Only 2 inches of water can cost thousands of dollars in damages:
Immanuel Insurance Agency, located in convenient Barrington, NH, has been helping clients in New Hampshire for over two decades. We represent many leading insurance companies and provide the service you deserve. Remember, "every policy we sell comes with an agent!"
Best Value Cars
We all wonder what cars are the best value based on yearly operating cost. We have listed the top three cars below for each category.
Compact cost per mile (Consumer Reports)
Toyota Prius .47
Honda Fit .43
Scoin .50
Midsize
Subaru Legacy .59
Mazada6 .56
Honda Accord .54
Large Cars
Toyota Avalon .69
Nissan Maxima .77
Hyundai Azera .79
Small SUV's
Subaru Forester .59
Honda CRV .59
Mazda CX5 .63
Midsize SUV's
Nissan Murano .76
Hyundai Santa Fe .61
Honda Pilot .77
Pickups
Toyota Tundra .83
Nissan Titan .86
Ford F250 v8 1.16
When you read over the whole chart the cost range is .43 to 1.77 per mile. When I realize if I put on 12,000 miles per year my real cost for owning my car is 5,000 to 7,500 per year. Drive to the store 10 miles away and the real cost for travel is 5.00+.
Are there ways to reduce this cost? Yes!! Buy a good used car rather than a new car. Keep your car longer than 5 years. Do some of the maintenance work yourself. Just remember owning a vehicle is not cheap. Give it lots of TLC!
Most Expensive 2013 Vehicles To Insure
Mercedes-Benz drivers must have worked hard in the past year to
increase insurance claims costs and thus their auto insurance rates. Mercedes
models control half the list of the 20 “most expensive vehicles to insure” for
2013 models.
The 12-cylinder Mercedes-Benz
CL600 coupe earns the unenviable top spot for the highest national average car
insurance rates. AutoTrader.com notes the car’s “blistering acceleration.” The next sounds you hear
may be squealing brakes and cracking metal: Expensive claims have propelled the
CL600’s rates.
With an MSRP of about
$160,000 and an annual average insurance bill of $3,357 (and that’s for a good driver),
the CL600 is expensive driveway candy.
It could be worse. When we look at state-specific auto
insurance rates, we see that insuring an Audi R8 5.2 Quattro in Washington,
D.C., costs an average of $6,009.
The
table below shows the 2013 models with the highest insurance premiums.
Of
course, the most expensive vehicles for you to insure will depend on your
driving record and other personal information. The best way to find out
what you'll pay is to contact us for a quote before you buy.
Rank
|
Make & model
|
Cyl.
|
Avg. annual premium
|
1
|
Mercedes-Benz
CL600
|
12
|
$
3,357
|
2
|
Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG
|
12
|
$
3,330
|
3
|
Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG
|
8
|
$
3,221
|
4
|
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
|
12
|
$
3,207
|
5
|
Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG
|
8
|
$
3,184
|
6
|
Mercedes-Benz S600
|
12
|
$
3,158
|
7
|
Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
|
8
|
$
3,075
|
8
|
Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
|
8
|
$
2,978
|
9
|
Porsche 911 Turbo
|
6
|
$
2,958
|
10
|
Porsche 911 Turbo S
|
6
|
$
2,925
|
11
|
Porsche Panamera Turbo
|
8
|
$
2,912
|
12
|
Mercedes-Benz CL550
4Matic
|
8
|
$
2,897
|
13
|
Jaguar XKR
(convertible)
|
8
|
$
2,822
|
14
|
Jaguar XKR (coupe)
|
8
|
$
2,756
|
15
|
Jaguar XK
|
8
|
$
2,684
|
16
|
BMW 650i
|
8
|
$
2,681
|
17
|
Mercedes-Benz SL550
|
8
|
$
2,671
|
18
|
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
|
6
|
$
2,642
|
19
|
Mercedes-Benz S550
|
8
|
$
2,640
|
20
|
Porsche 911 Carrera S
|
6
|
$
2,626
|
Source -
Insure.com. - commissioned Quadrant Information Services to provide average
auto insurance rates for 2013 models. Averages were calculated using data from
six large carriers in 10 ZIP codes per state. Not all models were available,
especially exotic cars.
