FHJ – December 2020 Home Remodeling Insurance

While staying home during this year of the Corona virus many people are recognizing all the improvements and updates their home needs. That need is keeping contractors very busy. The difficulty getting a good contractor has many embarking on a variety of home...

FHJ – 2020 November Telematics

I recently purchased a new car and was amazed at the electronics that operate so many components of this vehicle. The head lights turn on automatically as it senses darkness. There’s a backup camera that goes on when the car is put into reverse. There’s the automatic...

FHJ – October 2020 Real Estate Value vs. Insurance Replacement Cost Value

Real Estate Value vs. Insurance Replacement Cost Value Does it seem that the value the insurance company says you need to cover your home is out of whack with the local Tax Assessor or Zillo values? It is true that real estate values around our area are commonly lower...

FHJ – September 2020 Misleading Statistics

It’s amazing how we’re always learning new ways the Coronavirus is affecting us. Here are a couple points you likely wouldn’t be expecting. Were you one of those insureds that received a check or credit from your auto insurance company citing the reduction in travel...

FHJ – June 2020 COVID-19

Could the COVID 19- Coronavirus result in lower insurance rates? The Coronavirus has clearly made itself known to the world in which we live. In last month’s “Insurance Matters”, I noted several ways insurance could come into question while society continued to deal...

FHJ – May 2020 Corona Virus Insurance

It’s crazy how the Coronavirus has taken over our lives for the last 2 months. It will continue to impact us for the rest of our lives. I’m writing this article on ways insurance maybe utilized to help you recover from the financial impact this virus has had on you...

FHJ – April 2020 Umbrellas

Is it worth buying an Umbrella? Too often we are lulled into a false sense of security because, we have insurance, we’re safe drivers, we don’t do wild and crazy stuff. The problem comes when we fail to recognize that the limits chosen may not be adequate for the...

FJH – January 2020 Festive Time and Impaired Time Do Not Go Together

This is a festive time of year to celebrate with family, friends and co-workers.  Unfortunately too often these celebrations adversely include accidents caused by impaired drivers. Whether you are remembering the year that was, or toasting what’s to come in the...

FHJ – November 2020- Telematics

I recently purchased a new car and was amazed at the electronics that operate so many components of this vehicle. The head lights turn on automatically as it senses darkness. There’s a backup camera that goes on when the car is put into reverse. There’s the automatic...

FHJ – October 2020 – Real Estate Value vs. Insurance Replacement Cost Value

Real Estate Value vs. Insurance Replacement Cost Value Does it seem that the value the insurance company says you need to cover your home is out of whack with the local Tax Assessor or Zillo values? It is true that real estate values around our area are commonly lower...

FHJ – September 2020 – Misleading Statistics

It’s amazing how we’re always learning new ways the Coronavirus is affecting us. Here are a couple points you likely wouldn’t be expecting. Were you one of those insureds that received a check or credit from your auto insurance company citing the reduction in travel...

FHJ – June 2020 – COVID 19

Could the COVID 19- Coronavirus result in lower insurance rates? The Coronavirus has clearly made itself known to the world in which we live. In last month’s “Insurance Matters”, I noted several ways insurance could come into question while society continued to deal...

FHJ – May 2020 – Covid-19

It’s crazy how the Coronavirus has taken over our lives for the last 2 months. It will continue to impact us for the rest of our lives. I’m writing this article on ways insurance maybe utilized to help you recover from the financial impact this virus has had on you...

FHJ – April 2020 – Umbrella Coverage

Is it worth buying an Umbrella? Too often we are lulled into a false sense of security because: we have insurance, we’re safe drivers, we don’t do wild and crazy stuff. The problem comes when we fail to recognize that the limits chosen may not be adequate for the...

FHJ – March 2020 Claims Time Frame

Over the last month I’ve received a few calls from a former insured seeking guidance in dealing with a homeowner claim. My agency had lost his business to an on-line company. They discovered a water pipe leak on a Saturday evening. Part of me wanted to remnd him he...

FHJ- February 2020 – Power Wheel Chairs

Will Homeowners Insurance cover your Power Wheel Chair? A recent call from an insured questioned whether their insurance would cover a power wheel chair. Was their question related to Health or Homeowners Insurance? Was it relating to the purchase of the unit, or...

FJH – December 2019 -Home Oil Tanks

The worst part of my job is when I have to tell an insured “you’re not covered for that”. Last Saturday I had to explain to an insured that his oil tank leak was not a covered loss. Experience told me he was looking at an average of $8,000-12,000 to clean up his oil...

FHJ – November 2019 -Family Dog’s Impact on Your Insurance

When describing the “American Dream” key parts usually include raising a family in a home out in the country. Included with that ‘family’ is usually a family dog. But the breed of dog you choose can impact on the liability you expose yourself to and how much you will...

