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+.

 

4 Ways to Save Money on Insurance

Making Smart Savings Choices: 4 Common Ways to Save Money on Insurance

In today's unpredictable economy, many people are doing everything they can to stretch their dollar, which sometimes includes altering insurance coverage to dangerously low levels or eliminating it altogether. Although this may seem like it will help at the time, it could leave you in a financial predicament in the event of an unexpected accident down the line. If you’re looking for ways to save money on insurance, consider the following four options instead:

1. Contact your agent to make sure you’re receiving all of the discounts and credits for
   
   which you qualify.  Most insurance companies offer a variety of credits and discounts that can translate into significant savings — without endangering the level of protection you need for your home, cars and other valuable assets. Furthermore, if you purchase multiple policies through the same insurance company, you’ll typically receive additional discounts. Own a motorcycle or boat? You could qualify for another discount if you’ve completed an approved safety course. Have a good student on your policy? Families with drivers who earn good grades in high school or college may qualify for another auto insurance discount.
2. Increase your deductible. Only a small percentage of homeowners report claims in any given year, so increasing your deductible to lower your premium could pay off.
3. Explore specialty lines coverage options.  If you own any vehicles you only use seasonally, such as a classic car or RV, you can typically reduce your coverage to liability during the off-season, having full coverage in place only when you are actually using the vehicle.
4. Pay in full. Depending on your financial circumstances, you may be able to make one full payment instead of partial ones and receive the pay-in-full discount, which most insurance companies offer.

Two Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to your insurance, knowing what not to do as you look for cost savings is equally important. Be sure to avoid the following two scenarios:

1. Carrying only the minimum state-required amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance policy, or canceling it entirely. According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC)*, the correlation between the percentage of uninsured motorists and the unemployment rate is high — when the economy is struggling, more people go without insurance, so it’s crucial to ensure that you have coverage in the event of an accident with one of these uninsured drivers.
2. Ignoring renters insurance. This type of coverage tends to be overlooked regardless of the economy’s state. What many people fail to realize is that landlords’ policies generally only cover the structure, not the individual renter’s contents. By opting to not secure this coverage, you would be forced to replace furniture, clothing and other personal property out of pocket in the event of a loss.

Saving money is important, but so is making sure that what you’ve got is protected. At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, NH, we’ll take the time to ask you the right questions to ensure that you receive all of the credits and discounts for which you are eligible, without compromising the comprehensive coverage you need. Just give us a call at 800-427-3975 or contact us online at www.hunkins-eaton.com to see how much we can save you!

*Insurance Research Council, January 21, 2009

Five Ways to Get Your Car Stolen

Five sure-fire ways to get your car stolen

Most people would say their car is one of the most valuable assets they own — if not the most valuable. However, despite knowing its value, some people make it downright easy for thieves to drive off in their pride and joy. At Hunkins & Eaton, we don’t want you walking out your door to an empty driveway or leaving the mall or grocery store only to find some broken glass left behind in your parking space, so be sure to avoid the following five mistakes:

       1.     Leave your car running ... and unattended. Here in New Hampshire with our freezing winter mornings and our stifling summer afternoons, many residents prefer to start their cars ahead of time and allow them to warm up or cool down for a few minutes. Although understandable, this can be dangerous, so if your car is running, you should always be in it, even if you’re just running to the ATM or dropping off some mail.

2.       Keep a spare set of keys inside the car. According to law enforcement agencies, this is a great way to turn a car prowler into a car thief. Suppose someone is already attempting to break into your car to steal a phone, or a laptop, etc.; what do you think he/she is going to do upon finding a set of keys?

3.       Put valuables in plain sight. Seems simple, but we’ve all made this mistake. You’ll just be in the store for a second, after all, so who cares if you leave your smartphone on the front seat? Or items from your other errands in the back seat? Be smart — if you have to leave items in your car, put them in the trunk, or at least hide them as best you can, before you arrive at your next destination.

4.       Leave your car unsecured. The best thieves can work wonders with a window that’s left open even just a crack, and even the worst thieves can steal a car that’s been left unlocked with no alarm set.

