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.

Do you know if your vehicle is affected by GM’s massive recall?

Lately, it seems like there are news stories regarding automobile recalls on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, many are only discovered once an accident or fatality occurs.

General Motors recently issued a recall of 3.6 million vehicles in the United States as a result of a software defect that could prevent front air bags from deploying in the event of an accident. Additionally, this problem may also affect the normal function of the vehicle’s seat belt.

As a result of this impairment, several accidents have occurred resulting in one death and numerous injuries. At Hunter Insurance, we are committed to keeping you and your loved ones safe. To see if your vehicle if affected by the recall, please click here. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-your-vehicle-affected-by-gms-big-recall/

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

Insuring your College Student

The college school year is about to begin, and there are probably many last minute items you are checking of your to-do list to help prepare your child for academic success. In addition to purchasing the necessities such as books and electronics, Hunter Insurance would like to remind you to complete one of the most important tasks - insuring their personal belongings.

College students own a long list of expensive items – computers, printers, iPods, TVs, etc.  The overall value of all their items can add up pretty quickly. But living in a dorm or university community allows for ample opportunity 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 insurance options available to you to protect your student for the upcoming school year:

1. Utilize 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 policy. However, coverage is often limited to approximately 10 percent of the policy's coverage for contents.
2. Renters Insurance: If your child does not live in college-owned housing, your homeowner’s policy won't provide coverage. Fortunately, however, there is the option to purchase a renter’s insurance policy for about $15 to $30 a month. Similar to homeowners insurance, these types of policies are available 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 your number one concern. Before your child settles into their college residence, call us at 769-9500 to discuss your options.

Summertime Pool Safety

Summertime Pool Safety from Hunter Insurance 

Having a pool in your backyard is refreshing for those hot weekends and summer block parties. If you have recently installed a pool at your home and are ready to enjoy the water, remember to consider the insurance ramifications and general water safety. 

Fortunately, a pool is considered separate from your dwelling and is therefore covered under the “other structures” section of your homeowner’s policy, similarly to sheds, detached garages and gazebos.  However, if you have a number of detached structures, or if your pool was on the expensive side, the standard coverage may not be enough. If this is the case, you may want to consider adding a higher amount of coverage for your specific structures.

While evaluating your insurance coverage, you should keep in mind that, no matter the type of policy, insurance will not cover damage done to your pool by freezing, thawing, pressure, or weight of ice or water. This is why it is so important to “winterize” your pool, especially around here.

Not only should you think about the insurance coverage for your pool, but also take a moment to consider liability coverage. Installing a pool increases your chances of liability if someone is injured or killed as a result of using your pool. If you are a homeowner with a pool, we strongly recommend you consider increasing your liability coverage or purchasing a personal umbrella liability policy.  

Remember, it is always best to set up some general pool safety rules to decrease your potential liability exposure. If you have any additional questions regarding the insurance coverage for your pool, please contact Hunter Insurance at 401-769-9500.

Enjoy Rewards from Our Referral Program

Enjoy Rewards for Your Referrals

As a Thank You for Your Support

At Hunter Insurance, we are proud to be part of this great community. Since 1989, we have helped generations of families protect what matters most and have formed lasting friendships throughout the years. A large part of our business is derived from current clients recommending us to others, and we want to thank you for your referrals.

Introducing Our Referral Rewards Program

The Hunter Insurance Referral Rewards Program is simple. Refer a friend or family member to Hunter Insurance. When they receive a policy quote from us, they simply need to provide your full name to our agent. To show our gratitude, you will receive:

• $10 gift card to Dunkin Donuts for every referral
• Entry into the monthly $100 Dinner On Us gift card contest

By referring your friends and family to Hunter Insurance you will be helping them secure quality insurance coverage, affordable rates and the high-level of customer service you have come to expect.

We thank you for your continued business and look forward to helping you, your family and your friends for many years to come.

IIHS Headlight Test Signals Need for Improvement

According to a recently released automobile headlight test, administered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), your vehicle may not be up to speed. Upon evaluation of 31 vehicles based on headlight factors such as visibility and glare measurements, only the Toyota Prius earned a ‘good’ rating. The remainder of the vehicles graded ranged from ‘acceptable’ to ‘poor’, demonstrating a drastic need for improvement. With about half of all traffic deaths occurring outside of daylight, advancements in headlight technology could greatly reduce the amount of fatalities.

Why is there such a large gap in headlight safety?

