This post brought to you by Trusted Choice the Big I and AIG​

Summer. It brings to mind pleasing images of bright sunshine, beaches, pools, backyard cookouts, watermelon, vacation travel, ice cream, high temperatures and refreshing lemonade, among others. The hazards of summer include heat stroke, drowning, sunburn, bug bites, and food poisoning as food spoils faster in the heat. Protecting yourself from these and other hazards takes a few precautions. 

Protecting your home is a little more complicated but not overwhelming. AIG has prepared a short list of steps towards protecting your home during summer months and beyond. Feel free to share these helpful tips with your clients 

Water safety

• If you have a pool, restrict access to the area with a gate or doors that automatically lock. Have your gate locks checked annually to ensure they are working properly.
• For added safety, especially if there are young children at home, equip the door/gate with an alarm or sensors at the pool.
• Consider a rolling pool cover, which can provide even more protection than a gate or fence.
• If you are entertaining at your pool or on a lake, consider hiring a lifeguard to ensure someone is always watching those in the water.
• Elaborate pool areas with rock formations and slides can enhance the risk for injury. Be sure areas are properly secured or restricted when needed.

Traveling

• Don't post on social media that you are leaving town, and wait to post photos until after you return.
• If you will be gone for an extended period of time, ask a private staff member, friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home and have your mail held at the local post office.
• Put lights on timers to give the impression that someone is home.

Fire prevention

• If your grill or outdoor kitchen is near your home or on a deck/porch attached to your home, it should be equipped with an automatic shutoff device. These devices have a timer installed in the gas supply line that automatically shuts off the gas supply after a predetermined length of time.
• Never use chimineas or fire pits on decks, gazebos, covered patios or anywhere there are overhangs. They should be located at least 15 feet away from any structure.

General home maintenance

• When cleaning gutters and roofs, remove debris and check for winter damage that should be repaired.
• Make sure trees on your property are healthy to avoid toppling onto your home during high winds.
• If you live in a wildfire-prone area, remove all dead materials from trees/bushes/landscaping to eliminate fuels in the wildfire, and keep grass areas short.

Get Nashua, Merrimack, Hudson, Hollis or Amherst Home Insurance Quote Here

by Steve Donohue NH Medicare Insurance Agent                                                                                                                              August 20, 2018

If you are enrolled on Medicare you may be concerned about the kinds of preventive care that Medicare covers. As a NH Medicare Supplement agent and NH Medicare Advantage broker each year in order to sell certain kinds of Medicare plans I am obligated to complete a thorough Medicare training.

When studying this year I came across this list of Medicare Preventative Services  and I thought it would be helpful to share with my clients and the world at large.

Medicare Preventive Services include:

One-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit

• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers:
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
• Alcohol misuse screenings & counseling
• Bone mass measurements (bone density)
• Cardiovascular disease screenings
• Cardiovascular disease (behavioral therapy)
• Cervical & vaginal cancer screening
• Colorectal cancer screenings
• Depression screenings
• Diabetes screenings
• Diabetes self-management training 
• Glaucoma tests
• Hepatitis C screening test
• HIV screening
• Lung cancer screening
• Mammograms (screening) 
• Nutrition therapy services
• Obesity screenings & counseling
• One-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit
• Prostate cancer screenings
• Sexually transmitted infections screening & counseling
• Shots:
  • Flu shots
  • Hepatitis B shots
  • Pneumococcal shots
• Tobacco use cessation counseling
• Yearly "Wellness" visit

Please know that beneficiaries may have cost sharing if they receive non-preventive services during an appointment for preventive services. For example, if they receive diagnostic lab tests during their annual wellness visit.

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From expensive accessories to treasured heirlooms, we know how much your prized possessions mean to you.

That’s why it’s important to talk to your local agent to make sure that all of your valuables are fully covered in the event of damage, loss, or theft. By adding Valuable Articles Coverage to your current NH homeowners insurance policy, you will get the enhanced protection you need and peace of mind knowing the treasured items in your home are protected.

by Steve Donohue owner of Insurance Agency,  in Nashua NH
The insurance industry is full of jargon- terms that companies use that to an outsider make no sense.

