Buying Jewelry This Holiday Season? Know Its Value.

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, Hunter Insurance would like to remind you to protect your expensive purchases. Before insuring jewelry, it is always a good idea to have the items appraised to secure adequate coverage for your valuables. 

Since homeowner policies limit the amount of coverage for jewelry, your valuables need to be appraised and then added as a floater to your homeowners policy. This will ensure that the items you treasure are properly covered.

Factors considered during an appraisal include whether the item is made of precious stones; the cut clarity, color and weight of the gems; the amount of gold or silver in an item; and whether the jewelry is an estate or modern piece. 

As a benefit for our customers, we have made special arrangements with Christian Jewelers of Lincoln. Simply mention that you are a Hunter Insurance customer and receive a 10% discount on appraisals.

If you have additional questions on how to protect your holiday gifts, please contact Hunter Insurance at 769.9500.

Helping to Keep You Safe on the Road

As many of the recent news stories have documented, automobile accidents resulting from faulty equipment are on the rise. While many consumers are well aware of the dangers linked to certain air bags, far less know of the hazards linked to defective tires. 

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), each year tire problems cause 33,000 accidents and kill 500-plus motorists; only one in five defective tires is being taken out of service via recalls; and more than half of recalled tires remain in use.

The problem specifically with tires, according to an NTSB report, is that tire manufacturers cannot reach tire owners to warn them. Independent tire dealers are not required to register the tires they sell with manufacturers, therefore many do not. Though 3.2 million tires were recalled between 2009 and 2013, most of the drivers using them were unaware of the recalls. Additionally, there is currently no government or industry database to systematically notify owners or mechanics about recalled tires.

To help keep you and your loved ones safe, Hunter Insurance would like to inform you that www.safercar.gov allows consumers to check recalls on their vehicles, car seats, as well as tires. This is an easy way to stay up-to-date on potential dangers that could affect you and your family.

For more information on how Hunter Insurance can help you safeguard what matters most, call us today at 769.9500.

Winter Weather Causes Ice Dams

With another New England winter just around the corner, Hunter Insurance wants to make sure you, your family and your property are fully protected. 

During the winter months, you may have noticed glistening icicles hanging from your gutter. What you may be unaware of is that those icicles can signal the start of significant property damage; the appearance of icicles is typically the first warning sign of possible ice dams.

Ice dams are essentially a wall of ice that forms along the roof of your home, usually near the gutters. Melting snow can back-up behind the ice dam, creating a pool of water that can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.  With the extensive snowfall totals we had last year, coupled with freezing temperatures, homes in our area were hit particularly hard.

The best way to avoid ice dam formation is to make certain your attic is properly ventilated and insulated.  Even if the temperatures are freezing outside, poor insulation allows heat to escape through the roof, which in turn causes the snow to melt quicker.  When the accumulated snow on your roof starts melting down to the “colder” sections (such as the gutters) it begins to refreeze thus forming an ice dam. 

While ice dams can lead to extensive water damage, it is important to exercise caution when removing them.   Only trained professionals with the proper equipment and roofing experience should be consulted.  Never step out onto a snow covered roof, as there is severe risk of personal injury. 

At Hunter Insurance, we are committed to helping individuals and families protect what matters most.  If you would like additional information on ice dams and ice dam prevention, please contact Hunter Insurance at 769.9500.

Fire Prevention Week – How To Keep Your Family Safe

Did you know that roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep? These unfortunate instances are easily preventable if you take proper safety precautions, such as testing your home’s smoke alarms on a regular basis. In fact, having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire by half.

Since October 4 – 10 is Fire Prevention Week, Hunter Insurance wants to help keep you and your family safe by reminding you of the importance of regularly checking your smoke alarms to make certain they are in proper working condition. Be sure to follow these simple safety tips to protect your home and your family: 

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home Test your smoke alarms every month
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years

It is important to keep in mind that many fires are caused by misplaced heating equipment, leaving kitchens unattended while cooking and inadequate electrical wire placement. Preventing fires in your home is just as important as knowing what to do should one occur, so be sure to check your home for potential risks.

