Marc's Blog

preventing fire in your massachusetts home

Marc Duffy (Duffy Insurance) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:39:26 -0500

Even if there is no bodily injury, a fire in your home can cause extreme financial disaster. In just minutes, everything you've worked so hard to accumulate can be lost. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, if you don't have an insurance policy, you could find yourself without a place to live if disaster strikes.

Sadly, most fires that occur can be prevented. There are a few simple things you should do to prevent a fire in your house. Follow these steps to help keep your house safe:

clean clothes dryer vents regularly;
keep flammable objects away from your stove while cooking;
have electrical wiring in older dwellings examined;
repair or replace any faulty appliances;
make sure curtains, clothing and blankets are kept away from heating appliances;
blow out candles when you leave a room for any period of time;
clean fireplaces regularly to prevent chimney fires; and
install smoke detectors and change the batteries regularly.

By reducing the potential causes of fire, you are making your home safer for you and your family and protecting your possessions. You can't eliminate all fire risks, so it makes sense to cover your assets with an insurance policy. Give Duffy Insurance Agency a call today for an obligation free quote on a homeowner insurance policy.

Mass Auto Insurance Grows

Marc Duffy (Duffy Insurance) — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:56:06 -0500

The country’s second largest auto insurer, Allstate, has announced that it will rejoin the ranks of Massachusetts Auto insurers in the coming months. The string of major companies that have re-entered the state was initiated by a lift on cost-regulations. In the past year, Massachusetts began to allow auto insurance companies to set their own rates.

Massachusetts residents are expecting lower rates with more companies joining the fleet of insurers setting their own rates. The intention is to start a healthy competition between the companies, driving down costs for drivers. Insurance consumers are enjoying the multitude of options available to them from the different companies offering products.

But who has the time to shop all these carriers and look for the best deal?

Independent insurance agencies are dedicated to providing a personal insurance experience for you, getting you the best deal on your coverage needs. By utilizing independent agencies, you do not have to settle on one company to cover all your insurance issues.

Contact Duffy Insurance for a free Massachusetts quote on auto insurance today!

Don’t Be Mislead By Insurers

Marc Duffy (Duffy Insurance) — Tue, 12 May 2009 11:46:37 -0500

With the economy in the toilet and the unemployment rate creeping up on double digits, folks across the country are looking for ways to save (on everything). Insurance is one of those old things that we all need but we don’t want to pay a lot for. There’s not a whole lot of room for manipulation in the insurance business but there is a way to be smart about what you’re shopping for.

Many folks have recently been sucked in by insurance professionals pitching them great deals on insurance policies. But only to later find out that the policies aren’t covering their every need. For example, a gym owner in Seattle purchased health insurance for his entire family, paying a monthly price he was happy with. But when his wife became ill and needed a surgical procedure, he soon found out that his health insurance was not able to cover it, leaving him with over $20,000 in medical bills.

Unfortunately, there are quite a few dishonest insurance salespeople doing business out there; selling policies to people that are doing more damage than good. But we’re not that way. In fact, we develop personal relationships with our clients so we can help them in the best way possible. Duffy Insurance is an honest place where you can get affordable and RELIABLE insurance products. We aren’t worried about our bottom line like the major companies; we are here to serve you. Visit our virtual insurance office to receive a quote from an honest, dedicated agency.

Duffy Insurance specializes in Massachusetts Business Insurance. Contact us today to receive a quote from one of our dedicated agents.

Graduating? Affordable Auto Insurance for Recent Grads

Marc Duffy (Duffy Insurance) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:38:35 -0500

After 4 years of college, well 5 in many cases, you’re gearing up for graduation in May. The early morning classes, late night study sessions, and crazy parties are coming to an end. College grads are part of an elite club, so to speak, in that only approximately 25% of Americans have a college degree. So now you are prepared to take on the “real world,” right? Well not exactly, but you probably are going to need some auto insurance.

Chances are, your parents have been paying your way on auto insurance, and now their leaving you out to dry, with nothing. Well the news is good. Duffy Insurance will walk you through the process, get to know you, and find you a policy that will protect you, and not make you broke. Auto insurance, along with other personal insurance products, are actually much more affordable than you might realize. And attaining a policy before you hit the road is the law and it is very important.

