As you begin to think about which flood mitigation options might be the best for you and your home, consider these three key steps:

1. Know Your Risk. Learn more details about your home’s level of flood risk, including the type of flood zone it is in.
2. Insure Your Property. Even if your home is in a low or moderate risk flood zone, purchase a flood insurance policy is highly recommended. It provides you with financial protection from a flood event. Flood damage isn’t covered by standard homeowners’ insurance policies.
3. Reduce Your Risk. Decide how to prepare your family and protect your home from flooding.

For additional tips and information, download the brochure from FEMA - Protect Your Home From Flooding.

Insurance is one of the most critical items to consider when preparing for a flood. Remember, most flood insurance policies have a waiting period of 12 to 30 days, so don’t leave it to luck.

Reach out to us to review your flood policy and make sure you are protected. Call us at 201-796-1881.

Thinking about buying a new car? Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases many people make. There are many factors to consider in choosing the right one. 

According to iSeeCars.com, January and February are typically months when the most discounts are available, while data from Edmunds.com ranks January and February among the months with the smallest discounts. Buying a car at the end of March, June, September, or December often leads to even better deals as dealerships are trying hard to reach sales goals.

With Safety being a huge concern amongst consumers, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is making it hard to earn its TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ Awards. They followed tougher requirements this year and the winners offer the highest level of protection for both vehicle occupants and other vulnerable road users.
 
To earn the awards, a vehicle must offer good protection in a small overlap front crash, in which 25% of the vehicle’s width on either side collides with another vehicle or a stationary object. This year the driver-side and passenger-side evaluations have been combined into a single rating. The test is performed on both the driver and passenger sides, and the rating is equivalent to the lower of the two results.

Hyundai Motor Group, which includes the Genesis, Hyundai and Kia brands, has the most 2024 awards overall — six Top Safety Pick+ and 10 Top Safety Pick awards for a total of 16. Toyota Motor Corp., which includes the Toyota and Lexus brands, has the next highest total with one Top Safety Pick+ and 12 Top Safety Pick awards. Mazda earns the most Top Safety Pick+ awards of any single brand, with five, as well as one Top Safety Pick.

By class, small SUVs, midsize SUVs and midsize luxury SUVs are tied for the most Top Safety Pick+ awards, with five each. Midsize luxury SUVs, which qualify for an additional 12 Top Safety Pick awards, earn the most awards overall. Relatively few cars, pickups and minivans qualify for either award.

Whether you are purchasing a new car now, or at some point in the future, I highly recommend you check out the IIHS Award Winners. You can never be too safe when it comes to car safety.

Looking for the best insurance rates for your new or existing car? Give us a call and we can help you find the best insurance that provides the coverage you need at the right price.
 
Be safe on the roads.

Extremely cold temperatures put your pipes at risk in the winter. Learn which pipes are most at risk and get tips on preventing frozen pipes.
 
Frozen pipes can present an invisible threat – one that you might not recognize until the weather starts to warm. By then, the water damage can be significant and costly.  Fortunately, keeping your home warmer, at a consistent temperature, and better insulated can help protect your pipes from freezing this winter.

What Do You Do if You Have a Frozen Pipe?

If you suspect pipes in your home have been exposed to freezing temperatures, or water is not flowing through a faucet normally, follow these steps to help reduce the potential for water damage:

• Locate and close the main water shutoff valve as soon as possible and before temperatures rise above freezing.
• Open all faucets including those outside to drain remaining water from pipes.
• Have buckets, towels and fans available to contain, clean-up and dry water leaks.
• Slowly turn water back on and inspect for leaks. If there are leaks, be prepared to turn the water off immediately.
• Also inspect pipes for damage in areas like attics and crawl spaces, where it is safe to do so.
• Never use torches or heat guns to facilitate thawing as these can create fire hazards.
• As temperatures increase above freezing, watch and listen for signs of water leaks.
• If there is pipe damage, call a licensed plumber for repairs.

Why is a Frozen Pipe a Concern?
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?
How do you Prevent Frozen Pipes?

Check out the entire article from Travelers.  You will be glad that you did.

Winter can be harsh and demanding. Take steps now to prepare your home and ensure your family’s safety and your peace of mind.

We have been helping homeowners with insurance coverage for over 60 years. We will help you get the best coverage for your needs. Reach out to us if you would like more information at 201-796-1881.

It’s that time of year again when Frosty the Snowman isn’t the only reminder of the cold weather outside!
 
Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare your home in advance.

The best defense is a good offense. Follow these 7 tips to safe safeguard your home and your family all season long, compliments of The Andover Companies.

