Flood insurance may seem like an unnecessary addition that you don’t really need, but the truth is that any owner of insurable property should have flood insurance as well.  It is a common misconception that damage resulting from a flood is covered by a homeowner’s policy, unfortunately this is not the case and many homeowners find themselves with thousands of dollars worth of damage each year.

The ability to purchase flood insurance is relatively new, it was first made available in 1968 and since then has saved homeowners with water damage thousands and thousdands of dollars.   Because it is so expensive to repair damage from a flood, the policies are a bit more pricey than homeowner’s insurance but are well worth it if you do experience flooding.  For homeowner’s who reside in “Zone A” territory, which is a home within 1 mile of tidal water, flood insurance is highly recommended if not mandatory.  Those that do not reside near a body of water may think that flood insurance is not worth purchasing, but technically every single home is considered to be in a “flood zone”, although the risk level varies.

So what can cause a flood?  A variety of things which is what makes the risk so dangerous.  Of course heavy rainfall, quick melting snow, and hurricanes are all factors that can lead to flooding, but a clogged drainage system, mudflow, or a failed levee can cause just as much damage.  Even if you don’t live close to a body of water, everyone is at risk for heavy rainfall or a hurricane, as we saw here in Massachusetts with Hurrican Irene last year.  Even 1 inch of water can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to floors, electrical outlets, doors, base trim, furniture, appliances, a furnace, personal items, and much more.  You can get a better idea of how much damage a flood can cause here.

The price of flood insurance varies based on your “risk level”.  Those who live closer to the water are at a higher risk for flooding which will make their premium more expensive.  Flood insurance also must be paid in full which may make it unappealing to some customers, but a policy will seem much more appealing  than paying for damages if a flood does occur.  Should you suffer flood damage, take as many picture of the damage as possible that you can send to your insurance carrier.

Make sure you are protected from flooding, the next time you get a quote for homeowner’s insurance make sure the company offers flood insurance as well, since not all companies have that feature.  If you haven’t considered getting flood insurance before, think it over and call us at MassDrive for a quote!

All information is from FloodSmart.

Photo By: U.S. Geological Survey

Many of you may already know that May is National Bike Month, and if you didn’t know then you should check out our blog about it here.  What you may not know is that Massachusetts has its own biking celebration during the month of May.  Bay State Bike week takes place this year from May 14-20, and anyone is welcome to participate!  There are events going on across the entire state including festivals, bike breakfasts, film screenings, scenic rides, charity bike rides, bike repair classes, and much more.

Another great thing about Bay State Bike Week?  Anyone can plan and submit an event!  Presented by MassBike in partnership with the MassDOT, Bike Week festivities rely on the creativity of their participants.  All that is needed to plan an event and get it on the Bay State Bike Week calendar is a location, name for the event,  date and time, and description of the activities that will be taking place.  Event organizers can submit their event to Bay State Bike Week’s website here.

Want to make your bike rides a bit more interesting?  Sign up for the MassCommute Bicycle Week Chanllenge!  Sign up with your business, school, municipality, or on your own!  This competition is free and open to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Massachusetts.  How it works is that you keep track of the miles you bike, submit them online and your stats are accrued to your school, place of employment, and community.  You can then keep track of how you’re doing on the leader board.  Some healthy competition never hurt anyone, sign up today and makes your miles count for yourself and your community!

Boston is hosting their own celebration of bikes as well.  In honor of bike week, riders are invited to join in on one of 9 group rides from surrounding Boston areas, all of which end at Boston’s City Hall.  Once the bikers arrive at City Hall, there will be a free breakfast, refreshments, vendors, a small expo area, and shops who can examine and repair bikes.  The other great thing about this event is that it’s free to sign up!  Participants are asked to register so that the organizers can get an accurate head count for the event.  For more information on the convoy routes and departure times you can click here.

There are endless ways to get involved with Bay State Bike Week!  Even pledging to bike to work/school on those days is a great way to participate.  Get up and get active this month, bike week is a great excuse to spend some time outside this spring!

