Insurance deductibles are one of the most overlooked parts of an insurance policy, yet they have a major impact on both monthly costs and financial stress during a claim. Many Massachusetts residents select deductibles once and never revisit them, even as finances, savings, and life circumstances change. Understanding how deductibles work and how to choose…
When insurance rates rise, it’s natural to look for ways to reduce monthly expenses. Many Massachusetts families start by asking the same question: “Can I lower my insurance coverage to save money?” While that approach can feel like a quick win, insurance works best when it supports long-term financial stability—not just short-term savings. Understanding how…
When people think about financial planning, insurance isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. Budgets, savings, retirement accounts, and investments usually take center stage. But in reality, insurance is one of the quiet foundations that allows all of those plans to work. For individuals and families in Western Massachusetts, insurance plays an essential…
Moving is usually a mix of excitement and logistics. Whether you’re relocating across town or settling into a new neighborhood, there’s already plenty to think about with packing, utilities, leases, and schedules. One small step that often gets overlooked, but can make your move smoother, is updating your renters insurance. Renters Insurance Is Designed to…
Home insurance in Massachusetts is designed to do one important thing: protect one of your biggest investments. While rates can change over time, those changes often reflect how insurers assess risk, protection, and long-term stability, not just cost alone. The good news? Many of the factors that influence your home insurance rate are well understood,…
If you’ve recently added a teen driver to your household, you probably felt it immediately your auto insurance premium jumped. For many Massachusetts families, this moment is both exciting and stressful. You’re proud your teen earned their license, but the insurance side of things can feel overwhelming fast. The good news? While teen drivers do…
Few insurance topics cause more confusion or more frustration during a claim than flood insurance versus water damage coverage. Many Massachusetts homeowners assume that if water damages their home, their insurance will automatically step in. Unfortunately, that assumption is one of the most common (and costly) misunderstandings we see. At E.J. O’Neil Insurance, we regularly…
No one plans to get into a car accident, especially not a minor one that seems small at first but still leaves you rattled. Fender benders are incredibly common on Massachusetts roads, from busy intersections in Springfield to tight parking lots in Chicopee and surrounding towns. The good news?Most fender benders are manageable if you…
If you’ve ever had to file an insurance claim, you already know it’s rarely a calm or convenient moment. Claims usually follow stress, an accident, property damage, a storm, or an unexpected loss. On top of that, you’re suddenly dealing with paperwork, adjusters, timelines, and unfamiliar insurance language. Many clients tell us the same thing…
Living in Western Massachusetts means you get the best of all four seasons, but it also means dealing with some of the harshest weather New England has to offer. Heavy snow, ice storms, high winds, falling branches, power outages, and slick roads are all part of life here. Most homeowners and drivers assume their insurance…



