![]() 2022 Local Choice Award Insurance Agency - Serving Massachusetts Since 1980 We Shop Leading Insurance Carriers To Save You Money! Click Here - FAST Home & Auto Insurance Quote We Create the 'Best Home & Auto Insurance' Package Deals in Massachusetts ![]() We Create the 'Best Home & Auto Insurance' Package Deals in Massachusetts We run our business with a value system of love (concern for others), trust, respect, a commitment to excellence and fun. And thanks, in part, to the customer service focus way we run our business, Calfee Insurance, has consistently been rated 5-Stars (superior) on Google & other platforms by current clients for more than 40 Years. We were voted the Best in the Local Choice Awards in 2022. Click here - Testimonials & Reviews: "Trustworthy, Knowledgeable, Qualified, Skillful, Talented, Accomplished" We offer a wide range of coverage, including umbrella, auto, home, renters and life insurance. It doesn't stop there - we also provide motorcycle and small business insurance. ![]() "Good customer service means helping customers efficiently, in a friendly manner. It's essential that we are able to handle issues for customers and to do our best to ensure you are satisfied." "Providing fast, educated, quality service is one of the most important things that we can differentiate from our competitors." FAST HOME INSURANCE QUOTES (508)540-2601 We recommend coverage amounts for your personal situation and break down everything we offer with clear-cut explanations so you know exactly what you’re getting. Easy, Fast, & Secure Homeowners Insurance & Car Insurance. Get a Free Quote 100% Online Now! Real-Time Pricing. Affordable Rates. Available 24/7. Insurance coverage: Wind Damage, Fire Loss, Water Damage. "Providing fast, educated, quality service is one of the most important things that we can differentiate from our competitors." FAST HOME INSURANCE QUOTES (508)540-2601 By answering some simple questions about your home, we’ll get you the protection that you deserve, all through our secure network. We offer a comprehensive set of home insurance coverages to protect your property and your family. Once you start a quote, we’ll recommend to you the appropriate amount of insurance needed for your home by calculating property and building construction information from multiple databases. ![]() Compare home insurance quotes today and save on protection for your biggest investment. Build a Custom Policy & Make the Switch! When purchasing property insurance, doing your due diligence is more than a turn of phrase. The period when a house is under contract is an essential part of the home insurance buying process and requires careful attention to detail. Being thorough in the due diligence phase will help you uncover potential issues and make the right choices for you and your family by calling us at (508)540-2601. Using innovative thinking, cutting-edge tools and expert resources at national and local levels, we deliver the best possible outcome on every policy we manage. Our local underwriting insurance professionals focus exclusively on finding the best home insurance products for our Massachusetts residents. Protect yourself on the road with auto insurance. Find out about coverage options, discounts and get a free online car insurance quote. Car Insurance shopping has become something of a science. If you time your insurance purchase right, you could save hundreds off the sticker price, while buying insurance during certain times of the month or on the wrong day can cost you. Here's a look at when you might find the best deals on a new set of wheels by calling us at (508)540-2601. Arthur D. Calfee has 60 years of experience in the insurance industry. He worked in the Boston claims office of the Boston Old Colony Insurance Company from 1960 to 1966, when he moved to Falmouth. After 14 years working for a local agency, Art opened his own agency in 1980. In 1988 he purchased the Everitt W. Noyes Insurance Agency in North Falmouth. In 1990 he purchased the Gordon W. Bryden Insurance Agency and merged it into the North Falmouth office. Today the agency's Falmouth office serve the insurance needs of more than 500 businesses and more than 4,000 individuals throughout Massachusetts and beyond. Arthur was named the town's "Outstanding Citizen of the Year" by the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce" for many years of dedicated service, leadership and achievements that have made Falmouth and Cape Cod a very special place to live," an honor recognized by citations from the State Senate and House of Representatives. Arthur has also received similar community awards such as the Falmouth Heritage Award. In the past, Arthur has held several positions such as President to the Falmouth Beautification Council and President of the Design Review Committee to the Town of Falmouth. Cape & Plymouth Business, was proud to honor Davidson O. Calfee as one of the region's top young & most dynamic business leaders with a '40 Under 40 