Photo By: cdsessums

Satellite Radio has been gaining popularity for years now, especially amongst drivers.  Although it is mainly used in the car, Satellite Radio can also be used in your home, business, boat, plane, and from your smart phone/computer.  There is also a portable device that can be purchased for when you are on the go. Unlike AM/FM radio stations that receive their signal from stationary towers, Satellite Radio stations get their signal from satellites that orbit the Earth.   The coverage provided by these satellites gives listeners the ability to travel anywhere in the country while still listening to the same station.

Until 2008, there were two satellite radio providers in the United States; Sirius Radio and XM Radio.  In 2008 the companies merged to form Sirius XM Radio.  The company offers multiple Sirius, XM, and Sirius XM package selections which all have slight differences.  The main difference is in what sports stations and talk show hosts are available, so it’s best to scan through the available channels that are listed on a package before you sign up.

The price of packages varies based on how many channels you want to have.  The most basic package is the “Select” which is $14.49 per month and has over 130 channels.  The “Premier” package has over 140 channels and costs $17.99 per month.  There is also the option to purchase an internet listening subscription which would enable subscribers to listen to the radio from their computer or smartphone.  This package is $14.49 per month and has over 130 channels.  The final option is the “All Access” package which features over 140 channels as well as the internet listening ability.  Once you decide which package is right for you, scan through the available channels and decide whether you want you package to be Sirius, XM, or a SiriusXM package which is a combination of both options.

So what are the benefits of paying for Satellite Radio when you can listen to an AM/FM station for free?  Well, there are many perks which is why SiriusXM is gaining popularity.  As was mentioned earlier, satellite signals enable a listener to travel any distance and still be able to listen to the same station.  Another major benefit is that music stations are commercial free!  There are also sports stations, comedy stations, talk and entertainment programs, news and issues, traffic/weather stations, and many more!  Listeners will also love the fact that they can create customized packages  including News, Sports and Talk, Mostly Music, Family-Friendly, All-In-One, or Sirius A La Carte.

The only con to satellite radio is that it is not free.  Other than that, it is a great way to have control over what you are listening to without hearing the same songs over and over.  With more than 140 available channels, listeners will never be bored and the commercial free music is one of the most appealing aspects of SiriusXM.  Not sure if it is right for you?  There’s no better way to find out than to listen for yourself and sign up for a free 7-day trial here.

For more information and specific channel listings, you can visit the SiriusXM website.

Photo By: NASA Goddard Photo and Video

Did you know that May is National Bike Month?  Biking is a popular activity across the country, not only is it a great way to exercise, it is also good for the environment and your budget!  However, biking can also be dangerous, especially in highly populated environments and busy roads.  In honor of Bike Month, we’ve found some tips for bikers and drivers sharing the road to make sure that both parties are as safe as possible.

Bikers and drivers may not like to share the road, but it is a reality of our everyday lives and being informed could save a life!  Bikers have more mobility on the roads than drivers which can make their presence extremely dangerous.  They also have less protection from the elements, and if they get hit by a car the outcome will be much worse for them than it would be for someone enclosed in their steel car.   Whether you are in your car or on a bike, following these tips will make sure the road is as safe as possible for all.

Bikers:

• Follow the law.  Bikers are subject to the same rules as drivers when it comes to stop signs and  traffic signals.  Biker’s also need to ride with traffic and stay in the far right lane in relation to the direction they’re traveling.
• Be alert to your own surroundings as well as others.  Don’t forget that someone in a car has no idea what your next move will be.  Signal turns as early as you would if you were driving, and always be sure to check behind you for oncoming traffic when changing lanes.  Try not to swerve between parked cars, it’s better to stay in view of all cars on the road.  Try to anticipate their next move as well!  Watch out for turning vehicles and avoid riding outside of the door zone on parked cars.
• Stay conspicuous, wear bright colors and reflective gear if possible whenever you ride.  Making sure a driver sees you is the first step in making sure they don’t hit you.
• Stay off of the sidewalk!  It may seem safer than the road but is actually one of the leading causes of crashes.
• Make sure that your bike is in tip top shape before taking it out for a ride.  Check the tires, make sure that the chain is smooth, and check the handle brakes if necessary.  It doesn’t hurt to be prepared by carrying around small tools for emergency repairs as well!
• Wear a helmet!  Not all dangers on the road come from cars, accidents happen and even the most skilled cyclist can have an unexpected fall.

