Dog Bite Liability

For the most part, dogs are loving and dependable members of the family. However, even the sweetest dog can bite if they feel threatened or scared. This is even more of a problem for dogs that have been abused, neglected or mistreated. Many homeowners often question whether they are covered if their dog should bite someone. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are a dog owner:

• Homeowners and rental policies typically cover dog bite liability
• Coverage does have limits (usually between $300,000 - $500,000)
• If the claim against the homeowner exceeds that amount, the homeowner is entirely responsible for all damages above that amount – including legal fees
• If your dog is a repeat biter, most insurance companies will non-renew the policy
• You may want to consider purchasing an umbrella liability policy to compliment your existing homeowners or renters insurance and safeguard your assets 

We urge all pet owners to make certain that their pets are properly cared for, trained and kept in a fenced in yard, and leashed when walking. Responsible pet ownership helps your dog and will also protect you and your family from any potential lawsuit.

To make certain that your homeowners’ insurance policy includes dog bite liability, contact Hunter Insurance at 401-769-9500.

Safeguard Your Loved Ones All Season Long

Protect Your RV with Hunter Insurance

With the warmer weather finally here, Hunter Insurance would like to wish our policyholders a safe and happy Spring. Many families will now be looking for fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors. For some people, that means a motorcycle or RV ride, or taking to the seas on their boat or jet ski.

Whatever activity you choose, Hunter Insurance wants to make certain you understand how best to protect your recreational vehicles. Standard homeowners and auto insurance policies will not provide coverage in the event of an accident or loss to a recreational vehicle. We offer comprehensive coverage options for any of the following vehicles:

• Boats
• Jet Skis
• ATVs
• RVs
• Motorcycles
• Scooters

Having the appropriate coverage in place is crucial before operating a recreational vehicle. It is the best way to protect your vehicle if it is damaged, and can also provide additional coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability.

At Hunter Insurance, we pride ourselves on offering superior insurance protection at affordable rates. To learn what type of recreational coverage is best for you, please contact our office today at 769-9500 and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Several Factors Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates

Wondering why auto rates are going up? Unfortunately, even the safest drivers can be negatively affected by national trends, which is why you need to work with a trusted and experienced insurance agency. At Hunter Insurance, our top priority is finding you optimum insurance protection at an affordable rate.

To help keep you informed on the various factors that affect your insurance rate, we offer the following information to consider:

• Distracted driving leads to more claims - Texting and other forms of distracted driving increase the chances of a crash - and distracted driving is on the rise. This leads to an increase in claims made to insurers, making the cost to insure everyone higher. One out of four car accidents are caused by texting while driving.
• People are driving more - Low unemployment and low gas prices mean people are driving more, both for business and personal reasons. This equates to more accidents on the road.
• Repair costs are increasing - New technology in today’s vehicles is more complex, and more expensive to repair. For example, in 1990, a Honda Accord LX bumper had 10 parts. The 2015 model bumper has 22 different parts, including new sensors.
• The economy - Increases in legal and medical expenses affect how much insurers need to pay to ensure claims are handled properly. The average cost per payout for bodily injury rose 32% in 8-years, to more than $15,500. During that period, the general inflation rate rose 19%.
• Auto fatalities rose an estimated 8% last year, according to the National Safety Council. That was the largest annual increase in 50 years.
• Low interest rates that have made it hard for consumers to earn much on their bank savings accounts is also making it hard for insurers to earn much on their invested premiums.

Hunter Insurance represents 25 insurance companies, which means we can find you the best coverage to fit your needs at a comparative price. To schedule a complimentary policy review, call us today at 769.9500.

Winter Driving Requires Extra Caution

In New England, we understand the dangers of winter driving. At Hunter Insurance, we want to help you stay safe behind the wheel no matter the road conditions. Together with MAPRE Insurance, we offer the following tips to keep you safe when driving on snowy or icy roads:

• Avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes
• Never use cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces
• Remember that bridges can be icy when other road surfaces are not
• Drive much slower than you would normally - stopping and turning takes longer on icy roads
• Give yourself plenty of extra time to reach your destination
• Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. More than you think you need.
• If you find yourself sliding on an icy road – DO NOT hit the brakes, slowly take your foot off the accelerator
• Keep your gas tank and windshield washer fluid full
• Check your tires and make sure there is enough air in them at all times
• Clear your exhaust pipe and remember to check it often. A blocked pipe could cause a leakage of carbon monoxide gas into your car when the engine is running.

Your safety and security is our top priority. To make certain your auto insurance coverage is providing the level of protection you need please call Hunter Insurance today at 769.9500.

Tips to Stay Safe During Snowmobile Season

Winter weather is officially upon us, and for many people that means it’s time to break out the snowmobiles and head to the nearest winter recreation spot. It’s a popular activity, and for good reason: Snowmobiling allows you to explore natural areas that may be hard to access by foot (or snowshoe), and provides a different kind of excitement than skiing or hiking.

