Author: townAdmin

We understand that nearly everyone is facing challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic. As someone who’s entrusted Plymouth Rock to keep you and your loved ones safe, you should know that we want to do what we can to help you by providing financial assistance during this time.

As we work together to slow the spread of COVID-19, most of us are driving less and many are facing financial hardship. We want to let you know that relief is on the way.

Plymouth Rock Is Here.
Today, we announced that effective April 1, 2020 we will provide relief for personal insurance customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, subject to regulatory approval. Relief will continue until each state’s current stay-at-home orders are lifted.

Plymouth Rock plans to offer the following relief to our customers:

  • Personal Auto insurance customers will receive a 25% premium credit on Liability and Personal Injury Protection Coverages. An automatic credit will be applied to affected customers’ policies. No further action is required.
  • We are introducing our “pay it forward” option, which gives anyone who wishes the ability to donate their personal auto insurance premium credit to a non-profit that is providing relief for those hit hardest by COVID-19. A list of charities will be made available at plymouthrock.com in the coming days.
  • Any health care worker who is an auto insurance customer and is involved in an accident while driving to or from work, or in the line of duty, will not have to pay their comprehensive and collision deductible.
  • For our homeowner customers, Plymouth Rock will apply its Additional Living Expense Coverage to any health care worker who is required by illness or job requirements caused by COVID-19 to temporarily reside somewhere other than their primary residence. This coverage would be available when payment for these expenses is not provided by the health worker’s employer or another source.*
  • Continuation of our payment flexibility, including waiving of late fees and a 60-day grace period (longer in some states), holds on cancellations and non-renewals for non-payment, per state guidelines.

Rest Assured
If you are facing financial difficulty due to COVID-19 that may impact your ability to pay your premium, contact us to discuss how we can help. We hope these steps provide some real relief during these difficult times. For additional information and updates, click here. Thank you for being a valued Plymouth Rock customer, and please stay safe.

More than just insurance. Plymouth Rock Assurance.

Over the past three years, it has been a privilege to partner with many 911 Restoration franchise owners. Through our one-on-one personalized services, the Townsend Insurance Group has been able to provide competitive pricing and enhanced coverage for a number of 911 Restoration owners across the US. As a byproduct of this personalized service, we have developed a deep understanding of the day-to-day operations of 911 Restoration owners and the specialized policies you require.

Read on for testimonials from a number of 911 Restoration owners and managers. If you are interested in a personalized quote or free consultation, please fill out the form on the bottom of this page or email Townsend Insurance Group President Court Townsend directly at cjt@townsendinsgroup.com. We look forward to working with you!

 


 

Yoav Gueron (911 Restoration – Portland, OR)

“I have worked with several different insurance agents on my 911 Restoration, Inc. needs both in Oregon and in Utah.

I have nothing but good things to say about Court. He always return back to me when I need some certification. His pricing was so competitive that even after I shared it with my old agents even he said to me go with him as he cant compete.

But more then that, I truly feel like I have some one who really got my back and can guide, explain, and support when I need it.

I know it is a hassle to get a real quote as it takes to email a few files, DON’T BE LAZY! Take the time get your tailor made quote and see for yourself.”

 

Leah Quist (911 Restoration – Orange County, CA)

“I have been working with Court at Townsend Insurance Group Since July of 2016 and I have to say it has been a pleasure. In my career, I have worked with many agents in the comp and benefits side and also the liability side. Court is able to handle both sides of the business with ease and grace. He is knowledgeable, works to get you the best insurance at the best price while keeping you informed of where the process is.

Once he has secured your policies, he is available for questions, and to complete the dreaded Insurance Certificates. And in our line of work we are asking for these often, he is right there and turns them around for us. We are on the West Coast and in a different time zone but he is always available if need.

He is truly one of the main assets in our business and I would recommend him and Townsend Insurance to anyone that is looking for a broker that goes above and beyond.”

 

Nae Barraza (911 Restoration – San Diego, CA)

“During the year of 2017-2018, I had a couple of issues regarding the status of two claims with the insurance carrier we had at the time. I was referred to CJ Townsend who immediately helped our branch out. We were not clients of his but, because we were part of the 911 Restoration Franchise, he helped me out. Not only did he not bill me for his time, he spoke to me for over an hour, on a Sunday, taking time away from his personal life to make my professional life easier. Even though the news was not what I wanted to hear, he was both professional and gave me guidance as to what to do next. The only thing he asked was when I renewed to give him the opportunity to quote our policy for insurances.

During the next 9 months, we had a couple of very minor fender benders that totaled less than $3,000.00 overall in damages. Our policies went sky high. We were told to expext an increase of 33-50% of just the autos alone. We were setting ourselves up for the rate increase and even getting outside quote ourselves just to see if we could find better rates. CJ appeared and reminded me he was going to quote me. I was like “Do your best”, with absolutely no faith it could be done.

