Harry Bowers

Roadside Service

2011-11-10T12:09:00.001-05:00

Good HandsSM Roadside is free to join and gives every motorist in America free access to Allstate's nationwide, 24/7 network of reliable and reputable towing providers. So whether it's a flat tire, running out of gas or a dead battery, anyone, not just Allstate customers, can call (800) ALLSTATE (800-255-7828) and Allstate's Good HandsSM will be sent out to assist them in a roadside emergency. Consumers pay only when they use the service with a simple, flat-rate - $75 for a tow and $50 for all other services. Call our agency today to set up your free membership.

The best time to review your policy?

2011-10-20T14:17:00.001-04:00

The best time to review your policy is right now. Don't wait for a claim to occur and then try to address it. At my agency we contact each client by Voice Broadcast, an automated call from me, as well as either an email or letter. This is in addition to another call if there has been any rate increase and in addition to contact by Allstate Corporate. All this contact is aimed at review of the policy or policies. Knowing what is covered and how it is covered is imperative for the client. The lives of our clients are so busy that sometimes this review never happens but, please, for your sake, take the time to even spend 15 minutes with us.

The uncooperative neighbor

2011-10-20T14:13:00.000-04:00

Many of us are faced with exposure to loss that could easily be controlled except for the lack of cooperation from an interested party. Let's take the case of Mr. X, who has a huge dead tree overhanging our client's garage. Our Client, being a reasonable and prudent person, asks Mr. X if he would consider at least trimming back the tree. Our Client even takes it upon themselves to get quotes for him. However, Mr.X is not interested in cooperating. His take is let the insurance companies sort it out. Where damage could be avoided, the uncooperative neighbor simply doesn't care. What happens? Your insurance company handles it subject to your deductible and policy provisions.

Import Car Show

2011-08-21T10:17:00.000-04:00

For enthusiasts that may have missed the show

Rental Reimbursement Helpful Tips

2011-04-22T10:41:00.000-04:00

Driveable Vehicles
If a customer has purchased Rental Reimbursement coverage prior to a claim, and if the insured's vehicle is drivable after a loss, it is important that the insured understands that coverage starts the day the vehicle is taken to the garage for repairs. The number of rental days is based on the repair hours calculated at the time of vehicle inspection, and is displayed on the Allstate repair estimate. The insured's vehicle should not be taken to the shop before all the parts have arrived and the shop is prepared to start the repairs. It is also recommended that repairs start on a Monday, so that exposure to weekend time is minimized. Many shops are not openseven days a week.

Total Loss
When a vehicle is declared a total loss due to a covered loss, it is important that the insured locates the title to the vehicle immediately. The insured should begin the search for a replacement vehicle as soon as the vehicle is declared a total loss. This will allow the insured to purchase the replacement vehicle within a day or two after receiving the settlement check.
Not Driveable, Repairable
When a vehicle is not drivable as a result of a loss, but is repairable, rental will be covered for the estimated repair time of the vehicle, including one to two days for parts to arrive and the time for an Auto Technician to inspect the vehicle

America'a Box Choice

2011-04-01T15:10:00.000-04:00

Try our friends at America's Box Choice for all sorts of supplies

Peter Koch Auto

2011-04-01T15:09:00.000-04:00

Try our friends at Peter Koch Auto

Hampton Inn at Horseheads, NY

2011-04-01T15:08:00.000-04:00

Try our friends at the Hampton Inn at Horseheads, NY

Hampton Inn at Oneonta, NY

2011-04-01T15:06:00.001-04:00

Try our friends at the Hampton Inn at Oneonta, NY

Hilton Garden Inn at Horseheads, NY

2011-04-01T15:02:00.000-04:00

Try our friends at the Hilton Garden Inn at Horseheads, NY

New York Times about Staged Accidents

2011-03-24T15:16:00.000-04:00

New York Times about Staged Accidents

New York State Announcement

2011-03-24T15:15:00.000-04:00

ALBANY - The New York State Senate today passed a bill that would prevent insurance fraud by making it a felony to intentionally cause a vehicle collision. The legislation, sponsored by Senator James L. Seward (R-C-I, Oneonta), targets criminals who capitalize on vulnerable motorists in attempts to profit from insurance claims.