Drivers:

• Slow down!  Don’t make any sudden moves or honk your horn, these distractions could cause a frightened biker to accidentally swerve into the road.
• When passing a biker, stay atleast 3 feet away from them to make sure you don’t accidently clip them.  This may mean that you have to move into the opposite lane slightly, so make sure that there are no cars coming.
• Although all bikers can be unpredictable, kids are especially dangerous.  Keep a sharp eye on them, especailly if you are trying to pass them.
• Always check for bicyclists when turning a corner or in a busy neighborhood, they move fast and can be hard to see.

Keep these rules in mind every month of the year!  Although bike month will come to an end, it is a great reminder of the rules we should all be following when sharing the road!

Safety tips from: The League of American Bicyclists and VIA Magazine

Photo By: Martin Cathrae

Looking for a way to mix up your social life or try something new? Massachusetts has some of the most diverse activities and events in the whole country.  Whether you’re a fan of the beach, the mountains, the city, or the countryside, Massachusetts has it all.  Now that Spring is officially here and the weather is warming up, there’s no better time to get out and explore the Bay State!

Everyone who visits Boston knows that if you’re looking for good food, the North End is the place to be.  This Friday, May 4th  is the perfect opportunity to sample some fine Italian cuisine, the 18th Annual “A Taste of the North End” gives attendees the chance to sample food and wine from over 25 local restaurants.  It is being presented by the North End Waterfront Health and is being held at the DCR’s Steriti Memorial Rink, located at 561 Commercial Street, Boston.  Billy Costa, of KISS-108 and NECN’s TV Diner will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.  Tickets range from $79-$99 and proceeds benefit the North End Waterfront Health as well as local schools, recreation centers, and senior programs.  What is better than enjoying some authentic Italian food while supporting a good cause?

Finding an event for your family that is both entertaining and educational can be a challenge sometimes.  The Soule Homestead Education Center in Middleboro, Ma offers both through their Sheep and Earth Day Celebration, coming up this Saturday, May 5th from 10AM-3PM.  Children will love watching border collies follow commands to herd the sheep, after the sheep receive their annual haircuts.  Other demonstrations involve beekeeping, spinning, and weaving and activities using wool and recycled materials will be available for children to participate in.  Crafts and local plants will be for sale, as well as hot dogs and other refreshments.  Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children under the age of 12.

Cape Cod is one of the most famous vacation spots in the country, and from May 13 – June 10 visitors to the cape can participate in the many activities taking place during the Cape Cod Maritime Days.  Activities include boat-building, guided kayak excursions, light house tours, art exhibits, and of course access to the many beaches on the cape.  Costs vary for each event and a full schedule and description of activities can be found here.

Go green this month and celebrate the environment at the 19th Annual 92.9 Earthfest.  It’s the largest free radio station concert in the country and and it’s happening Saturday May 19 at the DCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell.  Presented by Whole Foods, this family friendly event features local non profit environmental organizations, environmentally friendly products, local music acts, and nationally acclaimed bands such as Eve 6,  Switchfoot, Third Eye Blind, and The Spin Doctors.

Who doesn’t love a great deal?  This Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-28, make your way over to the Sidewalk Sale at the Lee Premium Outlets in Lee, Massachusetts.  Participating stores will feature discounts even lower than their typical bargain prices and visitors can stroll through the outlets stopping to look at whatever catches their eye.  Savings on spring clearance and summer items make shopping easy on your wallet and ensure that you’re looking your best!

Want to get in touch with your rural side? No better way to do it than by learning how to make your own cheese, and then actually doing it! At Oak Knoll Ayrshires, in Foxborough, MA, guests are invited to participate in a Cheese Making Workshop taking place on Saturday, May 26th from 9AM-3:30 PM.  This 25 acre farm is home to a cheese making operation that has been in effect since 1730.  Tickets for this event are $70 and guests will learn how to make fresh mozzarella and queso blanco.  How often do you get the chance to make your own farm fresh cheese from scratch?  Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity, reserve your spot today!

