Ashley Insurance

Why You Need Boat Insurance

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You know how much goes into boat ownership if you’re a boat owner. There’s a lot to do to take care of your boat. One of these is to get a boat insurance policy and keep it for as long as you own your boat. Getting a policy as soon as you buy your boat is a good idea. This policy will protect you as well as others. If you don’t yet have a boat policy, call us at Ashley Insurance in Easton, MD. 

Boating Accidents

Like auto accidents, boating accidents are common and can have devastating results. They can cost you massive amounts for the injuries and damages they cause. If you are judged at fault for a boat accident, you are responsible for all those costs plus expenses like lost wages and legal fees. All of this can be extremely difficult to handle financially. The best course of action is to have a boat insurance policy to pay these bills. Paying just the property damage and medical bills alone can be extremely expensive, and there may also be more bills to pay. When you have boat liability coverage, this will pay for an accident you caused, so you won’t have to.

Other Coverage

Like auto insurance, it’s essential to have liability coverage, but that isn’t the only type you need. There are also comprehensive and collision coverages for boats. Comprehensive coverage pays for the problems that happen out of the water. Collision pays for the damage done to your own boat in an accident. Getting both plus liability is the best way to stay protected. 

Get Boat Insurance

If you’re a boater, don’t go without this insurance. To get started, call us at Ashley Insurance in Easton, MD. 

Can You Be Required to Purchase Flood Insurance?

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One of the questions that we at Ashley Insurance, in the greater Easton, MD area, are often asked is whether you can be required to purchase flood insurance. 

Flood insurance is a type of coverage specifically designed to protect property owners from the financial consequences of flood damage. While homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover various perils, such as fire and theft, they often exclude flood-related losses. Whether individuals can be required to purchase flood insurance depends on several factors, including location and regulatory guidelines.

In certain situations, the purchase of flood insurance may be mandatory. For instance, if you live in a high-risk flood zone, as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), your mortgage lender may require you to obtain flood insurance as a condition of getting a loan. This requirement aims to safeguard the homeowner and the lender from potential losses resulting from flooding. Furthermore, some local jurisdictions may enforce mandatory flood insurance for properties within designated flood-prone areas. These regulations aim to mitigate the financial burden on communities and promote responsible development practices in flood-risk regions.

It is crucial to note that flood insurance requirements vary by jurisdiction, and it is advisable to consult with local authorities, insurance providers, or legal professionals to determine the specific obligations in your area. Even if flood insurance is not mandatory, it is often recommended for homeowners in moderate to high-risk flood zones. Flood damage can be devastating, and recovery costs can be overwhelming without proper insurance coverage. Therefore, purchasing flood insurance voluntarily can provide significant peace of mind and financial protection in the face of potential flooding events.

If you want flood insurance, Ashley Insurance, serving the greater Easton, MD area, would love to help you. Contact us today to learn more.

Three things you shouldn’t assume when it comes to life insurance

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There is a lot of misinformation out there about life insurance. If you want to meet your family’s financial needs, you shouldn’t believe misinformation and make inaccurate assumptions about life insurance. We can help you meet your life insurance needs in Easton, MD at Ashley Insurance.

The following are three things you shouldn’t assume regarding life insurance. 

Buying life insurance is not worthwhile.

Just about every family can benefit from life insurance. Without life insurance, your family’s financial security cannot be guaranteed. 

If you neglect to purchase life insurance, your dependents can face financial difficulties if you pass away unexpectedly. Plan for the unexpected with life insurance coverage. 

Life insurance is not for accumulating savings.

Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that does not accumulate cash value. However, other types of life insurance, like whole life insurance, get cash value.

Whole and universal life insurance offers both a death benefit and a savings component. Therefore, they allow you to accumulate savings while ensuring that your dependents will have financial support if you pass away. 

Only old people need life insurance.

You don’t have to be elderly to benefit from having life insurance. Anyone can benefit from carrying life insurance if they support dependents.

If you invest in a life insurance policy, you’ll have more peace of mind because you’ll know that your dependents will have money to live on if your income is no longer there to provide support.  

Ashley Insurance can give you a quote on a life insurance policy. Consumers in Easton, MD can contact our insurance company today to secure their family’s financial future.

What could happen if I do not have auto insurance in Maryland?

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If you are in the Easton, MD area, owning a car would likely make a lot of sense. When you are a vehicle owner here, you will have an easier time getting around the community and completing all of your tasks. Along with a car, you must ensure you are adequately insured. If you do not have an auto insurance plan, you could experience several consequences. 

Penalization

One of the issues that could arise if you are not insured is that you could face penalties. Carrying auto insurance is necessary for anyone who drives a car in Maryland. If you do not have at least the minimum level of liability coverage, you can face various consequences. This can include being hit with monetary penalties or even losing your license to drive a car. 

No Financial Protection

Another consequence of not having auto insurance is that you will not have financial protection. One of the main benefits of having this coverage is that you will receive financial support if you are liable in an accident or if you incur a covered loss, such as accident damage, vandalism, or theft. If you do not have this insurance, you will not have any of this support. This could mean you will have to face significant costs to pay restitution or repair your car. 