If you have any questions about the terms of your current policy regarding damage from house fires, please call Hunter Insurance at 401.769.9500 today.

Information for this article provided by The National Fire Protection Association.

Insuring Your College Student

The college school year is just around the corner, which means there is a lot on your to-do list to help prepare your student for success. But besides shopping for the usual clothes, books and bedding, don’t forget to add the most important task: insuring their belongings.

College students own a long list of expensive items – computers, printers, iPods, TVs, etc.  But living in a dorm or university community allows for ample opportunities for theft or damage. According to a survey conducted by the Independent Insurance Agents of America, Inc., (IIAA) more than 100,000 property crimes on college campuses are reported to police each year, and thieves steal an average of $1,250 in student property per theft.

At Hunter Insurance, we want to inform you of two types of ways that you can use an insurance policy to protect your student for the upcoming school year:

1. Using Your Homeowners Policy: If your child lives in a dorm or other college-owned property, their possessions are typically covered automatically against loss, theft, and damage under your homeowners policies. However, coverage is often limited to only 10 percent of the policy's coverage for contents. Therefore, if your policy covers contents for $100,000, the limit for your student's materials would be $10,000.

2. Renters Insurance: If your child doesn't live in college-owned housing, your homeowners policy won't provide coverage. Fortunately, however, there is the option to take out a renter’s insurance policy for about $15 to $30 a month. Similar to homeowners insurance, these types of policies come in two basic forms: Actual cash-value policies cover the value of the item at the time of loss, taking depreciation into account, and replacement-value policies cover the cost of replacing the lost item with a new one. Replacement-value policies cost more, though both types are subject to the coverage limits.

Protecting what matters most to you is our biggest priority at Hunter Insurance, and we know that the safety of your children is yours. Before your child settles into their college residence, call us at 769-9500 to discuss your options.  You won’t regret knowing your child, and their belongings, are safe and secure.

Standard policies cover damage caused by trees and branches

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 growing on your property; if it lands on your home, you should file a claim with your insurance company. After a hurricane or windstorm trees, shrubs and branches can become projectiles capable of traveling significant distances. Insurance companies do not waste time trying to locate exactly where the tree originally lived.

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 cost of removing the tree, generally up to about $500 to $1,000, 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.

Cars damaged or destroyed by falling trees are covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy.

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.

Finding the Right Type of Business Insurance

As a business owner, your top priorities are protecting your employees and the future of your company.  You are already aware that your company requires a commercial insurance policy, but do you know exactly what types of coverage your business needs?

At Hunter Insurance, our agents have the knowledge to design a plan that is customized to your business. As a small business ourselves, we know how to address the issues and concerns of similar companies. 

Before you call us to develop a commercial policy, it’s important to learn about the types of coverage available:

• Key-employee life insurance: If an employee that is essential to your business were to pass away unexpectedly, business-owners can take out a key-employee life insurance policy that will cover the costs incurred from their loss.

• Liability insurance: This type of coverage provides your business with the financial protection it needs in the event of a lawsuit.

• Property insurance: The purpose of property insurance for a small business is to provide critical financial assistance in the event of a loss, so that you may continue to operate with as little disruption as possible.

• Risk management insurance: Risk management provides for various levels of protection for your business, including those that are external and difficult to control. This type of policy will safeguard your business in the event of an accident or injury.

•  Workers’ compensation insurance: Workers’ compensation insurance assures that injured workers receive medical care and compensation while they are unable to return to work. Additionally, this coverage may protect your business in the event that an employee files a lawsuit if injured while working.

Mitigating risks to your business is not a simple task. The most important step you can take for the future of your company is to purchase a commercial insurance policy through Hunter Insurance. To learn more, call us at 401-769-9500.

Information for this article provided by: Taxation Use of Business Insurance, General Liability Insurance, and III.org.

