Campbell & Boyd Insurance Services

PROTECTING A HOME FROM MOLD

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:00:15 +0000

Reduce Humidity Level. It’s best to keep the humidity level between 30% and 60% by utilizing dehumidifiers and air conditioners. Be sure to place exhaust fans in all bathrooms and kitchens. If carpet is desired, avoid installing it in bathrooms or kitchens. It’s best to have carpet only in rooms that aren’t exposed to moisture on a regular basis. Another important thing to remember is to avoid letting water pool and collect under house plants.

Check & Replace Hoses. Be sure to regularly inspect pipes, fittings and hoses. It’s best to replace hoses to appliances that use water every five years. At about $5 or $10 per piece, the cost of replacing hoses is much less expensive than dealing with a major mold problem.

Use Mold-Reducing Products. Clean all bathrooms in the home with bleach and water regularly. There are also several other cleaning products available that are designed to kill mold. It’s a good idea to add mold inhibitors to paint before applying it to the walls or doors.

Exercise Caution after Water Damage. If at any time a large amount of water comes into contact with the home’s interior, it’s important to ensure that carpets, upholstery and any other surfaces that hold water are dried thoroughly and promptly. Everything should completely dry within 24 to 48 hours following the initial water contact. Items that can’t be dried should be discarded. If there is standing water, remove it promptly. In addition to promoting mold growth, standing water is a prime breeding ground for microorganisms. After all areas have been dried, wash and disinfect them well. This includes the surfaces of appliances, closets, walls, shelves, floors, heating systems and cooling systems.

Check the Roof & Gutters. Another way to prevent mold is to check the roof and gutters frequently. Clear the gutters of any debris. If there are any leaks in the roof, have them repaired immediately to avoid water seeping into the home.

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CAMPBELL & BOYD

20 Technology Dr, Ste 4

PO Box 1260

Brattleboro, VT 05302

tel: 802-257-9500

email: ddboyd@campbell-boyd.com

KEEPING BANK ACCOUNTS WITHIN INSURANCE LIMITS

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:32:09 +0000

The recent economic crisis has weakened the entire financial structure of this country. With this weakening came many bank failures. Smaller banks either ceased to exist or were bought out by larger institutions. Fortunately, the FDIC protects the population from a crisis equal to the banking fiasco of the Great Depression. However, there are some limitations for federal insurance.

In addition to reviewing accounts for insurance limit purposes, it’s a good idea to consider the accounts in respect to an overall portfolio. By doing this, it’s easier to determine whether the money is allocated well against stocks, investments or bonds. If this is too difficult to do independently, contact a financial planner for assistance.

Non-retirement account limits for federal insurance are currently $100,000. Limits for individual retirement accounts are higher. While the limit was $100,000 in previous years, it’s currently $250,000 per institution for certain retirement accounts. This limit is applicable to Roth and traditional IRAs, savings incentive match plans for employees and Simplified Employee Pension. Keogh, 401(k) and some other self-directed contribution plans are also included. If retirement accounts are held at the same institution, their amounts are added together, totaled and applied toward the $250,000 limit. Accounts held by different institutions don’t have to be added up together to apply toward the limit amount. Other forms of deposits at the same financial institution don’t apply toward a retirement account. For example, if an individual has a CD and IRA at the same institution, only the IRA will apply toward the $250,000 limit.

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CAMPBELL & BOYD

20 Technology Dr, Ste 4

PO Box 1260

Brattleboro, VT 05302

tel: 802-257-9500

email: ddboyd@campbell-boyd.com

Floods are the most Common Natural Disaster

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:00:10 +0000

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers federally backed insurance to property owners and renters in communities that participate in the program, as well as increased state disaster assistance and access to federal mitigation grants that can be used to help prevent future damage.

In exchange, those municipalities agree to adopt and enforce floodplain ordinances that set standards for building or repairing structures in the floodplain to reduce the risk of damage from flooding.

Your Homeowners Insurance Policy DOES NOT cover Flooding. Contact us today to find out how we can help!

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CAMPBELL & BOYD

20 Technology Dr, Ste 4

PO Box 1260

Brattleboro, VT 05302

tel: 802-257-9500

email: ddboyd@campbell-boyd.com

Do I need to purchase an Annuity?

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:00:49 +0000

Even if you have been saving money for life after Retirement, it may not be enough.

With Annuities, you are able to stabilize your savings in such a way that it converts into financial security.

Let’s face the facts:

Security may not be enough to take care of your money needs.
Contributions made by employer sponsored retirement plans may be very limited.
You want to have the benefit of knowing that a certain amount of income will come to you every month.
You want to be relieved knowing that your monetary needs will be looked after for as long as you live.

Annuities offer much flexibility so that you can decide the nature and scope of investment that you want to make, in lieu of your long term requirements.

