Lallis and Higgins Blog


Recent Posts


Archive

Hit the Road with the Right RV Coverage

Joseph Coupal - Tuesday, April 09, 2019
Lallis and Higgins Insurance, Weymouth, MA

RV insurance can protect your motorhome, travel trailer, camper and even your horse trailer. Here at Lallis & Higgins Insurance, let us help you select the right coverage for your RV needs and get a great price at the same time.

Call us today at to get your free insurance quote.

Here are some things to consider when shopping for recreational vehicle insurance:

RVs that are for personal, recreational use can be insured for up to 250 days per year. This gives you plenty of time to travel south and enjoy some warmer winter weather or that extended vacation.

Liability coverage provides you with bodily injury and property damage coverage, medical payments, uninsured coverage and more. Coverage varies by state.

You may be able to choose how your Comprehensive and Collision coverage will be settled in the event of a covered total loss. Options tailored to your needs can include:

  • Stated Value - market value/actual cash value of the RV
  • Agreed Value – the insured amount, regardless of the current market value
  • Replacement Cost – we will replace your insured RV with a new RV that is most like it

Consider Vacation Liability coverage for when you stop driving and start using your recreational vehicle as a temporary residence. Some policies can include additional coverage for physical damage in Mexico.

Personal Effect Coverage provides replacement cost for damage or loss to items normally used with your RV when physical damage coverage is selected.

Some policies include Roadside Assistance, which has you covered 24/7 in the event of a breakdown or accident. Some will even allow you to upgrade the coverage to include lodging, transportation and meal coverage if needed.

Ask if customer assistance is available 24/7 to answer all your insurance questions. In the event you have a loss, the insurance companies we work with have skilled claims teams who will work with you to get your RV repaired and back on the road.

Other additional coverage can include: Accident forgiveness, pet coverage, diminishing deductible, and more.

Discounts can lower your premium. Ask us at Lallis & Higgins Insurance whether you qualify for safe driver discounts, original owner discounts, package discounts and more.

You can save money if you insure more than one item with a single company, including your home, cars, motorcycles, classic cars and boats. It will also simplify your life.

Lallis & Higgins Insurance is independently owned and locally operated to handle your insurance needs. We focus on Boston and the South Shore and offer affordable and reliable insurance choices all across Massachusetts.


Spring is Here!

Joseph Coupal - Monday, April 01, 2019
Lallis and Higgins Insurance, Quincy, Weymouth, MA

Nothing says Spring is here more than Easter Egg Hunts! Checkout our list of local events coming up this month to have fun at with the family.

Sat Apr 13, 2019 - Sun Apr 21, 2019
Easter Activities at Bass Pro Shops 1 Bass Pro Dr. Foxboro, MA

There will be Easter activities for the whole family, including photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts, and an egg hunt. Photos with the Easter Bunny (Saturdays from 11am to 5pm, Sundays from 12pm-5pm, Monday from 5:30pm to 7pm, and Friday from 2pm to 8pm). Crafts for Kids (Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm, Friday 4/19 from 3pm to 7pm). Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday April 20 from 2-3pm. FREE 4x6 photo each day; one per family! https://stores.basspro.com/us/ma/foxborough/1-bass-pro-dr.html

Sat, Apr 13, 12 – 4 PM
Adult Easter Egg Hunt! The Brook Kitchen & Tap 200 S Franklin St, Holbrook, MA

Kids shouldn’t have all of the fun, so join the Holbrook Rotary Club in Holbrook's first ever Adult Easter Egg Hunt Holbrook Rotary Club's Adult Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 13. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-easter-egg-hunt-tickets-56860754046

Sun 4/14 12:30pm
Spring on the Lawn: A Loring Greenough EggSpectacular! 12 South St. Jamaica Plain, MA

Egg Hunt, Ice Cream, Spring Parade and Portrait station with the bunny himself! – BYOCamera! Egg Hunt on the Lawn plus new kids activities, snacks, and special guests! New this year: Timed hunts for different age groups in separate hunt zones! Be sure to stop in at The Eliot School to decorate eggs before the event! 10:30 – 12:30. Arrive at 12:30 to register your hunter(s) in their age group. (If you pre-register online, you can skip the line!) http://loring-greenough.org/house-event/spring-on-the-lawn-annual-egg-hunt-and-spring-celebration/

Friday Apr 19th & Sat Apr 20th 11-3pm
C.N. Smith Farm 325 South St. East Bridgewater, MA

Due to the size of the contents of the eggs children must be a least 3 years of age to participate. Each Easter Egg Hunter is provided with one egg carton to fill with 15 eggs. Easter eggs are filled with candy and toys. We request that all young children be accompanied by an adult. http://cnsmithfarminc.com/special-events/easter-egg-hunt/

Sat, Apr 20, 9:30 - 12PM
Irish Cultural Center 200 New Boston Dr. Canton, MA

Check out Easter Egg Hunt at The Irish Cultural Centre of New England in Canton on April 20, 2019 http://www.irishculture.org $8 per person – pay at door. Includes pancake breakfast, face painting, hayride and more.

