Things New CT Homeowners Should Do to Save Money

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Posted on 6th March 2012 by admin in Connecticut Homeowner's Insurance |CT Home Insurance |CT Insurance

Connecticut Homeowner's InsuranceCongratulations on the purchase of your new home! Perhaps it’s your very first, or maybe it’s a change from your old home. Regardless, there are some things that you need to think about as you begin to get settled into your new place! Here are 18 Things a New Homeowner Should Do Immediately to Save Money:

  • Check the insulation in your attic – and install more if needed.
  • Lower the temperature on your hot water heater down to 120 degrees F (55degrees C)
  • Toss a water heater blanket over that hot water heater as well.
  • Install ceiling fans in most rooms.
  • Wrap exposed water pipes with insulation.
  • Install a programmable thermostat – and learn how to use it.
  • Hang a clothes rack in your laundry room (or, better yet, an outdoor clothesline).
  • Check all toilets and under-sink plumbing for leaks or constant running – and check faucets, too.
  • Replace your air handling filter.
  • Make sure the vents in all rooms are clear of dust and obstructions.
  • Mark any cracks in the basement with dated masking tape.
  • Install CFL and LED light bulbs in some locations.
  • Choose energy efficient appliances, even if you have to pay more upfront.
  • Set up your home electronics with a Smartstrip of two.
  • Air-seal your home.
  • Plant shade trees near your house.
  • Take advantage of the tax benefits for any improvements you make.
  • Develop a home maintenance checklist – and run through it for the first time.

In addition to the items on this list, you should also talk to your Connecticut insurance agent about your new home. If you already had a CT Homeowner’s Insurance policy, you will need to make the necessary changes on your policy to cover your new place. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a pro at the “insurance-thing,” talk to your local CT insurance agent about various discounts that you may be eligible for. Agents at Encharter Insurance always look to save you money! Enjoy your new home…and your extra cash, and watch out for our expansion to insurance coverage in New Jersey!

Photo: scotter23

Get Ready for Boating Season & CT Boat Insurance

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Posted on 21st February 2012 by admin in Connecticut Boat Insurance |CT Insurance

CT Boat Insurance for boating seasonFebruary – although too early to really enjoy a boat out on the water, it’s still the time of year where boat shows are scheduled frequently with your choice of boats that you can and cannot afford! It’s an exciting time, I’m sure! I may not know the specifics about a good quality boat, but if it has a place for me to cast a fishing rod and lay back to relax, it’s fine by me! However, you have to make sure you are protected out on the open waters once the weather gets nice. To do that, talk to your Connecticut insurance agent about CT Watercraft Insurance.

Boat Insurance is valuable for many reasons. It protects your boat from physical damage caused by collision, theft, vandalism, fire, lightning or windstorm. The various parts of your boat are covered, including the machinery, outboard motors, boat trailer, fittings and auxiliary equipment, permanently attached equipment and your personal property. In addition to this protection, CT Boat Insurance also covers you in the case of medical payments, liability and legal expenses. Your policy varies based on the physical damage coverage you choose: Actual Cash Value or Agreed Amount Value. Actual Cash Value covers you for the market value of your vessel. Agreed Amount Value states that you and your CT insurance agent have agreed upon a value of your boat, and that is what you will be paid should something happen to your vessel.

There are typical deductibles for CT Boat Insurance policies, but your Connecticut insurance agent should also be able to walk you through choosing the proper coverage. Be sure to ask our agents at Encharter Insurance if you are eligible for any of the following discounts:

  • Diesel powered craft, which are less hazardous than gasoline powered boats as they are less likely to explode
  • Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers
  • Ship-to-shore radios
  • Two years of claims-free experience
  • Multiple policies with the same insurer, such as an auto, homeowner’s or umbrella policy
  • Completion of safety education courses

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They Expensed What? & CT Business Insurance

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Posted on 9th February 2012 by admin in Connecticut Business Insurance |CT Insurance

CT Business Insurance & Funny Expense Report itemsYou know that tax season deadline of April 15th is approaching more rapidly than some of us would like. While going through your business transactions, be sure to watch out for some of these expenses that are well, they’re probably not related to your business. These were the top unexpected items that we submitted in expense reports to chief financial officers:

