http://www.benwayjohnston.com/blog/View Benway Johnston Insurance's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.benwayjohnston.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:2d31e78e-d0c0-49ce-972a-3349048e6e14urn:uuid:d6981ec0-e0b2-4573-b459-a5febe5a485e<img src='http://www.benwayjohnston.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Thief.jpg' align='left' />Do you need to make some simple changes to your yard so your home is more secure? You may have strong locks on doors and windows to prevent entry of thieves, and purchased&nbsp;NH Homeowners insurance to provide financial protection from burglary, bu...Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:32:50 -0600<p>Do you need to make some simple changes to your yard so your home is more secure? You may have strong locks on doors and windows to prevent entry of thieves, and purchased&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/homeowners/default.aspx" title="NH Home Quote" target="_blank">NH Homeowners insurance</a> to provide financial protection from burglary, but your yard may be making it easy for criminals to go about their work.&nbsp;</p> <p style="line-height: 18pt;">*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; An unlit yard can conceal a thief. Install security lighting that is triggered by a motion sensor.<img style="width: 267px; float: right; height: 200px;" alt="NH Home Insurance" src="/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Thief.jpg" /></p> <p style="line-height: 18pt;">*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keep bushes and trees trimmed, overgrown vegetation can create a hiding place for thieves. </p> <p style="line-height: 18pt;">*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Poorly designed outdoor lighting can create shadows where a thief can hide. Position yard lights so that they are aimed downwards.</p> <p style="line-height: 18pt;">*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tall walls and fences can help an intruder to break in unobserved. When planning fencing, balance your desire for privacy against the need to have your yard visible from the street.</p> <p style="line-height: 18pt;">*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ladders left out in the yard make it easy for burglars to climb to reach high windows.</p> <p style="line-height: 18pt;">*&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A lawn littered with uncollected newspapers and a bulging mailbox announces to the world that you&rsquo;re out of town. Arrange for a trusted neighbor to bring in mail and newspapers and keep an eye on your home while you&rsquo;re away.</p> <p>Remember to look at your home from the front and back of your home, during the day and night to see if there are any gaps in security. If you are planning to install security lighting or an alarm system, remember to let your insurance agent. You may be entitled to discounts for your NH Home Insurance.<br /> <br /> Image from <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2898" title="Chanpipat" target="_blank">Chanpipat.</a></p>urn:uuid:0f54292c-efb0-4e59-a802-65cd109f5897The New Year is coming and many Americans are vowing to start saving in 2012! There are always ways to save, from clipping coupons to saving on your insurance premium. As your reliable NH insurance agency, we have a few tips to share about saving on ...Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:07:26 -0600<p style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 11.25pt 0in 30pt;">The New Year is coming and many Americans are vowing to start saving in 2012! There are always ways to save, from clipping coupons to saving on your insurance premium. As your reliable NH insurance agency, we have a few tips to share about saving on your <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/automobile/default.aspx" title="NH Car Quote">NH car insurance </a>premium this year.<br /> <br /> Here are 10 ways to save on your premium, starting now!<img style="width: 200px; float: right; height: 300px;" alt="NH Car Insurance Savings" src="/img/Library/Business/895081.JPG" /><br /> <br /> 1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Combine coverage with the same company.</strong> You need home, auto, and life insurance, so why not choose coverage with the same company? Bundling your policies will help you save on your premiums.<br /> <br /> 2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Selecting the right car.</strong> Sports cars and luxury brands may look nice, but they are much more risky than just a low-profile vehicle. These risks are sure to raise your premium.<br /> <br /> 3.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Hold a clean driving record. </strong>If you are caught in fender-benders or large accidents, your premium will sky-rocket.<br /> <br /> 4.&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>&nbsp;Pay a higher deductible. </strong>If you can afford to pay a higher deductible, choose this option! The higher the deductible the lower the premium. Always compare the different deductibles to see if the saving is worth the higher deductible.<br /> <br /> 5.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Take advantage of discounts. </strong>The discounts are endless when it comes to auto insurance. Ask about good student, mature driver, safety, low-mileage and much more. Many companies now offer an advance shopping credit, where the effective date is 7 days or more in the future.<br /> <br /> 6.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Avoid paying monthly or instead choose to pay by EFT.</strong> Paying in monthly installments will tack on at least an extra $3-5 dollars a month. If possible, choose to pay every six months to a year. If you want to pay monthly, choose the EFT option, where the money comes out directly from your checking account each month. This will typically save you on the installment fees.<br /> <br /> 7.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Become a AAA member. </strong>Some agencies will give a discount to those who are AAA members or part of other professional organizations. Make sure you let your agent know of your memberships!<br /> <br /> 8.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Install safety features. </strong>Automatic seat belts, alarms, air bags and other safety features will help lower your premium.<br /> <br /> 9.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Shop around.</strong> You are not going to find the best deal by choosing the first big-name company you see on television. Independent Insurance agencies typically have 10-20 different companies that they use to quote your coverage.<br /> <br /> 10.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Keep up your credit score. </strong>Most companies now factor in your credit score when calculating your premium. <br /> <br /> As you can see, there are many of <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/19838230/ns/today-money/t/how-reduce-your-auto-insurance-premiums/" title="MSNBC Today" target="_blank">ways to save </a>on your <em>NH car insurance</em>. There is a discount for just about everyone! If you are planning to save for the New Year, it seems like a good idea to start with your <em>NH auto insurance</em>.<br /> <br /> Enjoy your savings in 2012!!</p>urn:uuid:b8cae17d-d64c-4ec1-b0b6-5ab7ada626adWhen Christmas season rolls around, we enjoy many holiday activities. Some look forward to the holiday parties while others look forward to finding the right gift. I think we can all agree that putting up the Christmas tree brings really brings the j...Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:31:19 -0600<p style="margin: auto 0in;">When Christmas season rolls around, we enjoy many holiday activities. Some look forward to the holiday parties while others look forward to finding the right gift. I think we can all agree that putting up the Christmas tree brings really brings the joy of the season into your home. My family likes to put up our tree early in the season as to enjoy the spirit of the holidays for an even longer amount of time! Listening to the Christmas music, putting on the lights, and hanging the ornaments on the tree as a family makes for a wonderful start to the holidays! While a Christmas tree is usually the beautiful centerpiece of your home decorations, they can also pose a danger to your family. </p> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RNjO3wZDVlA?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe> <p style="margin: auto 0in;">Christmas trees are wonderful&hellip;as long as you don&rsquo;t neglect them! According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=296&amp;URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Holidays/Christmas%20tree%20fires&amp;cookie%5Ftest=1" title="Nation Fire Protection Association" target="_blank" re_target="_blank">National Fire Protection Association</a> Christmas trees cause over 200 house fires each year because they are not tended to and watered frequently enough. The video above shows you how quickly a Christmas tree fire will take over a room. Benway Johnston Insurance wants to make sure this type of fire doesn&rsquo;t happen in your home. Remember to water your tree often, and do not place your tree near heating sources. If a Christmas tree fire occurs, having&nbsp;<a href="https://5b959bcb-0689-4cb3-9054-739d8a107a79.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/homeowners/insurance_quote.aspx" title="NH Home Quote" target="_blank" re_target="null">NH Home Insurance</a> can protect you when this unexpected event happens. The holidays are a wonderful time of year to spend time with family, but be mindful of how to care for your green-needled guest in your house.</p> Please visit the <a href="http://forestry.about.com/od/christmastrees1/ht/fresh_cut_xmas.htm" title="Tree care guide" target="_blank" re_target="_blank">helpful guide </a>put together by about.com for more tips to keep your tree from drying out. Benway Johnston Insurance would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season!urn:uuid:7513124c-d21c-4a73-b1f3-51fd7844a409<img src='http://www.benwayjohnston.