Award' on June 16, 2010! Born & raised on Cape Cod, Eagle Scout, Davidson studied platinum customer service techniques and obtained his bachelor of science hotel & restaurant management degree. Soon after they asked him to become the 2002 Alumni Class Director to the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management at the University of Houston, TX. Davidson learned quickly about home insurance & flood insurance during the 2001 Tropical Storm Allison in Houston when the entire city of Houston, Texas was under water. Davidson studied more about the insurance industry when Hurricane Katrina destroyed his coastal home & property along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in September, 2005 with heavy winds, storm surges & tidal waves. Learning from his past experiences with natural catastrophes & hurricanes, Davidson grew a natural passion to assist his hometown residents on Cape Cod, Massachusetts understand their home insurance policies and their complexities surrounding coverage amounts, causes of damage and relief. Quickly settling on Cape Cod, Massachusetts after losing his home to Hurricane Katrina, Davidson became the Founding President & Chairman of the Falmouth Young Professionals, President of Business Networking International - Cape Cod Team Advantage, Treasurer of the Falmouth Education Foundation and the Director of Automation with the Cape Cod Insurance Agent's Association. In the past, Davidson has held positions such as a Loaned Executive, personally raising over $800,000 for the United Way of South Mississippi, the Ambassador to the Conrad N. Hilton College in Houston, TX, the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce and the Canal Region Chamber of Commerce in Massachusetts. In 2012, the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce voted him on to their Board of Directors. The Falmouth Community Television Station awarded Davidson with their prestigious 2012 "Volunteer of the Year" Award during their Annual Dinner for many events & special productions including The Village Green, Live Election Coverage, Young Professional Television and special government meetings, to name a few. Davidson O. Calfee is the Owner, President & CEO of Operations overseeing all agency & portfolio management, consumer relations and new business generation. He has a natural ability to manage complex situations to achieve outstanding results for his clients. By constantly looking for ways to improve professionally, Davidson Calfee has worked diligently to revamp his team’s service of the needs and expectations of clients. Calfee specializes in developing, designing and implementing complex property catastrophe insurance programs for his clients. His market knowledge and client service skills have made Calfee’s Agency a sought-after home insurance resource for Massachusetts coastal residents. Calfee created a cohesive work environment by recruiting, retaining talent and developing successful home insurance products that has built a strong clientele over the years. Calfee has maintained a high customer retention rate by tirelessly searching for savings solutions and fostering community relationships to bring people closer to home insurance resources that can improve their situation. Currently, Calfee is leading and developing the execution of an upcoming home insurance package product launch. Always keeping the interest of the insured at the forefront, followed by the markets and associated parties, Calfee truly has the recipe for developing a great home insurance program. Calfee has an incredible ability to consistently build strong relationships to create win-win partnerships with clients, colleagues, and business partners. With a firm belief that effective client services is rooted in trusted relationships, Calfee approaches projects by ensuring all parties are on the same page in order to deliver effective results from start to finish. His team uncovers cost savings by navigating the complex world of home insurance to create specific insurance solutions that are unique to each home. Calfee also assists in producing presentations, submissions and documentation; interpreting analytical results to evaluate and compare different home insurance prices and strategies. By helping clients fully understand their actual and potential costs, Calfee provides actionable advice to support in minimizing the total cost of risk in protecting home assets. Home insurance is often one of those necessary-yet-avoided topics of discussion. Its importance for family continuity and individual survival is paramount, but no one wants to voluntarily think of “the worst that can happen.” Sometimes it does happen and local communities can suffer incredible damage from natural and man-made disasters. It is for this reason you need representation that can build a connection, share this knowledge and offer resources in a way that dissolves doom and gloom scenarios and encourages you to see the positive benefits of insurance policies.