  • A video game console
  • A trailer rental for a family reunion
  • A $12,000 family trip
  • A birthday party for an employee’s child
  • A golf trip for an employee and friends
  • A day at the spa
  • A wedding anniversary dinner
  • A hotel charge for viewing adult movies
  • A fine for crashing into a toll booth
  • A teepee

I certainly got a chuckle out of reading a few of these, but these items could ultimately affect your bottom line. Make sure that your policies about expense reporting are clear and easy to find. Make sure employees are aware if there are any changes made. Another way to help your bottom line – talk to your Connecticut insurance agent about your Connecticut Business Insurance policy and make sure that you are not paying out extra arms and legs! In fact, you shouldn’t be paying arms and legs at all! Commercial line agents at Encharter Insurance can help you evaluate your current policy and help you find areas to save money. Additionally, by bundling your policies, you could save even more! Check this off your to-do list while you’re in the paperwork spirit!

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Save on CT Home & Auto Insurance for your Indulgences!

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Posted on 26th January 2012 by Alyssa Tyson in Car Insurance CT |CT Home Insurance |CT Insurance

Coffee and Lunch Indulgences inspire to save money on Insurance CTAre your personal here-and-there spending habits getting you in trouble when they’re all added up? Maybe… Yahoo News breaks down some statistics about how Americans’ indulgences add up:

  • U.S. workers spend more than $1000/year on coffee
  • U.S. workers spend about $2000/year on lunch

Men and younger workers are more likely to spend around $5 for a coffee, whereas women and older workers are more reserved.

  • Per week, workers spend about $37
  • Men spend more ($47/week)
  • Women spend about $27/week

The biggest differences are seen when broken down by age:

  • 18 to 34 year old professionals spend around $25/week on coffee
  • Workers over 45 spend around $14/week on coffee

Keep in mind that the money spent on coffee and lunch (around $3000/year) is double the average commuting expense ($1500).  You can probably guess that many of these “youngsters” made a New Year’s resolution to save money by bringing lunch to work this year. Trying to think of more ways to save money? Try talking to your Connecticut insurance agent about bundling your CT Home Insurance and CT Auto Insurance. Agents at Encharter Insurance can save you money in multiple ways; all it takes is a quick phone call! Think of it this way: if you save money on your insurance, maybe you won’t have to cut back on your other indulgences (because I’m with those of you who say that coffee indulgence gets you through the week!)

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Is it Time to Try a New City with CT Home Insurance?

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Posted on 19th January 2012 by admin in Connecticut Homeowner's Insurance |CT Home Insurance |CT Insurance

CT Homeowner's Insurance and cities around the world to live inHave you ever thought about getting a real change of scenery? Picking up and moving to a foreign country or another spot of the United States that you haven’t experienced before? Why not check out the world’s 10 best cities to live in…

  • Melbourne, Australia
  • Vienna, Austria
  • Vancouver, Canada (I speak from personal experience when I tell you this city is breathtaking!)
  • Toronto, Canada
  • Calgary, Canada
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Helsinki, Finland
  • Perth, Australia
  • Adelaide, South Australia
  • Auckland, New Zealand

Although these cities look amazing, for the time being, you should enjoy your time in Connecticut. To protect your joys and your memories, talk to your Connecticut insurance agent about the proper insurance for your home. Whether you’ve been in your home for years or you’ve recently moved in, Connecticut Homeowner’s Insurance policies vary. Different homes need different coverages. As years go on, you may need to adjust your CT Home Insurance policy. What better way to find out what you need than to talk to a knowledgeable agent. Encharter Insurance can get you the coverage you need, and maybe some discounts to go along with it. Your dreams don’t have to wait, but don’t wait to protect what you’ve got. Happy traveling!

