Thomas F. Coughlin Insurance Agency

02/26/2026

Massachusetts & NH friends — if your house just got buried in snow, don’t forget about your roof! ❄️🏠

All that heavy snow + freezing temps = prime time for roof damage and ice dams. A few quick tips to protect your home:

1️⃣ Watch for ice dams.
If you see thick ridges of ice along the edge of your roof, that’s an ice dam forming. It traps melting snow and can force water back under your shingles and into your house.

2️⃣ Look for warning signs inside.
Water stains on ceilings, peeling paint near windows, dripping from vents, or damp insulation in the attic = act quickly.

3️⃣ Remove snow safely.
If you can do it safely from the ground, use a roof rake to pull snow down (especially the first 3–4 feet along the edge).
🚫 Do NOT climb onto an icy roof unless you’re a professional.

4️⃣ Clear vents & exhausts.
Make sure bathroom and dryer vents aren’t blocked by snow — trapped moisture makes ice dam problems worse.

5️⃣ Keep gutters & downspouts clear (when possible).
If they’re packed with ice, don’t chip at them — you can cause more damage. Let a pro handle heavy ice buildup.

6️⃣ Document everything.
If you notice damage, take photos right away. It makes a big difference if you need to file a claim.

7️⃣ Call a professional for steaming — not chopping.
If ice dams are severe, roof steamers (not salt, not hammers) are the safest removal method.

With the kind of snow we just got in MA, roofs are under serious weight. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth having a professional take a look.

Stay warm and stay safe out there! 💙

Put together with a little help with AI.

02/11/2026

ICE DAMS
Customer Awareness as Temperatures Rise

Melting snow from rising temperatures can add to the risk of ice dams, allowing water to back up under shingles and into your customers' homes. In some cases, ice dams may be reduced or addressed safely; however, for significant ice buildup or roofs that are steep or difficult to access, customers may want to consider hiring a qualified contractor. Some professionals use specialized steam equipment to break down ice dams without damaging roofing materials, rather than applying chemical solutions in hard-to-reach areas. Knowing when professional assistance may be appropriate can help reduce the risk of costly damage.

01/20/2026

For our customers insured with MPIUA, MPIUA has just launched a new bill payment portal in partnership with InvoiceCloud. Designed to make premium payments more convenient for policyholders and for agents to better serve their clients.

Modern Tools for a Better Client Experience

Accessible through the Insured Portal, the new payment system includes the following features:

• AutoPay: Policyholders can enroll in automatic payments to ensure premiums are paid on time and reduce missed or late payments.

• Paperless Billing: Clients may opt to receive bills electronically for faster delivery and a more environmentally friendly option.

Clients can register and manage their payment preferences by visiting www.mpiua.com

The Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (MPIUA) also known as the Massachusetts FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) provides basic property insurance on eligible property for applicants who have been unable to gain insurance through the voluntary market. MPIUA off...

12/19/2025

Freeze and Inclement Weather Warning

With winter weather upon us, it’s important to do what we can in order to help avoid the inconvenience that accompanies a potential loss.

Please find some simple steps below to help substantially reduce the likelihood of loss in extreme low temperatures and inclement weather.

• Prevent Frozen Pipes – reduce the risk of frozen pipes by increasing the temperature in your home, leave cabinet doors under sinks open, and leave your faucets on a slow drip.
• Check Exterior Pipes – ensure that exterior pipes have been shut off and drained prior to freezing temperatures. Seasonal or infrequently used equipment that is stored in unheated areas – drain, blow out and/or flush lines for equipment not in use, especially if they are kept in garages or areas with little to no heat.
• Gutters – ensure that gutters have been adequately cleaned, leaves and debris removed as these can significantly contribute to ice damming.
• Heating Equipment – make sure annual HVAC and heating system maintenance and seasonal inspections are performed prior to the winter season.
• Insulate Pipes – use foam pipe insulation or heat tape on exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces. Pay extra attention to pipes near exterior walls.
• Seal Drafts – close gaps and cracks around pipes where cold air can enter such as near windows, doors, and foundation openings.
• Winterize Vacant Properties – drain water from pipes in plumbing systems if the property will be unoccupied for long periods of time.
• Take advantage of new technology – sensors are becoming much more common. Think about investing in temperature sensors, water leak sensors, or both. There are many on the market and they can work on either WiFi or cell signal. The use of sensors could potentially save you a significant headache and avoid a substantial loss.

Brought to you by Vermont Mutual Insurance Company

11/06/2025

As the cold season settles in across New England, homeowners are turning on their furnaces for the first time in months—sometimes discovering a costly problem: a puff back.

A puff back occurs when a furnace or boiler misfires, sending soot and smoke throughout the home. The result is widespread furnace soot damage—walls, ceilings, furniture, and ductwork covered in sticky, oily residue. Cleanup can be complex, time-consuming, and expensive if not handled properly.

This heating season, you can help your clients reduce the risk of puff backs and potential claims by reminding them to:

• Schedule annual furnace maintenance and chimney
inspections.
• Replace filters regularly and keep heating systems clean
• Watch for warning signs like soot near vents or smoky
odors.

If a puff back does occur, ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning is our trusted partner for professional puff back cleanup and fire damage restoration. Their certified team responds quickly to contain damage, remove soot and odors, and restore property conditions efficiently.

They work directly with insurance carriers and adjusters to streamline communication, document damage thoroughly, and ensure policyholders receive timely service and accurate reporting. Call 1-800-865-5157 or visit their website to schedule service or request an inspection.

A puff back is a misfiring in the furnace that, at its worst, can send soot throughout your home, covering drapes, bedding, furniture, cabinets, walls, and everything in between. It requires expensive cleaning and restoration in addition to repairs on your heating system. The consequences are severe...

10/17/2025

This is the perfect time of year to replace your smoke detector and carbon monixide detector batteries.

Fall is in the air, and so is home maintenance! 🍂🏡 Get your home ready for cooler weather with these essential tips.

07/02/2025

Happy 4th of July!

10/31/2024

Some great tips for ride sharing safety.

Growing up, your parents probably told you not to get into a stranger’s car. But today, that’s the entire concept of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. As you might imagine, there have been safety issues with ridesharing throughout the years — but not as many as you might think.

09/06/2024

09/01/2024

Yes, we represent The Hartford Insurance Company!

07/26/2024

Happy summer ☀️