FHJ – October 2019 -Steer Clear of Deer

Steering Clear of Deer   The soaring population of deer in our northwest corner of the state is leaving its mark on the auto insurance industry. The increase in the deer population can in part be blamed on the protected habitat of the property surrounding the...

FHJ – September 2019 – Home Replacement Cost Values

How confident are your that your home is adequately insured? The best part of my job is being able to help an insured recover from a loss. I can’t imagine the pain an insured would feel discovering after a loss that you’re not covered for that or that you don’t have...

FHJ August 2019 – Renter’s Insurance

Renting: Do you need Homeowners Insurance? Most people associate Homeowners Insurance with the need to insure against a fire loss. As a tenant you don’t own the building you are renting, so why carry Homeowners Insurance? Most renters assume the building owner is...

FHJ – July 2019 Uninsured Motorists Impact on Your Auto Rates

It seems everyone is taking notice of the premium increases being applied to their auto insurance rates. Rightly so! The Providence Journal did an article on June 16 blaming it on Uninsured Motorists and a Zip Code based rating system. Again on June 18 they had an...

FHJ- Auto Insurance Rates Keep Climbing – May 2019

Auto Insurance Rates Keep Climbing---Why? One of my insureds called nearly three months ago to advise that her husband had “tapped” the bumper of the car in front of them. Police had come and prepared an accident report. The insured took pictures of the two cars while...

FHJ – Are your Auto Liability Limits High Enough – April 2019

Are your Auto Liability Limits High Enough? Too often we are lulled into a false sense of security because: we have insurance, we’re safe drivers, we don’t do wild and crazy stuff. The problem comes when we fail to recognize the loss extremes our activities could...

FHJ – Red Lights on Volunteer Vehicles – March 2019

Most volunteer fire and rescue services rely heavily on the ability of their members to respond to your call for assistance in their personal vehicle; some responding directly to the scene while others might go to the station to get their fire or rescue vehicle. Some...

FHJ – Reporting a Homeowner Loss – January 2019

Recently a former insured sheepishly contact me looking for help in moving her insurance back to my agency. She “saved” about $150 by taking advantage of quote from a 1-800-INSURANCE company or one of the comparable insurance.com carriers. On the surface, if you offer...

FHJ – Life Insurance – January 2019

A family member recently suffered serious injuries when he fell from a ladder. All too commonly it’s an occurrence like that which makes us realize death can hit us anywhere and at any time.  Without protection, your premature death can devastate the quality of...

FHJ – Long Term Care Ins. – November 2018

  How do you decide whether to buy insurance or utilize your own financial resources to pay for a loss? When considering Homeowner Insurance, you consider the various potentials for a loss, the cost to replace your home, and your ability to afford that loss. ...

FHJ – Floods – October 2018

Over the last several weeks most of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic area of the United States was stuck in a rain pattern that seemed to settle in certain areas dropping several inches of rain repeatedly. The saturated soils and runoff caused creeks and rivers to over...

FHJ – Off to College – August 2018

Insurance for the College Bound This is a repeat from a 2016 article but one I am commonly asked about at this time of year. Your son or daughter’s senior year of high school is now behind you.  While trying to enjoy the summer, your focus now points to the first...

FHJ – Future Ratings – July 2018

Does it seem like we’ve had more storms which have resulted in long power outages in the last couple years? I bought a generator several years ago when Ann & Hope was having a Going Out of Business Sale. It went without being used for 5+ years.  Then in the last...

FHJ – Accidents Happen- Here’s what to do

    Accidents happen. But how well prepared are you to know what to do when involved in an accident? What would your reaction be if your spouse, teen age driver, or one of your parents came home after being involved in an accident and revealed that they...

FHJ – Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists – May 2018

The insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that the average driver will be involved in 3-4 auto accidents in their life time. You may be a very good driver but unfortunately you can’t protect yourself from the errors of all the other drivers out there....

FHJ – Is having a pet an insurance concern? – April 2018

Is having a pet an insurance concern? As the spring season approaches the latest addition to many families will be a pet. According to the National Pet Owners Survey conducted by American Pet Products Association, 68 percent of US households owned a pet in 2017; 60.2...

FHJ – Boomers Beware – March 2018

Baby Boomer beware! Your insurance needs are changing. What you need today is not what you needed 20 years ago. Now’s a good time to take a look at your needs so you’re prepared for future obstacles thrown your way. Shortly after getting married you likely just had...

FHJ – Think Outside the Box – Feb. 2018

Progressive, has an ad which shows Flo reaching for a box right off the shelf implying exactly what you need for auto insurance coverages are included in that box. Contrary to that, most everyone has heard the expression “think outside the box” with the goal of...

