Eaton & Berube Blog

In light of the recent natural disasters, from Hurricane Irene to the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Virginia that we felt here in New Hampshire, many people are seeking information on disaster preparedness and natural disaster insurance, so now is the perfect time to talk to your insurance agent to understand the risks you face and determine whether flood and/or earthquake insurance is right for you.

In terms of natural disaster insurance, it's important to understand that insurance companies will not allow you to lower deductibles, increase limits or add coverage on your existing policies when a severe storm warning has been issued, or when the aftershock of an earthquake remains a threat. Your insurance agent does not have the authority to issue new policies or increase coverage limits under these circumstances, so it's best to have proper coverage in place before a natural disaster threatens your area.

Planning ahead may be the best form of protection against natural disasters, yet many Americans have not done so, Independent Agent magazine reports. In fact, according to a Trusted Choice and Big “I” national survey that was conducted last year, only 35% of respondents had discussed their complete disaster preparedness plan with their insurance agent.

Not only have the majority of Americans neglected to review their disaster plans with their insurance agents, but also they have declined the natural disaster insurance coverage that will protect their homes and assets in the event that a hurricane or earthquake impacts their area.

Earthquake Insurance

About 5,000 earthquakes occur in the United States each year, yet many homeowners choose not to purchase earthquake insurance. Although we tend to perceive earthquakes as disasters that only impact states like California, quakes of varying magnitudes have occurred in 39 states with damage being recorded in all 50 states since 1900, the Insurance Journal reports. Surprisingly enough, even in California, only 12 percent of homeowners have earthquake insurance coverage.

Earthquake Insurance Cost

So why are so many homeowners declining earthquake insurance coverage? Is it the cost?

The cost of earthquake insurance actually varies, depending on location as well as the type and age of the insured building. A recently built wood-frame home will likely withstand an earthquake better and therefore will cost less to insure than an old brick home. While a brick house in the Pacific Northwest may cost $3 to $15 per $1,000, you may be able to insure a wood-frame home on the East Coast for less than 50 cents per $1,000, for example.

Like other types of coverage, earthquake insurance also carries a deductible, meaning that the homeowner must finance a portion of the damages before the insurance policy pays for the rest. While these deductibles range from about 2 to 20 percent of the replacement value of the building, earthquake prone states like California, Washington, and Nevada, incur the highest deductibles. If a home in a less vulnerable state like New Hampshire cost $200,000 to rebuild, the homeowner would only be responsible for the first $4,000 if the policy carried a 2 percent deductible.

Flood Insurance

Another type of natural disaster insurance you can purchase to protect against disasters like hurricanes is flood insurance. Similar to earthquakes, you may believe that floods only affect people living or working in coastal locations. However, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reports that floods occur in all 50 states, with 31 percent of damaged properties located outside of the special flood hazard areas designated by FEMA. Behind fire, floods represent the second most common cause of property damage, NFIP reports.

Contrary to popular belief, flood insurance is widely available, not just to properties located in these flood hazard areas or zones. It’s important to remember, however, that flood insurance coverage is separate from your home or business insurance policy and is subject to its own terms, like a 30-day waiting period from the date you purchase flood insurance to the date that the policy takes effect.

Flood Insurance Cost

Considering that a flood can damage both your home and its contents, flood insurance typically carries two separate deductibles. For example, if a flood causes $70,000 to your home and $15,000 to your belongings and your policy carries a $1,000 deductible, you may be required to pay a total of $2,000. While the first $1,000 will apply toward the recovery of your home, the second deductible will cover the recovery of your contents.

Compared to the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage that natural disasters can cause, the cost of earthquake and flood insurance is slight. Although the possibility of an earthquake or a hurricane hitting your area may seem slim, this summer has proven that it is not impossible. Now is the perfect time, before another natural disaster threatens your area, to review your coverage with your insurance agent and determine whether purchasing earthquake or flood insurance is right for you.

Request a Free Flood or Earthquake Insurance Quote: Online Insurance Quote Request Form

With Hurricane Irene threatening the East Coast, it’s important to understand that insurance companies will not allow you to lower deductibles, increase limits or add coverage on your existing policies. Insurance agents do not have the authority to issue new policies or increase coverage limits when a severe storm warning has been issued, so it’s important to ensure that you have proper coverage in place before a natural disaster threatens your area.

Before the Storm

• Understand the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. While a hurricane watch signifies that a hurricane may strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, a hurricane warning means that a hurricane will likely hit your area within 24 hours.

• Plan an evacuation route with your family.

• Board up all your windows and close storm shutters.

• Stock up on non-perishable goods and water.

• Ensure that you have an ample amount of batteries and flashlights, as well as a functioning portable radio.

• Secure all outdoor objects, like patio furniture, or move them inside.

• Ensure that your car has a full tank of gas incase you must leave immediately.

During the Hurricane

• If at home, remain indoors and away from all glass objects. Listen to the radio for important storm information and instructions, and do not go outside, even if the storm appears to have calmed. The “eye” of the storm can pass quickly, and you do not want to be caught outside when strong winds return.

• If you must evacuate, leave immediately and be sure to inform a relative or friend of your whereabouts.

After the Hurricane Hits

• Stay tuned to the television or radio, and if you evacuated, wait until authorities confirm that it’s safe to return home.

• Avoid downed power lines.

• Use caution when checking for gas leaks or electrical system damage, and make temporary repairs as necessary.

In addition to taking these safety precautions, it’s also important that you have proper insurance in place to cover any damages resulting from Hurricane Irene. Although a standard homeowners insurance policy covers damage caused by a windstorm, you may consider purchasing flood insurance, coverage that is generally not included. Even if Hurricane Irene passes through your area quietly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has estimated that there is a 65% chance of having an above normal 2011 Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA has also predicted that there will be:

12 - 18 Named Storms (sustained winds greater than 38 mph)

6 - 10 Hurricanes (sustained winds 74 mph & greater)

3 - 6 Major Hurricanes (sustained winds 111 mph & greater)

Considering these predictions, it’s more important than ever to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane. Reviewing hurricane preparedness tips and talking to your insurance agent will help ensure that your family, home, and assets remain safe in the event of a hurricane.

For more information and updates on Hurricane Irene as it moves toward the East Coast, use the NOAA’s Hurricane Irene Tracking website. To learn more about hurricane preparedness and insurance coverage, contact the Eaton & Berube office nearest to you. For additional tips on preparing for the storm, please review the Hurricane Safety Checklist provided by Red Cross below:

Hurricane Irene Safety Checklist

To request a free insurance quote, please fill out and submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

Photo courtesy of NOAA.gov

Installing a Burglar and Fire Alarm May Reduce Your Homeowners Insurance Premium

Investing in residential security systems can provide your family with peace of mind, but can it also save you money over the long term?

In regard to homeowners insurance, the answer is “yes.” In fact, depending on the insurance company, you can save five to 20 percent on your homeowners insurance by having security measures in place. Homeowners who install a burglar and fire alarm system that is monitored by a third-party company typically receive a 15 to 20 percent discount.

Although an insurance company may consider your home to be at a lower risk of burglary if a residential security system is installed, you may wonder whether investing in a burglar and fire alarm system will actually deter potential burglars from attempting to enter your home.

According to the Home Security Guru, a home with a monitored alarm system is three times less likely to be burglarized than a home lacking a security system. Some homeowners believe that the presence of a home security system sign on your property alone is enough to deter burglars.

Regardless of whether an alarm system will deter burglars from forcing entry into your home, it will ensure that your home is protected in the unfortunate event of a break in. With a monitored residential security system installed, your monitoring company dispatches the police and fire department to your home if your alarm is triggered.

Considering that victims of burglary offenses suffered an estimated $4.6 billion in lost property in 2009, with the average dollar loss per burglary offense reaching $2,096 according to the FBI, it’s crucial to prevent burglars from entering – and remaining in – your home. A residential security system can accomplish this, as a burglar will likely leave your home after activating the alarm system.

Fortunately for all homeowners, the 2,199,125 burglaries that occurred in our country in 2009 represent a 1.3 percent decrease from the previous year, but it’s still important to take measures to protect your home and assets. Installing a burglar and fire alarm can provide your family with the peace of mind you need to feel safe, not to mention an insurance discount. For more information on residential security systems and homeowners insurance discounts, contact the Eaton & Berube office nearest to you, review our insurance blog, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

To request a free homeowners insurance quote, please fill out the PDF form below and send it to info@eatonberube.com or submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

Homeowners Insurance Quote

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

High Energy Appliances

From computers to dishwashers, below is a list of appliances that generally use a significant amount of electricity:

• Washing machines and dryers
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Air conditioners
• Dishwashers
• Televisions
• Home Audio Equipment (Speakers, Stereo Systems, etc.)
• Computers
• DVD Players

Although you can’t control the energy consumption of some of these appliances, like your refrigerator, there are several ways to limit the amount of energy used by your other electronics.