1. Protect your pipes. This is priority number one when it comes to winterizing your home, and the time to do it is well before outdoor temperatures dip below freezing temperatures. To-dos: Drain outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems. Disconnect outdoor hoses. Insulate pipes in unheated areas of your home. Leave indoor faucets dripping in extremely cold weather.

2. Turn up the heat. Are the leaves dropping off the trees? Is it sweater weather? Now’s the time to make sure your furnace is in good running condition. To-dos: Change your furnace filter every four months (every two if you have pets). Install a programmable thermostat. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so they direct warm air downward.

3. Stop ice dams before they start. Ice dams occur when snowmelt freezes on the edge of your roof. If it happens repeatedly, you run the risk of roof leaks and water damage. To-dos: Clean out your gutters and downspouts. Seal around vent pipes, exhaust fans, and attic hatches. Clear soffit vents. Install snow and ice slides on your roof. Add insulation to your attic floor.

4. Check your chimney. Before you curl up by the fire this winter, check your chimney—creosote and critters have a way of building up inside it. To-dos: Have a chimney sweep and give your fireplace or wood stove a good cleaning. Keep the flue closed when you’re not using the fireplace. Install a chimney inflatable to block cold air and retain warm air.

5. Mind the gaps. Cold air can seep in from the tiniest gaps. Caulking and weather-stripping around windows and doors keep cold and condensation at bay and boost your home’s energy efficiency. To-dos: Check windows and doors and caulk or weather-strip as needed. Upgrade to double- or triple-pane windows and insulated doors or add storm windows and doors.

6. Prepare for emergencies. What’s inevitable in winter besides ice and snow? Power outages. That’s why it’s smart to have emergency supplies on hand. A family communications plan is a good idea, too. To-dos: Stock up on sand, ice melt, candles, lighters, water, canned goods, and shovels. Check the charge on your fire extinguisher. Invest in a back-up generator.

7. Check CO detectors. Each year, over 400 Americans die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands more are hospitalized, according to the CDC. The risk of CO poisoning spikes in the winter. To-dos: Check your carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. Never run a generator, grill, or similar device in or near your home. Keep them 20 feet from doors and windows. If your CO alarm sounds, go outside or open windows and doors.

Remember, winter can be harsh and unpredictable. Take steps now to prepare your home against storms and cold—and ensure your family’s safety and your peace of mind.

We have been helping homeowners with insurance coverage for over 60 years. We will help you get the best coverage for your needs. Reach out to us if you would like more information at 201-796-1881.

Daylight Savings Time is another reminder that fall weather is here. Wet leaves and dashing deer are just a few of the obstacles that we need to remain cautious about here in the northeast. And fall weather can change rapidly from warm to cold, causing roads to ice overnight.

Here are some fall driving tips and advice for protecting your car:

Slippery roads
Wet leaves can be just as slick as ice. Slow down when driving over large patches of leaves and increase your distance from the car ahead of you.

Camouflaged potholes (and people)
It’s more difficult to spot potholes, road debris and the curb when leaves are strewn across the road. Slow down to avoid hitting something that could damage your car. And never drive over a large pile of leaves—kids and dogs may be playing in them.

Fire hazards
Wet leaves aren’t the only culprit. Dry leaves can ignite from the heat of your car’s exhaust system or catalytic converter. To avoid this, don’t park on a pile of leaves.

Car Damage
Remove leaves from your car, both when you are parked and before you drive. Sap and acid from the leaves can damage your paint. Leaves can get stuck beneath your windshield wipers, making them less effective. And leaves that accumulate under your car’s hood can clog air vents and impact your ventilation system.

Longer Nights
Daylight saving time ends in fall, and you may begin driving in the dark more often. Maintain a speed that allows you to stop for an obstacle at the far reaches of your headlights.

More Fog
As the air begins to cool, the chance of fog increases. When driving in fog, reduce your speed to increase your reaction time. Driving with your low-beam headlights helps you see the roadway more clearly.

Roaming Deer
You’re more likely to cross paths with deer during the fall, which is their mating season. Stay especially alert at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. If you can’t avoid hitting a deer, don’t swerve—but do brake firmly and stay in your lane.

These tips are courtesy of AAA. You can read the full article here.  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation also provides Fall Driving Tips.
 
Be safe on the roads and reach out if you would like to review your policies or have any additional questions we can help with. 201-796-1881.

Everyone is at risk of a flood. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says 99% of U.S. counties have had a flood since 1998. Most floods happen outside of mapped flood zones and 25% of claims happen outside of high-risk areas.

