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+.

 

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+.             

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

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Safely – How to Limit Liquor Liability Risks

With St. Patrick’s Day just a few days away, many people are busy planning fun weekend festivities, from throwing a house party to celebrating with friends at a local restaurant, bar or pub. However, amidst the fun celebrations it’s important to remember that considering the increased amount of alcohol that is typically consumed on this day, restaurants, patrons and party hosts alike all face increased liquor liability risks.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 700 people were killed nationwide in crashes involving a drunk driver during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday from 2006 to 2009. Not only does drinking and driving jeopardize your own personal safety, but it also puts your passengers, other drivers on the road, and the person and/or establishment that served you the alcohol at risk. Let’s take a closer look at these risks and the best ways to limit the liquor liability exposures you may face on St. Patrick’s Day.

Commercial Liquor Liability Exposures

If a business that serves alcohol is deemed responsible for a patron’s action, it’s not difficult to imagine the substantial monetary fines and lawsuits the establishment could face, especially in today’s litigious society. For instance, suppose Steve spends his St. Patrick’s Day at a local establishment, O’Malley’s Pub, where he consumes several alcoholic beverages. On his way home from the pub, Steve causes a car accident that seriously injures the driver of the other vehicle. If a lawsuit results, Steve is not the only party that may suffer after being deemed responsible. In fact, O’Malley’s Pub could also be held liable for Steve’s actions since that’s where he was served the alcohol.

Liquor Liability Insurance Can Lower Your Business’s Risks

To help reduce the risks associated with serving alcohol, some business owners invest in liquor liability insurance for protection. To determine whether this type of coverage makes sense for your business, it’s important to review your company’s commercial general liability insurance policy, paying particularly close attention to the coverage it provides in social host situations. Contacting your independent insurance agent can help clarify any coverage questions you may have and determine whether adding a liquor liability policy is the best option for your business. To learn more about liquor liability insurance and to get a free quote, please contact us.

Can Individuals be Held Liable for Guests’ Actions?

Just as businesses can be deemed responsible for patrons’ actions, individuals serving alcohol are considered social hosts and can be held liable for their guests’ actions. For example, in 2003, Nancy St. Jean of Haverhill, Mass., allowed her teenage daughter Ashley to host a party at their home while St. Jean was home, that ultimately led to the death of 16-year-old Michael Berry, one of the party guests. After becoming intoxicated and punching a glass window, Berry wandered away from St. Jean’s home and was found dead more than a day later as a result of blood loss and exposure. Because she allowed the party in her home where alcohol was served, St. Jean was deemed responsible for violating the social host law, and a result, spent six months in state prison and was forced to pay a $2,000 fine.

5 Ways to Minimize Your Social Host Liability Risks

The idea of throwing a St. Patrick’s Day party may not seem as appealing after realizing that you could be held responsible for your guests’ actions, but the good news is that there are ways to reduce the risks you face as a social host. Keep the following tips in mind when planning your next get together:

1. Know your state’s social host law. Before letting anyone know about the possible party, familiarize yourself with your state’s social host liability laws to ensure that your gathering will be legal. It’s also a good idea to call your insurance agent to review your coverage and make sure it’s adequate.
   
2. Provide plenty of food and alcohol-free activities. To prevent guests from getting intoxicated, it’s important to offer a variety of filling foods and non-alcoholic beverages. You should also plan activities that don’t include alcohol, such as a group game in which all of your guests can participate.
   
3. Never allow guests to drive after drinking. Your guests should always designate a sober driver, but if the night doesn't unfold the way they planned and they all end up consuming alcohol, never let them get behind the wheel. Arrange transportation for guests who shouldn't drive, or allow them to stay overnight.
   
4. Last call. Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end, and at any point in the night, do not continue serving a noticeably intoxicated guest, regardless of how insistent he/she may be.
   
5. Remember your role. Although you may not have to drive home at the end of the night, it’s crucial to remember your role and responsibilities as the party’s host. Always remain alert and consume alcohol responsibly when entertaining guests.

From bars hosting holiday celebrations to individuals inviting friends over for a house party, liquor liability can affect us all, especially on a day associated with alcohol like St. Patrick’s Day.

At Hunkins & Eaton, our agents work to ensure that you and your home, business, and other meaningful assets remain protected. For additional information on social host liability laws, or to get a free liquor liability insurance quote, 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 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+.

