Car Insurance

Two Quick & Easy Steps to Reduce Maine Home Insurance Costs

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Two Easy Steps to Save Money on Maine Homeowners Insurance

2 Easy steps to save money on Maine homeowners insurance

Our Portland Maine area insurance clients save an average of $133 per year on Maine homeowners insurance when they increase the property deductible from $500 to $1,000. It was once common to have a $500 deductible, but many clients think it’s smart to increase to $1,000 now for three reasons:

  1. They wouldn’t make a $500 claim anyway. Most people save their insurance for larger problems. They wouldn’t file a claim for less than $1,000. They know that insurance companies do look at claim history when pricing insurance, and they want to only file a claim when they really need to.
  2.  Inflation has made a $1,000 the rough equivalent of what was a $500 years ago, when they bought their home insurance. It only makes sense to adjust their policy.
  3. It usually saves money in the long run. The average savings payback is a little less than 4 years. Most people don’t file a homeowner claim more often than that.

Noyes Hall & Allen clients also save an average of $200 more when they bundle their Maine home and auto insurance. Because insurance companies in Maine offer discounts on both home and auto insurance when you insure both with them, you can probably reduce your auto insurance costs by bundling as well. In addition to saving money, packaging your home and auto coverage provides other benefits:

  • Only one person to call for all your insurance. If you move, change bank accounts, or have a question about your insurance, you only need to remember one contact.
  • More clout with the insurance company. Insurers often give more favorable treatment to clients who place more business with them. Some offer member benefits or better coverage to package clients; others offer the simplicity of  combined billing and other correspondence; all of them are more inclined to give a long-term multi-policy client the benefit of the doubt in a sticky situation.

Would you like a review of your personal insurance program? Contact a Noyes Hall & Allen agent at 799-5541. We represent several of Maine’s preferred insurance companies, so we can find the best value combination for your unique situation.

 

 

New Maine Driving Laws: Texting, Electronic Proof of Insurance and More

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Several new Maine motor vehicle laws went into effect October 9, 2013. Among other topics, they deal with distracted driving, electronic proof of insurance, driving permit practice time, and accidents involving bicycles. Here are some of the key points Maine drivers will want to know.

Distracted Driving

Drivers cited for texting while driving will be charged:

  • a $250 minimum fine for the first violation;
  • a $500 fine for the second or subsequent offense within three years, plus 30-days license suspension for each offense above two. These suspension periods are mandatory, without a right to a hearing.

Electronic Proof of Insurance Electronic Proof of Insurance

Noyes Hall & Allen has provided electronic proof of insurance to our clients for several years. Most local city and town halls have accepted them after we made initial calls to explain them.

Now, the State of Maine has caught up. Police officers and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles must now accept proof of insurance in electronic form as well as paper.

Did you know?

Most of the insurance companies we represent offer an optional online account to our clients. Once you create an account, you can retrieve copies of bills, policies, evidence of insurance and other documents. If you’re interested, follow the link above to your company’s web site and create your account.

Practice Driving Time for Permits

The minimum practice time for anyone younger than 21 who applies for a learner’s permit after October 9 increased from 35 to 70 hours, including an increase in night driving from 5 to 10 hours.

three foot rule poster

Bicyclists and Roller Skiers

Bicyclists are now part of the definition of “traffic”. Along with motorists in 21 other states, Maine drivers have already been responsible for keeping a distance of at least 3 feet from a bicycle on the road. Now, a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicyclist or roller skier is prima facie evidence that the motorist violated the three-foot law.

Other new driving laws deal with Veterans; driving on an expired license; and Operating Under the Influence (OUI). For more information about these new laws, visit this Maine Secretary of State web page.

For more information about Maine commercial vehicle insurance or Maine auto insurance, contact Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance in South Portland at 207-799-5541. You can even get up to 5 Maine car insurance quotes online in 10 minutes at our website. We’re independent and committed to you.

Should I Bundle My Car & Home Insurance Together?

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Many people buy insurance one policy at a time, as the need arises. It makes sense: you buy a car, then rent an apartment, then buy a condo or home, and maybe a boat or other toy later. Maybe you bought one online, another over the phone, and the third from an agent.

