Amity Insurance, an innovator in the insurance industry since 1978.

Featured Articles

Understanding Tree Damage & Your Homeowners Insurance
When a tree falls on a house, the first thing most homeowners wonder is whether their insurance will cover the damage. Fortunately, they do, and the coverage inclusions are clear. If a tree falls on a home or other insured property structure, a homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for the structure itself and the items inside of it. This type of coverage includes trees that fall due to hail, lightning or wind.... More>>

Are You Prepared for a Sewer Backup?
While many homeowners assume otherwise, their insurance policies do not cover a sewer backup. However, there is separate coverage available. In comparison with the cost of dealing with the aftermath of a sewer backup, coverage is a true bargain. Homeowners are responsible for repairing and maintaining the portion of pipeline that connects their home with their city's sanitary sewer main. Since this pipeline is actually owned by the homeowner, any parts of it that extend into the public right of way or street are also included. Working on these pipes is a costly chore, so it is important for all homeowners to know how sewer backups are caused. The following three types of blockages are the most common causes of backups...More>>

Why Your Company Needs Business Interruption Insurance
For most companies, business interruption insurance may be as important for survival as fire coverage. It is difficult to find a business that did not obtain insurance for windstorm and fire damage. However, too many business owners do not consider how they would continue functioning if a windstorm or fire actually did damage their property. This is especially true with small business owners. Business interruption insurance is not sold independently. It is an additional type of coverage for a property insurance policy. In some cases, it may be included in a package policy for business owners...More>>

Why Every Contractor Should Require Workers' Comp Insurance
Good risk management plans allow workers' compensation coverage for any hired subcontractors. Since subcontractors are not able to hide behind statutes for contracts, workers' compensation coverage may be required whether there are statutory provisions or not...More>>

Featured Articles

Six Tips for Insuring Young Drivers
Now that your blood pressure has recovered from giving your teenage driver her first driving lessons, it's time to add him or her to your insurance policy. But teenage drivers and young adults are historically risky clients for insurance companies - and rates generally reflect that. What is the best way to manage the situation? ... More>>

State Minimum Auto Liability: Is It Enough?
State minimum insurance requirements are minimal. Most states demand less than $100,000 for bodily injuries and $50,000 for property damage. Some states require only $10,000 for property damage coverage. How many cars valued at greater than $10,000 travel the highways? How many trucks carrying cargo are worth more than $10,000? $50,000? $100,000?...More>>

Here Comes Winter - Is Your House Ready?
The chill in the air tells you it's time to pull out the heavy clothes and brave the falling temperatures. That chill should also tell you it's time to perform a check of your home to ensure it can withstand the rigors of the upcoming winter...More>>

Professional Errors and Omissions: Protect Your Practice
Professional liability insurance funds losses caused by errors or omissions in the rendering of services. What does this mean?
Professionals are human and errors do occur. In medicine and science, the client benefits from the best course of action suggested by an experienced practitioner at the time the service is rendered. The best course of action, though, has some risk of failure. It is wise to cover this potential. ...More>>

Featured Articles

Homeowners Policies & Jewelry
After receiving valuable jewelry, it's important to contact an insurance agent immediately. It's important to keep in mind that most homeowners policies place limitations on coverage for personal valuable items. This means that owners of these valuable items may not receive the full value if any of the items are stolen or lost. As a general rule, most homeowners policies provide coverage for possessions up to 50 percent of the total coverage amount chosen. This means that a person who has a $600,000 policy would enjoy coverage as much as $300,000... ...More>>

Don't Forget to Update Insurance Policies when Moving
Anyone that has ever moved can attest that the process has a considerable impact on everything from transportation to and from work to how and where free time is spent. When considering a move, one change that's often overlooked is insurance coverage. Often a move will affect whether or not various insurance coverage policies are still adequate...More>>

Reduce Premiums? Reduce Risk & Loss Control Strategies
Business owners know an injury to an employee or severe property damage destroys productivity; so all losses should be avoided or reduced. So why do insurance loss control representatives' visits and the ensuing safety recommendations bother business owners so frequently? Is it the nuisance that any disruptive visitor might be? Is it the money to implement loss control strategies?... More>>