Don’t miss your chance to take part in these events this May, they are sure to please whether you’re going out with the whole family, friends, or your significant other.  If you decide to go, be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Photo By: computerjoe

Distracted driving is an ongoing issue that continues to endanger thousands of drivers each year.  Since April is distracted driving awareness month, we wanted to get some of the facts about this dangerous habit and help spread awareness.

So what is distracted driving exactly?  Basically it is anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off of the wheel, or mind off of driving.  It can be an action as simple as changing the radio or reaching for something in the seat next to you.  The best example would be talking on the phone or texting while driving.  Texting is in fact one of the worst distractions facing drivers.  It takes your mind and eyes off the road as well as your hands off of the wheel.

Even if it seems like reading or sending a text is not a big deal, it takes your attention away from driving and increases the odds of an accident.  Hands-free cell phone use isn’t much safer, research has shown that even cognitive distractions hinder a driver’s ability to pick up on audio and visual cues that could potentially prevent an accident.

You may think that distracted driving is not as dangerous as it is made out to be, but the statistics related to it have proven otherwise.  Did you know that in 2010 over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving accidents? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the youngest and most inexperienced drivers are at risk, about 16% of distracted driving accidents involve drivers under the age of 20.

Did you also know that at any point during daylight hours, there are about 800,000 vehicles on the road being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone.  That’s a lot of distraction that not only endangers the driver, but everyone else on the road as well.

Why isn’t distracted driving illegal in all states you may ask?  It’s because State law has jurisdiction over passenger car driving.   More and more states are passing tougher laws when it comes to distracted driving, and Massachusetts is one of them.  All drivers are banned from texting and junior operators are banned from any cell phone use whatsoever.  Bus drivers are also banned from any cell phone use.

What can you do to avoid distracted driving?  The first step is being aware of what it is and the damage it can cause.  Next, be sure to avoid any and all cell phone use while driving.  If you listen to music in the car,  choose a CD or and iPod playlist that doesn’t have commercials so you don’t have to change the channel or skip songs.   You can also take the Pledge to drive phone-free today and encourage family and friends to do the same.  Distracted driving is entirely preventable and the accidents it causes are avoidable.  Protect yourself and others on the road by taking all precautions to avoid distractions on the road.

All information and statistics were obtained from the Official US Government Website for Distracted Driving.

Photo By: OregonDOT

Project Bread’s annual Walk for Hunger is coming up!  Next Sunday, May 6, join walkers from across the state as they gather in the Boston Common to raise funds and awareness that will help to put an end to hunger in Massachusetts, it’s a great way to give back to your community!

For those interested in walking there is still time to sign up!  If walking isn’t your thing and you still want to give back, volunteers are also needed at the event to ensure safety and happiness of the walkers.   What exactly does this walk entail?  Over 40,000 participants are invited to walk the 20 mile route through Boston, however it is not required that you walk the full route.

This walk is truly about giving back, as there is no registration fee or fundraising minimum, although walkers are encouraged to raise as much as possible to benefit Project Bread.  For those that do expect to raise a generous amount of donations, you can sign up to be a Heart and Sole Participant, which means you pledge to raise atleast $500.   The money raised by these walkers is used for hunger relief and prevention, and is distributed through 450 emergency programs, schools, farmers’ markets, community health centers, community suppers, home care organizations, and many other programs benefitting the residents of Massachusetts.

In just the last year, Project Bread provided 65.2 million meals to those in need, and many of those meals were able to be distributed because of the Walk for Hunger!   What are you waiting for?  Sign up today and help take a step towards ending hunger in the Bay State!  If you would like to submit a donation online, you can do so here.

Photo By: Rusty Clark

Many of you may be asking this question.  Recently, they have been in the news almost every day, but if you haven’t been following along you may have missed some of the updates on fair hikes, service cuts, and improvements that are in the works.