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/smoke.jpg' align='left' />Do you have an oil furnace? Do you have it serviced every year? It is getting cold outside which means it is time to use your heat again. If you have an oil furnace, you want to watch out for puff backs. What is a puff back?&nbsp;Puff backs occur whe...Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:21:54 -0600<p>Do you have an oil furnace? Do you have it serviced every year? It is getting cold outside which means it is time to use your heat again. If you have an oil<img style="width: 300px; float: right; height: 200px;" alt="Smoke" src="/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/smoke.jpg" /> furnace, you want to watch out for puff backs.</p> <p style="background: white;"><a href="http://www.ehow.com/info_7755445_causes-furnace-puff-back.html" title="ehow.com" target="_blank">What is a puff back?</a>&nbsp;Puff backs occur when an oil-burning furnace doesn't ignite when it should. Oil vapors build up in the ignition chamber, causing an explosion when the igniter finally triggers. The explosion blows soot and other debris through the furnace's exhaust system and into the heating system, which carries it into the house. If the furnace is connected to a forced air heating system, the ducts can carry the puff back to every room of the house with an open vent.</p> <p style="background: white;">There are a few steps you can take to prevent puff backs:</p> <p style="background: white; margin-left: 0.5in;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inspect and service your heating system yearly</p> <p style="background: white; margin-left: 0.5in;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Periodically look for oil leaks or soot in the furnace room</p> <p style="background: white; margin-left: 0.5in;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check the flue vent connector for any debris</p> <p style="background: white; margin-left: 0.5in;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you hear noises or see soot, call your heating company</p> <p style="background: white;">Do you know if your <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/homeowners/default.aspx" title="NH Home Insurance">NH Home Insurance </a>covers puff backs? Call one of our NH Insurance experts at Benway-Johnston Insurance to find out and to get the right protection. Enjoy your warm house this winter knowing your are properly covered by Benway-Johnston Insurance in Derry NH.<br /> <br /> Photo: <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=851" title="Danilo Rizzuti's Portfolio" target="_blank">Danilo Rizzuti's</a></p>urn:uuid:c8765ca5-48ad-4477-8158-1814edaa661cA growing Thanksgiving trend is preparing deep fried turkey. Though a deep fried turkey is very good, the actual frying can be extremely dangerous. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), nearly 4,300 fires occur on Thanksgiving causing 15 ...Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:16:20 -0600<p style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">A growing Thanksgiving trend is preparing deep fried turkey. Though a deep fried turkey is very good, the actual frying can be extremely dangerous. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), nearly 4,300 fires occur on Thanksgiving causing 15 deaths and almost $27 million in property damage, many of them due to deep frying accidents.</p> <h2 style="vertical-align: top;">Home Fires Double at Thanksgiving</h2> <p style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">The number of structure fires nearly doubles on Thanksgiving&mdash;mostly due to all the cooking going on. This is why it is extremely important to deep fry turkeys outside, away from buildings and materials that can burn. Keep animals and children away from the fryer so they don't get burned and don't accidentally knock the fryer over.</p> <h2 style="vertical-align: top;">How Much Oil?</h2> <p style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">Most deep fried turkey recipes call for peanut, corn or canola oil&mdash;but just how much oil is necessary? Many turkey frying accidents happen when too much cooking oil is used and spills over the pot, catching fire when the turkey is dropped in.</p> <p style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">Here is a simple way to figure out how much oil to use:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">Place turkey in pot </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">Fill with water until the turkey is covered by about 1/2 inch of water </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">Remove and dry turkey (a wet turkey can cause oil to splatter latter) </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">Mark water level. Dump water, dry the pot, and fill with oil to the marked level</li> </ul> <p style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that most turkey frying accidents occur while the oil is being heated, prior to even adding the turkey. This means we must be extra vigilant when heating the oil, and turn off the fryer immediately if any smoke appears.</p> <h2 style="vertical-align: top;">Safety First</h2> <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VsiAfyctZCk" frameborder="0"></iframe> <p style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">Here are some safety tips from the CPSC for making your own delicious deep fried Thanksgiving turkey, without burning your house down: </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">NEVER leave a fryer unattended. </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">Place fryer in an open area AWAY from all walls, fences, or other structures. </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">Never use your fryer IN, ON, or UNDER a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or any structure that can catch fire. </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">Completely thaw (USDA says 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds) and dry turkey before cooking. Partially frozen and/or wet turkeys can produce excessive hot oil splatter when added to the oil. </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">Center the pot over the burner on the cooker. </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">Raise and lower food SLOWLY to reduce splatter and avoid burns. </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">COVER bare skin when adding or removing food. </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">Check the oil temperature frequently. </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn gas supply OFF. </li> <li style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">If a fire occurs, immediately call 911. DO NOT attempt to extinguish fire with water. </li> </ul> <p style="line-height: 18pt; background: white; color: black; vertical-align: top;">Article courtesy of <a href="http://www.insweb.com/home-insurance/deep-fried-turkey.html">Insweb</a>.</p>urn:uuid:7611c35a-aa4a-4efd-9298-98e3e2257350<img src='https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/House%20Benway.jpg' align='left' />How insurance costs are calculated can differ from company to company. However, most companies will use the following when determining what to charge you for your NH&nbsp;homeowner&rsquo;s insurance. Location NH Insurance companies will take into co...Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:03:07 -0600<p>How insurance costs are calculated can differ from company to company. However, most companies will use the following when determining what to charge you for your NH&nbsp;homeowner&rsquo;s insurance.<br /> <br /> <strong>Location<img style="float: right;" alt="NH HOME QUOTE" src="https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/House%20Benway.jpg" /></strong><br /> NH Insurance companies will take into consideration the crime rate in your area, how close your home is to a fire department/hydrant, and the likelihood for weather-related claims.<br /> <br /> <strong>Type of construction</strong><b><br /> </b>Whether your home is made of wood, stucco siding, brick, or stone. </p> <p><b>Credit History<br /> </b>Many Insurance companies now use an insurance credit score to develop your rate. Pulling this score doesn&rsquo;t affect your credit score.<br /> <br /> <strong>Age of home</strong><b><br /> </b>New homes can typically qualify for discounts. If your home has been updated in the past 20 years this will also help your rate.<br /> <br /> <strong>Amount of coverage</strong><b><br /> </b>Your agent will do a replacement cost estimator on your home to find the dwelling coverage. The other structure, personal property, and loss of use coverage are percentages of the dwelling amount. These coverage&rsquo;s can be increased if there is a need.<br /> <br /> <strong>Loss valuation</strong><b><br /> </b>How your policy will pay for your home in the event of a claim, whether it will pay the actual cash value or the amount it costs to replace the items lost. <br /> <br /> <strong>Deductible</strong><br /> How much of a loss you are willing to pay before you insurance kicks in. Currently the most common deductible is $500.<br /> <br /> </p> Contact Benway-Johnston Insurance Agency today for a <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/homeowners/default.aspx" title="NH Home Insurance Quote" target="_blank">NH Home Insurance quote</a>.urn:uuid:a9eeec62-a3bb-4418-a512-7b3c80461e7e<img src='http://www.benwayjohnston.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Business%20transaction.jpg' align='left' />Finding the Right Balance between Auto insurance Limits and Deductibles The goal of insurance is to take some of the risk you are exposed to every day off your shoulders. You pay the insurance company and, in turn, they accept the risk that you might...Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:03:46 -0500<p><b>Finding the Right Balance between Auto insurance Limits and Deductibles</b></p> <p><img alt="" style="float: right;" src="/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Business%20transaction.jpg" />The goal of insurance is to take some of the risk you are exposed to every day off your shoulders. You pay the insurance company and, in turn, they accept the risk that you might have an accident and agree to pay a certain amount. </p> <p>But&nbsp;auto insurance often offers a sort of shared risk. Deductibles and limits ensure that some of the risk is yours, and some of the risk is the insurance company&rsquo;s. Deductibles are the amount of damage that you are responsible for before the insurance company steps in&mdash;so if the cost of your damage does not exceed your deductible, the responsibility is all yours. Limits are the maximum amounts that an insurance company will pay for a claim; any liability above that amount must be covered by you unless you have an umbrella policy. </p> <p>The higher your deductibles are and the lower your limits, the less risk your insurance company has and the cheaper your premiums will be. But an inexpensive premium doesn&rsquo;t absolve you from responsibility, since you still have an aggressive deductible and low limit to make up for.</p> <p>Ultimately, when using deductibles and limits to create an affordable auto insurance policy, you want to make sure you find the right balance.</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><strong>Can you afford the deductible?</strong> You should be able to pay your deductible without going into debt or taking the money from a qualified account with penalties for early withdrawal. </li> <li><strong>Do you have resources for claims that exceed limits?</strong> If you have a claim that exceeds the limits of your policy, you want to try and pay that claim with funds that you have readily available, but even if you can&rsquo;t you should make sure that you have the resources to pay the excess of limits somehow. </li> <li><strong>Is it worth the risk?</strong> Finally, make sure you do several comparisons with lower deductibles and higher limits to make sure that your premium savings is really worth the increased exposure you have. Consider the changes in premium that these adjustments bring and then consider where you&rsquo;ll need to pull the money from to pay your deductible or claim that exceeds your limits and weigh the pros and cons of each. </li> </ul> <p>Shopping for&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/framed.aspx?ref=100" title="Instant Quote">NH auto insurance</a> is not about finding the lowest premium. With a little finesse, you and your agent can design a plan with an affordable premium that offers you the coverage you need. </p> <br />urn:uuid:6f0cc32c-763b-442d-89be-8bea1aaa5ea3Understanding all the legal mumbo-jumbo of an insurance policy is hard enough. So auto policy holders should know what's fact and what's fiction about what insurers look for when determining premium rates. Here are 10 auto insurance myths debunked. 1...Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:08:04 -0500<p>Understanding all the legal mumbo-jumbo of an insurance policy is hard enough. So auto policy holders should know what's fact and what's fiction about what insurers look for when determining premium rates. Here are 10 auto insurance myths debunked.</p> <p><strong>1. The color of my car matters.</strong></p> <p>Red cars may be a hot ticket item, but they do not drive premium prices up as is widely believed. Car insurers are more interested in the make and model, year, body style, engine size and, in some areas, location (street parking versus driveway/garage-kept vehicles, for instance). What does count, however, is drivers' behavior. Moving violations, like speeding or reckless driving that result in "points", certainly affect the cost of premiums no matter what color the vehicle happens to be. You may care what color your car is, but insurance companies don't.</p> <p><b><strong>2. My old car won't be a target for theft.</strong></b></p> <p>Wrong. According to a National Insurance Crime Bureau report, car thieves preferred older models because they are easier to steal. In fact, a 2007 bureau report that listed the most stolen vehicles included a 1995 Honda Civic, a 1991 Honda Accord and a 1989 Toyota Camry.</p> <p>The insurance bureau's report also suggests that thieves' preference varies from state to state. Crooks in Texas grab trucks, while thieves in California prefer Hondas, Toyotas and other imported models.</p> <p><strong>3. I'm covered if my car is stolen, vandalized or damaged by hail, wind, fire or flood.</strong></p> <p>Comprehensive and collision coverage are optional when purchasing an insurance policy. So it's not an "automatic" if a tree limb smashes your windshield or vandals spray-paint graffiti on your door. Comprehensive and collision riders are usually required if you're leasing or financing your vehicle; but once the car is yours, you must request this additional coverage.</p> <p><strong>4. Credit scores don't affect insurance rates.</strong></p> <p>Most car insurers take a lot of factors into consideration when determining your premium rates. Since your credit score is an indication of how well you manage your financial affairs, many companies look at this number if you want to purchase, renew or change an insurance policy. (Credit is one factor that may affect your rate. Read more about your <a href="http://www.worthingtoninsurancequotes.com/blog/New_Twist_Your_Credit_Score_Is_a_Ranking_Not_a_Rating.aspx" title="New Twist: Your Credit Score Is a 'Ranking,' Not a 'Rating'" target="_blank" re_target="null">Credit Score</a>.)</p> <p><strong>5. My insurance company can cancel my policy at any time.</strong></p> <p>Unless you give them an adequate reason to do so, car insurers can't arbitrarily cancel a policy in the middle of a term. Grounds for cancellation may include fraud or non-payment of premiums.</p> <p><strong>6. My friend borrowed my car, so he's responsible if there's an accident.</strong></p> <p>Car insurance companies follow the car, not the driver. So you are ultimately responsible for an accident and any damages that occur.</p> <p><strong>7. Personal property inside my car is covered.</strong></p> <p>Sorry. If your expensive golf clubs get ruined when your car is rear-ended, you're out of luck. Likewise, if expensive items like a laptop or fur coat are damaged or stolen from your car in the course of an incident, you may file a claim through your homeowner's (or tenant's) policy but not through your car insurance.</p> <p><strong>8. I'm automatically covered for a rental car.</strong></p> <p>If your car is stolen or damaged, rental car reimbursement is not automatically included in your policy. But it is one of those very affordable additions. According to the Insurance Information Institute, rental reimbursement coverage is available for $1 to $2 a month with most insurers.</p> <p>But take heed: Even with this additional coverage, there may be limits on how many days you can rent a car, or how much is allowed per day toward rental costs (including a maximum cap).</p> <p>Speaking of rentals, don't assume your coverage will be sufficient if you're using a credit card for the transaction. Each credit company has its own policy inclusions and exclusions. So check the fine print first, or you may get stuck with a hefty bill.</p> <p><b><strong>9. Drivers of sports cars pay more insurance because of more tickets.</strong></b></p> <p>This may be true if you're also a high-risk driver (younger than 25) or have a checkered driving history with multiple moving violations. But according to a study published in 2009 by Quality Planning, drivers of the Hummer H2/H3 led the pack with the most violations and, more than likely, higher premium rates. Others on the list included drivers of the Scion xB multipurpose wagon and the Subaru Outback station wagon &mdash; definitely not hot sports cars.</p> <p><strong>10. Having no-fault insurance means it's not my fault.</strong></p> <p>No-fault insurance varies from state to state. But in a nutshell, it means you and the other party will be covered for immediate expenses, such as medical attention or lost wages, while the insurance companies arm-wrestle about who will pay for the accident itself.</p> <p>But you may still be liable for repairs and other damages if the insurance companies ultimately determine the accident was your fault.</p> <p><strong>The Bottom Line</strong></p> <p>It may take a little reading of the fine print and asking questions of your agent, but you can save yourself a lot of headaches and pain in your wallet if you understand fact from fiction about your auto insurance policy.<br /> <br /> Call us at&nbsp;<strong>603-432-3357</strong> for a free <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/get_a_quote/default.aspx" title="NH Insurance Quotes" target="_blank" re_target="_blank">Benway-Johnston Insurance quote</a>.<br /> <br /> <br /> (Source: <a href="http://financialedge.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0411/10-Car-Insurance-Myths.aspx" target="_blank" re_target="_blank">Investopedia)</a></p>urn:uuid:144bee4a-7e56-4f0d-ac5a-2e624c9618a1Identity theft is on the rise, and with summer vacations in full swing, this is a great time to remind&nbsp;customers of what they should do to reduce their risk of identity theft while on the road. Use a PIN-based ATM card instead of a debit ca...Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:54:27 -0500<p>Identity theft is on the rise, and with summer vacations in full swing, this is a great time to remind&nbsp;customers of what they <img style="width: 154px; float: right; height: 173px;" alt="ID Theft" src="https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/Library/Business/895081.JPG" />should do to reduce their risk of identity theft while on the road.</p> <ul> <li>Use a PIN-based ATM card instead of a debit card. </li> <li>Leave checkbook, debits cards and all but two credit cards at home. </li> <li>Closely watch who has your credit cards and for how long. </li> <li>Frequently check credit and bank account activity on a secure computer or by phone. </li> <li>Tell banks and credit card companies about travel plans, and give them your cell phone number in case they notice unusual charges. </li> <li>Don't access personal or financial information on public computers and, when using your own laptop, make sure the wireless system you're using is legitimate and secure. </li> <li>Use a hotel safe when available. Assume your locked hotel door will never be "locked." Many people you don't know have access to your hotel room. </li> <li>Never leave personal information in a rental car. </li> <li>Never share specific vacation plans on social networking sites.