It’s easy to keep the policies you’ve always had. But smart insurance buyers know that it makes sense to combine their insurance with one company (some people call it “bundling insurance”). And, the smartest ones know to use a Maine Trusted Choice independent insurance agent.

10 Reasons Why Smart People Combine Home and Auto Insurance

1) Saves Time – Who wants to figure out which company insures what, make 3 different phone calls,  remember multiple passwords, or enter duplicate info online, when they can do it once?

2) Higher liability protection- Most insurers will only provide their highest liability protection (personal umbrella insurance) if they insure at least your home & auto.

4) Less Likely to Miss Something Important – Let’s say you move; you might remember to change your home insurance, but forget to change the address on your auto or boat policy. Next thing you know, your other policy is canceled because you didn’t get a bill.

 5) Big Love (or at least respect) from the Insurance Company – All businesses value you more when you do more business with them. In the insurance world, that can come in handy if you ever need a favor (e.g. you missed a payment while you were on vacation, or need to insure something unusual).

 6) Your Agent Knows You Better – The more your agent knows you, the better advice they can provide, and the more effectively they can advocate for you. Wait, you DID buy insurance from a human – not a reptile or a computer – didn’t you?

7) Save Money – Most insurers save their best pricing for customers with more than one policy. If you’re only buying one policy from them, you can do better.

8) Easier to Insure the Risky Stuff – Insurers aren’t lining up to sell you fire insurance for your remote getaway camp. But, if it’s just another part of your portfolio of coverage with that company, they’re much more likely to accommodate you.

9) Better Coverage – Some insurers offer special coverage forms only available to clients who “bundle” auto & home insurance.

10) Perks – One example: Hanover Insurance’s Platinum Experience (link to .pdf) is only available to package customers. It features perks like home inventory tools, exclusive claim contacts, and auto repair diagnostics and estimates.

Our Greater Portland Maine  insurance agency has helped clients manage their risk for more than 80 years. For a no-obligation consultation and review of your insurance, contact a Noyes Hall & Allen agent. Because we represent many insurance companies, we can help you find the best fit for your individual situation. We’re independent, and committed to you.

Insuring College Students

Posted on by Bob O'Brien

Insuring college students may not be top of mind if you’re sending a one of your kids off to school. Your household is probably buzzing with activity and emotion. If your student is a freshman, there’s the added anxiety of doing it for the first time.

Insuring college students doesn't have to be expensive. You may already have what you need.

Many clients ask our Maine insurance agency these questions about insurance for college students:

Insuring College Students’ Property

Does your homeowners insurance cover a college student? Generally, yes. If they’re living in college housing, they’re still considered part of your household. Your homeowners policy covers their books, clothes, jewelry, electronics and other property. Even their liability.

What if you have a condo or renters insurance policy? Still covered. Remember, the coverage limitations your policy has for jewelry and money apply to your kids away at school, too.

What if your student does not live in college housing? Coverage can vary greatly in these situations. Consult your agent.

Insuring College Students for a “Semester Abroad”

If your student is still a household member, your policy covers their belongings anywhere. Even overseas. Liability is a little trickier. If they accidentally damage property or injure someone, your homeowners policy defends any suit brought in the U.S.

Need broader protection? Some personal umbrella policies will also defend against worldwide liability suits. This is another great reason to buy Maine personal umbrella insurance.

International car insurance? You’re out of luck there. NO US auto policies cover outside of the country, it’s territories and Canada. If your student is driving in a foreign country, make other insurance arrangements there.

Car Insurance for College Students

If your child still lives at home when not in school, they’re covered under you auto insurance. That includes if they’re injured by an uninsured driver, whether they’re driving, walking, cycling or a passenger.

If your child is not taking a car to school, you may get an auto insurance discount. The school must be more than 100 miles away from your home.

Don’t forget to ask your agent about the “good student discount” on auto insurance and other car insurance discounts.

Insuring College Students Medical Bills

Noyes Hall & Allen does not sell medical insurance, so we are not experts on this topic. Ask your medical insurance provider for their advice. If your family has no insurance coverage, then it may be a good idea to buy the college’s plan.

Have questions about Maine auto insurance, personal umbrella insurance or homeowners insurance? Contact Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance at 207-799-5541. As a locally owned Trusted Choice independent insurance agency, We represent many of Maine’s best insurance companies. We offer choice as well as professional advice. We’re independent and committed to you.