With all of the negative feedback that’s been in the news, the MBTA is making an effort to improve certain aspects of their services.  Commuter Rail riders will notice a major change this fall when the ability to buy your ticket from your smart phone is introduced.  According to an article from the Associated Press, there are 140 commuter rail stations and less than half of them have fare vending machines.  Without one of these machines, riders who do not already have tickets or passes must buy them on board the train.  Purchasing your ticket on board results in a two dollar surcharge and riders can only pay in cash.  This is quite inconvenient for many riders but soon anyone with an iPhone, Blackberry, or Android will be able to purchase their ticket online and show their phone to a conductor once they board the train.  This improvement called mobile ticketing, is being designed by Masabi and is sure to make riding the commuter rail a much more convenient experience.

The MBTA has been dealing with the backlash of proposed fair hikes and service cuts for weeks now.  Despite protests and testimony from many members of the public including activists, the MBTA board voted 4-1 to increase fares and eliminate or reduce service on various bus routes.  Three commuter rail lines, Kingston/Plymouth, Needham, and Greenbush will also eliminate their weekend runs.  These fare hikes are the first ones in five years and will increase the cost of a subway fare by 30 cents, bus fares will be increased by 25 cents, and commuter rail tickets will go up $1.25.  Commuter Rail riders who purchase a monthly pass will see an increase between 20-30 percent in their monthly fare.  These changes are set to take effect July 1.

Although the MBTA has a higher ridership level than ever before, they have been struggling to find a long term solution to their debt crisis.  Debt payments, energy costs, and door-to-door service for the disabled increase the T’s debt at a rapid rate and the service cuts and fare hikes that have been approved are not as high as the original plan that was proposed.  These changes are intended to close a budget deficit of $160 million for the coming year.  According to a Boston Globe article, many riders are unhappy about the fare increases and service cuts but have no other options for transportation.  Driving into the city is still more expensive for many, once gas, parking fees, and tolls are taken into account.  Not to mention the wear and tear on a vehicle that sits in rush hour traffic.

According to an article from the Boston Globe, the money coming into the MBTA for this year’s deficit mainly comes from one-time monetary sources including $5 million in leftover snow and ice removal funds, $51 million in surplus from an account that is funded by motor vehicle inspection fees.  That money comes from the state and requires legislative approval before it can be spent on the T.  These funds are short term fixes and a long term solution would have to include Beacon Hill politicians approving new taxes to lighten the burden on the MBTA.  A proposed fix by Governor Deval Patrick’s administration, is asking lawmakers to approve harsher penalties against fare evaders and to cap damages in lawsuits against the T at $100,000, which could save the MBTA about $5 million annually.

These developments are the most recent news on the MBTA, although the  fare hikes and service cuts are a negative solution to the budget crisis in the minds of many riders, the MBTA is attempting to make improvements elsewhere for their customers.

Photo By: davidayy

Now that the weather is starting to warm up the season of outdoor entertainment has begun. All across Massachusetts there are many craft fairs and festivals scheduled for this Spring. Festivals have entertainment for everyone at them, there is usually live music, shopping, and different options for food. Step out to one of these great venues while they are around this spring!

New England Folk Festival- The New England Folk Festival is celebrating their 68th anniversary this year and will be held this weekend in Mansfield from April 20-22. There will be many vendors displaying their works as well as a dozen or so booths serving food from across the world. This event is extremely popular and draws a large crowd from many different regions of the country as well as countries overseas so be sure to get there early. In addition to the food there are also dance performances, some of which invite audience members to participate. There will also be books, records, CD’s, clothing, and crafts on sale. If you are going with children there will be activities planned specifically for families including storytelling, dancing, singing, and puppets.

New England Metal and Hardcore Festival- If you’re a heavy metal fan you will love the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival taking place in Worcester from April 20-22. One of their biggest headliners is the band Killswitch Engage and there are over 80 bands in total performing at this event. After enjoying the bands be sure to head over to the many vendors that will be promoting their merchandise as well as local record labels that will be promoting their services for aspiring musicians.