</li> </ul> <p>Many home insurance carriers now offer ID theft coverage that can be added to your home policy. This coverage will help you resolve the issues that arise from having your identity stolen. Contact us today for more information <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/" title="Benway-Johnston Website">Benway-Johnston Insurance </a>603-432-3357.</p>urn:uuid:44e5ceef-0831-4840-b983-8db061a7b6d0One in five drivers aren&rsquo;t taking advantage of all the car insurance discounts available to them, according to a survey by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. To make sure you&rsquo;re getting the savings you deserve, ask y...Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:52:13 -0500<p>One in five drivers aren&rsquo;t taking advantage of all the car insurance discounts available to them, according to a survey by the<img style="width: 225px; float: right; height: 170px;" alt="Local Independent Agent" src="/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Office%20Compressed.JPG" /> Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.</p> <p>To make sure you&rsquo;re getting the savings you deserve, ask your independent agent for a policy review. Some of the discounts you could be taking advantage of include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Multi-vehicle discounts.</strong> If you have another car, or a motorcycle, boat or RV that you tool around in on the weekends, you could save by insuring all of your vehicles with the same company.</li> <li><strong>Pay up front.</strong> Some insurance companies will give you a break if you pay in full instead of monthly.</li> <li><strong>Paperless savings.</strong> You could save big&mdash;and save a tree&mdash;if you choose paperless billing. In most states, Progressive offers discounts to customers who get electronic statements and sign their policy documents online.</li> <li><strong>Loyal customer.</strong> Sticking with the same company can have benefits. Loyal Progressive customers can take advantage of discounts as well as perks like accident forgiveness.</li> <li><strong>Student savings.</strong> If your teen is a good student, or away at school and not regularly driving your car, you could get a discount.</li> </ul> <p>Talk to your <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/" title="NH Insurance Agent" target="_blank">Benway-Johnston Insurance </a>for more information on discounts that might be available to you.<br /> <br /> Source: <a href="http://www.progressiveagent.com/articles/get-insurance-discounts-you-deserve.aspx" title="Progressive NH Agents" target="_blank">Progressive</a></p>urn:uuid:c63faec1-faed-4b44-8b6e-514dac5d91a0<img src='https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/House%20Benway.jpg' align='left' />Your individualized quote for homeowners insurance is not found on any kind of static chart that matches your age, home value and deductible information to a set price. Homeowners insurance quotes are specifically developed for each applicant and are...Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:51:12 -0500<p>Your individualized quote for <strong>homeowners insurance</strong> is not found on any kind of static chart that matches your age, home value and deductible information to a set price. Homeowners insurance quotes are specifically developed for each applicant and are based on the very personal details of your lifestyle and living space. Here&rsquo;s a taste of what some of the factors involved in your premium pricing include:</p> <p><strong>The age of your home</strong>: Older homes are less fortified against natural disasters than newer homes, and are also more expensive to repair. Newer homes are built to new safety standards and with more durable materials. What does this mean to you? That if you have an older home, you can expect a more expensive homeowners insurance quote. <img style="float: right;" alt="Home Insurance" src="https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/House%20Benway.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>The construction of your home</strong>: Wood frame houses are susceptible to fire in a way that concrete block and brick homes are not. Concrete homes can also stand up to harsher environmental elements. That makes wood frame houses more expensive to insure.</p> <p><strong>The breed of dog you have</strong>: You might think your pets have no bearing on the price of your homeowners insurance premium&mdash;but then, you&rsquo;d be wrong. Some breeds of dog are known for their propensity to attack strangers. While your dog might be perfectly trained and accepting of a belly rub from anyone on the block, if you have one of the higher risk breeds then the reputation of the breed supersedes Fido&rsquo;s prior behavior and will result in a higher insurance premium due to increased liability.</p> <p><strong>Fire protection options</strong>: Smaller towns don&rsquo;t always have their own fire department. Instead, they might have a volunteer force to fight the small blazes, with the bigger city force stepping in to handle the larger fires. The type of fire fighting force you have access to in your home will help determine what types of rates you are charged for your insurance. In addition, your proximity to a fire hydrant can affect the premiums you are charged&mdash;with closer proximity rewarded by lower premiums. Having a woodstove can also cause more underwriting by the company as well as a rate increase.</p> <p>Insurance companies need to know all the details when they are evaluating your property for <strong>homeowners insurance coverage</strong>. Each of the details above, along with countless others, come together to create a picture of the total risk you and your family expose the insurance company to. It is this comprehensive picture with both positive and negative points that will determine the premium you are charged.<br /> <br /> Please contact&nbsp;Benway-Johnston Insurance&nbsp;today for an <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/homeowners/insurance_quote.aspx" title="Home Insurance Quote">Home Insurance Quote </a>603-432-3357.</p>urn:uuid:5f00f528-d128-466e-82b0-cf0bf3251d91<img src='https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Car.jpg' align='left' />Finding the Right Balance between Auto insurance Limits and Deductibles The goal of insurance is to take some of the risk you are exposed to every day off your shoulders. You pay the insurance company and, in turn, they accept the risk that you might...Wed, 11 May 2011 11:08:07 -0500<p><b>Finding the Right Balance between Auto insurance Limits and Deductibles</b></p> <p>The goal of insurance is to take some of the risk you are exposed to every day off your shoulders. You pay the insurance company and, in turn, they accept the risk that you might have an accident and agree to pay a certain amount. </p> <p>But <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/automobile/default.aspx" title="NH Auto Quote">auto insurance </a>often offers a sort of shared risk. Deductibles and limits ensure that some of the risk is yours, and some of the risk is the insurance company&rsquo;s. Deductibles are the amount of damage that you are responsible for before the insurance company steps in&mdash;so if the cost of your damage does not exceed your deductible, the responsibility is all yours. Limits are the maximum amounts that an insurance company will pay for a claim; any liability above that amount must be covered by you unless you have an umbrella policy. </p> <p>The higher your deductibles are and the lower your limits, the less risk your insurance company has and the cheaper your premiums will be. But an inexpensive premium doesn&rsquo;t absolve you from responsibility, since you still have an aggressive deductible and low limit to make up for.</p> <p>Ultimately, when using deductibles and limits to create an affordable auto insurance policy, you want to make sure you find the right balance.<img alt="" style="width: 300px; float: right; height: 225px;" src="https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Car.jpg" /></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="color: black;"><strong>Can you afford the deductible?</strong> You should be able to pay your deductible without going into debt or taking the money from a qualified account with penalties for early withdrawal. </li> <li style="color: black;"><strong>Do you have resources for claims that exceed limits?</strong> If you have a claim that exceeds the limits of your policy, you want to try and pay that claim with funds that you have readily available, but even if you can&rsquo;t you should make sure that you have the resources to pay the excess of limits somehow. </li> <li style="color: black;"><strong>Is it worth the risk?</strong> Finally, make sure you do several comparisons with lower deductibles and higher limits to make sure that your premium savings is really worth the increased exposure you have. Consider the changes in premium that these adjustments bring and then consider where you&rsquo;ll need to pull the money from to pay your deductible or claim that exceeds your limits and weigh the pros and cons of each. </li> </ul> <p>Shopping for <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/automobile/default.aspx" title="Auto Quote">auto insurance </a>is not about finding the lowest premium. With a little finesse, you and your agent can design a plan with an affordable premium that offers you the coverage you need. </p>urn:uuid:9bf044d3-dd2d-4172-9580-09437df3266a<img src='https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Cell%20Phone.jpg' align='left' />Being the parent of a teen driver is not a relaxing experience. As you watch your teen bound out the door each day, car keys in hand, a million fears run through your mind. And while you can&rsquo;t protect your teen from every driving risk they face...Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:05:24 -0500<p>Being the parent of a teen driver is not a relaxing experience. As you watch your teen bound out the door each day, car keys in hand, a million fears run<img style="width: 250px; float: right; height: 188px;" alt="Driving Safety" src="https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Cell%20Phone.jpg" /> through your mind. And while you can&rsquo;t protect your teen from every driving risk they face once they walk out that door, you can take advantage of some phone apps that help enhance teen safety while they drive.</p> <p><b>Text Disablers</b><br /> There are many apps out there that can disable your teen&rsquo;s ability to read or send texts while they are in a moving vehicle. These include: TextArrest and Key2SafeDriving. Other apps, like Drivesafe.ly Pro, read texts aloud and allow your teen to create an auto response that the phone sends on its own. Think of it as hands free responding.</p> <p><b>Phone Inhibitors</b><br /> Texting isn&rsquo;t the only dangerous activity that can be done behind the wheel. Sometimes answering a cell phone, calling out on a cell phone, or even just talking on a cell phone can be enough to distract your teen from practicing safe driving methods. The apps Key2SafeDriving and ZoomSafer can lock and restrict your teen&rsquo;s access to their phone&rsquo;s call feature.</p> <p><b>Learning Road Safety with Apps</b><br /> Some apps can actually help educate your teen on how to drive safely and react appropriately to other drivers. The Dangers of Distracted Driving app shows teens how easy it is to get into an accident after being distracted for just a short time. The Steer Clear Mobile app gives kids an interactive lesson in safe driving practices that they can apply when they drive. </p> <p><b>Ride Shotgun&mdash;through an App</b><br /> You can&rsquo;t be in the car with your teen driver every time they leave the house&mdash;or can you? With the Safe Driver app, you can get a text message when your teen surpasses the speed limit in any given area. While this certainly helps you keep an eye on your teen, it might also be just the push they need to remain vigilant about staying within the speed limit and avoiding accidents when they drive. </p> <p>The future probably holds many more innovative apps that can help your teen be a safer, more accountable driver. Just be sure that as you choose cell phones and apps that you don&rsquo;t end up selecting something that actually helps to distract your teen even more than they might normally be. After all, the purpose of the apps should be to serve&mdash;and protect. </p> <p><em>Let us answer any more questions you may have about safe driving. <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/contact.aspx" title="Contact Us">Contact us </a>Today!</em></p>urn:uuid:2becb02d-e4ca-4225-bdfb-2264eecf14e3<img src='https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Living%20room.jpg' align='left' />If your home and personal property is destroyed by a fire, flood, hurricane or other disaster, it may be more difficult than you realize to remember all the items you had in your home before the event. And without an itemized list of the items you lo...Sun, 13 Mar 2011 20:38:15 -0500<p>If your <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/homeowners/default.aspx" title="NH Home Quote">home and personal property </a>is destroyed by a fire, flood, hurricane or other disaster, it may be more difficult than you realize to remember all the items you had in your home before the event. And without an itemized list of the items you lost, you cannot get the recovery you deserve from the insurance company. <img style="float: right;" alt="Personal Contents" src="https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Living%20room.jpg" /></p> <p>One way to avoid this is to create a personal property inventory. You can hire someone to do this for you, but it isn&rsquo;t difficult to do it yourself. </p> <p>1.&nbsp; <strong>Go room by room. </strong>Don&rsquo;t just sit and try to think about each of the items in your rooms. Instead, go into one room and focus on that space completely while you are in it. Do not start another room until you finish the one that you are in. <br /> 2.&nbsp; <strong>List every item in the room. </strong>As you look around the room, write a comprehensive list of every item in the room as you look at it. This is really the only way to ensure that you make note of every possession you own. <br /> 3.&nbsp; <strong>Add descriptions, serial numbers and any other distinguishing facts. </strong>Once you&rsquo;ve gone through every room of your home and catalogued each of your possessions, go back to the room you began the process in and start noting any distinguishing facts, serial numbers and descriptions next to each of the items you have listed. You should do this after you create the basic list of items because the process can take a while. If you try to do this all at once then you may actually suffer an insurable incident before you even have your basic list complete.<strong> <br /> </strong>4.&nbsp; <strong>Attach receipts or third party valuations. </strong>If you have any receipts for the items that you own, or any value estimates from third party appraisers, be sure to attach them to your inventory. <br /> 5.&nbsp; <strong>Add pictures. </strong>Pictures can often tell a better story than a simple list, and they certainly tell a verifiable one. Take pictures of the rooms you have just inventoried and attach it to your list. You can also take additional close-up pictures of any especially valuable items in each room. <br /> 6.&nbsp; <strong>Store your inventory in a safe, fire-proof place and send a copy to your insurer and agent. </strong>You need to store your copy of the inventory and pictures in a place that can&rsquo;t get damaged by flood, fire or wind. Also, send a copy to your insurance company and your agent so that there are back-ups in the event that you can&rsquo;t access yours after a disaster. </p> <p>Buying insurance is just the first step in a process used to cement your financial security. Keeping an inventory of all your personal items ensures that you get the benefits you are entitled to after an insurable incident.<br /> <br /> Photo Supplied by <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=172" title="Maggie Smith" target="_blank">Maggie Smith</a></p>urn:uuid:a56eab75-d003-4742-9210-19f6eeae652a<img src='http://www.benwayjohnston.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Motorcycle%20pic.jpg' align='left' />Early Season Motorcycle Care It&rsquo;s that time of year again. The weather is getting warmer and you just can&rsquo;t wait to get out on your bike. But, it&rsquo;s been in storage all winter. So what do you need to do to get it road ready again? He...Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:15:03 -0600<h1>Early Season Motorcycle Care</h1> <p>It&rsquo;s that time of year again. The weather is getting warmer and you just can&rsquo;t wait to get out on your bike. But, it&rsquo;s been in storage all winter. So what do you need to do to get it road ready again? Here are a few quick tips on getting your motorcycle out of winter storage and ready to ride.</p> <p>Before you start, you&rsquo;ll need to remove the cover and any locks you used to secure the bike. If the bike is up on stands, lower it down to a position where you<img style="float: right;" alt="NH Motorcycle" src="/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Motorcycle%20pic.jpg" /> can work on it easily and safely. After that, use the following checklist to be sure your motorcycle is in good working order and ready to go before you take it out on the road.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clean the entire motorcycle with a mild detergent and water solution. Remove any metal protecting agents.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remove any plastic or rubber covers that you put on the air box intakes, exhaust pipes and air box drain.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Make sure the battery is in good condition and fully charged. Be sure the vent hose is connected and routed properly.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Drain and replace the oil that was in the engine while the bike was in storage. Replace the oil filter if applicable.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lubricate all areas as instructed in the operator&rsquo;s manual.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Change the spark plugs.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check the engine coolant and be sure it is at the proper level. Replace it if necessary.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If the bike is chain driven, inspect the chain and drive sprockets for excessive wear or loosening. Adjust if necessary.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If your bike is shaft-driven, inspect the oil level in the final drive unit. Make sure it is filled to the proper level.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inspect the tires. Tires should not have cracks, bulges or excessive wear. Also tires should be inflated to the proper manufacturer&rsquo;s specifications.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inspect the brake pads or shoes. If they show excessive wear, they should be replaced.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If your bike is equipped with hydraulic brakes, check the fluid level to ensure it is at the proper level. Most manufacturers recommend changing this fluid at least once a season to eliminate moisture in the master brake cylinders. Moisture can cause corrosion and eventual brake failure. Follow the manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendation on fluid type.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inspect coolant hoses and brake lines for signs of deterioration or cracking. Replace if necessary.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inspect all cables for ease of operation. Sticking, binding or broken cables should be replaced.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inspect all electrical accessories for proper operation. Check the headlight, turn signals, reverse lights, horn and kill switch. Correct any problems. </p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Before starting the engine, slowly crank it over with the kick starter and listen for any abnormal noises. Also check for smooth movement.