Who Is Liable for Pothole Damage to Your Car in Maine?

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pothole

Potholes can cause hundreds to thousands of dollars of damage to your vehicle, including flat tires, bent rims, misaligned steering and underside  damage. They can even cause an accident if you lose control of your vehicle or swerve suddenly to avoid one.

 

What should you do after you hit a pothole? Clients of our South Portland Maine insurance agency commonly ask three questions after they hit a pothole:

Who Pays for Pothole Damage to My Car?

Potholes can appear quickly, and can reappear even after they have been filled repeatedly. Maine law absolves municipalities from liability for damage caused by potholes unless the pothole was reported more than 24 hours before your accident, and untreated.  This is difficult to prove, which means you’re usually not going to get help from city or town hall. Maine State Law is even more lenient with state-owned roads: the state of Maine is never liable for damage caused by potholes.

 

 

Is Pothole Damage to My Vehicle Covered by Insurance?

Hitting a pothole, or any other hazard in the road (other than live animals) is covered by the collision section of your Maine auto insurance or Maine commercial vehicle insurance policy. If you purchased collision coverage, your collision deductible will apply. If it is a single-car incident, it’s considered “at fault”, and therefore may increase your auto insurance rates. Your Maine insurance agent can help you decide whether or not you want to file an auto insurance claim for pothole damage.

Will Anyone Else Pay for Pothole Damage?

New car dealers sell a product called “road hazard warranty”. It typically covers road damage to tires and rims, with a small deductible. Check to see if you purchased this warranty when you bought or leased your vehicle. If so, you may be in luck.

"Fix It! Portland." web page.
“Fix It! Portland.”

What to Do if Your Vehicle is Damaged by a Pothole

  1. Pull off the road as soon as it’s safe. Is your vehicle is still OK to drive? If not, call a tow truck. 
  2. Note the date and time of the accident. Take a photo of the pothole and report it. If it’s a town road, report it to your municipality’s Public Works Department. If it’s a state route, report it to MDOT (207-885-7000 in Southern Maine).  The City of Portland has a web page: FixIt! Portland. They also have a mobile app.
  3. If you’re not sure your vehicle is OK, have a repair garage check it.
  4. Call your insurance agent if you’re considering whether to report an insurance claim.

 

Have questions about Maine auto insurance or Maine commercial vehicle insurance? Want to compare Maine car insurance quotes in 10 minutes? Contact Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance at 207-799-5541. We’re independent and committed to you.

Spring Could Be Too Late to Buy Maine Flood Insurance

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Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday. The first day of Spring is less than 2 weeks away. Mainers are thinking Spring. And, after our first “typical” winter in a several years, many Maine homeowners and businesses worry about flooding.

As Mainers ski, snowmobile or snowshoe all winter, we know that snow has to go somewhere when it melts: Maine rivers and streams. Usually, those bodies of water can hold the runoff. But if snow melts too quickly or is accompanied by heavy rains, flooding happens. And it happens regularly, sometimes with devastating results, such as the Maine Floods of 1987 or the Aroostook County Floods in 2012. Those are the big events, but MEMA Flood Forecasts hundreds of smaller events every year, which can be just as devastating if they strike your property.

photo of flooding in Gardiner Maine
Flooding in Gardiner Maine (MEMA photo)

Every year, our Portland Maine area insurance agency takes calls and emails  from home owners anxious to buy Maine flood insurance in the face of imminent danger. Unfortunately, many don’t know that homeowners and most business policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a government-regulated program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Four Things You Need to Know About Flood Insurance

  1. There’s a 30-day waiting period.  Unless you are buying property, there is a 30 day waiting period before coverage takes effect.
  2. Every Maine property is in a “flood zone”. Riverfront or oceanfront properties are in “special hazard zones”, but flooding can happen anywhere. In fact, FEMA reports that 1 in 4 NFIP claims come from areas with a low or moderate risk of flooding. Your local insurance agent can tell you the flood zone for your particular property.
  3. The maximum payout under a flood policy is $250,000 (for your building) and $100,000 (for its contents) If you need more coverage, you can purchase excess insurance.
  4. If you don’t have coverage for a flood loss, don’t expect a bailout from Uncle Sam. Although you might be eligible for a federal disaster assistance loan, you’ll have to repay it, with interest.
  5. One of your assets probably IS insured for flood: your vehicle. “Other Than Collision” coverage does include flood damage. Check your policy to see if you purchased that.

