Jay Waitte, Author at Waittes Insurance

Stay Cautious With These Firework Safety Tips

Between Memorial Day, Father’s Day and the 4th of July, there is a lot to celebrate in the summer months. Many of these occasions call for certain traditions, such as grilling outside with family and friends and even setting off fireworks. While fireworks are illegal in Connecticut for personal use (except for sparklers and fountains), they are still legal in other states for small-party celebrations. We would never encourage the illegal use of these explosive displays in our state, but in the event that you find yourself visiting an area where it’s permitted, we’d like to provide a number of firework safety tips to prevent disaster throughout the summer festivities.

Firework Safety Isn’t Only a Precautionary Measure, it’s a Responsibility!

They are exploding devices, period:

And as such, they are very dangerous and can cause serious injury. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to find a public display. Many towns host their own state-approved shows, spending thousands of dollars on top-of-the-line fireworks that you can’t buy at the fireworks stands. So gather the family and enjoy the sizzling, awe-inspiring displays together.

Fireworks damage property and onlookers:

Every year, fire marshalls around the United States report house and grass fires caused by fireworks. You could be liable and even charged with a felony if a fire, property damage or personal injury results from a firework (legal or illegal).

Pets aren’t too keen on fireworks displays:

It’s recommended not to bring your pet to a fireworks display or to shoot fireworks near your pets. Dogs especially have ultra-sensitive hearing and loud bursts can cause heightened anxiety for them. At home, before it gets dark, put your pet in an interior room with no windows so they can’t see (and hopefully hear less) of the fireworks. Many pets become afraid of the explosions and escape from their yards on holidays that involve fireworks, so check to make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag. In addition, it is common courtesy to warn any neighbors with pets that you will be setting off fireworks in the area. This will allow them to take the proper precautions for their pets ahead of time.

Pay attention to fire bans in your area:

Local television weather stations usually start reporting fire bans a few days before the holiday, and you can always call your local fire station. Always abide by posted warnings and bans in your local area.

Read all warning labels:

If you insist on creating your own fireworks displays, read the labels and the caution warnings to know how the fireworks will perform prior to lighting them. A responsible adult should ALWAYS supervise any fireworks. Everyone nearby should wear safety glasses. Needless to say, fireworks and alcohol don’t mix. So do your fireworks show first, then have a celebratory beer afterward.

Never give fireworks to children:

Enough said!

Don’t get crazy:

Remember the rule of thumb – lighting only one firework at a time, and never try to relight a “dud” firework that didn’t ignite the first time. Have a large bucket of water to douse any fires just in case. Once you have lit a single firework, back away from it quickly but carefully, as not to trip and fall in the process. And yes, we have to say it… fireworks should only be used OUTdoors and at least 50 yards away from any cars and homes.

Don’t get creative, either:

NEVER make your own fireworks. Those without the proper expertise in explosive chemicals and devices can put themselves in extreme danger. Many fingers have gotten blown off and serious injuries have occurred as a result of do-it-yourself fireworks. And don’t shoot fireworks into containers or at each other. Firework safety is about abiding by the posted instructions and not tempting fate.

We hope you take all of the above firework safety information into strong consideration to ensure happiness and safety for all of your loved ones during the summer holidays. To all Americans, we want your Independence Day to be without incident and filled with joy!

In addition to providing quality and cost-effective insurance rates for Norwich and surrounding residents, we also want our customers to stay informed on the latest news, safety, and helpful everyday tips. One of the ways we do this is through social media, so be sure to check out the Waitte’s Insurance Agency Facebook Page!

“Like” us on Facebook TODAY!

Why You Shouldn’t Take Cash After a Fender Bender

If you’re sitting at a stop light and are rear-ended or are involved in a low-speed accident, you may think that the little amount of damage incurred is just not worth involving your insurance agent. It’s not uncommon for us to hear that people were offered cash to repair the damage to the car, hoping to eliminate claims and potential insurance hikes. While this workaround seems to make sense for accidents that are not large-scale in nature, it could cost you much more in the long run.

Damage Can Be More Extensive Than You Know

Much of the bodies of cars built today are plastic and fiberglass. While this keeps the costs down for manufacturers and results in a car with clean, slick lines, those same cars suffer much more damage than the heavily built cars from the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Rear bumpers that were once made of aluminum or steel are now made of plastic. Instead of crumpling like steel would, these high-tech plastics can flex in and pop back out, leaving seemingly little damage behind at first glance. If you get out and eyeball a broken taillight and accept the standard $300-400 in cash to fix it and there’s extensive damage to your body, reinforcement bars or exhaust system underneath, you’re going to be forking over hundreds, maybe even thousands when you take the car in for repairs. Damage can sometimes take days before you notice it, and continued driving of the vehicle can mean that you’re causing more harm.