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do a complete inspection of the bike. Then start it and let it run for a few minutes in a well-ventilated area. If there are any abnormal noises or anything seems unusual, have your bike checked out by a factory-trained mechanic.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Use a fuel system cleaner additive for a couple tanks.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Take the motorcycle safety class you signed up for.</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Get ready to enjoy another riding season!</p> <p>Follow this list, and in one afternoon, you should be able to get your bike in great working order and avoid any immediate problems. However, you never know when something could go wrong. So in addition, you should make sure you have adequate insurance coverage with Towing and Roadside Assistance. There is peace of mind in knowing that if something goes wrong, you have a customized insurance policy to cover it. And if your bike breaks down and can&rsquo;t be ridden, there is nothing that takes the place of Towing and Roadside Assistance to bring you gas, a battery or to tow your bike to the nearest repair shop. Some companies will even offer Trip Interruption coverage, in the event that your bike can&rsquo;t be ridden due to a covered collision, to help pay for meals and accommodations if you&rsquo;re far from home.</p> The companies of the <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/motorcycle/insurance_quote.aspx" title="NH Motorcycle Quote">Foremost Insurance Group </a>are leaders in the specialty insurance industry and have been for over 50 years. Foremost offers specialized programs for motorcycles and off-road vehicles as well as snowmobiles, mobile homes, motor homes, travel trailers, personal watercraft and boats. We have had Foremost in our agency for more than 15 years.urn:uuid:da49ca81-f75e-4160-92f2-5846cc741c95<img src='http://www.benwayjohnston.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Ice%20Dams.jpg' align='left' />Icicles hanging along the eaves of your house may look beautiful, but they spell trouble. That is because the same conditions that allow icicles to form&mdash;snow-covered roofs and freezing weather&mdash;also lead to ice dams. Ice dams are thick rid...Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:39:57 -0600<p>Icicles hanging along the eaves of your house may look beautiful, but they spell trouble. That is because the same conditions that allow icicles to form&mdash;<img style="float: right;" alt="Ice Dam" src="/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Ice%20Dams.jpg" />snow-covered roofs and freezing weather&mdash;also lead to ice dams. Ice dams are thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the eaves. Dams can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up and pour into your house. When that happens?&nbsp;The results aren't pretty...&nbsp;peeling paint, warped floors, stained and sagging ceilings. Not to mention soggy insulation in the attic, which loses R-value and becomes a magnet for mold and mildew.<br /> <br /> <strong>Birth of an Ice Dam</strong><br /> <strong>1.</strong> Heat collects in the attic and warms the roof, except at the eaves.<br /> <strong>2.</strong> Snow melts on the warm roof and then freezes on the cold eaves.<br /> <strong>3.</strong> Ice accumulates along the eaves, forming a dam. Melting water from the warm roof backs up behind it, flows under the shingles, and into the house.<br /> <br /> <strong>Fast Fixes</strong><br /> Hacking away at ice dams with a hammer, chisel, or shovel is bad for your roofing&mdash;and dangerous for you. In addition, throwing salt on them will do more to harm your plantings than to harm the ice. Short of praying for warm weather, here are two measures we recommend:</p> <p>1) <strong>Removing the snow from the roof can help slow down dam growth.</strong>&nbsp; On very low-sloped or flat roofs, some folks shovel off all the snow!&nbsp; On a roof with a greater pitch, removing three or four feet of snow above the roofline will slow down the growth of the dam.&nbsp; There is a special tool for removing snow called a <strong>roof rake.&nbsp; Roof rakes </strong>are great to use if the show is light and not very crusty.&nbsp; They also are somewhat dangerous to use on ladders.&nbsp; Watch for electrical lines and for falling snow from the roof.</p> <p>2)&nbsp; <strong>Chisel grooves into the dam to allow the water behind it to drain off.</strong>&nbsp; This is a good emergency measure... especially if rain or a sudden thaw is coming!&nbsp; Careful with those shingles. I advise hiring a professional to handle the issue.</p> <h4 style="margin: auto 0in;">How Can I Prevent Ice Dams in the Future?</h4> <p>Properly ventilating and insulating the attic is usually the best way to prevent ice dams. The usual recommendation for proper ventilation is 1 square foot of vent for every 150 feet of attic floor area. Each climate region may have it's own recommendations, though,&nbsp;so I would suggest contacting a licensed local insulation company near you. If you have small louvered vents at either end of the attic known as gable vents you can either replace them with larger vents, or install an electric vent fan over the inside of them. These special fans usually work on a thermostat and will pull outside air into the attic to keep the temperature inside consistent.</p>urn:uuid:97b9b7f0-a389-419e-88c2-1f2bf4e3b6af<img src='http://www.benwayjohnston.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Cell%20Phone.jpg' align='left' />It may seem harmless to answer a quick call, grab a bite to eat or let your dog ride in your lap when you&rsquo;re behind the wheel. But in 2008, accidents caused by distracted drivers injured about 515,000 people. It takes two hands, a sharp eye, an...Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:56:41 -0600<p>It may seem harmless to answer a quick call, grab a bite to eat or let your dog ride in your lap when you&rsquo;re behind the wheel. But in 2008, accidents caused<img style="float: right;" alt="Driving Distractions" src="/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Cell%20Phone.jpg" /> by distracted drivers injured about 515,000 people.</p> <p>It takes two hands, a sharp eye, and your full attention to safely drive your car. Anything that keeps you from doing so means you&rsquo;re driving while distracted, or "DWD."</p> <p>There are some simple ways to kick DWD habits. Follow these four tips to steer clear of distraction:</p> <p style="line-height: 13.1pt;">o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Hit the "off" button.</strong> According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, for every 4.6 seconds spent texting behind the wheel, drivers travel the length of a football field &mdash; without looking up. And talking on your cell phone delays your reaction time, even if you use a hands-free model. Your e-mail, voicemail and return calls can wait until after the trip. So, turn off your phone.</p> <p style="line-height: 13.1pt;">o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Eat up before you start up.</strong> An Exxon survey of 1,000 drivers showed that more than 70 percent liked to use their steering wheels as tray tables and 83 percent used their center consoles as beverage carts. To drive with your hands firmly on the wheel and avoid staining your new shirt, save the burgers, tacos and cups of coffee for your home or office.</p> <p style="line-height: 13.1pt;">o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Pull over.</strong> Maps and GPS systems are handy tools to get you from point A to point B. When you need to check your grid or change your destination, take the next exit or stop at the nearest rest area. Pulling over on the side of the road is a dangerous and unsafe alternative.</p> <p style="line-height: 13.1pt;">o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Keep &lsquo;em caged.</strong> Keep all of your passengers safe by securing your pets in a harness or a crate. They remain in one place, freeing you to focus on what&rsquo;s in front of you rather than the rearview mirror.</p> <p>To learn more on how to avoid DWD, visit <a href="http://www.distraction.gov" title="Distraction.gov" target="_blank">www.distraction.gov</a>.</p> <p>Keeping your driving record free from accidents and citations can help lower your car insurance rates. For more information, <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/contact.aspx" title="Benway Johnston Insurance">talk to your local agent</a>.<br /> <br /> Source: <a href="http://www.progressiveagent.com/articles/avoid-driving-distractions.aspx" title="Driving Distractions" target="_blank">Progressive</a><br /> Picture Credit: <a href="http://acobox.com/node/200382?size=medium" title="http://acobox.com/" target="_blank">http://acobox.com/node/200382?size=medium</a></p>urn:uuid:1759498d-be31-4d43-bd22-d4a52cb1f3e9<img src='https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Fire.jpg' align='left' />According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are the leading cause of home fires during December, January and February. When used improperly, space heaters that are gas-fueled, kerosene-fueled, electric, fixed or portable; woo...Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:07:15 -0600<p>According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are the leading cause of home fires during December, January <img style="float: right;" alt="Fire Safety" src="https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Fire.jpg" />and February. When used improperly, space heaters that are gas-fueled, kerosene-fueled, electric, fixed or portable; wood stoves and fireplaces all can lead to serious injury or death. Such disasters can be prevented by utilizing the following safety tips: <br /> <br /> 1. When buying a space heater, make sure it carries the mark of a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. Follow manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions for use.