Averages
are based on insurance for a single 40-year-old male who commutes 12 miles to
work each day, with policy limits of 100/300/50 ($100,000 for injury liability
for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in an
accident) and a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage. This
hypothetical driver has a clean record and good credit. The rate includes
uninsured motorist coverage. Average rates are for comparative purposes.
Your own rate will depend on personal factors.
Least Expensive 2013 Vehicles To Insure
Discover which vehicles offer the most affordable insurance
premiums.
When you're enticed by a new car, it's easy to overlook
practical costs such as insurance premiums.
However, depending on the vehicle, these costs could add significantly
to what you spend.
For the 2013 model year, SUVs have edged out minivans as
low-premium leaders. Because more
families are choosing SUVs and crossovers for their around-town rides, safer
and more experienced drivers are often behind the wheel of these vehicles. Add safety and technology advancements, and
SUVs have become a good bet for insurance companies.
If you're looking to purchase, the table below shows the
2013 models getting high marks for low insurance premiums.
Of course, the least expensive vehicles for you to insure
will depend on your driving record and other personal information. The best way to find out what you'll pay is
to contact us for a quote before you buy.
Rank
|
Make & model
|
Cyl.
|
Avg. annual premium
|
1
|
Ford Edge SE
|
4
|
$
1,128
|
2
|
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Laredo
|
6
|
$
1,148
|
3
|
Subaru Outback 2.5i
Premium
|
4
|
$
1,150
|
4
|
Kia Sportage
|
4
|
$
1,157
|
5
|
Jeep Patriot Sport
|
4
|
$
1,160
|
6
|
Chevrolet Express 1500
|
8
|
$
1,171
|
7
|
Subaru Outback 3.6R
|
6
|
$
1,180
|
8
|
Hyundai Tucson GLS
|
4
|
$
1,189
|
9
|
Ford Explorer
|
6
|
$
1,197
|
10
|
Hyundai Tucson GL
|
4
|
$
1,204
|
11
|
Dodge Grand Caravan
SXT
|
6
|
$
1,206
|
12
|
Ford Transit Connect
XLT Premium
|
4
|
$
1,210
|
13
|
Chevrolet Equinox 1LT
|
4
|
$
1,210
|
14
|
Honda Odyssey EX-L
|
6
|
$
1,217
|
15
|
Jeep Compass Sport
|
4
|
$
1,217
|
16
|
Kia Sorento LX (2 WD)
|
6
|
$
1,222
|
17
|
Nissan Pathfinder S
|
6
|
$
1,224
|
18
|
Chevrolet Equinox 2LT
|
6
|
$
1,235
|
19
|
Honda Fit
|
4
|
$
1,235
|
20
|
Kia Sorento LX (4 WD)
|
4
|
$
1,237
|
Source - Insure.com.
- commissioned Quadrant Information Services to provide average auto insurance
rates for 2013 models. Averages were calculated using data from six large
carriers in 10 ZIP codes per state. Not all models were available, especially
exotic cars.
Averages
are based on insurance for a single 40-year-old male who commutes 12 miles to
work each day, with policy limits of 100/300/50 ($100,000 for injury liability
for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in an
accident) and a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage. This
hypothetical driver has a clean record and good credit. The rate includes
uninsured motorist coverage. Average rates are for comparative purposes.
Your own rate will depend on personal factors.
6 Ways To Plan For Aging
Elder
care planning can be emotionally exhausting, especially when coupled with a
health crisis. Estate planning, Medicare and health care planning are complex
legal issues and involve a number of different laws and regulations that vary
from state to state. The following information offers a general overview of the
subject.
- Start Planning Early - Most of the difficulties
families face while dealing with elder care planning are due to an
unexpected health crisis. Careful planning is extremely difficult when
there are urgent health care needs to be met. Discuss your wishes and
develop a plan for the future when everyone is healthy and of sound mind.