One of the main reasons stems from current government headlight standards that allow for a huge variation in the amount of illumination headlights provide. With the invention of HID and LED powered headlights, the regulations do not favor one over the other. As a result, these headlights are given a “pass” provided they produce an “acceptable” form of illumination.

While the IIHS tested only 31 vehicles, 82 headlight ratings were given due to the various headlight and vehicle combinations available to consumers. The Toyota Prius V, which was the only ‘good’ rated vehicle, included LED lights and high beam assist. With standard issue halogen headlights and no high beam assist, the rating was ‘poor.’ It is clear that much more needs to be done to ensure universal headlight safety for all vehicles.

If you own a midsize vehicle and would like to see how your car rated, visit http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/first-ever-iihs-headlight-ratings-show-most-need-improvement. For more information on how to best protect you and your loved ones on the open road, call Hunter Insurance at 769.9500.

*Information for this blog provided by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Fiat Chrysler Vehicles Recalled Due to Safety Issues

In an announcement on Friday, Fiat Chrysler issued a recall of more than one million vehicles. The recall stems from regulators discovering that despite alert messages displaying when car doors were ajar, drivers exited their cars without selecting “park.” As a result, the vehicles would roll away, resulting in more than 40 reported injuries. 

Although details have been minimal, this recall primarily affects cars with electronic shift levers that return to the same position after each move. Vehicle models with these levers include:

• 2012-2014 Dodge Charger

• Chrysler 300 Sedans

• 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees

In addition to this voluntary recall, the company also stated that it would work to improve vehicle safety by augmenting the warnings and adding a transmission-shift strategy to automatically prevent a vehicle from moving even if the driver does not shift into “park.” If you own one of the vehicle models listed above or would like more information, call your local dealer to find out more.

 In light of this recall, Hunter Insurance would like to take a moment to remind you of the importance of auto insurance. Having an auto insurance policy in place will keep you protected on the open road.  Working with us, our auto insurance customers can save money for a variety of reasons, including driving vehicles with anti-theft devices or completing a driver’s education course.

If you are interested in purchasing auto insurance from Hunter Insurance or would like additional information, call us today at 401-769-9500 or recieve a free online quote at www.hunterinsuranceonline.net. 

Airbag Defect Leads to Largest Auto Recall in US History

Hunter Insurance is committed to keeping policyholders informed on the latest news that could affect your safety. 

If you remember, last year the Japanese company Takata Corporation issued a recall of approximately 34 million vehicles due to faulty air bags. This is the largest auto recall in our country's history, with Takata airbags already linked to 10 known deaths in the U.S. and 11 worldwide, with over 100 injuries.

The issue is that the chemical that inflates the air bags can explode with too much force, blowing apart a metal inflator and sending shrapnel into the vehicle. Eleven automakers, including Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp., have recalled 17 million vehicles in the U.S. and more than 36 million worldwide because of the problem.

According to SafeCar.gov, the manufacturers include:

• BMW 
• Chrysler 
• Daimler Trucks 
• Ford 
• General Motors 
• Honda 
• Mazda 
• Mitsubishi 
• Nissan 
• Subaru 
• Toyota 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has created some online resources to help consumers whose vehicle may have a defective air bag made by Takata. 

The list of affected vehicles by priority group for repairs can be found: here.

How to Check

The NHTSA recommends people enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at this website: https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/.

Should you have any additional questions please call Hunter Insurance at 769.9500.

Start the Season Off Right with these Helpful Cleaning Tips

While we are expecting some chilly weather this week, spring is officially here. Seasonal cleaning is a part of everyone’s to do list during this time of year. To that end, Hunter Insurance wants to help you design a timely and comprehensive spring cleaning plan. We understand that spring cleaning is not a small or easy process and we hope these tips can help to simplify the process.

1. Make a list of everything that needs to be done. For the inside of your home, plan room by room and document each task that needs completion. On the outside, survey each area (gutters, roof, shingles, etc.) and check for possible damage. 
2. Prioritize your tasks by working on one room at a time so you don’t become overwhelmed. 
3. Start from the top and work your way down. Begin exterior work by cleaning your roof and checking for any damage. If you notice any along the way, write down the specific problem and location.
4. Use natural cleaners. Some chemical-based cleaners emit hazardous fumes causing health concerns and property damage. Household vinegar is a healthy alternative to use when cleaning windows and other surfaces.
5. Seek professional advice. If you notice roof damage, mold growth or any other problems that require specialized attention, remember to call a licensed professional. 

