Homeowners Insurance

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

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In Maine winters, water pipes and other plumbing fixtures can freeze, causing water damage and inconvenience.

frozen pipe
photo credit: http://www.yakimawa.gov/

Our Greater Portland, Maine insurance agency fielded calls from clients this week due to the extreme cold weather. They wanted to know if Maine homeowners insurance covers damage from frozen pipes.

We also heard from owners of investment property, wondering whether their Maine landlord insurance covers this kind of damage.

In general, the plumber’s repair bill is not covered by these policies, but the water damage caused by frozen or burst pipes is.

Sometimes, clients call us when they discover the pipes are frozen, wondering what to do next. If you’re in that situation, here are some immediate tips:

How to Tell if Your Pipes are Frozen

  • When fully open, your faucet only trickles water, then stops completely.
  • You hear banging noises from inside walls or crawl spaces.
  • You see water staining on a ceiling or wall.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

We recommend calling a plumber. However, if you want to attempt to fix the situation yourself, follow these steps:

  1. Leave the faucet that is not working open (hot and cold).
  2. Turn off the main water supply.
  3. Locate the frozen pipe by opening other fixtures closer to the main water supply. The frozen section will be between the last working fixture and the first non-working one.
  4. The frozen section will probably be near a crawl space or outside wall.
  5. Feel the pipe, looking for a section that is very cold. There may even be frost or ice on the outside of the pipe.
  6. Warm the frozen section GENTLY, using a hair dryer. 
  7. NEVER use a flame or torch. Heating the pipe too suddenly can weaken it and cause it to burst.
  8. Work from the open fixture back to the frozen area. This keeps steam from being trapped by ice, which can burst the pipe.
  9. You should notice water trickling from the open fixture as the ice melts.
  10. Once all the ice is melted, close the fixture and open the main water supply.
  11. Make sure there are no leaks anywhere along the pipe.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Before Cold Weather Hits:

  • Insulate exposed pipes located near exterior walls and crawl spaces with foil, then enclose with foam sleeve insulation.
  • Close and drain sillcocks (fixtures that pierce the sill of your home, usually a garden hose connection).
  • Learn where your main water shutoff is. Show everyone in your household how to close the valve.

During Extreme Cold Weather:

  • Open faucets (both hot and cold) enough to keep a trickle of water going.
  • Open under-sink cabinets against outside walls to allow warm air into the plumbing underneath.
  • Keep your home thermostat to at least 55 degrees.

We hope you never suffer frozen pipes. If you do, we hope this information is helpful. If you live in the Portland Maine area and have questions about home insurance, insuring income property, or condominium  and apartment insurance, contact a Noyes Hall & Allen agent at 207-799-5541.

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.

 

 

Can I Replace Building Materials With Green Ones After an Insurance Claim?

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Portland, Maine is a hotbed of green living. Maybe its our proximity to the sea and mountains. Or the people we attract from around the USA and the world. Whatever the reason, many Portlanders care about the environment, and make lifestyle choices accordingly.

Our farm-to-table game is strong. The cool kids here buy local, with Portland Buy Local and South Portland Cape Elizabeth Buy Local leading the charge. The cities of Portland and South Portland are converting landfills to solar farms. We have an award-winning private community composting service, Garbage to Garden. We even discuss green living over beer at Portland Greendrinks.

It’s only natural that many locals choose to repair or replace any damage to their home with “green” materials and technology. Now, they may be able to get help from their insurance companies. “Off the shelf” home or condo insurance won’t pay to replace your old oil boiler with super-efficient heat pumps. Or replace your water heater with a solar setup after a fire. Fortunately, Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance represents  insurance companies that will.

Going Beyond What You Lost

Traditional homeowners or condo insurance is designed to put you in the same condition after a loss that you were before (“indemnity”, in legalese). Your insurance company promises to replace the items you lost with “like kind and quality”. If your home had green materials, the insurance company will replace them. If you didn’t have them before, you can upgrade at your own additional cost.