If you are in Southern Maine and have questions about Maine business insurance or insuring your Maine property, contact Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance in South Portland at 207-799-5541. We’re independent and committed to you.

Marriage, Divorce and Maine Home + Auto Insurance

Posted on by Bob O'Brien

On November 6, 2012, Maine voters approved citizen initiative Question One, allowing same sex marriage. Yes on One proponents claimed that only marriage, granted LGBTQ couples equality with everyone else. No on One proponents were concerned that a change in the traditional definition of marriage as “one woman, one man” might affect many aspects of life.

How Important is Marriage in Insurance?

In a word, VERY.

Most people justifiably think medical insurance is the type most affected by marriage. That’s where most of the public discussion is, too. But Maine homeowners and auto insurance contracts also treat spouses very differently than other people.

How does being married affect your Maine home and auto insurance?  Let’s look at the most common insurance forms in Maine, ISO homeowners and auto policies. Although they are industry standards, your policy form may be different. Check with your own agent to be sure.

What Happens to Your Homeowners Insurance When you Get Married?

Spouses who reside in the same household are automatically defined as “YOU”. In insurance, it’s good to be YOU.

On most policies, an INSURED is defined as:

  • YOU;
  • your resident relatives;
  • full time students who are < 24 and your relatives, and lived with you prior to moving out; and
  • certain other minors in your care.

Are unmarried couples INSUREDS or not? To answer that, we have to ask the grammatically incorrect question, “who is YOU?”

“YOU” is defined as:

  • The Named Insured, as shown on the front page of the policy (called the Declarations);
  • That person’s spouse if they are a resident of the same household.
If both partners’ names appear on the policy they’re both YOU. But what if one unmarried partner’s name isn’t on the policy? They’re not an INSURED! What if your partner bought the house and you moved in later? Sorry, you’re not an insured. 

What if you were married instead?

Married couples are both YOUs as long as they live in the same household. Even if both names are not on the policy. Pretty important, don’t you think?
Let’s say you move in with someone who already owned a home. In this common situation, being married is the difference between having insurance for your property and protection from lawsuits and having none at all!
Of course, this example applies to any couples, straight or gay.

How Marriage Affects Auto Insurance

The definition of YOU in the auto policy is quite similar. It includes the Named Insured and a spouse who is a resident of the household. One additional benefit of being married: your interest in the policy transfers to a surviving resident spouse upon your death.

Warning!

You probably noticed that a spouse must be a resident of the same household to have all of these benefits. If you separate, your status changes. Divorce affects your homeowners and auto insurance, too.

It’s important that you contact your Maine insurance agent to talk about these situations. They can help you make sure that you remain insured, one way or another.

If you live in Southern Maine and are looking for an Portland Maine area independent insurance agency that can answer these and other insurance  questions, call Noyes Hall & Allen at 207-799.-5541.

WreckCheck App Review: What do Do After an Auto Accident?

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We recently tried WreckCheck, a new free app from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)  that promises help reporting an auto accident to your insurance company.  In our opinion,  it’s the best auto-accident app we’ve seen yet.

WreckCheck allows you to enter your insurance policy information ahead of time, so you’ll have it handy in case of accident (Make sure you your insurance card is also in the glove box , in case your phone is missing or damaged).

What to Do After an Auto Accident

Even the most level-headed person can be flustered after an accident. What to do first? What information do I need? That’s where WreckCheck comes in. Just open the app and follow the prompts. The screens are simple and easy to use.

WreckCheck's Checklist Screen
The opening screen is simple and easy to use.

First, WreckCheck has a big red button to call 911. After you’ve reported the accident, if you’re safe and well enough, the app really becomes useful.

WreckCheck captures the accident’s location using your phone’s GPS, and prompts you to record the scene using your smartphone camera and microphone. There’s also a free-form text box to explain what happened. Finally, there’s a simple form prompting you for  information about the other vehicle, driver and passengers, including their insurance info. You can even record information about the responding police officer.