Reduce Electricity Use

The following tips will help you better understand how to reduce electricity use in your home to save money and energy:

• Power-Controlling Devices – Since appliances older than 1990 use more electricity than newer ones, it’s smart to install power-controlling devices if your home contains out-dated appliances. These devices apply and regulate the proper amount of power to the appliance’s motor, allowing the motor to operate cooler and at its peak efficiency.

• Standby Power – It’s easy to forget that many appliances consume electricity even when they’re turned off. This type off electricity is known as standby power, and is necessary for appliances like your refrigerator. A simple solution for your other appliances and electronics, like your printer or DVD player, is to unplug them when they aren’t in use.

• Turning off Your Computer – It’s no secret that computers consume a significant amount of energy when left on for extended periods of time, such as overnight. Although the machine’s sleep mode will reduce this energy consumption, it’s best to shut down your computer completely if you aren’t using it for more than two hours.

• Using Power Strips – Plugging a group of appliances into a power strip will also help you reduce electricity use. For example, plugging your computer, monitor, printer, and speakers all into the same power strip will reduce the electricity they draw from using many outlets at once.

What are some ways you reduce electricity use in your home to save money and energy?

For many families, August marks the end of summer and the beginning of another school year, but if your child is going away to college, you may wonder whether your homeowners insurance covers his/her belongings, or whether you need to purchase separate NH renters insurance coverage.

Homeowners Insurance May Cover Your Child's Possessions on Campus

When students move away to college, they often bring with them expensive personal belongings, like laptops and digital cameras, and it’s important to ensure that these items will be protected in the event of damage or theft. If your child is living in a dorm, your New Hampshire homeowners insurance will typically cover his or her possessions, but depending on the insurance company, your coverage for these belongings may be limited. For instance, if you have up to $140,000 worth of insurance coverage for your in-home possessions, you may be allotted 10 percent, or up to $14,000 for items located outside of your home, such as in a college dorm room.

In order to determine whether this amount of coverage is sufficient, the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) recommends creating an inventory of the items that your child plans to bring to college, along with their estimated value. The I.I.I. offers a free software program at KnowYourStuff.org to help make this process easier, allowing you to create, update, and save your inventory online. When creating your inventory, it’s important to note high-value items like computers or cameras, and scan original receipts into the system whenever possible as proof of their value. This up-to-date inventory will help you determine how much insurance you need to purchase, and will help you get claims settled faster in the unfortunate event of theft or a natural disaster.

Off-Campus Students May Need Renters Insurance Coverage

Although your child may be covered under your insurance policy while living in a dorm, the same cannot always be said for living off-campus. If your student resides in an off-campus house or apartment with a 12-month lease, the landlord’s insurance generally will not cover his/her personal property in the event that it is damaged or stolen. If this is the case, renters insurance coverage is needed to protect your child’s personal property, as well as to insure him/her in case someone is injured on the property.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

In addition, if your child’s apartment or house is damaged and he/she needs to move out for a period of time, most renters insurance policies will finance the extra cost of a temporary living arrangement. Depending on the insurance company, NH renters insurance coverage may even protect against earthquake and flood, natural disasters that typically aren’t covered by homeowners insurance.

How Much Does Renters Insurance Coverage Cost?

Although renters insurance costs vary depending on the insurance company as well as the amount of coverage desired, it is typically a small price to pay in exchange for the peace of mind it provides you and your college student. According to NASDAQ, $125 to $200 per year in renters insurance coverage generally will protect all of your student’s possessions, as well as provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage.

Save on Auto Insurance While Your Child is in College

While you may be spending slightly more if you opt for NH renters insurance coverage, it’s important to talk to your insurance agent about ways to save money on car insurance while your student is away at college. Many colleges prohibit first-year students from bringing their cars to campus, so if your child goes to school more than 100 or 150 miles away from your home and doesn’t take a car, you could receive a significant discount on your New Hampshire auto insurance. If you child does bring a car to college, your auto insurance premium can change depending on the college’s location, the parking provided there, and the amount of claims the insurer has paid in that location. Another way to save is by encouraging your child to earn good grades, as many insurers continue to offer a discount on car insurance for students who maintain at least a B average in college.

College represents a significant moment for many families, and ensuring that your child and his/her possessions are protected, whether it be with New Hampshire homeowners insurance or renters insurance coverage, will provide the peace of mind needed for this transition to go smoothly. For more information on NH renters insurance as well as additional types of coverage to consider for your college student, contact the Eaton & Berube office nearest to you.

Not in college? Renters insurance coverage is also a smart option for people living in apartments or rented homes, to ensure that your personal property remains protected.

To request a free NH renters insurance coverage quote, please fill out and submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

Image: graur codrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A recent survey conducted by Allstate Insurance shows that nearly six in 10 Americans support a federal teen driving law that would impose driving restrictions on teen drivers, as well as institute a graduated driving license system (GDL).

According to the Insurance Journal, the survey confirmed that the support for a teen driving law coincides with Americans’ lack of confidence in teen driving skills, which received the lowest ranking among all age groups included in the survey. In fact, 81 percent of survey respondents rate teens as “average” or “poor” drivers.

Currently, there is a restrictive teen driver act pending in Congress, known as the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act. As part of Mariah’s Law, the bill named after an Arkansas teen killed in a car accident that involved texting, the STANDUP Act would limit the number of passengers allowed in a teenager’s car, restrict nighttime driving as well as cell phone use, and gradually issue permits and licenses with specific age requirements.

When questioned about STANDUP, Americans said they favor its policies, with support for the act crossing all age groups, political affiliations, and geographic regions, the Insurance Journal reports. Among the findings, the survey concluded that:

• Seventy-six percent of Americans favor a minimum age of 16 to receive a learner’s permit, and 69 percent support a three-stage licensing requirement.

• Approximately 81 percent of Americans support the prohibition of cell phone use among younger drivers.

• Seven in 10 Americans support restrictions on unsupervised nighttime driving for drivers under age 18, and 65 percent favor restrictions on the number of non-family passengers for these young drivers.

According to the Insurance Journal, the survey included 1,000 American adults and was conducted on July 13, 14, 16 and 17 via landline and cell phone. It’s margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent, and among the 1,000 adults surveyed, 848 hold a driver’s license and drive at least occasionally.

Image: Andy Newson / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What’s your opinion on a national teen driving law?

Cleaning out your dryer’s lint trap may seem like common sense, but "failure to clean" actually represents the leading cause of the 15,600 dryer fires that occur annually.

Among these dryer fires, an annual average of approximately 400 injuries and 15 fatalities occur, according to the U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA) 2007 Report “Clothes Dryer Fires in Residential Buildings.”

Although the majority of residents escape from dryer fires physically unharmed, this doesn’t prevent the damage from spreading to your wallet. In fact, the USFA report estimates a yearly national fire loss of $99 million for clothes dryer fires in structures, with the average loss from just one dryer fire in a residential building reaching $9,176.

How Dryer Fires Occur

In order to avoid this significant financial loss, it’s important to understand how dryers operate and how dryer fires can occur. When you place wet clothes into your dryer, the machine dries them by forcing hot air through a turning drum. Lint forms when water is removed from your clothes as they dry, and although the dryer’s filter traps much of the lint, some of it is also carried through the venting system with moist air. The accumulation of lint in the dryer and dryer vent reduces airflow and produces a highly flammable fuel source.

However, lint is not the also factor that increases the risk of dryer fires. Birds’ nests and bends in your venting system itself can create obstructions in dryer exhaust vents as well. Considering that an obstructed vent cannot exhaust properly to the outside, overheating may occur, and if enough heat is produced to ignite lint or nearby combustible items, like the clothes in the dryer, the machine’s safety mechanisms can fail, resulting in a fire.

Preventing Dryer Fires

Since operational deficiencies, including failure to clean, represent the leading cause of dryer fires, proper maintenance can help you prevent this type of disaster. Use the following clothes dryer safety tips to help prevent a dryer fire from occurring in your home:

• Remove all lint from traps, vents, and areas surrounding your dryer before and/or after each use.

• Avoid placing combustibles such as clothing, boxes, and other items near your dryer.