They May Be Trying to Skirt the Law

The state of Connecticut requires car insurance for every driver, no exceptions.The driver that hit you may have no license, no insurance or a poor driving record. You can still receive insurance benefits if the other driver has no insurance, but if the claims are large, you can be out a significant amount of money for an accident that was not your fault. First make sure that you are in a safe place and that no one is injured badly enough to require medical attention. Obtain their insurance information and cell phone number. Take a photo of the card, their license plate and the damage your car, no matter how minimal it seems.

Your Injuries Could Exacerbate. When you are in an accident your adrenaline is high and you may not realize how badly hurt you are. It’s not uncommon for whiplash, back injuries or knee problems to start days later after the internal impact is felt by the body. If you do require medical treatment, those costs can stack up quickly. If you feel any pain at all at the scene of the crash, seek medical attention immediately.

If you have questions about car insurance contact us. We’ve served Norwich, Connecticut for over 100 years and are happy to help you!

What’s Personal Umbrella Insurance?

What’s Personal Umbrella Insurance? Personal umbrella insurance is for people who would like to add extra liability coverage over and above another insurance policy. Usually, people get personal umbrella insurance for their auto and homeowners insurance.

What Does Personal Umbrella Insurance Cover?

Personal umbrella insurance is to protect people from large liability claims or judgements. Personal umbrella insurance helps when underlying liability limits have been reached. Bodily injury, personal injury, property damage and landlord liability is usually covered by personal umbrella insurance.

Personal Umbrella Insurance Policy in Action

Now, here are some examples so that you can better understand how a personal umbrella insurance policy works.

Car Accident

The policyholder gets in an at-fault accident that injures the other driver. Your regular auto insurance policy covers the injuries of the other driver with a limit of $250,000. The other driver is severely injured, and their medical bills are going to be approximately $700,000. You may be legally responsible for their medicals bills exceeding $250,000. If the driver decides to sue you, your personal assets could be at risk.

Your regular auto insurance policy is going to cover $250,000 of their medical bills. $450,000 is needed to cover the rest of their medical bills for their severe injuries. Once your auto insurance policy limit is reached, that’s where a personal umbrella insurance policy will pay the remaining balance of $450,000.

Personal Property

The policyholder has a leak underneath their shower. The policyholder needs to replace their walls and floors because of the water damage. The leak ruins the neighbor’s walls and floors, and they need to be replaced as well. A personal umbrella insurance policy won’t cover the policyholder, but the insurance company will pay for the neighbor’s below them to replace their walls and floors.

What Isn’t Generally Covered By a Personal Umbrella Insurance Policy?

Personal Property

Personal umbrella insurance usually only covers people who are responsible for damages to someone else’s property. Usually, it won’t cover damage to the personal property of the policyholder.

Business losses

If the policyholder experiences business losses, personal umbrella insurance won’t usually cover them. Even if the business is from the policyholder’s home, they still wouldn’t be covered.

Intentional or criminal acts or omissions

A personal umbrella policy won’t protect the policyholder for their own intentionally harmful or illegal behavior.

Written or oral contracts

A personal umbrella policy usually won’t cover the policyholder from liability that arises in the connection of a written or oral contract they’ve entered.

If you would like to discuss your options in regards to What’s Personal Umbrella Insurance and how it may work into your coverage options.

Please contact us here at Waittes Insurance by clicking here.

Thank you

Home Based Business Insurance and What You Need To Know!

Having your own business is a great reflection on you. This means you had a goal, worked diligently, and achieved your dream of business ownership. Many people choose to run their business out of their homes. It’s conveniently located, cuts down on overhead costs, and is a comfortable place to be. However, when operating your business out of the home, there are certain risks that need to be addressed. One issue that is often overlooked is that of business insurance for your home-based operation. While you may have your homeowner’s insurance, that will not suffice for the business.

Most people do not plan for emergencies – or even expect them, until it’s too late. Understanding home based business insurance and what you need to know! Preparing in advance for the unexpected mishaps that could occur will save you money and added misery in the end.

What if your home catches fire?

Did you know that the National Fire Protection Association reported there’s an average of 358,300 home-based fires per year? Fortunately, many fires are brought under control before people are hurt. Yet, the physical damage to the home often takes months to repair. If you have a business in your home and a fire occurs, you not only risk damage to the home, but loss of important business equipment. That’s why it’s so important to have business insurance coverage that will protect your assets in case of a fire.

What if your home gets robbed?

No one likes to think about someone robbing their home, but the Bureau of Justice claims that, on average, 3.7 million burglaries occur every year. This number is startling especially when your entire livelihood is contained in your home. We typically think of someone breaking in the home when we’re not there or at night, but theft can occur in other ways too. For example, if you have employees working for you and accessing financial data, embezzlement is a concern. Thieves may also steal equipment you have on your property such as business vehicles. Business insurance helps protect what means so much to you.

What if your home gets damaged?