Of course, snowmobiling presents some dangers as well. At Hunter Insurance, we want you to make it home safely after your day in the snow. Please review the below safety tips from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations to help keep you safe:

SPEED: Speed is a major factor in many snowmobile crashes. Always keep your speed slow enough to ensure that you’re in control.

ALCOHOL: Use of alcohol or any other drug that causes impairment is a leading cause of snowmobile-related fatalities. It’s best to refrain from any use at all before and during outings because of potential effects on vision, reaction time, balance and coordination. When combined with excess speed in particular, the results can be deadly.

AVALANCHE: More than 90 percent of the time, avalanches that involve people are triggered by the victims. Learn to follow avalanche safety procedures and always know the risks at all times.

RIDING AT NIGHT: Nighttime snowmobiling is fun, but extra caution should be used. Ride at slower speeds so as not to override your headlights (which generally illuminate your path for about 200 feet). Faster speeds could mean that you have little or no time to react to an obstacle in your path.

ROADWAYS: Always keep an eye out for vehicles, as many trails are located alongside roadways and can cross over them. Be sure to stop fully at all stop signs and unmarked road crossings.

CLOSED AREAS: Areas may be closed to snowmobiles due to hazardous conditions, wintering wildlife, non-motorized recreation or by landowner request. It’s important to honor these closures for safety purposes and to help protect access to other riding areas.

While it’s extremely important to follow these tips for your personal safety, it’s also vital to encourage others to snowmobile safely as well. Whether you’re a new rider or have been on the trails for years, ask yourself if you could be riding more safely. There are many more winters to come, and we want you to be able to enjoy as many of them as possible! To make sure your snowmobile or winter recreational vehicle is properly insured, call Hunter Insurance at 769.9500.

Tips to Help Prevent Christmas Tree Fires

Christmas trees are a beloved holiday tradition, but they can also pose a fire risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments across the country respond to more than 200 blazes related to holiday trees each year.

At Hunter Insurance, we greatly appreciate our local firefighting heroes, but we hope they never have a reason to show up at your doorstep this holiday season. Here are common-sense suggestions for enjoying a Christmas tree safely:

1. If you opt for an artificial tree, be sure it has a flame retardant label or certification. If you’re picking out a live tree, forgo the one with brownish needles that are falling out – it’s too dry. Instead choose one with fresh, green needles that don’t fall out even when you shake the limb.
2. Place your live tree in water as soon as possible, using about a quart of water per each inch of stem diameter. Before you do, however, make a fresh cut from the stem bottom – straight across – to help the tree get water. Replenish the water regularly.
3. Situate the tree so you can still access the exits in the room, and keep it at least 3 feet away from open flames or heat sources, such as your fireplace or radiator.
4. Now it’s time for the best part – trimming the tree. Choose lights and other decorations labeled as flame retardant, and make sure your lights do not have frayed or worn wires. Leaving the house or going to sleep? Be sure to unplug those lights.
5. It’s always a chore – and somewhat of a bummer – to take down the tree each year, but do so sooner rather than later, especially with a live tree. Otherwise you prolong your risk of a fire. 

No matter if you trim your tree with popcorn or with heirloom ornaments, we hope it brings the magic of the season alive for you and your loved ones this year. Happy holidays from all of us at Hunter Insurance!

Does my homeowners policy cover damage from trees?

At Hunter Insurance, one of the most frequent questions we field is whether homeowners insurance covers fallen trees and branches. If a tree hits an insured structure such as a house or detached garage, standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the damage to the structure and the contents within. That includes trees knocked over by a windstorm, hail, weight of ice, snow or sleet.

Furthermore, it does not matter whether a tree was actually on your property; if it lands on your home, you should file a claim with your insurance company. In cases involving a felled tree located on a neighbor’s property, the policyholder’s insurance company may try to collect from a neighbor’s insurance company in a process called subrogation. That sometimes occurs if the tree was in poor health or not properly maintained. If the insurer is successful, you may be reimbursed for the deductible.

If a tree hits an insured structure, there is also coverage for the cos
t of removing the tree, depending on the insurer and the type of policy purchased. If the fallen tree did not hit an insured structure, there is generally no coverage for debris removal; however, some insurance companies may pay for the cost of removing it if the felled tree blocks a driveway or a ramp designed to assist the handicapped.

Standard home insurance polices also provide coverage for damage to trees and shrubs due to fire, lightning, explosion, theft, aircraft, vehicles not owned by the resident, vandalism and malicious mischief. Coverage for such disasters is generally limited to up to 5 percent of the amount of insurance on the structure of the house. Generally, most insurers will limit the coverage to about $500 for any one tree, shrub or plant. Trees and plants grown for business purposes require a separate business insurance policy.

We would be happy to review your current policies to ensure they provide the level of protection you need. To schedule a complimentary consultation, call Hunter Insurance today at 769.9500.