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CAMPBELL & BOYD

20 Technology Dr, Ste 4

PO Box 1260

Brattleboro, VT 05302

tel: 802-257-9500

email: ddboyd@campbell-boyd.com

Your Vehicle Affects Your Premium

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:50:24 +0000

You might want a sports car or a fancy SUV, but your insurance company may charge you more to protect you while driving it.

Insurance premiums are based partly on the price of the vehicle, which affects the replacement cost if it is stolen or “totaled” in an accident. How expensive the vehicle is to repair — including parts and labor — can also affect the cost.

In addition, surcharges may apply to vehicles that are frequently stolen or involved in accidents.

According to HLDI, the lowest injury claims are from large vehicles — cars, pickup trucks, and sport-utility vehicles. Small 2- and 4-door cars have the highest injury claims. Small cars also are among the highest in collision costs, along with sports cars.

If you have your heart set on a sporty vehicle, you’ll probably pay dearly. Insuring a high-performance car can easily cost two or three times the insurance amount for an ordinary model. Sport-utility vehicles often have higher Insurance rates than mid- and full-size cars, but some SUV models are relatively cheap to insure. They are among the most frequently stolen vehicles, and they are more expensive than most cars.

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CAMPBELL & BOYD

20 Technology Dr, Ste 4

PO Box 1260

Brattleboro, VT 05302

tel: 802-257-9500

email: ddboyd@campbell-boyd.com

Auto Insurance Laws For Vermont

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:45 +0000

Before registering a vehicle, you must present proof of minimum liability coverage in the amount of $25,000 for death or injury of one person, $50,000 for death or injury of two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage. Vermont drivers also have the option to provide evidence of self-insurance in the amount of $115,000.00, which must be filed with the commissioner of motor vehicles.

All Vermont drivers must carry proof of insurance at all times. Failure to provide proof of coverage could result in tickets, you could be fined $100, and you will accumulate two points on your driving record. You will also have to file proof of financial responsibility with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you find you are not in ordinance with the Vermont Auto Insurance laws Campbell-Boyd Insurance can help you with that, and all of your auto insurance needs!

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CAMPBELL & BOYD

20 Technology Dr, Ste 4

PO Box 1260

Brattleboro, VT 05302

tel: 802-257-9500

email: ddboyd@campbell-boyd.com

What Is BOP?

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:08:54 +0000

BOP or business owner’s package is protecting your assets which is essential for any business owner. For many firms, one of the most convenient ways to do so is with a business owners policy, which combines multiple insurance coverage into one comprehensive package. A cost-effective way to get the core insurance coverage you need, a business owners policy has the flexibility to expand as your business grows and your needs change down the road.

If you want to learn more about Business Owners Package Campbell-Boyd Insurance can help! click the link to be directed!

CAMPBELL & BOYD

20 Technology Dr, Ste 4
PO Box 1260
Brattleboro, VT 05302

tel: 802-257-9500

Funny Insurance

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:24 +0000

Robert Fagge

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:45 +0000

Robert has been a Financial Planner for over 18 years, specializing in Personal and Business Financial concepts. His several masters Degrees, coupled with his many financial designations and years of experience, provide a learned and thoughtful approach to the ever-changing world that governs our daily pursuits. His passions are: Retirement and Estate Planning, Business Maximization, and Special Care Financial Planning. Robert provides extensive financial planning to clients in Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

CAMPBELL & BOYD

20 Technology Dr, Ste 4
PO Box 1260
Brattleboro, VT 05302

tel: 802-257-9500

email: customerservice@campbell-boyd.com

FILING A HOMEOWNERS CLAIM ?

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:48 +0000

Immediately report all crimes to the police. It’s important to notify the police of any vandalism, burglary or other crime. Homeowners should also obtain the names of any police officers involved in the report or investigation.

Make all necessary temporary repairs. Don’t shell out thousands of dollars for full repairs to a damaged property. It’s best to pay only for supplies to repair or sustain something temporarily.

Call an agent immediately. After calling the police for any crime-related issues, it’s important to call an insurance agent. If the nature of the claim doesn’t involve a crime, phone an agent immediately after discovering the issue that will become a claim.

List all damaged items. Don’t discard any items that are damaged before the insurance adjuster is able to survey them. Photographs and videotapes are also acceptable forms of proof in most cases.

Obtain the necessary claim forms. After receiving notification of a claim, an insurance company must send the proper forms to an individual within a specific time period. The best way to avoid delays is to ensure that the paperwork is filled out correctly.

Come connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

CAMPBELL & BOYD

20 Technology Dr, Ste 4

PO Box 1260

Brattleboro, VT 05302

tel: 802-257-9500

email: ddboyd@campbell-boyd.com