If you discover any damage to your home, Hunter Insurance recommends that you call our office to find out if you may be covered. To speak to one of our agents or for additional information, please visit www.hunterinsuranceonline.net or call 401-769-9500.

Flood Insurance keeps you one step ahead of the weather

According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the average residential flood claim amounted to more than $39,000 between 2010 and 2014. Although the term ‘flood’ usually correlates to high amounts of rainfall, just a few inches can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Most people are not properly protected in the event of flood damage. 

Here are a few reasons why it is essential to have flood insurance:

1. Flood damage is not typically covered in standard homeowners policies. If you do not have flood insurance, you are responsible to pay for the entire cost of repairs and replacement. 
2. People in low-risk flood zones are still at-risk. Floods can happen almost anywhere. People outside of high-risk flood areas filed nearly 25% of all NFIP flood insurance claims in 2014. 
3. Flood insurance is required in some areas. By law, all buildings in high-risk flood areas require insurance in order to receive a mortgage from a federally regulated and insured lender. 
4. Flood plain locations are always changing. If your home was not inside a flood plain when you bought your house, that does not necessarily mean it is still the case. Call your Hunter insurance agent to find out if your home is currently inside a flood plain. 

At Hunter Insurance, we will work with you to customize a flood insurance program for your needs. Our average flood insurance policy takes effect in 30 days so don’t delay. Call Hunter Insurance at 401-769-9500 to speak with an agent directly about your options for flood insurance.

Roof Rakes Make Removing Snow Safe and Timely

Snow removal can be both physically exhausting and time consuming. With many indicators pointing towards another season of higher than average snowfall, preparation is more important than ever. Having the proper tools goes a long way in preventing potential dangers such as ice dams and physical harm. Owning a roof rake offers a safe alternative to stepping foot onto your roof. Not only that, it is also a cost efficient and worthwhile investment that will last you for several winters to come.

Roof rakes come in a variety of different styles and sizes to accommodate your specific needs. Sizes can range anywhere from ten feet to thirty feet in length. The large size allows for a roof rake to reach almost anywhere on the surface of your roof. This allows for easy movement and eliminates the need for a ladder in order to get onto your roof. Depending on the structure of your house, there are roof rakes designed to clean specific areas such as shingles or gutters. You can also purchase a roof rake with different tips that include everything from a simple shovel to jagged edges. It is important that you are aware of any electrical wires on the roof of your home, and that you steer clear of them while you are cleaning off the roof.

Unfortunately, last year even some of the most proactive homeowners were unable to clear their roofs due to the high demand and low supply of roof rakes. If you are wondering where to purchase a roof rake, they are carried at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. Roof rakes can also be purchased online and can be shipped quickly in the event of a rapidly approaching snowstorm. At Hunter Insurance, we strongly urge you to use extreme caution when cleaning your roof. A roof rake is a great way to ensure that you are as safe as possible.

For more information on safeguarding your home this winter, call Hunter Insurance at 401-769-9500.

Remember to Regularly Check Your Tire Pressure This Winter

During the winter months, slippery roads and snowfall should not be your only concerns when driving. Did you know that the weather can also affect the pressure in your tires? As the temperature outside the tire changes, it will affect the pressure inside the tire, which is why you may see your tire pressure light come on more often during the colder months.

When it gets cold outside, tires that are underinflated create safety concerns such as increased braking distance and reduced steering capability. Over the course of winter, underinflated tires lead to a decrease in gas mileage and will wear out quicker than normal. Now that winter has arrived, keeping track of your tire pressure should be a top priority.

As a rule of thumb, you should check your tire pressure at least once a month. If you notice any dramatic changes in pressure, you should inspect your tires immediately. Your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure can be found in your owner’s manual or on your vehicle’s doorjamb. If you cannot find it, check your manufacturer’s inflation pressure guide or consult a local tire specialist. Most new vehicles are equipped with tire monitoring systems that will indicate any issues. If your vehicle is an older model, it is your responsibility to stay alert.

Regardless of your model, it is crucial to recognize underinflated tires and to manually check tire pressure. It is important to note that as you drive your car, friction causes the tires to heat up, increasing the pressure within the tire. Checking the tire pressure after you have been driving may give inaccurate, misleadingly high pressure readings.

Hunter Insurance reminds you to drive safe this season. If you have any further questions or concerns about proper vehicle safety, visit us at www.hunterinsuranceonline.com or call 401-769-9500.