Spring Fling Ladies Day Out- Looking for the perfect girls day out event? Look no further than the Spring Fling Ladies Day out taking play on May 5th in Marlborough. Not only is this a great event for the girls, it is also a good cause. All proceeds benefit the Lungevity foundation which helps to raise funds and awareness for lung cancer research. Any girls day out event must include shopping, so of course there will be many vendors and crafts on display as well as mini spa treatments, food tastings, and possible massages. If you’re looking to get away with the girls this is the perfect excuse!

Springfest 2012- This festival takes place in Newburyport from May 27-28, the Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. Running from 10AM until 5PM each day, guests can check out some local art displays, crafts and food from the restaurants of Newburyport. There will be live music in Market Square from 1PM-4PM each day, artists will play rock, contemporary, and popular music from the 1950′s to popular hits from today. Not only is this an entertaining festival, but Newburyport is also on the water so guests can enjoythe fresh ocean breeze in addition to the many artistic displays.

SoWa Open Market- The SoWa Open Market takes place every Sunday From May 6th until October 28th of 2012. It lasts from 10AM-4PM in Boston and gives shoppers the opportunity to meet the artists behind the creations. Artists will have their pieces on display which range from loaves of bread to original art pieces to designer clothing or hand-crafted accessories. The wide variety of vendors and products ensures that guests will have a unique experience each week.

Be sure to check out one of these events this spring, there is shopping, food, live music, crafts, and activities geared towards children which means there is something to do for everyone in the family! If you visit one of these events specifically be sure to leave us a comment and let us know what you think!

Photo By: Nirgal Ksi

Spring is the perfect season for getting out and about, and exploring new places.  Massachusetts has the best of everything, the beach, the mountains, historical landmarks, a big city, National Parks, and many museums to take advantage of this spring.

The Arnold Arboretum- This is the oldest public arboretum in North America and the city of Boston has partnered with Harvard University to make it a center for studying plant  biodiversity as well.  The arboretum is 265 acres of plants, wildlife, art exhibitions, and a library.  It is a public park so there is no admission charge, although donations are appreciated.  Guests are welcome to take a self guided tour and maps are available.  This is a great day trip for children, teens and adults.  Who doesn’t love walking around outside and taking in some beautiful scenery?

Basketball Hall of Fame-Have a sports fan in the family? The Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield is the perfect place to visit.   They focus on education and create activities in various subjects that are centered around basketball and are designed for students of every age.  Educational and entertaining, this is a trip that kids and adults will be excited for as they get to study memorabilia from 313 coaches, players, referees, contributors, and teams.

deCordova Sculpture Park- Located in Lincoln, MA this outdoor art museum features 35 acres of modern sculptures that visitors are free to explore.  They have over 3,400 pieces of art and are especially proud of the permanent collection of New England contemporary art.  Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors (65 and up), $10 for students,  and free for children 12 or under.

Cape Cod Beaches- Although we had a mild winter, Spring is a welcome change as the temperatures begin to rise even higher.  The beach is calling, and at the Cape Cod National Seashore visitors have 40 miles of coastline to explore in addition to natural cranberry bogs.   Parking lots are open year round but lifeguards are only on duty from late June until the last week of August.  The six different beaches that make up the seashore are often packed during the summer months but with the recent weather we’ve been having why not take a trip now?

The Berkshires- The Berkshires literally have something for everyone.  Spread across Western Ma, the towns that compose the mountain range have many trails for hiking or biking, a winery, wildlife sanctuary, a Norman Rockwell museum,  zip lining, white water rafting, golfing,shopping and countless other attractions.  Kids will love the event taking place now until April 29, Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm.  Baby piglets, calves, chicks, and lambs will be on display to meet and greet and children can also participate in arts and crafts workshops.  If you’d like to extend your stay in the Berkshires, there are plenty of campgrounds, inns, resorts, or bed and breakfasts’ to choose from.

Enjoy the beautiful weather we’re having and head out to some of these great destinations, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of them before the crowds begin in the summer months!

Photo By: Dougtone