NJ Home Buyer Assistance Program

| August 23, 2013

THE LEIGH AGENCY, your Trusted Choice insurance agency, is proud to bring you this public service announcement. It is also available in Spanish by contacting THE LEIGH AGENCY.

NJ HOMEBUYERS CAN GET UP TO $50,000 INTEREST FREE!
The SANDY HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM will provide qualified low and moderate income borrowers with a forgivable, INTEREST-FREE loan of up to $50,000!*
• No required monthly payments
• Loan is forgiven in full after five years

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE?
• Purchase a home in any of the nine Sandy-impacted counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean or Union.
• Have a minimum credit score of 620.
• *HUD income limits and other restrictions apply.

Applicants must work with an approved counseling agency and must pre-qualify for a first mortgage from an HMFA-approved lender. Stop renting and get on the path to home ownership today! Visit their website and apply online! Learn more about the Sandy Homebuyer Assistance Program at www.njhousing.gov or www.renewjerseystronger.org or call 1-855-SANDYHM (726-3946).

This program is made possible by funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program. The Sandy Homebuyer Assistance Program fund is being administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA). HMFA is a self- sufficient agency of state government that is dedicated to offering New Jersey residents affordable and accessible housing. HMFA receives no state appropriation.

Lower your insurance premiums with Snapshot® from Progressive

| August 19, 2013

The Leigh Agency offers safe drivers a way to lower insurance premiums with Snapshot®
Personalized rates reward safe, low-mileage drivers with savings on their auto insurance

The Leigh Agency is proud to provide its customers with a new way to save on their car insurance premiums. The Leigh Agency is certified to offer Snapshot, an optional discount program from Progressive that helps safer drivers earn the savings they deserve.

With Snapshot, customers finally have the choice to pay for car insurance based on real-time driving behavior, without paying for others’ bad driving habits. People who drive less, during safer times of day and exhibit minimal sudden stops may save on their auto insurance.

Driving data has proven to be the most powerful way to determine what customers should be paying for insurance. It’s a better predictor of who will have an accident in the future than age, gender and other factors customers can’t change or control, but that are commonly used to determine the cost of auto insurance. Snapshot uses driving behavior to determine a discount percentage, which means changes in behavior can result in safer drivers and extra savings.

Powering this program is the Snapshot device itself, which easily plugs into the onboard diagnostic port. The device’s sleek design houses the latest advances in telematics and mobile technology, enabling the customer to automatically and wirelessly share their driving patterns with Progressive. The device doesn’t use GPS technology so Progressive does not know the location or speed of the vehicle.

After 30 days, the customer can log in to their policy or check with their agent to see how much of an initial discount they’re earning and what changes they can make to their driving habits to save even more. At the end of the policy term, typically six months, the customer returns the device to Progressive, and their ongoing discount is set.

Anyone can try Snapshot, even if you’re with another insurance company. It’s free to try and a great way to see if your safe driving could earn you a discount of 0-30%.

Snapshot is a good fit for people who don’t drive frequently and during safer times of the day. On average, those who earn a discount save around $150 a year. Since the program launched in 2008, drivers have saved more than $125 million with Snapshot. Contact The Leigh Agency today to see if you could start saving.

The Leigh Agency, in business since 1990, is located at 10 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ. The agents at The Leigh Agency provide personal advice for all your insurance needs and can be reached at 732-780-8338 or [email protected]. Find us on the web at www.leighagency.com.

Progressive
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies makes it easy to understand, buy and use auto insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach it whenever, wherever and however it’s most convenient—online, by phone, on a mobile device or in-person with a local agent.

Progressive offers insurance for personal and commercial autos and trucks, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles and homes. It’s the fourth largest auto insurer in the country, the largest seller of motorcycle insurance and a leader in commercial auto insurance.

Founded in 1937, Progressive continues its long history of offering shopping tools and services that save customers time and money, like Name Your Price®, Snapshot® and Service Centers.

Insurance for All Ages

| August 2, 2013

This is such a great article that we wanted to pass it along. The Leigh Agency is an independent agency that is family owned and operated. Call us to discuss any of your personal or business insurance needs.

