Do you know how damaging potholes can be?
Unfortunately, this common road hazard can potentially send your vehicle to the repair shop. Here’s what to know if you ever find yourself dealing with pothole problems. Plus: Find out how you might be able to avoid them in the first place. What kind of damage can a bad pothole cause?
Thinking of filing a pothole damage claim? Your policy may cover pothole damage, but such a claim is likely to be considered a single-car accident, which means the fault gets assigned to you. Having an at-fault accident on your record could cause your rates to go up. Before you file a claim, check your deductible to see if the cost of repair will exceed your out-of-pocket amount. If not, there’s no benefit to filing a claim. Not sure what to do? Reach out to us for help weighing your options. How can you avoid pothole damage? Pothole season may be unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean potholes themselves can’t be avoided. Here are a few tips for preventing pothole damage:
Have questions about pothole damage claims or your policy in general? Reach out today.
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Send me a Home Insurance Quote Cape Cod Massachusetts -How to Get the Most Out of Your Car
Whether your car is brand new or getting up there in mileage, you probably want it to keep running smoothly for as long as possible. You already know that maintenance tasks, driving habits and more can all affect your vehicle’s overall health. But are you doing everything you can? Here are a few obvious and not-so-obvious ways you can give your car the attention it needs to keep you safe and comfortable for another few years of driving. 1. Stick to the right maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance, including basic oil changes and brake, fluid and filter checkups, can help keep your vehicle running strong. Your trusted mechanic and your owner’s manual can help you follow the recommended maintenance schedule. 2. Avoid short trips. Frequent, short drives may not give your engine a chance to reach optimal operating temperature and can be hard on your vehicle. When you can, group your errands and other short trips as much as possible. 3. Keep it clean. Help protect your car’s interior and exterior from wear and decay by cleaning both regularly. Remember, the tires and undercarriage should also be washed regularly to prevent corrosion and other issues. 4. Practice smart driving habits. Everyday careful driving can also go a long way toward prolonging the life of your car. Follow the speed limit, avoid sudden braking and acceleration, and of course, avoid distracted driving. 5. Stay observant. Use your senses to look out for anything out of the ordinary and be sure to follow up with your mechanic if you notice any strange sounds, smells or problems with your tires. Have questions about your vehicle coverage or anything else? Reach out anytime. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to review and update policies for cleaning and disinfecting your facility, equipment and vehicles. It is recommended that you increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, which may include door pushes, handles, touchpads, elevator buttons, faucets, sinks and electronic devices, as well as common areas, such as entryways, lobbies, hallways and restrooms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers steps for properly cleaning and disinfecting facilities. If infected persons have been in your facility, the CDC provides additional considerations:
How to Clean and Disinfect Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces Non-porous surfaces should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Porous Surfaces When cleaning and disinfecting soft (porous) surfaces like carpets, drapes and other woven fabrics, first clean these surfaces with soap and water or other suitable cleaners. Avoid shaking drapes to make sure you do not make the virus airborne. Then, if possible, launder these items following the manufacturer’s directions. When laundering items, use the warmest water setting appropriate for the items and dry completely. Otherwise, use EPA-registered disinfectants for SARS-CoV-2 for porous surfaces. Electronics Clean and disinfect electronics regularly, especially if they have been used by an infected person. Electronic devices may include cell phones, tablets, touchscreens, keyboards, remote controls and ATMs. Remember to focus on frequently touched surfaces. When cleaning and disinfecting electronics – both shared and personal – follow the manufacturer’s instructions on appropriate products to use. If there are no cleaning and disinfecting guidelines provided by the manufacturer, consider using disinfectant products such as wipes or sprays with at least 70 percent alcohol. Non-Emergency Vehicles Develop and consistently follow cleaning and disinfection procedures for vehicles, with a focus on commonly touched surfaces. Conduct these procedures at the beginning and end of each driver’s shift. Maintain adequate ventilation of the vehicle while cleaning and disinfecting. Refer to the sections on PPE and hand hygiene below.
