How to Help Prepare Your Boat for Spring

Posted on: May 28th, 2019

Are you one of the millions of boaters with spring fever, itching to get your vessel out of winter storage and back onto the water? If so, be sure to take the time to properly de-winterize and prepare your boat before taking it out for its first voyage of the season.

Having a spring ritual that includes recommended inspection, tune-up, and cleaning of your boat before setting out on your first trip can help prevent a host of problems that could keep you off the water later in the season — not to mention, help keep you and everyone aboard safe during your adventures.

Following are some tips to help get your boat as ready as you are to hit the water this year.

Prepare for the Season Ahead

Use some of those pre-season days to plan for brighter days of boating ahead:

  • Take a boat safety course, and obtain your boating certificate (if you have not already).
  • Read your owner’s manual and consult the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance guidelines.
  • Familiarize (or re-familiarize) yourself with your boat — its components, features and safety precautions.
Water Safety, Boat Safety

Complete Your Pre-Launch Inspection and Maintenance

To help ensure a smooth, safe start to the boating season, have an American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)-certified technician or mechanic perform the recommended maintenance on your vessel. Whether or not you get a professional tune-up, be sure to complete the following checklist before leaving the dock:

  • Inspect all of the safety equipment on board, including fire extinguishers, flares, personal flotation devices, and first-aid kits, and repair, recharge and restock them as necessary.
  • Check all lights on your boat to make sure they are in place and operating properly.
  • Open the engine compartment to check for excess water in the bilge.
  • Check for any electrical issues, such as loose, disconnected or corroded conductors.
  • Check that the battery is properly secured to the vessel.
  • Check the fuel tank for leaks, and ensure there is proper ventilation.
  • Check the fuel filters to make sure no water is present.
  • Fill your tank with the freshest, highest-quality fuel available.
  • Change and check the oil level before starting the boat for the first time.
  • If you will be towing your vessel to its launch point, you will also need to properly inspect and maintain your trailer prior to your first outing.

Get In, On and Out of the Water Safely

Once all tasks on your pre-launch checklist are complete, you can start your engine and get out on the water. It is important on your first, and every trip of the season, to:

  • Follow safe launching practices.
  • Monitor the engine temperature to make sure it is not overheating.
  • Monitor the cooling system to make sure it is operating correctly.
  • Ensure you and your passengers know and follow safe boating practices.

Remember: Every Vessel is Unique

The work required to get your boat water-ready will depend on whether it is used in fresh or salt water, its size, manufacturer, model, and the state in which it is registered. Be sure to get the information you need, then develop and follow the right spring ritual to help ensure every trip of the boating season is safe and fun for all.

For All the Adventures Ahead

Get a boat or yacht insurance quote today. The quick and easy process leaves more time for what you love – time out on the water with friends and family. Make sure your boat and everyone in it is properly protected, with Travelers.

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5 Steps to Create a Home Inventory Checklist

Posted on: May 10th, 2019

After a fire, burglary or another event in which you lost possessions from your home, it may be difficult to remember the details of every one of the belongings that you have accumulated over the years. In this situation, having a current inventory of your possessions, including make and model numbers, may help you with any potential insurance claims. Taking the time to document your belongings now can help you recover faster after a loss.

Here are some steps you can use to help build your home inventory checklist.

Step 1: Take the time to walk through your property. Compiling a comprehensive home inventory takes time and effort. The more detailed your inventory, the more useful it will be if you have to make a claim. Document possessions inside your home and on your property that may be of value.

Step 2: Keep your inventory in a safe place. Creating a digital home inventory and storing it off-site will help ensure that it won’t be lost, stolen or damaged during any disaster at your home. You can also create a photo or video inventory and upload it to a cloud-based service.

  • First, take a picture of relevant rooms or items. Label pictures of rooms and important individual items with a description, including where you bought it and the make, model and serial number. Don’t forget to inventory items that may be out of sight in storage closets or drawers.
  • Second, walk through your home or office using your phone to shoot video of the contents, describing them as you go.
  • Finally, digital home inventory programs allow you to upload multiple photos of each item, including photos of the serial number, receipt and other identifying details. If you choose to create a paper version, consider storing it off-site in a safe deposit box.

