MA Encharter Insurance Blog

Celebrity Fears & Massachusetts Life Insurance

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:23:37 +0000

I’ll admit, sometimes I enjoy reading the gossip column. I can’t help but flip through the pages when I’m at the grocery store or click to a celebrity blog online. I recently came across a list of weird celebrity quirks and fears I found pretty entertaining. We know celebrities have their lengthy lists of demands, but some of these pet peeves and fears are just plain weird, or even ironic! Here are just a couple of celebrity fears on the very long list of what scares the stars.

Matthew McConaughey has a deep fear of revolving doors. For someone seen in the celeb world as laid back, that’s a pretty weird quirk.
Most of us would see a butterfly and find it beautiful, but not Nicole Kidman. Apparently the actress has a fear of them.
Pamela Anderson claims to have a fear of mirrors, but I’m not sure I buy that one, considering how much effort she puts into getting ready.
Johnny Depp is known for his dark roles, and his pirate character probably scared some young kids, but one of children’s favorite things is his greatest fear. He’s afraid of clowns! No circus for him and his young children I guess.
Hilary Duff and Kim Kardashian are both self proclaimed “OCD” about their homes. Hilary Duff suffers from sleep deprivation when she feels as though her living space isn’t clean enough.
Ever dream of sitting across from Oprah in one of her famous interviews? Well make sure you aren’t chewing gum. She’s not afraid of gum, but it happens to be the billionaire’s biggest pet-peeve.

We all have our fears, quirks, and pet peeves, but I believe in the saying “Life’s too short”. Unfortunately that saying rings all too true for many. There isn’t much we can do to be prepared for the unexpected in life, but make sure your family is prepared when you are gone. Talk with an Encharter Insurance agent about MA Life Insurance.

Photo Credit: MGR Anthony Augustine

Campfire Safety & MA Home Insurance

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:08:30 +0000

The weather we’ve had this winter and spring has certainly been incredible, at least for those who don’t enjoy the cold, snow or rain. On the other hand, the lack of rain and snow in the past few months has been causing numerous fires throughout the Northeast. Red Flag Warnings have not been uncommon, meaning that any brush fire has the possibility of quickly spreading due to the weather conditions which have left this part of the country thirsty for water! In Massachusetts, areas that were hit by last year’s tornado are especially at risk. The dry land is estimated to go down about 8 to 10 inches, according to WWLP. People should take note that traditional ways of putting out campfires or bonfires will not work due to the dry conditions. There is so much flammable debris that fires can just take off, even if you think you took the proper precautions.

In these dry conditions, you should be sure that your Massachusetts Homeowner’s Insurance is up to date, and includes protection for all your structures and your personal property. The damage a fire leaves behind is devastating enough; you certainly don’t want to have to stress about having inadequate protection. Massachusetts insurance agents at Encharter Insurance can discuss policy limits and various coverages that will suit your needs. Our agents can do the shopping around for you, and you can live a little easier knowing your home and property are protected.

Photo: Dracmuller

Rules of the Road Quiz & Your MA Car Insurance

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:50:28 +0000

Did you know that in South Dakota a driver can get their license as early as 14? Things are different all around the United States, and world for that matter, when it comes to driving. Massachusetts has a reputation for not having the best drivers. How many times a day do you find yourself on the road wondering, “Does anyone know how to drive anymore?” We all think we are great drivers, but how much do you really know when it comes to the rules of the road? I found a quiz that will test your road rules knowledge, with a couple of questions just for folks in the Massachusetts area (answers can be found in the bottom paragraph).

What does a single yellow line tell you on a two-lane road?
True or False: Speeding fines in work zones are only doubled when construction workers are on duty.
Is it illegal to cut into a funeral procession?
What does a flashing green light mean?
True or False: If you have a handicapped plate or a hanging card you can park for free at a meter for an unlimited time, even if there’s a time limit on the meter.
What’s the rule about parking outside the doors of Logan Airport?
The law states that you aren’t allowed to exceed your vehicle’s payload capacity, but what is your payload capacity?
When are children required to ride in booster seats?
True or False: When toting a bottle of unfinished wine from a restaurant, you must store it in your trunk.

After you check your answers, you may be surprised at how much, or how little, you know about the rules of the road. No matter how much you know about the rules of driving, accidents always happen. Protect yourself, your car, and your passengers with MA Car Insurance. Our agents at Encharter Insurance can help you choose the auto insurance policy that is right for you. Remember: no matter how great of a driver you are, having the right auto insurance is important!

Answers: The answer to number one is: unlike a double yellow line, you can pass, make a turn, and even make a U-turn. Number two is false. The answer to number three is that there is a fine of $50 or a month in prison, but jail time is rare. The answer to number four is the same thing as a solid green, but is meant to slow vehicles down to pedestrian traffic and the answer to five is true. The answer to six is police will allow some leeway, depending on the day, but technically it is not allowed at all. The answer to seven is the total amount of weight of occupants, cargo, fluids and about 10 percent of the trailer weight combined. The answer to eight is until your child reaches 4 foot 9 inches in height, they are required to ride in a booster seat and number nine is true.