Valentine’s Day Gifts & Insurance: Why It’s Important to Insure Your New Jewelry

If your special someone got you something shiny this Valentine’s Day, you’re probably eager to wear it, but have you thought about how to properly protect it? Although insurance may not cross your mind amidst the excitement of receiving a nice gift, it’s an important factor to consider.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), Valentine’s Day represents one of the biggest gift-giving holidays, with jewelry and watch sales expected to increase 7 percent this year, rising to an estimated $4.4 billion. While there’s no way to insure the sentimental value of jewelry you receive from your significant other, it’s important to ensure that your new accessories remain financially protected.

You may wonder whether you already have coverage for your valuable possessions under your homeowners or renters insurance policy, and the answer is yes, to a certain extent. However, the I.I.I. reports that many policies limit the amount of coverage for the theft of personal possessions like jewelry to $1,000 to $2,000. In these cases, you would be covered if a piece of jewelry was destroyed in a fire or hurricane for instance, but to have full coverage in the event that your jewelry is lost or stolen, you will likely need additional insurance. However, since coverage varies from one insurance company to another, it’s a good idea to review your policy with your insurance agent to ensure that you understand your coverage limits.

If you discover that you need additional coverage to fully protect your expensive jewelry, you may purchase it through policy add-ons known as floaters or endorsements, which carry no deductibles. Another option that some companies offer is a stand-alone policy to cover jewelry, that doesn’t require you to purchase a full home or renters insurance policy.

However, if you don’t have a homeowners or renters insurance policy in place, you may wish to consider securing this coverage, especially after receiving an expensive new piece of jewelry, whether it be a new necklace or an engagement ring. According to the I.I.I., while 96 percent of homeowners had home insurance as of 2012, only 31 percent of renters had a renters insurance policy. To ensure that your jewelry and other valuable possessions remain properly protected, you should first secure a home or renters insurance policy if you don’t already have one in place, and then take the following precautions:

·         After you receive a new piece of jewelry, contact your insurance agent immediately. This will help you determine how much existing coverage you have, and whether additional insurance is necessary.

·         Make sure you get and hold on to a copy of the receipt for proof of the item’s value, and have the piece appraised if necessary. Heirlooms and antique jewelry will need to be appraised to determine their dollar value, and your insurance agent may be able to recommend reputable appraisers in your area. Your items should be insured for their current value, so it’s also important to get your jewelry appraised if it was purchased on sale.

·         Add any new items you receive to your home inventory, ensuring that it is an up-to-date, accurate reflection of your belongings. Having an updated home inventory will not only help you determine the correct amount of coverage to purchase to fully insure your belongings, but it will also speed up the claims process in the event of a loss. Creating an inventory of all your belongings may seem like a daunting task, but there are free tools that can simply this process for you, like the I.I.I.’s Know Your Stuff® home inventory software. Using this program, you can add images of your new items, save scanned receipts, and access your inventory 24/7. If you are more mobile inclined, you can download the free Know Your Stuff app in the iTunes App Store or from Google Play.

At Hunkins & Eaton, our agents are here to ensure that your valuable possessions remain protected. If you received a new piece of jewelry or other expensive item this Valentine’s Day, contact us at 603-444-3975 or online at www.hunkins-eaton.com to review your coverage to make sure your new gifts are fully insured.

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

How to Choose the Right Independent Insurance Agent: 5 Steps You Need to Take

Your insurance agent plays a crucial role in protecting what matters most to you, so when it comes to finding the right agent for your needs, there are many factors to consider. Ideally, you want to choose an agent with whom you can build a long-term, trustworthy relationship. Selecting professionals to rely on for important needs such as health care, banking and child care require much thought and research, and choosing someone to handle your insurance coverage should be no different. Use the following five-step guide to help you learn how to find the right insurance agent for your needs:

1. Understand the difference between independent agents and other insurance agents.

While independent insurance agents represent many different insurance companies, there are other insurance agents who are employees of large, national insurance companies and can only sell products from that one company. Another way to purchase a policy is through a direct insurance company, which sells insurance directly to you without an agent, often online. What’s beneficial about working with an independent agent is that your agent has the ability to best match price and coverage for your needs with the different companies he/she represents, instead of only being able to provide you with one option. If your premium is competitive one year but increases the next, an independent agent can requote your policy with all of the companies he/she works with to try to find you a better rate.