Step 3: Update your inventory often. When you make a significant purchase, add the information to the inventory while the details are fresh in your mind. This is also a good time to delete items that you have replaced or no longer own.

Step 4: Remember your business assets. While most people think of their home when making an inventory, it is important to document the contents of your business, if applicable, as well.

Step 5: Consider valuable items. Valuable items like jewelry, art, and collectibles may have increased in value since you brought them into your home. Check with your agent, if you have one, to make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage for these items as they may need to be insured separately. Consider putting jewelry or other valuables that you don’t often wear or use in a safe deposit box.

To learn more about ways to protect your home and belongings, check out our homeowners insurance products. 

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Flood Insurance Options for Long Island LI

Posted on: October 27th, 2014

The rules and costs related to flood insurance keep changing. Costs for flood insurance Long Island are on the rise as the embattled and cash-strapped National Flood Insurance Program tries to keep head above water.

For advice and options on Flood Insurance LI, you should consult with Denis Miller Insurance Agency. They are flood insurance specialists serving the communities of Merrick, Baldwin, Bellmore, Suffolk County, and Freeport.

When you consider that floods are the number one natural disaster in terms of damage to property then you realize why flood insurance is so important. It is not only property located within demarcated flood zones that are at risk. They might have a higher risk but the truth is that no one is immune to flooding and just about everyone is at risk of suffering flood damage. Flood damage can occur as a result of storms, water surges, burst pipes, heavy downpours and even from mudflows.

In most cases, flood damage is severe and will require disaster recovery to restore your property to pre-disaster condition. It goes without saying that the costs involved will be enormous. If you don’t have adequate flood insurance you can lose life’s investments and savings.

Normal or standard homeowners’ policies don’t cover flood damage. You need separate insurance to cover flood damage and losses. Anyone who lives in a community that takes part in the National Flood Insurance Program can get coverage. This federally sponsored program covers homes, condos, apartments, business premises as well as possessions.

When buying Flood Insurance LI you need to know how much flood insurance you need and what types of property and possessions you want to cover. Flood insurance can be tricky and you will well to seek professional advice from an independent agency such as Denis Miller.

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Commercial Insurance in Lido Beach and Nassau County

Posted on: October 21st, 2014

You need three important things in business insurance.

1. You need cover for your real risks.

2. You need reliable cover.

3. You need affordable commercial insurance.

If you have a business in Freeport, Hempstead, Long Beach or Long Island then you can find these three ingredients by consulting with Denis Miller Insurance.

It stands to reason that you don’t want to pay for business insurance that you don’t need. For example, if you live in an area where earthquakes just don’t happen then probably don’t want insurance for that. Understanding your risk profile is one of the first things to obtaining custom tailored commercial insurance. There are some risks that apply to just about any business. These would include property damage, employee injuries, liabilities, theft, cybercrimes and some or other act of nature.

A common type of commercial insurance is known as a BOP (Business Owners Policy). This policy will cover your important assets in the event of loss due to storms, fires, crimes or power surges.  Another general type of business insurance is liability cover. This will protect you if somebody decides to sue you if they suffer damage or injury as a result of your business operations. Now some carriers offer combo packages that enable you to combine certain policies. For example, you can include liability and business disruption insurance in your business owner’s policy. Another general type of business insurance is commercial auto. You will need to have that if you operate one or more company vehicles. There are other options as well, such as umbrella insurance which will increase the settlement limits.

Apart from general risks, different businesses have specific risks and requirements associated with the type of business. For example, a construction firm might need some forms of surety bonds or builders bonds.  A boat charter business might need some form of marine insurance.

All in all business or commercial insurance is difficult to understand and probably best left in the hands of professionals who will be able to provide you with the best coverage for your business and your risks.

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Lido Beach and Nassau County: Auto Insurance

Posted on: August 25th, 2014

First Steps To Take When Buying A New Car

Have you just bought a new car for you and your family? Perhaps you are now wondering, “What’s next?”

If this is the first time you have ever bought a new car, then read this article to learn more about the first steps you need to take when buying a new car.