Photo Credit: Mattman

Protect the Earth and Your Home with MA Home Insurance

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:04:09 +0000

The real Earth Day may have passed, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t turn every day into an Earth Day! The first Earth Day took place in 1970, 42 years ago, when the environment was not something that many people considered. Even after the movement started, many Americans remained oblivious to concerns, but efforts continue to put environmental concerns front and center. So here are the top things to do on Earth Day, or any other day!

Read Rachel Carsons’ “Silent Spring”
Recycle your plastic bags from grocery shopping
Check out Disney’s new movie, “Chimpanzee”
The Home Depot has a garden club which provides how-to’s, outdoor ideas, and members-only discounts
Share your gardening and green expertise on an online blog
Recommend Earth Day reading
Check out local parks to picnic at – make sure you recycle!

While designing your outdoor landscapes and pruning your gardens, protect your home and yard from the unexpected with Massachusetts Homeowner’s Insurance. Your Massachusetts insurance agents can discuss what your particular policy protects, as well as the limits – which you can adjust based on your home and needs. Basic MA home insurance policies provide coverage for the structure, replacement costs, personal possessions (up to a set limit), liability and living expenses in the case of a disaster. Supplemental policies are also available for fine arts, jewelry, etc. If you are unsure what you should have coverage for, talk to a MA insurance agent at Encharter Insurance to discuss your home and belongings. Friendly agents can shop around for you, and save you money by bundling your policies.

Photo: elmo08_1996

Marathon Monday & MA Life Insurance

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:38:30 +0000

If you live in the Boston area, Monday was either one of your favorite or least favorite days of the year. What am I talking about? Marathon Monday! If you work in Boston it means a day off to enjoy the nice weather, but if you don’t it may mean a pretty crazy commute. With streets blocked off throughout the Boston area and those beautiful summer temperatures outside, going to work is a real hassle for some! It could be worse though, while those runners had been training for so long, they unfortunately couldn’t have prepared for the warm weather.

In all of the 116 years the Boston Marathon has taken place, Monday had potential for a record number of no-shows. The forecast forced Boston Mayor, Tom Menino to urge runners that have never run before to maybe come back next year. The medical risks had the Boston Athletic Association requesting only the “fittest of runners” to take part this year and that even those runners should treat it as an experience rather than a race.

Imagine training for a year and then not being able to run because of the weather? When it comes to the weather you have to expect the unexpected. Unfortunately the same is true about life, and the best way to prepare is with MA life insurance. Talk to Encharter Insurance agent today about designing a policy for your needs. With all of the options that come with the right MA life insurance policy, talking with one of our agents can help you get the coverage that is right for you.

Photo Credit: Christopher Penn

Tax Day Woes and MA Insurance

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:48:30 +0000

Tax Day is here! Of course, that is not me dancing and singing in excitement. The tax deadline for many is daunting and overwhelming. As a recent college graduate from a business school, I cringed at the idea of majoring in such a subject. I therefore hand off a pile of documents to my father each year (who surprisingly enjoys the “hobby”) and then wait for my refunds – or scowl as I sign a check off to the government. A fellow Encharter Insurance employee sent this over to me this morning, and although I try to stay as uninvolved in my personal tax preparation as possible, still found myself nodding in agreement and chuckling in my office over this list of 10 Things I Hate About Tax Day (some interesting opinions if you want some casual reading during your lunch break!):

Paperwork – mugged and held hostage; what a clever analogy!
Dishonesty
How they treat investment income
The mortgage interest deduction
Stupid retirement rules – my favorite quote: “Uncle Sam has some good instincts, but he is like your worst boss or your most annoying aunt. He just can’t stop meddling. He just can’t leave people alone.”
Subsidizing half the country – I love the Northeast, but I certainly can see the appeal behind moving South!
Taxing overseas Americans
Taxophobia
It’s regressive
Alternative minimum tax – I laughed at loud at this picture. Maybe I haven’t had enough coffee yet?

To avoid the chaos of tax day, many Americans find a friend or pay a professional to take care of the madness for them. Why not invest some trust in a Massachusetts insurance agent to help you take the uncertainty and tediousness out of shopping for MA insurance policies? As I have continued my transition to a life completely dependent from my parents, I gladly answered the necessary questions to have someone shop around for me, as well as tell me what I needed at this stage in my life and what I wouldn’t need to think about for a few more years. Most insurance lingo is still foreign to me, though I like to think I’m becoming savvier. Whether you believe yourself to be an expert, or you’re an insurance-novice, it still helps to have the expertise and advice of a second opinion from those at Encharter Insurance.