You will always want to ensure that you have the right insurance when buying a car in the Easton, MD area. If you would like to get a car here, calling our team with Ashley Insurance would be helpful. Our dedicated professionals with Ashley Insurance will offer the guidance you need to get properly insured. 

Place to Go Boating in Maryland and Safety Tips

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When you live in or near Easton, MD the best places to go boating are on the Tred Avon River, Miles River, or Choptank River.  They are a reasonable distance from Easton.

Whether you’re thinking about buying a boat for fishing or pleasure, the Ashley Insurance Agency in Easton, MA has  insurance that protects you from accidents, liability, equipment damage, and expenses. Boat insurance provides you with peace of mind.

Where To Go Boating In or Near Easton    

There are several boat launch ramps along the Tred Avon River near Easton. The Bellevue Park Boat Launching Ramp near Easton offers docks and 12 parking spaces for boat trailers. Permits must be displayed on vehicles. The Easton Point Boat Launching Ramp runs along the Tred Avon River and offers docks, paved parking for 22 boat trailers, and portable restrooms. Vehicles must have a ramp permit or face limitations on the type of boat that can be launched. The Kingston Boat Launching Ramp in Easton is for smaller boats. It has five paved parking spaces, docks, and a 13-foot launch. 

The Neavitt Landing Boating Ramp is on Broad Creek, which provides access to many points along the Choptank River. It has a wide launching lane, paved parking for 8 boat trailers, and portable restrooms. The Windy Hills Boat Launching Ramp is near the Choptank River, it has a narrow launching ramp, and five paved parking spaces suited to smaller boats.

Wye Landing Boat Launch is a good access point for the Miles River. It has a large parking lot, docks, and portable restrooms. They installed solar lights for the evening in the warm weather. 

Ocean City, about 62 to 72 miles away from Easton has many state parks and beaches that allow boating on the Atlantic Ocean. Our agency can assist with recommending boating locations,  and marinas  depending on where you live, the type of boat,  and how far you want to drive. 

Safety Requirements for Boats In Maryland

Personal floatation devices must be on motorized and unmotorized boats for the safety of passengers, including life jackets and throwable PFDs. Boats must have day and night  distress signals,  lights, fire extinguishers,  ignition safety switches, registration, permit, a certificate for safety courses, ventilation muffler, horn, and license. This depends on the type of commercial boat you operate.

Reach Out To Us!

Contact Ashley Insurance in Easton, MD to learn about the type of boat insurance that can protect your property and family and friends. 

How Flood Insurance Works

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If you have ever thought about getting flood insurance, you may have wondered whether you really need it. Many people believe that they don’t because their area doesn’t flood often. However, it’s a good idea for everyone to have this insurance in case the worst should happen. A flood can destroy a home, so it’s never good to be without it. If you have questions about flood insurance, you can give us a call at Ashley Insurance in Easton, MD.

Flood Insurance Coverage

Floods are one of the most destructive forces on Earth. They can and do destroy homes completely. Even when they don’t, they can cause a lot of very expensive damage that will require repairs. When you have flood insurance, it pays for things like water removal, mold inspections, and damaged building materials and possessions.

There are certain areas that are designated as flood zones because they have regular floods at certain intervals such as 10 years or 50 years, etc. When there are claims for flood damage, only about 80% of them come from these flood zones. The other 20% came from outside them. That makes it important for everyone to have this essential insurance. 

Flood Insurance Backing

A government program called the National Flood Insurance Program handles flood insurance. It provides backing for the insurance claims, and it takes care of the administration of this insurance type. It also keeps the price of this insurance type constant. So, no matter where you go to buy this insurance policy, the price will be exactly the same. That makes it easier to get this insurance and make sure that you’re protected. 

Get Flood Insurance

When your home isn’t protected by flood insurance, it’s time to get a policy of your own. To get started, call us at Ashley Insurance serving Easton, MD and surrounding areas.

I’m well over sixty. Should I invest in life insurance?

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Life insurance can create peace of mind for many people. It’s helpful to know that your family will have access to money in the event of your death. Your beneficiaries will have money to pay for living expenses and perhaps your burial as well. Life insurance has many benefits.

There are different kinds of life insurance that you can invest in to meet your needs as well. Our team at Ashley Insurance is dedicated to helping Easton, MD residents.

What is Life Insurance? 

Life insurance is designed to pay a beneficiary that you designate a set sum of money upon your death. It’s a contract between yourself and an insurance company where you pay a monthly premium in return for coverage. Your beneficiary can use the money they get in any way they choose.

I’m well over sixty. Should I invest in life insurance?

Life insurance may be a vital necessity if you’re sixty years old and don’t have one. At this age, if you were to pass away, you’d likely leave your family with debt or challenge their lifestyle.

You’re at a pivotal age where transitions and change may be rapidly occurring. Having the right kind of security in the form of life insurance can be extremely beneficial as you continue to age. It not only has the ability to create peace of mind for you but your family as well.

This is a time when you need to evaluate your life and your financial goals. Life insurance can help with this.