  1. Contact the Department of Transportation in Freeport, Hempstead, Long Beach, Long Island

Alternatively, you can contact the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Motor Vehicle Administration. Inquire about the necessary papers to complete the car registration process. Depending on your location, some departments may have this information available online; in other locations, you may be able to make an appointment.

  1. Get the documents required to complete the car registration

Here is a short list of the papers you will need to gather for the car registration:

–          Your driver’s license (or the license of the person who is going to be the car owner)

–          Documents to prove the identity of the car owner

–          Social security card

–          Proof of residency

  1. Think about buying the best auto insurance for your needs

In some states it is mandatory to have an insurance card or proof of insurance, therefore it is advised that you consider buying a car insurance policy as soon as you purchase a new car.

It is only normal that you will want to save money on your insurance; therefore, do in-depth market research and make sure you inquired about car insurance wherever possible: by phone, by completing online insurance quotes, or by making appointments at an insurance company’s offices.

  1. Pay the registration fee

If you have doubts about the registration process you can discuss it with your car dealer. Additionally, you can always get more information on your car insurance from your insurance agency in Freeport, Hempstead, Long Beach, Long Island.

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Home Insurance and Homeowners Insurance in Long Beach, Lido Beach and Nassau County

Posted on: August 8th, 2014

Home insurance coverage and considerations

If you have a home loan it will be a condition of your mortgage that you carry adequate home insurance. Even if you don’t have a mortgage you still need homeowners insurance to cover your most valuable asset.  So the question is not whether you need property insurance, but rather which policy is best for you? If you own property or intend to buy a home in Nassau County, Oceanside, Suffolk County or Westbury, the Denis Miller Insurance can answer that question for you.

Of course, your homeowner’s policy must cover you for major risks such as fire and natural disasters. But you have to be sure which disasters you are at risk for and which of those are covered and which are not. For example, flood damage is one of the biggest risks property owners face. But flood insurance is not covered by standard home insurance policies. You will need a separate policy for that. You have to consider your real risks and ensure you are covered for those, either through your homeowner’s policy or by way of a separate policy.

Should your property be severely damaged you may have to make alternative living arrangements whilst repairs and renovations take place. Perhaps you don’t have the option to move in with relatives or friends and even if you did, it might not be something you would want to do. So does your homeowner’s insurance cover you for alternative accommodation?

Apart from disasters and calamities, there are many other smaller events that result in damage and loss. Accidents at your home can result in liability claims. Water damage can result from a breached roof, a leaking pipe or a burst geyser. The kids might hit a baseball through a window and take out an expensive collector’s item at the same time.

Property insurance will cover your land and buildings but should also cover your possessions and liabilities.

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Flood Insurance in Bellmore, Massapequa, Oceanside and Seaford

Posted on: August 1st, 2014

Flood insurance is becoming more and more expensive

Just a few days ago the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for Long Island. Now you don’t have to be right on the coastline to be at risk. In fact, low-lying areas and places that have inadequate drainage could experience the most flooding. When you consider that floods are the number one natural disaster in the US, you realize that you can ill afford not to have flood insurance. And you don’t have to live in a flood zone to be at risk. As much as 25% of flood damage occurs outside specifies flood zones.

Storm surges in Freeport can result in severe flood damage. During heavy downpours, many parts of Long Beach could suffer flood damage. Superstorm Sandy damaged many waterfront properties and homes in Long Beach.  The Town Board of Hempstead stated in an article about flood zones that there is real potential for loss and destruction of properties from flooding and erosion.

Flood insurance is a special type of coverage that is not a part of your normal homeowner’s policy. You have to get separate flood insurance to protect your financial interests in the event of a flood.  Most insurance companies won’t write flood insurance policies in risky areas due to the severe losses from the past. Even the Federal subsidized flood insurance program is cash strapped and heavy increases in premiums are on the horizon.

So how much flood insurance do you need and what are your options? Flood insurance just gets more and more expensive so you really should seek professional advice about this. The best answer will be to consult with a flood insurance expert such as Denis Miller.  This way you can be confident that you will get the flood insurance that is right for you and your property.

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Commercial Insurance and Business Insurance in Atlantic Beach, Lido Beach, Oceanside and Nassau County

Posted on: July 25th, 2014

What should a small business entrepreneur include in his business insurance package

 

Are you a young entrepreneur looking for commercial insurance, but you do not know what should this cover? If your answer to this question is yes, then you should further read this article for more information about this type of insurance, and also to find out what should a small business insurance cover.

