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
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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.

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!

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

If you have any questions please call 603-882-2909, or request a NH Medicare Supplement Quote here.


My Medicare clients always ask me which plan is the best? The answer is simple- it depends on your needs. 
I find that EACH of these Medigap Plans are of real value to my NH Medicare Supplement clients.  

They are all excellent plans - selecting the plan that is right for you- depends upon your needs and making sure you have the best coverage is really ​important to us.

What does the Plan F Cover?
In 2020 the NH Medicare Supplement Plan F will have LIMITED enrollment opportunity. Simply stated IF you were enrolled in Medicare PRIOR to 1/1/2020 - you CAN STILL BUY the Medigap Plan F here in NH.

Well what does the NH Supplement Plan F cover..? Plan F covers MOST the out of pockets costs associated with 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 Copays
• Part B Excess Charges
• Foreign Travel Emergency

Please see (Updated for 2020) quick review of Medicare out of pocket expenses that the NH Medigap Plan F Covers:

• Part A Deductible - $1408  Part A hospital  deductible 
• Part A Hospital copays days 61-90 $352/day
• Part A Hospital Copays days 91+ $704/day
• Skilled Nursing Facility Copay days 20-100 $176/day
• Part B Deductible $198 annual
• Part B Coinsurance- Generally 20%

What does Plan F Cost in NH in 2020?
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 people who are NEW TO MEDICARE throughout the US. HOWEVER in most states including NH- IF someone has purchased the Plan F prior to 2020 they can KEEP IT -AND- if a person is eligible for or enrolled on Medicare PRIOR TO 1/1/2020 they can still BUY the Plan F in 2020. For those new to Medicare AFTER 1/1/2020 here in NH and elsewhere- they cannot enroll in the Medicare Supplement Plan F.

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 NH Medicare Supplement Plan G you pay the $198 Part B deductible once a year.

In exchange for paying the $198 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. See example of savings below Plan G vs Plan F here in NH with Anthem Blue Cross:

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Hampshire 2020 Monthly Premiums
Age 65 Male Plan F     212.21
Age 65 Male Plan G    155.48

This savings of $56.73 month equals $680.76 annually and far exceeds the annual $198 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. For the past 12 months we have seen a surge in enrollment in Medicare Supplement Plan G here in NH. 

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 21-100 $176/day
• Foreign Travel Emergency

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

• $198 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.

Get ONLINE NH MEDIGAP QUOTE HERE form takes only a few minutes to complete- or call us now for a quote.

NH Car Insurance is expensive for teen drivers. As an agency we specialize in helping New Hampshire teens and their families make smart decisions when it comes to car insurance. 

See excellent article from one of our NH Car insurance partners Foremost  with several great recommendations for a new teen driver- or any driver!

Helpful Tips for New Drivers
I remember the first day I passed my driver's test. I felt like I was on cloud nine…invincible. I instantly thought about all of the places I was going to go by myself. No more asking my parents or friends for a ride - my ticket to being independent had finally come, and I was ready to take on the road like a pro! Handing the paperwork to the clerk at the Secretary of State was empowering. "This is it," I thought to myself. "You are about to get your official driver's license!" I made sure I looked my best for my photo (I even made them take the picture twice) and they said I would receive a hard copy of my license in the mail in 2 to 3 weeks.

Walking out that door with the authorization to drive on my own, I couldn't stop smiling, I felt like a true adult. However, I was far from it. The truth is, I was only 16-years-old and had no idea the weight of responsibility that was on my shoulders now. I'll admit for the first few months I was driving alone, I was a little scared. I would have to constantly keep rubbing my palms on my clothes because they would get sweaty and slippery on the wheel. If I got beeped at, I took it very personally and thought about what I could have done better. I made sure to make as little mistakes as possible – I didn't want any of the other experienced drivers thinking I was a beginner at this! Eventually, it got better with practice and I became more comfortable with going on highway ramps, switching lanes and driving in urban areas.