Upgrade to Green Materials After Your Home is Damaged

Say your home had traditional materials and technology, and you suffered a fire. You want to replace what you lost with greener options, like bamboo flooring, solar and geothermal heating, low-VOC paints, and high efficiency insulation. Some of these may save money in the long run, but initially cost more than their traditional counterparts. Basic insurance policies only pay to replace what you lost with “like kind and quality”. But there are options.

Two Insurers that Pay for Green Upgrades

In response to customer demand, Concord Group and Travelers, have introduced “green home insurance endorsements”. These provide an additional amount of coverage to replace with environmentally-friendly, non-toxic or energy efficient options. Usually, there is a maximum amount of additional coverage as well.

These endorsements are inexpensive – often $2-3 a month. 

Would You Choose to Rebuild or Repair “Green”?

We can help. For Greater Portland Maine home, condo or vacation home insurance, contact Noyes Hall & Allen at 207-799-5541. Because we’re a locally-owned Trusted Choice Independent Insurance agency, we offer choice among many insurance companies.

We’ll help you find the best value for your individual circumstance. Of course, we also offer Maine auto, motorcycle and boat insurance and insurance for Maine businesses as well. We’re always happy to answer your insurance questions.

Contact your Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance agent  at 207-799-5541 for details. We’re independent and committed to you.

Can an Insurance Company Make Me Remove Roof Moss?

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It is quite common for Maine homeowners and landlords to receive a recommendation from their insurance company to remove moss growth from the roof of their building. Usually, this occurs following an inspection by the insurance company. Here’s some background on the issue, and what options you may have in dealing with it.

Does Moss Damage Roofs?

While there has not been much scientific study on the subject, most roofing professionals believe that moss is harmful to roof surfaces. Since most Maine homeowners insurance and landlord insurance pay for water damage and ice dams, insurance companies are understandably concerned with the subject. You may think they’re being picky, but insurance companies are in the business of reducing risk – theirs, as well as yours.

http://bryophytes.science.oregonstate.edu/
http://bryophytes.science.oregonstate.edu/

According to Oregon State University, roofing professionals say that the root-like structures of moss grow into cracks into roofing material, accelerating degradation and causing leaks. Moss can also hold moisture on your roof, allowing mold and rot to take hold. Finally, moss can grow under the edges of your roof shingles, loosening them and allowing water to enter.

How to Remove Moss from Your Roof

The University of Minnesota Extension shares that you should scrape away as much moss as possible. A power washer may work. Be careful not to damage your roof in the process. If you’re unsure, hire a professional to remove the moss. You can also use a commercial moss removal product. Most contain zinc sulfate, and are most effective when the moss is actively growing. Be careful: zinc can corrode some metals, including copper. Minnesota Extension cautions you to NEVER use table salt on your roof: it is corrosive to metal, and not effective at controlling moss.

 How to Keep Moss from Growing on Your Roof

  • Keep leaves, branches and other debris off your roof.
  • Remove overhanging branches (or hire an arborist to do it). Moss thrives in a dark, damp environment. Direct sunlight and good aeration prevent moss growth.

If Your Insurance Company Requires Removing Moss from Your Roof

Insurance companies can be like spouses. A “recommendation” means “do it, if you know what’s good for you”. An insurance company can (and often will) cancel your insurance for failure to respond to reasonable loss control recommendations.

If you receive ANY recommendation from an insurance company – about any situation – talk to your agent (you DID buy your insurance from a local agent, right?).

  • Ask them for their advice. They can tell you how urgent the situation is, and whether this is something that all insurers would require.
  • They may be able to recommend a local contractor or resource to help.
  • They can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
  • If you need more time than the insurance company has allowed, your agent may be able to negotiate that for you (depending upon the severity of the situation).
  • If you’re unable or unwilling to complete the recommendation, your agent can discuss your insurance options.

The Bottom Line

When all is said and done, you don’t HAVE to make the repairs or changes that your insurance company tells you to. But, they don’t HAVE to insure you if you don’t.