• Do not place items made of plastic, rubber, or foam in your dryer. These synthetic materials are more combustible than natural ones, igniting at lower temperatures and burning at much higher ones.

• The exhaust should vent directly outside the house. Washers and dryers are now being placed in nonconventional areas of the house like closets and upstairs bedrooms, which require longer dryer vents to reach an outside wall. If lint must pass through an exhaust under a floor or through walls and exceeds six feet in length, it will be nearly impossible to remove all of the lint from your vent.

• If you have foil or plastic flexible dryer ducts, consider switching to metal. All manufacturers now advise consumers against plastic ducts, as flexible vents can sag, allowing lint to accumulate and catch fire if it comes into contact with enough heat.

• If your clothes are still damp after a cycle, or feel hotter than normal coming out of the dryer, it’s likely a clogged dryer vent exhaust is causing the problem. It’s important to identify and clear the obstruction as soon as possible.

• The USFA recommends that you disconnect, clean, and inspect the dryer duct and venting every couple of years, or hire a professional to clean your dryer’s components. If you have a gas-powered dryer, it should be inspected by a professional annually to make sure the gas line and connection are intact.

• Inspect your lint filter for rips before each use. If you find any rips, you should replace the filter immediately.

• Never let your dryer run while you are asleep or outside of the house.

With proper maintenance and safety information, dryer fires can be prevented. To learn more about dryer fires and additional home safety tips, contact the Eaton & Berube office nearest to you, read our insurance blog, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo courtesy of FEMA/Marvin Nauman

After examining vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the report determined the vehicle make, model, and model year of the most stolen cars reported in 2010.

For 2010, the most stolen cars in America were:

1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1991 Toyota Camry
4. 1999 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
5. 1997 Ford F150 Series/Pickup
6. 2004 Dodge Ram
7. 2000 Dodge Caravan
8. 1994 Acura Integra
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
10. 1999 Ford Taurus

Looking at the list, you may notice that the newest model among the most stolen cars is actually seven years old, dating back to 2004. This may relate to the fact that the NICB report is the only report that analyzes all theft data regardless of a vehicle’s insured status, to provide a more complete view of the vehicle theft landscape. According to the report, some thieves prefer certain models of older cars and trucks because of the value of their parts—but many aren’t insured against theft. On the other hand, newer, more expensive and insured vehicles are often stolen to be shipped out of the country or to be resold intact with counterfeit vehicle identification numbers.

Most Stolen Car Trends

For the first time since 2002, the report indicated that car thieves opted for domestic makes over foreign brands, with Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet accounting for six of the 10 top slots. Honda, Toyota, and Acura filled the remaining positions, with Honda and Toyota claiming the top three spots, a trend that has remained consistent since 2000.

Fortunately for drivers, car theft continues declining, with preliminary 2010 FBI crime statistics pointing toward a 7.2 percent reduction from the thefts reported in 2009. If these numbers hold when the FBI releases its final statistics later this year, the NICB reports that 2010 will post the fewest car thefts since 1967.

What’s The Reason for The Decline in Stolen Cars?

Improved technology is the main factor to which the NICB report points to explain the decrease in stolen cars in recent years. For instance, among the nearly 52,000 Honda Accords stolen in 2010, more than 44,000 were manufactured in the 1990s, as opposed to fewer than 5,700 produced in the year 2000 or later.

Protect Your Car Against Theft

Even though car theft is on the decline, it’s always important to be protected, and the best form of protection against theft is car insurance. At Eaton & Berube, we work to find you the best New Hampshire car insurance rates. For more information on personal auto insurance and business auto insurance, as well as additional insurance and safety information, contact our offices, read our insurance blog, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

To request a free personal or business auto insurance quote, please fill out the PDF forms below and send them to info@eatonberube.com or submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

Personal Auto Insurance Quote

Commercial Auto Insurance Quote

Did you know that motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States? Although a frightening fact, it is one that we can work together to change. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we can reduce serious and fatal injuries among children by more than half by placing them in age- and size- appropriate car seats and booster seats.

Considering this dramatic impact, it’s more important than ever to use car seats to protect your children in case of a motor vehicle accident, yet a 2010 CDC study revealed that in one year, more than 618,000 kids ages 0-12 rode in vehicles without the use of a booster or child safety seat at least some of the time.

Owning a car seat is a step in the right direction, but do you know how to properly use it? A CDC study found that 72 percent of nearly 3,500 observed booster and car seats were misused. In fact, these car seats were misused in a way that could increase the child’s risk of injury during a car crash, so it’s crucial to understand how to use a car seat properly to protect your child.

♦ In one year, more than 618,000 children ages 0-12 rode in vehicles without the use of a car seat ♦

Review the following child car seat safety tips to ensure that you have the proper car seat and knowledge needed to protect your child in case of a car accident:

• Use a rear-facing car seat when traveling with an infant in the car. Ideally, infants should remain in rear-facing car seats until they reach the age of 2 or exceed the seat’s height and weight limits.

• Children who have outgrown the rear-facing car seats should be moved into front-facing seats, remaining in these seats until the age of 4 or until the seat no longer fits. If children have exceed the seat’s height and weight limit, their shoulders are above the seat’s top harness slots, or their ears are above the top of the car seat, you can be sure that the seat no longer fits.

• Once children outgrow front-facing car seats, they should be placed in booster seats until they are big enough for seat belts to fit them properly. You can tell that a seat belt fits correctly when the lap belt lies across the child’s upper thighs and the shoulder belt crosses over the child’s shoulder and chest. Typically, this occurs between 8 and 12 years old, when you child reaches a height of 4’9,” but every child is different.

• As parents, you should use a seat belt at all times to set a good example for your child. Nearly 40 percent of children who ride with unbelted drivers aren’t buckled in either, according to the CDC.

• Make sure the child safety seat is less than 10 years old and in excellent condition. Use the detailed instruction booklet to ensure that the car seat isn’t missing any parts, and check for damage like cracked plastic, frayed straps and stiff buckles.

• Stay up to date on CPSC product recalls. A child car seat can be recalled because of a defect that could compromise your child’s safety. Since manufacturers are required to fix the problem free of charge, be sure to get your car seat fixed immediately if affected by a recall.

• Never let your child ride without a car seat because of a recall. While you should always try to get a recalled safety seat fixed as soon as possible, it’s safer to keep your child in the recalled safety seat than to allow him/her to ride using only a safety belt.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about child car seat safety and how to use a car seat properly, watch the following video from VideoJug, featuring Stephanie Tombrello, SafetyBeltSafe USA’s National Child Passenger Safety Instructor:

At Eaton & Berube Insurance Agency, your safety is our top priority. For additional safety tips and information, contact our offices, read our Insurance Blog, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

For many families, August marks the end of summer and beginning of another school year, but did you know that August is also National Immunization Awareness Month? Now is the perfect time to ensure that you are caught up on your shots, and to encourage friends, family and coworkers to do the same.

Although it’s common to associate vaccinations with young children, kids aren’t the only ones who require immunizations. In fact, considering the prevalence of the flu each winter, everyone older than 6 months needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Use the guidelines below to learn which vaccines people require at different ages:

Children:

• Children under age 6 need a series of shots to protect against chicken pox, hepatitis, polio and measles.

Preteens:

• All 11- and 12-year-olds require shots to protect against whooping cough, meningitis, diphtheria, and tetanus.
• Many doctors also recommend that girls get the 3-dose HPV vaccine, which protects against the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

Adults:

• All adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.
• 65-year-olds require a one-time pneumonia shot. 

When it comes to immunization requirements, not every family’s situation is the same. Immunization requirements may stand in the way of a child’s school enrollment as well as an international vacation, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your family’s plans. Use National Immunization Awareness Month to ensure that you and your loved ones are up to date on your shots, and to encourage immunization awareness among your family and friends. For additional health and safety information, contact the Eaton & Berube office nearest to you, review our blog articles, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.  

According to the Insurance Information Institute, liquor liability exposure is not limited to those whose primary business is selling alcoholic beverages. In fact, you are considered a social host as long as you provide alcohol to individuals in a non-commercial manner. Considering that most states have their own social host liability laws that determine your liability for your guests’ actions, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the law in your jurisdiction in order to minimize your risks.

Liquor Liability Insurance for Your NH Business

Considering the substantial monetary fines and lawsuits a social host can face if deemed responsible for a guest’s actions, some business owners turn to liquor liability insurance for protection. It’s important to review your company’s current general liability insurance policy to determine your coverage in social host situations, and decide whether adding a liquor liability policy is the best option. However, it’s always best to be cautious because even with this additional coverage, you can still be held liable if your alcohol service violates a statute, if a minor is served, or if an already intoxicated person is served.