I remember when I was buying one of my first policies, the insurance agent said to me I put an endorsement on your policy.  I didn't want to appear stupid so I just said thanks, but thought to myself "is an endorsement a good thing- or a bad thing?"

See definition:
Endorsement - an amendment or rider to a policy adjusting the coverages and taking precedence over the general contract.

For the most part endorsements are GOOD THINGS! The Concord Group has some attractive endorsements that take an ordinary home or car insurance policy and makes them better. See PDF's of the enhancements that each endorsement offers below- or give us a call and we can help you determine what coverage may be right for you.

Concord Group Home Insurance Endorsements:

• CHEC
• ESP
• ESP + Extra Security
• ESP Ultra

Concord Group Car Insurance Endorsements

• PACE
• PACE +
• Redi-Check Income Replacement
• Extended Transportation to Rental Car Coverage

Let Atlantic Insurance a Car and Home Insurance Agency in Nashua, NH help you buy insurance today- call us at 603-882-2909 for a quote. 

by RV Insurance NH Agent Stephen Donohue of Atlantic Insurance in Nashua, NH

Every insurance agent talks about selling RV insurance- but let's remember what insurance is for- to protect you, your family, and your belongings. I came across a great article about what to do if you are involved in an accident with your RV,  Motorhome or Camper.

Trusted Choice® offers some great tools for consumers.

Below please see our brief overview of an article by Trusted Choice® on what to do if you are in an accident  or need to file a claim for your RV.   Before you are ready to file a claim, here are 5 things may need to be taken care of first:

1. Get off the road to avoid injury from traffic.
2. If anyone is injured, or you are blocking traffic, call 911.
3. When talking with police, explain what happened. Let the authorities determine who is responsible based on the information gathered at the scene.  
4. Be sure to get a copy of the police report  this document will be helpful to your insurance agent.
5. Document everything that could help you file a claim. For example:

• Take down the contact information and insurance policy information from all other drivers involved.
• Take photos of the other motorists’ license plates.
• Make a note of the time of day and weather
• Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any damage to other vehicles.
• Take pictures of your surroundings including street signs and any identifying landmarks.

This is just a quick summary of the helpful info provided by Trusted Choice®. To read the entire article and to
learn more about what to do if you need to file an RV insurance claim please visit the Trusted Choice® Page HERE for More detailed information.

Also be sure to visit our other NH RV Camper or Motor Home Insurance resources here:
​NH RV Insurance Quote Page
NH RV Safe Driving Tips
Great Tools & Gadgets for your RV
Reviews of 3 Top NH RV Insurance Companies SafeCo, Progressive and Foremost
​

by Steve Donohue Nashua NH Car Insurance Agent
Distracted driving- we are all guilty of it at one time or another. Recent studies have shown not only a recent increase in car accidents, often caused by distracted driving, but also an increase in fatalities from car crashes.

Atlantic Insurance is a car insurance agency here in Nashua, NH and we are often one of the first calls our client makes when they have been involved in an accident. We have witnessed first hand the increase in number of people who have been rear ended by a driver who is not paying attention. 
 
While using a smart phone is a common form of distracted driving there are several other distractions that include eating, listening to the radio, exhaustion, getting lost or getting distracted by a passenger or a pet.

Here are 5 suggestions from the NAIC for ways to stay safe and avoid distracted driving:

• Buckle Up The 3 point safety seat belt was invented by VOLVO engineer Nihls Bohlin in the1950's. It was such an important safety device that VOLVO gave the patent away allowing anyone to use it. Today   estimates say that the modern day seat belt saves over 11,000 people a year in the US alone.
• Turn it Off Turn off the smart phone and place it in your pocket, glove box or purse - that way you will be less tempted to take your hands off the wheel. (In 2017 the Apple I-phone introduced the Do Not Disturb function that detects when a car is in motion and silences the ringer and prevents drivers from receiving messages while driving.) For those addicted to texting safe driving advocates suggest putting your smart phone in your car's trunk to avoid temptation. 
• Plan Your Trip You can map or set your GPS device for your route ahead of time. That way you will not be tempted to enter info into your GPS or Phone while driving.
• Don't Drink or Use Drugs- Don't get behind the wheel impaired — whether it's due to exhaustion, medicine, alcohol or recreational drugs. Drunk/impaired drivers are responsible for approximately 10,000 fatalities a year.
• Obey Speed Limit,Traffic Rules and Keep Your Eyes on the Road 

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Taking the advice listed above will help keep you and your family safe - and also help keep your auto insurance premiums low!

