Skip to content Accessibility info

The Russell Agency, LLC Blog

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance

Articles Related To…

How Major Life Events Impact Your Insurance Needs

Life's biggest milestones, like marriage, buying a home, or having children, often bring new financial responsibilities and changes in your insurance needs. To ensure you and your loved ones have the right coverage in...

Read More


Insurance Considerations for Newlyweds: Merging Policies and Coverage

Starting a new journey together as newlyweds is an exciting time filled with hopes, dreams, and plans for the future. Amidst the whirlwind of changes, it’s crucial not to overlook the practical aspects of merging your...

Read More


Help Keep Teen Drivers Safe with Telematics

As parents, the safety of our teenage drivers is paramount. With road accidents constituting a significant risk for young drivers, leveraging technology to enhance their safety isn't just smart; it's essential....

Read More


The Essential Guide to Creating a Home Inventory: Why and How

In the aftermath of an unexpected event, such as a fire, theft, or natural disaster, having a comprehensive home inventory can be a lifeline. This detailed list of your possessions not only aids in the homeowner...

Read More


Tips for Towing a Boat Trailer to Reduce Accidents and Insurance Claims

Owning a boat can make weekends and vacations fun and memorable. Follow these tips to help ensure that when you’re towing your boat you’re being as safe as possible to lower the risk of accidents and unwanted insurance...

Read More


Preparing Your Teen Driver for Different Road Conditions and Situations

If you have a young driver in your home, you may be fearful about them driving on their own, especially in bad weather or road construction. Here are some tips to share with them to improve safety by adapting their...

Read More


Defensive Driving Techniques to Avoid Accidents and Insurance Claims

If you want to reduce your risk of traffic accidents and the insurance claims that accompany them - which could cause your premium to go up - you need to drive defensively. Here are some driving tips to help you avoid...

Read More


Benefits of Safe Driving Apps

Many insurance carriers today offer smartphone apps that track telematics to monitor driving. Here’s how they work and how these apps may help you lower your auto insurance premium, along with a few other advantages. ...

Read More


The Importance of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Your auto insurance is one of the most important elements of your personal insurance portfolio. But some people purchase only the minimum required liability coverage, not realizing they may be leaving themselves open to...

Read More


Everyone needs more than the minimums for auto insurance

For many drivers first purchasing auto insurance, the state minimums may seem appealing when trying to budget for car payments, insurance premiums and gas prices. Yet, even for drivers without assets to protect, it’s...

Read More


What to Check Before Buying a Used Car

With the new car market impacted by shipping delays, many people are choosing to buy used cars lately. And some people only purchase a used vehicle because it saves them money and lets the first owner figure out if it’s...

Read More


What Kind of Insurance Do You Need for a Million-Dollar Car?

Investing a lot of money in a luxury car requires careful consideration. Will the vehicle retain its value over time? Are other owners satisfied with it? How are the roads in your area? Will you be garaging the vehicle...

Read More


What To Do After an Auto Accident

First things first - make sure you're safe. Here are a few things to do after that (you may want to print out a copy of this checklist and store it in your glove compartment, just in case): Check on yourself and your...

Read More


Driving drowsy should not be a part of your road trip

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes caused by drowsy drivers happen because: 1. A driver falls asleep, and he or she runs off the road or into another car or object; 2. A drowsy...

Read More


Things to Know When Shopping for Home and Auto Insurance

If you’re looking around for home or auto insurance, you may find the process confusing, especially if you’re new to buying coverage and aren’t familiar with the terminology. Here are five essential things you should...

Read More


Do you have the right auto insurance coverage?

No one wants to pay more for car insurance, but the lowest price won’t always get you the coverage and protection you need. There are many things standard auto policies won’t cover, and after an accident isn’t the time...

Read More


The weather outside is frightful ... Tips about driving in the winter

It’s best to avoid driving in winter weather conditions if we can. But, sometimes, we don’t have a choice. Follow these tips to maximize your safety when driving this winter: 1. Leave early. Allow yourself extra time to...

Read More


Do you have enough auto insurance?

Do you find the nuances of auto insurance a bit confusing? That’s okay, you’re not alone. Choosing the right coverage and limits can be daunting. You may simply opt for the minimum coverage required in your state and...

Read More


Claims happen—and sometimes, they’re bizarre

Insurance may seem boring to some- but we need it to protect our homes, cars, boats, property-and even our life and health. When we purchase insurance, we assume we’re protecting our livelihood from typical encounters-a...