How to Choose Insurance for Every Life Stage
by Andrea Murad
Published May 17, 2013 | FOXBusiness
As your life changes, so do your insurance needs. Whether you’re about to walk down the aisle, expanding your family or about to leave the workforce, protecting your assets with right amount of insurance coverage is key.
“As people become more successful, they’re reluctant to change their insurance and become underinsured,” says David Spencer, vice president of Premier Client Services at ACE Private Risk Services. And that can cost you money.
Experts recommend reviewing your policies annually and whenever you experience a life event, such as attending college, making a major purchase like a car or new home, getting married, having a child, changing jobs, renovating a home, or caring for an elderly parent.
“Every time you hit one of these milestones, it’s usually a good time to take the temperature and check the types of insurance and limits,” says Elaine Baisden, vice president at Travelers Personal Insurance.
When reviewing policies, make sure you are getting all the discounts you’re eligible for, like safe driver for auto insurance, no loss for home and the good student driver discount. Increasing your deductible can also lower your premiums.
For each stage of life, experts provide tips for what you should look for with your insurance.
Life Event: Going to College
“Going to college or moving out of a parent’s house—it’s really important to have renter’s insurance,” says Eric Vaith, assistant vice president of product management at USAA. A parent’s homeowners policy will cover college students up to a certain limit for laptops and clothing. Students living in an off-campus apartment should have their own policy, and renter’s insurance is very affordable.
Life Event: First Job, First Car and Apartment
Once you’ve graduated from college, you begin to establish your life and you need the right protection. “The first thing people have is a car or personal items in an apartment,” says Spencer. A renter’s policy can provide coverage for your possessions in case of robbery or other damage.
Nobody likes to talk about insurance but working with an independent agent who can help find the right (and affordable) coverage can help get you started. [The Leigh Agency is an independent Trusted Choice® agency.]
When you buy your first car, Spencer suggests getting adequate liability coverage above the state minimum requirements. About one in seven drivers were uninsured in 2009, according to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), and uninsured motorist coverage and a small umbrella are great ways to start on a long-term insurance plan. “Uninsured motorist coverage is a prudent choice given these hard economic times,” says Spencer.

Life Event: Getting Married
Getting engaged usually involves an expensive jewelry purchase. “After buying an engagement and wedding ring, up your renter’s policy or add a Valuable Personal Property (VPP) policy where you can schedule those specific items,” suggests Vaith. While your homeowner’s policy will provide some coverage for expensive jewelry, fine art or other collectibles, experts suggest asking your agent if these require special coverage.

Life Event: First Home
The cost of homeownership doesn’t just include mortgage payments and maintenance costs, you also need insurance to cover your new exposure.
When you move into a new home, choose the right insurance company, stresses Spencer. Your carrier should provide you an estimate your house value and establish a replacement value for your home and possessions. “If you insure it to that value, most insurance companies will provide only 25% more of the estimated insurance costs. High- net worth insurance companies will replace the house to the full value.”
As you renovate and change your home, or when family members move out of or into your home, Spencer suggests reviewing your policy to make sure you have proper coverage.

Life Event: First Child

“This is a great time for [parents] to think about life insurance—the younger you are, the cheaper it is,” says Vaith.Life insurance can provide financial security to your family in the case of your death. If you’re unable to work, disability insurance, which your employer may or may not provide, can protect you and your family from lost wages.
Life Event: Growing Family
Consider an umbrella policy once you own a car or home, or start accumulating assets. “You don’t have to be a millionaire to be sued like one,” says Vaith. An umbrella policy provides coverage above and beyond the liability coverage in your homeowners, auto and watercraft policies. If there’s an accident and you get sued because of excessive damages or extensive injuries, says Vaith, the umbrella policy will protect your assets to a limit and cover legal fees for a lawsuit related to your policy.
“Umbrella policies also cover libel and slander if you’re sued because of something you wrote on social media or a blog,” says Vaith.
Life Event: Caring for Aging Parents
When parents move back in with their children, they can also bring some risks—especially if you need to hire people to help care for your parents. “Anytime you’re hiring someone to come into your home, consider domestic workers compensation and Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI),” says Spencer.
These policies will pay your employee’s salary if he or she becomes injured and protect you against any allegations or damages your employee could sue you for. If you’re hiring employees through a service, ask whether the service has adequate coverage.
Life Event: Retirement
If you choose to volunteer during retirement, make sure your insurance has coverage for not-for-profit directors, says Spencer. This coverage is similar to professional liability coverage but for not-for-profit work. If you decide to spend time traveling, make sure you have the correct carrier that provides worldwide coverage on an umbrella policy as you travel internationally, says Spencer. These policies won’t cover health issues but they do cover renting an automobile and any personal liabilities you have at home.

