Fall Night Driving Dangers

A little extra caution can go a long way while driving at night!

 

Summer has ended, and while fall and winter have their own pleasures — including apple and pumpkin picking, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling here in New Hampshire — longer nights mean increased danger on the roads.

You might think you drive just as well at night, but consider this: even though nighttime driving accounts for just 23 percent of vehicle miles traveled, more than 50 percent of fatalities for vehicle occupants 16 and older occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to the National Safety Commission (NSC).

 

Because we’re big advocates for safety at Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency, we thought it would be helpful to take a look at why night driving is more dangerous, and what you can do to decrease that danger.

What’s dangerous about night driving?

1. Decreased vision. We won’t go into all the biological details, but different parts of the eye (such as the iris, pupil and retina) work differently at night. Your peripheral vision is actually slightly improved, but it’s more difficult to focus on objects ahead of you. And traveling between well-lit areas and darker roads creates issues as well.
2. Driving too fast for your headlights. Depending on vehicle speed and headlight setting, many people “over-drive” their headlights. That means, by the time they see something on the road, it’s too late to stop in time to avoid it.
3. Impaired judgment. Whether due to drowsiness or the use of alcohol or drugs, it appears that drivers at night often don’t use good judgment. According to the NSC, 66 percent of fatalities at night involve vehicle occupants who weren’t wearing seat belts.   

So what do you do?

Sometimes, there’s no way around driving at night, so keep the following tips in mind to make sure your trip remains safe, whether you’re just running to the store, or you’re headed out of town: 

1. Make sure your vehicle’s lights are in good working condition. And not just headlights, but also turn signals, taillights, etc.
2. Avoid speeding. Leave a bigger cushion between you and other cars than you would during daylight hours. Leave yourself more time for the trip.
3. Be more aware of your surroundings. You shouldn’t be using your phone, messing around with the radio or trying to find something on the floor while you’re on the road at any time of day — but distractions are even more deadly at night.

Of course, if you’re not comfortable driving at night, the best thing is to avoid it altogether if possible. There’s nothing wrong with asking for a ride from a trusted safe driver or waiting for the sun to come out.

Be Sure You’ve Secured Adequate Coverage - Contact Us Today!

 

A crucial component of safety on the road is ensuring that you have adequate auto insurance coverage. At Hunkins & Eaton in Littleton and Lisbon, NH, our independent insurance agents will work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time applying all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 800-427-3975 or click here to get a free quote for auto insurance in Littleton, NH, Lisbon, or the surrounding New Hampshire communities.  We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!

 

For additional insurance information, safety tips, and other useful resources, please read our other blog posts and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter  and Google+.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

Driving a Personal Vehicle for Business Use? Insurance Concerns You Need to Know

Not all auto insurance is the same, and it’s important to understand the differences that could affect your coverage. One of the most common circumstances in which coverage questions arise is when you operate a personal vehicle for business use. What some people do not realize is that a personal auto insurance policy typically won’t cover damage to your car if you’re using it for business purposes.

Even if your personal auto policy has “business-use” coverage, you may find yourself at a loss in the event of an accident, especially if your liability limits are not high enough to cover the damage. Make sure you’re protected; be sure to review the following questions with your independent insurance agent:

• How do you define “commercial use?” Some insurers may simply define it as transporting goods for compensation or a fee, which could include services like:

                    o    Pizza and newspaper delivery

 

                    o    Catering

 

                    o    Door-to-door consulting services

 

                    o    Landscaping or snowplowing services

 

                    o    Day care/church van services
 

Even real estate agents may qualify. Fall in to one of these categories? Talk to your agent about a commercial vehicle insurance policy.

 

Is commercial auto insurance right for you? Here are some questions to ask to help you determine the answer:

•        What are my liability limits? In general, a commercial auto policy can offer higher liability limits. Larger vehicles, like delivery vans, can cause more damage than passenger cars, making higher liability limits beneficial in the event of an accident.

•        Does my personal policy cover me for issues specific to my business? For example, if you have a trailer that damages another vehicle while on a job, will you have coverage? A personal liability policy may not cover the repairs in this case, but a commercial policy will.

