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If you're a millennial, there's no better time than now to purchase life insurance.
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We're spending more time at home, and that can mean more time for home maintenance.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a new light on the importance of life insurance and financial planning.
Have you met AVA, also known as the Amica Virtual Assistant? This new digital tool was created to help answer customer questions on Amica.com.
We know how important your pets are, and we’re happy to help protect them.
When the pandemic struck, we took quick action to ensure there was no interruption in the service we provide you.
Identity thieves and hackers prey on the vulnerability that many are facing at this time.
We asked our team to share a few of their favorite things.
With Amica’s self-service features, we aim to make your insurance experience effortless.
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Carbon monoxide: The silent danger
Amica, MADD team up
4 reasons to buy life insurance
Child heading off to college?
Protect yourself on the go
Where protection meets performance
Everyday tips for securing your data
Keep your home running efficiently
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It’s the best way to protect those you love. Regardless of whether you’re married or have children, there are probably people who would have to cover your debts if something should happen to you. Did your parents cosign on your student loans? Maybe they helped you buy that car or home that’s not paid off yet?
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Ironically, the best time to buy life insurance is when you feel you don’t need it. You’re young, you’re healthy, and you have everything to look forward to. Life insurance is easy to get and very affordable. If you wait until something happens to your health, you’ll find that the coverage you need will be more expensive or, worse, unavailable.
If you’re one of the 72.1 million individuals who identify as a millennial, there’s no better time than now to start looking for and purchasing life insurance. Here are four reasons why:
Over time, the cash value of your policy can represent a meaningful amount of money – money that’s available to you for any reason. You can use it as retirement savings, a down payment on a home or for an emergency. To access the cash value, you can either take a loan or withdraw it. Loans must
We’re pleased to be part of Forbes’ 2021 list of America’s Best Midsize Employers. Our people make Amica a special place to work, and we’re grateful for all they do to support you, our policyholders. Would you or someone you know be a good fit at Amica? Visit careers.amica.com to learn more and view our job postings.
be paid back, but generally have lower interest rates than a bank loan or credit card. If you withdraw the cash value, there may be tax consequences, but you never have to worry about meeting qualifications. The cash value is yours if and when you need it.
Carbon monoxide: The invisible danger
4 reasons to buy life insurance as a millennial
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The younger you are, the lower the cost. Said another way: You can buy more protection today for less cost than in the future.
While you’re young, you should consider permanent life insurance, even if you combine it with a term policy. Not only do permanent policies provide lifetime protection, they provide a cash value – which you can think of as something like a savings account. Each time you make a payment on your policy, the cash value in the policy grows (although not dollar for dollar).
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Carbon Monoxide: the silent danger
Nowadays, a large part of our lives take place online. Whether it’s for work, banking or socializing, more money and private information is being exchanged digitally than ever before. That’s why we asked Ben Cogan, Lead Cybersecurity Analyst at Amica, to share four of his best practices.
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“A strong password is like having a good lock on your door. I try to create a long password with 12 or more characters, with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters,” Ben said. “Using a secure password manager helps create and store my passwords without the need for me to remember them all. When it’s available, I always turn on multifactor or two-factor authentication. Think of this as adding a deadbolt to your front door.”
“Just like you keep up on repairs for your home and car, up-to-date software will keep your systems running well and protected. Often, I check to see if a software has an automatic update feature that can help me keep things current without having to remember.”
“One of the easiest ways someone can steal your information is just by asking you for it,” Ben said. “Common warning signs I look for include communications that come from a person or service you don’t recognize, spelling errors or poor grammar, strange or odd-looking links, or offers that seem too good to be true. If anything makes you feel uneasy or unsure, call the individual or company back on a number you know is associated with your account. Never respond to them with the contact information they provided.”
“I see firsthand how much data is online, and how easily it can fall into the wrong hands if the necessary precautions aren’t taken,” Ben said. “It’s time to start protecting your data if you’re not already doing so.”
Monitor your accounts and credit reports for suspicious or unexpected activity.
Nowadays, a large part of our lives takes place online. Whether it’s for work, banking or socializing, more money and private information is being exchanged digitally than ever before. That’s why we asked Ben Cogan, Lead Cybersecurity Analyst at Amica, to share four of his best practices.
taken,” Ben said. “It’s time to start protecting your data if you’re not already doing so.”
Create strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts.
Keep your computers, mobile devices and software secure with regular software updates.
Be cautious with emails and phone calls asking you to provide personal details.
“Just as you may have loss mitigation systems in your home, such as a water leak detection system, you should do the same for your data. By reviewing your credit card and bank statements, and reporting any unknown activity immediately, you can get ahead of a loss before it’s too late. I also recommend you request and review all three of your credit reports from www.annualcreditreport.com on an annual basis.”
