The decision to build your own home is an exciting one. Not only do you get to decide where to build, but you also get to determine where on the property the house will stand and how it will be integrated with the landscape.

We hear Capital One asking us what’s in our wallet all the time, but Bucci Insurance wants to know what’s in your house? Now this is a bit more daunting, since your house is much larger than a 2×3 rectangle (we are assuming). 

If your home is ever burglarized, or burns down, the best way to demonstrate what needs to be replaced is with a home inventory – a record of your valuables, when you purchased them, and what they cost. Your insurer needs this information to properly adjust your claim.

According to a I.I.I blogger a great way to do a home inventory is to make use of your children’s attraction to every media object being a toy. Let them roam around the house with a digital camera and take pictures of everything in sight. If you don’t have children or ones that are willing to do this, you are welcome to do it your self. Make sure these pictures are then saved somewhere outside of your home.

What if somehow these pictures are destroyed? How do we preserve our home inventory?

Thankfully, as we now say in the I-phone age, “There’s an app for that.”

Or several: The New York Times last week rounded up home inventory apps, including one for $25 that lets you scan in the bar code of items like CDs, books and DVDs – speeding the process considerably.

I.I.I.  also provides a free online home inventory service.  You sign on, upload pictures of your stuff and fill out the details. A I.I.I. video describing the service is here. And, to get you on your way, here is a good list of what sorts of items end up in most inventories.

The beginning of spring is the time for cleaning up and cleaning out. Take a day or a weekend to wash the windows, put away the sweaters and blankets and organize your life after the long winter season. Not only is this the perfect time to clean out your messy closet, but it’s also the perfect season to organize your insurance records.

At least once a year it’s a good idea to shake the cobwebs off your insurance policy documents and review your coverage. Here are some quick tips for spring cleaning your insurance and making sure your polices are up-to-date and offering you the protection you need.

What to look for in your:

Auto Insurance Policy
Review your coverage limits and make sure they still adequately cover you,  anyone else listed on your policy and your vehicles. Are there any new drivers in your household? Be sure to add them as a driver on your policy. Are you eligible for any new auto insurance discounts? Check with your agent to see if you qualify for any discounts that can help you save on your car insurance premium. (Hint: If you own a home, combine your home and auto with the same provider and you can usually save up to 20% on your home insurance.) Also, make sure you aren’t insuring vehicles or drivers that are no longer in your household.

Home Insurance Policy
Take a look at your dwelling coverage to make sure you have enough coverage to replace your home back to its current condition after a total loss. If you have made any upgrades to your home since you last reviewed your policy, you will want to make sure the replacement value of your home does not exceed your coverage limits. Also consider if you have enough Contents Coverage to replace the items in your home. If you have acquired any expensive items (jewelry, electronics, etc) recently you will want to make sure these are covered under your policy, otherwise, you might need to schedule an endorsement on your policy to cover these items individually. Also, check your liability coverage  if you have recently become more at risk for a lawsuit (for example, if you added a swimming pool or trampoline onto your property). You might need to disclose information to your insurance company or add additional coverage.

For a complete outline of what is typically covered under a home and car insurance policy, visit Bucci Insurance online.

Too many Americans believe that the coverage limits of their homeowners insurance policy are linked to the market value of their home, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

In the I.I.I.’s 2011 Insurance Pulse Survey, conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation, nearly half (48 percent) of survey respondents came to that mistaken conclusion.

One out of three respondents to the Pulse Survey reported that they purchased less homeowners or auto insurance as a way to save money. A better strategy would be to take a higher deductible, which can substantially reduce insurance costs. Home and car owners can then put the savings into a purchasing the right amount and type of insurance for their specific needs.

Following are the five biggest auto, home, flood and renters insurance mistakes consumers can make, with suggestions to avert those pitfalls while still saving money:

. Insuring a home for its real estate value rather than for the cost of rebuilding. Home insurance is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding, not the sales price of the home. You should make sure that you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace your belongings.

A better way to save: Raise your deductible. An increase from $500 to $1,000 could save up to 25 percent on your premium payments.

2. Selecting an insurance company by price alone. It is important to choose a company with competitive prices, but also one that is financially sound and provides good customer service.