FHJ – Vacant Dwelling – Jan. 2018

Imaging after experiencing a loss at your home, you discover that the insurance company has legitimate grounds to legally deny your claim. There is a gray area in most homeowner insurance policies that the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America estimates...

FHJ – Fire Extinguishers – December 2017

  After reading reports that Kidde was recalling about 40 million fire extinguishers, I began to question how many local homes do not have one or more fire extinguishers? Not having one is comparable to the Ostrich who sticks his head in the sand assuming it will...

FHJ – Tree Losses – November 2017

Did you ever hear the philosophical question “If a tree falls in the woods when no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?” Insurance companies have their own twist on that.  If a tree falls on your property is it covered by your homeowner insurance policy?...

FHJ – Vacation Losses – October 2017

Are you getting ready to head out for the Columbus Day Weekend? Perhaps getting in your last “summer” trip to a beach house? Or heading north to prepare a get-a-way home for your winter visits? As any homeowner knows, when you leave a home, there is always the concern...

FHJ – Teen Driver’s Impact on your Auto Insurance

A Teenager Driver’s Impact On Your Cost For Auto Insurance Countless times I hear parents complain about the cost to add a son or daughter to their auto policy. They are inexperienced and very likely will get into one or more accidents before they hit age 21. Let’s...

FHJ – College Bound – August 2017

College Bound: What insurance applies? You know all that stuff packed into your car, truck, or U-Haul to move your student into their college dorm? What happens if the dorm room is robbed, or there’s a fire. Think of all the money you’ve paid for the computer,...

FHJ – Jobs in the Insurance Field

The number of college and high school graduates suddenly converging into the job market will have many stumbling into a career they never would have considered as a career goal. Most of us have participated in some form of school career fair or other activity where...

FHJ – The Right to Inspect – June 2017

Did you ever have an insurance company inspect your home or property and tell you that you had to fix or change something? Am I required to comply? Will it lower my insurance costs? What gives the insurance company the right to require it? Let’s start with the basic...

FHJ – Loss vs. Maintenance – May 2017

  Anyone who has ever looked at an insurance policy knows that the wording is far from simple. There are always grey areas. I can tell you that most times those grey areas have arisen out of coverage challenges in the courts. Commonly challenged is the intent of...

FHJ – Travel Insurance – April 2017

Travel Insurance is viewed by many as a mysterious coverage.  Many assume it is only available through a Travel Agent when booking a major trip such as a cruise or European trip. There are many coverages that can make it a wise investment for most any trip. It is...

FHJ – Insurance Fraud – January 2017

“Watch your pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves” is an adage that is often attributed to having been ‘coined’ by Benjamin Franklin in the late 1700’s. A little measure of fraud there in that he converted the long established British adage to reflect...

FHJ – Fire Loss Claims Process – November 2016

Imagine being awoken in the middle of the night to the screech of your smoke detectors. Your home is on fire. It’s likely to be the beginning of what could be months of stress, frustration, and a disruption of your life style. Years after my parent’s home was damaged...

FHJ- Pintle Hitches September 2016

Is it legal to leave a pintle hitch in the receptacle of a vehicle when not towing a trailer? Because something is not illegal does that mean you can’t be held responsible for injuries or damage that might occur that involve that hitch? Regularly customers express...

FHJ – Documenting your home and valuables June 2016

Last winter one of my insureds lost their home to a fire. Their assumption was that since their policy provided a limit of $200,000 for their personal property inside, the insurance company would simply write a check for that amount. Wrong! When a Glocester home was...

FHJ – Antique and Collector Car Insurance May 2016

ANTIQUE AND COLLECTOR CAR INSURANCE   It won’t be long now before the summer Classic Car Shows start. Weekend rides with the vintage cars have already begun. Some have been working on their own classic car, motorcycle, or truck anxious to get out and show it off....

FHJ – Are there Insurance Concerns for Ride Hailing Services like Uber? April 2016

Are there Insurance Concerns for Ride Hailing Services like Uber? While in Boston for a wedding recently, I had the opportunity to arrange a ride using Uber. After the fact, I started questioning how they could operate so inexpensively. Ride hailing services like...

FHJ – Is it worth buying an Umbrella? March 2016

Is it worth buying an Umbrella? Many of my friends have worked hard to build a solid financial base and many are setting up a retirement nest egg. How painful it would be to see that taken from them after an “accident”. Accidents do happen. We don’t have to be driving...

FHJ – Am I covered for that? February 2016

Am I covered for that? What product do you buy that is expensive but hope you never have to utilize? When I asked that question of a group once I got items like a generator, a fire extinguisher, and even a casket. Add to that list Insurance. It is a product that...