“Criminals who stage car accidents recklessly put lives at risk for their own financial gain while at the same time forcing all New Yorkers to spend more on auto insurance,” Senate Insurance Committee Chairman Seward said. “Innocent people should not be made unwitting pawns in a criminal enterprise. This legislation provides a bona fide deterrent to those who commit no-fault fraud, and will improve highway safety and reduce insurance costs for all.”

“Criminals trying to rip off the system by staging auto accidents are also putting innocent lives in jeopardy,” Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said. “This bill would crack down on the practice by creating tough new criminal penalties for staging car accidents, and it would have the added benefits of reducing fraud, lowering insurance costs and making our streets safer.”

Senator Seward’s bill was prompted by the 2003 death of Alice Ross, a 71-year-old grandmother who was killed as a result of a staged auto accident. Many others have also fallen victim to similar insurance fraud schemes, with women and elderly drivers most often targeted for these accidents because they are less likely to be confrontational after an accident, thereby making it easier for criminals to engage in this activity. In addition to the potential risk of injury or death, there are significant economic impacts to the state, with estimates that no-fault insurance fraud costs insurance companies and their policyholders $1 billion per year.

This bill would establish tough penalties by creating a new crime of staging a motor vehicle accident. A person could be convicted of a class B, C, or D felony depending on prior criminal history, specifics of the staged incident, or if injury or death occurred. The bill would take effect on the first November after enactment.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

Allstate News Release

2011-03-24T15:14:00.000-04:00

about staged accidents

Updated Facebook

2011-03-20T11:48:00.000-04:00

http://www.facebook.com/HarryBowersAgency is the Facebook link to my insurance agency page

Allstate Benefits

2011-03-20T11:39:00.000-04:00

Allstate Benefits Extends Coverage of Dependent Children to Age 26

As an added benefit for our policy/certificate holders, Allstate Benefits is voluntarily expanding coverage for children to age 26 regardless of student or marital status. We are initiating this change to correspond with medical plan mandates even though our products are not among those required to comply.

Although we are working on the administrative changes necessary to make this elected change with a tentative completion date of mid-July, and all state filings are being submitted; this change is effective immediately. Once the administrative changes are complete and state approvals are given, an addendum to the policy/certificate will be sent to current insureds. Policy and certificate holders with our currently marketed products will receive a letter outlining the enhancement in coverage, and their options moving forward. This change does not waive any other policy provisions, and benefits are subject to all limitations and exclusions, pre-existing conditions and other provisions of the policy.
Harry

Additional web site

2011-03-20T11:36:00.000-04:00

http://www.harrybowersagency.com/ is up and running

Good-For-Life

2011-02-04T11:35:00.001-05:00

Allstate has just introduced Good-For-Life, a new life insurance product with an accident feature that returns 1/2 of the premium you paid to you at age 65. Available to be written for ages 20-45, please contact the office for more information. Thanks, Harry

my facebook

2011-02-04T11:34:00.003-05:00

http://www.facebook.com/harryabowers

my web site

2011-02-04T11:34:00.001-05:00

http://www.allstateagencies.com/harryabowers

Facebbok

2011-01-18T16:33:00.001-05:00

Follow my insurance agency on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/harryabowers

Workplace Benefits

2011-01-18T16:28:00.000-05:00

“Imagine providing additional benefits to your employees at no cost to you. Now, take it one step further and imagine you will also receive a reduction in your FICA taxes.” Call or email us to find out more.

2010-12-27T12:34:00.001-05:00

You can protect your pipes from freezing by insulating outside walls and unheated areas of your home; wrap pipes nearest the exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or with heating tape; try to keep your home warmer to prevent pipe freezing if possible; or, allow your faucets to drip lukewarm water to minimize freezing during severe outside temperatures.

The Importance of Planning

2010-11-22T15:42:00.002-05:00

Recently my Brother passed away after a fight with cancer. Unfortunately he did no life insurance planning which ended up in a horrible nightmare for his wife. Please take the time and review what your family needs to survive if you are gone. Regardless of who you buy the life insurance from, get it done. I wouldn't wish the results of not planning on my worst enemy.

