Business name: Northeast Insurance Agency, Inc.
Address: 45 East Main Street, Westborough
Co-owners: Stan Szajna and Scott Bulger
Contact Information: 508-898-2902 www.neinsure.com
By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Why work with an independent insurance agency?
“You want to develop a good relationship with an agent so that he or she can analyze your situation. We represent over two dozen insurance companies, and it’s not one size fits all. Some companies do a better job with older homes, some with newer homes, some with coastal homes. We know which company is better under what circumstances,” said Stan Szajna, co-owner and treasurer of Northeast Insurance. “We can evaluate your needs, match them to a company, and possibly improve coverage and price.”
The agency’s Westborough office is in the Colonial Plaza at 45 East Main St. It has five other offices in Massachusetts and is licensed in all New England states.
Northeast offers property and casualty, including homeowner, automobile, business, and life insurance.
Northeast can arrange coverage for coastal homes?
“Historically, after hurricane Bob, a lot of companies shied away from insuring coastal properties. We have two offices on Cape Cod, in Provincetown and Falmouth, and we work with companies that will write insurance for coastal property in Barnstable County. We cover primary, second and retirement homes on the Cape.
“Insuring condominiums has also become a large part of our business as people downsize. Some people own a couple of condos; they live in one and rent the other one out. The same with seasonal property on the Cape. So we do insure these investment properties, and we also offer insurance for condominium associations.”
With summer coming, what coverage do people need for boats and recreational vehicles?
“This time of year we hear from people about travel trailers, boats, motorcycles, mobile homes, and we write that type of insurance as well,” Szajna said.
“Small boats can be included under the homeowner’s policy, but larger boats need separate policies covering physical damage and liability in the event someone is injured or there is property damage. For the same reason, trailers, mobile homes and such need similar coverage.
“We also work with insurers who cover collector and antique cars. The car owner should get an appraisal for an accurate value for the older cars. We can provide coverage on a replacement cost basis, though we can’t find you another Edsel.”
What do you suggest for property coverage?
“Earthquake and flood insurance can be very important. We’re sitting on a fault in the Northeast and could experience earthquake damage that would require a separate earthquake endorsement. Given the risk factors, the cost is less than in other parts of the United States. Not all mortgage lenders require it, but it is something to consider.
“Flood insurance is important, depending on what flood plain or zone you are in. We’ve had a lot of floods along the rivers in addition to coastal flooding. Banks will not grant a mortgage if you are in a flood zone without flood insurance. But if you no longer have a mortgage and you’re in a flood zone, you’ll want to be sure you have flood insurance.”
And Northeast Insurance is involved in community activities?
“We are particularly supportive of veterans’ organizations, such as the Warrior Thunder Foundation and Fisher House Boston.
“We also support Little League baseball and many community activities in the communities where our offices are located.”