Recent Social Host Liability Cases – Individuals Are Liable, Too

Not only can businesses be held accountable for their guests’ actions at a gathering, but individuals face liability exposures as well. The following social host liability cases expose the harsh reality of the risks you face as a social host.

Nancy St. Jean, a mother in Haverhill, Mass., allowed her teenage daughter Ashley to host parties at their home while St. Jean was home. 16-year-old Michael Berry attended one of these parties in 2003, became intoxicated, punched a glass window, wandered away from St. Jean’s home, and was found dead more than a day later because of blood loss and exposure. Becoming the first person in Essex County imprisoned for violating the Social Host Law, St. Jean was sentenced to six months in state prison and forced to pay a $2,000 fine for allowing the party in her home where alcohol was served, that led to Berry’s death.

Similarly, in 2003, 19-year-old Brendan Kneram violated the Social Host Law by providing alcohol to minors. After purchasing beer in Seabrook, NH, with a fake I.D., Kneram returned to his parents’ house and consumed it with three other friends, including William White. White crashed into another vehicle while driving home, killing a young girl and permanently injuring her boyfriend. As a social host by law, Kneram faced one year in the House of Corrections with six months suspended.

Know the Law & Minimize Your Social Host Liability Risks

Use the following tips to promote safe alcohol consumption and reduce your social host liability exposure at your next party:

• Is your party legal? Before sending out party invitations, familiarize yourself with your state’s social host liability laws, and make sure you are properly insured. Hosting your party at a restaurant or bar with a liquor license, rather than at your home will help minimize liquor liability risks.
• No drinking and diving – Consuming alcohol and swimming do not mix well. It’s best to avoid swimming while under the influence of alcohol to prevent accidents.
• Provide plenty of food – Serve your guests filling food and be sure to offer alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
• Alcohol-free activities – Be sure to schedule some events that do not include alcohol.
• Don’t drive – Don’t allow your guests to drive after consuming too much alcohol. Arrange transportation or provide overnight accommodations to guests who should not drive.
• Last call – Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends, and refrain from serving guests who are noticeably intoxicated.
• Know your role – Stay alert and always remember your responsibilities as host. Always consume alcohol responsibly when entertaining at your pool.

Whether planning a birthday bash or a company Christmas party, it’s never a bad idea to consult your insurance agent before hosting your next event to ensure that you hav proper NH liquor liability insurance coverage. For more information on social host liability and additional safety tips, contact our offices, review our blog articles, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

To request a free NH liquor liability insurance quote, please fill out and submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

What Is Long-Term Care Insurance?

While some NH long-term care insurance plans cover nursing home care, other plans provide coverage for an entire range of services including care in an adult day care center, assisted living, medical equipment, and formal or informal in-home care. Long-term care insurance plans pay benefits to you and anyone else you designate, whether it be a spouse, parent, or child. Depending on the policy, it will either pay a fixed amount or reimburse you for services provided.

Do I Need NH Long-Term Care Insurance?  

Similar to New Hampshire homeowners insurance, health insurance and auto insurance, long-term care insurance helps protect you, your loved ones, and your assets. When an elderly person falls ill and lacks insurance, the burden to pay for medical care often falls on family members – and that cost can be substantial. 

Considering the emotional struggles that result when a loved one requires long-term care, the last thing you’ll want to think about is a steep financial burden as well, and NH long-term care insurance plans help you avoid this added stress. 

How Does Long-Term Care Insurance Differ From Disability Insurance and Health Insurance?

Major medical insurance and disability insurance do not protect you and your family in the same way that long-term care insurance does. In fact, health insurance plans typically cover only 30 days of recuperative time, whereas long-term care insurance plans often cover two years or more.

Although disability insurance replaces your salary in the event of an injury, it fails to cover ongoing medical care. Even more restrictive is Medicare, reimbursing you on average only 28 days, with a maximum of 100 days.

How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost?

Premiums vary, depending on your age and health conditions when you purchase the policy, as well as the amount of coverage you desire. Although the cost of care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities varies from state to state, the average yearly cost of a nursing home in 2010 reached $80,850, according to Long Term Care Insurance Tree.

This represents a significant expense for many families, so it’s best to be prepared. Purchasing NH long-term care insurance at a younger age is a smart idea, considering that you are likely to be healthier and receive a lower premium. However, the AALTCI reported that only 33 percent of all Americans who apply for long-term care insurance apply at the age of 55 or younger.

Coping with a parent, spouse, or child’s illness is never easy, but New Hampshire long-term care insurance can help protect you and your family. For more information on NH long-term care insurance plans and additional types of coverage, contact our offices, review our blog articles, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

To request a free NH long-term care insurance quote, please fill out and submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/meepfly/

Although the chances of a natural disaster devastating New Hampshire may be slim, it’s always important to be prepared, and the best form of protection against disaster is insurance. Because of this low risk, your standard New Hampshire homeowners insurance may not include earthquake insurance, flood insurance, or other protection against natural disasters. It’s important to talk to your insurance agent to determine what your homeowners insurance covers, and if you should invest in any additional coverage.

While insurance will protect your assets and finances, you still need a plan to protect your own personal safety in the unfortunate event that a natural disaster strikes. The following list of disaster preparedness tips provided by Travelers will help you and your loved ones prepare for any type of natural disaster.

Earthquake

Before

• Hang heavy items like mirrors and picture frames away from beds, couches, and other areas where people sit, or remove them from the walls altogether.
• Ensure that shelves are fastened securely to your walls and remove heavy objects from them.
• Check to make sure that large appliances like water heaters are securely bolted down or supported on your floor or wall.
• Ensure that your house is properly bolted to its foundation.
• Identify safe places in each room, such as under desks or doorways, where your family can seek cover.

During

• If inside, seek cover under one of the safe places you identified. Avoid places near glass and heavy furniture, to prevent injuries resulting from shattered glass or falling furniture.
• If outdoors, find a safe place far from buildings, overhead wires, and streetlights, to remain until the earthquake passes.
• If in your car, pull over in an area away from bridges, buildings, overpasses, and trees. Listen to your radio for important emergency information, and when the earthquake stops, proceed with caution, avoiding these large structures that may have been damaged.

After

• Be prepared for aftershocks that may cause further damage.
• If possible, listen to a battery-operated radio or television.
• Attend to any flammable liquid spills, and leave immediately if you smell gas fumes.
• Stay out of damaged buildings, including your own home. Seek temporary housing if your home is too damaged to occupy.

Flood

Before

• Familiarize yourself with the flood warning signs and alerts in your community.
• Plan an evacuation route with your family, including a meeting place incase anyone gets separated.

During

• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for important flood information, and evacuate your home if advised to do so.
• Move to high ground, avoiding rising waters.
• Keep away from downed power lines and electrical wires.

After

• Stay tuned to the radio and do not return home until authorities confirm that it’s safe to do so.
• Beware of snakes that may have found their way into your home.
• Dispose of all food that has come into contact with floodwaters.
• If your basement has flooded, pump out the water gradually, removing about 1/3 per day to prevent structural damage.

Tornado

Before

• Familiarize yourself with your community’s tornado warning signs and alerts.
• Understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. While a tornado watch suggests that tornadoes may develop, a tornado warning signifies that a tornado has already been sighted and you should seek shelter immediately.
• Conduct drills with your family, designating an area of your home as shelter and practicing your plan in the event of a tornado.
• If you have a garage, be sure to move your cars and other outside objects inside.

During

• If at home, seek shelter away from windows in the center of a room. Basements and storm cellars provide the best shelter, but if you don’t have a basement, seek cover in a bathroom, closet, or under a sturdy piece of furniture.
• If at work or school, move to the basement or an inside hallway at the lowest level. Stay away from large, open areas like gymnasiums, auditoriums, or cafeterias, and lie low, using your arms to protect your head and neck.
• If in your automobile, stop the car, get out, and lie in a low area like a ditch if there is no facility nearby to seek cover. Never try to outrun the storm.

After

• Remain calm and in your shelter, listening to the radio to find out when the storm is over.
• Watch for downed power lines when you return outdoors.
• Beware of gas leaks or electrical system damage.