Many things can potentially damage your home. Ferocious storms often cause tree limbs to fall on homes. Fierce winds or tornadoes result in damaged or lost roof shingles, and torrential rainfall sometimes causes flooding. You cannot predict the problems weather or other accidents may cause. That’s why it’s best to have business coverage before anything occurs.

In short when it comes to understanding home based business insurance and what you need to know! Accidents occur everyday but you can be prepared by investing in business insurance for your home. Don’t let your home-based business be at risk. At Waitte’s Insurance our team has written numerous home based business policies and can advise you on what type of coverage is need.

If you have a home based business and would like to discuss your insurance options please contact our agents by clicking here.

Preparing for a Hurricane in New England

We are still in the midst of hurricane season and with all of the hurricane activity we have seen lately on the gulf and eastern coasts, it is an important time to prepare for a hurricane in New England. A hurricane can do lasting damage as winds whip up to over 100 miles per hour. As low-pressure meets with tropical ocean water, the conditions result in a hurricane. It surges unto land and as it travels onward, it loses its velocity. However, rain continues to fall often leading to flooding. Floods are perhaps the most deadly consequence of some hurricanes.

To help you with get your hurricane preparedness plan in place, follow these guidelines:

– Preparing for a hurricane in New England means you need a plan in place before a hurricane approaches. Make sure everyone in the family knows the plan. Test-drive the evacuation route in case you need to leave your home.

– Stock your home with essential supplies such as water, food, a first aid kit, flashlight, hand crank radio, and batteries.

– Continuously check with the national and local weather advisories and heed their warnings.

– When you hear that a hurricane is approaching, make sure your home in New England is prepared. Depending on the category rating boarding up windows or closing hurricane shutters and doors may be necessary. Especially if you are in 150 miles of the coast for a category 3 or higher level hurricane. Ensure all drain spouts are in proper working order, as well as other drains, sewers, and sump pumps.

– Check your generator to be sure it’s functional and fueled up.

– If you don’t have a generator, set your refrigerator to a colder setting in case the power goes out.

– Secure important documents that are irreplaceable.

– Check with your insurance agent to make sure your policy covers the potential damage of a hurricane. Add flood coverage if you don’t already have it.

– Cover your outdoor A/C unit with a tarp.

– Remove non-permanent outdoor equipment to a garage or basement (for example, picnic tables, patio furniture, and grills).

– Remove any loose limbs and shrubbery that is near your home.

– If the hurricane has already hit land, do not attempt to drive. Many people die in flooded waters.

Preparing for a hurricane in New England is an essential step to take now. The hurricane season doesn’t begin to die down until November. If you have any questions on hurricane preparedness or about your policy, please click here to contact us today!

Teen Driving Insurance in Connecticut

Before your newly permitted or licensed teen gets behind the wheel of their car make sure they have car insurance. Teen driving insurance in Connecticut is necessary and practical. Insurance is an expense, but there are tips to follow to help keep the price down without sacrificing coverage.

Insurance Needs for a Driver’s Permit

When your teenager secures their driver’s permit get in touch with your insurance agent to confirm whether or not they need a policy. Typically, permitted drivers are covered by the policy already in place on the vehicle they are driving. For instance, if your teen practices driving using your car with you present, they would be covered by your policy. Double check to make sure, so everything is set and everyone has the proper coverage.

Driver’s Education

Many insurance companies offer a discount to teens who have completed driver’s ed. Some insurers even offer their own advanced driving training program that may provide an additional discount, so ask. This extra training provides experience and instills responsibility while also saving money.

Choose the Right Car

Insurance premiums are based on the type and age of the car. Finding the right car takes work. Ideally, you want something new enough to be safe and dependable, but old enough to lock in a lower insurance rate. Sports cars and SUVs are often quoted higher rates, so a sedan is usually the best bet in terms of paying an affordable rate. This may not align with what your teen had in mind, but explain why this is the responsible decision.

Consider the Safety Features of a Car

Built-in safety features will give you peace of mind, but can also lower teen driving insurance in Connecticut. Cars with anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, electronic stability control and automatic seatbelts may secure a lower insurance rate. Frontal airbags are required by law, and side airbags are now standard on most vehicles. Cars equipped with additional airbags, like rear window curtain airbags or inflatable seatbelts, may qualify for additional safety discounts.

Bundle Policies

Starting a new policy is often expensive. Adding your teen driver to your existing policy will typically be cheaper since it shows you are responsible for your teen. You may secure an additional discount by having multiple car insurance policies.

Talk to Your Agent

Check with your agent to see if there are any other discounts to be had for your child’s policy. Good student discounts may be an option to keep the cost down, and possibly incentivize your child to keep their grades up.

Secure the Best Price for Teen Driving Insurance in Connecticut

Make sure your teen is prepared for the road ahead as they take off on new adventures. Proper training and the right car are just some of the ways to get the best price possible for your teenager’s car insurance.

If you have teenagers in your homecoming to drivers age and would like to discuss Driving Insurance Options.