Click here to read an excellent article from the Mayo Clinic about the benefits
of early planning. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/long-term-care/HA00054
- Power of Attorney (POA) - A General Durable POA
can be an invaluable tool when you are no longer able to make important
financial and personal decisions. A POA grants an agent you select the
power to make those decisions for you. A POA cannot be legally executed if
the individual granting power is no longer mentally sound. It is vital to
have the document drafted and executed before issues arise. Also, make
sure you trust the individual you are granting power to under a POA. In
the wrong hands, a POA could allow an unprincipled agent to mismanage or
even steal assets. Read The 11 Things You MUST Know About a Power of
Attorney from LegalShield's newsletter by clicking here. http://www.legalshield.com/cp/newsletter/issue3_v2.html#Story3
- Medical POA - A medical or health care POA grants power
to an agent for medical decisions only. Discuss your medical wishes with
family members, your agent and doctors. Click here to read more about the
benefits of having a living will or medical POA. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/living-wills/HA00014
- Execute a Will - One of the most important ways to
protect your assets and wishes is to execute a will. You may download a
copy of the LegalShield Will Questionnaire. The questionnaire
is very useful but can not be sent to the Famme Law firm unless
you are a member of LegalShield. If you want more information
on this service please contact Immanuel Insurance http://www.frammelaw.com/index.php?page=legal-forms
- Medicare - Costs for prescription drugs, medical
equipment and nursing home or in-home healthcare can be extremely expensive.
Medicare may offer assistance, but it is important to understand income
and asset limits as well as any other eligibility requirements. Planning
before a costly health crisis will help protect your assets and ensure
coverage. Visit the Medicare website to learn more about coverage, find
forms and determine eligibility. http://www.medicare.gov/
- Nursing Home Care - The decision to enter assisted living or nursing home care is a difficult one. There are many issues to consider such as quality of care, cost and distance from loved ones. Nursing home contracts may also be complicated. Have one of our attorneys review contracts before you sign them. They can review the contract with you and discuss the details. The National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information offers details on planning and paying for long-term care. Click here to visit their website. http://www.longtermcare.gov/LTC/Main_Site/index.aspx
Important Steps to Protect Your Home or Business from Snow Loads & Ice Dams
Ice dams and roof snow removal
An ice dam can form when
water from melting snow re-freezes at the edge of your roofline. Without roof
snow removal, the ice dam may grow large enough to prevent water from draining
off the roof. The water can then back up underneath the roof shingles and make
its way inside your home
An ice dam has the potential to cause serious damage to both
your roof and the inside of your home. It is important to take the right steps
to protect your home from the risks associated with heavy snow and ice.
What is an ice dam?
An ice dam can form when
water from melting snow re-freezes at the edge of your roofline. Without roof
snow removal, the ice dam may grow large enough to prevent water from draining
off the roof. The water can then back up underneath the roof shingles and make
its way inside your home
Immediate steps you can take:
- Clear downspouts. An easy way to help snow and ice
drain off your roof is to make sure the area around your downspouts is
clear. This will make it possible for your gutters to drain when snow does
melt. It will also help prevent flooding when the snow and ice melts.
- Remove snow from your roof after every storm. Use a
roof rake to clear the first three to four feet of snow from your roof
immediately after each winter storm to prevent ice dams from forming.
While the amount of snow and ice that your roof can handle may vary
depending on a number of factors such as the roof type, age and condition
of the structure, a good rule of thumb is if there is more than a foot of
heavy, wet snow and ice on your roof, you should try to have it removed.
Longer-term prevention:
Ultimately, the best
prevention for ice dams is to eliminate the conditions that make it possible
for them to form in the first place.
- Insulate your attic. Make sure your attic is well
insulated to help prevent the melting-and-freezing cycle that causes ice
dams to form. Check and seal places where warm air could leak from your
house to the attic, including vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic
hatches and light fixtures.
- Install a water-repellent membrane. When replacing a
roof, make sure to install a water membrane underneath the shingles. This
acts as an extra barrier that helps prevent water from seeping inside the
building.
