Not always.

At Barrett Insurance, we regularly review homeowners policies and discover important coverages that many homeowners either don’t have or didn’t realize were optional. These overlooked gaps can create significant financial surprises when a claim occurs.

The reality is that some valuable protections are not automatically included in a standard homeowners policy.

Water Backup Coverage

One of the most common and costly homeowner claims involves water backing up through sewers, drains, or sump pump systems.

While a standard homeowners policy typically covers sudden plumbing failures, it often excludes water damage caused by sewer backups or sump pump failures unless additional coverage has been added.

Without water backup coverage, homeowners may be responsible for expenses such as:

• Flooring replacement
• Drywall repairs
• Mold remediation
• Furniture and personal property damage

For homes with finished basements, the cost of a water backup event can quickly add up.

Service Line Coverage

Most homeowners rarely think about the utility lines that connect their home to essential services. Water, sewer, electrical, gas, and communication lines operate quietly underground until something goes wrong.

Damage caused by tree roots, corrosion, shifting soil, or freezing temperatures can result in expensive repairs. Many standard homeowners policies provide little or no coverage for these underground service lines.

Service line coverage can help protect homeowners from these unexpected repair costs.

Ordinance and Law Coverage

Building codes and construction requirements continue to evolve over time.

If your home experiences a covered loss and requires repairs or rebuilding, local building codes may require upgrades that were not part of the original structure. Those additional costs can be substantial, especially in older homes.

While homeowners policies often include some ordinance and law coverage, the limits may not be sufficient to cover all required upgrades. Additional coverage can help bridge that gap and reduce out-of-pocket expenses during the rebuilding process.

Identity Theft Coverage

Protecting your home is important, but protecting your personal information has become equally critical.

Expenses associated with identity theft—including legal fees, lost wages, document replacement, and credit restoration services—are often not included in a standard homeowners policy unless specific coverage is added.

As cybercrime and identity theft continue to rise, this protection is becoming an increasingly valuable part of a comprehensive insurance strategy.

Why Do These Coverage Gaps Exist?

Homeowners insurance policies are designed to cover a broad range of common risks. Optional endorsements allow coverage to be customized based on your home, your lifestyle, and your individual needs.

The challenge is that many homeowners haven’t reviewed their coverage in years and may not fully understand what is—and isn’t—included.

That’s why regular policy reviews are so important.

The Advantage of Working with an Independent Agent

At Barrett Insurance, we believe insurance should be tailored to your unique situation—not built around a one-size-fits-all approach.

As an independent agency, we work with multiple insurance carriers and take the time to:

• Evaluate your home’s specific exposures
• Compare coverage options from different companies
• Explain policy details in clear, straightforward language
• Recommend endorsements that make sense for your needs and budget

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and feel confident that your coverage is working the way you expect it to.

Protection Starts with a Conversation

The best time to discover a coverage gap is before you need to file a claim.

Whether you’ve recently purchased a home, completed renovations, or simply haven’t reviewed your policy in a while, now is a great time to take another look at your coverage.

The team at Barrett Insurance is here to help. We’ll review your homeowners policy, answer your questions, and help ensure your protection aligns with your home, your family, and your future.

The post The Hidden Gaps in Your Homeowners Insurance Policy appeared first on Barrett Insurance.

Key Features of the Barrett 24/7 Customer Portal:

Instant Quotes: Obtain insurance quotes swiftly and effortlessly, allowing customers to explore coverage options tailored to their specific needs.

Policy Management: Manage policies with ease, make updates, and review coverage details at any time. The portal puts policy control directly into the hands of our valued customers.

Digital ID Cards: Download and access insurance ID cards directly from the portal, providing a hassle-free and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper cards.

Claims Assistance: Initiate and track insurance claims seamlessly through the portal, ensuring a transparent and efficient claims process for our customers.

Document Repository: Centralize important insurance documents for easy retrieval, offering a secure and organized space for policy-related information.

User-Friendly Interface: The portal features an intuitive design, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user experience for customers navigating through various insurance functions.

The Barrett 24/7 Customer Portal is part of our ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions for our valued clients. The portal empowers our customers with direct control over their insurance journey, fostering a more interactive and efficient relationship with Barrett Insurance.

The post Barrett Insurance Unveils Cutting-Edge 24/7 Customer Portal appeared first on Barrett Insurance.

If you’ve been noticing your auto insurance creeping up, you’re not alone. Rates have been on the rise across the country, and folks here in Hooksett and the surrounding communities are feeling it too. The good news is, there are still smart, practical ways to keep your costs under control—and that’s where we come in.

At Barrett Insurance, we take pride in helping our clients find coverage that fits both their needs and their budget. Here are a few simple ways to help keep your auto insurance costs in check:

We Shop Around for You
As an independent agency, we work with a range of trusted insurance companies. That means we can compare options and help you find the right combination of coverage and price—without you having to do all the legwork.

Bundle and Save
If you have your home, renters, or other policies with us, bundling them with your auto insurance can often lead to meaningful savings. It’s one of the easiest ways to lower your overall insurance costs.

Drive Safe, Save More
A clean driving record goes a long way. Avoiding accidents and violations not only keeps you and others safe on the road, it can also help you qualify for better rates over time.

Consider Your Deductible
Choosing a higher deductible can help lower your monthly premium. It’s all about finding the right balance between what you pay now and what you’d be comfortable paying out of pocket if something happens—we’re happy to walk you through it.