If you have questions about car insurance in Nashua, NH Hudson, NH Hollis, NH  or Merrimack NH please give us a call today at 1-888-882-2909.
  

Steve Donohue's daughter, talented actress Caitlin Donohue- presently starring Addy & Uno off Broadway meets Show Biz Legend Regis Phiibin in NYC. (Caitlin is 5 ft 2 and she says they are about the same size!) 

Addy & Uno is the first family musical about friendship, kindness and disability. It's a fun children's show with great music and a wonderful message about inclusion ~ for more info or to get tickets visit   https://www.addyanduno.com/

TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR CLASSIC BACK ON THE ROAD

As a New Hampshire Classic Car Insurance Agency we are pleased to share with you some helpful ideas on how to  get your classic or antique car back on the road. Message below provided by Hagerty. 



The classic car experts at Hagerty®  have put together the following start-up checklist. If your car has
been sitting for a while, take the time to prep before a long drive. You’ll both be better for it.
Start with your battery. If it’s been on a trickle charger all winter, disconnect it from the charger
and reconnect the battery. If you simply removed the battery and stored it in a warmer spot for the
winter, time to charge it up.

Check your fluids. Start with a walk around and examine the floor beneath the car. Drips are
common and expected; puddles are not. A fresh oil change is recommended since water or other
fluids may have found their way in your crankcase. While you’re at it, replace the oil filter. Also
check your other fluids – brakes, coolant, transmission, windshield washer. Do they look dirty? Are
they at the recommended level? Smell your transmission fluid. If it smells burnt, change it.
Generally speaking, if you can’t remember the last time you drained and flushed any particular fluid,
it’s probably time to do it again. As for gasoline, your car should be good to go if you put STA-BIL in
the gas tank before storing your car. If not, you might consider adding a water-absorbing product or
– if you’re really worried about it – drain the tank.

Check your belts and hoses for cracks and decay. Since rubber breaks down over time,
examine the condition of your tires. Make sure they’re inflated to the correct air pressure, and
remember the spare. In addition to potentially damaging your engine, water can cause brake problems as well. If your car has been sitting for a while, consider bleeding your brakes. They should feel firm when you push
the pedal.

By this point, you should already know if any mice spent a comfortable winter in or around your
engine. Also check inside the passenger compartment, especially under the seats and in the
glove box. And one last thing – check the headlights, turn signals and brake lights. Yes, this
requires a friend’s help.

It’s finally time to start your car. If you’re just testing the engine, make sure an exit door is open
enough to allow exhaust fumes to escape. If the weather allows for a drive, make that first one fairly
short – a half hour or so should put the car through its proper paces. And before you take drive No.
2, do the ol’ walk-around again. No major leaks? Tires look good?

Let ’er rip, and enjoy the drive!

If you love your classic car and want to make sure you get the best NH CLASSIC or NH VINTAGE  CAR INSURANCE CALL ATLANTIC INSURANCE today at 603-882-2909.

NH Medicare Plan G,  Plan F and Plan N compared by Stephen Donohue

​
​If you are shopping for  Medicare Supplement Insurance here in New Hampshire your choice will often come down to one of the following 3 plans:

• Plan F
• Plan G
• Plan N

My clients always ask me which plan is the best? The answer is simple- they all are!  But as you might imagine different people have different needs. So picking the plan that is right for you- depends upon your needs and making sure you have the best coverage really is important to us.

What does the Plan F Cover?
In a sentence the NH Medicare Supplement Plan F covers (almost) all the out of pockets costs including MEDICARE Copays and Deductibles.  So when a NH senior buys this plan they often have VERY LOW OUT OF POCKET COSTS.

