Cotten Coverage Insurance Agency

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Cotten Coverage, located at 530 Horseblock Road in Farmingville has won Best Insurance Agency on Long Island in the Long Island Press’s 2011 “Best Of” contest.  Cotten Coverage, originally founded in 1987 by Farmingville local, and stalwart community leader, Bob Cotten , opened its Farmingville location in 1996 when it quickly became a pillar of the Sachem community.  Since then Cotten Coverage has provided New York families and businesses with protection, security and contentment through low cost insurance.  Their commitment to customer service has quickly propelled them to the ranks of the most succesful insurance agencies in the nation while; at the same time, maintaining an intimate relationship with each of their clients. 

In an interview with owner, Bob Cotten, he said he would like to thank all of his clients, staff and supporters for voting for his business.

Should you spend your money on a home security system? A look inside a burglar’s mind might help you decide.
1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom—and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door—understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

12. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.
Reprinted from Reader’s Digest September 2009.

Unfortunately, as part of her recent fall from grace, Lindsay Lohan serves as an excellent example on how risky behavior can affect a person’s auto insurance rates.

The Insurance Information Network of California ran a few numbers:

A single, 24-year old female who lives in West Hollywood and drives a Mercedes SL550 (just like Lindsay)  with a clean driving record (unlike Lindsay), would have access to every car insurance provider in California, and pay approximately $2,075 on car insurance every six months.

Now, if you add 2 DUI’s and an at-fault accident, things change drastically:  Only 10% of California car insurance carriers even accept drivers with that much activity.  And the few who do, make them pay.  A lot.  Car insurance rates would more than triple, up to about $7,400 every six months.  That’s almost $15,000 per year, just for car insurance!

Lindsay Lohan may be able to afford these kinds of payments.  The rest of us, probably not so much.

In addition, there’s your driving record.  In New York, a DUI will stay on your driving record 10 years, and will affect your insurance rates for years to come.

The moral of the story:  Insurance is to a large degree based on a person’s risk profile.  You can control your own risk profile (and the money you pay) by adopting a defensive driving style and by making smart decisions.

(PS:  If you already do that, get a quote from our preferred car insurance providers – just click here.)