Social Networking to Increase Insurance?

An article from ITWORLD thinks it could. The article states that social networkers who use location-based services such as Facebook Places should expect to see their home insurance premiums rise, says Confused.com. The online insurance firm, which predicted earlier this year using social networks could plead to hikes in insurance premiums, issued the warning after a burglary scam in the US saw 50 homes broken into and $100,000 worth of goods stolen.

The criminals used Facebook to monitor when web users 'checked in' to places on the social network, highlighting the fact they were away from home, and then targeted the empty properties. Confused.com also urged web users not to post home addresses or personal information on social networks, as well as turning-off location-based services and only 'following' or connecting with people you know.

For more information, read the full article here.

New Homeowner Oil System Upgrade

The new fact sheet put out by the MassDEP, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, states that by July 1, 2010, you must upgrade your home heating system equipment to prevent leaks from tanks and pipes that connect to your furnace. By making a relatively small expenditure now, you can prevent a much greater expense in the future. Massachusetts has a new law to address oil leaks from home heating systems (see Chapter 453 of the Acts of 2008).

This law has two major provisions that require:
•the installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective sleeve on systems that do not currently have these devices
•insurance companies that write homeowner policies to offer coverage for leaks from heating systems that use oil.

Most homeowner policies do not currently include such coverage, leaving many to pay for costly cleanups out of their own pocket. Although it is mandatory that insurance companies offer this coverage, the insurance is an optional purchase for homeowners. The effective date for both provisions is July 1, 2010. However, to be eligible for the new insurance coverage, homeowners must ensure that their oil heating systems are in compliance with the new law.

Homeowners who have been certified to be in compliance with (or exempt from) the leak prevention measures qualify to purchase insurance that:
•provides "first party coverage" of at least $50,000 for the cost of cleaning up a leak to soil, indoor air, or other environmental media from a home heating system at the residence itself and reimbursement for personal property damage
•provides "third party coverage" of at least $200,000 for the cost of dealing with conditions on and off the insured's property because the leak from this system has or is likely to impact groundwater or someone else's property. The coverage also includes costs incurred for legal defense, subject to a deductible not to exceed $1,000 per claim.

Summer Safety Tips

With summer right around the corner, most pool owners are gearing up to take the cover off and get ready for a summer full of fun in the sun. The last thing you want to worry about when getting ready to start the summer off right is your homeowner coverage in case of an accident involving your swimming pool. Owning a pool can be a fun and rewarding investment for your family and friends, that's why having the right homeowners insurance policy and following simple safety regulations around your pool is crucial to have a worry free summer.

Whether you're installing, remodeling or opening your pool for the summer, follow the easy pool safety tips below:
1) Never leave a child alone in and around a swimming pool or spa
2) Flotation devices do not replace supervision
3) Remove large flotation toys after use to have a clear view of the pool
4) Do not allow diving into the pool
5) Always keep a home or cell phone near the pool
6) Remove the pool cover completely before using the pool
7) Keep deck or terrace area free of clutter (i.e pool toys, towels and floats)
8) Use multiple layers of security (i.e fences, nets and alarms)
9) Learn how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
10) Teach all children to swim as soon as possible

To download your free Pool Safety Tip sheet to keep by your pool, visit the Pool Safety Organization website!

If you're unsure of the coverage you have with your homeowners policy, or would like to get a free quote, call a C & S agent today at 888-245-1618.

Barbeque Safety Tips

With all this warm weather, it's hard not to think of cooking outdoors and enjoying the company of family and friends! But, before you fire up the grill this summer remember to follow these helpful safety tips, so that you can help prevent one of the 2,000 barbeque's fires that damage homes each year. Make sure to keep your grill away from your house, low hanging trees and other objects that could catch on fire. Protect yourself by using long-handled grilling tools, wear an apron and always keep a fire extinguisher close by. Even if you take every safety precaution, things can still go wrong, this is why C & S wants to make sure you have the best homeowners coverage around! We want to make sure you have an enjoyable summer full of barbeque's knowing you have a dependable homeowners policy! For more information, check out our homeowners insurance page on our website or call today for a free quote at 888-245-2618.

Take Pictures of Your Home!

We all know that things can happen to your home when you least expect it, but here at C & S Insurance we want make sure you are prepared for whatever occurs, from flood damage to fire damage, we want you to be covered. If you're home is destroyed or damaged, will you be able to account for everything? Some useful advice is to take pictures of the inside of your home. Go around and take 2-4 pictures of each room, then take out jewelry, clothes and valuables and snap a few pictures of them. When you're done, email them to yourself or to your agent and ask them to store them in your file. By doing this, you can be assured that your valuables will be covered. Send us your pictures! Call us at 888-245-2618 or visit our website.