Stopping 401(k) Plan Leakage
When 401(k) participants begin taking loans, cash outs and withdrawals from their plans, their retirement security is damaged or depleted. The Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association reported this in August 2011 in a report titled "Leakage and the Impact on Retirement." This plan leakage lowers the likelihood that participants with low wages will be able to replenish their retirement incomes after 31 to 40 years of plan eligibility. In definition, successful income replacement is placing 80% of income in retirement while taking Social Security into consideration...More>>

Featured Articles

Making Connections and Growing Your Business with LinkedIn
If you are not taking full advantage of LinkedIn to make connections and market your business, you are truly missing out on a great opportunity. For those of you who are not familiar with LinkedIn, it is the social media equivalent of Facebook for the business world and is a great tool for professional networking.
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Is it the Right Time to Buy A Home?
Many Americans are worried that the economy will suffer a second plunge as it struggles to continue recovering. This fear is enough to make nearly every potential home buyer nervous. However, home purchases during economic downturn periods are not a bad idea. Since interest rates are low, it's much easier to pay a lower total amount on a great home during the life of the loan. Another advantage buyers have is that the market is in their favor because of the large amount of homes available. To determine whether it is the best time for a specific individual to buy, there are several different points to consider....More>>

Policy Deductible Increases: The Safer Way to Save Premium Dollars
Money is still tight for many Americans, meaning most are still looking to save when and where they can. Some people have even turned to the their insurance policies as a place to cut costs. Insurance can be expensive, but consumers need to carefully ask themselves where and how they can really save money in this area without jeopardizing the protections offered by their coverages.
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Deciding on Umbrella Coverage Amounts
One million dollars is the minimum amount of coverage for an umbrella policy. However, insurance companies usually offer these types of insurance policies in one million dollar increments and often go up to five or ten million. Some companies that target high net worth individuals may offer up to fifty million or more in coverage. Most people who purchase an umbrella policy choose the one million dollar amount, but many choose two million dollars or more. A rough estimate of what it costs for the first million is about $200 to $250 a year, but can be higher if you have more than two cars, young drivers or points on your record. While each incremental amount above the first million is slightly less, increments exceeding ten million can be higher....More>>

QUINCY, MA ISSUED December 8, 2011….The Internet and technology in general have allowed an increasing number of people to run home-based businesses, but for those wondering if their homeowner's policy will cover the risks of a home business, the answer in nearly every case is "no," according to Amity Insurance Agency, Inc., the region's leading full service agency.

Practically all homeowners' policies clearly exclude business operations and not having proper coverage in place can leave you with uninsured exposure; therefore it is necessary for separate business insurance to cover home-based business risks.

While many home-based business owners may not feel the need for coverage since nobody sets foot on their premises, the problem lies in liability claims that occur away from the physical business location. This can include someone taking action for information on your website or getting injured as a result of the product or service you provide.

Most business policies include coverage for personal injury lawsuits, off-premises injury (in the event someone is injured by any kind of property you take out in the field) and will also cover you during a trade show.

From a property standpoint, any business property you may have in your home is usually excluded or has very limited coverage under a homeowners' policy. Obtaining coverage to protect your computers, equipment, furniture, inventory and other physical assets helps keep the business in operation with minimal disruption and financial loss. A business policy also usually covers loss of income – payment for income that is not earned as a result of a loss covered under a policy. A business policy may also include coverage for items such as valuable papers and damage to property of others.

Hoping that your homeowners' policy is going to provide coverage in the event of a claim will leave you frustrated should your business experience a loss. Businesses have a much higher risk than a homeowners policy allows for, and homeowners claims adjusters will deny coverage for business-related claims in the event of a loss.

It's wise to speak with your insurance agent to explore your specific business insurance needs and options.