For more information on natural disaster plans, earthquake insurance, flood insurance, and what your New Hampshire homeowners insurance includes, call your insurance agent today. For additional disaster preparedness tips and safety information, contact our offices, review our blog articles, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

To request a free flood or earthquake insurance quote, please fill out and submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

Medical Professional Liability Insurance - Claims-Made vs. Occurrence

In addition to homeowners insurance and auto insurance, medical professionals like physicians and surgeons often require another type of insurance—medical professional liability insurance. Professional liability insurance, also referred to as medical malpractice insurance, protects them against loss resulting from acts, errors or omissions in their performance of professional duties.

When purchasing medical professional liability insurance, physicians have two options—claims-made policies or occurrence insurance. Claims-made vs. occurrence may not always be an easy decision, so it’s crucial to consider the important points that pertain to each type of coverage to determine which will best suit your specific needs.

Claims-Made Policies

• Discounted premium – Claims-made policies offer an initial cost savings for the first four years. This is because insurance companies understand that the chance of a claim being filed during the first few years is slight, but increases over time. The premium will gradually increase each year until the coverage becomes mature at five years and the odds of a claim being reported is much greater.

• Increased limit of liability – With claims-made policies, physicians have the opportunity to increase their limit of liability, which determines how much their insurance company will pay to settle a negligence claim, and how many claims it would settle in one policy period. Considering that many doctors feel more comfortable with higher limits, an increased limit of liability can determine whether a claims-made policy is right for you.

• Tail coverage – Since claims-made policies provide coverage only if the claim is first reported or filed during the policy period, physicians may need to purchase tail coverage to protect against claims made after the policy period ends. Many medical professional liability claims take a long time to develop, so a physician may not receive notice of the claim until years after the incident occurred. For example, if a physician retires, allowing his/her insurance policy to end, and a claim comes in six months later, he/she will require tail coverage to protect against the claim.

• Possibility of free tail coverage – There is a chance that the physician will not have to finance the cost of tail coverage, since many medical professional liability insurance companies will provide a free tail to a physician that has been insured with the same company for a specified period of time and has complied with the insurer’s provisions. Many insurance companies also offer free tail coverage to retiring physicians aged 55 or older who have been insured with them on a claims-made basis for the five years proceeding retirement.

Occurrence Insurance

• Coverage is permanent – Occurrence insurance protects against claims resulting from incidents that occur during the policy period, regardless of whether the policy is still in effect at the time the claim is made.

• Avoid purchasing tail coverage – Since occurrence insurance is permanent, physicians are able to avoid the cost of tail coverage. Financing tail coverage can represent a significant expense, costing up to 200% of the premium depending on the insurance company, so avoiding the cost of a tail may determine whether occurrence insurance is right for you.

• Limit of liability remains unchanged – Unlike claims-made policies, with occurrence insurance, the limit of liability at the time of purchase is the limit you will have when a claim is made, which is typically 3 to 5 years after the incident occurs.

• The insurance company’s financial stability must be secure – Considering that occurrence insurance is permanent, it’s necessary to have complete confidence in your insurance company’s finances. Since medical professional liability insurance claims can take years to develop after an incident occurs, it’s important to feel secure that your insurance company will still be in the position to protect you years after purchasing occurrence insurance.

There are many important points to consider when deciding between claims-made policies and occurrence insurance. For more information about the different types of professional liability insurance, view our Claims-Made vs. Occurrence form, or contact our commercial lines producer and professional liability insurance agent David Stowe at 603-488-1081.

To request a free professional liability insurance quote, please fill out the PDF form below and send it to info@eatonberube.com or submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

 Professional Liability Insurance Quote

Horse Farm Insurance: Horse Health, Equine Mortality, Farm Liability, Farm Property, and Loss of Use Insurance

Just as you protect your home and its assets, there are many reasons to insure your farm and its property. While horses represent loved animals among many owners and their families, they can also be large financial investments. From liability issues to illness and injuries, below are just a few of the reasons you should protect your horse and farm with insurance:

• To finance surgeries and other major medical expenses. Like their riders, horses can also suffer from unexpected medical issues, and the cost of surgery can be difficult to afford. Horse health insurance will help you avoid a financial burden in the unfortunate event that your horse becomes challenged by medical issues or requires major surgery.

• To help you cope with the death or theft of a loved horse. The emotional burden that results from the loss of a loved animal is difficult enough to handle alone, so the last thing you’ll want is to suffer a significant financial loss as well. Although your horse and its sentimental value may never be replaced, equine mortality insurance, or horse life insurance, will help ease the pain by reimbursing you for the death or theft of your horse.

• To reduce liability risks involved in your horse operation. An equine liability policy is required for activities like boarding, training, horse shows, and riding instruction. From offering horse riding lessons to caring for a friend’s horse, it’s important to protect yourself and your horse operation with farm liability insurance.

• To cover your barn, sheds and owned machinery associated with the farm. Farms are often connected to homes, but a standard homeowners insurance policy doesn’t always cover your barn and its contents. It’s important to talk to your independent insurance agent about obtaining farm property insurance to ensure that your barn and its assets are protected.

• To protect yourself from your horse’s loss of value. While many people consider their horses valuable friends regardless of their skill levels, a disabling injury suffered by a horse intended to perform in horse shows or races can be financially troubling. Loss of use insurance will protect your horse in the unfortunate event that your horse suffers an injury that leaves him/her permanently disabled.   

 Whether you purchased a pony to fulfill your daughter’s birthday wish, or invested in a skilled horse to compete with, it’s important to protect yourself and your horse with horse farm insurance. From farm property insurance to equine health insurance, many of these types of coverage are included in horse farm insurance packages. For more information on our horse farm insurance, contact Sue Berube, our horse insurance specialist.  

To request a free equine insurance or farm insurance quote, please fill out the PDF forms below or submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

Equine Mortality Insurance Quote

Farm Property Insurance Quote

You don’t need a gym membership to be active, maintain good health, and have fun this summer.

With obesity rates drastically increasing over the past 20 years and the cost of health insurance plans and health care costs already difficult for some families to finance, it’s more important than ever to engage in physical activity to reduce your risks of health problems. Joining a gym isn’t affordable for everyone, so now is the perfect time to take advantage of the free, always accessible alternative you have at your disposal—the outdoors. 

Enjoying family outdoor activities this summer will help you and your children prevent weight gain and maintain a healthy lifestyle, not to mention have fun together. Considering that obesity now affects 17 percent of all children and adolescents in the United States, a rate that has tripled since the last generation, exercise and outdoor activities for kids are just as important as physical health among adults.

Use the following list of family outdoor activities for ideas that will bring your family together and keep everyone healthy this summer:

• Walk around the block together after dinner. Walking regularly has proven to improve cardiovascular health and even help you lose weight.
• Hike a trail or mountain, depending on where you live. Hiking has also shown to improve cardiovascular health while helping you lose weight.
• Go for a bike ride. Riding bikes is exciting for kids, provides exercise for people of all ages, helps improve balance and endurance, and will get you to your destination faster.
• Go swimming, whether in your own pool, a friend’s pool, or a public pool. As a low-impact activity, swimming often provides so much fun that you don’t even realize you are burning more calories per hour than nearly any other activity. Swimming has also proven to improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health.
• Encourage your children to join a sports team or test their skills at a new physical activity. If they decide to join a soccer team, take time to practice with them in the backyard before games.
• Visit a local park, playground, or recreation area. Plan a weekend day trip to a state park or even a vacation to a national park.
• Provide your kids with toys that require physical activity, like balls, kites and jump ropes. Organize a family basketball game, or teach them new jump roping tricks.

Engaging in family outdoor activities will encourage your loved ones to maintain healthy lifestyles, minimizing their risks of obesity and other health complications. For more information on health insurance plans as well as health and safety tips, contact our offices, read our blog, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Edushape Ltd., has announced a voluntarily recall of Mini Stars building sets. After receiving two reports of plastic knobs breaking off the toys, the CPSC and the toy's distributor, Edushape, have determined that they pose a choking hazard to young children.

As indicted in the picture below, the Mini Stars building sets are star-shaped toys with six circular knobs protruding from each center. According to the CPSC, the building sets measure three inches in diameter, are made of opaque plastic, and do not contain any markings, codes, or logos stamped into the plastic. Edushape only manufactured Mini Stars in red, green, yellow, and blue, and sold them in sets of 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 pieces.

Although Edushape is located in Deer Park, N.Y., the building sets were sold at small retail stores nationwide, as well as online at Toys R Us.com, Amazon.com and Walmart.com from January 2007 to December 2009 for between $10 and $50, so it’s important to check your children’s toys. If you discover that your child is using a building set affected by the Edushape recall, you should immediately take away the toy and contact Edushape for a free replacement set or credit toward a product of equal or lesser value. 