Hand Hygiene Wash or sanitize hands immediately after cleaning and disinfecting, removing gloves or other PPE, or coming into contact with an infected person. To thoroughly wash hands, use soap and water for 20 seconds. When washing hands is not possible, and as long as hands are not visibly dirty, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer made of at least 60 percent alcohol. Other key times to clean hands are after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or using the restroom; prior to preparing food or eating; or after public visits or interactions. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) It is important to develop and implement procedures and policies that address the use of PPE.
What should you keep in your car? Are you taking a road trip this winter? Do you just need an excuse to get rid of all the random stuff that has accumulated in the trunk and backseat? Here’s a weekend project idea: Clear out anything you don’t need and stock your car with a few actually useful items instead. Whether you buy a premade emergency kit or gather a few things separately, here’s what to consider tossing into your trunk as a way to stay prepared and safe on the road. Flashlight or Headlamp A light source is great to have when you break down in the dark. With a headlamp, you can keep your hands free while changing a tire or checking under the hood. First-Aid and Comfort Supplies Band-Aids and other first-aid tools can be useful anytime, not just in an emergency. A blanket can protect you while on the ground working on your car. It can also provide warmth if your vehicle breaks down in cold weather. If you have kids, water and snacks will come in handy while waiting for a tow truck. Emergency Tools Stay safe on the side of the road with reflective triangles, flares, a fire extinguisher and a multipurpose tool like a pocket knife. Jumper Cables Keep working jumper cables in your trunk to help revive your own vehicle’s dead battery or someone else’s. Portable Phone Charger If your car battery dies, you won’t be able to charge your cell phone in your vehicle’s USB port or cigarette lighter. Keep a functioning portable charger just in case. Have questions about your coverage or anything else? Reach out and we’ll be happy to help. We're committed to offering you the best products available, that's why we'll create a custom auto quote from Hagerty® for you. Call us at 508-540-2601. We're convinced Hagerty is the only choice for classic car insurance. Their program is designed with you in mind and includes benefits like:
Hagerty goes beyond insurance with Hagerty Drivers Club®. Member benefits include unlimited emergency roadside service, valuable automotive discounts, 6 issues of the award-winning Hagerty magazine, access to members-only events, and more. We‘ve offered the 1st Gear membership level with your quote and encourage you to visit hagerty.com to learn more and choose the plan that fits your needs. We're excited to present this one and look forward to getting you covered with Hagerty. Please contact us if you have questions or there is anything we can do to help you along the way. Sincerely, Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency, Inc. *Less any deductible and/or salvage value, if retained by you. “Please remember Hagerty does not monitor your specific vehicle values. You are solely responsible for requesting any future increase or decrease in your vehicle‘s Guaranteed Value coverage, Which is displayed on your policy declaration‘s page. ![]() Carpartment Features
Call us at 508-540-2601 for more info. JN Phillips Auto Glass Windshield Recycling Guarantee
Only From New England's Largest and Most Respected Auto Glass Company GreenShield® is our commitment to responsibly recycle 100 percent of the windshields we replace. It is the first large-scale effort by any auto glass company to recycle and reduce the impact of consumer windshields at the end of their useful lives. Approximately 15 million windshields are replaced in the United States each year. The vast majority of these -- the equivalent of about 600 million pounds of glass and plastic -- end up in landfills. That's why JN Phillips created GreenShield®. Instead of sending the damaged windshields we remove to a landfill, we collect them and ship them to a special recycling plant where the glass and the plastic laminate layer that keeps your windshield from shattering are separated. Both the glass and the plastic are used in new products, such as concrete block, fiberglass insulation, and glues for carpet and roofing. ![]() When choosing the right Car Insurance plan, use a local insurance agent that can explain all your options. We have two local insurance offices with a full staff that will answer all your questions regarding car insurance for your family. If you've just moved to MA, or you are a new driver, we have special programs designed to fit your insurance needs. Our agency also specializes in various 'Home & Auto Package' deals to maximize your savings. Click HERE for a FREE CAR INSURANCE ANALYSIS |
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