Build a Hurricane Readiness Kit

Posted on by admin

At Brent Young Agency LLC, we highly value the safety of our Manchester, CT neighbors. This is particularly important during the hurricane season. We’ve developed a guide to assembling a hurricane readiness kit. Though June 1st, the opening day of the Atlantic hurricane season, may feel like a while away, it’s important to prepare early. The 2023 Tropical Storm Arlene is a perfect example of a storm striking even before the start of the hurricane season.

Building an Emergency Kit

Hurricanes do not adhere to official schedules, so preparation must be done early. It’s ideal to have a preparedness kit for both your home and your vehicle. Here are some essentials you should consider:

  • You need a three-day supply of water for evacuation, a gallon per person per day, or a two-week supply if you decide to shelter in place.
  • A three-day supply of non-perishable food for evacuation, such as Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), and a two-week supply for shelter-in-place are recommended.
  • Can opener
  • Multipurpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Hand-crank or battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio
  • First aid kit
  • Medications and medical devices
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Bath towels
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape for emergency patching
  • Scissors and work gloves
  • Copies of personal documents and prescriptions
  • Cell phone with charger and an extra battery
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Cash
  • Extra fuel for your generator and automobile

If you have infants, be sure to include formula, extra diapers, and a comforting blanket. Also, remember your pets’ needs: pack their food, water, medications, and toys.

At Brent Young Agency LLC, we are committed to ensuring your safety during hurricane seasons. Now’s the perfect time to check your hurricane insurance coverage. We serve Manchester, CT, and the surrounding area with comprehensive hurricane insurance to maintain their financial security in the wake of these storms. So start building your preparedness kit today and make sure you have suitable insurance coverage in place as well.

Do You Know the Penalties for Driving Within Insurance?

Posted on by admin

Understanding the Importance of Auto Insurance

Driving without appropriate auto insurance coverage exposes you to risks, including damages and liability. If you reside in the Manchester, CT area, rely on Brent Young Agency LLC to meet your auto insurance needs. In Connecticut, all motorists must show proof of at least a minimum amount of auto insurance to acquire a driver’s license.

Consequences of Failing to Provide Proof of Insurance

Law enforcement officers can request proof of auto insurance during a stop. If you fail to produce proof, you risk suspension of your insurance and vehicle registration. Moreover, an uninsured driver can incur a fine ranging from $100 to $1000. Furthermore, knowingly operating a commercial vehicle without insurance constitutes a Class D felony, carrying a hefty fine of up to $5000 and a potential prison term of up to 5 years.

Additional Penalties for Lack of Insurance

A conviction for driving a commercial vehicle without insurance results in added penalties. These penalties may include suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration for up to one month for first convictions or up to six months for subsequent convictions. You can only retrieve your driver’s license once you confirm insurance coverage for all your registered vehicles and pay a $175 restoration fee. If you have insurance but fail to present proof, you may face a fine of up to $50.

Knowing the implications of not having insurance should encourage drivers to obtain adequate coverage. For residents in the Manchester, CT area, contact us at Brent Young Agency LLC to learn how to get the auto insurance you require. Give us a call today.

Are Commercial Insurance Policies Necessary for One-Person Companies?

Posted on by admin

Our team at Brent Young Agency LLC can help Manchester, CT businesses like yours get commercial insurance that makes sense. But what if you’re a one-person company? Do you really need insurance? Let’s take a look at what kind of policies make the most sense for your needs.

Yes, You Need Business Insurance 

Just because your business is small, that doesn’t mean you can go without insurance. In fact, there’s an argument that commercial policies are even more important when your business is tiny! Just think of it this way. If you don’t have a policy, who’s going to pay for problems with your company? 

That’s right: you will, right out of your pocket. As a result, you need to get an insurance policy that makes sense for you to ensure you protect yourself from various issues.

How It Helps You 

Great commercial insurance can help you with a myriad of different business-related issues and ensure that your facility stays safe. There are many factors that you need to consider in this case to keep yourself safe, including:

  • Liability: When you suffer liability problems, you need an insurance policy that protects you.
  • Damages: If your home or office gets damaged, insurance can help pay for business-related repairs.
  • Auto Protection: Using your business vehicle for company needs? You should have insurance.
  • Business Loss: Have you lost business due to serious problems with your facility? Insurance helps.

We’re the Team for You

If you’re ready to get the commercial policy that makes sense for you, contact us at Brent Young Agency LLC to get the policy your Manchester, CT company needs. It’s a smart idea to protect yourself in this way, so make sure that you get the help that you deserve from a team that you can afford.

Protecting Your Home Against Fire

Posted on by admin

Your home insurance with Brent Young Agency LLC serving Manchester, CT covers fire, but the best scenario is to avoid this catastrophe altogether.

Here are some helpful tips for protecting your home against fire in a range of situations:

Practice Electrical Safety

Electrical hazards cause a worrying number of home fires every year. Practice electrical safety in your home:

  • Don’t overload outlets.
  • Don’t run extension cords under rugs.
  • Use surge protectors on electronic devices.

Use Heaters Carefully

In Connecticut, the use of portable heaters is quite common.

  • Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
  • Turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Have heaters inspected annually.

Have Routine Home Maintenance

Regular home maintenance is an essential part of fire prevention.

  • Have heating ducts cleaned at least once a year.
  • Have chimneys cleaned once a year before the cold season.
  • Replace damaged electrical outlets.

Use Safe Cooking Practices

Kitchen fires are also quite common but can be avoided with these tips:

  • Never leave the kitchen when something is cooking on the cooktop.
  • Use timers for baking.
  • Don’t leave the house while baking, even for a minute.

Install Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

This simple step could save lives as well as property.

  • Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement and near sleeping areas.
  • Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries annually.
  • Install fire extinguishers in key areas such as the kitchen, garage, and near fireplaces.

Practice Outdoor Fire Safety

Outdoor living spaces add quality of life but represent another risk of fire.

  • Keep grills, fire pits, and generators at least 10 feet away from the house.
  • Regularly clean the grill and check for gas leaks.
  • Observe local ordinances when burning yard waste.

Need Home Insurance? Consult With Us

These are all simple ways to ensure your family and your home are protected as much as possible from the dangers of fire. Contact Brent Young Agency LLC serving Manchester, CT today, for more helpful ways to protect your home against fire. We look forward to serving your needs!

What is hurricane preparedness insurance, and do I need it?

Posted on by admin

Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover certain natural disasters like flooding and hurricanes. As a result, homeowners who live in areas prone to flooding and other extreme natural disasters need coverage to prepare for and cover these extreme natural disasters. Hurricane preparedness insurance helps homeowners prepare for natural disasters and receive the coverage they need to prepare for the effects of these natural disasters. Our team at Brent Young Agency LLC is committed to helping Manchester, CT homeowners get coverage for natural disasters.

Hurricane Preparedness Insurance

Hurricane insurance doesn’t exist as a separate policy. Instead, additional coverage is added to your existing homeowner’s policy. For example, hurricanes are natural disasters known for high winds and flooding. Hurricane insurance would actually include flood coverage and wind damage coverage added to your homeowner’s policy, which would be referred to as hurricane insurance. Homeowners can also benefit from additions made to their homes to prepare for natural disasters. For example, adjustments can be made to a home to prepare for high winds as a way of preventing wind damage. Also, adjustments can be made to a home to prepare it for flooding as well. In essence, hurricane insurance isn’t an actual separate policy. Instead, it’s both wind and flood riders that can be attached to your current homeowner’s insurance policy. 

What is hurricane preparedness insurance, and do I need it?

Hurricane preparedness insurance is actually two separate policies/riders that can be attached to your current homeowner’s insurance policy. Any homeowner who lives in an area prone to flooding, as well as other extreme natural disasters, should invest in this kind of insurance. You can always reach out to a licensed insurance agent for more guidance.

If you have more questions about hurricane preparedness insurance, call us at Brent Young Agency LLC in Manchester, CT. We’d be happy to explore your situation and help you get the coverage you need. 

What do I need to evaluate when choosing a new auto insurance plan?

Posted on by admin

Owning a car is a good option for a lot of people in the Manchester, CT area. If you are going to buy a car when you are here, you also need to know that you are properly insured. When shopping for auto insurance, there are a lot of options to consider. There are various factors, in particular, which should be evaluated when you are in the market for your next auto plan. 

Coverage Needs

An important factor to think about as you are shopping for insurance is your coverage needs. When it comes to auto insurance, no two people have identical needs. All people in the state of Connecticut are required to carry liability insurance, which ensures you have coverage if you are at fault in an accident. Another factor to consider is if you need comprehensive coverage. Without it, you will not have any coverage for your vehicle. If your vehicle took a large investment or you have a loan outstanding, you should get this additional coverage. 

Deductible Level

An insurance deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of pocket before a claim is paid. Deductibles can be as low as $0 and extend to above $1,000. Generally, the lower the deductible, the higher your monthly payment will be. Because of this, it is important that you find an appropriate balance based on your situation. You also need to make sure you keep money set aside in case you do need to file a claim. 

Consult With Us

When you are a car owner in the Manchester, CT area, you should call our team with Brent Young Agency LLC. Our professionals at Brent Young Agency LLC can help you assess your needs and build the right policy for your situation. 

Do E-commerce Businesses Need Special Commercial Insurance?

Posted on by admin

If you are an e-commerce business owner, you need insurance design to protect your business. E-commerce businesses face unique risks in the marketplace, so insurance is the best tool to offer a blanket of protection. If you’re currently interested in finding a commercial insurance policy that meets your needs, you can trust the experts at Brent Young Agency LLC. We aim to offer exceptional Insurance products and customer services to the residents in and around the Manchester, CT area.

Commercial Insurance Protection 

If your business specializes in e-commerce, you must have commercial insurance that protects you against risks online and in person. There are particular insurance policies designed to offer this type of coverage, but selecting the right policy may be challenging without the guidance of a knowledgeable insurance agent.

That’s where our team of experts comes in. We can not only present you with insurance policy options based on your current needs, but we can also explain the fine print to ensure you’re an informed consumer.