•        Do I have employees who drive my vehicles? In general, if other people drive your vehicles for work, you need a commercial auto policy.

You also a need commercial auto policy if your vehicle hauls tools or equipment weighing more than 500 pounds, makes deliveries, or requires filings for interstate for for-hire trucking businesses.

 

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency, our local, independent agents can help you better understand your coverage needs and custom design coverage accordingly. To learn more about securing commercial auto insurance in NH and to get a free quote, call us today at 800-427-3975 or click here.

To learn more about the differences between personal and commercial auto insurance policies, visit www.progressivecommercial.com. For additional insurance information, safety tips, and other useful resources, please read our other blog posts and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter  and Google+.

 

10 Fourth of July Safety Tips

For many New Hampshire residents, summer truly begins when the Fourth of July arrives. It’s a holiday full of fireworks and food, barbecues and boating, family and friends. However, it can also be full of danger — and that’s not only because of the fireworks.

Whether you’re lighting your own fireworks at home, going to a community show or to another type of party, keep the following 10 Fourth of July safety tips in mind to ensure a happy and healthy holiday:

1.      Stay protected — and hydrated. If you’re going to be outdoors during the day, use plenty of sunblock (and bring extra). You’ll also want to drink water throughout the day, particularly if you’re drinking alcohol (in which case don’t drive). It’s easy to get dehydrated in the heat.

2.     Watch what you eat. We’re not talking about counting calories. We’re talking about making sure your food is fully cooked. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, meats (steaks, roasts or chops) need to be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, ground meats to 160 and poultry to 165.

3.     Watch what you serve. If you’re heading to a party and bringing food, put it in an insulated cooler with ice or ice packs so it doesn’t grow harmful bacteria between the time you leave your house and the time people dig in. Pull it from the fridge right before you leave for the party.

4.     Don’t drink and drive. We shouldn’t need to tell you this, of course, but the period around the Fourth of July holiday is a deadly one for drunk-driving fatalities. 

5.     Don’t drink and boat. Alcohol is a factor in about one-third of recreational boating deaths, says the Coast Guard, so boating under the influence is never a good idea.

6.     Make sure everyone’s got a life jacket. If you’re going to be near or on the water, life jackets are a must. On a boat, there should be enough life preservers for everyone, and remember that kids need an appropriately sized jacket.

7.      Lighting fireworks? Be prepared. Keep a hose or bucket of water close by, and make sure you’re not aiming at people, animals, homes, plants or cars.

8.     Supervise the kids. Youngsters shouldn’t be lighting fireworks at all, and older kids need to be watched closely. Even sparklers get much hotter than you may think.

9.     Keep your distance, too. Thousands of people show up in the emergency room at this time of the year with firework-related injuries. Don’t be one of them!

10. No matter what you’re doing, keep safety in mind at all times.

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency, we wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July! For additional safety tips and other useful resources, please read our other blog posts, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.        

What Every Condo Owner Needs to Know About Insurance

Condo or Condon’t — Condo Insurance

You’ve taken the plunge and opted for condo life.  Now that the papers are signed, it seems like everything is taken care of for you—building maintenance, roof repairs, landscaping, insurance, etc.  It’s time to relax because everything is covered, right?   

Not quite.  The insurance policy provided by the condo association covers the building structure and common areas, but what about potential structural damage to your unit and coverage for your belongings?  Without a personal condo insurance policy, you could be left high and dry if your unit floods, is damaged in a fire, etc.

Most condos need the following two types of insurance policies:

 

Master Policy:  Generally provided by your condo association, this policy covers the physical structure of the building, including basement, roof, walls, elevators, lobbies, etc.  Coverage usually includes both physical damage and liability. Be sure to get a copy of the policy so you know what’s covered.
 
Personal Condo Insurance Policy:  This will cover additional structural damage to your unit, including cabinets, appliances, personal belongings, and more.  This also covers living expenses if you fall victim to a fire, theft, or other covered disaster.  Many insurance carriers, such as Safeco Insurance^TM, offer enhancements that include personal property protection in your condo insurance policy.