When available, use two-factor authentication, which requires you to provide two pieces of information to identify yourself.
As we marked the milestone of sending our 50th Thanksgiving card this year, we celebrated with our employees by creating a company cookbook. Team members from across the country sent in recipes, along with personal messages about why they’re so special. We’ve selected a few of them to share with you. These tried-and-true favorites of Amica employees would make for a great three-course meal on a night in. And after dinner, don't forget to check out the free online showing of "A Christmas Carol," which you can register for below. Enjoy!
The good news is, like elite athletes, we can take measures in our homes to use energy more efficiently. We’ve outlined three major areas* that influence utility bills.
app to keep your home running in peak condition.
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* There are several factors that influence a home’s energy consumption. Averages included as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Sources: • U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) • Energystar.org • U.S. Department of Energy • Family Handyman Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
To schedule these and related maintenance tasks, you can download the Home Check by Amica
Whether you rent or own, there are quick, no-cost and low-cost actions that reduce the energy (and money) spent each year.
app to keep your
Are you a parent whose child is moving away to college this year? Congratulations! It’s a time to be proud of all they’ve accomplished, and excited for the new world they’re about to experience. Rest assured, it’s also very normal to feel a little anxiety when your child leaves the nest. They’re about to encounter new challenges, and you want them to be as prepared, and safe, as possible. To help, we’re sharing this guide to college safety. Here are suggestions, including some tips from Safewise, that are worth sharing with your child:
Safety basics
Campus safety
Be smart with money
Be careful on social media. Don’t publicly announce when you’re alone or leaving your living space unattended. Set your posts, especially photos, to private and limit access to your friends and family. Log out of your social media profiles in case your phone is lost or stolen.
When possible, travel in pairs or groups, especially after dark.
Set a budget to manage your spending money.
Always lock the door to your dorm or living space.
Be sure to turn off appliances like hot plates, clothes irons and curling irons after use.
Store valuables and money out of sight.
Program emergency numbers into your cellphone for easy access.
Sign up for campus emergency alerts and familiarize yourself with safety services offered on your campus. Many schools have blue light emergency phone stations, safe walk programs, transportation shuttles and safety applications for smartphones.
You may be presented with opportunities to sign up for credit cards at college events. While building a strong credit history can be of value, think carefully about whether a credit card is right for you at this time. If you do get one, be careful not to spend beyond your means. This can result in years of financial hardship.
Insurance can give both you and your student peace of mind. If your child will be living on campus, the personal property coverage from your homeowners policy should extend to their personal property, up to a limit. Make a list of the valuables your student will be taking, including furniture, clothes and electronics. Once totaled, contact Amica to confirm whether or not you have enough coverage to protect them. Sometimes, getting special coverage for items like computers makes sense. If your child is renting a place off campus, consider renters insurance to protect their belongings and guard against liability. If your child is away at college for an extended period of time (and not using a car), you may qualify for a discount on your auto policy. If they will be driving a car, it’s a good idea to call to review coverage limits. Give us a call at 800-242-6422 to learn more!
Insurance 101
Every cent raised during the food drive made a difference, and we thank you for your generosity!
We partnered with Feeding Children Everywhere, an organization that provides healthy meals to those facing hunger across the country. The support was more important than ever because approximately 50 million Americans will have experienced food insecurity by the end of 2020 due to the pandemic.
We’re pleased to announce that Amica is now the official Auto, Home and Life Insurance provider for the BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA). “We’re excited to partner with the BMW CCA, and look forward to serving the club's members who place their auto, home and life insurance needs with Amica,” said Gerald Flynn, Assistant Vice President at Amica. “Like BMW, Amica has been perfecting its craft for over a century.” Regarding claim-related repairs on BMWs, Amica will only use original, BMW-manufactured crash parts for policyholders. Amica is also working with certified BMW collision repair shops, and will warranty all repairs for the life of the vehicle ownership.
“Their eagerness to help families and seniors in need speaks volumes to the character of the organization and its people. We're grateful for the Hunger Heroes at Amica Insurance!”
said Rick Whitted, CEO of Feeding Children Everywhere.
After polling over 38,000 auto insurance customers, J.D. Power awarded Amica “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers in the New England Region” in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study . This marks the ninth consecutive year in New England, and the 22nd year in a row, that J.D. Power has recognized Amica for highest customer satisfaction with auto insurers.
With $1 given for each share of our Thanksgiving e-card on Amica.com, and a dollar-for-dollar match for online donations, the campaign raised $60,052!
We’re proud to share that this donation will provide 187,625 meals to families facing hunger this holiday season.
Amica wins top spot in New England for ninth year in a row
“This distinguished recognition is the result of our commitment to providing top-notch experiences,” said Robert A. DiMuccio, chairman, president and CEO of Amica. “I’m thankful to all of our employees who’ve worked so hard during these challenging times to make our customers the top priority.” To learn more about the study, click here.