A better way to save: Check the financial health of a company with independent rating agencies and ask friends and family for recommendations. You should select an insurance company that will respond to your needs and handle claims fairly and efficiently. Bucci Insurance has been a leading insurance provider in Rhode Island for over 30 years.

3. Dropping flood insurance. Damage from flooding is not covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies.Coverage is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as from some private insurance companies. Many homeowners are unaware they are at risk for flooding, but in fact 25 percent of all flood losses occur in low risk areas.

A better way to save: Before purchasing a home, check with the NFIP to determine whether the property is situated in a flood zone; if so, consider a less risky area.

4. Only purchasing the legally required amount of liability for your car. In today’s litigious society, buying only the minimum amount of liability means you are likely to pay more out-of-pocket if you are sued—and those costs may be steep.

A better way to save: Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $1,000. The insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident.

5. Neglecting to buy renters insurance. A renters insurance policy covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to an insured disaster, such as a fire or hurricane. Equally important, it provides liability protection in the event someone is injured in your home and decides to sue.

A better way to save: Look into multi-policy discounts. Buying several policies with the same insurer, such as renters, auto and life will generally provide savings.

For more information visit Insurance Information Institute online or contact Bucci Insurance Group today!

Wind power is the most readily available, cost effective source of clean energy on earth. Off shore wind farming has become the most practical alternative to climate changing fossil fuels. This method of wind power is among the fastest growing source of sustainable energy. There are more than 500 off shore wind farms from Ireland to Sweden, but the U.S. is lacking in this effective energy source. Rhode Island will be one of the first to establish off shore wind farms in the U.S.

One of the main concerns of wind turbines is the aesthetic nuisance. Due to innovative technology, not only will these off shore wind farms be virtually invisible, but they will also create what is coming to be known as a “green collar economy” by opening up new jobs throughout the state. The Providence Journal reports that the state Division of Planning is working to develop statewide guidelines for the siting of land-based wind turbines by early summer, with final adoption set for October.

You can do your part in the go green initiative from your house to the workplace and beyond with these tips from Good Housekeeping, a magazine dedicated to providing insight on living a quality life.

• In the morning bring brew your USDA certified coffee in a reusable to go mug.
• At work put your computer to sleep if you’ll be away for an extended period of time.
• Running errands? BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag
• Replace your regular light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs
• Turn off electronics before bed

There are many ways to do your part, for more information log on to RI.gov or GoodHousekeeping.com. Bucci Insurance Group supports the Go Green initiative. Going green at home can even reduce the cost of your home insurance in rhode island!

Has your commute been even more unpleasant than usual due to inclement weather in recent days and weeks? Your not alone, nearly 100 million people and 1/3 of the nation were affected by the Groundhog Day storm. Rhode Island snow totals ranged from 5 to 10 inches. According to the Rhode Island State Police over 20 accidents were reported between Tuesday and Wednesday alone.

Car trouble is not the only concern when storms of this magnitude hit. With forecasters predicting another significant winter weather event for Saturday, RI Emergency Management officials are warning that roof collapse incidents may increase. To date, a number of building structures have collapsed in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. The progressive accumulation of snow and ice on flat roofed structures as a result of the rain, sleet, and snowstorms of the past two weeks, has been identified as the main contributing factor for these collapses. Winter related damage is the third largest cause of property damage.

Here are some tips to protect you, your car, and your home from this winter weather:

1. Drive according to road conditions

2. Protect your vehicle from extreme cold.

3. Keep vehicle fluid levels topped off. Check your vehicle’s oil, radiator fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer solvent.

4. Add a bottle of gas line anti-freeze to your gas tank to prevent gas from freezing.

5. Make sure tires are properly inflated.

6. Keep your cell phone with you and keep it charged.

7. Winterize your home.

8. Check chimney or furnace vents, water heater, dryer and washer vents to keep them free from snow and ice.

9. Use caution when removing snow and ice from your roof.

10. Keep heating vents clean and unobstructed.

Pay attention to winter weather advisories, stay warm!

Watch this video by the Insurance Information Institute. They offer five tips on how to save money and avoid mistakes that could leave you scarily uninsured.