5.       Assume nobody would want to steal your car. Think your car is too old or too undesirable for a thief to bother? Scrap metal is worth money, so never assume that your car is safe — even if you think it’s just a “junker.”

Keeping thieves away helps keep everyone’s insurance costs down, so avoiding these mistakes will not only save you hassle, but it will save you money as well. So stay safe - not just on the roads, but also in the parking lots!
 

Contact Us!

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, NH, we can work with you to make sure you've got the auto insurance coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 800-427-3975 or contact us online at www.hunkins-eaton.com. It’s our job to make sure that what's important to you is fully protected!

Content provided by Safeco Insurance.

What to Do After a Car Accident: 8 Helpful Steps

Car accidents are scary, startling and stressful experiences. Given the intense emotions many drivers feel immediately following a collision, it’s not always easy to know what to do next in that moment. In the event that you are involved in an accident on the road, do you know what to do next? Did you know, for instance, that if you leave the scene of an accident, even a fender bender, without calling the police, you actually may be breaking the law?

Understanding what to do if you are involved in an auto accident will help you remain as calm as possible. The situation may be stressful and unpleasant, but knowing what to do after a car accident ahead of time will help you avoid unnecessary time, expenses and liability. Here are eight steps that every driver should take after an accident occurs:

1.      Call the police. Regardless of whether you have sustained any injuries or property damage, you or someone with you needs to call the police immediately after the accident occurs to report it.

2.      Do not discuss the accident. Only speak to the responding police officer, not to anyone in any other vehicles involved in the crash.

3.      Remain polite, even though you may be very upset. It’s not uncommon for people to act more reactive than normal after a car accident. However, even though you may be upset, it’s important to stay calm and quiet. Don’t blame the other driver and if he/she is rude to you, don’t respond. Instead, get back in your car, lock the doors, and wait for the police to arrive.

4.      Get the following contact information from all drivers involved in the accident:

- Full name

- Address

- Phone number and email

- Insurance company’s name and phone number if possible

- Insurance policy number

5.      Be cooperative and respectful to the police officer completing the accident report. It’s not necessary to speak in great detail about what occurred. In fact, it’s probably better to avoid doing this, as you may not be thinking straight and it will be very difficult to change this report after it has been completed if you think you reported a detail inaccurately in the moment. The insurance companies will also use these reports as evidence, so accuracy is crucial.

6.      Take pictures of both vehicles and the scene of the accident. Fortunately, our advanced technology allows you to accomplish this quickly and easily with your cell phone. However, if one or both cars were totaled and you don’t have a camera or cell phone on you, ask the reporting officer where the cars will be towed and go to the lot later to take pictures. Be sure to take photographs of both the inside and outside of the vehicles as pictures can help prove or disprove damage.

7.      Call your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report the accident. It’s important to tell your agent or company the following details:

- How the accident happened

- Time and location of the collision

- Motor vehicles involved in the accident – trucks, cars, bikes, etc.

  Be sure to include the make and model of each car involved.

- Contact information for all involved in the accident

- Any injuries sustained in the crash

- Witness contact information

- Police report number and police jurisdiction in which the accident

  occurred. Your insurance company will need the police report number

  to investigate any claim.

8.      See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you came out of the collision with just a few bruises, it’s important to document all injuries, regardless of how minor they may be. On the other hand, if you have sustained serious injuries, documenting them, including taking photographs of the injuries, can play a crucial role in any insurance settlement.

Our Agents Are Here for You Before, During and After a Car Accident

Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you remain calm through this complicated, scary process. At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency, we are with you every step of the way. In addition to ensuring that you understand what to do after a car accident, we can also make sure you are protected with auto insurance coverage that will adequately protect you in the event of a collision. Should you be involved in an accident, our agents will guide you through the claims process, helping simplify what can otherwise be a confusing procedure.