We’ll also take the time to collect your information in detail and submit it for immediate coverage. If there are any changes to the policy or additional documentation requests, we can assist with those. If there is a claim, we’ll also work with you and the insurance provider to help settle quickly. It’s all a part of our commitment to exceptional customer service.

Reach Out Today 

If you want to learn more about commercial insurance for your e-commerce business or any quality insurance products we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call or stop by the office of Brent Young Agency LLC, serving the residents in and around Manchester, CT.

Home Inventory Checklist: Why It’s Essential for Your Home Insurance Policy

Posted on by admin

When it comes to home insurance policies, it’s important to plan ahead. One often underestimated tool that can greatly enhance your coverage is a meticulously crafted home inventory checklist. Brent Young Agency LLC, providing Manchester, CT residents with home insurance, wants to educate you on the reasons why building and maintaining such a checklist is an essential component of your home insurance policy.

Home Inventory Checklist

Precise Valuation of Possessions

A home inventory checklist acts as a meticulously detailed catalog of your belongings, encompassing everything from furniture to electronics, clothing, and even appliances. This precise valuation ensures accurate coverage, allowing you to be adequately reimbursed in the event of loss, theft, or damage.

Simplified Claims Process

When the unexpected strikes, an up-to-date home inventory checklist becomes your guiding light. In the aftermath of a catastrophe, such as a fire or burglary, your checklist expedites the claims process. You’ll have irrefutable evidence of your possessions, streamlining the assessment and validation of your losses.

Informed Decision Making

Creating a home inventory checklist isn’t solely for insurance purposes. It empowers you to make informed decisions about your coverage limits. Armed with the knowledge of the value of your possessions, you can tailor your policy to ensure comprehensive protection that aligns with your needs.

Schedule A Consultation Today!

A home inventory checklist is one of the most important things you can do to help you in the event you ever experience an issue for which you need to file a home insurance claim. Having the right home insurance policy can also come in handy. If you’re in the market for a new policy in the greater Manchester, CT area, Brent Young Agency LLC would love to earn your business. Reach out to us today.

Securing Your Property: Tips for Hurricane-Proofing Your Home

Posted on by admin

Living in the greater Manchester, CT region, we all know the dangers of hurricane season. The threat of high winds, storm surges, and flooding can cause significant damage to our homes. However, there are steps you can take to prepare your property and reduce the risk of damage to your home. Brent Young Agency LLC has compiled a comprehensive guide to help you hurricane-proof your home before the next storm hits.

Hurricane-Proofing Your Home

1. Secure Your Windows and Doors

The first entry points for strong winds and debris during a hurricane are your windows and doors. Ensure they are properly sealed and have secure shutters or hurricane-resistant glass installed.

2. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Pay attention to trees and shrubs that are close to your home. Branches can quickly become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Regularly trimming back your trees and shrubs will reduce the risk of damage to your home and property.

3. Reinforce Roofing and Siding

Your roof and siding are the most vulnerable areas of your home during a hurricane. Ensure your roofing is in good condition and appropriately secured to the frame. Consider using hurricane straps for additional reinforcement.

4. Check Your Drainage

Flooding is a significant concern during a hurricane. Regularly check your gutters, downspouts, and French drains to ensure proper drainage. Make sure water is effectively moving away from your home’s foundation.

5. Create an Emergency Plan

Finally, create an emergency plan for your family.

By preparing your home for hurricanes, you can reduce the risk of damage and ensure your family’s safety. Contact Brent Young Agency LLC if you have any questions – we are proud to serve the Manchester, CT comunity.

Four things you might not know about auto insurance

Posted on by admin

If you are a motorist in Manchester, CT who is in need of insurance coverage, you need to do your research. Brent Young Agency LLC can help you to learn everything you need to know to find the right insurance coverage.

The following are four things you might not know about auto insurance:

You need to add collision and comprehensive coverage to your policy for damages to your own vehicle to be covered. 

Some people don’t realize that basic auto insurance doesn’t include coverage for the policyholder’s own car.

Basic auto insurance only includes liability coverage. If you want coverage for your own vehicle, you need to add collision and comprehensive coverage. 

There are numerous optional coverages offered on an auto insurance policy.

Liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage are not the only types of coverage available. You can also purchase uninsured motorist coverage, rental vehicle coverage, gap insurance, and roadside assistance. There are numerous other coverage types you need to consider when buying a policy. 

Policyholders can choose from a few deductible options when they buy a policy.

The deductible on your policy is the amount you’ll have to pay toward the expenses you face when you file a claim. Your insurance provider should give you some deductible options when you buy a policy. You’ll save on premium costs if you opt for a high deductible. 

Motorists could qualify for discounts on auto insurance.

There are plenty of opportunities out there to save money on auto insurance. You may be able to pay less on your premiums thanks to bundling your insurance policies with the same provider. You may also qualify for a good student discount or an auto-pay discount. 

Give Us A Call

Do you have any questions about auto insurance in Manchester, CT? We can answer all your insurance questions at Brent Young Agency LLC. Give us a call for a quote!