Read More


Work with independent insurance agents

In person and remotely, independent agents provide unique and personal experiences for insureds every day. It’s important to us that you know how important you are. We want to protect you and show you how your insurance...

Read More


Does your insurance policy need to change?

There are certain things that you may purchase once and never think about again-pet rocks, parachute pants, Troll dolls and bedazzled anything. However, your insurance policies shouldn’t be something that you buy and...

Read More


Benefits of Using a Dash Cam

More and more people these days are choosing to add dash cams to their vehicles, and for good reason. These small cameras can be highly useful to you, especially in the event that you get a traffic ticket or are...

Read More


Spring cleaning your insurance policies

Spring is a great reminder to review your insurance policies and consider adjusting them to your current needs. When you adjust your policies, you can trim costs and ensure that you are covered in the event of a claim....

Read More


Children Getting Their Own Auto Insurance Policy

Your children probably will need to get an auto policy in their name if a vehicle is titled in their name. You always want the owner as the named insured so that insurable interest is certain when a claim is made for...

Read More


Distracted Driving: Don't Take the Risk

Did you know that if you’re driving and engaging in a conversation on your mobile device, you are over four times more likely to be involved in an accident? Let’s take a look at what constitutes distracted driving, what...

Read More


Getting Auto Insurance With a Foreign Driver’s License

If you’re one of the millions of foreign nationals who visit the United States every year, you may want to be able to drive while you’re here. International students, foreign visitors and non-U.S. residents are all...

Read More


Distracted Driving: Don't Take the Risk

Did you know that if you’re driving and engaging in a conversation on your mobile device, you are over four times more likely to be involved in an accident? Let’s take a look at what constitutes distracted driving, what...

Read More


Car Features "Nag" for Your Safety

Once upon a time, the air bag was the pinnacle of car safety. Today, new cars feature advanced driver-assistance systems, which allow the car to apply the brakes before a collision, to steer around obstacles or to alert...

Read More


Revving Up Your RV? Think Safety First!

Going on a cross-country trip is fun and exciting, especially if you’re doing it in an RV. You’ll see different areas of the country and have complete control of your schedule. Before you pile into your RV, though, pack...

Read More


Teach Your Kids About Insurance

The day will come when your kids will need to buy their own car insurance, renters or homeowners insurance, health insurance, or even business insurance. You can help prepare them by teaching them the importance of...

Read More


We Won't Let You Down

When times get hard, we won’t let you down. We realize that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed your day-to-day life drastically. We want you to know that not everything has changed. We are and always will be right here...

Read More


My car is totaled—now what?

Your damaged car looks repairable, but instead, the insurance company has informed you that it will pay you the value of the car before the accident and keep your car as salvage. Maybe that’s what you wanted, or maybe...

Read More


Your young drivers—help them play it safe

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports teens have the highest crash rate of any group in the U.S. Also, young licensed drivers, ages 16 to 24, account for the highest fatality rates. Alarmed by the high...

Read More


What to do if you’re involved in an accident

What do I do at the scene of the accident? If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, the first thing you should do is contact the police. If anyone is injured, give details to the police, then give the victims...

Read More


Insurance and the divorcing couple

According to various studies on American divorce rates, more than 40 percent of marriages end in divorce or annulments. If you and your spouse are going through a similar circumstance, we would like to share with you...

Read More


On the Road Again...

Travel is a popular summer pastime-it’s a time when we see many recreational vehicles and motorhomes on the road. If you are one of the some 10 million people who own an RV or motorhome in the U.S.-or if you are...

Read More


How to keep your vehicle safe from car thieves

Professional car thieves can break into a car and drive away in less than two minutes. This occurs every 40.9 seconds somewhere in the U.S. Auto theft costs Americans nearly $6 billion annually; and approximately 237.4...

Read More


I Just Bought a New Car. What Insurance Coverage Do I Need?

Congratulations! After weeks of research, comparing makes and models, and taking test drives you finally bought that brand-new car you wanted. But before you take that well-deserved road trip, check one more item off...

Read More


FAQs on Connecticut’s grace period for insurance premium payments

Who does the order apply to? The executive order applies to all insurers licensed or regulated by the Connecticut Insurance Department. What must insurers do? All insurers must give policyholders unable to pay their...

Read More


How does my auto insurance react to pothole damage?

If you have collision coverage, your auto insurance policy will cover damage caused by hitting a pothole. Potholes can impair alignment, ruin shocks and struts, puncture tires, bend wheel rims and damage other parts...