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/05/17/how-to-choose-insurance-for-every-life-stage/

Independence and Trusted Choice

| July 16, 2013

Having recently celebrated this country’s independence I thought it worth explaining why the Leigh Agency is an independent insurance agency and what this means to you, our client.

It means we represent many insurance companies and have access to many more so that we can provide our clients with the protection they need at a price they can afford.  We provide options to our clients.  We are independent because that is the way we can best help our clients.

The Leigh Agency has joined with Trusted Choice® because they represent independent insurance agencies whose access to multiple companies and commitment to quality service enable us to offer our clients competitive pricing, a broad choice of products and unparalleled advocacy.

At The Leigh Agency we are dedicated to you, our client, and are committed to treating you as a person, not a policy. This commitment means we shall:

  • Work with you to identify the insurance and financial services that are right for you, your family or your business and use our access to multiple companies to deliver those products.
  • Guide you through the claims process for a prompt and fair resolution of your claim.
  • Help you solve problems related to your coverage or account.  Explain the coverages and options available to you through our agency, at your request.
  • Return your phone calls and e-mails promptly and respond to your requests in a timely manner.
  • Use our experience and multiple company relationships to customize your coverage as needed.
  • Commit our staff to continuing education so they may be more knowledgeable in serving you.
  • Treat you with respect and courtesy.
  • Conduct our business in an ethical manner.

So, while Independence is good for this country, our agency’s Independence is good for our clients.  Let’s all celebrate Independence.  Give us a call.  Let’s see what we can do for you.

Sheldon B. Fallon, Roberta Fallon and the entire Leigh Agency staff.

 

 

Summer Pool Safety

| June 21, 2013

Summer Pool Safety

Everyone in the Pool?   Safely, Please!

Here comes summer, and that means swimming pool season. Kids are breaking out the water noodles and beach balls. Adults dream of sunning on the poolside lounge or getting in a few laps. The Leigh Insurance Agency, your Freehold Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent wants you to enjoy lounging in the water, not waiting in the emergency room. Pool-related injuries send unfortunate thousands to the emergency room every year.
 
When you think pool, think safety. The usual parental commands – “Stop running!” and “Don’t push your sister in the water!” – are helpful, but not enough. Here are a few valuable tips for preventing accidents at residential pools:

  • Never swim alone. 
  • Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. 
  • Always go feet first when using a water slide. In addition, water slides should always be installed in a deep area of the pool. 
  • Make sure there is adequate lifesaving equipment in the pool area, including life preservers and a rescue hook. 
  • Install an audible pool alarm to alert you if someone falls into the pool while it is unattended. 
  • Check local ordinances and codes for safety requirements, including specifications for ladder and hand rail placement and minimum depths for diving boards. 
  • All electrical equipment should be installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with local codes. 
  • Use non-slip materials on the pool deck, diving board and ladders.
  • Check the deck for safety hazards, such as protruding nails and loose boards. 
  • Mark water depths conspicuously. Use a safety float line where the bottom slope deepens. 
  • Maintain secure fencing and a locked entrance around the pool and deck area to prevent access when adequate supervision is not available. 
  • Keep chemicals safely stored away from the pool area. Follow all storage and usage instructions recommended by the manufacturer. 
  • For above-ground pools, check metal supports for rust or deterioration. These may indicate areas where the pool could rupture or a person could be injured.

If you are a pool owner, this may also be the perfect time to schedule a comprehensive review of your homeowner’s coverages with The Leigh Insurance Agency, your Freehold Trusted Choice agent.  Be certain your current liability protection is adequate to protect you from allegations of negligence from anyone claiming injury from being in or around your pool and pool-related activities.