Allstate Fighting Fraud

2010-11-22T15:40:00.000-05:00

;
Allstate Insurance Company Files $2.9 Million Fraud Case Against Fraudulent Medical Corporations

Allstate Insurance Company Files $2.9 Million Fraud Case Against Fraudulent Medical Corporations. Allstate Insurance Company filed a $2.9 million medical fraud case against fraudulent medical corporations. The lawsuit is the company’s sixth this year in New York, for a total of nearly $10M in damage

Now on Facebook

2010-09-03T10:08:00.001-04:00

Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elmira-NY/Harry-A-Bowers-Allstate-Agency/148619295159219?ref=ts

Maximizing Discounts

2010-07-23T11:04:00.002-04:00

Maximizing discounts when you purchase insurance is consumer wise. For instance, having your home and auto together garners a 25% discount on your home insurance and a substantial discount on your auto insurance at Allstate. Did you know you could get a discount in some cases for receiving your bills by email versus paper? Did you know paying your bill electronically can earn another discount? Annual Reviews with your agent are important.

Correcting Fire Protection Class

2010-07-23T10:58:00.002-04:00

Insurance companies are beginning to subscribe to ISO to properly determine the correct Fire Protection Class for the property insured. Each property (home or rental) has a specific contractually-obligated Fire Department that is it's primary responder. The property owner may have believed that XYZ FD was the department handling them at the time they bought their property insurance. Now, with the correction, they may find that another department handles them and this may cause an increase in premium because the correct Fire Department may not have the equipment or rating of the department formerly believed to be the correct department. Insurance companies are taking action and adjusting premiums. You need to know.

GEICO versus Allstate

2010-01-29T10:26:00.000-05:00

I had the staff all shop GEICO to get the GEICO EXPERIENCE. Some of the observations are:

1) While all times they asked if we knew liability limits, they did not ask about any other coverage.
2) They attempted to close three times on the average and one Rep became annoyed when he couldn't close my wife.
3) The quote was given as a 6 MONTH PAID-IN-FULL PRICE without ANY discussion of what coverage was being quoted.
4) No Motor Vehicle Reports or SS numbers were given so we were told this was the ABSOLUTE best rate.
5) When we received the email follow up it included a link to the quote which was for MANDATORY PIP, $500 deductible for Comprehensive and Collision. The Uninsured did match the liability limits.

While it is easy to find fault with a company we have all been with for years the bottom line is that GEICO versus Allstate was $379.30 versus $386.10, respectively, WITHOUT A MULTI-POLICY DISCOUNT ON THE ALLSTATE. Other staff quotes actually had BETTER rates than GEICO.

Flood Insurance

2010-01-27T15:01:00.002-05:00

Damage to your home from flooding is not covered under homeowners policies.Flood Insurance is through the NFIP and sold through companies like Allstate as a separate policy. Depending on where your property is located as to the zone (zone A is expensive whereas zone c or x would not be)will determine the premium. We handle Flood Insurance at my agency.

When do I need Boat Insurance?

2010-01-26T12:32:00.002-05:00

When the craft exceeds $1000 value under a homeowners policy you should obtain boat insurance. Liability coverage under a homeowners covers the boat UNLESS: 1) it has inboard or inboard-outboard exceeding 50 hp; 2) it is a sailing craft 26 feet or longer; 3) powered by one or more outboard motors with more than 25hp; it is an airboat or derivative; or 4)jet-propulsion type (jet ski).

Are temporary Canadian ID cards for auto necessary?

2010-01-26T12:27:00.002-05:00

After investigation and consultation with the Allstate Canada legal department, it has been determined that the temporary insurance ID card is not necessary. As all Provinces within Canada accept the U.S. Allstate Insurance ID card as sufficient evidence of liability, a temporary insurance ID card is not required.

What is Identity Theft Coverage?