Featured Articles

Protecting a Home from Mold
It's important to have a plan and routine in order to protect a home from mold. This involves constantly looking for watermarks on ceilings or walls, signs of mold growth and musty smells. If mold is caught early enough, it can be removed with a simple cleaning solution of bleach and water. However, preventing mold from growing again requires that the source of moisture be eliminated. The area where the mold started growing must also be dried properly. In some cases, the surface or area may simply need to be replaced. After cleaning the mold and attacking the source, be sure to place all rags, clothing, materials, paper and other debris affected in a plastic bag to be thrown in the garbage ...More>>

Artisan Contractors Insurance
Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, tree surgeons and roofers who perform skilled work on a customer's premises are just a few examples of artisan contractors. These workers are also called casual contractors. Piano tuners, interior decorators, exterminators and other skilled service providers are also considered artisan contractors. These contractors require special insurance for their tools and equipment, which are commonly moved from one site to another until each job is finished. The most affordable and efficient way for an artisan contractor to get liability and property coverage is to obtain a Business Owners Policy that is tailored to fit individual needs. While they may be marketed under varying names, such policies usually have similar terms ...More>>

Cyber Liability Insurance: A Smart Investment That Might Save Your Business
On April 20, 2011, someone hacked the Sony Playstation Network. They found an opening in the online video gaming network's password-reset system and penetrated the security protecting its customer database. Days later, the company admitted that the hackers had obtained personal information on 70 million or more subscribers. The hackers got names, physical and email addresses, birthdates, and other identifying information, and it's possible that they got credit card numbers. Sony took the network offline to reinforce it, but within days of it coming back online, hackers broke in again ...More>>

2012 HSA & FSA Changes To Know About
Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts are growing in popularity. Many people aren't aware of the changes that take place in these plans from year to year. It's important to discuss account details with an agent each year to be fully aware of the current rules or upcoming changes ...More>>

QUINCY, MA ISSUED NOVEMBER 17, 2011….In the aftermath of the October 29th nor'easter many are concerned and anxious over the possibility that the winter of 2011-2012 could be a record breaker. It's hard to predict the weather, but if the turbulent weather patterns experienced over the past several months are any indication, we could be in for a tough season. But by taking a few basic measures, homeowners can be better prepared for whatever Mother Nature decides to dole out this winter, according to Amity Insurance Agency, Inc., the region's leading full service agency.


Clean out all gutters: Remove all sticks, leaves and debris; this helps melting ice and snow to flow smoothly and also prevents ice from collecting and forming a dam which can result in water seeping into ceilings and walls.

Keep trees and branches trimmed: Branches that hang over a house are likely to accumulate snow and ice, then break and fall, causing significant damage not only to your house, but to people entering the property.

Use gutter guards: These guards are useful for preventing interference of water flow from debris.

Seal cracks and holes: Caulk all holes and cracks to ensure that melted snow and wind can't enter the house.

Keep steps and handrails safe: It's important to ensure that steps and banisters are sturdy, for if they accumulate snow or ice, serious injuries may result.

Use insulation liberally: Homeowners would be wise to add extra insulation to basements, attics and crawl spaces. When heat escapes through the roof, it contributes to ice and snow melting faster; the melted ice and snow can re-freeze and accumulate, causing a roof to collapse.

Maintain a warm temperature: It's best to maintain the thermostat at 65 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing. The temperature in the walls is always colder than the house temperature.

Call the professionals: A home's heating system should be checked and serviced annually to prevent fires. Also, make sure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Homeowners should also have a contractor evaluate the house for structural damage – it's best to identify and repair minor problems before they become major.

Know how to shut off the water: Learn where the main water valve and pipes are located. When pipes freeze, it's imperative to act quickly. If going away for an extended time, have someone look after your home or contact a service professional to drain the system.

Add an emergency pressure release valve: By adding this to a current system, homeowners will be protected against increasing pressure from frozen pipes.

QUINCY, MA ISSUED NOVEMBER 8, 2011…When it comes to purchasing insurance, fear is an important motivator; after all people are worried about protecting their assets, such as homes and automobiles. Yet, despite most people's best efforts, sometimes their insurance does not offer full financial protection. When purchasing an insurance policy, there are five common mistakes that should be avoided, according to Amity Insurance Agency, Inc., the region's leading full service agency.

Going it alone. Shopping for insurance can be complicated, so it's best to seek professional advice. An independent agent can offer multiple options for consideration and help untangle the complex issues involved in purchasing the proper amount of coverage to meet individual needs.

Buying into the hype. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Where insurance is concerned, you often get what you pay for, so take note… a company that promises large discounts is most likely offering less coverage.