The NH Medigap Plan F covers the following:

• Medicare Part A & B Deductibles
• Medicare Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs
• Medicare Part B Coinsurance or Copayments
• Part B Excess Charges
• Foreign Travel Emergency

In 2018 here is a quick review of Medicare out of pocket expenses that the NH Medigap Plan F Covers:

• Part A Deductible - $1340  Part A hospital  deductible 
• Part A Hospital copays days 61-90 $335/day
• Part A Hospital Copays days 91+ $670 /day
• Skilled Nursing Facility Copay days 20-100 $167.50/day
• Part B Deductible $183 annual
• Part B Coinsurance- Generally 20%

What does Plan F Cost in NH in 2018?
The cost for NH Medicare Supplement Plan F in NH varies with some insurers by gender and with ALL insurers by age. You can download a copy of the NH Medicare Supplement Plan F here- AND- you can see the insurer that has the lowest costs for the Plan F here in NH.  

It is important to note that in 2020 the Plan F will no longer be offered to  Seniors throughout the US. If someone has purchased the Plan F prior to 2020 they can KEEP IT but new applicants will no longer have the Plan F as an option.

What does the Plan G Cover?
​Ok- this is pretty straight forward the NH Medicare Supplement Plan G covers EVERYTHING THAT WE JUST MENTIONED ABOVE in the Plan F- except with the Plan G you pay the $183 Part B deductible once a year.

In exchange for paying the $183 Part B deductible- you get a pretty nice price break, meaning lower premiums every month. So you pay a little bit more out of pocket- BUT- you save a substantial amount annually in premiums. Example:
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Hampshire Monthly Premiums
Age 65 Male Plan F    193.09
Age 65 Male Plan G    149.64

This savings of $43.45 month equals $521.40 annually and far exceeds the annual $183 Part B deductible making the NH Medicare Supplement Plan G with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield an excellent value!

See NH Medicare Supplement Plan G outline of Coverage for more info. Also see rates for lowest price Plan G in the NH market.

What does the Plan N Cover?
The NH Medigap Plan N covers the following:

• Medicare Part A & B Deductibles
• Medicare Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs
• Skilled Nursing Facility Copay days 20-100 $167.50/day
• Foreign Travel Emergency

There are 3 standard costs associated with the Plan N- that Seniors can expect to pay and they are:

• $183 Part B deductible
• Up to $20 Copay for out patient services
• $50 ER copay 

So the good news here is that the Plan N reaches a budget friendly monthly premium. Giving healthy and low healthcare using seniors the flexibility of using ANY DOCTOR or HOSPITAL that accepts Medicare without the higher premiums of the Plan F or Plan G. 

PLAN N DOES NOT PAY THE MEDICARE PART B EXCESS CHARGES. See Medicare definition below:
Excess charges
If you have Original Medicare, and the amount a doctor or other health care provider is legally permitted to charge is higher than the Medicare-approved amount, the difference is called the excess charge. We find that the Part B excess charges are infrequent- and even when charged are not substantial. Part B excess charges are NOT permitted in MA. For excess charges here in NH Medicare providers are only allowed to charge 15% above the approved Medicare payment amount.

See Plan N Outline of coverage here AND the lowest cost insurer for NH Plan N Medigap here.

If you want to learn more about the NH Medicare Supplement Plan that is right for you please call 603-882-2909.

The Do's and Don'ts of Driving with a Trailer
​See great article by Foremost Insurance Creative Team

Whether you're taking a road trip or taking the family camping, driving with a trailer can be a challenge. According to eTrailer.com, when you add a trailer to your vehicle, the overall handling and rules of driving dramatically change. Using your hitch to tow your favorite travel trailer means you should give yourself more time to slow down and turn corners. It's important that drivers of all experience use trailer brakes to decrease speed evenly with the added weight that's being towed. And, because trailers don't follow the exact path as the vehicle on turns, always remember to safely swing out wider when traveling around bends and corners.

Here are some do's and don'ts of towing to keep you safe on the road.

Do's

• Gradually reduce speed
• Travel at an even, moderate speed
• Steady the steering wheel — sudden turns can cause more sway
• Be cautious of potholes and large bumps
• Use a lower gear over large hills or down gravel roads
• Avoid slamming on the brakes — jackknifing could occur

Don'ts

• Consistently stay in overdrive and/or in a high gear
• Attempt to steer out of trailer sway
• Forget to add sway control or a weight distribution system
• Be afraid to safely stop and reload trailer in case of engine problems, sway, flat tires, etc.

​Foremost wants you to tow and travel safely!