Sat, Apr 20th 10AM – 12 PM
United Church of Christ 460 Main St, Norwell, MA

This free event includes a DJ, crafts, games, and an Egg Hunt! All are welcome to this community Eggstravaganza. RSVP online at https://www.uccnorwell.org/event/3227

Sat Apr 20th 1pm
KPNA 6 Annual Easter Egg Hunt, 891 Montello St Brockton, MA

The Keith Park Neighborhood Association hosts their 6th annual Easter Egg event -- fun for kids up to about age 14. Enjoy arts, crafts, an egg and spoon race, the egg hunt, a free photo with the Easter Bunny, and every child goes home with a Bunny Bag of sweet treats. The event is free and you can find details here: https://kpnabrockton.weebly.com/

For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.


Surprising Coverage Built Into The Homeowner Policy

Joseph Coupal - Monday, March 25, 2019
Lallis and Higgins Insurance, Quincy, Weymouth, MA

At Lallis & Higgins Insurance we realize that most home owners understand the basic limits and coverage a homeowner insurance policy offers, but many may be surprised to know there is additional coverage built into the homeowner policy that extends to the home owner beyond what is in the home.

  • Grave Stones! Many homeowner policies will provide coverage to grave stones that have been damaged or vandalized. The limit is generally $5,000 but can vary per insurance company, so be sure to check with your insurance agent for more information if you can’t find it listed in the policy packet.
  • Golf Clubs, lap tops, and other property inside your car! If your car is broken into and your golf clubs are stolen, then this would be covered under your homeowner insurance policy - not your auto insurance. This is also the case if you were to get involved in an accident and damaged personal property like your laptop.
  • If you injure someone while driving a bicycle, or golf cart! The lability portion of a homeowner policy offers coverage if a claim is made, or a suit is brought against a homeowner that injured another person while operating a vehicle that is not a motor vehicle, and is not a vehicle that is meant to be a registered vehicle such as a bicycle or golf cart.

These are three examples of when a homeowner policy can help you, but be sure to read the language on the policy for any exclusions, or consult your independent agent. You can also contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance if you would like us to review your homeowner policy.


Renters Insurance Protects What is Important

Joseph Coupal - Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Lallis & Higgins Insurance, Quincy, Weymouth, MA

You have a lot of things that are important to you – from your clothes and furniture to your sound system, sports gear, and computer. And you want to feel confident that everything you’ve worked for is not at risk. Let Lallis & Higgins Insurance help you find coverage options that protect you, your family, and your personal property. Contact us and let us help to make sure you’re properly covered.

What you need to know about renters insurance

Your renters insurance policy covers your personal property against theft or damage subject to the limits and deductibles you select. The coverage applies even when you are away from home. For a small additional premium, you can choose to carry full value coverage on your personal property, which ensures that you will be paid the full replacement cost of items that are damaged or stolen without deduction for depreciation.

Protect yourself and your guests

Your renters insurance policy protects you and your family against certain bodily injury and property damage claims for which you are liable. Legal defense is also provided in the event you are sued after a covered loss, subject to the limits you have selected. In addition, you can select medical payments coverage which will pay for medical expenses incurred by a visitor who is injured at your residence regardless of fault. Various limits are available. Let Lallis & Higgins Insurance help you find the right amount of coverage to suit your insurance needs. Contact us today.

Get the right amount of insurance coverage Massachusetts at the best price

Whether you’re starting out, between homes or downsizing, Lallis & Higgins Insurance will help you pick the renters insurance coverage that best fits your needs. Give us a call today and get covered. Be sure to ask about available discounts including burglar alarm credits and the account credit for customers who package auto policies with their renters policy.

Extra coverage doesn’t have to cost a lot

Whether you’re starting out, between homes or downsizing, we will help you pick the renters insurance coverage that best fits your needs. If you have special valuable items such as jewelry, art, antiques or collectibles, ask about our Valuable Articles option which provides broader coverage and no deductible in the event of a covered loss.