For more information about the Edushape recall, visit the CPSC or Edushape online. At Eaton & Berube, your safety is our first priority. Be sure to read our blog, as well as visit us on Facebook and Twitter for additional safety tips and information regarding CSPC product recalls.

Protect Your Identity Online by Understanding Cyber Risks

From the Marshalls and T.J. Maxx hack to the more recent Citigroup and Lockheed Martin breaches, cyber crime committed against corporations dominates our news when it occurs, but what about the tens of thousands of individuals victimized by cyber criminals each year?

According to Insurance Journal, the FBI received more than 25,000 complaints per month last year from people scammed online by fake companies selling products that never arrived, from Internet users whose identities were stolen, and from victims of scams crafted by someone pretending to be an FBI agent.

The FBI’s 2010 Internet Crime Report indicated that those who fell victim to cyber crime lost hundreds of millions of dollars, so it’s more important than ever to understand cyber risks and how to protect your identity online.

Who Are Hackers? 

• Hackers, also sometimes referred to as “Attackers” or “Intruders,” are people who seek to exploit weaknesses in software and computer systems.
• Although some individuals and groups hack for fun or political reasons, the more troublesome hackers are crime rings abroad in Asia and Eastern Europe where hackers may use public wireless connections that help them avoid detection.
• Many hackers steal personal information, like names, birth dates, addresses and email addresses, then sell it to others in online chat rooms. Social media sites like Facebook help hackers learn even more personal information.

How Hackers Strike

• Hackers use different types of code, known as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses, to try to obtain private information from their victims.
• Viruses refer to the type of code that requires you to actually take action before it infects your system. This action can be as simple as opening an e-mail attachment or clicking a link sent by a scanner.
• Worms enter your system without action on your part, usually beginning by exploiting a software flaw. Once the victim’s computer is infected, the worm will then attempt to discover and infect other computers.
• Like its name suggests, Trojan horses refer to software that pretends to be one thing but is acting differently behind the scenes. A common example is a program that claims to speed up your system but in reality sends confidential information to a remote intruder.  

How to Protect Your Identity Online

• Limit the personal information you share on social media sites like Facebook. While it may feel natural to fill in all the requested information, remember that this is optional. Your real friends already know this information about you, so it’s important to think twice before publishing your birthday, hometown, current town, educational background, and/or place of work online.
• Never click a link or download an attachment in an email from an unknown sender. Many hackers will send phishing emails that pretend to know the victim, so it’s important to always look at the sender’s email address. Emails that seem too good to be true usually are. Clicking on a link from an unknown sender that claims “You’re the winner of a new iPad 2!” will most likely award you with a virus, rather than a highly-desired Apple product.
• If you receive suspicious links from a friend, his/her computer is most likely infected with a virus, so it’s best to contact your friend before clicking.
• Use strong passwords, especially if making financial transactions online, and don’t hesitate to change them frequently. These passwords should contain a combination of number, letters, and symbols.
• Ensure that you have reliable Internet computer security software and update it monthly to help protect your confidential information stored online. 

Like any other third party to which you submit information, the Internet should be used with caution, and being proactive is key. Understanding who hackers are, how they strike, and the cyber risks involved in submitting personal information to social media sites will help you learn how to protect your identity online. For additional safety tips and information about our services, contact our offices, review our blog articles, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

You can also protect your identity online with insurance.To request a free identity theft insurance quote, please fill out and submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

Photo Courtesy of Salvatore Vuono.

According to Independent Agent Magazine, more than 43 percent of respondents to a 2010 national survey, which represent 98.6 million U.S. households, said they plan to host a party or social gathering over the summer. Among this selection, 32 percent, or 32.1 million households, confirmed that their party will be held around water, whether in a pool, at the beach, in a boat, or on a lake.

These summer parties often provide fun for guests of all ages, but before you uncover your pool for the season or test the waters on your new jet ski, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the following summer safety tips provided by IA Magazine to limit your risks and liability issues.

Pool Safety Tips                                                                                                                    

• Fence it in – Ensure that your pool is fenced in your yard, abiding by your state and local ordinances for fence height requirements. As a pool owner, you are liable for anyone who enters your property and uses your pool—even accidentally—so it’s important to install a fence with a locked gate to help prevent these unwanted incidents.
• Supervision – Children should never be allowed to swim alone, and safety equipment, including life rings, floats, lines and a first aid kit, should be kept in plain view of all swimmers.
• Certification – Drowning is the leading cause of death among children under age 5. Take a safety course, or have a family member take the course to become Red Cross certified to ensure that you will be prepared in the unfortunate event of an emergency.
• Maintenance – Before the first swimmer of the season dives in, you should check your pool’s edges to make sure that no tile, concrete, or other material has come loose. Since sun and other elements can wear down these materials, it’s crucial to ensure that no damage has occurred that could pose a hazard to guests who step on them. Swimmers should be instructed never to run alongside the pool, and you should always use a non-slip, quick-drying material on walkways and other areas surrounding the pool to prevent injuries.
• Talk to your insurance agent – If you install a backyard pool, it’s important to tell your insurance agent. Since some homeowners insurance policies exclude pools, additional coverage may be required, and it’s imperative to ensure that you have adequate liability insurance in the unfortunate event of an accident in your pool.

Boat Safety

• Be aware – Nine boating-related deaths occurred in just two weeks last month in the Mid-Atlantic. Among the incidents was the capsizing of a pleasure craft, as well as the collision of a speedboat into a seawall that took the lives of two people. In light of these tragic accidents, the Coast Guard is urging boaters to keep boat safety in mind before setting sail.
• Realize your risks – A standard homeowners insurance policy is not designed to cover significant watercraft exposures, so boat owners should contact their insurance agents to determine whether additional coverage can be added, or a separate recreational insurance policy is needed to fully cover damage to the boat, liability issues, and uninsured boaters.
• Don’t get lost at sea – Your boat should always be equipped with fully operational boat safety equipment onboard. At a minimum, this includes life preservers for all occupants, a first aid kit, flashlight, two-way VHF radio, fire extinguisher, flare kit, and local area water chart. Larger boats should contain additional lines of varied size, as well as an inflatable lifeboat.
• There isn’t always room for one more – Never exceed the maximum passenger capacity recommended by the manufacturer.
• Save the instructions – Always keep all owners’ manuals onboard.
• Get smart – Enroll in a boat safety course, which are sponsored in many communities by the U.S. Power Squadron or the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Rental risks – Understand that there may be no coverage for rented boats, even with a watercraft policy.
• Above the influence – Never operate any vehicle, including a boat, while under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs.
  

Jet Ski Safety 

• Limit your liability – Jet skis may seem like fun toys, but they can actually be dangerous vehicles that require separate recreational insurance policies. As a jet ski owner, it’s crucial that you talk to your independent insurance agent to ensure that you have adequate coverage, especially if you regularly ride tandem or if you injure others in an accident.
• No kids allowed – For safety purposes, children should never be given permission to ride a jet ski.
• Inclement weather – Jet skis should never be used in bad weather, and anyone driving the vehicle should know exactly how to operate it and shut it off when necessary.
• Transportation troubles – It’s important to understand the risks in storing and transporting your jet ski. Standard homeowners insurance and auto insurance policies will not cover the theft of the jet ski from a trailer.
• Rental risks – Like rented boats, you should use caution when renting a jet ski. Always consult your insurance agent to ensure that you understand your liability exposure and coverage when renting.

Let us help keep you safe this summer. For more information and summer safety tips, contact the Eaton & Berube office nearest to you, review our other blog articles, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

To request a free boat insurance quote, please fill out the PDF form below and send it to info@eatonberube.com or submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

Boat/Watercraft Insurance Quote

Top pool photo courtesy of Worakit Sirijinda.

Preventing car accidents may seem like a matter of common sense, but the 10.2 million motor vehicle accidents reported in 2008 by the U.S. Census Bureau suggest that many drivers could improve their skills on the road.

Fortunately, CNA Insurance has provided us with the following defensive driving tips to help you learn how to prevent car accidents and remain safe on the road: 

• Gradual stops – Rear-end collisions can be avoided through gradual stops. These car accidents are often caused by drivers stopping suddenly, leaving the drivers behind them unable to stop in time to prevent a collision. Next time you feel yourself stopping suddenly to avoid missing a turn, take your foot off the brake and allow yourself to drive past the turn. Remember—driving several minutes out of your way is better than losing countless hours of your time dealing with car repairs and potential injuries resulting from a car accident.