Removing snow from your roof
Clearing the first three
to four feet of snow from your roof immediately after each winter storm can
help prevent ice dams from forming.
- If you have a flat roof that is easily reached from an
interior stairway, you may want to shovel the roof. When de-icing,
remember to put safety first any time you are on a roof, especially one
that is covered in snow and ice. If you have any doubt, leave it to the
professionals.
- If you have a sloped roof, it may be possible to remove
the snow and ice using a roof rake, a long-handled tool designed
specifically for this purpose. Stand on the ground and pull as much of the
snow off the eaves as you can safely reach. It is not necessary to remove
all the snow; removing the first three to four feet of snow closest to the
gutters will help alleviate these issues.
- If you cannot reach the roof, many homebuilders,
landscaping and roofing contractors, and property maintenance companies
will remove snow and ice from roofs. Before hiring a contractor, Travelers
encourages you to check references. Always be sure your contractor is
insured and bonded.
We do not recommend
using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. This can be extremely dangerous and
is best left to professionals.
Removing ice dams
Just because an ice dam
is present does not necessarily mean water has penetrated the roof membrane.
However, it is always best to remove ice dams before they have the opportunity
to cause damage. To determine if you have damage, look for water stains or
moisture in the attic or around the tops of exterior walls on the top floor.
- If you can reach the roof safely, try to knock the ice
dam off with a roof rake, or cut a channel through the ice to allow
standing water to drain.
- If you cannot reach the roof safely, consider hiring a
contractor to remove it.
- Another method is to fill a nylon stocking with calcium
chloride ice melt and place it vertically across the ice dam so that it
melts a channel through the dam. If you try this method, make sure you can
safely position the ice melt on your roof, and make sure to use calcium
chloride, not rock salt. Rock salt will damage your roof. Also be aware
that shrubbery and plantings near the gutter or downspout may be damaged.
- Look carefully at large icicles. If the icicles are confined
to the gutters and there is no water trapped behind them, this does not
indicate the presence of an ice dam. However, large icicles can pose a
danger to people when they fall off. Try to safely knock the icicles off
from the ground, making sure not to stand directly beneath them. If you
cannot reach them safely from the ground, consider hiring a contractor to
help.
Generally speaking,
property owners are responsible for the cost of preventive maintenance.
However, each claim is unique, and coverage and claim decisions always require
an expert analysis by a licensed Claim professional. Keep in mind that the cost
of snow removal is likely to be considerably less than the cost of roof damage
or interior property damage caused by water leaks.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
-David Goodwin & the staff at Immanuel Insurance
Top 10 Home Insurance Myths
Here are 10 of the most commonly held myths related to home insurance:
MYTH #1: STANDARD HOME INSURANCE COVERS FLOOD DAMAGE.
Fact: Standard home insurance does NOT cover damage caused by a flood. If you feel that you need coverage for a flood you should purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
MYTH #2: THE MEDICAL PAYMENT PORTION OF MY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE WILL COVER INJURIES TO ME AND MY FAMILY.
Fact: MedPay, a common feature of standard home insurance policies, is there to protect you in the event that someone other than you or your family (a neighbor, friend, etc) gets hurt on your property and they do not want to sue you. MedPay will typically cover up to $1,000 for each covered claim to someone outside of your family. If you or your family, however, gets hurt on your property they are not covered by your home insurance policy.
MYTH #3: IF MY HOME IS EVER LOST, MY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL REIMBURSE ME FOR WHATEVER I TELL THEM I OWNED AT THE TIME OF LOSS.
Fact: In the event of a covered loss your home insurance company will ask you to make a list of everything you own and include specific details such as purchase price, date of purchase, serial numbers, etc. (Imagine trying to do this from memory!) The best way to avoid this situation is to have a home inventory already put together. Make sure to include photos, receipts, serial numbers and anything else that will help you prove ownership. Don't risk not having everything replaced in the event of a disaster. Make sure to keep your inventory in a fire proof safe or at a friend's house so it is still around when you need it!