Duffy Insurance will shop the top carriers in the country to find you your first auto insurance policy, without breaking your bank account. While you’re making the transition from college to the professional world, let Duffy Insurance help you secure an Massachusetts auto insurance policy. Visit our virtual insurance office for a free quote.

Driving While Distracted

Marc Duffy (Duffy Insurance) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:26:01 -0500

There are countless distractions for drivers to combat while steering through traffic. Whether it be lighting up a cigarette, talking on your cell phone, texting, the radio, looking at yourself in the mirror, etc., we have multiple distractions every time we get behind the wheel. The more things that distract us, the more dangerous we become to ourselves and other drivers. Responsible driving can and will reduce your chances of being in any car related accident, no matter how severe. It is estimated that 80% of all drivers involved in an accident were distracted up to three seconds prior to the impact; a scary, but very avoidable statistic.

The Insurance Information Institute suggests these tips to eliminate driving distractions:

Don't eat and drink while driving. Spills can cause accidents and you can also be burned by hot beverages.
Do not use your car mirrors to shave, put on makeup, comb your hair or otherwise primp and preen.
Don't take notes while driving. If you need to jot something down, use a tape recorder or pull over to the side of the road.
Do not talk or text while driving. If you must place a call, pull off the road to a safe location. If your phone rings, let your voice mail pick up. It's safer and easier to retrieve your messages later.
Be aware of other distracted drivers on the road and watch out for cars weaving in and out of lanes.
When in doubt, ask yourself if you would feel safe on the road seeing another driver doing the same thing you are.

Duffy Insurance encourages drivers to cruise the roads responsibly. As a responsible driver, you may be eligible for auto insurance discounts. Contact Duffy Insurance or visit our virtual insurance website to get a Massachusetts car insurance quote today!

The Basics of Buying Auto Insurance

Marc Duffy (Duffy Insurance) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:40:00 -0500

Shopping for car insurance can be painful for many of us. Poor driving records, teenage drivers, poor credit scores, etc. have rates at an astronomical rate. There are 5 main factors to consider when shopping for the best deals on auto insurance.

One – Prices can vary greatly from one company to the next. If one company gave you a great deal on auto insurance two years ago, that doesn’t mean that it is still the cheapest. Two – Improving your credit score will greatly improve your insurance costs. If your credit score is not good, take the steps necessary to improve it; pay your bills on time, get out of debt, get help to manage your accounts. Three – Buy a safe car. Choosing the type of vehicle you purchase is important in controlling costs. Four – Raise your deductible to lower premiums. Also, you may not need as much coverage as you think. If your car is not worth much, under a few thousand dollars, you may want to drop some coverage. Five - Check for discounts. If your student has a B average in school and/or completed a driving course, they may be eligible for car insurance discounts. Several types of discounts exist; ask your insurance provider if you qualify.

Duffy Insurance is an independent insurance agency dedicated to providing you comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance plan. We will analyze your car insurance needs and provide you with affordable coverage. Visit our virtual insurance office to receive an auto insurance quote today!

Caring For Your Fleet with Commercial Auto Insurance

Marc Duffy (Duffy Insurance) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:02:22 -0500

The repercussions of neglecting your company’s automotive fleet and its drivers can be devastating. An accident involving a vehicle run by your business can bring a career-ending lawsuit leaving you and your staff out of work. A good Commercial Auto Policy will help legitimize and secure your company by assuring employees they are covered in the event of an accident and protection for you and your employees facing possible legal actions.

Whether you own a small business using one vehicle or a larger company with a hundred vehicles in the fleet, a commercial auto insurance policy is a necessity.

With a commercial auto insurance policy, your cars, trucks, and other vehicles can be back on the road quickly if they are ever involved in an accident. Duffy Insurance specializes in business products that will help your business remain prosperous and profitable. Contact us today for information on how you can save on Commercial Auto Insurance.

Why Insurance Companies are Dropping Policy Costs for Seniors

Marc Duffy (Duffy Insurance) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:49:33 -0600

Everyone knows that if you purchase life insurance while you're younger, it costs less. This is obviously because younger people tend to be healthier and in better shape.