• Scanning ahead – Simply being alert can be your best strategy on the road. By paying close attention to the traffic situation, from pedestrian activity to both moving and parked vehicles, you will be prepared to adjust your driving speed or even come to a complete stop.

• Safe following distances – Many of us are guilty of following too closely behind the driver in front of us, whether we are running late for work, or are simply frustrated that the other driver is traveling 10 m.p.h. below the speed limit. However, maintaining a safe following distance is often an overlooked strategy that can prevent front- and rear-end collisions. Using a fixed object like a speed limit sign as a resource will help you maintain this distance—when the vehicle in front of you passes the sign, at least three seconds should pass before you drive by it. It’s better to be stuck behind a slow driver than to deal with the financial and sometimes physical burden that result from a car accident.

Aside from defending yourself from other dangerous drivers, it’s also important to avoid putting your own safety at risk by falling victim to driving distractions that lead to one-vehicle car accidents. Although cell phone use may represent the most recent driving danger that populates our news, falling asleep while driving is the tragically fatal distraction that has troubled drivers for decades. It’s crucial to remain fully alert behind the wheel, and the following tips will help prevent you from dozing while driving: 

• Make sure you are sitting erect at the wheel, and try rolling down the window to admit cool, fresh air into the vehicle. 
• Stopping for coffee may help, but avoid resorting to stronger stimulants that can cause unpleasant side effects.
• Apply cold water or an ice cube wrapped in cloth to your face and neck to help you wake up.
• If accompanied by a passenger, take turns driving.
• Pull over and complete several stretches or even jog briskly along the side of the road. Although they may be less traditional solutions, these exercises can awaken your mind as well as your muscles.
• Pull over and sleep. Sometimes sleep is the only cure for drowsiness, and adding an hour to your trip to take a rejuvenating power nap is worth it to avoid risking your safety on the road.

When it comes to car accidents, the best advice of all is to be prepared with car insurance. Having auto insurance may not prevent car accidents themselves, but it will certainly help reduce your stress and cover the cost of repairs. At Eaton & Berube Insurance, your safety is our first priority. For additional safety tips and insurance information, contact our offices, review our other blog articles, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

To request a free personal or business auto insurance quote, please fill out the PDF forms below and send them to info@eatonberube.com or submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

Personal Auto Insurance Quote

Commercial Auto Insurance Quote

Will Your Dog Influence Your Eligibility for New Hampshire Homeowners Insurance?

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but in terms of liability, they can also become a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Accounting for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims, dog bites cost homeowners $413 million in 2010, the Insurance Information Institute reports.

From loyalty to companionship, there are many benefits of owning a dog, but before you add a four-legged friend to your family, you should familiarize yourself with the different dog breeds and how they can influence your eligibility for NH homeowners insurance, as well as your rates.

The most recent relevant study, a September 2000 Vet Med Today Special Report, found that more than 300 dog-bite related fatalities occurred over the 20-year period between 1979 and 1998. Among the 238 incidents in which breed information was available, the top types of dogs responsible included:

• Pit-bull type (76 bites)
• Rottweiler (44 bites)
• German Shepherd Dog (27 bites)
• Husky-type (21 bites)
• Malamute (15 bites)

Although every insurance company’s guidelines differ, two of these five dog breeds are commonly found on most prohibited dog lists: Pit bull and Rottweiler. In addition, Akita, and Chow Chow also frequently appear on the lists. Here’s a little more information on each of these dogs:

Pit Bull

                 Photo courtesy of David A. Becker 

Rottweiler

According to the American Kennel Club, Rottweilers are intelligent, loyal companions whose desire to work renders them useful police dogs, herders, therapy dogs, or service dogs. They are medium in size and can be recognized by their black coat with brown markings. Protective by nature, Rottweilers do not welcome strangers into their territory without being properly introduced, so obedience training and socialization are essential.

Akita 

Distinguished by their trademark thick tails that curl over their backs, the American Kennel Club calls Akitas versatile hunting dogs that also excel in performance and therapy work. Although Akita temperament ranges from calm to aggressive, their guarding instincts will cause them to react to an intruder in their house. Acting as “pack leaders” Akitas require obedience training and should always be supervised around children and other pets.

Chow Chow

The American Kennel Club calls the Chow Chow a lion-like companion known for its blue/black tongue and stilted gait. Historically, Chow Chows were bred for hunting, herding, and protecting their homes. Today the Chow Chow remains affectionate and loyal to its family, yet reserved among strangers, making early socialization a necessity.

Photo courtesy of PartnerHund.com

Considering that every dog is different, and every family seeks different qualities in a pet, this guide is not suggesting that these dog breeds aren’t right for your family, but rather that they may influence your eligibility for New Hampshire homeowners insurance. Like other important family decisions, adopting a dog requires a significant amount of research beforehand. The best idea is to call your insurance agent before adopting a pet, to determine whether it will influence your coverage. For more information about NH homeowners insurance and dog breeds, contact our offices or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

To request a free NH homeowners insurance quote, please fill out the PDF form below and send it to info@eatonberube.com or submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

New Hampshire Homeowners Insurance Quote

People associate Independence Day with a variety of things—summer barbeques, pool parties, patriotism, vacation, and family gatherings, but above all, fireworks. Since many people can’t imagine a fireworks-free Fourth of July, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your sparkling celebrations don’t turn into truly explosive events. 

When people purchase fireworks and sparklers to include in their celebrations, they often don’t realize how dangerous they can be, especially around children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seven people died while approximately 7,000 more were treated in emergency departments for injuries sustained from fireworks in 2008. Among the injured, more than four of every 10 people were children under the age of 15

Watching others waving around sparklers, children naturally want their own, but don’t always know how to properly use them. Failing to understand the dangerous nature of sparklers, considering that they burn at temperatures higher than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, kids may think it’s fun to throw the ignited objects, or chase their friends around while holding them. The burning sparkler approaching their hands may also frighten children, causing them to panic and drop or throw the object.

Regardless of age, fireworks pose risks of burns and blindness to users and spectators alike. Among the 2008 fireworks-related injuries, more than half were burns, with hands and fingers, eyes, and legs representing the most commonly injured body parts. Use the following fireworks safety tips this July 4^th to ensure that your celebrations remain safe:

• Use fireworks and sparklers outdoors only.
• Always have a bucket or hose readily available when using fireworks.
• Only use fireworks as intended. Do not alter them or experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Keep spectators a safe distance away. Injuries may result from being too close to fireworks when they explode.
• Wear safety goggles if you are the person responsible for shooting off the fireworks.
• Do not attempt to shoot off fireworks after consuming alcohol.
• If you allow children to use sparklers, make sure to teach them how to hold them properly, and never leave them unsupervised.
• Point fireworks away from homes, trees, cars, and other buildings to avoid starting a fire.
• Never try to relight a dud firework that didn’t ignite properly the first time.
• Soak all firework debris in water before discarding.
• Do not carry fireworks in your pockets or shoot them from metal or glass containers.

Fireworks laws vary by town, so it’s also important to consult your state’s division of fire safety and be aware of any restrictions in your community. Whether legal or prohibited, the safest idea is to leave the fireworks operation to trained professionals. For more information on fireworks safety and July 4th safety, contact the Eaton & Berube office nearest to you.

It’s crucial to have coverage in the unfortunate event of a disabling illness or non-work related injury, yet more than half of U.S. workers lack disability insurance, according to a recent survey conducted by The Hartford.

Currently, only 49 percent of U.S. workers have long-term disability insurance, and 46 percent have short-term disability insurance. These totals indicate drops of 6 percent and 3 percent respectively, from last year’s totals, the Insurance Journal reports.

What Is Disability Insurance?

Even more unsettling, only 25 percent of the workers surveyed said they completely understand disability insurance. Just as you insure your home, it’s essential to insure yourself in the event of an illness or injury, as your ability to earn a living and an income is one of your greatest assets. With disability insurance, you ensure that you will receive a percentage of your income if you become disabled because of a non-work related illness or injury.

♦ Only 25 percent of U.S. workers completely understand disability insurance ♦

Considering the emotional and physical burdens that illnesses and injuries inflict upon a disabled person, the last thing he/she would want is a financial struggle as well. Disability insurance protects you from facing this devastating situation, ensuring that you won’t have to worry about paying your bills on top of returning to good health.