Other types of coverage to consider:

Umbrella Policy:   If someone were to trip and fall inside or near your condo for instance, they could sue both you and the condo association.  Umbrella insurance provides additional layers of liability protection and can protect against lawsuits that target both your current and future earnings.

Flood or Earthquake:  Read the fine print on your policy; a standard condo policy typically will not cover damage resulting from these types of disasters.  Additional coverage may be required if you live in a prone area. Although anything can happen, here in New Hampshire, earthquakes may not be a significant threat, but all areas are susceptible to flooding, especially if you live near a river, lake, or other body of water.

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, NH, we’ve been protecting New Hampshire residents since 1880. To learn more about condo insurance in NH, or to get a free quote, call us today at 603-444-3975 or click here to contact us online. For additional important insurance information and other useful resources, please read our other blog posts, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.             

Ride Safely with the Right Motorcycle Gear

Proper motorcycle safety gear helps you ride safely

Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting started, the right protective gear will help you have enjoyable and, most importantly, safe journeys. Even if you’re riding just a short distance, the fact that motorcycles don’t offer the same protections as other vehicles means that you need to take great care when you hit the road.

 

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency, we want everyone on the road to reach their destination in one piece. Keep the following safety gear tips we’ve gleaned from motorcycle safety organizations, including the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Association, in mind as you gear up to begin riding again this spring and summer.

Always Wear a Helmet

Perhaps the most important piece of safety equipment — other than a well-maintained bike — is your helmet. Not only does a helmet protect your head in the event of a crash, but the visors and face shields provide additional benefits. You don’t really want to get hit in the face with a pebble or a bug, do you? Full-face helmets also cut down on wind noise and can help reduce rider fatigue.

Always make sure your helmet has a secure fit and that any face-protection options you select allow you to easily see what’s around you. It may be tempting to feel the wind in your hair as you ride along the highway, but wearing a helmet should be a no-brainer when you consider the safety benefits.

 

Protect Your Feet and Hands

Boots protect your feet and ankles from injury, not only in a crash but also during the ride, by providing a barrier against road debris and hot exhaust pipes. The right boot soles (oil-resistant, rubber-based composite) will help you keep your feet where they need to be — on the pegs.

 

And remember to protect your fingers! Gloves improve your grip and prevent abrasions and blisters. Just be sure that they fit properly so you can still work the controls of your bike.

 

The Rest of Your Body Requires Protection, Too

When it comes to clothing to wear while riding your bike, there are options for every style choice. Look for protective gear designed specifically for motorcyclists – it will offer you the best protection while still allowing you to comfortably operate your bike.

 

There’s a reason many riders wear leather. It is extremely durable and protects against abrasions. However, newer fabrics also provide these benefits. Look for reflective strips or other features designed to help make you more visible to other drivers, or add your own reflective strips if needed.

 

If it’s windy, you’ll want to wear layers to help keep the wind from your body. If you ride in inclement weather, don a rain suit or other gear designed specifically for those times when the road ahead isn’t quite sunny. You can even look for clothing that features electric heat, which can make your journey much more comfortable.

Important Non-clothing Items

Safety gear isn’t all about clothing. Some items to keep handy include a flat-tire repair kit, tire-pressure gauge, spare fuses, and anything else that might be useful for your particular bike. Remember to pack a flashlight, in case you end up on the side of the road in the dark. This will also help you remain visible to passing traffic, which is a serious concern in this type of circumstance.

 

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, NH, we want to ensure that you remain safe while riding this spring and summer. For additional safety tips and other useful resources, please read our other blog posts, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.     

Preventing Frozen Pipes: Tips from The Hanover Insurance Group

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks of property damage when the temperature drops. A burst pipe can cause more than $5,000 in water damage, according to IBHS research. There are several effective ways to prevent pipes from freezing, including keeping the interior temperature from dropping below 32 degrees and properly insulating the space. Keep the following tips provided by The Hanover Insurance Group in mind throughout our winter season:

• Provide a reliable back-up power source, such as a stand-by generator, to ensure continuous power to the building.