</p> <p>2. Have your fireplace, wood or coal stove professionally inspected each year and clean as recommended by the professional.</p> <p>3. Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.</p> <p>4. When buying space heaters, make sure they include an automatic shutoff feature in case the unit becomes overheated or tips over.</p> <p>5. Be sure any gas-fueled heating device is properly ventilated to protect from carbon monoxide poisoning.</p> <p><strong>Please contact your local Fire Department with&nbsp;any&nbsp;questions.<br /> <br /> Picture Source: <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1539" title="Xedos4"><strong>xedos4</strong></a></strong></p>urn:uuid:5416b17d-e53e-4a72-b7af-9d4207c29b0a<img src='http://www.benwayjohnston.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Business%20transaction.jpg' align='left' />When you&rsquo;re tackling something unfamiliar &mdash; booking a trip, doing your taxes &mdash; and you want to make sure it&rsquo;s done right, you hire a professional. The same is true with car insurance. A local agent talks with you about your v...Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:24:34 -0600<p><img width="350" height="640" style="width: 227px; float: right; height: 169px;" alt="NH Car Insurance" src="/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Business%20transaction.jpg" />When you&rsquo;re tackling something unfamiliar &mdash; booking a trip, doing your taxes &mdash; and you want to make sure it&rsquo;s done right, you hire a professional. The same is true with <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/automobile/default.aspx" title="NH Car Quote">car insurance.</a><br /> <br /> A local agent talks with you about your vehicle and your life, and recommends options that match both.</p> <p>Some local agents sell policies from only one company, and others sell policies from multiple companies. An agent who sells policies from more than one company can offer you more options because they have more companies and insurance products to choose from.</p> <p>When you&rsquo;re ready to talk to a local agent, here are questions they might ask to create a policy that&rsquo;s right for you:</p> <div class="circleList" style="z-index: 500;"> <ul class="aboutContent"> <li class="circleList ul li"><strong>Do you have an older car?</strong> Once your car reaches a certain age, you can lower the amount of physical damage coverage. Your agent can adjust your policy accordingly. He or she also might suggest raising your deductible to save more money.</li> <li class="circleList ul li"><strong>What&rsquo;s changed in your life lately?</strong> If you&rsquo;ve recently moved, gotten married or had a birthday, you might be eligible for discounts.</li> <li class="circleList ul li"><strong>Do you need coverage for a different kind of vehicle?</strong> Your agent can help you get a discount for insuring multiple vehicles, and they don&rsquo;t have to be cars. If you have a motorcycle, boat, RV, ATV or snowmobile, it needs insurance, too.</li> <li class="circleList ul li"><strong>Do you need to insure something other than a car?</strong> One of the main advantages of an agent who sells more than one company&rsquo;s policies is the ability to pick the best matches for all of your insurance needs &mdash; home, business, life, etc.</li> </ul> </div> <p><a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/contact.aspx" title="Call Us Today">Talk to a local agent today.</a>&nbsp;He or she can help maximize your selection and savings.<br /> <br /> Source: <a href="http://www.progressiveagent.com/articles/shop-smart-for-insurance.aspx" title="Progressive Insurance">Progressive</a><br /> Picture Source: <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=879" title="Luigi Diamanti"><strong>luigi diamanti</strong></a></p>urn:uuid:d80bd54c-95c9-4e66-af80-81532a33ff0f<img src='http://www.benwayjohnston.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Golden-Retriever_on_sofa_preview.jpg' align='left' />According to the Humane Society, approximately 39 percent of all households in the United States are home to at least one dog. While dogs make heartfelt companions, irreplaceable playmates for children, and devoted guards, they can also sometimes pos...Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:23:02 -0600<p>According to the Humane Society, approximately 39 percent of all households in the United States are home to at least one dog. While dogs make heartfelt<img width="352" height="262" style="width: 318px; float: right; height: 216px;" alt="House Insurance" src="/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/Golden-Retriever_on_sofa_preview.jpg" /> companions, irreplaceable playmates for children, and devoted guards, they can also sometimes <strong>pose a problem when it comes to <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/homeowners/default.aspx" name=" originalAttribute=" title="Derry NH Home Insurance">NH homeowners insurance</a></strong>. </p> <p>The fact is, many state laws <strong>hold owners responsible</strong> for the actions of their dogs. If someone a dog (for example, a mail carrier, a neighbor, or an invited guest) bites who has a lawful right to be on a premises, then the owner is, in many states, <strong>fully liable for paying for the care</strong> of the resulting injuries. It is because of this fact that the presence of some dog breeds&mdash;generally, those considered especially dangerous&mdash;make it difficult to find a <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/homeowners/default.aspx" title="Derry NH Home Insurance" target="_self">homeowner&rsquo;s insurance policy</a>.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Are insurers right to be worried? You bet they are. According to a 1996 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),<strong> dogs bite 4.7 million people annually</strong>. That means 2 percent of the entire U.S. population are bit each year. About 800,000 of these bites were thought to be serious enough to warrant medical attention. With the high cost of medical care these days, it is easy to see why insurers have become<strong> leery of insuring certain dangerous breeds</strong>. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Which breeds have insurers running the other way? The usual suspects include <strong>pit bull terriers, Rottweilers, German shepherds, Akitas, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows, and Doberman Pinschers</strong>. If you are a homeowner and own one of these breeds of dogs, no matter how sweet and loving your individual dog may be, you may still be facing a <strong>heftier homeowner&rsquo;s insurance premium</strong> than others on your street. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">It is generally recommended that you purchase a homeowners insurance policy with a<strong> clause covering injury by dogs or other animals</strong> to ensure that you, as the homeowner, are able to pay the appropriate amount of compensation in the event that your dog bites someone. Given the fact that most dog bite injuries are inflicted on friends, relatives or neighbors of the homeowner, this also ensures that the people closest to you are well provided for in the event of an unexpected dog attack. </p> <p>The best way to prevent having to file a dog bite claim on your homeowner&rsquo;s policy, of course, is to prevent dog bites. Dog ownership is a huge responsibility, so make sure you train your dog properly, get your furry friend spayed or neutered, and train your children in the proper way to behave around animals. If you have guests over often, you may even want to invest in a muzzle or crate the dog while guest are over to ensure they are safe from an overenthusiastic pet</p>urn:uuid:22284f8e-25e3-413c-a67a-be2780abaf94<img src='http://www.benwayjohnston.com/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/House%20Benway.jpg' align='left' /> Derry is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 34,021 at the 2000 census. The 2009 population was estimated to be 34,318. Although it is a town and not a city, Derry is the fourth most-populous community in Ne...Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:21:00 -0600<p><img style="float: left;" alt="Derry NH Home Insurance" src="/img/~www.benwayjohnston.com/House%20Benway.jpg" /></p> <p><b>Derry</b><span> is a town in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockingham_County,_New_Hampshire" title="Rockingham County, New Hampshire"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Rockingham County</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire" title="New Hampshire"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">New Hampshire</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" title="United States"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">United States</span></a>. The population was 34,021 at the 2000 census. The 2009 population was estimated to be 34,318.