Category: Mashpee Progressive Insurance

Commercial Truck Insurance

3/27/2015

With more than 40 years of experience, you can trust Progressive to meet your commercial truck insurance needs. We are the #1 truck insurer in America, the nation’s third-largest commercial vehicle insurance company, and we have an A+ rating from A.M. Best. We offer customized insurance policies, flexible payment options, 24/7 claims service and discounts for qualified drivers in all states.

Commercial Trucks We Insure
Whether you're looking for owner operator insurance, motor carrier insurance, or private carrier insurance, Progressive provides commercial truck insurance for trucks and trailers of all sizes including:

Box trucks
Semi trucks
Flatbed trucks
Front loaders
Garbage trucks
Pickup trucks
Tank trucks
Tractors
Dump trucks
Auto hauler trailers
Flatbed trailers
And many more…

Contact Calfee Insurance Agency. Authorized Progressive Agency located on Cape Cod.

Click HERE For a FREE Commercial Truck Insurance Quote

0 Comments

Seven Tips From Progressive To Keep Truckers Safe And Protected During The Winter Season

3/27/2015

0 Comments

Calfee Insurance Agency | Authorized Progressive Agent | Falmouth, MA

A carpet of fresh snow can be heartwarming when viewed from indoors in front of a roaring fireplace. But for a trucker, that beautiful landscape can mean treacherous roadways.

To prepare for brutal winter weather, here are a few tips from Bill Kampf, Progressive Commercial Auto general manager, to help protect against harm to you or your truck this season:

1. Pull together a winter survival kit for yourself… – Make sure your truck is fully stocked with everything you might need so a stall-out or breakdown doesn’t leave you stranded. Key items to include: a shovel, battery booster cables, ice scraper/snow brush, flashlight with extra batteries, and a space blanket to help prevent heat loss from a person’s body. Additional items might include extra pairs of dry socks and gloves, energy bars or other non-perishable food, bottled water and spare fully-charged cell phone batteries.

2. …AND your truck – Before the cold weather hits, equip your truck with new winter windshield wiper blades as well as winterized washer fluid and fuel. Also make sure that your tires, headlights, cooling system and battery are all in good shape. With all of these precautions, both you and your vehicle will be ready for any snow, hail, black ice or below freezing temperature that you might face out on the open road.

3. Slow down – Give yourself more time to react if something occurs in the road ahead. Compensate for poor traction by driving slower and making all changes slowly and gently.

4. Give yourself extra space in front and behind - To stay out of harm's way in a sudden emergency, increase the distance between you and other vehicles and avoid driving in packs. Normal following distances should be increased to 8-10 seconds when driving on icy, slippery surfaces.

Look further ahead in traffic than normal to get a split-second extra to react safely. Awareness of other drivers can go a long way this time of year.

5. Keep an eye on the temperature – Be alert to potentially dangerous road conditions. Touch the front of your outside mirror to see if ice is forming. If it’s forming on your mirrors, it’s forming on the road too. Be especially cautious when crossing bridges and overpasses where ice often forms first.

6. Check your favorite station - Listen to the weather forecast before you leave town. If travel seems hazardous, postpone your run.

7. Be ready for the unexpected – No matter how cautious you are, you still need a safety net on the road. Specialized insurance coverages and services designed specifically for truck owners and operators are offered by commercial insurers like Progressive.

Check with your insurance company to see what they offer. Make sure your policy has tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of you and your business, including:

Cargo Coverage to protect against damage or loss due to theft, fire, collision and hitting or running over cargo. Progressive’s Cargo Coverage includes no co-insurance penalty, no exclusion of coverage if a vehicle is left unattended, and no reduction in coverage limits for items such as electronic equipment.

Roadside Assistance that provides 24/7 towing, battery jump-starts, tire changes, emergency fuel delivery, locksmith service and on-scene labor.

Rental Reimbursement to pay for a replacement vehicle following a covered claim.

Bottom line: make sure you and your vehicle are safe and covered, even during the coldest and most treacherous winter months.

Contact Calfee Insurance Agency. Authorized Progressive Agency located on Cape Cod.

Click HERE For a FREE Commercial Truck Insurance Quote

0 Comments

Times Are Tough, But Don’t Scrimp On Your Tow Insurance Coverage

3/27/2015

0 Comments

Calfee Insurance Agency | Authorized Progressive Agent | Falmouth, MA

In this economy, every business is looking for ways to save money. But cutting back on certain expenses now could mean heftier bills later.
Follow these tips so your tow business can save money and be protected from the unexpected:

Make sure you have the right amount of coverage. Even if business finances are tight, don’t lower your liability coverage. Not only could you put your business assets at risk in the event of an accident, it could also jeopardize contracts that require you to carry specific limits.