• Interior building temperature can be monitored by a central monitoring company to ensure prompt notification if the interior of the building reaches low temperatures during after hours, power outages or idle periods.

• Recessed light fixtures in the ceiling below the open area that is directly under a roof, such as attic space, should be insulated to prevent the release of heat into the attic.

• Check to see if there is any visible light from recessed light fixtures in the attic.

• If there is, they are not adequately sealed or insulated. Sometimes, especially in low sloped roof buildings, the space above a suspended ceiling located below the roof may be heated and cooled like the occupied area below.

• If that is the case, there is no need to insulate above the suspended ceiling or seal the ceiling’s penetrations.

• Insulate all attic penetrations such as partition walls, vents, plumbing stacks, electric and mechanical chases, and access doors that are not properly sealed.

• Ensure proper seals on all doors and windows. Depending on the building or room size, fan tests can be conducted to ensure room and pressurization tests.

• Seal all wall cracks and penetrations including domestic and fire protection lines, electrical conduit, other utility service line, etc.

• Sprinkler systems should be monitored by a constantly attended central station to provide early detection of a sprinkler pipe rupture due to freezing.

• Insulation and/or heat trace tape with a reliable power source may be installed on various wet sprinkler system piping. This includes main lines coming up from underground passing through a wall as well as sprinkler branch lines.

• UL-approved gas or electric unit heaters can be installed in unheated sprinkler control valve/fire pump rooms. If back-up power is provided, the heaters should also be connected to this power source.

• A monitored automatic excess flow switch can be placed on the main incoming domestic water line to provide early detection of a broken pipe or valve when the space is unoccupied.

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, NH the protection of your home, business, and other valuable assets is our priority. For additional property maintenance tips and useful resources, please read our other blog posts, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.         

5 Winter Tire Tips

Do You Need Winter Tires?

 
Winter is here in New Hampshire and we all know what to expect - snow and slush, freezing rain, and maybe even black ice. Do you know if your tires are ready to withstand all of that?
 
When driving in New Hampshire in the wintertime, your tires just might be the most important safety feature on your car. The right ones can get you to your destination safely, whereas the wrong ones could be responsible for an accident or leave you stuck in an otherwise unfavorable situation.

So how do you determine what’s best for your vehicle? Here are five things to keep in mind about winter tires:

1.     Winter tires really are different than regular tires.
Winter tires have deeper tread, along with siping (slits in the tread blocks). This increases the number of edges that touch the road, resulting in better traction and handling. They also stay softer than other tires do in cold weather, thanks to special rubber compounds designed specifically for winter use, which help increase traction as well.

2.     If your area regularly drops below 45 degrees, you probably need winter tires.
Winter tires don’t just perform better in snow and ice – they are better for cold weather in general. So if you get some chilly days where you live like we do here in NH, consider a set – a full set. Installing just two winter tires can cause handling problems.

3.     There are two main categories.
Studless snow and ice tires are designed for extreme conditions. They are better in deep snow than performance winter tires, which are for light snow and ice. What about studded tires? Well, they give you great traction on ice but also damage roads. And some experts say chains do just as well.

4.     You still need to check the pressure — once a week.
If your tires are underinflated, they are at risk of failing. In winter, if they’re overinflated, your traction will be significantly reduced.

5.     You still need to check the tread, too.
An inexpensive tool found at auto parts stores can be used for this, or you can use a free tool you likely already have in your possession – a penny. Stick the coin into the groove of the tire, with Lincoln’s head down. Is some of his hair hidden? Good. Can you see all of Abe’s hair? It’s time for new tires.

 

 

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, NH we know that nobody wants to spend too much time thinking about tires, and the good news is that you don’t have to. Just a little bit of preparation, along with some routine maintenance, will keep you driving safely in New Hampshire all winter long.

 

For additional safety tips and useful resources, please read our other blog posts, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.         

 

Image credit: Safeco Insurance