Most preferred insurance companies in Maine have similar underwriting requirements, but some underwriters are pickier than others. Also, depending upon your circumstance, you may be willing to  have less coverage, a higher deductible, or pay a higher rate to keep your property “as is”.

If you have questions about Portland Maine area insurance, contact Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance. We have represented many insurance companies, and served the community for more than 80 years. We have the experience to help you make an informed decision.

Make Your Home Safe and Welcoming for Halloween

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Halloween is one of America’s favorite holidays. Kids love to dress up, get together with friends, and go door-to-door in search of the biggest and best goodies. Plus, Candy Corn.

Ross Berteig photo (Flickr)
Ross Berteig photo (Flickr)
If your neighborhood teems with little zombies, superheroes and princesses, be sure your yard and stoop are safe and welcoming. A little pre-planning can prevent an accident that could be tragic for kids and their parents, and trying for you.

Here are some pointers for ensuring your house is a safe place for Halloween trick-or-treaters.

Pets First

Many dogs and cats are scared or disturbed by the repeated doorbell-ringing and the parade of oddly dressed strangers. Find a safe and comfortable space in your home, or take them to a friend or family member’s home in a less active neighborhood.

Clean Up

Many Halloween costumes can limit vision. This can increase the chance of tripping and falling. Make sure your yard is free of toys, yard tools, fallen branches or piles of leaves.  Create a clutter-free walking path well before dusk falls this Halloween.

Light Up

Create a well-lit path, and keep your steps and porch brightly lighted. Trick-or-treaters aren’t familiar with your home and yard. If your regular outdoor lighting isn’t sufficient for the high traffic of Halloween, supplement it with solar, string, LED, or glow-in-the-dark yard lights .

Try This Slick Door Trick

Here’s a neat idea: remove the glass from your storm door before trick-or-treaters arrive. This allows you to hand out goodies without opening the door, so kids don’t have to take that dangerous step backwards. Plus, it really freaks the kids out! Bonus: if your door has a solid bottom panel, it can help keep your pets safely inside the house.

Shut it Down

When you’re done for the night, make it obvious by turning all inviting lights off. However, if you’re still offering candy in a bowl on the porch, keep the path well-lit until your sweet treats are tucked away inside the house.

At Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance, we hope your Halloween is all treats, no tricks, and – most of all – safe and fun.

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.

Does Maine Homeowners Insurance Cover a Sharknado?

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Reader George asks via Twitter:

“Please settle a bar bet: If a #sharknado hits my house in Portland, Maine, would my homeowners insurance policy cover the damage?”

Great question, George. First, keep that bar stool handy; you might need it soon. Of course, we have to make some assumptions before answering that question:

  • You have the most common Maine homeowners insurance form, (commonly called an HO-3).
  • Your Maine homeowners policy doesn’t have a special wind deductible or exclusion.

The short answer is “yes”. While a terrifying sci-fi concept and irresistably campy movie idea, a sharknado is nothing more than a glorified windstorm. And, a standard Maine homeowners policy covers wind damage to your home.

What if the damage is caused by the shark, not the wind?

Wind damage includes anything that’s carried by the wind. Whether it’s a tree limb, storm debris, your neighbor’s deck furniture, or a man-eating shark, if the wind flings it into your house and damages it, it’s covered by your homeowners insurance.

What if a a sharknado destroys my car? Does my Maine auto insurance cover  damage from a sharknado?

If flying sharks damage your car, that’s also covered by your Portland Maine auto insurance – provided you bought “other than collision coverage”. But, we’re sorry to tell you George, but you won’t be needing your car to get home, and not only because you’ve been drinking.

Disclaimer:

Only a Maine insurance agent can advise you about your personal coverage and your insurance policy. Policy coverage can differ widely. If you’re looking for a Portland Maine insurance agent who can provide personal advice, including protection from a sharknado, contact a Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance agent at 207-799-5541.

Oh, and there’s no such thing as a sharknado.

As far as we know.

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.