Blogs from 2017

With the upcoming storm expected in the Northeast, Townsend Energy will be working around the clock for those in critical need of fuel deliveries and service. We will go to extraordinary efforts during this weather emergency to provide your fuel requirements promptly.

Please stay warm and be safe.

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure that you will receive your fuel delivery or emergency service safely and on time:

• Please keep your driveway cleared and salted at a width of at least 10 feet so our trucks can safely maneuver*
• Clear a path to and around your fill pipe so our drivers can make your heating oil delivery
• Please clear and salt your walkways so our technicians can access your home safely
• If your propane tank is underground, please clear a path and area around the fill pipe so we can locate and access it
• Please check to make sure your heating equipment venting systems are clear from snow and ice and your batteries are working in your CO detector

Our top priorities are serving you, our loyal customers, and keeping our employees safe.

Should you have any questions regarding any of the information, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Customer Care representatives (MA: (978) 717-0490">(978) 717-0490;  NH: (978) 717-0490">(978) 717-0490). You can also contact Jim Townsend directly via our Ask Jim Townsend page.

*Townsend Energy is not responsible for damage resulting from inaccessible driveways or pathways during deliveries or emergency service.

Winter Weather Safety Tips To Be Aware Of

New England is notorious for heavy snow and long winters. Frigid temperatures are already making their way through our region. The extreme weather can lead to a dangerous situation if you do not take the necessary precautions. Therefore, you must implement winter weather safety techniques to get through the harsh weather.

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Contents

• 1 Winter Weather Safety Tips To Be Aware Of
  • 1.1 1. Don’t Turn Your Thermostat Down When You Leave
  • 1.2 2. If You Are Going Away, Have Someone Check Your Home
  • 1.3 3. Clear The Snow And Wintery Elements Away From Your Fuel Fill Pipe Or Propane Tank
  • 1.4 4. Remove Snow And Ice Buildup From Your Roof And Deck
  • 1.5 5. Fill Your Gas Tank And Keep A Spare Change Of Clothes And A Blanket In Your Car
  • 1.6 6. Check On Your Elderly Neighbors
  • 1.7 7. If It’s Too Cold For Us Outside, It’s Probably Too Cold For Our Pets
  • 1.8 Conclusion
• 2 Contact Townsend Energy For All Of Your Home Comfort Needs

Below are some tips to prepare for the cold and reduce the likelihood of damaging situations from occurring.

1. Don’t Turn Your Thermostat Down When You Leave

With plummeting temperatures, your heating system will work harder to catch up. If you happen to lose heat, your home will stay warmer for longer, giving you a chance to prevent any damage, such as frozen pipes, burst pipes, and water floods, before they occur.

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2. If You Are Going Away, Have Someone Check Your Home

If you are leaving home for a few days or more, have a neighbor or friend swing by to make sure the heat is still running. Be sure to leave Townsend Energy’s telephone number with them should anything stop functioning normally. There are also a variety of home video surveillance cameras available that will allow you to have peace while you are away. Call us for more information.

3. Clear The Snow And Wintery Elements Away From Your Fuel Fill Pipe Or Propane Tank

Leaving snow around your equipment can lead to freezing and cracking. Therefore, be sure to clear away snow and debris to keep your equipment in good condition.

Furthermore, when it is snowy out, be sure to clear a path to your fill pipe or propane tank. Clearing a path prevents our fuel delivery drivers from unnecessary dangerous situations that occur when they have to carry a heavy hose through deep snow or icy paths.

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https://youtu.be/FZfMFSWTurU?si=gKKBBA86dobB9Sdi

4. Remove Snow And Ice Buildup From Your Roof And Deck

Snow and ice buildup can lead to safety hazards (such as icicles), excessive weight, and water damage on your roof, deck, and other areas that are prone to snow accumulation. Of course, be safe when clearing snow from elevated areas!

5. Fill Your Gas Tank And Keep A Spare Change Of Clothes And A Blanket In Your Car

We hope no one needs this one, but it’s good to be prepared. As a general rule of thumb, make sure your gas tank is between half and full at all times. Also, should your car break down, make sure to have a flashlight and blankets in your car while you wait for a towing company.