However, did you know that life insurance for older people has dropped in cost in the last few years? This is because people are generally living longer than they used to, thanks to more information on health and diet. People are taking better care of themselves. We also have longer "working lives" than we used to. Many people are continuing to work well past retirement age.

Insurance carriers know that "baby boomers" are a big part of their clientele, and in knowing this they create affordable plans. Some insurance companies don't even require medical exams anymore.

For more information on life insurance for seniors or for any age, contact us today! We're Duffy Insurance, an independent insurance agency based in Peabody, Massachusetts.

Power Outage Safety & Tips

Marc Duffy (Duffy Insurance) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:23:21 -0600

If you've been reading the news headlines recently, you'll have seen that the harsh winter weather in New England left some 267,000 people without power - some for days. It seems that there are a number of people who don't realize even the most basic rules for what to do during a power outage, so we have put together a little guide.

First, if you experience a power outage, call your utility company immediately. The number is usually on your electricity bills. Make sure that it's a true power outage and not just a blown fuse, and never call 911, unless there is an emergency.
Never go near any fallen power lines, and if you find them, inform the police immediately.
Turn off and unplug any appliances that were "going" when the power went out, like TVs, lamps, stereos, irons, etc. Turn off all light switches except for one, so you'll know when the power kicks back in.
Listen to a battery-powered radio or TV for news updates on the power outage.
If you're in the cold, dress in layers to prevent a chill. The most vulnerable areas to lose heat are your hands and your head - so wear gloves and a hat.
Don't open your refrigerator or freezer. If you leave it alone, the food should stay cold for hours at least.
Don't run a generator inside.
Remember to provide any pets with fresh water.
Never use your oven for heat, kerosene heaters, or other outdoor heaters. These can give off noxious or dangerous gases.
If you absolutely must go out, be very mindful when driving. Traffic signals could be out of service during an outage. Also keep in mind that ATMs may be out of service as well.

As for how to PREPARE your home for a blackout:

Always keep fresh batteries, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, three gallons of water, and canned foods set aside for such situations.
It may be a good idea to freeze plastic containers with water so that you can use them during an outage to keep food or medicine cool in the refrigerator.
Keep important files on your computer backed up.
When you feel bad weather coming on, keep your gas tank at least half full.

We hope you never have to experience a long power outage, but these tips will help you if you do! For more information on home insurance and safety, contact us today! We're Duffy Insurance, based in Peabody, Massachusetts.

Keeping Thieves at Bay: Classic Auto Safety Devices

Marc Duffy (Duffy Insurance) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:54:52 -0600

Did you know that vehicle theft is the number one type of property crime in America? Almost everyone knows someone who’s had their car broken into, if not themselves. It’s unbelievably common.

Are you careful about your car’s safety when it comes to car thieves? Do you hide valuables, such as a GPS, iPod, and packages? Do you ALWAYS lock your car doors – even for short trips? It doesn’t even matter what kind of auto you own. Thieves are not picky.

So how do we keep these car thieves from breaking into our cars or stealing them? There are a few things you can do to ward them off:

• Alarm Systems. There’s nothing like the classic car alarm. It literally screams out, “HEY! SOMEONE IS MESSING WITH MY CAR! LOOK!” Choosing the right one can be tricky, but it’s a personal preference. Whatever you’re comfortable with.

• Steering Wheel Locks are effective as well. Thieves may break your windows, but they aren’t going anywhere!

• Immobilisers, or “kill-switches,” are great because they cut the ignition, halting your car from getting started. If a thief is trying for a quick getaway, they will be disappointed.

• Have you heard of VIN Etching? This is a system in which an ID number you’re given is etched into various parts of your car. If the thieves attempt to sell your car or its parts, BAM, they are caught!

• Tracker Devices will track where your auto is, helping the police to find it and perhaps the thief that stole it.

Having these security devices will also lower your auto insurance rate. To learn more about auto insurance and safety, contact us today. We’re Duffy Insurance, an independent agency based in Peabody, Massachusetts.