My Insurance People

Hey Small Contractors, think you need Pollution Coverage?

2010-06-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

White Plains NY- August 2009: A small contractor was working “Pro bono” for a local charity when his small, ¾ ton roller takes off downhill and ends up in a small stream. No problem, he thought. I’ll call a tow truck and yank it out. To his surprise, the fire department shows up, called by someone else who witnessed the incident.

“We're ok guys, we don’t need the fire department”.

“Surprise”, says the chief. "You do need us. You have a hazmat incident here."

“Ok what does that mean?”, he asks.

“We have to call the Health Department and the Hazmat (hazardous materials) team" he says.

“You're kidding me! My roller only has a few gallons of fluids and hardly any leaked out!” the contractor exclaims.

As the minutes pass by, things begin to escalate. The Hazmat officer arrives and notifies the contractor that he must immediately call in an Environmental Clean-up team. He hands him a list of names. He makes the call.

“You want me to give you a $3,000 deposit on my credit card, before you will even come out?!”

The Health Department supervisor now tells him, “if you don’t get them coming soon, we'll call someone and you'll be responsible for whatever the cost is.”

Could this be you…?

Now is the time to find out if your policy includes “Contractor’s Pollution Coverage.” Don’t be left to worry about the consequences of a small or large spill. Governmental agencies that deal with the environment really mean business. We at the Avalon Agency know how important it is to have a complete insurance package. Don’t be the guy that has “just enough” to be in business, or you may find yourself quickly “out of business”. No one can tell you when a broken hose on a backhoe is going to become a Hazmat situation, but we can help you find the coverage you need so you don’t have a tense visit with your local Hazmat officer.

Visit us or call us at 800-646-4921 for a free quote for your business coverage.

Avalon Agency

In The Car? Off The Phone!

2010-06-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't have a cell phone these days? Can you even remember what it was like back in the day, when we couldn't find each other, no matter where we were or when? Sure, they are valuable tools for business people, and for anyone that wants less worry when it comes to their loved ones. They are also fun at times, and make many feel like they are always connected to the heart and hub of humanity.

We don't begrudge each other our phones, certainly. But how do you feel when you look over at the driver in the car next to you, swerving a bit into your lane, and realize they are on their cell phone? How useful and fun these devices are is the last thing that comes to mind at a time like that.

Aren't there laws against that, you say? Yes, there are. New York state has a law prohibiting the use of a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway. That ticket can cost you upwards of $100, though I am pretty sure I've been told the ticket usually costs $150. As of November 1, 2009, it also became illegal in New York to use electronic devices while driving as well. This includes phones AND PDAs, laptop computers (yes they do!), pagers, broadband personal communication devices and electronic games. These fines are supposed to definitely be $150.

What does this mean as far as your insurance goes? Back when these tickets and laws first became prominent, the companies didn't charge for them as moving violations. However, now, with the increase in accidents caused by "distracted drivers" ( I actually think that is what the law is called in Connecticut), a sea change has taken place. Now you will be charged points on your insurance, by most regular market companies, for a cell phone ticket. It's not just an equipment citation anymore, and it can cost you in premium dollars.

More importantly though the danger posed when a human being tries to operate a multi-ton piece of moving equipment without giving it their full attention, and the possible resulting damage and devastation to other's lives and property, simply can't be worth not missing one phone call. Get a hands-free phone device. I have an awesome one now, the Motorola T505, the best I've ever had. And if you find yourself in bad weather or a touch traffic situation, let the voice mail pick up. What did mother always say? If it's important, they'll call back.

Be safe out there!

Avalon Agency
Insurance for New York and Connecticut - All Lines

Insure Those Big Ticket Items!

2010-01-20T12:20:00.000-08:00

Did you purchase some new jewelry, a fur coat, computer or golf clubs, or a digital camera for a family member recently?

You need to make sure those items are covered in case they are lost or stolen or just simply vanish! In the excitement of holiday gift giving, it's easy to forget to protect these items from theft, fire and even mysterious disappearance. These are just a few of the items you can add to your Personal Articles Floater. You can also add laptop computers, train collections, antiques, fine arts, firearms and more.

Additionally, what sets this apart from personal property coverage under you homeowner policy is that the coverage is usually deductible free and worldwide!

Some claims we have have seen include an insured who lost the stone out of her engagement ring, another who had his laptop stolen from his hotel room, and an insured that had his drum set stolen out of his car. All of these people received a check from their insurance carrier for the full insured amount of these items, without any deductible taken out.

Email us at info@avalonagency.com today if you have any questions about Personal Articles coverage. Better yet, visit us at Avalon Agency and request a free quote!

Enjoy!

Hello World!

2010-01-11T12:46:00.001-08:00

We are your insurance people! Well, we'd sure like to be if we aren't now.

This is our new blogspot blog. WE are Avalon Agency and we've been servicing our insurance customers in New York and Connecticut since 1966.

The two things we have always made our mission are education and personal service. We love to educate people on the insurance products they might want to buy and we love to give them the service that will help them ensure they are covered properly when they do.

So this whole internet thing is a perfect forum for us to share helpful information. What's better than free info? Ok, maybe free jewelry or food.....but still, free info is right up there....

Ok then. Until next blog....

CM
Avalon Agency
www.avalonagency.com