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><sup id="cite_ref-0"> </sup></span>Although it is a town and not a city, Derry is the fourth most-populous community in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire" title="New Hampshire"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">New Hampshire</span></a>. The town's nickname, "Space-town", derives from the fact that Derry is the birthplace of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Shepard" title="Alan Shepard"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Alan Shepard</span></a>, the first US astronaut in space. </span></p> <p><span>Although it was first settled by Scottish-Irish (also known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulster-Scots" title="Ulster-Scots"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ulster-Scots</span></a>) families in 1719, Derry was not incorporated until 1827. It was originally a part of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Londonderry,_New_Hampshire" title="Londonderry, New Hampshire"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Londonderry</span></a>, as was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windham,_New_Hampshire" title="Windham, New Hampshire"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Windham</span></a> and portions of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester,_New_Hampshire" title="Manchester, New Hampshire"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Manchester</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem,_New_Hampshire" title="Salem, New Hampshire"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Salem</span></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson,_New_Hampshire" title="Hudson, New Hampshire"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Hudson</span></a>. The town was named after the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry" title="Derry"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Derry</span></a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland" title="Ireland"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ireland</span></a>, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_language" title="Irish language"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Irish</span></a> word "Doire" meaning "oak woods." The first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato" title="Potato"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">potato</span></a> planted in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" title="United States"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">United States</span></a> was planted here in 1719. The town is the location of two of America's oldest private schools, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinkerton_Academy" title="Pinkerton Academy"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Pinkerton Academy</span></a>, founded in 1814 and still in operation, and the closed Adams Female Seminary.<br /> <br /> A&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/homeowners/insurance_quote.aspx" name="Home Insurance Quote" title="NH Insurance Quote">homeowners insurance policy</a> is charged with an extremely important task: providing financial protection to make you (the policyholder) whole after an insurable incident that damages your greatest asset&mdash;your home. But if you don&rsquo;t understand what you are getting with the purchase of your homeowners insurance policy, you could be putting your home and financial future at risk. We at <strong>Benway Johnston Insurance Agency</strong> can help you find the best policy at the best price. Call us today at <strong>603-432-3357</strong> or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/contact.aspx" target="_self">contact us</a> to get a free <a href="http://www.benwayjohnston.com/homeowners/insurance_quote.aspx" title="NH Home Insurance">insurance quote</a>.<br /> <br /> (Source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry,_New_Hampshire" target="_blank">Wikipedia.org</a>)</span></p>urn:uuid:a68404ba-931f-417c-a42d-f34fc114494bTo you, your condo is home. However, there are differences in the property insurance policies protecting stand-alone houses and condominiums. Most condo associations insure the condo structure and grounds, but it&rsquo;s up to you to insure the prope...Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:40:26 -0600<span style="font-family: garamond-bookcondensed;">To you, your condo is home. However, there are differences in the property insurance policies protecting stand-alone houses and condominiums. Most condo associations insure the condo structure and grounds, but it&rsquo;s up to you to insure the property in your exclusive area, such as fixtures, appliances, floor tiles and carpeting. In addition, you are liable for injuries occurring in your unit and you could be held partially liable for any injuries occurring on the premises if the association is inadequately insured. Do you have enough coverage? Check your condo association bylaws. Or better still, bring them to us. We&rsquo;ll help you determine what you need to be properly insured. For professional insurance advice, contact us at 603-432-3357.</span>urn:uuid:91823d92-58c6-4b3d-96a1-6bbefca1eec3 The most important part of fire safety is prevention. The following tips will help you form fire-safe habits and prevent fires in your home: &nbsp; &bull; Never plug multiple items into the same electrical outlet or circuit. If an electrical applian...Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:10:02 -0600<span style="font-size: 13px;"> <p><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">The most important part of fire safety is prevention. The following tips will help you form fire-safe habits and prevent fires in your home:</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Never plug multiple items into the same electrical outlet or circuit. If an electrical appliance smokes or smells unusual, unplug it immediately and have it serviced.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Make sure light bulbs are the recommended wattage for all of your light fixtures.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Keep baking soda near your stove to extinguish grease fires. Salt also works, but don&rsquo;t use water, which will spread the flame.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Keep your stove&rsquo;s exhaust fan and range hood free of grease. Keep the cooking area free of combustibles.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Never leave cooking unattended. Turn panhandles inward so they don&rsquo;t hang over the edge of</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">the stove.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Keep matches and lighters out of children&rsquo;s reach. Teach children these are dangerous items to be used by adults only.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Don&rsquo;t smoke in bed or when you&rsquo;re drowsy. Fires created by cigarettes cause more deaths than any other kind of fire. Run butts and ashes under water before disposing. Or, better yet, don&rsquo;t allow smoking in your home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Never install a double-cylinder deadbolt lock on your exit doors. They require a key to unlock from the inside. When you need to exit in a hurry, this lock can be deadly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Never use an extension cord on a permanent basis and avoid running them under rugs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Don&rsquo;t place hay, straw or other combustible materials beneath your home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Never leave home with the clothes dryer running. Clean dryer vents frequently. Clean lint screens after each load to keep the airway clear.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Make regular safety checks of your home&rsquo;s major systems or hire a professional to inspect them.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Check for cleanliness, proper functioning and loose connections for your:</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">Heating/cooling system&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">Fuel lines</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">Electrical&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">Water heater</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">Appliances&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #8c0f04; font-size: 10pt;">Plumbing</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Never block doors or windows with furniture or other large objects.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: symbolmt; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">&bull; </span><span style="font-family: futura-condensed; color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;">Store flammable liquids like gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, etc., in approved containers outside your home, but not under your home.<br /> <br /> *Courtesy of Formost Insurance*</span></p> </span>urn:uuid:37a4ba2d-0944-4d54-a4b5-4dec665e5c26Earthquake coverage is not a standard coverage on your home insurance but can be added for roughly $75.00 to $125.00. If you would like a quote for your policy please call 603-432-3357.Sat, 09 Oct 2010 20:56:23 -0500Earthquake coverage is not a standard coverage on your home insurance but can be added for roughly $75.00 to $125.00. If you would like a quote for your policy please call 603-432-3357.urn:uuid:c53ac2f3-9956-41ba-bd67-277ebf2baa71Do you have rental coverage on your New Hampshire car insurance policy? Most people DO NOT, and the average collision repair can take up to 30 days to complete. Without rental coverage you will have to find alternate transportation at your expense. R...Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:51:15 -0500Do you have rental coverage on your New Hampshire car insurance policy? Most people DO NOT, and the average collision repair can take up to 30 days to complete. Without rental coverage you will have to find alternate transportation at your expense. Rental coverage can cost as little as $30 per year, don't be without it.urn:uuid:2c6ace60-11c3-4049-83b8-4ab82ea6a3c3&bull;Is a licensed professional with strong customer and community ties. &bull;Gives you excellent service and competitive prices because your agent can access the insurance coverage from more than one company. &bull;Unlike other agents, is not be...Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:40:18 -0500&bull;Is a licensed professional with strong customer and community ties. <br /> &bull;Gives you excellent service and competitive prices because your agent can access the insurance coverage from more than one company. <br /> &bull;Unlike other agents, is not beholden to any one company; thus, you don't need to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change. <br /> &bull;Assists you when you have a claim. <br /> &bull;Is your consultant, working with you as you determine your needs. <br /> &bull;Offers you a choice of insurance plans and programs. <br /> &bull;Is a value hunter who looks after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage and service. <br /> &bull;Offers one-stop shopping for a full range of products - home, renters, auto, business, life and health. <br /> &bull;Can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs. <br /> &bull;Treats you like a person, not just another number.