycle in well-lit, secure areas, preferably with surveillance cameras. Avoid leaving it in isolated or unattended locations.
  • Use Motorcycle Covers: Motorcycle covers protect your bike from the elements and deter thieves by concealing its appearance.
  • Store Your Motorcycle Securely: Store your motorcycle in a secure storage unit when not in use. This provides an additional layer of protection against theft and vandalism.

Smoller Insurance Agency Can Help You

At Smoller Insurance Agency, we can help answer questions concerning motorcycle insurance. We serve the Boston, MA area. Contact us today.

Sailing Safely in Beantown: Why You Need Boat Insurance in Boston

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If you enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Charles River or an adventure ride in the Boston harbor, local area boat owners are no strangers to the allure of the open waters.  

Boston Boat Insurance Basics

Many Boston boat owners don’t know that boat insurance is mandatory for all boat owners with an open loan on their vessel. A sudden storm or collision with another vessel on the water can lead to costly property damage or personal injuries. 

Boat insurance can offer financial protection when these unforeseen events happen. A comprehensive boat insurance policy in Boston can help you cover the costs of boat repair or replacement in the event of a total loss. 

Protect your floating investments with insurance from Smoller Insurance Agency in Boston, MA. Our licensed insurance agents can provide you with a variety of different coverage options to meet your boating insurance needs and explain your policy benefits. 

What Do Boston Boat Insurance Policies Cover?

Having boat insurance ensures that you comply with state requirements and provides peace of mind when boating accidents happen. Boaters who opt for basic liability coverage protect themselves against legal liability claims from other boaters and property owners if someone is injured while they’re driving their boat. 

Comprehensive and collision boat insurance protects your vessel and passengers from collision and non-collision-related boating mishaps, including accidental collisions with other boats, decks, buoys, and other stationary objects. 

Full-coverage boat insurance option can mitigate the effects of boat theft or damages to your boat caused by natural disasters like hailstorms and severe thunderstorms. 

We Are Here To Help

Talk to a licensed insurance agent at Smoller Insurance Agency in Boston, MA to learn more about your individual coverage options and deductibles based on your boating history and other factors. 

Tides of Protection: Flood Insurance Essentials in Boston

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Boston, MA is nestled along the coast and crisscrossed by some of the most famous rivers in the world. This picturesque landscape increases the possibility of flooding and the need for flood insurance to protect your home and most prized possessions. 

What Causes So Much Flooding in Boston?

Heavy rainfall, storm surges, run-off, and snow melt are all natural factors that lead to an increased risk of flooding along the coast. 

Unexpected floods can cause a range of devastating consequences, including property damage, erosion of coastal areas causing extended flooding, infrastructure disruptions, road closures, and a host of other negative impacts that can financially cripple a homeowner or business owner.

Protect your home and business from the onrush of rising waters that can cause devastating financial consequences with flood insurance. 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

New Jersey flood insurance can help homeowners and business owners cover the costs of repairing or replacing property damages caused by flooding. Flood-related insurance protection can help cover the costs of flooded basements, property foundations, damaged property, and more. 

Learn more about the benefits of flood insurance by talking to our licensed flood insurance agents at Smoller Insurance Agency.

Why Do I Need Flood Insurance if I Have Homeowners Insurance?

A licensed insurance agent at Smoller Insurance Agency in Boston, MA can talk to you about the differences between homeowner’s insurance and flood insurance policies. Many homeowners’ policies cover damage caused by accidents or theft, but not all policies will cover natural disasters and floods. Your agent can explain the benefits of flood insurance and help you choose the best policy to safeguard your home and family. 

Don’t wait until it’s already too late. Make an appointment with Smoller Insurance Agency today! 

What’s In A Condo “Master Doc” And How Does It Pertain To My Condo?

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The master doc contains pertinent information regarding the arrangements of the condo property. This means the document lists common areas such as landings, the foyer, grounds, pool, etc. It also lists what each separate condo is, such as "all-in" or "walls-in." This means the owner of the condo actually owns the walls, floor, ceiling, and contents of the condo. Smoller Insurance Agency in Boston, MA is here to assist with condo insurance and everything related. 

Condo Insurance & Master Doc: What You Need To Know

Your Walls, Floor, And Ceiling

When you close on your new condo, you’ll have drafted for you a unit deed. This can also be found in the master doc and details transfer of ownership. This means the condo can be mortgaged, taxed, and sold. Smoller Insurance Agency of Boston MA knows what’s in the master doc, so we’ll walk you through the liability, loss assessment, and personal injury coverage you’ll need. You should also know these things about master docs.

Who Does Admin?

The Declaration of Trust, also included in the master doc, tells prospective condo owners to whom to pay their condo fees. We’ve seen sketchy “admin” people take the money and run. It’s good for prospective condo owners to know a sanctioned person is taking care of business.

Insurance

Looking online will tell prospective condo owners that a condo company’s insurance stops at your walls. Should a visitor to your home become injured in condos’ common areas such as pools or picnic areas, then your home insurance covers the liability. The condo association won’t. These documents are also in the master doc.

Lien

Prospective condo owners should pay strict attention to this one. The master doc will include a Notice of Lien. This means that if a guest in your home raises a ruckus that annoys the neighbors or causes trouble in the condo’s common areas, then the fines and the cost to sic the sheriff on them will constitute a lien. You’re responsible for its payment.