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6. Check On Your Elderly Neighbors

Taking a few minutes to make a phone call, checking in, or knocking on your neighbor’s door can save a life. Make sure their home is warm and they are safe.

7. If It’s Too Cold For Us Outside, It’s Probably Too Cold For Our Pets

When walking your dog, take shorter, more frequent walks. Be sure to bring them inside to enjoy a special treat or bone. Even for dogs who love the colder weather, like Guinness Townsend (pictured below), they should not be outside for long durations.

Conclusion

Following these easy steps will not only keep you and your family warm and comfortable but will also help prevent dangerous and avoidable situations from occurring. As always, don’t hesitate to call Townsend Energy if you need anything or have any questions.

https://youtu.be/i3SWyJ_eF4w?si=VCEpOi6nSl4HsgTG

Contact Townsend Energy For All Of Your Home Comfort Needs

Are you looking for an excellent heating system service company or a reliable fuel delivery service? No worries. Give Townsend Energy a call. We’ll be happy to assist you and discuss how we can best meet your home comfort needs.

Townsend Energy has highly trained and certified technicians on staff to service your HVAC equipment. Our services include furnace repairs, boiler installations, HVAC maintenance, and more. All the techs in our company are knowledgeable and experienced, so rest assured that we can correctly service your system. We offer the most competitive HVAC service costs in the area. Book an appointment with us today for a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation.

We also offer fast and reliable fuel deliveries. We deliver heating oil, propane, and diesel. You can count on us to deliver your fuel promptly so that you can stay warm and comfortable all winter long. Be sure to ask us about our various delivery options and financing plans. Call now to find out more!

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Cyber attacks are costing companies billions of dollars. Small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly at risk. Is your company prepared for the costs related to a cyber attack?

Here are some examples of costs related to cyber attacks:

• The cost of remediation against attacks – such as notifying your customers
• Lost revenue due to a cyber attack
• Ransomware
• Legal costs related to cyber attacks
• Costs related to third-party data storage

To understand the scope of the ever-growing concern, did you realize that 600,000 Facebook accounts are comprised daily? Using Facebook as a proxy for cyber attacks, generally, and considering that less than 3% of medium-to-small businesses have cyber coverage and that 65% of businesses are not even aware of what cyber liability is, it is clear that there is tremendous risk.

As a trusted partner to responsible entrepreneurs and business owners, Townsend Insurance Group customizes cyber-policies to address specific needs and budgets.

1. Insurance Credits

Many homeowners don’t realize that there are numerous credits available to them which can result in sizeable savings. Credits related to Fire and Burglar Alarms, Being A Non-Smoker, Loss Free Credit, Security Cameras, New Home Discounts, Combination Discounts (Bundling Home and Auto), Generator ownership, and Freeze Alarms, are potential areas for savings, and your agent should be asking if any of these credits apply to you.

2. Annual Insurance Review

When was the last time you had your agent review your insurance policy with you? If your answer is, “Huh?” or “I don’t know,” this is bad. An annual review helps to ensure your home is valued correctly and minimizes the risk of overpaying for coverage you might not need. Additionally, these yearly reviews are times when you and your agent can discuss the size of your deductible to compare the difference between, for example, a $1,000 or $2,000 deductible; you will be surprised at how much small adjustments like this might save you.

3. Insurance Carrier

Several factors determine the price of a premium for home insurance: replacement cost, square footage, location, construction type, etc. Your agent must compare multiple carrier options for you to find the company best suited for your home, rather than just take an impersonal one-size-fits-all approach. Carriers have different advantages in terms of competitive premiums, such as for homes over $500k, homes under $500k, coastal, inner city, built before 1900, etc. Townsend Energy and Insurance finds the “sweet spot” by comparing the numerous carriers we work with to offer our customers the most competitive premium available.

To discuss the above and more to determine how you can save money on your homeowner’s insurance, sign up for a Personalized Free, No Commitment Insurance Review.

Companies often require subcontractors to complete work that falls outside their in-house capabilities.

