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.

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.