Get The Right Coverage For Your Needs

If you have questions about life insurance as an older person, call us at Ashley Insurance. We’d be happy to help you explore your options in Easton, MD.

Proven Ways to Protect Your Business from Cybercrime

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Cybercrime is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes and industries. While we may never eliminate the threat, there are ways to protect yourself and your business from the risks of cybercrime. Here are some tips from Ashley Insurance to help protect your Easton, MD company from hackers, malicious software, and other cyber threats.

Proven Ways to Protect Your Business from Cybercrime

Encrypt Data, Networks, and Backups

Encrypting data, networks, and backups is crucial for any business looking to protect sensitive information. Encryption provides an extra layer of security by converting valuable information into an unreadable format, making it much more difficult for unauthorized users to access and read the data.

Regularly Update Systems and Software

For businesses, regularly updating systems and software is essential for maintaining a secure environment. Keeping systems up to date helps to reduce the risk of security breaches. Furthermore, by keeping systems current, businesses can benefit from improved compatibility and features, which can help to increase productivity.

Train Employees on Cyber Security Practices

Training your employees on cyber security is necessary to protect the business and its employees from potential data breaches and other malicious attacks. Cybersecurity training can help ensure that employees are well-versed in the best practices of cybersecurity, such as using secure passwords, recognizing phishing emails, and understanding how to maintain the security of confidential information. A knowledgeable workforce regarding cyber security can reduce the risk of data breaches, increase employee productivity, and protect the company’s reputation.

Invest in Cyber Insurance

Investing in cyber insurance for your business is an essential step towards ensuring its security and protecting against financial loss in the event of a cyber attack. Cyber insurance can cover various costs associated with a cyber attack, such as data recovery, ransom, legal fees, and computer expert services.

Get The Right Coverage For Your Business Today

Ashley Insurance in Easton, MD specializes in commercial insurance and offers various services to meet your needs. We understand that every business has unique needs, and we strive to provide customized solutions that work for you. Contact us today to discover more!

Why does someone need to have auto insurance?

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The Easton, MD area can be a great place to live, and owning a car will make it much easier to get around and enjoy all that it has to offer. If you are moving to this area of Maryland and need a car, it is also important that you have insurance for it.

There are multiple reasons why car owners need to have an auto insurance plan for their vehicles:

Insurance is an Obligation by Law

A reason why someone here will likely need to have auto coverage is that it is an obligation under the law. Anyone that lives in Maryland will need to have auto insurance if they want to drive their vehicle. At a minimum, you need to carry a certain level of liability insurance coverage. Further, you will need a full comprehensive plan if you have a loan that is secured by your car. 

Insurance Needed to Protect Car

If you are going to buy a car, you undoubtedly will want to protect it as well. One of the best ways that someone can protect their car is by getting auto insurance. If you have a full plan, including collision and comprehensive insurance, you will have support if you incur a variety of situations that could result in a loss. 

Contact Us Today

People throughout the Easton, MD area will need to have auto insurance if they are going to buy a car. When you are in the market for a vehicle and need insurance, Ashley Insurance is a great company to start your search with. There are a lot of important choices to make when evaluating your coverage needs and Ashley Insurance can help you further assess your insurance obligations and needs to help you build a new plan. 

Protect Your Summer Fun with Boat Insurance

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Do you love boating during the summer months? Do you have a boat or are you considering the purchase of one? If so, make sure you protect yourself and your loved ones with boat insurance. If you live in or near Easton, MD area, Ashley Insurance can provide you with the coverage you need.

You may wonder why you should insure your boat year-round, rather than during the summer months only. Basically, it may be more expensive to just insure it during the boating season.

Here are some reasons to keep your boat insured year-round:

  • It may be required. If your boat is financed, it is required by lenders to carry insurance year-round. Their investment needs to be protected during the off-season as well.
  • Risk exists out of the water as well. Boat insurance should offer protection from theft, fire, and vandalism, which can happen all year round. These events can occur more likely during the winter months when boatyards are unattended.
  • Even though your boat is in storage, it is still vulnerable to damage from natural disasters such as flooding, fire, and weather events. Having insurance coverage for your boat can prevent you from a huge loss.
  • Your homeowner’s policy covers damage to your boat while it is on your property. The amount of coverage offered is less than what you would receive with a boat insurance policy. Boat insurance typically covers:
    • Collision damage – covers replacement or repair of your boat in the event of a collision.
    • Property damage liability – covers damage to someone else’s boat, dock, or other related structures or property.
    • Bodily injury liability – this covers you in the event you injure another person in a boating accident and are being sued.
    • Comprehensive – covers you if your boat is stolen, damaged, or vandalized in an event other than a collision.
  • Canceling your boat coverage during the winter months and then starting it again before the boating season can be more costly than carrying it all year. Most insurance companies will reward their customers with a reduced deductible for each claim-free year. If a claim is made, you will end up paying the full amount of your deductible. Loyalty discounts are often given for maintaining your coverage and renewing annually.

Get The Right Coverage Today

If you live in or around the Easton, MD area, contact Ashley Insurance and start protecting your boat today.