What's New

3/04/10-  New York State has enacted Amanda's Law which requires all residences to be equipped with Carbon Monoxide detectors.  To learn more about the law, you can visit one of our carrier's web-sites- specifically, http://www.nycm.com .

6/26/09- New York State has increased the Department of Motor Vehicles Law Enforcement Fee from the current $5.00 per vehicle to the new amount $10.00 per vehicle.  For each registered car for a one year period, there is an additional $10.00 added to your insurance premium.  This is not insurance premium, but a 'tax' implemented by NYS.

5/08/09-  Congratulations to one of our carriers, Utica First Insurance Company.  Utica First has just had its insurance grade upgraded from an A- to an A.  This grading reflects Utica's commitment to service and financial stability.  Our agency is proud to represent a carrier that has worked so hard to achieve this accomplishment.

11/05/08- According to insure.com , J.D. Power & Associates from an article dated 7/21/08 ranks 4 of the Westcott Insurance Agency's auto insurance carriers in the top 15 for Overall Customer Satisfaction.  Making the grade, were Metlife Auto & Home at #8, Travelers at #12, Farmers at #14 and Progressive graded out at #15.  These carriers continued emphasis on customer care combined with the Westcott Insurance Agency's quest for service excellence provides a great valued  insurance product for all of our clients and potential customers.

7/02/2007- When you receive your insurance policy in the mail, it is very important that you read and understand the coverage, conditions and exclusions.  Your policy is a contract with the insurance company.  In the event of a loss, it will describe the carrier's responsibilities as well as yours.  As with any contract, it is a very important legal document.  If there is something that you do not understand or have questions regarding, please do not hesitate to contact our office.  We can get you the answers to your important questions or if possible, upgrade your coverage where needed.

6/30/06-  Westcott Insurance is proud to announce that they now represent one of the largest personal line's carriers in New York State and nationwide, The Travelers.  With the addition of Travelers to an already excellent group of carriers, the Agency can provide our customers with more pricing and coverage options.  Travelers is one of the nation's leaders because of its commitment to a good, quality product and excellent customer service.  The Agency is looking forward to a long and prosperous partnership.

11/20/05- Agency owner, Dave Westcott, appears on a local talk show in Buffalo called Buffalo Matters.  The show's topic is 'Things you don't like to spend money on, but have to and what you can do to save money.'  The Host questions Dave and a CPA about year end financial matters including questions about what you can do to save money on insurance.  In a short time period, there were suggestions about higher deductibles and shopping for the best rates without sacrificing personal relationships ('don't move for $20. but 20-30% is a lot of money to save').  Also, there is a discussion about protecting valuables by saving receipts and 'videotaping' the personal property that you own.

05/24/2005- Westcott Insurance Agency is pleased to announce that we have formed a partnership with a new carrier, Farmer's Insurance.  Farmer's is affiliated with Foremost Insurance and will supply us with an additional outlet for your personal lines insurance needs.  They provide good, competitive pricing and excellent customer service and claims.  If you would like us to review your rates or coverage and compare your current policy with a Farmer's product, please contact the office

05/25/2004- Homeowner rates in Western New York are sky-rocketing.  The reason for the increase is simple even though people don't like to hear it.  The insurance carriers have paid out millions to repair interior water damage caused by ice dams, gutters fallen by huge accumulations of ice, fallen tree limbs, and dog bite claims.  Insurance companies are 'for profit' entities and can only stay in business by turning a profit.  If they pay out more in claims than they have taken in for premiums, the stockholders get upset.  You can fight high premiums by increasing your policy's deductible.  Are you going to file a claim for a stolen bicycle?  The bike cost $400. and your deductible was $250.  Do you really need $150. from the carrier?  A higher deductible can save you money and keep you from filing smaller claims that could cause your premiums to increase later.

02/02/2004- Ice Dam Water Damage is covered on most Homeowner Insurance policies.  However, it can be avoided by keeping your gutters cleaned out, insulating properly and keeping snow off of the 'trouble' areas of your roof.  Most Roofing Contractors will remove snow at a cost which will usually be cheaper than your deductible (or at least be about the same as your deductible but cause a lot less anguish.)  Insurance carriers will not pay for the removal of snow from the roof as this is property maintenance and not a covered peril.  The water damage done on the interior will be covered by most policies.  Save yourself the headache... prevent it before it happens!

01/06/2004 - Happy New Year!  I'm sure that everyone has a lot of new toys laying around there homes and apartments.  In case of a loss, please make sure that you 'document' what you have.  The insurance company would love for you to have a receipt for every item that you have ever purchased.  However, we all know that that is simply not possible. If you have a video camera,  walk from room to room and videotape your 'stuff.'  You can do the same thing with a regular camera.  The more detailed your filming, the better protected you will be.  After a loss, an insurance company will always work with you regardless of any proof you can provide, but it is always better to show them! 

10/02/03- On July 1, 2003, NYS passed Legislation to increase an auto insurance policy's Law Enforcement Fee from $1.00 to $5.00 per vehicle.  This is not an insurance company increase.  This is a change implemented by your State government.  The Law Enforcement fee is supposed to be used to help fund the police departments that protect our communities.

10/01/03- Metlife has announced a new tiering program which is aimed at providing customers with maximum value and coverage flexibility.  This should result in no premium changes for renewal policyholders unless your conviction or accident record has changed.  This change may result in better pricing for qualified clients.  We will price compare all our insurance customers to see if these savings impact you policy.  Otherwise, if you have any questions, contact the office.

9/23/03- Want to sue your spouse if they have an accident with you as a passenger?  Years ago, you and your spouse were both named insured on your auto insurance policy.  You could not be legally liable to yourself and expect to collect Bodily Injury settlements under you own policy. Now, you can purchase Spousal Liability coverage for your auto insurance.  Attorneys have made it possible for you to sue your spouse if you sustain injuries while they are driving.  This coverage has to be purchased for the Carrier to provide.  If you would like a quote or want to add the coverage, please call our office.

9/18/03- Hurricane Isabel has hit the North Carolina shore and is effecting everything including Western NY.  Most Insurance carriers have suspended any new binding of any type of property insurance coverage and this includes Western New York and carriers such as Kemper, New York Central, Utica First and Metlife.  If the hurricane does cause any losses in our area, all claims should be handled as is usual unless otherwise noted.

9/01/03- The Agency's Web-Site is under construction.  Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be adding features and information.  Please be patient with our progress.  Thanks