Be Mindful of Your Vehicle Choice
Not all vehicles cost the same to insure. Before you buy your next car, it’s worth checking in with us. We can give you a quick idea of how your choice might impact your insurance costs.

Review Your Coverage Regularly
Life doesn’t stand still—and your insurance shouldn’t either. Whether you’ve added a driver, paid off a vehicle, or simply aren’t driving as much, a quick policy review can make sure you’re not paying for more coverage than you need.

We’re Here When You Need Us
Insurance can feel complicated, especially when rates are changing. At Barrett Insurance, we keep an eye on the market so you don’t have to. Whether you want to review your policy or just ask a quick question, we’re always here to help.

At the end of the day, you’re more than just a policy to us. You’re part of the community we serve, and we’re committed to helping you protect what matters—while keeping your coverage as affordable as possible.

The post Simple Tips to Help Keep Your Auto Insurance Costs Down appeared first on Barrett Insurance.

Founded in 1971 by Tom Barrett, Barrett Insurance has proudly served the community for more than five decades with a simple guiding principle: “Insurance Direction you can depend on.” Today, the agency continues to be led by Matt Barrett, who has carried forward the firm’s commitment to personal service, community involvement, and trusted guidance for individuals and businesses throughout New England.

This partnership is designed to strengthen Barrett Insurance while preserving everything clients value most. The Barrett family will continue to run the agency day to day, ensuring the same familiar faces, personalized service, and community-focused approach remain at the heart of the business.

“Barrett Insurance has always been about relationships, trust, and doing what’s right for our clients,” said Matt Barrett. “Partnering with Boufford Insurance allows us to expand our resources and capabilities while staying true to who we are and how we serve our clients.”

Led by Principal Jeff Boufford, Boufford Insurance brings more than 20 years of experience built on integrity, client advocacy, and a commitment to the communities it serves. Through this partnership, Barrett Insurance clients gain access to a broader network of insurance carriers, additional expertise across personal and commercial lines, and enhanced support—without losing the personal touch that defines the Barrett brand.

“The mission of Barrett Insurance remains unchanged,” Barrett added. “Our goal is to look out for our clients’ financial security and provide peace of mind. This partnership simply gives us more tools to do that.”

Barrett Insurance continues to be deeply involved in the community. Matt Barrett is a longtime member of BNI Synergy Partners and the Hooksett Kiwanis Club, where he currently serves as Lt. Governor of Division 6 for the New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis. His wife, Judy Barrett, who joined the agency in 2011 as Operations Manager, is also an active Kiwanis member and currently serves as District Secretary for the New England and Bermuda District, supporting 116 clubs.

Clients will continue working with the trusted Barrett team they know, now supported by Boufford’s expanded carrier relationships and specialized services. Together, the agencies are committed to delivering comprehensive personal and commercial insurance solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.

For more information or to request a no-obligation quote, contact Barrett Insurance at 603-668-0686 or visit the agency’s website contact form.

The post Barrett Insurance Announces New Chapter with Boufford Insurance Agency appeared first on Barrett Insurance.

The Challenge of Shopping on Your Own

At first glance, insurance shopping seems simple: grab a few quotes, compare prices, and pick the lowest number. But insurance is rarely that straightforward. Coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements can vary dramatically from one policy to another. Two quotes that look similar on price may provide very different levels of protection.

Unfortunately, those differences often don’t become clear until you need to file a claim—when it’s too late to make changes. Online tools can be helpful, but they don’t always explain what you may be giving up to save a few dollars or whether a policy truly fits your lifestyle and needs.

What Makes an Independent Agent Different

As an independent insurance agency, Barrett Insurance works for you—not for just one insurance company. We represent multiple carriers, which means we can shop your auto, home, and other insurance needs across a wide range of options. Instead of forcing your situation into a one-size-fits-all policy, we compare coverage, pricing, and underwriting guidelines to find the right match.

Our approach is thoughtful and strategic. We look beyond the initial premium to evaluate coverage strength, claims handling, and long-term value—so you can feel confident in your choice.

Better Coverage, Not Just a Cheaper Price

With today’s rising costs, it’s natural to focus on price. At Barrett Insurance, we help clients strike the right balance between affordability and protection. We take the time to identify potential coverage gaps, recommend appropriate limits, and explain optional coverages or discounts you may not even realize are available.

Because we understand how different insurance companies view risk, we can often place you with a carrier that sees your situation more favorably—leading to better coverage at a competitive rate.

An Advocate When It Matters Most

Saving money is important, but having support when something goes wrong matters even more. When you work with Barrett Insurance, you’re never navigating a claim alone. We act as your advocate, helping you understand the process, answering questions, and making sure the insurance company follows through on its promises.

Instead of a call center or endless phone menus, you have a local team that knows you and is ready to help during stressful moments.

Shopping Smarter Starts Here

As more people shop their insurance, the advantage goes to those who shop smarter—not harder. Barrett Insurance combines modern tools with personal service and real-world expertise, offering a level of care that online platforms simply can’t match.

If rising premiums have you concerned, or if you’re unsure whether your current coverage still fits your needs, we’d love to help. We’ll make sure you’re properly protected, paying a fair price, and confident in your coverage—without the guesswork.

Because at Barrett Insurance, peace of mind is always part of the policy.

The post Why More Insurance Shoppers Are Turning to Independent Agents appeared first on Barrett Insurance.