How did you choose your Insurance Agent? Did you do an Interview?

How did you choose your Insurance Agent? Did you do an Interview?

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Choosing the right insurance coverage for your family and valuables is just as important as finding the right job, so why not interview your insurance agent? Maybe you didn’t consider this when choosing your current insurance agent? It’s never too late. Here are some questions to consider.

  1. How long have you been in the business?
  2. What are your top insurance companies?
  3. When you provide a quote, is it your best quote?
  4. Who will explain my coverages to me?
  5. What is your procedure for reporting a claim?

The answers to these questions may help give you a comfort level with regard to the agent’s ability and may help you decide if the agent is worthy of your trust. It is important to be clear about your goals when beginning this process. Are you looking for internet insurance or do you want to establish a relationship with your insurance agent? A computer can’t answer your questions, a person can. Like with any good partnership, you want to establish a rapport so that you can feel confident that you are with someone who understands your needs and concerns. An open dialogue about your expectations will make it easier to assist in meeting these needs. Not all insurance is the same. Sometimes the lowest price is not the best. If you choose insurance based on a low price, you may find out that you got what you paid for when it comes to trust, quality and experience.

Take these questions into consideration. Does your current agent meet all of your requirements? If the answer to any of these questions is no, put C.H. Edwards, Inc. at the top of your list to be interviewed. C.H. Edwards, Inc. is a small, family owned and operated Independent Insurance agency located in Farmingdale, New York. We have been in the insurance business since 1925. Your satisfaction is our top priority. Let us make you a member of the C.H. Edwards family today. Give us a call at 516-249-5200.

 

 

Burglar’s Don’t Vacation Like You Do!

Burglar’s Don’t Vacation Like You Do!

Burglary blogFor many Long Island folks, it’s Vacation season! Everyone is headed to their favorite getaway place, but Burglars don’t vacation the way you do. Their favorite “getaway vacation” is your unoccupied home! To make sure your home is protected while you are away, follow some of these simple tips to ensure that you will come home to amity.

  • Stop mail and newspaper delivery or have a neighbor collect them for you while you are away.
  • Have your lawns mowed, so it looks that the home is be kept up with. This is especially important if you are planning a trip where you will be gone for a few weeks.
  • Investing in an automatic timer will help turn your living room lights on and off so that when it gets darker at night, it will appear that someone is in the house.
  • Tell your close neighbors that you will be going away and ask if they can keep an eye on your house.
  • Double bolt your doors before leaving and set your alarm if you have one already installed.
  • If you do not have a burglar alarm already installed, before you leave for your trip invest in installing one.
  • Put cash, jewelry and other valuable items in a safe in your house or a safe deposit box at your bank.

Before leaving for your trip, call your Insurance agency and make sure your coverage is sufficient in-case of a break in! If you do not already have coverage on your valuable items such as your jewelry, furs, cameras and expensive computers, call C.H. Edwards and we will be happy to assist you in finding a policy that fits you, and your needs.

Following these simple steps will protect your home, belongings and your ease of mind while enjoying your vacation with your loved ones.

 

Celebrating our Independence Safely!

Celebrating our Independence Safely!

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Using fireworks on the fourth of July is a tradition. Many people forget though, that fireworks can be very dangerous if used or handled incorrectly. Every year, hundreds of people including small children are injured due to unsafe firework use. This year celebrating our Independence can be safe if a few common sense rules are followed:

  • Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot all the fireworks.
  • A responsible ADULT should be supervising all firework activities as well as keeping an eye on children.
  • Guardians should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
  • Drinking while shooting fireworks is NOT a good mix. Save the alcohol for after.
  • Use fireworks outdoors where there is a clear area. Keep away from trees, cars and houses.
  • Do not carry fireworks in your pockets; this could cause a serious injury.
  • Wear safety gear while lighting and shooting fireworks. Safety glasses, safety gloves, a long sleeved shirt and long pants will help prevent burns.
  • Always have water available and ready when you are using fireworks in case of a fire.
  • Never relight a “dud” or an already used fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Soak used fireworks with water before placing them in your outdoor trash can.

 

Ensure your safety as well as others around you, by simply observing local laws and using good judgment and common sense.

As a reminder, the use of fireworks by an amateur is illegal in The State of New York. If you are using fireworks and cause damage to yourself or your property, this will not be covered by your homeowners insurance.

  • If damage is caused to your property by another person’s fireworks, there is coverage for this event on your Homeowners policy.
  • Sparklers and party poppers are considered legal fireworks and damage to your property would be covered in the event of this accident.

 

 Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July from our C.H. Edwards Family to yours!

Better to be “safe” than “sorry” this Graduation Season!

Better to be “safe” than “sorry” this Graduation Season!

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High school students across Long Island look forward to the Spring season. Many of them will be attending graduation ceremonies and parties. This may be an exciting time for teens but a terrifying time for parents who are concerned about their children’s safety. Around this time of year, many teens are involved in automobile accidents due to being distracted, texting or driving under the influence.

There are numerous ways parents can prepare themselves for this time of year and ensure their teen is arriving safely to graduation parties and home.