The Arthur Draper Calfee Insurance Agency, Inc. demonstrates this empathic capacity to connect with clients specifically in its community about policies and preparing for those surprise catastrophes. The Cape Cod agency offers home insurance, flood map info, flood insurance, boat/yacht, auto, disability and life insurance packages to meet the unique needs of the community. A 2nd generation company solely family-run, the agency originated with founder Arthur from his home in 1980. Arthur Draper Calfee comes from a long line of leaders; his middle name “Draper” originates from the Draper Family from Hopedale that was responsible for leading the industrial revolution in Massachusetts. The Draper brothers, General Draper and Massachusetts Governor, Eben Draper also manufactured Looms, which distributed fabric for people internationally. Art’s vision expanded beyond his Cape Cod home borders and he eventually began servicing over 3,000 clients in his immediate territory. It was this single-minded dedication to serving his community that endowed him with “Outstanding Citizen of Year” by the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce in 1997. The agency is now well positioned with developed relationships in the industry, enabling the family team to offer its clients more competitive policies. The list includes but not limited to: Kingstone, Swyfft, Clear Blue Insurance, Travelers, Pilgrim, Safety, Hanover, Progressive, ASI, MPIUA, Mass Property Insurance, Main Street America, Arbella, Encompass, Plymouth Rock, Universal Property, Narragansett, ASI, Lloyds of London, Preferred Mutual and others. Legacy is vital in a family-run business that serves its local region, and the insurance agency’s leadership principles have continued with Art’s son, Davidson O. Calfee, as President and a humble recipient of the “40 Under 40 Award" from the Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine. Contact Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency, Inc. to learn more about its services and how you may be assisted immediately.
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What’s one of a homeowner’s greatest enemies? Water (where it shouldn’t be).
When water enters your home, it can quickly cause a lot of damage. So, it’s important to understand which types of plumbing issues and water damage are covered by your home insurance policy. Learn about the types of insurance for water damage as well as what is and isn’t covered: Likely Covered When it comes to coverage of water damage, the key indicators that an issue is likely covered are sudden and accidental. Coverage of water damage would fall under dwelling coverage (the structure of your home) or personal property coverage (your belongings). A deductible and coverage limits may apply to personal property coverage — review your policy or contact us with questions. Examples of water damage that are likely covered include:
Not Covered On the other hand, water damage caused by issues that are not sudden or accidental, such as delayed maintenance and neglect, will not be covered. And homeowners insurance only covers the damage caused, not the source of it. You’ll have to replace or repair pipes and appliances yourself. Examples of water damage that isn’t covered include:
“Act of God” is a commonly used insurance term, but you may not know exactly what it means. When it comes to weather and other unpreventable events, it’s important to understand acts of God so you can protect your property by making sure you have the right insurance coverage.
Keep reading to learn what an act of God is, the types of events that qualify and how it all factors into home and auto insurance policies. What does “act of God” mean? Simply put, an act of God (in property and car insurance policy terms) refers to events, such as extreme weather, that are out of your control. If it’s something you can’t prevent, it’s likely an act of God. What types of events qualify as an act of God? Examples of acts of God include windstorms, lightning strikes, hail storms, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes. However, not every act of God is included in a standard insurance policy. You may need additional coverage. Does auto insurance cover acts of God? Car insurance will cover acts of God if you sign up for comprehensive coverage. This type of auto insurance covers natural disasters as well as other types of damage not caused by a collision. For example, if your car is vandalized or an animal runs out in front of you, comprehensive coverage can help you pay for repairs or a total loss. What about home insurance? A standard homeowners policy usually covers some acts of God. Flooding and earthquakes are two common exceptions. If you live in a flood zone or an area prone to earthquakes, you’ll need separate coverage for those natural disasters. Is an act of God the same as a force majeure? The two terms are similar; however, the term force majeure is more commonly used in business and construction contracts. It refers to unforeseeable circumstances that prevent a contract from being fulfilled. Have questions about your insurance coverage for acts of God? Just reach out, and we’ll be happy to help. Are you a home insurance expert or does the industry’s jargon leave you scratching your head?
