Monthly Archives: May 2011

Here are a few no-nonsense tips to help you reduce your Long Island home insurance premium without squeezing a single ounce of coverage from your policy:

• Raise your deductible. If you can afford it, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 or even $2,500 could reduce your premium by 20 percent based on the information provided by the Insurance Information Institute.
• Call us about discounts. If you live in a new home, have a home security system or purchase multiple policies (auto/motorcycle and home) with one insurer, you are probably eligible for a discount.
• Have a representative at C.H. Edward, Inc. shop for the best home insurance premium. If you are paying too much with your current insurer, compare Long Island home insurance quotes and find similar coverage for less.
• Lastly, a non-insurance tip: Go ‘green’ on your utilities! A few ideas include turning down the thermostat a degree or two in winter; using ceiling fans instead of air conditioning in the summer; installing low-flow showerheads to reduce water usage; buying energy-efficient appliances; and turning off lights and electronics when they aren’t in use. These small tips can save you big on your household bills, leaving you with more money for expenses like Long Island home insurance.

Whether you have a job or are looking for one, summer can be the perfect time to take a step back, assess where you are and brush up on your skills.

Assess your strengths. If starting a new job or setting out on a new career path, try not thinking about a former job or skill set. Instead, consider the things you excel at that will “expand your career options.”

Know how to network. Think on and offline: i.e.,  going back to old-fashioned handshaking here. The use of social media such as LinkedIn and having in-person conversations and meetings with business contacts. Also, blogging about areas within your expertise is another great way to connect with people.

Be a life-long learner. That includes on and off the job. Find hobbies you love. Perhaps take a class you enjoy.

Feel the fear. In addition, move forward, anyway. No one goes through something like losing a job or starting their own business without fear.  People wait for it to just go away, and it won’t.  Instead, use fear as fuel. For example, take advantage of your apprehension and use it to pick up the phone and make calls. Even small steps will help build confidence.

Insurance scams account for upwards of $30 billion in total losses to the insurance industry each year, according to NICB.org.   In addition, one particular type of fraud–unsolicited repair provider scams–are on the rise.

 Some common subjects for these type of fraudsters include auto glass repair, cosmetic body work, house siding and roof repair, sinkhole damage, pest damage and many others.

The NICB recommends consumers take the following steps to avoid becoming victim to fraudsters:

·         Contact your insurance company first.

·         Get more than one estimate.

·         Get everything in writing. Cost, work to be done, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedules and other expectations should be detailed.

·         Demand references and check them out.

·         Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s license and write down the license number and their vehicle’s license plate number.

·         Never sign a contract with blanks; unacceptable terms can be added later.

·         Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is finished and ensure reconstruction is up to current code.

·         Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurance carrier.

·         Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.

·         Never let a contractor interpret the insurance policy language.

·         Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.