Understanding Water Damage Coverage

Joseph Coupal - Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Lallis & Higgins Insurance, Weymouth, Quincy, MA

When you think of water seeping into your home, the first thing you think of is probably a flood. But there are many more common causes of water backup, and they can get just as costly.

In fact, on average, water backup claims are the third most costly types of home insurance claims, after fires and liability claims. Additionally, basic home coverage doesn't always cover these types of incidents. For starters, having coverage against flood damage involves purchasing coverage from a federal flood insurance program. But, more common water damage incidents often involve specialized coverage, too.

Water, water everywhere

First, let's talk about water damage itself. This most commonly occurs when a drain, a sewer or a gutter backs up, or a pump fails, forcing water into your home. This could stem from a heavy rain, debris causing a clog, or even root invasion from your yard outside. The resulting water damage from such an occurrence is mostly likely to take place in a basement (roughly two-thirds of water backup events do), so one thing to consider right away is whether or not you have valuables stored there. If so, you have an increased risk of a costly insurance claim, especially if you happen to have a finished basement. In fact, claims involving finished basements are, on average, 65 percent more costly those in unfinished basements.

However, water backup isn't confined just to basements. Considering that your house is surrounded by water circulating through pipes and drains, this damage can occur on any floor. Thus, it's important to have some level of water backup coverage on your home. Your independent agent can help you assess your risks and determine the amount that's right for you.

Call for backup

Because water backup can vary in size and severity, good water backup coverage should be flexible and affordable. The Hanover offers both, with amounts ranging from $5,000 in coverage, all the way up to the replacement cost of your home (depending on which state you live in).

Getting dry

If you do suffer a water backup incident, some simple steps can help minimize the damage.

  • Remove any standing water as soon as possible. This will help stem any potential structural damage to your home.
  • Dry anything that has absorbed the water – especially carpets and rugs – to prevent mold growth.
  • Hire a water mitigation vendor in your area to professionally treat the damage promptly. Your independent insurance agent can help you find someone if needed.

Then, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance to make sure you have the right level of coverage in place.

Source: Hanover.com

Water Damage: Make Sure Your Home is Protected

Joseph Coupal - Wednesday, March 06, 2019

Water damage by the numbers infographic

Water damage is one of the most common causes of homeowners losses, causing billions of dollars of damage to homes each year. Make sure you’re home is protected with the right homeowners insurance policy and a water backup endorsement.

Tip: in the event of water damage, contact the Hanover claims team for referral to a service contractor who can begin water cleanup and drying work.

Lallis & Higgins Insurance, Quincy, Weymouth, MA

Contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance for more information.

Source: hanover.com


I’m borrowing my friend’s car … am I covered?

Joseph Coupal - Friday, March 01, 2019
Lallis & Higgins Insurance, Quincy, Weymouth, MA

Most people have an idea of what’s covered and not covered under their various insurance policies. But at Lallis & HIggins Insurance we get a lot of questions about borrowing or loaning a car.

You might be looking to borrow your neighbor’s truck for a home-improvement project or a trip to the local landfill, we thought it was a great time to provide a little more information.

Generally, auto insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the owner of the car has insurance, it’s covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it — as long as they have the owner’s permission.

The borrower’s insurance is considered secondary, meaning that in the event of an accident, it could apply if the owner’s insurance is insufficient to fully cover the damage.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to what is called “permissive use” coverage. For example, permission must be given by the owner, unless the borrower has a reasonable belief that they are allowed to use the car. However, the borrower cannot give permission to someone else. So if your teenager allows one of his or her friends to drive your car to {local destination}, your coverage likely won’t apply.

Coverage might also be denied if the borrower operates the vehicle in a negligent or criminal manner. And if the borrower is using your car for business purposes, your personal auto policy likely won’t cover that.

If you have a regular long-term arrangement to either borrow or lend a car, the borrower should probably be added to the owner’s personal auto policy. Those who don’t own a car, but often borrow one, might also consider “named non-owner coverage,” an endorsement that provides bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorists coverage and more.

Ultimately, it’s usually safe to loan your friend your car for occasional errands or projects. And the same goes for borrowing a car. Just make sure it’s for “normal” use. You’ll want to confirm that the car has coverage and that your insurance, whether you’re the owner or borrower, will apply.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions — after all, you don’t want to wait until after an accident to get answers!