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Ways to Make Money & CT Business Insurance

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Posted on 12th January 2012 by admin in Connecticut Business Insurance |CT Insurance

business insurance ct & ways to make moneyThere are many debates about the ups and downs of today’s economy. However, there are many people out there that are still making money. Check out these 15 Crazy Ways People Make Money in Today’s Economy:

  • Virtual Farming – People in China make money by playing an online game. They earn gold and then sell it to other players!
  • Doggles – UV protective doggles started this trend. Now there is a whole line of dog gear!
  • The Million Dollar Homepage – A guy sold one million pixels on his webpage for $1 apiece.
  • WhateverLife – A teenage girl offered various layouts for MySpace, as well as free tutorials.
  • MyYearbook – Simple: an online yearbook on social networking sites.
  • Cameron Johnson – At 9 years old, he created greeting cards. At 12 years old, he resold TY Beanie Babies on eBay. He has gone on to various other business ventures.
  • LuckyWishbone – The company manufactures and sells plastic wishbones.
  • Steve Pavlina – He writes on his blog about life hacks.
  • Hungry Pod – One women has made thousands by loading music onto people’s iPods.
  • Antenna Balls – You’ve probably seen the things on top of some people’s car antennas. Someone made millions.
  • The Laser Monks – Refills for ink cartridges save you money and save the environment.
  • I Do Now I Don’t – One man is successful after getting dumped by his fiancé, and has created a site to help other men who are stuck with engagement rings.
  • SantaMail – Parents send $10 to this company for a letter to their kids from “Santa.”
  • Amazing Butterflies – He sells butterflies and makes millions. By the way, it all started from a bet!
  • FitDeck – Playing cards which feature fitness workouts from Phil Black’s experience as a Navy SEAL and a trainer.

Whether your business is as creative as this, or if it’s a little more standard, everyone needs business insurance. Talk to your Connecticut Insurance agent about Connecticut Business Insurance. Agents can get you set up with all of the various insurance coverage needs that your business requires. Questions? Agents at Encharter Insurance are knowledgeable in commercial line insurance. Based on the success of others, have your friends put you up to a bet, or roll out of bed and make one of your spontaneous dreams come true. Hey, these people had some good luck!

Photo: financialhighway.com

2012 Super Bowl & CT Insurance

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Posted on 5th January 2012 by admin in Car Insurance CT |Connecticut Car Insurance |Connecticut Homeowner's Insurance |CT Car Insurance |CT Insurance

CT Insurance and the 2012 Super BowlThe regular NFL season is over and we’re starting the playoffs to the Super Bowl. Is your team in the Super Bowl? Who do you want to win the whole thing? Will you be tuning in for the Super Bowl party on February 4th? Four popular bands – Cobra Starship, LMFAO, Lupe Fiasco and Gym Class Heroes – will be performing in Indianapolis, just a few blocks away from Lucas Oil Stadium. Each group will perform for 45 minute blocks of time the night before the actual Super Bowl. Not familiar with the groups? LMFAO currently has the Number 1 and Number 9 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100: “Sexy and I Know It” and “Party Rock Anthem.” In the past, Gym Class Heroes has held two Number 1 spots, and has a more recent hit, “You Make Me Feel.” Lupe Fiasco is known for their Grammy nominations for best rap song, best rap performance and best rap album. The Super Bowl party will run from 8:30pm to 2am, and tickets can be purchased for $1000 each at www.rollingstonerockweekend.com.

For those of you who are traveling to attend the big event, or having people at your home for your own (cheaper) fun, make sure your Connecticut Insurance is keeping up with you. Expert agents at Encharter Insurance can advise you towards the appropriate coverage, and save you money while they’re at it! Don’t get stuck on the side of the road on your way to the Lucas Oil Stadium without CT Auto Insurance. Don’t get stuck with liability charges beyond your CT Home Insurance coverage during an out-of-hand Super Bowl party in your home. Get ready for the thrills of the next month!

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Last Minute Shopping & CT Auto Insurance

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Posted on 22nd December 2011 by admin in Car Insurance CT |Connecticut Car Insurance |CT Car Insurance |CT Insurance

CT Auto Insurance protecting last minute Christmas shoppingIf you’re a last minute shopper like me, you probably haven’t gotten something for everyone on your list yet. The good news is that you still have two and a half days, and you have these great shopping tips from personal shoppers to handle last-minute shopping!