You can minimize your risk with knowledge and preparation. Learn about different flood risks, ways to protect your belongings and how to select the best coverage for you.

Who Needs Flood Insurance?

Standard home and renters’ insurance doesn’t cover damages caused by a flood. You’ll need a separate policy for that. Flood insurance covers flood damage to your home, personal belongings, and other structures on your property.

Renters and condo owners need flood insurance, too. Your building owner might have flood protection, but it only covers their building and rebuilding costs. It won’t help you replace your things. Condo and renters flood policies are inexpensive since they don’t cover rebuilding.

Know What Flood Policies Cover

A growing mix of private insurance options and federally funded policies are available. Flood insurance coverage can get tricky. Government-backed policies like the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private flood insurance providers have their pros and cons.

As noted above, vehicles aren’t covered under flood insurance. You’ll need a comprehensive auto policy for that.

Protect Your Property and Belongings

Regardless of your home’s flood rating, you should safeguard your property and belongings.

• Protect in-home electrical and climate systems 
• Elevate outdoor equipment
• Modify water valves
• Inspect the perimeter
• Clean gutters, downspouts and drains
• Elevate storage items
• Fight soil erosion using landscaping
• Create barriers

Safeguard Essential Documents 

Most people think about property damage during a flood. But you must also consider other risks, like damage to essential and hard-to-replace items. FEMA recommends keeping essentials in a grab-and-go bag if you need to leave in a hurry. Examples include:

• Prescriptions — Gather essential medicines, medical equipment, batteries, eyeglasses, hearing aids and other necessary medical items.
• Critical documents — Assemble hard and electronic copies of birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, and other crucial documents. Organize your information into a digital wallet or secure cloud storage.
• Personal needs — Gather food, water, first-aid kits, cash, and phone chargers.
• Priceless items — Place irreplaceable mementos and other valuables like photo albums and keepsakes out of reach of floodwaters. Use waterproof plastic bags.
• Pets — Have a plan for your pets, including food, medications, identification tags and immunization records. Pack an extra leash and collar (even if they usually don’t wear one) so you can safely remove your pet no matter where you are. Research pet-friendly establishments beforehand so you’ll know where to go in an emergency.
• Home inventory — Create and store a home inventory online. Include pictures, receipts, and warranty information for your belongings. If you submit a claim, you’ll need proof you owned these things.

Secure Your Protection Today

Insurance is one of the most critical items to consider when preparing for a flood. Remember, most flood insurance policies have a waiting period of 12 to 30 days, so don’t leave it to luck.

Reach out to us to review your flood policy and make sure you are protected.

Now that you’re saving money and your car is running at optimum efficiency, let us know how we can help you get the best coverage for your needs. Reach out to us if you would like more information at 201-796-1881.

This time of year there are college graduates moving out of their college place and into an adult apartment.  If you are that college graduate or the parent of the graduate, this article from The Foremost Creative Team is spot on with advice to help you prepare for the move, teach you effective and time-saving hacks for packing, help you organize the moving-out process, and get you ready to move into your new place. It’s great advice for anyone planning a move!
 
Here are some of the helpful tips from the article:

• Change over utilities
• Acquire packing supplies
• Notify important parties
• Set up mail forwarding
• Sort and purge
• Organize school records for any children
• Take measurements of your new home
• Highly consider requesting time off from work
• Empty, clean, and defrost the freezer

 
Take the time to read the full article here. You will be glad you did! At the end of the article there are additional blogs for “Packing your Memories,” “Movin’ on Out,” and “Moving In-Tips.”
 
We have been helping homeowners with insurance coverage for over 60 years. We will help you get the best coverage for your needs and help you get through the move.
 
Do you have any moving experiences you want to share? Feel free to comment below.

At Suburban Brokers, we’re here to make certain that you have the right insurance coverage to protect your pool, your home, your family, and your loved ones. Reach out to us if you would like more information at 201-796-1881.
 
So, put safety first and dive into the summer with a splash!

Always proceed with caution. Operating a boat is a serious responsibility.

If you have a boat or are thinking about buying a boat, talk to us about insurance. We will walk you through your options to help you select the coverage you need.

With peace of mind while practicing boating safely, have a wonderful time on the water!

For more information about recreational vehicle insurance, visit our website.

Don’t wait until after you have a loss to check your insurance—review your homeowners or renters’ policies to be certain you have the right coverage in the event you're hit with a destructive storm.