Mistake #1: Insuring a home for its real estate value rather than the cost of rebuilding. Don’t be fooled by the decline of real estate prices, that doesn’t mean you can lower your insurance! Make sure you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace your belongings.

Tip #1: Taking a higher deductible could save you as much as 25%

Mistake #2: Selecting an insurance company by price alone. You want to choose an insurance company that is stable and has great customer service. Remember the saying, “You get what you pay for!”

Tip # 2: Ask anyone you know for recommendations

Mistake #3: Dropping Flood Insurance. This is not covered by your standard home owner’s insurance policy or your renters insurance.

Tip #3: Before purchasing a home, check with the National Flood Insurance Program. Check to see if your home is in a flood zone!

Mistake #4: Only purchasing the legally required amount of liability protection for your car

Tip #4: Consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage on older cars and increase your liability on regularly used cars: $100,000 bodily injury and $300,000 per accident.

Mistake #5: Neglecting to purchase renters insurance.

Tip #5: Look into multi-policy discounts

If you have questions regarding any of these topics call Bucci Insurance and ask for any insurance discounts you are entitled to.

The Insurance Information Institute has a great article that really captures the essential parts of a standard homeowner’s insurance policy and we want to share it with you!

The 4 main types of coverage include:

• Coverage for the structure of your home
• Coverage for your personal belongings
• Liability protection
• Additional living expenses in the event you are temporarily unable to live in your home due to an insured disaster

1. The coverage you receive for the structure of your home pays to repair or rebuild your home if it is damaged or destroyed by a disaster listed in your policy. Such disasters include fire, hurricane, hail and lightening but not a flood or earthquake. Make sure you purchase enough insurance for in the worst case scenario you have to rebuild your home.

It is also good to know that most polices cover structures that are detached from your home, like your garage or gazebo.  Ten percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure you have on your home covers this. If you need more, ask.

2. When disaster strikes or a thief breaks in, 50% to 70% of the amount of insurance that is on the structure of your home, covers your personal belongings.  To make sure this amount is enough, it is best to do a home inventory.  For expensive items such as jewelry and furs you may want to look into personal property endorsement or floaters insurance- this way these precious items will be insured at their true value.

And don’t forget the shrubs! Trees and plants are also covered. Five percent of your insurance on the house goes toward this. Natural disasters, theft and vandalism are all covered however, wind and disease are not.

3. Did your dog accidentally tear up your neighbor’s yard? Well, don’t worry because you’re covered for that. Liability covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or family members (or pet) cause to other people. This applies, in your home, your neighbors and anywhere around the world. While your limit generally starts at about $100,000 experts recommend that you purchase at least $300,000 worth of protection.

In addition, this also provides no-fault medical coverage. In the event a friend or neighbor is injured in your home, they can simply submit medical bills to your insurance company without a liability claim filed against you. Typically you get $1,000 to $5,000 worth of this coverage.

4. Lastly, additional living expenses cover the cost of hotel bills and restaurant meals in the case you are no able to live in your home due to an insured disaster. Twenty percent of the insurance on your home goes towards this. Again, if you feel that you need more, ask.

For all of your homeowners insurance needs, contact Bucci Insurance Group. We would be more than  happy to help!

This summer has already met record breaking temperatures so it’s safe to say, this year is going to be a hot one. If you don’t already have a pool, I’m sure many of you will be convinced by your children, if not the heat, to purchase one this year. When that time comes, it is important to consider insurance and safety implications.

The I.I.I. suggests taking the following steps if you own or are considering purchasing a pool or spa:

• Contact your town or municipality

Each town will have its own definition of what constitutes a “pool”, often based on its size and the depth of the water. If the pool you are planning to buy meets the definition, then you must comply with local safety standards and building codes. This may include installing a fence of a certain size, locks, decks and pool safety equipment.

• Call your insurance agent or company representative

Let your insurance company know that you have a pool, since it will increase your liability risk. Pools are considered an “attractive nuisance” and it may be advisable to purchase additional liability insurance. Most homeowners policies include a minimum of $100,000 worth of liability protection. Pool owners, however, may want to consider increasing the amount to at least $300,000 or $500,000. You may also want to talk to your agent or company representative about purchasing an umbrella liability policy. For an additional premium of about $200 to $300 a year, you can get $1 million of liability protection over and above what you have on your home. If the pool itself is expensive, you should also have enough insurance protection to replace it in the event it is destroyed by a storm or other disaster. And, don’t forget to include the chairs, tables or other furniture around the pool deck.