Read More


It might be time to spring clean your insurance

Spring may be the time of year for cleaning out closets and drawers and organizing attics and cellars, but it also is a great time to clean up your insurance coverages. It is important to look at your insurance coverage...

Read More


The Dangers of Drunk Driving

In 2017, nearly 11,000 people in the United States died in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $44 billion. What can I do to help...

Read More


Connecticut Insurance Commissioner calls on insurers to adjust premiums

Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner Andrew N. Mais called on insurers to lower auto premiums and adjust commercial hired and non-owned auto insurance in response to the disruption that the COVID-19 pandemic...

Read More


When a Bicycle Hits a Car, What Insurance pays?

If your car was hit and damaged by a bicyclist to which policy-household auto or homeowners-should you look to recover for the damage caused by the bicyclist’s negligence? The bicyclist’s homeowners policy. The personal...

Read More


Important News On Insurance Premium Payments for Connecticut

April 2, 2020 Executive order requires 60-day grace period for policyholders unable to pay premiums due to COVID-19 pandemic - As part of Executive Order No. 7S, no insurer may lapse, terminate or otherwise cancel a...

Read More


CT Governor Announces 60 Grace Period for Some Insurance Premium Payments

Gov. Ned Lamont announced that there will be a 60-day grace period for property/casualty, and health insurance policyholders unable to pay their premiums due to the impact of COVID-19. During the grace period, insurance...

Read More


Are You Covered?

When it comes to protecting the things that matter most to you-your home, your jewelry, your life-it’s important that you consider what types of insurance will cover you best, and you need to know ahead of time the...

Read More


Stay Insured When You Rent or Hire a Vehicle

People may put a significant amount of effort into adequately insuring their personal vehicles, but they frequently make quick assumptions about coverage for rented or hired vehicles. However, it is important to confirm...

Read More


Transportation Network Companies, like Uber and Lyft

Transportation Network Companies, like Uber and Lyft, have really taken off over the last few years. People are providing transportation to others with their autos using a cell phone application to connect. While this...

Read More


What to Consider When Choosing Auto Insurance

Carrying a minimum amount of auto insurance is required by state laws, so you can’t legally drive without it. Yet while the minimum amount keeps your premiums lower, it can also put you at great risk if you have an...

Read More


The dangers of drunk driving

In 2017, nearly 11,000 people in the United States died in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $44 billion. What can I do to help...

Read More


What you should consider before changing auto insurers?

Some of our customers have been prompted by TV commercials or mass-mail advertisements to consider switching their automobile insurance. Before saying “yes” to one of these proposals, we hope you will consider the...

Read More


Super Early Spring Cleaning Ideas!

Getting organized and ready for spring feels great. We’ve got some suggestions for you to think about when you’re spring cleaning: 1.) Tune up your auto policy.Everyone makes sure auto insurance "fits" when they first...

Read More


Stay Informed

Staying informed and up-to-date on your insurance company’s insurance policies isn’t just smart, it also can save you money and give you peace of mind. If you haven’t reviewed your coverage in a while, you might be...

Read More


The Safety of Independence

When it comes to staying safe-in your car, when you are traveling, in your home-it’s important to consider one of the most important tools that will make you feel safe and secure: insurance. Sure, you can stay safe by...

Read More


Seat Belt Laws


Older Drivers

An article in the Washington Post took a look at U.S. Census data and noted the number of licensed drivers over the age of 65 increased 29 percent from 2003 to 2013. In fact, the article said, older drivers have...

Read More


Connecticut Texting Laws

You know it is forbidden, but sometimes it’s so hard to resist. You hear that chime from your pocket or the cup holder and you want to look. You know you shouldn’t but what if it’s something important, like breaking...

Read More


How to Protect Your Classic Car

The collector car market evolves with each generation. While the Silent Generation started collecting cars, it was Baby Boomers who really got it rolling. They fell in love with the Chevrolet Bel Air, the Ford Mustang,...

Read More


Is Road Rage Covered By Auto Insurance?

Did you know that road rage incidents are considered intentional acts and are excluded in the personal auto policy? This is because damage to a vehicle from road rage isn’t actually caused by an accident; rather, it’s...

Read More


New Coverages to Consider When Purchasing Auto Insurance

We think you are going to like some of the new coverages that are making way into personal auto insurance policies in Connecticut. At last, the insurance industry is placing some value on your cats and dogs when they...

Read More