Photo: kpilkerton

Thinking of Buying an ATV? Remember to Get MA Off-Road Vehicle Insurance!

admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:33:42 +0000

It’s nice out and there’s so many fun ways to enjoy the spring weather! Have you ever driven by a home and seen an ATV on their front lawn and considered checking it out? Well, if you’ve never owned an off-road vehicle you might not be sure what to look for. Just like buying a used car, if you are buying a used ATV it is important to know exactly what you want and some red flags you should be looking for. Here are some tips from About.com about what you should know before buying a new or used ATV:
If you’re buying a new ATV you will obviously end up paying more money, but you know what you are getting yourself into and you will probably also be able to get a warranty! Shop around your area and check prices and different models. Going to a dealer, and not buying on the first trip shows him you’re not going to be pushed into a deal. Shopping around can also make it easier to decide what it is you’re looking for in your first ATV. Don’t let the dealer make the decisions, it will end up costing you more money. Once you’ve made your decision, try to bargain with the dealer, most will be willing to come down from the original price.
If you’re on a budget and you’re buying used from a private party try to find someone that knows what you should be looking for if you haven’t previously owned an ATV. One thing to look out for is damage from a crash, like bent parts. Check the undercarriage, steering stop for marks, and a compression check is also important. If you’re buying used, but don’t trust buying from a private party there’s another option: buy from a dealer or mechanic. They will often have trade-in’s or fixed up ATV’s and that way you know they will be in good condition. They can also be someone you can go back to if something happens with your ATV.
Now that you’ve got a new or used ATV, what if something were to happen to it or if it were to get stolen? Call an Encharter Insurance agent about MA Off-Road Vehicle insurance. With all the time and effort you put into purchasing the right ATV for you and your family, it’s important to have the coverage for unexpected accidents.
Photo Credit: Chukka Caribbean Adventures

Electronic MA Car Insurance Documents – There May Be an App for That!

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:17:03 +0000

Maybe you’re organized and have your glove compartment the same way. Or maybe you’re like me and you have to rummage through sunglasses you no longer wear, CD’s that didn’t make the cut for your road trip, and a whole bunch of paperwork that you never know if you’ll need. Somewhere in that mess is your registration. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just pull it up on your phone? State lawmakers in California are proposing to do just that! A new bill may allow you to pull up your proof of insurance and your vehicle registration on your smartphone or other device! Insurance companies would issue insurance documentation electronically, and the Department of Motor Vehicles would be issue registration papers in the same form.

Ahh, technology! While we wait for state lawmakers to do the same in Massachusetts, I guess we’ll just have to crack down and organize our glove compartment! Your Massachusetts Auto Insurance policy shouldn’t be messy to deal with though. Agents at Encharter Insurance are knowledgeable and available to help. Choosing the proper limits for your driving habits can be tedious for some. Allow an insurance expert to help you out! Encharter’s MA insurance agents can even help you to save money on your MA Car Insurance policy and other Massachusetts insurance policies. How great is that?!

Photo: ljham6

Sports Fans in April & Your MA Home Insurance

admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:22:58 +0000

For sports fans April doesn’t just mean nicer weather and more time outside, it also means some exciting times for their favorite team. Everyone knows the baseball season begins in April which for some is their unofficial start to spring, but this month also brings some playoff action as well. Both the NBA and NHL start their playoff push in April. Hockey starts the second week of the month, and basketball begins in the last week of the month.

Did we mention golf? The Masters is also in April! So whether you are a fan of basketball, baseball, hockey or golf, gear up for a great month of action! While most of us sports fans dream of being at the best events, that isn’t always the case. Where’s the next best place to catch all the action? Right from your couch! Chances are if you’ve been waiting all year for these games you won’t wanted to be a a crowded chaotic atmosphere like your favorite restaurant or bar, but surrounded by good food and friends right in your home can make for some of the best sports viewing!

Maybe it’s just you on your couch focusing on your favorite sport or maybe all your friends are there, either way, make sure you have MA home insurance. Knowing you and your belongings are safe makes watching the game a little more relaxing, even with those buzzer beaters! Talk to your Encharter Insurance agent today about reviewing your homeowners insurance policy. Massachusetts is known for a lot of things, their great sports action being one of them, well add quality insurance to that list. With locations in Reading, Lexington, and Amherst we would love to help you get the right MA home insurance for you.

Photo Credit: Judi Knight

Healthiest States to Live in & MA Insurance

admin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:33:57 +0000

Spring is here, and the nice weather is just around the corner! As you begin spending more time outdoors, being active and living what you believe to be a healthy lifestyle, do you know if your location is really the best place for your health? The Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation assessed 3,000 counties in the United States on their health behaviors to compile the 2012 County Health Rankings. Want to know where your state stands? (Note: those in New England are in good shape!)

Top 5 Worst States to Live In for your Health:

Mississippi
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Alabama

Top 5 Best States to Live In for your Health:

Vermont
New Hampshire
Connecticut
Hawaii
Massachusetts

Of course, you should always protect yourself (health-wise and lifestyle-wise) with Massachusetts insurance. At Encharter Insurance, agents can advise you towards the best Home, Auto and Business policies for your lifestyle, and answer your lingering questions about what you need to have in an insurance policy. These MA insurance experts are ready to help save you money and get you back outside to enjoy the wonderful weather and your healthy lifestyle!

Photo: totus_bucket