FHJ – Sharing a Home – January 2016

One of many momentous occasions in our lives is when we move in with a significant other. Today that significant other may not be simply classified as husband and wife through a formal marriage. Almost gone are the days when we define a couple by marriage and the...

FHJ – Allowing ATV Use on your Property October 2015

Allowing Use of your property for ATV, Dirt Bike or Snowmobile use. An insured with 30 acres in Foster recently contacted me about whether or not he could allow people to use the trails he has constructed for Snowmobiles in winter, and Dirt Bikes and ATV’s the rest of...

FHJ – Preparing for Winter November 2015

Avoiding an Ice Dam or other loss this Winter?   The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting the likelihood of another winter similar to last year; consistent cold temperatures and lots of snow. Most of us are not ready for the onslaught of snow, ice, and cold temperatures....

FHJ – Purchasing Insurance September 2015

What’s the Best Approach to Insurance Shopping for You? How do you buy your insurance? The traditional method involves going through an insurance agent.  Some people deal directly with an insurance company. In the last 5-10 years purchasing coverages through internet...

FHJ – Moving August 2015

Changing Your Address Means Changing Your Insurance   Spring and summer months are the most common time of year for most moves to take place. This year the American Moving and Storage Association predicts that more than 40 million Americans will move. As you pack up...

FHJ – Long Term Care May 2015

Who Will Care for You When You Can’t Care for Yourself?     Long-Term Care Insurance is being recommended by financial planners, CPA’s, insurance advisors and attorneys for similar reasons.  They all have clients, family members and friends who have been...

FHJ – Antique Vehicles April 2015

Spring seems to be the time of year that many in the north east will invest in an antique or collectible car, motor cycle, or truck. If you already have such a vehicle, hopefully you’re already taking advantage of the special insurance coverages and pricing that is...

FHJ – Uninsured Motorists March 2015

Are drivers really operating without insurance?   Were you ever involved in a motor vehicle accident with someone you later learned had no insurance, or had limits that were inadequate to cover your injuries or the damage to your car? It is a very common issue in...

FHJ- Travel Insurance January 2015

As the economy is slowly improving, many are starting to take long put off vacations. Is travelers’ insurance a necessary expense for those vacations? Is it worth it? Who should really be thinking about buying travel insurance? The short answer to this question is:...

FHJ – Am I Covered for That? December 2014

When Do I need an Attorney? Do you need an attorney to deal with an insurance company?  This is a question frequently asked by consumers.  As an insurance agent, I deal with both insurance companies and attorneys. Insurance companies tend to favor dealing directly...

FHJ – Attorney Needed November 2014

When Do I need an Attorney? Do you need an attorney to deal with an insurance company?  This is a question frequently asked by consumers.  As an insurance agent, I deal with both insurance companies and attorneys. Insurance companies tend to favor dealing directly...

FHJ – Is it Worth Buying an Umbrella October 2014

Is it worth buying an Umbrella? All of the traffic is at a standstill. You’re standing on the side of the road bewildered; you’re in shock. People are coming from everywhere huddling around the front of your car. Is this a nightmare? You retrace the last few moments:...

FHJ – Insurance for the College Bound July 2014

Insurance for the College Bound Your son or daughter’s senior year of high school is now behind you.  While trying to enjoy the summer, your focus now points to the first college bills and gathering all the “must haves” for the college dorm.  This big change has...

FHJ – Rental Car Coverage June 2014

What Insurance do I need when renting a car? If you’re a typical consumer, you don’t even think about car rental insurance until you arrive at the rental counter. Then panic sets in as you face the scenarios presented by the counter sales person. Remember they are...

FHJ – Flood Insurance May 2014

The Flood Insurance Mystery Flood Insurance is a mystery to most people. We live in Northwest RI; not near the coast. Should we consider buying flood Insurance around here? How about a summer home in Narragansett? Isn’t it part of my Homeowners Insurance anyway? Could...

FHJ – Boat Insurance April 2014

Has the length of this past winter left you dreaming of hot summer days sitting on the bay or lake in your boat? As you get ready for the season, plan to take a few minutes to review the level of protection offered by your boat insurance policy. A boat policy in many...

FHJ – Insurance Discounts February 2014

My article last month focused on how insurance companies determine the basic rates charged with a focus on Homeowner rates. In that article, I noted that once base rates are established, the actual rate is customized to you. That is particularly true with auto...

FHJ – Insurance Rating January 2014

Insurance; It’s a Gamble Did you ever wonder how an insurance company comes up with the rates they charge? Often times it’s hard to imagine that there could be any true basis for the rates. If you’re like most people, you probably have a strong gut feeling that the...