If you have a teen that just passed their driver's test or are currently in driver's education, remember that this moment is an important, life-changing accomplishment for them. Even though you won't be physically by their side when they're behind the wheel, you can still offer them your support and driving wisdom beforehand. I know, it's easier said than done. Looking back, I didn't exactly listen to everything my parents told me when I was 16, but I must have retained something since I'm a pretty safe driver now!

Sadly, according to the CDC, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. It's scary and the last thing you want to imagine, so it's important to make sure they're truly prepared for driving.
Thankfully, you can guide your teen to ensure their driving experience is as safe as possible with these helpful tips:

• Follow the speed limit. I know, it's an obvious one. But when you go too fast, you have less time to stop or react. Speeding is one of the leading causes of teenage accidents. Another obvious and important reminder – always wear your seatbelt! According to the CDC, wearing a seat belt can lower the risk of death in car accidents by nearly 50%.
• Make sure your seat is adjusted properly to your height. This is very important because if you can't see through your rear view mirror, it can affect your driving. A good way to tell if the mirror is in the right spot is if you can see the headlights of the car behind you. Also, make sure to adjust your door mirrors on the drivers and passenger side.
• Keep that windshield clean. Keeping your car clean isn't just about style. In the morning and evening, light reflecting off a dirty windshield can temporarily blind you while you're driving.
• Always check your blind spot. This is something I can't stress enough! Thoughtlessly changing lanes can lead to a dangerous situation, especially with smaller vehicles like motorcycles.
• Use your turn signals. Whether you're turning or changing lanes, you need to give the car behind you enough time to react.
• Be cautious for aggressive drivers. If you do encounter an angry driver, back off and give them space on the road. The best thing is to stay calm to avoid getting into an accident with this person, or another driver on the road.
• Don't use cruise control in the rain or snow. Using this feature during heavy rain, snow or ice can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Keep your hands on the wheel, and off your cell phone! Texting and driving has become the number one distraction for teens and adults. A text isn't worth anyone's life, and each time you take your eyes off the road, you put yourself and others at risk. Another reason to keep your eyes on your phone – you will get a ticket! According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 47 states have banned text messaging for drivers. If you get caught, you may get slapped with a big fine, and get points on your driving record. A good way to avoid this is to keep your phone in a place that you can't reach while you're driving.

For the first few weeks, it might be a good idea to have your teen start off with small trips that are less than five miles away. It will help build confidence, and allow them to get more comfortable with driving alone. If you're still nervous, there are other options you can look into, such as a GPS tracking device or smart phone apps that will monitor location and driving speeds. Plus, larger automakers have actually installed systems in their new models that allow parents to set limits on speed and drive time, so keep an eye out for those.
From everyone here at Foremost, good luck and safe driving!

Steve Donohue is a NH Car Insurance Teen Driver Specialist- see article about teen driving safety!

There’s nothing quite like driving a speedy, shiny classic car that turns heads and starts conversations. In fact, the beauty and elegance of old collectibles – like the 1964 Aston Martin DB5, the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray and the 1969 Dodge Charger – can be downright captivating.

If you don’t happen to own one of these timeless beauties, it may not mean you will never own a classic. In fact, there are many automobile aficionados and industry experts that predict we can expect a whole new generation of cars that will one day be bestowed the same level of prestige as, say, the 1969 Chevy Camaro.

If your curiosity is getting the better of you, Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company is offering you a peek at the 10 models predicted by CNET’s Car Tech editors as being the vintage cars of the future. Who knows, you just may own a classic after all.

1. Toyota Prius (first generation): Built from 1997 to 2003, sold in the U.S. from 2001 to 2003
2.  Honda Insight (first generation): Sold in the U.S. from 1999 to 2006
3. Toyota MR2 Spyder: Built from 1999 to 2007
4. Honda S2000: Built from 2000 to 2009
5. Scion xB: Offered from 2004 to 2006
6. Infiniti G35: Built from 2003 to 2006
7. BMW 335i/N54 3-series: Built from 2006 to 2010
8. Pontiac G8: Built from early 2008 to mid-2009
9. Dodge Magnum: Built 2004 to 2008
10. Chrysler 300C: Built 2005 to 2011

If any of the above-named vehicles is sitting in your garage, congratulations may be in order. And if not, it’s not too late to start checking the classified and used car lots. 