The I.I.I. also recommends taking the following safety precautions:

1. Install a four-sided barrier such as a fence with self closing gates to completely surround the pool. If the house forms the fourth side of the barrier, install alarms on doors leading to the pool area to prevent children from wandering into the pool or spa unsupervised. In addition to the fences or other barriers required by many towns, consider creating several “layers of protection” around the pool, in other words setting up as many barriers (door alarms, locks and safety covers) as possible to the pool area when not in use.
2. Never leave small children unsupervised—even for a few seconds. And never leave toys or floats in the pool when not in use as they may prove to be a deadly temptation for toddlers trying to reach them who might then fall into the pool.
3. Keep children away from pool filters and other mechanical devices as the suction force may injure them or prevent them from surfacing. In case of an emergency, know how to shut off these devices and clearly post this information so others can do so too.
4. Ask if pool users know how to swim. Learners should be accompanied by a good swimmer. If you have children, have them take swimming lessons as early as possible. And, do not allow anyone to swim alone.
5. Check the pool area regularly for glass bottles, toys or other potential accident hazards. Also, keep CD players, radios and other electrical devices away from pools or nearby wet surfaces.
6. Limit alcohol use around the pool, as drinking alcoholic beverages negatively impacts balance, coordination and judgment—and its effects are further heightened by sun exposure and heat. The CDC reports that alcohol use is involved in up to half of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation.
7. Clearly post emergency numbers on the phone, in the event of an accident. Keep a first aid kit, ring buoys and reaching poles near the pool. You may also want to consider learning basic water rescue skills, including first aid and CPR training. For additional information, contact the American Red Cross.

Follow these guidelines laid out by the III for the most risk-free pool area! Bucci Insurance hopes that you stay cool this summer…safely!

Burglary rates jump up in the months of July and August so if you plan to get away be sure you’ve done all you can to protect yourself and your home.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing white collar crimes in our country and drags along severe short and long term consequences. So this year, not only will you have to think about protecting your valuables, but your identity as well.

The I.I.I. recommends following these preventive measures to keep your home safe:

• Keep your home well lit. Mount exterior lights in your yard or on your house so that they are out of reach of would-be burglars. Put indoor lights on a timer.
• Make it time-consuming to break into your home. Dead-bolt window and door locks can slow a burglar down. You may qualify for a discount of 2 to 5 percent on your insurance policy for installing these devices.
• Make it noisy to break into your home. Invest in a burglar alarm. The most effective systems ring at an outside service, which alerts the police, fire or other emergency service. A sophisticated alarm system could result in insurance discounts of 15 to 20 percent.
• Make sure you have strong doors. Outside doors and frames should be made of metal or solid hardwood and be at least 1¾-inches thick and each door must fit its frame securely. Even the best lock will not deter a burglar if it is installed in a weak door. Garage doors also need strong locks. If you have a tool shed, keep it locked since burglars can use the tools to break into your home.
• Turn off your computer and disconnect it from the Internet. If you save personal information in your computer, make sure it is difficult to access. You do not want a hacker at work while you are on vacation.
• Keep valuables in a secure location. When possible, do not leave personal documents in your home office or desk—burglars know to look for them there. Keep important documents, expensive jewelry and other items in a safety deposit box in a bank or other secure location.

As you prepare to leave on vacation follow these additional steps:

• Have mail and packages picked up, forwarded or held by the post office. Also, stop newspaper deliveries and ask a neighbor to pick-up circulars for you.
• Leave blinds or curtains open in their usual position. This will make it appear that you are at home.
• Ask a neighbor for help. Ask a neighbor you trust to keep an eye on your home while you are away. Make arrangements for your lawn to be mowed. Only tell people you know and trust that you are going away.

Insurance is available to identity theft and may even be included in your homeowners insurance. Feel free to contact Bucci Insurance for any questions or concerns you may have about this topic and they will be happy to find the right insurance policy for you.