Unfortunately, if you don’t understand everything that’s in your homeowners insurance policy, you could be vulnerable to expensive mistakes or unpleasant surprises later on. We’re here to help. Keep reading for our list of 10 important, uncommon and often misunderstood home insurance terms to know about. 1. Adjuster: The claims adjuster investigates your claim, collects evidence and determines how much to pay for the property damage or total loss. 2. Declarations Page: This is the front page of your homeowner’s insurance policy. A declarations page summarizes basic information about your policy such as the policyholder, the home covered, and your coverage and premium amounts. 3. Indemnification: The compensation for your homeowners insurance claim. 4. Loss of Use: Coverage that pays additional expenses when a policyholder has to move out of their residence while repairs are made as a result of damage caused by a covered loss. 5. Negligence: A failure to take reasonable care or otherwise prevent damage to your home and property. For example, you neglect to shovel the snow from your sidewalk and a neighbor injures themselves. Or, you don’t take a dead tree down and it falls on your property or your neighbor’s. 6. Occurrence: A single event or series of exposures that cause an injury or damage to your property. Examples include break-ins, fires, burst pipes and more. 7. Personal Umbrella Policy: An optional, additional liability coverage for your personal assets in the event of an accident on your property that exceeds the limits of your current homeowners coverage. 8. Replacement Cost: The actual cost of replacing your home and property in the event of damage or complete destruction. Replacement cost is different from the current market value of your home. 9. Scheduled Personal Property: If you have high-value personal property such as jewelry, artwork, antiques and more, this type of coverage can be added to your homeowners policy. 10. Subrogation: When someone else’s negligence leads to damage to your property (such as a neighbor’s tree falling on your roof), you can ask your insurer to settle the claim for you. Subrogation is the process of seeking payment recovery for you. Have questions about your homeowners insurance? Just reach out, and we’ll be happy to help. If your home is destroyed by a fire or other catastrophe, will you be able to rebuild it?
Learn what a reconstruction cost estimate is and how to calculate it for your home. What is a reconstruction cost estimate? Your reconstruction cost estimate (also known as your dwelling coverage limit) is part of your homeowner’s insurance policy. It refers to the cost of rebuilding your home and any attached structures as they were before a total loss. The most important thing to know about a reconstruction cost estimate is that it’s not the same as your house’s current market value. How is it calculated? The simplest way to determine your home’s reconstruction cost estimate is to look up the average per-foot rebuilding costs (labor and materials) where you live. Multiply that per-foot cost by the square footage of your home and any attached structures. Reconstruction Cost Estimate vs. Home Appraisal A home appraisal looks at the real estate market in your area and comparable properties to determine a sale price for your house based on its location, condition and other relevant factors. In contrast, a reconstruction cost estimate is solely about the price of labor and materials. If you had to build your home from the ground up, to resemble its current condition, what would it cost? It’s important to choose the right amount of dwelling coverage, or you could be left with out-of-pocket costs for the difference between your coverage limit and the actual reconstruction cost. What’s the difference between a reconstruction cost and a replacement cost? The replacement cost for your home refers only to the price of labor and materials. Reconstruction cost accounts for additional costs related to rebuilding such as demolition, debris removal, and more. Have questions about your dwelling coverage limit? Just reach out, and we’ll be happy to help. Does your homeowner’s insurance protect against all the possible threats to your property? If you’re worried about something that isn’t covered, you may be able to add it on. An insurance add-on, also known as a rider or endorsement, is an optional addition to your policy.
It’s a good idea to review your current policy to get clear on the types of damage you’re insured against. Learn about a few popular insurance add-ons to see if any of them make sense for you: 1. Sewer Backup Having your sewer back up into your sink, toilet or drain is no fun. In addition to the ickiness factor, the repair bill can be expensive. You need a plumber to unblock the sewer, and you’ll probably have a mess to clean up. Adding a sewer backup rider to your homeowner’s coverage will cover the costs associated with repairing the problem, replacing damaged belongings and removing wastewater from your home. 2. Home-Based Business Do you run a small business out of your personal residence? Instead of purchasing a commercial insurance policy, you can add a home-based business rider to your policy. This will protect the personal belongings in your office space and cover any medical bills for business visitors who are injured on your property. 3. Swimming Pool When it comes to home pools, you should check your existing coverage to see if damage to the structure of your pool is covered. If guests injure themselves in or around your pool, it’s likely not covered by your standard homeowner’s policy. You’ll have to add injury coverage as a rider. 4. Earthquake As with hurricanes and floods, earthquakes are a type of natural disaster that require additional coverage. An earthquake rider will cover the costs of repairs and debris removal in the wake of an earthquake. In addition to your home, earthquake coverage protects other structures on your property such as a garage, shed, deck, etc. 5. Umbrella Coverage This is a type of personal liability insurance that protects you and your family from major claims and lawsuits. Umbrella coverage may extend to other homes you own, as well as your vehicles and any watercraft. Have questions about insurance add-ons? Just reach out, and we’ll be happy to help. You may be the kind of person who fires up the grill all year long at tailgating parties, or maybe you wait for a warm summer day and a backyard full of friends before you put on your apron. Either way, grilling can be one of life’s simple pleasures.