Instead, make sure your physical damage coverage, which protects your vehicles in the event of a loss like a collision, theft or fire, accurately represents the value of your trucks. Most insurers do not automatically depreciate vehicles, so take a look at your policy to make sure you’re not overstating their current worth. You could save money by adjusting your limits.

Think before canceling your coverage altogether. Going without minimum liability insurance is illegal in most states, and should only be an option if you are temporarily putting your vehicles out of service. Additionally, keep in mind that if you drop your insurance now, you’ll pay more to get a new policy later because most insurance companies want to see proof of continuous coverage. Consider moving to a Comprehensive-only policy during temporary downtime to retain proof of continuous coverage and protect your trucks even when they’re not in use.

Protect yourself from uninsured and underinsured drivers. You might not be the only one who’s looking to save a little dough – other drivers could cut costs by canceling their policy or reducing their coverage. And if one of those drivers hits your truck, you could be left paying for the damages. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage can protect you.

Keeping an eye on your insurance coverages can protect your business and save you money. Let us help. We can quote competitive tow rates and important tow coverages on the spot with Progressive. Call us today.
Contact Calfee Insurance Agency. Authorized Progressive Agency located on Cape Cod.

Click HERE For a FREE Tow Insurance Quote

0 Comments

Flood Safety Awareness Week

3/27/2015

0 Comments

Calfee Insurance Agency | Authorized Progressive Agent | Falmouth, MA

Flooding is the nation’s number 1 natural disaster, Federal, State, and local organizations use this time of heightened awareness to draw attention to flood safety and preparedness activities.

Key Facts about Flooding and Flood Insurance

·       Flooding can happen anywhere at any time.

·       In the past 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods.

·       There is at least a 1 in 4 chance that a home in a high-risk area will experience a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage.

·       Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage due to flooding.

·       Changes such as new land development can increase flood risk, especially if the construction alters natural runoff paths. Everyone is at risk.

·       More than 20 percent of all NFIP claims occur in moderate- to low-risk areas.

·       There typically is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy will go into effect.

Contact Calfee Insurance Agency. Authorized Progressive Agency located on Cape Cod.
Calfee Insurance
508-540-2601
336 Gifford St.
Falmouth, MA

Source: floodsmart.gov

Click HERE For a FREE Flood Insurance Quote

0 Comments

Homeowners 101- Protection For Your Home

3/27/2015

0 Comments

Contact Calfee Insurance Agency. Authorized Progressive Agency located on Cape Cod.

Calfee Insurance
508-540-2601
336 Gifford St.
Falmouth, MA

Click HERE For a FREE Home Insurance Quote

0 Comments

Truck Insurance Myths Debunked

3/7/2015

0 Comments

Calfee Insurance Agency | Authorized Progressive Agent | Falmouth, MA

Truck Insurance Myths Debunked
By Mike Miller, product marketing director, Progressive

Your truck is the backbone that keeps your business up and running. But when it comes to insuring your truck, it can be difficult to distinguish insurance facts from myths. And buying insurance without knowing the facts might cost you big bucks in damages or downtime.

We’ve compiled a number of truck insurance myths and facts. Use them to make sure you have the right insurance coverages for your truck.

Myth: If you're on a motor carrier policy, you're covered.

Fact: Motor carrier policies often provide only liability coverage to owner-operator vehicles on lease, so you need to have your own physical damage coverage. Plus, the motor carrier policy only covers you when you’re driving for work or are under dispatch. So if you have a claim when you’re on a non-business or personal errand, it likely won’t be covered. A non-trucking liability and physical damage policy can protect you and your truck.

Myth: You should have a separate cargo insurance policy.

Fact: Consider adding your cargo insurance as an endorsement on your vehicle policy instead of carrying cargo coverage with a different carrier. If you’re in an accident that damages both your truck and cargo, you won’t need to waste time waiting dealing with two separate companies for your claims. Plus, a cargo endorsement can be less expensive than carrying a separate policy, and one policy means paying just one bill instead of two.

Myth: Downtime following a truck accident is annoying, but won't significantly affect your bottom line.

Fact: If your truck is out of commission for 30 days, your business could only have a 50 percent chance of survival. Make sure that your insurance company will provide a rental vehicle or downtime payments to help you get back on the road quickly following a claim.

Myth: It's cheaper to cancel your insurance for stored vehicles if you have a seasonal business.

Fact: Not necessarily. If you cancel your insurance policy, your stored vehicles won’t be protected. A Comprehensive-only policy provides coverage for businesses that don’t need liability coverage during certain months, but want basic protection against incidents like vandalism, fire, theft, falling tree branches, and hail. This is ideal for vehicles that sit for long periods during the off-season.