The following is valuable information you need to know:

Here’s an example: Company A uses ABC Subcontractor to install new wood flooring that had been damaged due to a flood.

Because the job was time-sensitive, Company A failed to request a certificate of insurance from ABC Sub-Contractor.

While rushing to finish, ABC Subcontractor inadvertently knocks over a grandfather clock, valued at $20,000.  ABC Subcontractor does not have insurance. Because ABC Subcontractor was working on behalf of Company A,  it is Company A’s insurance that must pay for the damages. This will likely result in a premium increase the following year for Company A.

Companies should ask for certificates of insurance from subcontractors and utilize Subcontractor Agreements to avoid the following:

• Being held responsible for paying a claim caused by an uninsured subcontractor, and thus causing your insurance premium to go up.
• If your company is using an uninsured subcontractor, your insurance carrier has the right to consider him part of your company. You may, therefore, end up paying the general liability or workers comp costs for this sub-contractor.

To avoid costly and unnecessary situations, make it a practice to always ask for certificates of insurance from a subcontractor before starting a job. Request that your sub-contractor name your company as an additional insured.

Townsend Insurance Group would be pleased to provide a sample Subcontractor Agreement, as a way to help protect your business, better control your annual premium costs, and demonstrate the value we can provide, as the preferred insurance partner of 911 Restoration.

How many times has the following happened to you? You’re speeding down I-95 when you spot a state police car. You quickly hit the brakes and slow down, relieved that you didn’t get caught … this time.

Now take a minute to think what could have happened if you hadn’t been so lucky.

First, your speeding could have hurt somebody — or yourself. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, speed is a contributing factor in more than 30% of fatal crashes and nearly 20% of non-injury accidents. That’s a big risk to take.

Second, getting a ticket could put a big hit on your wallet. Of course, that’s not nearly as important as the health and safety impacts of speeding, but in this economic climate, more and more people are watching every dime. And who wants to write a check to the state for speeding?

At the Townsend Insurance Group, we want you to be safe. We also want to make sure you get a great price on the insurance coverage you need. Thankfully, easing up on that lead foot can help accomplish both.

How a ticket impacts your insurance

If you get a speeding ticket, that violation can stay on your driving record for three years or even longer. And because your driving history plays a large part in determining how much you’ll pay for insurance, the fewer tickets you have, the better.

Different carriers have different policies when it comes to checking your driving record and dealing with drivers who have violations. If you receive a ticket, and it’s your first in several years, you may not see much of an increase — depending on the severity of the offense. Many states will allow you to enter a deferment program if it’s your first ticket, keeping the violation off your record if you complete a safety course and avoid further tickets.

But that second ticket (or third, or fourth …) can bring some serious financial penalties. While there are too many variables to say specifically how much each additional violation will increase your premium, it’s safe to say that the jump will be significant. And unfortunately, you can be stuck paying those higher premiums for years.

Significant violations can have a bigger impact as well. If you’re going 20 miles per hour over the limit, you’ll likely pay more than someone with a ticket for 5 mph. Insurance companies know that speeding increases the risk of accidents, and they’ll view you as an increased risk — for good reason. If you have a serious violation or too many tickets, your insurance carrier could drop your coverage altogether.

For younger drivers (typically under the age of 25), it’s especially important to avoid tickets, because companies already view these drivers as riskier than the general population.

And keep in mind, even if your premium doesn’t go up, having a violation on your record could prevent you from receiving the lowest possible rate on your insurance.

Of course, we think the best policy is simply to obey speed limits. Not only will you avoid tickets and possible insurance hassles, but your risk of accidents will decrease. And you’ll get better gas mileage. Sounds like a good deal to us!

You’ve probably been at the rental car counter, listening to the representative ask if you want to purchase the company’s insurance. And the thoughts start racing through your head. “Is this a rip-off? Doesn’t my regular auto policy cover me? What about my credit card? Why didn’t I figure this out before I left on my trip?”

At the Townsend Insurance Group, we are here to help. And while not every situation is the same, we’ve got some general tips that will help you make an informed decision the next time you’re standing at that counter.