Reach Out To Us

There’s more to buying a condo than just finding the perfect one for you. Allow us at Smoller Insurance Agency in Boston, MA to fill you in.

Discounts for Donations!

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Yes, you read that right. Mapfre Insurance and Safety Insurance will reward your good-hearted donation to particular organizations with a 5% discount on your auto policy in Massachusetts!

Mapfre Insurance policyholders may donate a minimum of $50 to the Pan-Mass Challenge to earn their 5% discount. Founded in 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge is an annual bike-a-thon that raises money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in adult and pediatric cancer treatment and research.

Follow along with this video to learn how to make that donation.

Safety Insurance policyholders may donate a minimum of $50 to Clear Path for Veterans New England to earn their 5% discount. Clear Path for Veterans provides support through a wellness-based Veterans’ Community Center to bolster those who served, with a particular emphasis on reconnecting Veterans to their communities upon their return home.

Follow along with this video to learn how to make that donation.

After making your donation, don’t forget to send your receipt to info@smollerinsurance.com so we can get your discount processed right away! Let us know if you have any questions or issues.

We’re so happy to support these wonderful organizations while simultaneously offering our Smoller Insurance clients a way to save money!

Three important rules to follow when you buy auto insurance

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Consumers need to realize that choosing the right auto insurance options is important. If you are a vehicle owner in Boston, MA, you can buy an insurance policy from us at Smoller Insurance Agency.

The following are three important rules to follow when you buy auto insurance:

Invest in added liability coverage

You only have to meet the liability coverage requirements set forth by the state of Massachusetts to drive legally. However, these minimum coverage amounts might not really be adequate to completely protect you against potential liability expenses.

If you want more financial security as a motorist, you should be sure to invest in added liability coverage when you buy an auto insurance policy. 

Compare quotes from a few different auto insurance companies

You should never buy the first auto insurance policy that you come across. Comparing quotes is probably the most important thing to do before buying any type of insurance.

Contact a few insurance companies and request policy quotes. You then know what your options are and can choose a policy with quality coverage at a good price. 

Read over the details of your policy

It’s important to fully understand your policy. Read over the fine print of your policy. Doing so will ensure that you understand exactly what’s covered by your policy.

Reading through your policy will also help ensure that you know what to do and expect if you need to file a claim down the road. 

Reach Out To Us

Buying auto insurance from Smoller Insurance Agency allows you to meet insurance requirements and protect yourself financially. Get a quote on an auto insurance policy in Boston, MA by calling us today. 

Prepare For the Unexpected With Commercial Insurance

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As business owners, we understand how crucial it is to prepare for the unexpected and mitigate risk through commercial insurance coverage. Our team at Smoller Insurance Agency, serving the Boston, MA area, wants to provide you with information on the different commercial insurance to help you protect your business.

Commercial Insurance Options

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance covers legal fees, medical expenses, and property damage claims resulting from accidents on your business premises. It also covers advertising liability claims, such as slander and libel.

Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance protects your business property and assets against losses or damage caused by fires, theft, or natural disasters. This type of coverage is essential for any business with physical assets.

Business Interruption Insurance

Unforeseen events, such as a fire or natural disaster, can force your business to close and severely impact your revenue. Business interruption insurance provides coverage for lost income and additional expenses incurred while your business is closed or undergoing repairs. With this coverage, you can replace lost revenue and pay for employee salaries even if your company has to close.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The business provides workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages for injured employees. This type of coverage is essential for companies with employees, as it protects the employee and the employer from any legal action that may arise from a work-related injury.

Contact Us Today

Contact us today to learn more about our commercial insurance coverage and receive a free quote. Our team of experienced agents is ready to help you prepare for the unexpected and protect your business from financial losses. Smoller Insurance Agency, serving Boston, MA, is here to help you.

Do you drive safely with your dog?

Posted on by Sarah White

Do you drive with your dog? Mostly likely, your answer is yes! 🐶🚘

A recent survey from Selective Insurance found that 89% of licensed drivers who owned a dog have driven with their dog in the last year. 65% drove with their dog at least once a week.

Follow up question: do you drive SAFELY with your dog? Really think about it…

91% of the drivers in this survey admitted to interacting with their dog while driving. So, if you’re a dog owner, you’re most likely driving with and interacting with your dog while on the road.

Consider these additional findings from the survey:

  • 50% pet their dog while driving.
  • 36% gave them food, water, or a treat.
  • 33% turned around to look at them in the back seat!
  • 40% admitted to demonstrating reckless driving behaviors like hard braking, swerving, or not using turn signals due to being distracted by their dog.
  • 17% even had their dog sitting in their lap while driving.

It can be easy to forget your best driving practices when you are distracted by your sweet pup. But, it is not impossible!

Try implementing these safe driving tips when you’re driving with your pet:

  • Have your dog ride in the back seat or, if appropriate, your trunk.
  • Try using a partition to separate the front seat from the back seats.
  • Consider a dog seatbelt, safety harness, or anchored crate for your dog.
  • If you have to pull over for your dog, don’t go to the shoulder of the road. Instead, search for a quiet parking lot.