If you you drive a classic car today-- or if your car is a classic car of the future--- we at Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company are here to make sure you have it covered!

Contact us today at 603-882-2909. Get NH Classic Car Insurance Quote here now!

Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company specializes in NH Classic Car Insurance. We work with several insurers and offer coverage like stated value, flat bed towing and other important features that any god classic car insurance policy must have.

by car insurance agent  from Nashua, NH Stephen Donohue Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Co.

As a Nashua NH Car Insurance Agency we suggest a great tool for ANY DRIVER to download - the Wreck Check App offered by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners  for your smart phone.  

The  Wreck Check application is an online tool that will walk you through what steps you need to take in the event of an accident.

With this helpful smart phone app you can:

• Use GPS to document time and location of your accident
• Use audio recorder and camera to document the accident
• Create an accident report that you can email to yourself and your insurance company

An accident is an unfortunate experience - in a moment of stress like an accident it can be hard to remember or even think about what info is required or what to do. The handy app helps make it easier for you not to forget a key piece of information that may help you.

See links below for I Phone or Droid.

Oh, and if you are OLD SCHOOL see PDF Printable version that you can print and throw in your glove compartment just in case. (We include with Insurance Auto ID cards for our clients...!)

If you have questions about NH Car Insurance or need a Nashua NH Car Insurance Quote please call us today at 603-882-2909.

Atlantic Insurance is a car insurance agency located in Nashua, NH serving Manchester, Hudson, Londonderry,  Merrimack, Nashua, Hollis, and Pepperell, MA.

This is a blog post written by Kelsey Terschak of Foremost Insurance. Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company is a Foremost NH Motorcycle Insurance Agency located in Nashua, NH.

I remember getting the opportunity to ride on the back of my grandpa's motorcycle for the first time as a child. Traveling quickly and close to the ground without any walls or doors was such an exhilarating experience! I also remember the helmet that squished my cheeks right into my nose and eyes. At the time, I just giggled because I felt like a chipmunk, but now I understand better. That helmet was not suitable for the size of my head (which has always been pretty large) and wouldn't have protected me as well in an accident.
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Motorcycle helmets come in many different shapes and sizes because everyone has a unique noggin. Whether you like to hit the road with a sport bike or cruiser, scooter or moped; taking care of the most delicate part of your body is an essential part of preparation. Here’s a list of four things to consider when purchasing a DOT approved helmet:
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But wait, what's a DOT approved helmet?I'm so glad you asked! According to Leather Up, the Department of Transportation (DOT) assesses each helmet by placing it on a head form that's equipped with sensors. The helmeted head form is then dropped from a specific height onto a steel anvil, and the severity of the impact is recorded. These standards are important because they outline the minimum requirements all motorcycle helmets must meet, which has already saved countless lives. However, if you would like to get a helmet that has been tested impartially and will provide more protection, SNELL has you covered.

According to the CDC, more than 41% of operator and passenger fatalities could have been prevented with proper helmet usage.

1. Type of bike Adventure touring? Cruiser? Sport bike? Generally, adventure bikers prefer using modular helmets which allow you to raise the face shield, while cruiser riders enjoy a half-shell helmet and sport bike riders like a full face helmet that will provide great all-around protection.
2. Size/Shape of head There's more to a properly-fitted helmet than just one that can slide onto your head! Check out this article from Helmet Check for an in-depth description on how to determine your head shape, size, and preference.
3. Helmet features It's important to find a properly-fitted helmet so the three to four pounds of weight are distributed evenly around your head and shoulders to reduce neck strain. Consider also whether you would like additional features like integrated sunshade, wind reduction, and communication technology.
4. Price How much are you willing to pay? Generally speaking, price does not necessarily reflect quality or safety, but rather the materials used and the number of features. Good helmets can range anywhere between $40 and $900, so make sure you budget accordingly.

No matter what helmet you decide to wear, make sure you are wearing one, because your safety is number one!

For more articles written by Kelsey Terschak  please visit Foremost Insurance Blog Here.

Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company Nashua, Hudson, Manchester and Hollis New Hampshire's leading motorcycle insurance agency.