Sun Screen: The Burning Facts

Although the sun is necessary for life, too much sun exposure can lead to adverse health effects, including skin cancer. More than 1 million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, making it the most common form of cancer in the country, but it is largely preventable through a broad sun protection program. It is estimated that 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 65 percent of melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

By themselves, sunscreens might not be effective in protecting you from the most dangerous forms of skin cancer. However, sunscreen use is an important part of your sun protection program. Used properly, certain sunscreens help protect human skin from some of the sun’s damaging UV radiation. But according to recent surveys, most people are confused about the proper use and effectiveness of sunscreens. The purpose of this fact sheet is to educate you about sunscreens and other important sun protection measures so that you can protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays.

How Does UV Radiation Affect My Skin? What Are the Risks?
UV radiation, a known carcinogen, can have a number of harmful effects on the skin. The two types of UV radiation that can affect the skin—UVA and UVB—have both been linked to skin cancer and a weakening of the immune system. They also contribute to premature aging of the skin and cataracts (a condition that impairs eyesight), and cause skin color changes.

UVA Rays
UVA rays, which are not absorbed by the ozone layer, penetrate deep into the skin and heavily contribute to premature aging. Up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by sun exposure.

UVB Rays
These powerful rays, which are partially absorbed by the ozone layer, mostly affect the surface of the skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. Because of the thinning of the ozone layer, the effects of UVB radiation will pose an increased threat until the layer is restored in the latter half of the 21st century.

The above is an excerpt adapted from the article,
"Sun Screen: The Burning Facts” and from
MerchantsOn-Demand.com.

For more information, please visit www.epa.gov.

Are You Aware of This New Law?

At Hunter Insurance, we are committed to keeping you informed to ensure your safety. With many rainy days certain to happen this Spring, we would like to remind you of the new windshield wiper law in Massachusetts.

As of April 7th, the new law requires drivers to have their headlights on if their windshield wipers are in use. It was put into effect as a way to increase visibility of other vehicles during inclement weather and to prevent accidents. The law also makes it mandatory to use your headlights thirty minutes before sunrise, and after sunset. Drivers should note that this law includes the use of both headlights and taillights.

Please keep in mind that this law is already in effect in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Although this is only considered a minor violation, driving with these types of instances on your record could have a future impact on your insurance premium.

Please call us at 769.9500 if you have any questions or would like to review your current auto insurance policy.

Protect Your Valuables with Renters Insurance from Hunter Insurance

Due to the recent condo complex fire in our area, Hunter Insurance wants to be certain our policyholders understand the importance of having renters insurance. Though your landlord’s policy may cover certain structural damages, not everything that could happen to your rented living space is protected.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

• Theft – If an asset is stolen from your apartment, renters insurance will replace the value of the item(s) taken, as long as they are listed on your policy. Additional endorsements can also be purchased for events such as identity theft or a loss of income due to not having the item. 
• Fire – Renters insurance will cover the costs in the event of a fire, including helping to clean or replace items damaged from the accident. 
• Water Damage - Insurance from your landlord may cover the damage to the building in the event of a pipe burst, etc., but it will not cover damage to your personal belongings. Similar to fire, renters insurance will cover the cost to fix or replace any items that were impaired. 

Does It Cover Anything Else? Renters insurance can also provide against liability in the event that a guest is injured while in the apartment. This type of policy may also cover all charges you obtain if your apartment is unusable for a portion of time (such as finding a hotel or other living arrangements until your apartment is in proper condition).

How Much Does Renters Insurance Usually Cost? This type of policy is extremely affordable. Typically, renters insurance can cost less than one dollar a day, but the amount will vary depending on the type of coverage. Keep in mind that there are precautions you can take to help reduce your costs. For example, many insurance companies will reduce the price of renters’ insurance if you install certain safety features, such as properly working smoke detectors and an alarm system.

If you are currently without renters insurance, we highly suggest you consider adding this type of policy today. Hunter Insurance would be happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss the various types of options we have available. Protecting what matters to you most is our top priority, and our agents are committed to providing you the best possible coverage. Call us today at 401-769-9500 to learn more.

Creating a Home Inventory

Step 1: If you file a homeowners insurance claim for the partial or total loss of your home, your insurance company will require a home inventory to reimburse you for your possessions. To avoid drawing up a list of items from memory, take stock of your belongings now. Look for a worksheet at your home insurer's Web site or use the one at www.insureuonline.org/home_inventory_checklist.pdf to help you organize the task. Or create and store your inventory online with KnowYourStuff.org, a free tool from the Insurance Information Institute that's also available as an app for iPhones and Android phones.