MYTH #4: IF I FILE A HOME INSURANCE CLAIM, MY HOME INSURANCE PREMIUM WILL DEFINITELY GO UP.
Fact: While many home insurance companies do look at your claims history, there are many other factors that determine how much you will pay for home insurance. Filing one claim over a period of a few years might not increase your home insurance premium. To be on the safe side, always think twice before filing a claim for minor damages to your home. Consider your deductible. If the total cost of repair is not too much more than your deductible you might want to consider paying for the repairs yourself. While this might cost you more upfront, it might save you from an increased premium. If, because of a stroke of bad luck, you have to file multiple claims over a period of a few years and your premium is steadily increasing, rest assured there are other ways to save on your home insurance. Ask your home insurance agent about home insurance discounts. Sometimes simply installing a smoke or burglar alarm system; or by insuring your auto policy with the same company as your home policy, you can save a great deal of cash.
MYTH # 5 ALL OF MY VALUABLES- LIKE JEWELRY -WILL BE COVERED IN THE EVENT OF A BURGLARY.
Fact: There are limits on the amount of coverage you can receive for valuables such as jewelry, furs, etc. For example, most companies put a cap of $1500 on total jewelry lost during a burglary of your home. If you find that your jewelry values over $1500 you should talk to a home insurance agent and schedule an endorsement on your policy giving you additional coverage.
MYTH # 6: MY HOME INSURANCE COVERS MOLD AND/OR OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE.
Fact: Actually, a standard home insurance policy does not cover issues related to a lack of maintenance. For example if a plumbing leak that was left unfixed caused mold to grow in the interior walls of your home- mold removal and remediation would NOT be covered in your home insurance. Remember that your home insurance only protects you from damage caused by covered perils such as wind, hail, lightening, fire and theft. Keeping your home well maintained and safe for others is your responsibility and your home insurance company will decline coverage for maintenance related claims.
MYTH #7: FLOOD INSURANCE IS ONLY FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN A FLOOD ZONE.
Fact: Lending institutions, such as the bank that holds your mortgage, will require you to obtain flood insurance if you live in a standard Flood Zone. However, keep in mind that all homes are at risk for flood and standard home insurance policies do NOT cover flood related damage to your home. Due to the recent flooding in the Midwest the importance of this type of coverage for homeowners outside of a standard flood zone has become even more apparent. If your home is flooded and you do not have flood insurance you will be on your own to replace your home and its contents. Flood insurance is a wise idea for every homeowner.
MYTH #8: I WILL HAVE TO SKIMP ON MY COVERAGE IN ORDER TO SAVE MONEY ON MY HOME INSURANCE.
Fact: Saving on your home insurance does not mean that you have to give up important parts of your coverage. It is very important to always be adequately insured in the event of a loss. However, there are lots of ways that you can save money on your home insurance that do not involve changing your coverage. Home Insurance discounts are available for homeowners who use burglar alarms, smoke alarms, deadbolts and other protective devices. Want more savings? Ask your agent about combining your home insurance and your auto insurance policies- you can usually save up to 15% this way.
MYTH #9: WHEN DETERMINING MY COVERAGE, I SHOULD USE THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR MY HOUSE AS MY DWELLING COVERAGE AMOUNT.
Fact: A common mistake when homeowners are getting quotes for their home insurance is that they use the purchase price of their home to determine their dwelling coverage. Yet, the purchase price of your home includes the land under your home- which does not need to be replaced in the event of a fire or other peril to your home. For this reason, your dwelling coverage should always reflect the replacement cost of your home- or how much it would cost to rebuild your home in the event of a total loss. To determine this amount, multiple the sq. footage of your home by local construction costs.
MYTH #10: YOU CAN NOT BUY A HOME WITHOUT PURCHASING HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE.
Fact: This is a tricky one. Because while you actually CAN buy a home without home insurance (a lender may not require it or you may, although rare, pay cash for the home) you should still always have home insurance on any property you own. Whether a lender requires it or not, the risk is always there. It would only take one fire or lightening storm to destroy your home and leave you uncovered.