To start with, every commercial insurance package, no matter if it is for a small or for a large business should include general liability coverage. This means that in case you, your employees, or your products cause any damage to a third party, any costs that may occur after an unfortunate event like this will be supported by your insurance company. This is a great way to protect your business against law suits, which all o us know that can be very expensive nowadays.

In addition to the general liability insurance, you should also consider adding a property insurance policy. This type of insurance policy, not only protects the actual building of your company against fire damage, smoke damage, flood damage, theft, or vandalism, but it also covers for the costs of any assets, and products you have stored in that building.

In case your business depends on cars, or trucks, you can also add the commercial auto insurance policy to your insurance package. This way, you can protect both the vehicles that are transporting the goods and also the items that are being transported. This is a great way to protect your business against unexpected costs that may occur after a car accident.

Last but not least, you should also know that there is a commercial insurance policy that covers everything that a business owner should cover. It is called the Business Owner`s policy, and it actually is an insurance package since it covers a bundle of other policies.

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Flood Insurance in Bellmore, Baldwin, Atlantic Beach, Freeport and Long Beach LI

Posted on: July 18th, 2014

How to find the cheapest flood insurance in your area

 

Are you having trouble with finding a cheap flood insurance package in your area? If you ever found yourself in this situation, you should read this article to find out what should you do in order to make sure you successfully found the flood insurance package you need, at the lowest price.

As we all know, this type of insurance covers any damage that may be caused to your property, in case of a flood. It can also cover the possessions you have stored in the house, and all the adjacent structures, like the garage, and so on. Furthermore, in case your house gets badly damaged, and you cannot live there after the disaster, your insurance company will have to provide you with everything you need from a shelter to drinking water or even clothes.

When it comes to finding the cheapest flood insurance, you should first start by doing a little research. You can conduct your research on the internet since almost every insurance company now has a website where you can calculate the rough price of your insurance. In addition, there are websites where you can even compare different offers side-by-side, which can be very helpful.

After you are done with the research, you should make a list of at least 5 insurance companies that you think have the most interesting offers. Now what you have to do is to visit, or call these companies in order to get the exact price of your insurance package, and to find out what coverage do they have.

At last, you only have to pick the one you think best fits your needs, and go and sign your flood insurance. If you do not have time to do all this work on your own, you can always contact an insurance adjuster who will do everything there has to be done for you. Their services are quite cheap nowadays, and they are available even in areas such as Freeport, Hempstead, Long Beach, and Long Island.

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Auto and Car Insurance in Lido Beach, Long Island, Nassau County

Posted on: July 11th, 2014

Affordable auto and car insurance should also be reliable and tailored to your needs

Whether you drive a Lincoln, a Chevy, a Ford or a Toyota, you need auto insurance to cover you in the event of an accident, auto theft or a potential liability claim. We know we must have car insurance and there are many options out there. But finding auto insurance that is affordable and reliable is not always so easy. If you live in Nassau County, Oceanside, Suffolk County, and Westbury then finding car insurance that cost-effective and reliable is easier than you might think.

Dennis Miller is an independent agent that specializes in auto insurance.  They have helped countless car owners in Nassau County, Oceanside, Suffolk County and Westbury with affordable and trusted auto insurance.

There are many factors to consider when you take out automobile insurance.  For example are you the sole driver or do will other people also drive your car? Do you own more than one car? Do you have other vehicles such as a motorcycle, boat or snowmobile? Will you travel out of state?  Will your auto insurance cover losses due to acts of natures, such as floods and landslides?

Unfortunately, car insurance is not a simple matter and that is why it makes sense to consult with an expert that understands auto insurance and how it applies to your area and to your situation. There are many different risk factors and each person has a slightly different risk profile. You need coverage for normal things such as collision damage, personal injury, liability, theft, and vandalism. You also need cover for possible storm damage and related events.

They type of risks you face and the amount of coverage you need for each is something your agent you should discuss with an expert insurance agent. Then you can have peace of mind that you have the right mix of policies at the best possible rates.

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