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 D. Calfee Insurance Agency, Inc. demonstrates this empathetic capacity to connect with clients specifically in its community about policies and preparing for those surprise catastrophes. The agency offers home insurance, flood insurance, boat/yacht, auto/car insurance, 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. He comes from a line of leaders; his name “Draper” originates from the Draper Family from Hopedale that was responsible for leading the industrial revolution in Massachusetts. They manufactured Looms, which distributed fabric for women internationally. Art’s vision expanded beyond his 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 Arbella, Safety, Encompass, Plymouth Rock, Travelers, Universal Property, Narragansett, ASI, Scottsdale, Lloyds of London 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, as President. He is a humble recipient of the “40 Under 40 Award.” Contact Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency, Inc. to learn more about its services and how you may be assisted immediately. Are you planning a major project, such as remodeling, rebuilding or building new? Do you know if your insurance will adequately cover it? These questions are important to answer anytime you hire a contractor to work on your home or property. Make sure you take time to verify that they and any subcontractors are appropriately insured, as well as licensed and bonded. While it’s always a good idea to ask for a contractor’s certificates of insurance, an even better practice is to contact the insurers to confirm coverage. Some experts recommend that contractors carry at least $1 Million in coverage for each insurance type.
Meanwhile, highly-rated insurance providers tell us that you should consider an extra step: get yourself named as an “additional insured” on the contract of general liability policy. This ensures that you are fully covered against liability for damage that can occur during your project, such as workers breaking a water line that causes a neighbor’s property to flood. Getting yourself added to the policy may cost you little or nothing at all. Also, it means that the insurer will alert you if the contractor’s policy lapses. It’s important to realize that some home improvements can affect your homeowners insurance premium or coverage. For example, a major kitchen remodel could mean that your home would cost more to replace in the event of a disaster than it was at the time your policy was written. Many policies include a replacement cost endorsement that guarantees sufficient coverage to rebuild your home. Be sure that you have replacement coverage and that the amount is in line with the current costs. Another renovation-related insurance consideration arises if you transform an unused room into a home office. Standard policies rarely extend coverage for accidents, theft, or other hazards that can happen on property used for business. Talk to your insurance agent about extending coverage or buying a separate policy. It’s important to inform your agent or insurer when you make significant changes to your home. Some upgrades, like a replaced roof or updated furnace, can actually significantly reduce your premium! The typical homeowners insurance policy is not sufficient to cover risks associated with building or rebuilding a home. You may want to take out a builder’s-risk policy to insure your property and on-site building materials during construction. If you’re in the market for home-related insurance, we can provide you quotes from several different insurance companies that have good ratings from both consumers and from independent rating organizations. Hicks, A. (2014, December 1). Are you properly insured for remodeling? Vitality, p. 22. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. From 2008 to 2012, the average residential flood claim amounted to more than $38,000. Flood insurance is the best way to protect yourself from devastating financial loss. Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters, condo owners/renters, and commercial owners/renters. Costs vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers and the property's flood risk. All policy forms provide coverage for buildings and contents. However, you might want to discuss insuring personal property with your agent, since contents coverage is optional. Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before your policy goes into effect. That means now is the best time to buy flood insurance. Living on Cape Cod can be limiting in the choices regarding home insurance carriers. Most Cape Codders are familiar with the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriters Association or the "not so Fair Plan". A great alternative now available on Cape Cod is Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company which can be accessed through your local agent. UPCIC is proven to have comparative deductibles and premiums. Contact a local Cape Cod agent to provide you with a free quote to see if UPCIC can save you money on premium and/or provide better coverage for your home. UPCIC Financial Strength Has aligned itself with some of the best and most respected service providers in the industry. This functional structure affords UPCIC the opportunity to take advantage of a unique combination of financial strength, underwriting skills, analytical expertise and administrative capability. Customer Service Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company is dedicated to providing unsurpassed service to its agents and our customers. When you call Universal Property & Casualty, you will not talk to a voice mail system. A well-trained representative is ready to help. Mission The mission of Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company and the Red Elephant is to deliver exceptional service and value to you, our customer. We offer smart solutions, financial security and peace of mind. The wisdom of the Red Elephant guarantees that we never forget our most important job,serving our customers. The Red Elephant and Universal Property & Casualty are always ready to stand by your side. Claims Underwriters are always available. Universal Property & Casualty is committed to processing all claims quickly and efficiently with every effort made to furnish the client with immediate service. We pride ourselves on personal attention, servicing each customer's claim as if s(he) were a member of our own family. Our goal is to give our customers the quickest turnaround time possible on all claims. https://universalproperty.com/ The Claims Department at Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC) is ready to help resolve your claim as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you have suffered a loss or damage your claims process begins here. Before you start the claim process the following steps should be taken to minimize loss:
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