Once you’re done, email the whole report to your Maine auto insurance agent with the push of a button. WreckCheck is available in Apple iOS and Google Android format.

We like WreckCheck for several reasons:

  • It’s thorough. The app prompts you to gather all of the information your insurance company would need to start a claim.
  • It’s easy. The user interface is clean, and you can enter information by photo, voice or text.
  • It’s flexible. Many insurance companies have their own apps, which is great until you decide to shop for auto insurance and switch companies. With WreckCheck, you simply update your policy data and your insurance contact information. Even better, if you use a Maine Trusted Choice agent – who represents several insurance companies, all you have to do is change your company and policy number in the app. It can even be used to report commercial vehicle insurance claims.
  • It’s FREE!

 If you are looking for a locally-owned tech-savvy Portland Maine area insurance agency that offers a choice of many preferred insurance companies to protect your home, autos, toys or business, you should contact Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance. We’re independent and committed to you.

Which Are The Largest Home and Auto Insurance Companies in Maine?

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Are you shopping for Maine car insurance or Maine homeowners insurance? You might be interested to know what insurance companies your neighbors have chosen. The Maine Bureau of Insurance gathers and reports data on the largest insurers in the state. We’ve compiled it below.

2011 Maine Homeowners & Auto Insurance Market Share Leaders
(click to enlarge)

Surprised?

Insurers that spend the most on advertising aren’t always the biggest. A certain direct writer with a cold-blooded spokesman spends $1 billion a year on advertising. It’s hard to watch TV or listen to the radio without being exposed to one of their ads. But, they’re not even in the top 5 insurers in Maine.

Companies that sell primarily through Maine independent insurance agents spend far less on advertising. They rely on the agents who represent them (like us) to recommend their company when it best fits our clients’ needs. That’s why some of the top insurance companies in Maine like Concord Group or Peerless Insurance may not be household brands, but are actually IN more households than some of the “big names”.

Here’s a detailed list of the 26 largest insurers of homes and autos in Maine:

List of the 26 largest home and auto insurers in Maine in 2011

 

If you think this is surprising, stay tuned for our report on insurers’ complaint ratios in Maine.

If you have questions about Maine home and auto insurance, we’re happy to help. Contact Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance in South Portland at 207-799-5541.

 

How to Register a Car or Truck in Maine

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If you’ve recently moved to Maine or bought a car, you’ll need to register your vehicle in Maine. Before you can do that, you’ll need to provide proof  of  Maine auto insurance and pay excise tax at your local city or town hall.

It takes a little time, but it’s not a very complicated process.

1) Buy Maine Auto Insurance – Maine law requires you to carry at least minimal liability insurance. If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, you’ll also need to buy physical damage coverage (commonly called “comprehensive and collision”). If you have moved to Maine, you will need to insure your car here in order to register it here. If you live in Southern Maine, you can get up to 5 Maine auto insurance quotes at once on our web site, or simply call us for a quote. If you have a Maine commercial vehicle, insurance is still required. Call Noyes Hall & Allen for a business auto insurance quote.

Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance can send proof of insurance to your smartphone
Noyes Hall & Allen can send proof of Maine car insurance to your smartphone.

Your insurance company or agent will provide you with an insurance card. You’ll need to bring that to…

2. Pay Maine Excise Tax  at your local city or town hall. Most municipalities accept faxed or emailed insurance cards if you forget yours. We can also email one right to your smartphone, and you can simply show it to the person at the excise tax desk. If you’re re-registering a vehicle, you can do that at the same time at many municipal offices. If you’re registering a vehicle for the first time, though, you’ll need to….

3. Register Your Vehicle and Pick Up Your Plates at a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles location. Generally, the fee is $35.00 a year for personal vehicles, unless you have a specialty plate. You’ll need to bring evidence that you’ve paid your excise tax and your proof of insurance.

Re-registration is usually an easy process. Simply bring your proof of insurance to your city or town hall. Many municipalities allow you to pay excise tax and registration right there – no need to go anywhere else.

If you have questions about insuring Maine personal or business vehicles, contact our experienced Portland Maine area insurance agents at 207-799-5541.