2010-01-26T12:24:00.001-05:00

This optional endorsement provides reimbursement for covered expenses
incurred in reporting and addressing identity theft for insured and spouse.
Occupant information must be completed for insured and if applicable, the
spouse. In addition to expense reimbursement, at the sole discretion of
Allstate and for no additional charge, Allstate may decide to refer you to
the services of a firm that can assist you in reporting and addressing
identity theft.

The aggregate coverage limit is $25,000.

What is the optional Building Code coverage under Landlord Package

2010-01-26T12:22:00.000-05:00

This optional coverage will pay for increased costs due to the enforcement
of any building codes, ordinances or laws regulating the construction,
reconstruction, maintenance, repair or demolition of the dwelling. The policy
will pay up to a maximum of 10% of the Dwelling Protection Limit.

What is an EGR Factor?

2010-01-26T11:17:00.002-05:00

When a new automobile model comes out it has no "history" as to crash-worthiness, likelihood of being stolen, or the likelihood of occupants' injuries exceeding the norm. As the vehicle develops a history within the insurance industry that results in a factor. Let's say that 1.00 is the norm and the 2008 Anycar is experiencing a 5% larger occurrence in occupant injuries and a 5% higher level of damage when compared to similar vehicles. You may the see an EGR Factor adjustment to Bodily Injury, Personal Injury and other coverage and an adjustment to the physical damage coverage (collision). You could experience a 5% rate increase while keeping the exact same vehicle. Good to know.

Tips for cutting insurance costs

2010-01-25T08:36:00.000-05:00

Sample Tips for Cutting Insurance Costs
1) Have you retired and not told us?
2) Are you covering an older vehicle with Comprehensive and Collision Coverage?
3) Do you have a young driver that can be spun off onto their own policy with Allstate? (sometimes this is cheaper than having them on yours EVEN IF you still have to pay for it)
4) Have you and I done a valuation on your home in the last 3 years?
5) Have you done renovations on your home in the last 10 years?
6) Are you driving less than 7,500 miles per year?
7) Are you getting ALL your discounts? (we give discounts for having auto/home for example)
8) Have you installed alarms or security systems in your home or vehicles?
9) Have you considered revising your deductibles?
10) Can you switch to a payment plan that gives discounts such as Full Pay and/or EZPay (electronic withdrawal)?
11) Have you taken an Accident Prevention Course (6 hours) and not told us? (these are also on-line now)
12) Have you been spoken to about Allstate Property and Casualty Auto Insurance if you have Allstate Insurance Company Auto Insurance?

New Commercial Auto Discount

2010-01-24T01:49:00.001-05:00

You can now receive a 10% discount on your Allstate Commercial Auto Insurance by becoming a member of the Building Trades Association. To become a member contact them at 800-326-7800

Harry Bowers Allstate

2010-01-23T17:01:00.000-05:00

Auto, home, renters, snowmobiles, ATV, motorcycle, commercial, life, investments, workplace benefits and more are avaulable from Harry A. Bowers Agency Inc. Call 607-796-9113 or toll-free 888-808-8321 or email bowersagency@gmail.com. (see full description)

The Hatfield Difference

2010-01-23T16:53:00.000-05:00

Connected.

Hatfield belongs to the Elmira-Corning Board of Realtors. More exposure to more agents and agencies means faster home sales.

Hatfield participates with www.realtor.com and the National Association of Realtors to get your property seen.

Our web site, www.hatfieldre.com , is fast and efficient and seen by thousands of buyers.

You are the boss.

We treat every client like they were our only client.

We will develop a marketing plan based on your wants and needs, not just a blanket one-size-fits-all plan.

Creativity means looking at any and all avenues to sell your property, such as staging, media selection, Open Houses and Broker Open Houses, to name a few possibilities.

Technology

As people become more adept at the internet you need to have an agency that is savvy to the exposure you need. What other web sites should your property be advertised on at no additional cost to you?

Reports about the people visiting your property, demographics on local and regional sales and how they pertain to your property and other market information are a must for you.

Financing and Insurance

You need to know the availability of financing for someone to acquire your property and current climbing or declining market trends that may accelerate or slow your sale.

You need to know the availability of insurance and costs that will impact your sale.

We have on-site affinity partnerships to help with both these areas.