Day, Scarafile & Read Inc. acquires Roth Bros. Insurance
LITTLE FALLS, N.Y., June 14, 2011 – Day, Scarafile & Read, Inc. is pleased to announce their purchase of Roth Bros. Insurance Agency of Rome, N.Y. The acquisition will allow Day Scarafile & Read Inc. to provide additional insurance markets and expanded services, including accounting and tax preparation, to clients in the Rome area. With the addition of the new office, Day, Scarafile & Read, Inc. now has offices in Rome, Marcy, Utica, Ilion and Little Falls.
Bob and Mary Lynne VanWaldick, current owners of Roth Bros. Insurance Agency, will continue to assist the customer base through the purchase period in order to provide a smooth transition. In addition, Paul Occhionero, Roth agency producer, will remain a part of the team through the completion of the acquisition. Paul will continue to work out of his current Clinton location. The Rome office will remain at 310 E. Chestnut St. in Rome.
The move will strengthen the ability of Day, Scarafile & Read, Inc. to provide their clients complete insurance sales and services for all types of personal and commercial lines insurance products as well as accounting and tax services. The Rome office clients will now have access to a staff of over 20 experienced, full time insurance professionals, over a dozen personal lines insurance companies, a long list of commercial insurance companies and specialty brokers, and numerous life insurance companies. Day, Scarafile & Read, Inc., is a Trusted Choice Agency, and is committed to the highest standards of professional customer service. In addition, through Advanced Group Financial Services, LLC, Bill and Dave Read will be able to provide additional services to the Rome client base in the areas of financial planning, investment and advisory services. (a)
(a) Important Disclosure. Bill & Dave Read offer securities and advisory services through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services also offered through Advanced Group Financial Services, LLC. 2508 Genesee St, Utica NY 13502, (315) 733-1010, a registered investment advisor. Insurance services offered through Day, Scarafile & Read Inc. Neither Advanced Group Financial Services, LLC or Day, Scarafile & Read Inc. nor Roth Bros Insurance Agency Inc. are affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. nor registered as broker/dealers.
Don’t Be Fooled by Fake IRS Emails
National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), Appleton, WI – Every year, taxpayers are bombarded with emails claiming to be from the IRS and asking for personal information. The subject titles on many of these emails suggest the IRS is trying to contact you because they have a refund for you. These are commonly referred to as phishing scams. Phishing is a term used to describe emails that are “fishing for information” and “hooking” victims. The content of these messages “lure” readers into believing that the IRS needs information from them. The Internal Revenue Service has issued several recent consumer warnings on the fraudulent use of the IRS name or logo by scammers trying to gain access to consumers’ financial information in order to steal their identity and assets.
These scam emails are used to trick readers into providing sensitive information. Fraudsters typically request bank information or credit card numbers so readers can “pay their tax due” or “receive their refunds”. Unsuspecting persons are now victims of identity theft.
What do you need to know to keep safe? The IRS will never request financial information, passwords, PINs, or any other sensitive information from you via email. The IRS sends paper notices to taxpayers to discuss tax account information. Never provide your bank information to someone via email!
If you ever receive one of these phishing emails, do not reply! Do not open any attachments-they might contain malicious code that could infect your computer. Also, do not click any links provided in the email. These websites could also give your computer a virus or malware. Instead, forward the email to phishing@irs.gov.
For more information or examples of phishing emails, check out the IRS.gov or the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration website, www.ustreas.gov/tigta/.
Members of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) work at offices that assist over 11 million taxpayers with tax preparation and planning. The average NATP member has been in the tax business for over 20 years and holds a tax/financial designation and/or a college degree. NATP has more than 20,000 members nationwide. Members include individual tax preparers, enrolled agents, certified public accountants, accountants, attorneys and financial planners. As a nonprofit professional association, NATP serves professionals working in all areas of tax practice through professional tax education, tax research and tax office supplies. The national headquarters, located in Appleton, WI, employs over 50 staff members. Learn more at www.natptax.com.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage When it Comes to Hi-Tech Gifts
Does Your Insurance Cover Hi-Tech Gifts?
By Tim Dodge
Electronics are some of the most popular holiday gifts either given or received. Yet a recent Trusted Choice@ survey finds seven of eight shoppers do not fully understand key aspects of their insurance coverage when it comes to these expensive toys. Trusted Choice@ is a national consumer brand representing thousands of independent insurance agents and brokers who are committed to quality service while offering a wide range of products.
Respondents of the national study consist of those who are expecting or giving such presents as iPods and iPhones, video gaming systems, computers and plasma televisions. Only one-fifth of those surveyed said they plan to contact their insurance agent to discuss the need for additional coverage.