Plus, a Comprehensive-only policy provides continuous insurance. If you drop your insurance completely, you may pay significantly more to get a new policy when your peak season rolls around because most insurance companies want to see proof of continuous coverage prior to offering their best rate.

Myth: All commercial insurance companies provide help with state and federal filings.

Fact: Some insurers won’t cover vehicles that require filings, while others simply don’t have the capability to help you get the filings your business needs. Progressive can leverage its truck insurance expertise to provide its customers with filings assistance.

Myth: All insurance companies offer 24/7 service.

Fact: Many insurance companies are only available during regular office hours, which can make filing a claim, adding a vehicle to your policy, obtaining a Certificate of Insurance, and paying bills inconvenient. Before you buy, check with your insurance company to make sure they’re available when you need them.

Wonder if one of your perceptions about truck insurance is myth or fact? Talk to a local independent agent. He or she can answer those questions and help you determine which coverages are right for you.

Click HERE For a FREE Truck Insurance Quote

0 Comments

Protect Your Business In Three Easy Steps

3/7/2015

0 Comments

Calfee Insurance Agency | Authorized Progressive Agent | Falmouth, MA

A business is only as safe as the tools it uses. One of the best tools a business can use to protect its assets is commercial auto insurance.

Understanding insurance can be tricky. One of the first steps toward making an informed decision is to understand coverage and service options. Here are three easy steps to help figure out your commercial auto insurance needs:

1. Choose an insurer with the right combination of price and service. Insurance isn’t just about price. It’s about service, too. How are claims handled? How long will it take to get your vehicle back on the road? Can you get questions answered outside of business hours or online? Know the answers to these questions. Your time is money.

2. Research your policy options. Having the right coverage is important. A standard commercial auto policy generally includes coverage for:

•injuries or damage that you cause;

•your driver’s injuries;

•injuries and damages caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers; and

•damage to or theft of your vehicle(s).

When it comes to damage that you cause, you may be required to purchase certain limits based on who you work for. For instance, if you work for certain home builders, you may be required to carry $1 million in liability limits. Consider how much you are willing to pay out of pocket if your liability in an accident is more than your policy limits.

3. Know how the policy is priced. You can control your insurance costs. To get the best rates, run motor vehicle reports on potential drivers. If you let your insurance lapse, you’ll probably pay more for your next policy. Ask about discounts, including paid-in-full and renewal discounts.

Just like your customers rely on your professional skills, call a professional independent insurance agent who will be in your corner, researching and recommending the best options.

“Commercial auto insurance is complicated, but it is vital to protecting your livelihood,” says Bill Kampf with The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, one of the largest commercial auto insurers in the country.

Click HERE For a FREE Commercial Auto Insurance Quote

0 Comments

Save Money On Your Tow Insurance Coverage

3/7/2015

0 Comments

Calfee Insurance Agency | Authorized Progressive Agent | Falmouth, MA

You want to save money on your vehicle insurance, but cutting back on coverage isn’t the answer. That definitely holds true for your vehicle insurance. If one of your tow trucks is in an accident, not having the right coverage could cost you twice: not only will you have to pay to get the truck repaired, you’ll also lose out on jobs while it’s in the shop.

Instead of scrimping on coverage, think about these other ways to save:

Consider raising your deductibles. If you would rather save a little money today but pay more out-of-pocket in the event your vehicles are damaged or stolen, a higher deductible may be right for you.

Keep in mind that driving history influences rates. Run Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) on potential hires. Your agent can help with this, just make sure to notify your employee(s) first. Also, tow businesses that require larger vehicles and whose drivers hold Commercial Drivers’ Licenses (CDLs) may qualify for pricing discounts.

Think about how you’re going to pay. Some insurers have significant finance charges associated with their bill plans, or don’t have flexibility in payment schedules. Look for companies that offer flexible pay plans, including low initial payments and no finance charges.

Shop around for insurance. One of the easiest ways to save money is to make sure you have a vehicle insurance plan that fits your business’ needs. While commercial auto insurance can seem complicated, understanding the carriers, coverages and services available to you is the key to making an informed decision for your business. Coverages like On-Hook Legal Liability and Garagekeepers Legal Liability are designed specifically for tow businesses:

On-Hook Legal Liability covers towed property, and was recently expanded to cover more than just the vehicle you have in tow. Cargo like equipment or raw materials and select personal items in towed vehicles are now covered if they’re damaged at any time between pick up and delivery. Plus, coverage for transmission and transaxle damage is now included. Limits for this truck insurance coverage are now available up to $100,000.

