One of the biggest myths about boat insurance is that you don't need it because you're adequately covered under your home insurance policy. While it may provide some protection for a smaller boat while it's on your property, your home policy won't offer the coverage you need on the water - especially if you're operating a powerboat. Boat insurance can cover many different types of boats, including:

• Powerboats
• Fishing boats
• Sailboats
• Pontoon boats
• Personal watercraft, including Jet Skis and WaveRunners

Quite simply, boat insurance protects you financially from injuries or damage you cause to others while boating. Insurance can also cover your watercraft and trailer if it gets stolen or physically damaged. And, just as with auto insurance, you can select and purchase additional coverages, such as uninsured/underinsured boater (UB) coverage, to give you more protection. Before you head out on the water for some summer fun, let us help you get the right insurance to ensure it's all smooth sailing.

As if it weren't bad enough that major flooding incidents seem to be increasingly commonplace, most people affected are in for a worse shock when they discover their homeowners insurance doesn't cover the damage. In fact, many homeowners wrongly believe that if their area suffers major flooding, they'll receive aid directly from FEMA - grants which are available only when the government declares a major disaster, and even then, are unlikely to be enough to cover the cost of significant damage.

There are two ways to get flood insurance:

• The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the federal plan from FEMA
• Private personal flood insurance for larger/more expensive properties

The truth is, flooding is the most common natural disaster in the US, and it doesn't only affect people in high-risk areas. In fact, more than 1 in 5 flood claims are filed for properties outside of FEMA's official high-risk areas. From understanding your risk to exploring your options, let us help you map out a strategy to protect your lifestyle, come rain or shine.

While one of the greatest benefits of renting is freedom from the responsibility for all the upkeep, what do you do when something goes wrong? If there's a fire, theft, or the pipes burst? Without renters insurance, you have no recourse for recovering what was lost or damaged, including clothes, jewelry, luggage, computers, furniture, and electronics - potentially thousands of dollars' worth of property. For a surprisingly affordable amount, on average less than $200 a year, renters insurance can protect your belongings from a wide range of perils, when you're at home or traveling:

• Damage caused by aircraft
• Damage caused by vehicles
• Explosion
• Falling objects
• Fire or lightning
• Riot or civil commotion
• Smoke
• Theft
• Vandalism or malicious mischief
• Volcanic eruption
• Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
• Windstorm or hail
• Damage from water or steam from sources including household appliances, plumbing, heating

With insurance solutions for every lifestyle, we can help you get the protection you need, where you need it. Contact us today.

Every pet owner should consider pet insurance. Even if you believe you have enough money to cover veterinary costs, pet insurance could still save you thousands of dollars if your pet gets sick or injured. Luckily, insurance plans for pets are relatively affordable: on average, the monthly premium is around $47 for dog health insurance and $29 for cats, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). You can even pick a plan depending on the age/situation of your pet, with three different kinds of pet insurance plans to choose from:

• Accident-only plans
• Accident/illness plans
• Wellness plans

From comparing providers to deciding what level of coverage is best for you and your pet, let us help you and your companion get the peace of mind you deserve.

You've probably heard plenty of insurance commercials promoting the idea of bundling insurance policies, like homes, cars, and boats, to save you a lot of money - up to hundreds of dollars, potentially. If it sounds too good to be true, it just might be.

Sometimes, trying to get every policy from one carrier can be expensive - even with a multi-policy "discount." Insurance is best when it's tailored specifically to your unique circumstances, which is what makes Vineyard Sound Insurance the smart place to find the best coverage. We help customers reduce their insurance payments by matching them with companies that offer the best rates-bundle or no bundle. And we back it up with the kind of responsive, personal service you can trust from a local partner.

If you're interested in saving money on your home and auto insurance, contact us today for a quick, no-obligation quote for bundles from multiple companies for a truly customized package.

While homeowners insurance typically covers a broad range of possible damages, you might be surprised by some things that aren't covered - like Aunt Milly's pearls and that painting you purchased as an investment. The truth is, properly understanding what is and isn't covered by your homeowners insurance requires asking a lot of questions - and reading the fine print on the contract before purchasing a policy.

What isn't covered?

• General wear and tear
• Build-up of mold
• Damage from pests that could have been prevented
• Poor workmanship
• Burst pipes
• Floods

It really pays to purchase your insurance from a professional you can trust - one who knows your lifestyle, who's available to answer your questions, and who will make sure you're being proactive with your coverage. Give us a call today.

Who doesn't love a cheerful fire in the fireplace? But homeowners who don't want to get burned should keep an eye on the health of their chimney - and all the vents in their home - to prevent buildup of dangerous substances like creosote or carbon monoxide. In addition, many of your home's common appliances, like furnaces, water heaters, and clothes dryers, all need a way to discard heat and pollutants, and all these vents require regular maintenance.

To keep your home safe:

• Have your chimney inspected at least once a year for blockages or creosote buildup.
• Inspect the metal linings of your chimney and outdoor vents for cracks that could leak dangerous gases and other pollutants.
• Make sure all your appliances have separate flues or ducts to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.
• Check your clothes dryer's vent for lint buildups that could present a fire hazard.

So go ahead and light that fire - and for real comfort and peace of mind, contact the insurance professionals at Vineyard Sound Insurance today.

The result of the natural breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil, and water, radon is a colorless, odorless gas, and one of the leading causes of lung cancer in both nonsmokers and smokers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January as National Radon Action Month to help raise awareness of this widespread threat - in fact, the EPA estimates that 1 in 15 homes has dangerous radon levels and recommends that all residential spaces below the third floor be tested.

Fortunately, radon test kits can be found at most hardware stores and are easy to set up. There are two common types:

• Short-term (two to 90 days): This test gives you a quick idea of your home's risk.
• Long-term (longer than 90 days): Because radon levels can vary throughout the year, the long-term test will give you a more accurate idea of your home's average annual radon level.

From hidden dangers like radon to unexpected ways to save money, let us help you keep your home safe and sound.