Unfortunately, where there is fun there is also the potential for safety issues. For example, did you know that leaving the grill unattended, not cleaning grease or fat build up properly, or placing the grill too close to combustible siding can cause injuries, fires and property damage? Charcoal or Gas? Nearly 9,000 home fires a year involve grills, according to a National Fire Protection Association report. Of all the home fires involving grills, gas-fueled grills accounted for four out of five fires, while 16% involved charcoal or other solid-fueled grills.¹ Gas and charcoal grills each have ardent advocates, who praise the convenience of gas or the flavor of charcoal. Whichever your preferred grilling method, follow these important safety considerations. Gas Grill Safety A leak or break was the leading factor contributing to gas grill-related fires, according to the NFPA report.
Charcoal Grill Safety The leading cause of structure fires from use of charcoal grills was leaving or placing an object that could burn too close to the grill, according to the NFPA study.
Here are some other important tips to help you keep danger away when you are enjoying food and fun. Choose a safe location for your grill. Keep grills on a level surface more than ten feet away from the house, garage or other structures. Keep children and pets away, as well as overhanging branches. Grills should not be used on a balcony or under an overhang. Avoid placing grills too close to combustible deck rails. Grill outside only. Never use a grill in a garage, vehicle, tent or other enclosed space, even if ventilated, due to risk of harmful carbon monoxide buildup. Keep the grill going on a cold day. During cool weather days, avoid wearing a scarf or other loose clothing that may catch on fire. Consumer Reports recommends shielding the grill from wind, placing it about ten feet from combustible surfaces and materials, and keeping the lid closed to retain as much heat as possible. Allow extra time for pre-heating the grill in colder weather and check temperatures of meat and fish with a meat thermometer to ensure that food is safe to eat. Teach kids to stay safe. Make a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the grill and areas where hot food is prepared or carried. Children under five are especially vulnerable to burns from contact with a hot grill surface. Grill contact accounted for 37% of burns seen at emergency rooms in 2014 involving children under five. Remember post-grilling safety. Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. If you grill with charcoal and need to dispose of the coals, soak them in water to extinguish them before disposing in a metal container. Otherwise, cover the grill tightly and close the vents, this should extinguish the coals and whatever is left will be ready for next time. High-tech cars are here to stay. Car safety technology is evolving quickly, bringing scores of often unpronounceable abbreviations for new systems that promise to keep us safer. Can a car read a street sign? Can the family wagon's safety systems react to a sudden traffic change faster than a seasoned driver? Automakers say yes.
We're all familiar with established safety systems like Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Traction Control. ABS dates back to the late 1920's when it was first developed for aircraft, although it wasn't until 50 years later that this now nearly ubiquitous technology reached the highway. Technology is advancing faster now than ever before, bringing inventive new safety systems to your dashboard and automobile chassis. Let's take a look under the hood of today's high tech cars to see what some of the most intriguing new technologies offer and how they can make your commute safer and less stressful.
Increased safety is the goal many of the advanced systems in cars now – and of those planned for the future. But the enhanced vehicle safety can pay dividends in other ways by helping to reduce accidents, sparing costly deductibles, while also keeping your driving record pristine. The safety features of today's high-tech cars are as exciting as they are practical, and automakers are continually innovating to meet consumer demand. When it's time to shop for a new car, ask about its ADAS features, for safety's sake If your teenager has just gotten a driver's license, it may be hard to imagine handing over the keys to your brand new car, but that may be the smartest vehicle to choose.
However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) say there is something worried parents can do to protect their teens — choose a safe vehicle.