Coping with a serious illness or injury is never easy, but it’s important to understand NH disability insurance, and how it can help lessen the pain. At Eaton & Berube, we realize that insurance can seem confusing, so let our team of trusted insurance professionals help you understand NH disability insurance coverage, and find the best policy for you. For more information, contact our offices, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

To request a free NH disability insurance quote, please fill out and submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

The following heat stress prevention tips provided by CNA Insurance will help you better understand how to prevent heat stress this summer.

As spring turns into summer and brings up "hot weather,"
we should all be aware of some tips to prevent heat
stress. Remember, physical activity at high temperatures
can directly affect health and indirectly be the cause of
accidents.

What is Heat Stress?

It's a signal that says the body is having difficulty maintaining
its narrow temperature range. The heart pumps
faster, blood is diverted from internal organs to the skin,
breathing rate increases, and sweating increases, all in
an attempt to transfer more heat to the outside air and
cool the skin by the evaporation of sweat. If the body can't
keep up, then the person suffers effects ranging from heat
cramps to heat exhaustion, and finally to heat stroke.

Dry clothes and skin doesn’t mean you’re not sweating!

In dry climates you might not feel wet or sticky, but you
are still sweating. On a very warm day you can lose as
much as two liters of fluid.

Beat the heat. Help prevent the ill effects of heat stress
by:

• Drinking water frequently and moderately (about
  a glassful every 15-30 minutes). Due to the fact
  that most of us already consume excess salt in
  our diets, salt tablets are not recommended for
  general use.
• Resting frequently.
• Eating lightly.
• Doing more strenous jobs during the cooler morning hours.
• Utilizing ventilation or fans in enclosed areas.
• Remembering that it takes about 1-2 weeks for
  the body to adjust to the heat; this adaptation is
  quickly lost – so your body will need time to adjust
  after a vacation, too.
• Avoiding alcohol consumption. Many cases have
  occurred the day after a "night on the town."
• Wearing light-colored, cotton clothes and keeping
  your shirt on – desert nomads don't wear all those
  clothes for nothing.

The recent court ruling in Wentworth v. Becker highlights liability issues and the importance of workers’ compensation insurance for subcontractors.

In 2005, an explosion at a construction site on Plum Island took the life of Timothy Wentworth and severely injured his son, Ezekiel. After receiving workers’ compensation benefits from the general contractor who supervised the job, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that the Wentworth family can also sue the general contractor for negligence, the Insurance Journal reports.

At the time of the explosion the Wentworths were employed by Maine-based subcontractor Great Green Barrier Co. Although state laws require it, the company did not carry workers’ compensation insurance.

On the other hand, Henry C. Becker Custom Building, the general contractor that oversaw the job, did carry workers’ compensation insurance and paid benefits to the Wentworths through its insurer, as required by state law. Although Ezekiel, along with Timothy Wentworth’s widow, Cheryl, agreed to lump-sum settlements and received payment for their workers’ comp claims in 2007, Cheryl also filed a lawsuit alleging negligence against Becker.

At first, after a Superior Court Judge ruled in Becker’s favor, it appeared as though the Wentworths’ acceptance of settlements and workers’ comp payments prevented them from suing for a civil claim as well. However, Massachusetts’ highest state court reversed this decision, ruling that the exclusive remedy provision of the workers’ comp statue only applies to employees, and since the Wentworths were not employed by the general contractor, Becker is not immune from the lawsuit.  

As the case returns to the lower court, the message it sends is clear: if you hire subcontractors, it’s crucial to ensure that they have proper workers’ compensation insurance in place. If not, you can be held accountable not only to paying workers’ compensation claims, but to being sued under a liability policy as well. For additional information about NH subcontractors insurance and workers' comp, contact the Eaton & Berube office nearest to you, or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

To request a free NH workers' comp insurance quote, please fill out the PDF form below and send it to info@eatonberube.com or submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.

NH Workers' Compensation Insurance Quote

With the never-ending advancement of technology, we continue to use more and more portable electric tools, without necessarily considering the hazards that electricity can pose. As the warm weather brings your renewed urge to return to last year’s yard work and do-it-yourself projects, whether repairing your deck or simply mowing the lawn, make sure you understand how to safely work with power tools to avoid electrical shock.

Electrical shock occurs when your body mistakenly becomes part of an electric circuit, acting as a conductor of electricity. When you receive a shock, electricity flows either through your body parts, or through your body to the ground.

Electrical shocks require immediate medical attention, as they can cause internal injuries and even death. In fact, a 21-year-old contractor died in the UK last Friday, June 3, after he was believed to have received an electric shock while working in the roof space at a Natures Way Foods factory. Considering the risks, it’s crucial that you use the following tips when working with power tools to prevent electric shock:

• Inspect your tools—make sure they are free of improper or poorly manufactured connections to terminals, broken or defective plugs, loose or broken switches, and sparking brushes.
• If you suspect that your tools have any defects, do NOT use them. The cost of repair or replacement is never comparable to the cost of risking your own safety.
• Do not attempt to repair or adjust portable electric tools while they are plugged in.
• Do not use electric tools in the presence of flammable gases or vapors.
• Always use the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the job, regardless of whether it seems necessary.
• Ensure that your tool is equipped with a three-prong plug, as this represents the best way to protect against shock.
• Dress appropriately when working with power tools—wear tightly-fitted clothing to prevent it from getting caught in moving parts.
• Never work with electric tools in wet or damp conditions, including electric-powered motors on wet or damp grass.
• Ensure that extension cords are in good condition and are the proper size for handling the tool’s electrical current capacity.
• Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which are the electrical outlets that contain two different-sized slots, the left slightly larger than the right, along with a “test” and a “reset” button, to help prevent electric shock.

Considering that drowning represents the second-leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death among children ages 1 to 14 years, it’s always crucial to monitor kids’ pool activities. But following last week’s announcement of a pool drain cover recall, it’s now even more critical to take extra precautions to ensure that your swimmers aren’t at an increased risk of entrapment or drowning.

On May 26, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall of pool and spa drain covers, in cooperation with the following eight manufacturers: A&A Manufacturing, AquaStar Pool Products, Inc., Color Match Pool Fittings, Custom Molded Products, Hayward Pool Products, Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Rising Dragon USA, and Waterway Plastics.

According to the CPSC, the recalled drain covers “were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover, which could pose a possible entrapment hazard to swimmers and bathers.” These drain covers were sold and installed between December 2008 and April 2011. If you suspect that the recall affects your drain cover, be sure to visit each manufacturer’s website for photos and additional information regarding the specific recalled drain cover models. 

♦ Drowing is the second-leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death

among children ages 1 to 14 years ♦

Depending on the make and model, manufacturers will provide affected customers with a replacement drain cover or retrofit. With the exception of kiddie pools, in-ground spas, and wading pools, a replacement cover or retrofit is NOT necessary in pools with multiple drain systems or gravity drainage systems.

Whether via Facebook, Twitter, or the traditional telephone, be sure to spread the word about the pool drain cover recall to your family, friends, and neighbors, so that you and all of your loved ones can enjoy the fun, relaxing and safe poolside summer you deserve.

Cyclists: How to Protect Yourself From Uninsured Drivers in NH

Bicycling often goes hand-in-hand with children—whether we remember removing our children’s training wheels for the first time, or remember warning them to never remove their helmets. But children aren’t the only ones cruising around on two wheels. In fact, more and more working professionals ride bicycles regularly, with many unaware of their risk of being hit by uninsured, underinsured, and hit-and-run drivers, Independent Agent Magazine (IA) reports. 

Some 51,000 pedalcyclists (bicycle, tricycle or unicycle riders) suffered injuries as a result of motor vehicle crashes in 2009 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Among these cyclists, only 17 percent were 14 years old or younger. With an increasing number of adults riding bikes worth as much as $3,000 regularly as forms of recreation and exercise, it’s important to ask yourself as a cyclist: am I protected against uninsured drivers?

“51,000 pedalcyclists suffered injuries as a result of motor vehicle crashes in 2009 alone.”

Fortunately, insurance agencies offer the affordable solutions needed for you to answer “yes” to this question. When purchasing high limits of uninsured motorist protection, rates of about one cent for $100 of coverage are available, IA reports. 

Even decades after you remove the training wheels from your bicycle, it’s still important to worry about protecting yourself on the road. Whether you’re an amateur rider or an avid cyclist, don’t wait any longer and jeopardize your bike, or more importantly, your own personal safety. Call the Eaton & Berube office nearest to you, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter, to learn about how uninsured motorist coverage can protect yourself against uninsured drivers in NH. 

To request a free NH insurance quote, please fill out and submit our Online Insurance Quote Request Form.