For additional information about what to do after a car accident or to get a free quote for auto insurance in Littleton, NH or the surrounding area, please call us today at at 603-444-3975 or visit us online at www.hunkins-eaton.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

How Does My Job Affect My Car Insurance Rate?

When it comes to determining how much you pay for auto insurance, there are many factors that insurance companies take into consideration, from your credit score to your marital status, but did you know that your occupation also plays a role in calculating your car insurance rate?

Let’s look an example to help explain why this occurs. Suppose two policyholders, Steve and Bill, only differ in their occupations – same age, same gender, same marital status and residing in the same neighborhood. However, on one hand, Steve is a criminal defense attorney who works with clients facing serious charges. On the other hand, Bill is a librarian, who helps mostly young students with research papers and older adults trying to find a book they read years ago. While Steve must grapple with the fact that his clients’ fate can depend on his work, the most emotionally challenging aspect of Bill’s job is likely enforcing fines for overdue books.

Although this difference in occupation may not seem to directly relate to auto insurance, which of these two drivers would you rather have behind you in rush-hour traffic? Stressed-out Steve or laid-back Bill? You would probably prefer to have the less stressed driver behind you, and similarly, insurance companies prefer to insure drivers with lower-stress, since people under higher amounts of stress are more likely to be anxious or angry while driving. In other words, people with high-stress jobs tend to have worse driving habits and higher accident rates.

In addition to behavior behind the wheel, another factor insurance companies take into consideration in regard to occupation is the amount of time drivers spend on the road. In the aforementioned example, Steve who likely drives back and forth from meetings and the courthouse, probably spends much more time on the road than Bill, which translates to higher odds of colliding with another car.

Is My Job Likely to Boost My Insurance Rate?

Although car insurance companies consider lawyers, along with other business people, to be the occupations with the highest stress levels, other high-stress jobs that could affect car insurance rates include:

·         Physicians and nurses

·         Military personnel

·         Police and firefighters

·         Social workers

·         Real estate agents

·         Architects

What Types of Jobs Are Associated with The Lowest Car Insurance Rates?

Considering that insurance companies prefer drivers with low-risk jobs, there are certain types of occupations that may score you savings on your auto insurance, especially jobs that require precision. This is because insurance companies view people with these types of jobs as more likely to be prudent and careful. Several of these types of jobs are:

·         Pilots

·         Scientists

·         Engineers

·         Artists

And there’s one group of people that doesn’t suffer any job stress: retired people.

Similar to the many other variables involved in calculating car insurance costs, there are exceptions to these relationships between occupation and premium. For instance, some companies will give physicians lower rates because they view them as less likely to report a claim in the event of a fender bender, as they may not have the time.

Although you likely aren’t going to change your job just to get a better car insurance rate, you may wish to discuss your situation with an independent insurance agent if you believe your circumstances differ from other drivers who share your occupation. A lawyer who works from home in a field of law that never requires litigation, for instance, may want to explain his/her situation to an insurance agent to determine whether these details could cut costs.

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Lisbon and Littleton, N.H., our agents take the time to assess your specific situation and match you with the insurance company and coverage that best suits your needs. As independent agents, we work with many different companies, allowing us to find the right coverage at the most competitive price for each of our policyholders. For additional information about how your job affects your car insurance rate, or to get a free quote for auto insurance in Littleton, N.H. or the surrounding area, please call us today at 603-444-3975 or visit us online at www.hunkins-eaton.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

How Previous Claims Affect Your Car Insurance Rates and Needs

In many aspects of life, it’s important to learn from your mistakes, and in terms of car insurance, learning from previous claims is no different. Insurance claims come in all varieties, from damages you don’t have control over to those you cause and/or could have prevented. You can’t control a rock flying up from a passing vehicle and hitting your windshield for example, but you can choose where to park your car or whether to get behind the wheel after consuming alcoholic beverages. Just one at-fault accident should be enough to teach you not to make the mistake again and to focus on safety behind the wheel at all times.

When it comes to previous claims affecting your insurance, there are two main factors to consider. The first is how previous claims affect your car insurance premium, and the second is having an uncovered claim because you hadn’t purchased the endorsement that would have covered the damage.