2. Is location important to you?

While some policyholders are content with purchasing coverage online, others are more comfortable knowing that their independent agent has an office in their community. Working with a local agent will allow you to develop a personal relationship with your agent, who you can meet with face-to-face at your convenience for answers to your coverage questions or assistance with a claim. Many local agents also take pride in their dedication to their communities, which can make you feel good about doing business with them.

3. Ask around for referrals.

Although technology has changed the way business is conducted in many respects, referrals from friends, family members and other people you trust will likely never go out of style. Asking around for recommendations is a great place to start in finding the right insurance agent for you. Ask family and friends about their agents, what they like about them, if they are friendly and knowledgeable, and if they are satisfied with their customer service and follow-through.

4. Check out their websites.

After receiving referrals, visiting different agents’ websites is the best next step you can take to learn more about them. Websites are typically full of information, from a company’s history to a staff directory to client testimonials. Does the website provide helpful insurance information and the option to easily request quotes? An insurance agent’s website can give you a feel for the agency’s personality, values, and type of customer service it provides, which all prove important in finding the right agent for you.

5. Look for credentials.

As with many other professions, the presence of letters at the end of an insurance agent’s name is a great indicator of his/her credentials. Look for letters next to an agent’s name on his/her business card such as CIC, Certified Insurance Counselor, CPCU, Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter, and AII, Accredited Advisor in Insurance. These are just a few of the professional designations can earn and maintain through continued education.

Insurance agents work to protect the things that matter most to you, from your home and business, to all of the meaningful possessions you’ve accumulated over the years, so finding the right agent for you is no simple task. But remember: a relationship with a good agent is likely to last for many years, so it’s worth the effort upfront to take the time to find the right fit for you.

We at Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency are proud to be Trusted Choice^® independent insurance agents. As independent agents, we work with many different reputable insurance companies to find the best coverage rates and options for each one of our clients. For additional information about our agency and to get a free quote for your personal or business insurance needs in the Greater Littleton, N.H. area, please call us today at 603-444-3975 or visit 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+.

Coverage Concerns for Renters: The Cost of Renters Insurance & What it Covers

If you're living in a rented home, renters insurance is an affordable and invaluable type of coverage to invest in, yet only 45 percent of renters have secured this type of policy, according to the Insurance Journal. From the cost of renters insurance, to the different types of coverage a renters insurance policy provides, it's important to familiarize yourself with the coverage concerns associated with living in a rented home, and how renters insurance can provide you with peace of mind, knowing your meaningful possessions will remain protected.

The Cost of Renters Insurance

Dollar for dollar, renters insurance is one of the smartest purchases a renter can make. The cost of renters insurance starts around $125.00 per year. However, there are many factors that can influence this rate, including the specific insurance company and the approximate value of all of your possessions. It's best to work with an independent insurance agent, who will assess your situation, and quote your renters insurance policy with many different companies to find the best rate and coverage options for you.

Do I Have Coverage Under My Landlord's Policy?

Many renters believe that they have coverage under their landlord's policy, but this is typically not the case. In fact, the rented property's owner or landlord usually carries commercial insurance, which generally does not cover you as a renter. For this reason, it's crucial to secure your own coverage in the form of a renters insurance policy.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

If you're considering investing in a renters insurance policy, you may wonder: "What does renters insurance cover?" Among the many coverages included in a renters insurance policy, the two main forms of protection are personal property and personal liability coverage.

First, as a renter, it's important to consider the value of your personal property, which quickly adds up when you think about all of your belongings, from expensive electronics to furniture and tableware. Investing in a renters insurance policy will help you ensure that these valuable possesions remain protected against perils like fire and theft.

Secondly, a renters insurance policy provides personal liability coverage, which will help protect you in the event that you are deemed liable for an accident that occurs on your property, such as a guest falling and injuring him/herself. Your landlord's commercial insurance policy generally does not provide this type of coverage, which is important to have in a society in which lawsuits are continuously on the rise.

Some landlords may require that you secure renters insurance in order to rent your apartment, condominium or house, but regardless of whether this type of coverage is required, it will prove invaluable in protecting your belongings in the event of a claim.

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, N.H, the protection of your assets is important to us. We would be glad to further discuss renters insurance with you, answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free quote. For additional information about our agency, or to get a free quote for renters insurance in Littleton, Lisbon, or the surrounding New Hampshire towns, please visit us online at: 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+.