5 Ways to Avoid Parking Lot Fender Benders

Joseph Coupal - Thursday, February 21, 2019
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Life Insurance in Weymouth, Quincy, MA

Parking lots in Weymouth, Quincy, MA – we love the convenience but hate the frustrations, especially when people are driving too fast, backing out of spots without looking and otherwise modeling bad parking lot behavior. That behavior just so happens to be the cause of many a door ding and irritated driver. Even worse, careless behavior can cause a collision or injury. So, let’s all slow down and follow these five tips to make parking lots safer for everyone:

1. Don’t Speed

Speeding decreases the amount of time you have to react when a child runs out in front of you, another driver stops suddenly or a car begins backing out unexpectedly. Is a collision – or even a fatality – really worth the price of getting to your destination just a bit sooner?

2. Use Your Eyes – and Mirrors and Cameras

Keep a lookout for perils at all times, even if the lot seems empty. When you’re pulling into a spot, watch for doors being opened. When backing out, look all around, in your mirrors and in your rear-view camera and proceed slowly.

3. Give Yourself – and Others – Some Space

Parking in between the lines and in a spot sized for your vehicle may help to minimize dings and scratches. Better yet, park in a less-crowded area and enjoy the stroll into the store – just don’t park where you feel unsafe. And, always park away from stray carts.

4. Expect the Unexpected

Assume things will happen. That someone will dart out in front of you, that a cart will come rolling toward you, that someone backing out of his/her spot won’t see you backing out of yours. When you’re on guard, you’re better prepared for those who aren’t.

5. Be Respectful

A little kindness goes a long way in a parking lot or parking garage. So stop for pedestrians, don’t cause traffic jams waiting for a spot and, above all, don’t lose your cool. Remember, when you’re watching for dangers, you have a better chance of avoiding them. If an incident does occur, we here at Lallis & Higgins Insurance are ready to help.


Life Insurance for Less than 38 cents/day!

Joseph Coupal - Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Life Insurance in Weymouth, Quincy, MA

Now everyone can find the time to apply for life insurance. It's faster and easier than ever before.

If you're between the ages of 18 and 60 and seeing $500,000 or less in life insurance, it's more convenient than ever to apply for level term life insurance with SBLI through Lallis & Higgins Insurance. Provide some basic information, schedule a quick phone call at your convenience to answer some medical questions and get an answer in days. Trusted coverage that's affordable with an application process that doesn't intrude on your day. Now no one has an excuse to not apply.

The cost of protecting your family is as low as $0.38 per day.

For more information on life insurance, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.


Benefits of Scheduling Specific Items on Your Homeowner’s Insurance

Joseph Coupal - Monday, February 04, 2019
Lallis & Higgins Insurance - Property Scheduling in Quincy, Weymouth, MA

Well, the Patriots just added a new Superbowl ring to their collection. They'll certainly also be scheduling a rider on the home insurance policies for those rings as well.

Homeowner’s insurance policies are very important because they provide coverage for our personal property. Did you know, however, that there are some limitations to that coverage?

Most homeowner’s policies carry coverage limitations on personal property like jewelry, silverware, firearms, etc. Unless your property is scheduled, or specifically itemized with a value on your policy, your home deductible will apply to a loss.

You may want request to schedule jewelry items on your homeowner insurance policy. You may also have the choice of scheduling them on a replacement cost basis or an agreed value basis.

Replacement Cost Coverage: Your insurance company may pay the cost to repair or replace the damaged or lost property without factoring in depreciation; however, the amount paid will not exceed the least of these amounts:

  1. Replacement cost at the time of loss;
  2. The full cost of repair at the time of loss; or
  3. The amount of insurance that applies to the property as shown on the declarations page of your policy.

Agreed Value Coverage: For each item designated on your policy as having agreed value coverage, the full amount shown is paid. The amount is agreed to be the value of that article or property.

You may also have the option to insure some personal property on a blanket coverage basis. In that case, your insurance company will pay the replacement cost at the time of the loss, but not more than the individual coverage amount for any single item of insured property.

Several types of property can be scheduled specifically (with no deductible, and/or broader coverage). This includes cameras, collectibles, coins, fine arts (prints, paintings, sculptures, etc.), furs, golf equipment, musical instruments, silverware, sports equipment, and stamps.

Scheduling items on your home policy broadens perils the coverage will apply to for jewelry. Some of those include lost, damaged or misplaced. Many home insurance policies will cover an item if it’s stolen from the home, but may have limitations beyond that if the article is not scheduled.

Be sure to contact Lallis & Hinggins Insurance, an independent insurance agent to determine if you have the best coverage for your personal property.



Get an insurance quote &
see how much you can save.