Moving to a new place is certainly exciting, but it can also be stressful — and expensive. Once you factor in things like movers, packing materials, truck rentals, gas and more, the costs can creep into the hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars, for just a single move.
Are you planning a move soon? Don't want to break the bank in the process? Fortunately, a little forethought and creativity can help in that department. Here are five ways to help reduce your costs and keep a tight rein on your moving budget: 1. Shop Around for a Moving Company Moving companies typically charge hundreds of dollars for their services, plus extra for things like gas, mileage and larger items like pianos and furniture. If you're going to hire a professional mover, shop around first. Get quotes from at least three different moving companies, and double-check the line-item charges. Does the quote include the truck, all protective materials, gas, mileage and larger furniture items? Does it provide insurance coverage in case of damage to any items you’ll be moving? If not, learn what adding these will cost you if they become necessary. You can also consider local “mom and pop” moving teams or using an online service that matches freelance labor with local demand to help with everyday tasks. These come at a cost, of course, but are typically more affordable than a large moving company that has less flexible pricing. Another great way to reduce your cost is to schedule your move for the winter or fall, if that is an option for you, as that’s when demand for professional movers is typically low. Weekdays are also a good choice, as most people move on the weekends. A moving company may be willing to give you a better deal if you move during these low-demand times, as they may be less busy and looking to fill their schedule. It may be worth exploring these options. Pro tip: Consider doing a little research by checking out organizations online that provide consumer reviews of businesses. Before booking your movers, look at their reviews to get a sense of a company’s track record with other customers and try to verify that the company is legitimate. Note that none of these websites is a guarantee of a perfect experience, but they may help you with your decision. 2. Consider a DIY Move Depending on how much you have to move and how heavy or cumbersome the items are, you may want to consider forgoing professional movers altogether if it looks as if your belongings can be managed without hiring help. If you have dependable family and friends that are willing and able to help with the packing, loading and transport, you might consider offering pizza or a free meal as a token of your appreciation in exchange for their help. If you have larger items, consider renting a small rental truck for a few hours. Get the smallest size possible and be sure to fill up the fuel tank before you return the vehicle. (It may cost you more if you leave the rental truck in need of gas that the moving company must take care of itself. Pro tip: Plan so that you're not moving during rush hour. Heavy stop-and-go traffic can drive up your fuel costs as well as delay your move. 3. Only Move What You Need It's important to pare down your belongings before a move. That means donating, selling or throwing away any items you no longer use, need or plan to use in the future. For one, this reduces your load and, subsequently, your costs to move it. Additionally, if you’re motivated to sell some of your unwanted items, you can put those extra funds toward your moving costs — or use it toward the cost of furniture or decor for your new place. Here are some options for downsizing your household before you move:
Offloading some belongings will also make unpacking easier (not to mention faster). Pro tip: Measure your furniture and make sure it will fit in your new home, as well as through necessary access points. If it won't fit, sell it and consider using the funds for replacement furniture once you're in your new place. 4. Get Creative with Your Packing Buying boxes, bubble wrap, tape and packing peanuts can get expensive. Instead of purchasing these items, take a more creative approach and use things you already have. Sheets, towels, blankets and cloth napkins all work great as packing materials, and they all need to be packed up anyway, so why not use them? You can also use your own duffel bags, luggage, purses and backpacks rather than cardboard boxes. Once you run out of these items, try one of these resources for free or low-cost boxes:
Pro tip: Start saving the plastic and paper bags from your shopping trips. These make good packing materials and can even be used to help protect fragile items. 5. Track and Deduct Your Expenses If you're a member of the military (or someone in your household is) you may be able to deduct your moving expenses1 on your annual tax returns. To qualify, you'll need to be moving due to a permanent change of station. If you're eligible, you'll be able to deduct the costs of moving, storage, travel, lodging and other expenses you incur due to the move. Pro tip: Keep a detailed record of your moving costs if you qualify for this deduction. Save all your receipts and invoices and keep them somewhere safe until tax season rolls around. Don't Forget Are you moving to a new place? Don't forget to update your homeowners insurance policy. Use your move as an opportunity to ensure all your belongings, valuables and new property are protected. Contact your insurance agent to learn more about home insurance coverage and how it can safeguard your new home and family. |
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