Will a Small Claim Impact My Car Insurance Premium?

You may not realize that filing frequent minor physical damage claims can cause your car premium to increase. You may think to yourself, “Well, they’re minor. It doesn’t cost the insurance company much after my deductible.” For instance, suppose you back into a tree in your driveway, causing minor damage to your car but no injuries to those involved. Why not let your insurance company pay for the repair?

It’s important to understand that every claim you submit is recorded in your loss history and every insurance company examines your loss history and the frequency and severity of your claims when determining your premium. The cost to repair minor damage to your vehicle may not be worth having the claim on your loss history. If the damage is minor, you should think twice before submitting a claim to your insurance company, especially if the cost of repairs will not be much higher than your deductible.

How Does One At-Fault Claim Affect Auto Insurance Rates?

If you are deemed negligent and at fault for an accident that damaged someone’s property or injured someone, your auto insurance premium will increase. In fact, you might receive a surcharge as high as 20 to 40 percent on your car insurance renewal. If this is your first accident, your insurance company may make an exception, as some companies offer “accident forgiveness” for your first collision.

How a DUI or DWI Conviction May Affect Your Car Insurance

Not surprisingly, a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) will significantly affect your car insurance premium and may even result in your coverage being cancelled. As far as an insurance company is concerned, these violations may never be removed from your driving record, and your state Bureau of Motor Vehicles may require special filings for you to retain a valid driver’s license.

Multiple Previous Claims Can Make You Uninsurable

If you’ve filed numerous claims, had at-fault accidents that injured people, and have a DUI or DWI conviction, you are not a good risk in the eyes of an insurance company. As a result, the accumulation of claims in your loss history may eventually render you uninsurable.

What You Can Learn from Uncovered Claims

You’ve likely experienced a rock hitting your windshield, but did you have the coverage to pay for the windshield’s replacement? This common scenario represents a lesson you may learn from a previous uncovered claim, as glass coverage may not be included under your auto insurance policy. However, you can purchase windshield damage coverage for your car as part of your physical damage coverage. In fact, some states actually mandate full glass coverage. There are numerous endorsements that can be added to your car insurance policy to protect you from uncovered losses, and your independent insurance agent can help you better understand which endorsements would best meet your needs.

Your Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

As your independent insurance agent, we are here to assist you when you have a claim. At Hunkins & Eaton, we are here to help you make the best coverage decisions and get any claims settled as quickly as possible for you. For additional information, or to get a free quote for dependable car insurance coverage in Littleton, N.H. or the surrounding communities, please call us at 603-444-3975 or visit www.hunkins-eaton.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Automobile Insurance on Cruise Control

You may not think much about your cruise control and how it relates to your automobile insurance, but it does. In inclement weather, including street flooding, and icy and snowy roads, people sometimes set their cruise control without thinking of what could happen.

The result can cause an auto accident, and your personal auto policy may come into play. Your cruise control does not recognize that the roads are icy and when the cruise 'kicks in' and accelerates the vehicle on a slippery road, this can cause the vehicle to spin out of control, resulting in an accident, causing physical damage and bodily injury.

Your Littleton NH auto insurance policy may cover these damages (check your coverages with your independent agent), and depending on the circumstances and insurance company, may result in claim payments which may affect your policy premium in the future.

Be safe--never use your cruise control in inclement weather; including rainstorms. And remember, bridges freeze before road surfaces.

As independent insurance agents, we are here to answer your questions. For additional information and resources, or to get a free quote for auto insurance in Littleton NH or the surrounding area, please visit our website at www.hunkins-eaton.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Hunkins and Eaton Insurance Agency

Hunkins and Eaton Insurance Agency offers very competitive insurance programs:

• Automobile Insurance
• Homeowners Insurance
• Personal Umbrella, condominium and renter's policies.
• Commercial Umbrella

To learn more about our agency and services, please watch the video below and visit us online at www.hunkins-eaton.com.  We look forward to hearing from you!

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.