To learn more about the partnership, call 844-677-7702. And to learn more about the BMW Car Club of America, or to join the club, visit bmwcca.org.
Photos by Vladyslav Cherkasenko and Michail Dementiev on Unsplash
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Coverage may vary by state and policy. Coverage applies to rentals used in the United States, Canada or U.S. territories.
Ready to get out and explore again? If you plan to hit the road in a recreational vehicle, you can enjoy the journey knowing that you – and your RV – are protected. Whatever type of RV you travel in, RV insurance provides personalized protection when it’s on the road, at a campsite or stored for the season.
It doesn’t matter if you have a small camper or a state-of-the-art RV. As an Amica customer, you can experience the peace of mind that comes with being covered for:
Whether you use it for horses, bikes, equipment or something else, we’ve got you covered. The cost of RV insurance depends on a number of factors, including your state’s insurance requirements, your driving history, the type, age and condition of your vehicle, and the coverages you choose. We’re here to ensure you get the protection you need.
• Pop-up campers • Toy haulers • Truck campers
• Motor coaches • Camper vans • Pop-top campers
• Damage to your RV or trailer • Injury-related expenses for you and your passengers • Damage to someone else’s property • Injuries to others
Personal property or contents within the RV that aren’t attached are covered by your homeowners policy.
Car, SUV or motor home. In most cases, the coverage you have for your own car also extends to a rental. If your auto policy has collision or comprehensive coverage, you may be protected on your rental vehicle. Liability coverage will also apply in many cases. Of course, every situation is different, and many factors go into determining whether you’re covered. To make sure, give us a call before you head out to review your policy. You’ll also want to research the rental company’s policy and any other sources of coverage – like those provided by some credit card companies.
Motorhomes are vehicles that have a living area and can be driven, and include:
Travel trailers are RV-type vehicles towed by a private passenger vehicle like a car, SUV, pickup or van. They include:
(MADD) for 2021 in an ongoing effort to protect youth and make a safer future for tomorrow’s drivers. Amica believes in the Power of You(th) message, which is to empower young people to make smart and healthy choices. “As an insurance company, Amica is committed to making the nation’s roadways safer,” said Nicole Bailey, Corporate Social Responsibility and Events Manager at Amica. “That includes providing young people with the resources to make smart and healthy choices.”
1. Starting out on your own Even if you’re single and don’t have children, you should still think about life insurance early in life. Keep in mind, the younger you are when you purchase life insurance, the less expensive it will be. Starting a policy early can be a smart move that could save you money in the long term. Also, be sure to consider your own life policy even if your employer provides group life benefits, as these benefits can be inadequate to meet your needs.
2. Getting married Joining your life with another is a time of bliss. It’s also a time when many merge their assets and debts and begin to rely on each other’s income. It’s important to take the time to set up financial protection for the one you love. If something should happen to either you or your spouse, life insurance can provide you with peace of mind that your income, along with the lifestyle you built together, is protected.
3. Buying a home Purchasing a home is a significant financial obligation. After the closing, it’s a good idea to reevaluate your life insurance needs to account for how mortgage payments, utilities and general maintenance have changed your financial picture. You’ll want to make sure these expenses are able to be paid should the unexpected happen.
4. Welcoming a child The process of welcoming a child into your life can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming. As you’re preparing a nursery, child-proofing every corner of your home and choosing the safest car seat, don’t forget to consider your child’s long-term security. The cost to get a child from birth to adulthood is significant. Life insurance can ensure there’s enough money to provide the life you planned for your child, even if something were to happen to you or your spouse unexpectedly.
5. Empty nesting and retirement Once your children are out on their own, you should reevaluate your situation. Depending on your circumstances, you may still have a need for life insurance. Whether it be covering a mortgage or other debt, or simply a desire to ensure ongoing support for people who depend on you financially.
Amica Life is now offering rate reductions of up to 25% for Term Life insurance. So visit LifeWithAmica.com/OnlineQuote, or give us a call at 800-234-5433, to get a quote today!
Warn your child of the potential dangers of drinking and driving, texting while driving and other distracted-driving behaviors.
MADD’s Power of You(th) program features interactive presentations delivered by certified facilitators to help youth explore the real short- and long-term impacts of drinking underage, including how it can damage brain development and have long-lasting social consequences. MADD also offers tools directly to teens to encourage them to use their power to keep themselves and their friends safe. For more safety resources for parents and teens, visit our partnership page.
Print an accident checklist to keep in your child’s car so they’ll know what to do if an accident happens.
Help keep teens out of harm’s way while they’re behind the wheel!