This hurricane season insurance checklist can help you understand your coverage and whether it’s adequate to repair or rebuild your home, if necessary, and replace your belongings. Most importantly, know that we are here for you, and we are happy to review your policy with you to ensure that you are structurally and financially prepared.

This Infographic from The Insurance Information Institute will provide you with 10 tips to protect your home and finances when storms blow into town.
 
Additional resources covering What to do Before a Tropical Storm or Hurricane, are provided by the National Weather Service. They have multiple checklists and free resources to assist you as well as How to Prepare for Hurricane Season from the Insurance Information Institute.

More resources for Hurricane Preparedness include:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Tidal Basin
Insurance Information Institute
State of New Jersey Department of Health – Hurricane Readiness
 
Making insurance decisions can be complicated. Our agents are here to find the policy that is right for you. Whether it's homeowners, car insurance, business, life or health or any other insurance you may need, Suburban can find the best solution for you. Give us a call at 201-796-1881.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. Cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — has become the most common distraction.

Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking. By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash.

Share these tips to help keep others safe. For more on ways to reduce distracted driving, check out Every Second Matters, Travelers’ conversation starter on reducing distracted driving risk.
 
As always, Suburban is here to assist you with all your insurance needs. Give us a call if we can help at 201-796-1881.

Travelers understands that many individuals and businesses are facing a significant financial burden due to COVID-19. To help ease that burden, Travelers is expanding billing relief for all U.S. customers across Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance and Personal Insurance.
 
Effective immediately, they are suspending cancellation and nonrenewal of coverage due to nonpayment through May 15, 2020. They will not charge interest, late fees or penalties during this period, providing policyholders extra time to pay their premiums without risking cancellation.

We encourage you to visit their dedicated COVID-19 site on Travelers.com where you can find details on this billing relief plan and a helpful FAQ section.
 
You may also contact a Travelers billing representative, who can help answer any questions.
 
•For U.S. Personal Insurance, call 1-800-842-5075.
 
•For U.S. Business Insurance and Bond & Specialty Insurance, call 1-800-252-2268.

As always, Suburban is here to assist you with all of your insurance needs. Give us a call if we can help at 201-796-1881.

With Valentine’s Day coming up and Christmas and New Year’s just passed, now is a good time to insure the gifts you received from loved ones.
​
Does your homeowners policy fully protect your expensive items?

You may think that a homeowners insurance policy provides adequate coverage for all of your valuables, but policies may provide limited or no coverage for certain items – including generally expensive items – that are damaged or stolen.

From jewelry to collectibles, you might have more valuables than you realize. It’s time to rethink your coverage.

• Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Jewelry and Valuable Items?
• Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings?
• How to Add Engagement Ring Insurance or Wedding Ring Insurance
• What Does Jewelry Insurance Cover?
• How to Insurance Jewelry and Other Valuable Items with Travelers

Your need to insure valuable items is something we can help you with. If you purchase additional coverage for high-cost items, it is a good idea to understand its limits and exclusions.

When you bundle your car and home with Travelers you could save up to 15% on your home insurance. There may be additional savings when you purchase other policies like boat, umbrella insurance or a personal articles floater.

H​ave you winterized your home or car yet? Here are some important tips to prepare your home and automobiles for the cold weather and to save money on heating bills.

At Home

It’s good advice for any time of the year: Give your home a thorough once-over and complete the maintenance tasks that can prevent you from having to make expensive repairs later on. This includes:

1. Check your home's heating and air conditioning system.
2. Paint, caulk and seal exterior wood.
3. Seal your masonry and hard surfaces.
4. Check your drainage.
5. Clean your gutters.
6. Clean your chimney and order firewood.
7. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
8. Shut down the pool and the sprinkler system and drain outside faucets.

Decorating your Home, Office or Yard
 
For many, the winter holidays are a time of joy, celebration and tradition. Decorating your home, yard or office is a fun, festive way to celebrate the season. A little planning can help you enjoy your display all season long. Click here for some tips from Travelers to help keep your family and friends safe around your decorative displays.

​For Your Car - On the Road
Cold Weather Essentials

• Check the battery, tires and tire pressure
• Check all fluids, including antifreeze
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, jumper cables, ice scraper
• Keep a flashlight, blankets, portable phone charger, first-aid kit, extra batteries and water and non-perishable snacks

Your car is an investment to protect - and you and your loves ones should be protected at all times! Click here to see our Winter Driving Safety Tips.
​
Want more tips before the upcoming new year? Check out all of our topics.

Need to discuss your coverage? Reach out anytime.

​All the best for the holidays and a Happy New Year!