Step 2: Work room by room or by category. At a minimum, take photos or video as you go. If you have time, describe each item, including the quantity and serial number. Add the purchase date and price, and gather receipts or credit card statements. If you don't have a record of the price, look for a comparable item for sale online. Have jewelry, antiques, art and other valuables appraised and then check with us to see if they are properly insured.

Step 3: Keep a copy of the inventory that's accessible from anywhere, say, in the cloud or even in an e-mail to yourself. The inventory will also help you determine whether you have enough coverage for your home's contents and document for tax purposes losses that insurance doesn't reimburse. Update your inventory periodically, especially after making major purchases or receiving expensive gifts

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide detector

Carbon monoxide, or “CO,” is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you.

Where is CO found?

CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms.

Who is at risk for CO poisoning?

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Infants, the elderly, people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized.

Read more about CO poisoning and how to prevent it here: http://ow.ly/Jc6BW

Information provided by Merchants On-Demand

Winter Weather Causes Ice Dams

As we endure a particularly tough New England winter, Hunter Insurance wants to make sure that you, your family and your property are fully protected.

The tremendous amounts of snowfall have pummeled neighborhoods and have created a silent danger lurking on the roofs of many homes. You may have noticed the glistening icicles hanging from your gutters, but may be unaware of the significant damage they could cause. The appearance of icicles is typically the first warning sign of possible ice dams.

Ice dams are essentially a wall of ice that forms along the roof of your home, usually near the gutters. As they form, water backs up behind the ice dam and creates a pool of water that can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas. With the extensive snowfall totals so far, coupled with freezing temperatures, homes are being hit hard.

The best way to avoid ice dam formation is to make certain your attic is properly ventilated and insulated. Even if the temperatures are freezing outside, poor insulation will cause snow to melt too fast on your roof. When the accumulated snow on your roof starts melting down to the “colder” sections (such as the gutters) it begins to refreeze thus forming an ice dam.

While ice dams can cause home damage, it is important to exercise caution when removing them. Only trained professionals with the proper equipment and roofing experience should be consulted. Never step out onto a snow covered roof, as there is severe risk of personal injury. 

Hacking away at ice dams with a hammer, chisel, or shovel is bad for your roofing—and dangerous for you. And throwing salt on them will do more to harm to your plantings than to the ice.

To help avoid damage, pull off snow with a long-handled aluminum roof rake while you stand safely on the ground. A rake with wheels will instantly change the exterior temperature of your roof without damaging shingles.

At Hunter Insurance, we are committed to helping individuals and families protect what matters most. If you would like additional information on keeping your home safe this winter, please contact us at 769-9500.

NICB Issues Warning on Stolen Vehicle Cloning

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is warning consumers to be careful when purchasing a used vehicle to avoid becoming a victim of vehicle cloning.

For many years, vehicle identification numbers (VINs) have served as proof of an automobile's identity; however, scam artist have begun "cloning" VINs in an effort to pass off stolen vehicles as legitimate ones. The NICB is warning consumers about used cars priced well below fair market value. Use NICB's free VINCheck service below before buying a used car.

Check the status of your vehicle here: https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck

Do I Need Earthquake Insurance?

The recent earthquakes in our area have raised questions about the need for earthquake coverage.  Hunter Insurance wants to make certain that our policyholders are fully informed.

As a homeowner, it is important to know that damages caused by earthquakes are not covered under the standard homeowners policy.  For an additional premium (approximately $125), earthquake coverage can be endorsed to your policy.  It is important to note that there is a separate and higher deductible for this coverage.  A home insured for $300,000 of coverage would have a $15,000 deductible.  The largest earthquake to strike Rhode Island was in 1976 with a magnitude 3.50.  It resulted in a little more than a dish rattle.  

We highly recommend that you consult us to review the specifics regarding earthquake coverage.  To learn more, please call us at (401) 769-9500.