Although most homeowners or renters policies cover electronic devices, consumers should be aware of important exceptions, such as coverage limitations and exclusions:
- Most homeowners or renters policies do not cover electrical power surges, although 55 percent of those polled in the Trusted Choice@ survey believe otherwise. Also excluded in most cases is the loss of digitally downloaded data. Even if your computer is covered by fire, windstorms and theft, downloads are not. Consider surge protectors or an uninterruptible power supply and securely back up information to multiple locations or a portable storage device as well as insurance policies that cover specialty electronics.
- If your gift list includes technology for someone who works at home, keep in mind that homeowners and renters polices do not offer adequate protection for home-based businesses. A Business Owners Policy provides coverage to in-home business equipment and includes theft, damage and various liability protections.
- Of households who rent, nearly seven in 10 do not have renters insurance. A typical owner’s policy on rental property covers building structures, but not the contents or liability of individual tenants. For as little as $150, renters insurance can provide comprehensive protection similar to that of a basic homeowners policy.
- Other valuables such as wine, fine art, jewelry or antiques need special insurance called floaters. Add this additional coverage to your renters or homeowners policy for a nominal fee.
- Consider buying flood insurance, even though you may not be located in a flood plain. Flood insurance can cover loss of property and contents caused by a broken water main, snowmelt, heavy rains, etc. Homeowners or renters insurance do not cover flood losses caused by rising water.
- Review your insurance policies with a qualified, licensed insurance professional. An insurance policy is a legal document that many consumers may not fully understand.
There is enough activity during the holiday season to last throughout the year. Do not complicate your life with the haze and maze of insurance. For piece of mind, contact a Trusted Choice@ agent in your area by going to www.trustedchoice.com.
Update Your Insurance Coverage Before Winter
Winterize with Insurance Tune-up
By Tim Dodge
With winter nearly upon us, now is the time to prepare for its harsh and unpredictable weather. A visit to the “car doctor” is essential, as well as updating insurance coverage-both home and auto. Recommendations from AAA
Western and Central New York include the following winter driving preparations:
- A thorough inspection of your vehicle may be necessary to determine its winter worthiness. This mechanical check-up should include tires, windshield wiper blades, radiator, belts, and the battery, to name a few.
- Carry a “survival kit” in your car at all times, including a small bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, nonclumping cat litter); flashlight and extra batteries; small snow shovel, snow brush and ice scraper; windshield washer fluid; cloth or roll of paper towels; booster cables; blanket; protective clothing such as heavy gloves, scarf, warm boots; warning devices (triangles); first aid kit; drinking water and a granola or candy bar.
- Plan long trips carefully, and begin your journey by following weather forecasts. Also, conduct as much of your trip as possible in daylight, and reduce the risk of fatigue and unseen road hazards.
- Observe roadway conditions and laws, such as speed limits and icy pavement zones. New York state requires the use of seatbelts and prohibits hand held operation of cell phones while driving.
- Consider buying comprehensive physical damage coverage for your cars. This will cover damage caused by
falling objects such as heavy icicles. In addition to the many hazards that drivers must endure across New York state, winter can be brutal to homes and other properties. Make sure to update your homeowner’s or renters insurance coverage using these recommendations: - Having enough insurance to cover the cost of replacing the home is essential. If you built a home for
$200,000 three years ago and have since added on without changing your insurance, a loss will catch you
short. In addition, by combining auto and homeowners policies, a Trusted Choice® independent insurance
agent may offer a discount on the price you pay. - To cover flood losses, talk to your agent about buying flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance
Program. Be aware that there is a 30-day waiting period from purchase to the start of coverage. - To assist in proving a claim against the insurance company, it is important to keep an inventory of household
possessions, receipts for the purchase of items, and/or a videotape or photographs of your belongings.
A Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent represents a multiple of insurance companies, and can tailor-make a policy based on coverage and budget. Finding a Trusted Choice® agent near you is easy-go to www.trustedchoice.com. Prepare for the unexpected weather ahead-winterize your car, home and insurance coverage.
Tim Dodge is director of research and external communications for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, Inc. Established in 1882, IIABNY has represented the common business interests of independent insurance protessionets for 125 years. For further information, e-mail Dodge at tdodge@iiabnv.org. Many IIABNY member-agencies also embrace Trusted Choice@, a national consumer brand that unites more than 7,000
Day, Scarafile & Read Helped Start Our Business
We started our business with the help of Day, Scarafile & Read and have stayed with them over the years. The relationship has been a plus for us.
Jay & Jamie Lawson, Owners
Lawson Publications, Adirondack Weekly
Old Forge NY
They Help Keep My Insurance Costs Down
Day, Scarafile & Read has handled my insurance and taxes for years now. They help keep my costs down while offering sound advice.
Jonathan Weber, President – Jon’s Johns, Mohawk NY