1. Know your auto policy.

Because insurance policies vary, it’s a good idea to give us a call — before you rent a car — to make sure you have the coverage you need. In many instances, your auto policy will provide coverage for a rental car — but that coverage may be limited to the value of the car you own, rather than the one you’re renting. Of course, if you don’t have a personal auto policy, you’ll need to purchase coverage from the rental company.

And keep in mind that in the event of an accident, many rental companies will charge fees beyond repair costs. They may assess a loss-of-use fee for each day the car is unusable, as well as charge you because the value of the car has decreased. Not all insurance policies cover these fees.

2. Also know your homeowners or renters policy.

If you’re traveling with expensive electronics or other valuable items, you probably want to consider what coverage you’ll have in the event they are stolen. Your auto policy and/or credit card coverage likely won’t protect this scenario.

3. Check your credit card protection.

Most credit cards will also provide some coverage, but often payment is limited to reimbursement of your auto policy deductible (after that policy pays for repairs). Generally, loss-of-use and other fees are not covered, but it’s important to check with your credit card provider to determine their policies. And while some cards may offer additional protection for a fee, usually coverage is limited to damage to the car, not liability for any injuries to others. Remember, to receive any sort of benefit from your card, you must use that card to pay for your entire car rental.

4. Consider any unique circumstances.

Are you renting a car in a foreign country, or for more than a week? You’ll want to get confirmation of coverage from both your insurance carrier and credit card company because different rules might apply. Also, no matter where you are, vehicles such as trucks, RVs, or exotic sports cars often aren’t covered under standard agreements. And if you’re using a car for business purposes, your coverage might not apply. Finally, if multiple people will be driving the car during your trip, make sure your coverages will apply to them.

5. Learn about the insurance offered by the rental car company.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, rental companies offer four main types of coverage:

1. A Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) relieves you of responsibility if your rental car is damaged or stolen. This may also provide coverage for loss of use.
2. Liability Protection protects you from lawsuits if you are sued after an accident.
3. Personal Accident Insurance covers you and your passengers for medical bills after an accident. You may not need this if you have adequate health and auto coverage.
4. Personal Effects Coverage protects you if items are stolen from your car. You generally are covered for this under your homeowners or renters policy, but keep in mind that the loss must exceed your deductible for you to receive payment. If you have a high deductible, it may make sense to purchase this coverage from the rental company.

When you go on vacation, you don’t want to stress out about insurance.

So contact us at (978) 717-0490 before you leave. Then, when you head over to the rental car counter, you can stop worrying about your coverage — and start enjoying your trip!

Most people know what’s covered and not covered under their various insurance policies. But at Townsend Insurance Group, we get many questions about borrowing or lending a car.

Now that summer is here, and you might be looking to borrow your neighbor’s truck for a home improvement project or a trip to the local landfill, we thought it was a great time to provide a little more information.

Generally, insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the car's owner has insurance, it’s covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it — as long as they have the owner’s permission.

The borrower’s insurance is considered secondary, meaning that in the event of an accident, it could apply if the owner’s insurance is insufficient to cover the damage fully.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to what is called “permissive use” coverage. For example, permission must be given by the owner, unless the borrower has a reasonable belief that they are allowed to use the car. However, the borrower cannot permit someone else. So if your teenager allows one of his or her friends to drive your car to the shore, your coverage likely won’t apply.

Coverage might also be denied if the borrower operates the vehicle negligently or criminally. And if the borrower is using your car for business purposes, your auto policy likely won’t cover that.

If you have a regular long-term arrangement to either borrow or lend a car, the borrower should probably be added to the owner’s auto policy. Those who don’t own a car, but often borrow one, might also consider “named non-owner coverage,” an endorsement that provides bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorists coverage, and more.

Ultimately, it’s usually safe to loan your friend your car for occasional errands or projects. And the same goes for borrowing a car. Just make sure it’s for “normal” use. You’ll want to confirm that the car has coverage and that your insurance, whether you’re the owner or borrower, will apply.

Feel free to contact us at (978) 717-0490 if you have any questions — after all, you don’t want to wait until after an accident to get answers!