Not only did he quote our company, BUT he came back in 25% less than we were already paying. This was not 25% less than we were expecting, but 25% less than we were already paying. We were saving money! His original quote had one policy higher than I liked so he re-ran the numbers to get them all down and they decreased to where it was a no-brainer who we were going to go with.

I also want to point out how patient he is. I had a dozen different scenarios as to what types of insurances I truly needed for equipment, office, supplies, vehicles. If something happened and we got robbed, our trailer got stolen, the building caught on fire, are we protected? Do we have enough coverage? How can you help me to protect our business? He never got frustrated, he always had an answer and if he did not; he found one for me in a timely manner. If ever I was going to recommend a business it would be his, and I would be referring you to his business because of the honest and ethical work he does.”


Request a Quote or Consultation Today


Septic contractors face unique exposures and require specific insurance coverages. Unfortunately, many contractors complete their work every day without these coverages in place, leaving them liable in the event that an incident occurs. In some cases, an under-covered contractor who has saved a few dollars on their monthly insurance premiums could actually be liable for tens of thousands of dollars in damages.

Townsend Insurance Group specializes in septic system cleaning and repair insurance programs. We will spend the time necessary with you to understand your business and then design a plan that will protect your business for coverages dealing with:

1. Loss of Income: We know that your truck is your livelihood and, if it can’t be used for a significant amount of time, that could cause and financial hardship for your business. Loss of income coverage compensates you for the money you can’t make while that vehicle is out of commission.

2. Professional Liability Coverage: If you are installing, designing or inspecting septic systems, you need this coverage. If there are any issues with the design, installation or inspection of the system that your business is involved with, this part of the Septic Contractors policy comes to your defense.

3. Pollution Coverage: Your business loads, transports and then unloads pollutants – it’s just a part of a “day in the life” of a septic contractor. If something were to happen to those materials in any phase of that process, how would that affect your business? Townsend Insurance Group understands that risk and will work with you to develop a plan to provide coverage in case of unanticipated discharge.

4. Employment Practices Liability: If one of your employees were to bring charges of discrimination, wrongful termination or even sexual harassment, how would you defend yourself against those charges? As part of your overall protection plan, we will cover this important coverage and present a variety of options for you to include in your insurance plan.

As a licensed and independent insurance agency – and fellow small business owner – Townsend Insurance Group understands your unique needs as a septic system cleaning and repair contractor. You need a partner that protects against these various liabilities and can clearly answer your questions about coverage. Our promise is to work with you to understand your unique insurance needs, develop a plan for the long-term protection of your business and then provide exceptional customer service – all at the very best value available. Contact us today and we’ll get your insurance smelling like a rose!

Click here to request a quote

Pet Insurance With The Townsend Insurance Group

There’s nothing quite like coming home and being greeted by your pets. Whether you’re a dog-person or a cat-person, pets are a part of the family. And just like your family members, pets can be covered by insurance. Pet insurance provides peace of mind, knowing there is financial assistance, in the event your pet is injured or sick.


Read on for Townsend Insurance Group’s “5 Things You Need to Know Before Getting Pet Insurance”:

  1. Pet insurance has several flexible options, which can be customized to fit your budget.
  2. Get pet insurance while your pets are young. The earlier you get pet insurance, the better. As your pets get older, the likelihood that they will develop an illness or injury that qualifies as a pre-existing condition increases.
  3. You can choose any licensed veterinarian, and, depending on the plan, you can be reimbursed up to 90% of the vet bill.
  4. Spaying/neutering your pet leads to discounts on your pet insurance policy.
  5. Discounts are available for multiple pets. If you have multiple pets that qualify for pet insurance, sign them up together for a discount.

If you have any questions about pet insurance or are interested in a quote, please contact me at cjt@townsendinsgroup.com or fill out the form below.

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Phone Number

    Pet Information (Age, Breed)

    Books. Batteries. Pizza. You can buy anything online now. You can comparison shop and bargain hunt as long as you wish, spend less time, maybe less money and choose from many options. Shopping online is a win-win proposition, right?

    Not necessarily. Shopping for some products online — including insurance — can be a losing proposition.

    The abundance of websites offering insurance quotes might lead you to think that shopping for insurance online is completely safe, but that’s not always the case. Following are a couple of scenarios to make you think twice about purchasing insurance online:

     

    Are you not getting, or not knowing, what you need?

    Always compare “apples to apples” to be sure policies are identical in every way. This isn’t always easy, especially online. You need to know what you want. And what you need.

    Most online quoting systems default to the lowest coverage amounts and leave out options such as roadside assistance. If you don’t pay attention, you won’t be guided to other options as you would if you were dealing with an experienced agent familiar with your situation. You may get attractive quotes but you probably won’t have adequate coverage or will have less coverage than you have had previously.

    Some online insurers encourage you to click through without examining options, and will provide quotes that are cheaper than what you’ve had. And you might have to comb through the FAQs to find answers to your questions, if you find them at all.

