Page 37 - BusinessWest February 3, 2021

Bill Trudeau says claims have been
kept in check recently by a mild winter.
takes the data from your home, including any upgrades, then shows you the current replace- ment cost if it was all suddenly gone.”
With the lifestyle changes wrought by the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to make sure the home — and everyone in it — are pro- tected. Here are some key factors to consider.
“You can work with your agent to run a cost estimator. It’s a software tool that takes the data from your home, including any upgrades, then shows you the current replacement cost if it was all suddenly gone.”
Home Work
While they may not have set foot in the office in months, people who work from home are still protected from on-the-job injuries by workers’ compensation coverage. Office workers tend not to get injured on the job, but the coverage is in place if there is an incident.
“There has never been a distinction between whether employee actions emanate from an office at the company or from an office at the person’s home,” Trudeau said. “Because this cov-
the home-insurance picture this year, however. For instance, many homeowners were moti-
vated to invest in substantial improvements to their homes. Home construction and improve- ment contractors point directly to being cooped up in the house as the main motivator for peo- ple choosing to make improvements to their property.
What impact does all this renovation work have on the homeowners insurance carried
on the house? The answer depends on what improvements are made and what kind of cover- age is already in place.
Everyone BusinessWest spoke with agreed that, for small or cosmetic improvements, there
is no need to contact an insurance agent. Some larger projects, however, may require altering or increasing a home’s coverage.
“Adding square footage to your home, doing a full remodel, or building a garage would all be reasons to consult your agent to make sure you have enough coverage,” Fleury said.
Even if they are not taking on home improve- ment projects, Trudeau advises people to call their insurance agent at least every couple of years so they understand the coverage that’s in place and whether they may need additional coverage.
“You can work with your agent to run a cost estimator,” Trudeau said. “It’s a software tool that
Protect Your Biggest Lifetime Investment
Trust your partner with the coverage you need.
Your home is not just an investment — it’s the hub of your family’s life. Protect your home against fire, floods — threats that can change everything in the blink of an eye. The last thing you want to worry about is how you’ll replace what’s been lost.
Comprehensive homeowner’s insurance provides the peace of mind knowing that your property and its contents are protected.
Let the HUB experts guide you.
Congratulations
Bill Trudeau, EVP and Partner at HUB International, providing caring service and expert advice for 30 years.
Call or visit our COVID-19 Resource Center for critical updates, resources and business re-entry planning.
Agawam (413) 733-3131 • hubinternational.com Ludlow East Longmeadow Personal Insurance • Business Insurance • Employee Benefits South Hadley
INSURANCE
FEBRUARY 3, 2021 37
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