Garagekeepers Legal Liability covers vehicles being serviced, repaired or stored at up to three business locations. This coverage is also now available in limits up to $100,000.

Also, check with your insurance carrier to see what discounts they offer. Some carriers offer discounts to companies who pay in full, have been in business for more than three years, and more.

Regularly reviewing insurance costs can both save you money and keep your business moving forward. We’ll be glad to help. We can quote competitive tow rates and important tow coverages on the spot with Progressive. Call us today.

Contact Calfee Insurance Agency. Authorized Progressive Agency located on Cape Cod.

Calfee Insurance
508-540-2601
336 Gifford St.
Falmouth, MA

Click HERE For a FREE Auto Insurance Quote

0 Comments

Tow Truck Safety 101

3/7/2015

0 Comments

Tips for new drivers

You help keep people safe when they’re driving by towing away broken-down vehicles. By following these tips, you can be confident that you’ll be safe too.

Keep your truck maintained.

Schedule regular professional truck inspections, and repair or replace parts when necessary (not when you have time to get around to it). Invest in keeping your truck going—and going safely.

Be familiar with your truck and its capacity.

Before you use your truck, inspect it. Make sure the truck is free of broken bolts, cracked seams and stress fractures, and check the chains to make sure they’re free of cracks and rust. Also, be familiar with your tow capacity, and make sure to stick to it. Staying within your truck’s limits will help you keep control.

Know how to safely hook up a vehicle.

When hooking up a vehicle, block its wheels before disengaging the driveshaft or the brakes.

If you have a remote control for the lift, boom or winch, lock and secure it inside your truck until you’re ready to use it so you don’t accidentally activate it if it’s in your pocket or on the ground. And once you lift the vehicle, never work underneath it.

Keep a safe distance.

Remember that you’re carrying extra weight when towing a vehicle, so drive defensively. Stick to the speed limit, and try to keep a two- to three-second distance between your truck and the car in front of you. This will give you enough room to come to a complete stop in case they slam on the brakes.

Be ready for the unexpected.

You’ll need a safety net of your own while you are busy being everyone else’s. Make sure your truck—and your business—is covered with commercial auto insurance.

Every tow business owner should have liability and physical damage insurance, which covers damages you could cause to your truck—or someone else’s vehicle—in case of an accident.

Also, consider insurance that protects your customers’ vehicles as well as your own. With additional coverages, you can be confident that you won’t be responsible for damages that could happen to a car you have on-hook or in storage at your shop.

Claims handling capability is the most important feature we sell our Tow customers. Progressive consistently proves superior at settling commercial claims quickly. Call Calfee Insurance at 508-540-2601 for a quote on your tow vehicles today.

Contact Calfee Insurance Agency. Authorized Progressive Agency located on Cape Cod.

Calfee Insurance
508-540-2601
336 Gifford St.
Falmouth, MA

Click HERE For a FREE Commercial Auto Insurance Quote

0 Comments

How To Save On Commercial Auto Insurance

3/7/2015

0 Comments

Calfee Insurance Agency | Authorized Progressive Agent | Falmouth, MA

Ever mowed a lawn in January? Or plowed a snowy driveway on a hot July day? If you own and operate a seasonal business, chances are you aren't working in the off-season, so the insurance you carry should be different than what you carry in-season.

Leading commercial auto insurers like Progressive offer seasonal insurance for businesses like landscapers, snowplow drivers, ice cream truck owners, and more. These coverages allow you to customize your commercial auto insurance based on when your business is running on all cylinders — and when it's not.

Progressive offers these tips for getting the most out of your policy in the off-season:

If your vehicle will be parked during the off-season, you may think you should cancel that vehicle's insurance during that time. But if you’d like to protect your vehicle and still save a little money, just switch your insurance to a Comprehensive-only policy. This will give you basic protection against incidents like vandalism, theft, falling tree branches and hail.

A Comprehensive-only policy also gives you the bonus of having continuous insurance coverage. If you drop your insurance completely, you may pay significantly more to get a new policy when in-season rolls around because most insurance companies want to see proof of continuous coverage.

If you plan to drive your work truck or other vehicles for personal use during the off-season, let your insurance carrier know. They can adjust your policy to reflect personal use, which can be less expensive while still providing coverage.

Claims handling capability is the most important feature we sell our commercial customers. Progressive consistently proves superior at settling commercial claims quickly.

Contact Calfee Insurance Agency. Authorized Progressive Agency located on Cape Cod.

Calfee Insurance
508-540-2601
336 Gifford St.
Falmouth, MA

Click HERE For a FREE Commercial Auto Insurance Quote

0 Comments