Slicing it too thin. In a difficult economy, people sometimes try to cut living expenses to the bone. While it may be prudent to trim some of the fat from a household budget, reducing an insurance policy can be risky. If and when disaster strikes, you could be facing thousands of dollars of uncovered damages, should you cut back on insurance premiums.

Neglecting regular protection reviews. Consider the many ways your life can change in a short amount of time. The value of a home, the purchase of a new car, an adult child finishing their higher education – these are just a few of the changes that can cause either an overlap or gap in your insurance policy.

Restricting your options. There are a number of insurance companies that advertise a "one size fits all" approach to insurance. In some cases, these companies do not have your best interests at heart; it's best to consider multiple options, rather than limiting yourself to one choice.

Featured Articles

Avoid The Damage Of Winter
Many disasters caused by winter weather conditions can be prevented by taking a few simple steps. Although it's hard to think about such things during warmer months, it's important to be prepared when the colder weather arrives. It's hard to predict the weather in the future. However, long periods of low temperatures frequently experienced throughout history have proven that it's important to be prepared...More>>

Deciding On Separate Rental Car Coverage
Insuring a rental car is a process that confuses nearly everyone. Most people don't consider this type of insurance until the issue is brought up by a sales representative at the checkout counter. While rental insurance may sound like a good idea, it's important to know what is covered and what kind of coverage may already exist before purchasing it. It's best to call an agent and a credit card company before purchasing rental car coverage...More>>

How to Best Handle Claims
Whether claims involve liability, property, workers compensation or other types of insurance, policies outline the obligations of the policyholder in the event they must file a claim. Regardless of the type of claim, policyholders are required to make contact with their insurers immediately...More>>

Understanding Small Business Insurance
There are four types of insurance that most small businesses purchase. The first is property insurance. This type of coverage provides compensation if business property is damaged, stolen or lost. In addition to covering the physical business structure, property insurance covers personal property. This includes inventory, office furnishings, raw materials, computers, machinery and other items that are part of business operations. Property insurance coverage doesn't end with protecting physical assets. It also affords operating funds when business owners must take steps to get their business back on track following major loss. Property insurance may provide coverage for broken equipment in some cases. It may also provide coverage for water damage, debris removal following a fire and several other specific items...More>>

Featured Articles

Does a Homeowners Policy Cover Your Home-Based Business?
With both technology and the internet, more and more people are running home-based businesses, either full-time or part-time. But will a homeowner's policy cover the risks of a home-based business? In nearly every case, the answer is no. The only exception to this might be if a homeowner's policy has a special endorsement, such as an endorsement to run a day care operation from your home. Yet fewer and fewer companies offer such endorsements. Additionally, some policies may give a very limited amount of coverage for business property, such as a computer. The bottom line is, nearly all homeowners policies clearly exclude business operations and not having a proper coverage in place can leave you with uninsured exposure. This is why you need separate business insurance to cover your home-based business risks...More>>

Save Money by Avoiding These Costly Insurance Mistakes
When it comes to purchasing insurance, fear is an important motivator. We are justified in our worries about protecting assets such as homes and automobiles, and we buy insurance to protect our financial integrity. Despite our best efforts, sometimes our insurance does not offer full financial protection. This is not necessarily because there is a problem with the insurance policy; it can be a result of human failure. When purchasing an insurance policy, many people fail to look at the true level of coverage that is necessary to restore assets to their pre-disaster conditions...More>>

Why D&O Coverage is Vital for Small and Medium Firms
Directors and officers liability coverage is important for all medium and small firms. This form of coverage protects personal assets of directors and officers during a lawsuit stemming from mismanagement. When they're charged with mismanaging the company, directors and officers who don't have this type of insurance face the risk of significant losses. Directors and officers liability affords them the protection they need, and money for their legal expenses is provided. If the company they work for must be brought into the lawsuit, this coverage may also be extended to include the company itself. There are many other beneficial provisions these policies offer. Keep reading to discover why this coverage is both essential and beneficial...More>>

Is it Possible to Get Reliable Health Information Online?
Individuals have more access to health information than they've ever had before. A simple Google search on a specific health topic can yield advice from hundreds of different sources. While access to the information has improved with the inception of the internet age, the resulting concern is often the quality and reliability of the various information and contributors...More>>