Tag Archive for: additional coverages

Last-Minute Moving Tips

September 1st is finally here, which means that renters will be moving in and moving out all over Boston this week and into the long Labor Day weekend! The city is about to get a whole lot busier — that’s why we have some last minute tips to help your move-in day go smoothly.

1. Read Your Lease

It might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to read your lease so you don’t miss any details. Often times, there is a tenant moving out the day before you move in, which means the landlord or management company may need some time to clean the property. The last thing you want is to show up at your apartment, moving truck and all, at 9 am when your lease specifies that you can’t move in until after 1 o’clock.

2. The Move

If you haven’t reserved parking for your moving truck — do so right now. You can reserve a parking spot through the city of Boston, to make your move a little easier. No one wants to lug your stuff from three streets over, so make sure you plan ahead.

If you have hired movers to haul your stuff for you, don’t forget to tip! If you have somehow convinced your friends to help, handshakes and smiles won’t do. Buying everyone lunch will make sure they’re still your friends after a long day of moving.

3. Don’t Get “Storrowed”

If you’ve rented a moving truck, do not drive on Storrow Drive! Storrow Drive passes under several low bridges and every year, without fail, at least one truck gets stuck. Not only will you block traffic, you’ll also damage your truck and possibly your stuff. You don’t want to be that person. You should also avoid Memorial Drive for the same reason. Plan your route ahead of time to make sure you’re not unknowingly following your GPS through these parts of the city.

4. Allston Christmas

Boston is home to over 35 colleges. With all of these students moving out, there tends to be a lot of stuff that gets left behind. Although this phenomenon has become known as “Allston Christmas,” you can score free stuff all over the city. When it comes to digging through furniture and other items left on the sidewalk, we advise you to be careful with what you take. If you do decide to partake, we recommend avoiding anything with upholstery, as these items can host pests like bed bugs, which you can then bring into your new apartment. And if you take wood furniture, be sure to inspect it for small holes, which could also indicate a pest infestation.

5. Renters Insurance

When moving day is all said and done, make sure your new place and everything that’s in it is covered in case of an accident with renters insurance. It’s often mistakenly understood that if your landlord has insurance, then you do too. However, this is not the case. Renters insurance provides three essential protections:

These three coverages protect your belongings, safeguard you against lawsuits, and help cover costs if you have to temporarily relocate due to a covered loss, like a fire.  

Not sure where to start? A Lighthouse Insurance agent can help you evaluate your property and belongings and find coverage that suits your needs and your budget! Give us a call at 617-464-3777 or visit or website for a new or existing policy.

 

Condo Insurance and Boston — 5 Things You Should Know

So, you’re thinking of buying a condo in South Boston. Congratulations! We know what a big step this is, and all the stress you’re dealing with. As condo prices in Boston continue to climb, and in an expensive ‘hood like Southie, jumping into the real estate market can be a daunting task. But your friends at Lighthouse Insurance are here to help!

Once you’ve made the financial commitment to buy property, you definitely want to make sure you have the right insurance to protect it. And in many cases, a standard condo insurance policy will not be enough to protect a luxury condo in Boston.

Here are 5 quick tips to think about when shopping around for your condo insurance policy.

1) Remember, your condo association will have a master condo insurance plan, but this plan will not cover your personal belongings. Condo owners should purchase their own condo insurance policy to protect their units and belongings.

2) Make sure your policy provides special limits of liability for any items you own that may require additional coverage. Think jewelry, silverware, furs, firearms, or even money and passports that you keep at home. You may want to consider adding a jewelry and fine arts rider to adequately protect these valuable items above and beyond the condo insurance policy limits.

3) There are many additional coverages you should consider when selecting your condo insurance policy. Things like debris removal, fire department service charges, and even lock replacement coverage can all be covered with the right plan.

4) Did you know that your condo insurance policy can also provide personal data replacement coverage and identity fraud expense coverage, along with complimentary theft management services? Ask your independent agent about how to get these coverages today!

5) Don’t forget to check on your personal liability coverage when assessing different condo insurance policies. This coverage provides protection in case someone is injured on your property or if you damage someone else’s property.

Here at Lighthouse, we know the Boston Condo Market like the backs of our hands. Get in touch today at 617-464-3777 or visit our website for more advice on how to protect your big investments!