    Beware of websites promoting “name your own price” tools. You can name your price, but 99% of the time, you’ll end up with a bare bones policy with the lowest coverage limits available.

    For example, in the case of bodily injury coverage, you may pay $30 monthly for limits of $25,000 to $50,000. But you’re hardly saving if you cause an accident and cause injury to someone and are responsible for their $200,000 medical bills. With an agent, you’ll be well informed, will know what options you need, why you need them, and in what amounts.

    The Internet is an extraordinary tool, but not for buying insurance. Buy the wrong sized sweater online? Send it back. Buy the wrong policy online? There are no refunds, and you may suffer consequences for a long time.

    Summer means boats. It means the cool relief of sea spray on your skin and the particular taste and smell of saltwater in the air.

    At least, that’s what it means for those of us in the Northeast.

    And just as you’d never think of heading out onto the water without a lifejacket, you should never set sail without the proper coverage for your watercraft.

    Unfortunately, many boat owners assume their sailboats, motorboats and jet skis are covered under their homeowner’s insurance policies.

    This is a mistake.

    Many homeowners’ insurance policies have a watercraft exclusion, depending on the size of the boat, and whether or not it has a motor. Boaters should absolutely consult their policies to understand what is covered – and what isn’t.

    Supplemental boaters’ insurance coverage is available. Townsend Insurance Group can help.  Call us at 978.720.8005

    A quick dip in your backyard pool can take the edge off a summer heat wave as fast as you can say, “cannonball!”

    But just as quickly, your summer dreams can turn into nightmares when one of your guests gets injured poolside. Unfortunately, on average, 45,000 people are injured in pool related incidents every year. Worse, 300 fatalities occur annually due to drowning.

    If you’re like many homeowners, you might think you’re already covered for such circumstances. But in fact, your homeowners’ policy might only provide partial coverage. For instance, the typical insurance policy pays out $100,000 for a civil claim.

    But you can increase your coverage for very little extra out of pocket. A stand-alone umbrella policy for homeowners with pools can offer around one million dollars in payout damages in the event claims are made against you and your family.

    Why take the risk?

    Make sure you and your family is insured against unforeseen and unfortunate pool related accidents, so that you can spend your summers worry-free, exactly as they’re meant to be.

    978.720.8005

    Immediately after we posted the first Blog Post concerning flood I received a question from Cathy in Peabody. Cathy asked.

    “I had huge ice dams’ form on my roof this winter and I have damages to my kitchen wall and my family room from the water that came in. Is this flooding?”

    The quick answer is, “No it is not flooding, it is water damage”.

    But, more importantly let’s talk about how your homeowners policy might respond. Let me start by defining Water Damage as it appears in most homeowners’ policies. I realize that when someone talks flood or water damage both terms sound very much alike.

    Flood is defines as a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow. Flood is excluded and you must buy a separate policy.

    Water Damage is defined as sudden and accidental water damage. Water damage insurance does not cover damage resulting from homeowner’s negligence or failure to maintain home repairs.

    What the heck does the mean? Spontaneous exploding appliances, like a water heater or broken pipes or hoses in a washing machine or a dish washer.  Broken pipes as a result of freezing as long as the house is occupied.  A heavy rain soaks through the roof, or freezing and thawing creates ice dams just like this winter, allowing water to drip through your attic or ceiling. Cathy your homeowners’ policy will respond to the water damages in your home.

    So if a pipe bursts and results in water escaping ruining the sheetrock in the room below it is covered. If you have a slow leak that you should have fixed but did not get around to it. That is maintenance and the damage is not covered.

    One important issue to consider is that water damage can cause the growth of mold which often times does more damage than the leak itself. These claims need to be dealt with rapidly so that no health risks to your family result.

    Townsend Insurance are here to help you understand and make informed choices. Call our office to speak to a Personal Insurance Advisor. 978-720-8005

    Follow our guidance, Experience our care.

    I’m sitting here on the front porch, in the sun. Oh finally a glorious day that brings hope that we have made it through the long snowy winter.

    But it gets me contemplating, “what’s next?”

    The massive amounts of snow may lead to flooding, add to that spring rains and we could be in for real some major flooding problems this spring. The worst part is most likely your homeowners’ policy excludes Floods. So we need to be aware, understand the potential damages and plan accordingly.

    So I ask the obvious question what is a flood. I turned to Google for the answer.

    What is a Flood?

    OK at first this may seem like one of those “Duh?” questions, however the National Flood Insurance Program has established a legal definition for a flood as follows:

    A flood is a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow.

    Most of us think that we need to live next to the ocean or a river to experience a flood but the important point is, anywhere it rains it can flood.

    The National Flood Insurance Program is the source for the great majority of flood insurance. Call our office and we will gladly explain the coverage, costs and we’ll help you get into the program.  978-720-8005

    Follow our Guidance, Experience our Care.