Amica is committed to protecting you and your family. That's why we've partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Give your child plenty of driving practice. Be sure to drive on different roads, at different times of the day and in different weather conditions.
Make sure your child knows the potential dangers of driving with other teens, and allow only one passenger in the car at a time. Even if your child isn’t the one behaving irresponsibly, other passengers in the car could be.
Instruct your child to obey traffic laws and stay within the posted speed limits.
Insist on the use of seat belts. Many driving-related deaths occur because teens and their friends don’t buckle up.
Discuss the dangers of poor road conditions, such as water, ice, debris and potholes.
There simply wasn’t as much awareness around this issue in 1996, and we were unprepared for the danger lurking within our home. The culprit? A malfunctioning woodstove was funneling smoke back into the house on a cold winter night, while all of us slept – unknowingly – upstairs. My dad waking up at 3 a.m. for work ultimately saved our lives. He noticed that our dog was pacing all over the house, and my mom – who had woken up when my dad did – was feeling very faint. My dad also decided to check on my brother and me, and when we mentioned similar symptoms, he called 911 as a precaution. When the firefighters arrived at our home, they confirmed there were deadly levels of CO present. Thankfully, we evacuated before any lasting damage was done, although we did spend a few days in the hospital recovering.
Brendan Dowding, the author of this story, is the Communications and Public Relations Manager at Amica Insurance.
It’s been 25 years since my family and I nearly died of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Have your furnace, water heater and gas or coal-burning appliances examined by a qualified technician every year.
Don’t use portable, flameless chemical heaters inside.
Never use a gas oven to heat your home.
Never use a generator inside your home or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in minutes, even if doors and windows are open.
Never run a car in a garage that’s attached to a house, even with the garage door open.
Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year. Also, make sure your fireplace damper is open before lighting a fire and after it’s been extinguished.
Soon thereafter, we installed CO detectors on every floor. Not only was it eye-opening for my family, but friends and strangers reached out to us saying that they, too, had taken the proper precautions in their own home. I’m incredibly grateful that the whole ordeal amounted to nothing more than a valuable learning experience, when the outcome could’ve been much, much worse. I hope my family's story encourages you to take the necessary steps to keep your loved ones safe.
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For reminders about your carbon monoxide/smoke detectors and more, download Home Check by Amica below. This free app helps you maintain your home with a photo inventory, helpful reminders, seasonal suggestions and preventive tips.
Home Check by Amica
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Nowadays, a large part of our lives take place online. Whether it’s for work, banking or socializing, more money and private information is being exchanged digitally than ever before.
At around $1 a day for $1 million of protection, it’s well worth the investment for the peace of mind. Without the additional coverage from an umbrella policy, a judgment that exceeds your auto or homeowners coverage could leave you exposed.
So don’t leave yourself unprotected. If you’re interested in adding an umbrella policy to increase your coverage, Amica representatives are here to help. Give us a call at 800-242-6422 or visit Amica.com to learn more.
For example,
let’s say you were responsible for an auto accident
that caused significant injuries to another driver, or your dog bites someone visiting your home, causing permanent scarring. In either situation, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, potentially resulting in a claim settlement that exceeds the liability limits of your auto or homeowners policy. Without umbrella coverage, you may be left to pay the excess amount of the claim out of your own pocket.
Create strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts. “A strong password is like having a good lock on your door. I try to create a long password with 12 or more characters, with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters,” Ben said. “Using a secure password manager helps create and store my passwords without the need for me to remember them all. When it’s available, I always turn on multi-factor or two-factor authentication. Think of this as adding a deadbolt to your front door.”
Keep your computers, mobile devices and software secure with regular software updates. “Just like you keep up on repairs for your home and car, up-to-date software will keep your systems running well and protected,” Ben said. “Often, I check to see if a software has an automatic update feature that can help me keep things current without having to remember.”
Be cautious with emails and phone calls asking you to provide personal details. “One of the easiest ways someone can steal your information is just by asking you for it,” Ben said. “Common warning signs I look for include communications that come from a person or service you don’t recognize, spelling errors or poor grammar, strange or odd-looking links, or offers that seem too good to be true. If anything makes you feel uneasy or unsure, call the individual or company back on a number you know is associated with your account. Never respond to them with the contact information they provided.”
Monitor your accounts and credit reports for suspicious or unexpected activity. “Just as you may have loss mitigation systems in your home, such as a water leak detection system, you should do the same for your data,” Ben said. “By reviewing your credit card and bank statements, and reporting any unknown activity immediately, you can get ahead of a loss before it’s too late. I also recommend you request and review all three of your credit reports from www.annualcreditreport.com on an annual basis.”
That’s why we asked Ben Cogan, Lead Cybersecurity Analyst at Amica, to share four of his best practices.
Protect your home on wheels