Is your dog “banned”?

Posted on by lovelynn@smollerinsurance.com

Did you know that many homeowners insurance companies “ban” certain dogs?

If your dog bites or injures somebody, your homeowners policy must pay for the injured’s medical fees. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average dog bite claim is $44,670, so this is a pretty expensive risk!

Therefore, many insurance companies have lists of “banned” dogs.

What does this mean?

These companies will not provide coverage if the customer owns one of the breeds on their list, as they believe these breeds are liable to cause injury. These lists are often hidden from consumers’ view, but Forbes Advisor gathered data on 42 of these lists from different homeowners insurance companies.

  • Doberman pinschers, pit bulls, and rottweilers are on 100% of these 42 lists of banned breeds.
  • Chow chows are on 95% of the banned lists.
  • Wolf dogs, canary dogs, and akitas have the next highest frequencies of being banned — all three are included on over 75% of the banned lists.

Some other insurers will allow all dogs, while others decide whether or not to cover the dog based on if they have a history of violence.

In Massachusetts, there is no legislation forbidding insurance companies from discriminating against certain breeds.

Nevertheless, dogs are a wonderful addition to the family and not all “banned” dogs are dangerous. Give us a call if you plan on bringing a new dog home! We will review if your premium may change and can give you quotes on pet insurance.

Auto Insurance Tips

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When it comes to shopping for car insurance in Boston, MA, there are a few tips that may help you purchase the best coverage available. Before buying auto insurance, do some research and shop around to find the best policy to fit your vehicle and driving needs. Those with questions should reach out to Smoller Insurance Agency to discuss auto insurance policies and coverage needs.

Compare Insurance Policies

Before purchasing an auto insurance policy, it is best to shop around and learn about your options. Ask your agent about different policies and coverage options available and costs. Additionally, call other insurance companies to compare prices for similar policies.  

Consider Deductibles

If you want lower insurance premiums, consider purchasing a policy with a higher deductible. These policies have lower premiums but require more out of your pocket should you get in an accident or have to file a claim. 

Determine State Laws

Before buying auto insurance, be informed about state laws dictating the required coverage amount. Those wanting minimal coverage must at least get the state-required minimum. Check with your local DMV or insurance agent for specifics on auto insurance laws. 

Drop Coverage 

Consider dropping coverage on older cars you are no longer driving or minimally drive. Drop the collision and comprehensive coverage to the minimum on older cars because replacing or repairing is generally not as expensive as if they were new. 

Look for Discounts

Ask your insurance agent what forms of discounts are available that can be applied to your auto insurance policy. Standard discounts include good student, low mileage, multi-car, multi-policy, and good driver. 

When needing car insurance in Boston, MA, shop around and compare all of your options. Then give the Smoller Insurance Agency a call to discuss how they can help you with your insurance needs. 

How commercial insurance protects small businesses

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Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. The Small Business Administration estimates that 99.9% of businesses in the US are small businesses. A small business has less than 1500 employees. Many small businesses are much smaller and 89% have fewer than 20 employees. Owning a small business comes with lots of risks and having the right commercial insurance can protect your business from some of the risks you face. At Smoller Insurance Agency in Boston, MA, we are family-owned and operated. We believe in giving our customers the level of service they expect and deserve. 

Protects your building and equipment

Bad things happen. A fire, broken pipe, or theft can devastate your business. Commercial property insurance not only covers the physical building but also all your equipment inside. This makes it helpful for renters as well as owners of the building. If you lose your machinery, office equipment, inventory, raw materials, and records, commercial property insurance can help you to get back in business quicker or at all. 

Protects your assets

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to being sued. Protecting your assets is important. Commercial liability insurance offers that protection. It offers coverage that will pay a judgment against you as well legal expenses associated with that judgment. 

Protects your vehicles

If your business owns any vehicles, they need to be covered by commercial auto insurance in Massachusetts. The requirements are 20/40/5. 

Workers compensation

Most states require employers to cover their employees with workers’ compensation insurance. Massachusetts requires all employers no matter how many employees you have or how many hours they work to cover them with workers’ compensation insurance. 

At Smoller Insurance Agency in Boston, MA, our team is committed to providing the highest level of service and making sure that we are there for our customers when they need us.

Does home insurance cover weather damage

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Anyone who lives in New England knows that the weather can be very unpredictable. A common saying is that if you don’t like the weather you are having, wait a few minutes, it will change. Hot summers and cold winters are par for the course. Fall and spring are no picnic either. Having home insurance that can protect your investment is vital. In Boston, MA, Smoller Insurance Agency offers the personalized service that only a family-owned and operated independent insurance agency can offer.

Simply stated, many types of weather damage are covered by home insurance. In Massachusetts, the risk from hurricanes is rather small. On average one or two hurricanes make landfall on the east coast every year and of those, only about 3% reach Massachusetts. However, when they do reach this part of the country they can cause devastating damage. In 2019, hurricane Dorian brushed Cape Cod with tropical storm strength winds. If you worry about hurricanes, make sure that coverage is included with your home insurance.

Violent summer storms are probably a bigger concern to most residents since they happen with regular frequency. They come with lightning, thunder, heavy rain, and strong winds. They can take down trees and do major damage to your roof and other parts of your home.

Keep in mind, that flooding caused by severe storms and hurricanes or any other weather is not covered by home insurance. You need to have specific flood insurance to be protected.

Winter storms can cause a lot of damage. Your home insurance protects your home from most damage including damage from frozen water or snow in gutters etc. as long as the damage is not caused by lack of maintenance, you should be able to count on it.

Smoller Insurance Agency is here to answer any questions you may have about weather coverage and your home. Always read your policy for specific details.