  • Make a plan. You don’t make good decisions if you do not know what you are planning to buy, not this late in the game anyway. Write down everyone you need to shop for and keep a list of what you’ve bought for them for years to come.
  • Wait until December 24th. At this point, the majority of people have finished their shopping, including many procrastinators. Stores are not as crazy on Christmas Eve. If you do encounter long lines in department stores, go to men’s or home departments. You should also note that stores usually close early on this day.
  • Give gifts that disappear. Consumable gifts such as food or wine are appreciated by most people, and they can be inexpensive and thoughtful as well. Since people often don’t have the room to put new trinkets, giving them something that goes away is appreciated.
  • Give experiences or services. You can make up your own gift certificates for various chores that you could do for the person, such as babysitting or housecleaning. You can also give the person the option to choose the play or restaurant he or she wants to go to. This way, you can avoid stores completely and the person really gets what he or she wants!
  • Shop in your own home. There are limits to regifting, but perhaps a piece of clothing that you’ve never worn would look better on someone else you know. Children often get excited at being able to pick something out of your house as well.
  • Avoid department stores. This late in the game, department stores are usually cleaned out. Most likely, you will spend more time looking for stuff and find less than you need. Smaller boutiques have shorter lines and usually get new stuff in more frequently.
  • Skip clothing. When you’re rushed and don’t have a lot of options, you’re more likely to purchase something that the other person will not like.
  • Embrace gift cards. You can make it more exciting by getting something to put the gift card into. For example, stick a coffee shop gift card into a coffee mug. You can also get gift cards online (note: no stores)!
  • Pare your list. Perhaps you and your friends decide to go out to dinner together instead of buy each other gifts. However, make sure that the people you are taking off your list are on board;  you certainly do not want to lose friends!

During the holidays, it’s important to make sure that your Connecticut insurance is ready for all the hustle and bustle. While frantically driving around trying to get your last minute gifts, you want to be protected from the other worried drivers doing the same. Talk to your CT insurance agent about the Connecticut Auto Insurance that is right for you. Agents at Encharter Insurance can get you local service and free quotes on CT insurance policies. Happy shopping and enjoy the holidays!

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Leaky Roof? There’s CT Home Insurance for That!

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Posted on 8th December 2011 by admin in Connecticut Homeowner's Insurance |Connecticut Umbrella Insurance |CT Home Insurance |CT Insurance |Umbrella Insurance CT

CT Home Insurance protects your homeWhat happens when your working roof suddenly becomes leaky? What if that’s just the beginning of your problems? A Connecticut woman hired a contractor who has practically destroyed her home. There is no longer water in her sink and her toilets no longer work. At night, since her home does not hold heat, she only heats it for 20 minutes at a time when it gets really cold. Her basement has water on the walls and on the floor. Where is it coming from? Not the roof, but her toilet! For this poor women, a lawyer is probably necessary. But what about the rest of you who aren’t experiencing problems…yet?

If your home is leaking and causing damage, your Connecticut Homeowner’s Insurance policy should be able to cover your damages. Your personal possessions are also covered up to a set limit. Your Connecticut insurance agent should be able to walk you through the details of your policy and help you decide whether more coverage is necessary. With winter around the corner, you certainly don’t want melted snow leaking into your home! On top of your CT Home Insurance, you can ask your CT insurance agent about a Connecticut Umbrella Insurance policy to provide extra coverage for that day when you need it most! You never want to get caught with a broken home. Keep you, your family and your home protected with Connecticut Home Insurance. Talk to a CT insurance agent at Encharter Insurance to get all of your questions answered.

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A Growing Family is More of a Reason for CT Life Insurance

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Posted on 10th November 2011 by admin in Connecticut Life |Connecticut Life Insurance |CT Insurance

CT Life Insurance protects you and your familyAfter you get married, you probably think about CT Life Insurance. After you have your first child, you’re definitely thinking about life insurance. When you’re the Duggar family in Little Rock, Arkansas (and part of the show “19 and Counting…”), you definitely want to have your life insurance up to date. The stars of the TLC reality show have announced that there is a twentieth Duggar child expected to be born in April. In addition to Connecticut Life Insurance, CT Home Insurance would be beneficial to have with all the little kiddo’s running around!

With CT Life Insurance, you have three options: Connecticut Term Life Insurance; Connecticut Whole Life Insurance; or CT Term & Whole Life Insurance together. You may not know which policy is best for you and your family, but a CT insurance agent can certainly help. Encharter Insurance’s knowledgeable agents can answer your questions and advise you to the best decision. Don’t wait until your twentieth child is born to act! Plan for the future today!

Photo: eonline.com

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