Here are some helpful tips to keeping your teen safe and putting your mind at ease:

  • Make sure your son/daughter has a plan for the evening and that you know what it is.
  • Know who is driving to and from parties.
  • If you are holding a party for your child, take stock of your alcohol in your home prior to the beginning of the night.
  • Always let your son/daughter know that you will be available to pick them up if they feel unsafe regardless of the circumstance.
  • Communicate with other parents to know where your children will be and who will be supervising.
  • Before hosting your party set clear rules in advance for the night of the party. Discuss the rules and consequences of breaking them with teens before the night begins and reinforce them. Rules should include: No drugs or alcohol and no leaving the party and then returning.
  • Offer non-alcoholic beverages and do not serve alcohol.
  • When greeting guests at the door watch for large bags that guests might use to smuggle in alcohol. Have guests put their belongings in a room close to where you will be staying so you can watch if they are going to their bags to get alcohol/drugs that may have gotten past you at the door.
  • Check your yard/house and number of guests frequently to avoid having guests who might leave and return without your knowledge.
  • Make it clear that you will not allow any uninvited guests to crash the party. Parties can get out of control if the number of guests continues to grow through the night.
  • Follow these helpful tips and if your teen is driving on Graduation night make sure they are insured.

Have a safe Graduation!

Who needs Flood Insurance? You!

Who needs Flood Insurance? You!

Many homeowners believe that because they do not live near the water they do not need flood insurance.  After Hurricane Sandy, homeowners learned flood was not covered under their homeowners policy.  Here are just a few facts about flood insurance you may not know:

  • Your homeowners policy does not cover flood damage.
  • In the past 5 years, all 50 states have experienced flood damage.
  • A few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
  • More than 80% of presidentially declared disasters have included flooding.
  • About $300 is the average annual premium for flood insurance.
  • Contents coverage is available separately, so both renters and homeowners can opt for up to $100,000 of Contents coverage with their Flood Insurance.
  • There is a 30-day waiting period before Flood insurance coverage goes into effect.

Flooding causes more than $2 billion property damage each year; you cannot afford to think that it will never happen to you. It can happen, and often when it’s least expected.  Flood insurance will help you and your home get back to normal as quickly as possible after a flood.

There is the potential for at least ten named hurricanes this season.  Don’t get caught without the most important item on your hurricane preparedness list, flood insurance.

Call C.H. Edwards today and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to give you a quote on Flood Insurance with no obligation. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Look into Flood Insurance today to ensure that your home and belongings are protected.

 

So you think you don’t need Disability Insurance

So you think you don’t need Disability Insurance

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When asked the question what does disability insurance really do? The simplified answer would be that it protects your paycheck when an illness or injury occurs. Disability insurance could be your life line.

Your paycheck plays a huge role in your day to day life, why not help protect your paycheck by giving it the proper assurance it needs to help you. While your employer may offer disability coverage to you it is usually a minimal amount of coverage. By having your own disability coverage put in place on top of the coverage offered from your employer, it will help you in the long run when “Life Happens”.

Take Some Action!

Contact C.H. Edwards, Inc. and speak to one of our Independent Insurance Agents for a free no obligation consultation. We will help you get the appropriate coverage you need to protect you, your family, and your paycheck.

Why Should You Choose C.H. Edwards, Inc. for Your Insurance Needs?

Why Should You Choose C.H. Edwards, Inc. for Your Insurance Needs?

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  • C.H. Edwards, Inc. is a family owned, Independent Insurance Agency, in business since 1925.
  • Our owner, Steven Visco, Ph.D., AAI has been in the Insurance business for over 30 years and is available to speak with you about your specific needs.
  • A friendly and knowledgeable staff is also on hand to assist you by phone or handle your walk in business Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Whether it is your Home, Auto or Business we can answer your questions, make suggestions and provide you all of the coverage you need.
  • We have an in-house Life Insurance Department as well as a Notary Public.
  • If our regular business hours are not convenient for you, our website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.chedwards.net.
  • You can also visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chedwardsinsurance .
  • Our website has a blog that also provides information on Insurance related topics at www.chedwards.net/blog.
  • We take pride in the fact that we have a relationship with dozens of top companies and can provide you with the best coverage at the most competitive prices.
  • Our staff can do all the shopping for you and provide you with piece of mind.
 
Still not convinced, give us the opportunity to introduce ourselves to you.  Make a no obligation call to C.H. Edwards, Inc. at 516-249-5200,stop by our offices at 791 South Main Street in Farmingdale, New York or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.
Let us make you part of the C.H. Edwards, Inc. family and show you the benefit of the quality customer service we provide our clients.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to speaking to you soon!

Discounts on your Insurance are available!

Discounts on your Insurance are available!

There are many different types of discounts that we can make available to our customers. The first is a coupler discount. This means that your home and auto are insured together. Another discount can be added if an umbrella policy is included in the package. Some of the other discounts that we can make available to you are age of home, home buyer, renovations, claim free, retirement, gated community, and protective devices. 

C.H. Edwards, Inc. is an Independent Insurance Agency who represents over 15 A+ rated, highly competitive insurance companies. We specialize in Auto Insurance, difficult to insure Long Island homes, as well as a full range of Commercial Insurance. Flood insurance and Life insurance are also available at competitive prices. Let our Independent Agents do the shopping for you!

Does any of this sound interesting to you? Make a no obligation phone to C.H. Edwards, Inc. today and let us tell you how these discounts can help you save even more money! Don’t delay, give us a call today.

Let us make today a great day!
(516) 249-5200