Coffey Insurance

Community Event!

2011-05-25T13:01:00.002-04:00

If you're looking for something to kick off your Memorial Day Weekend, check out Nashua High School South's spring concert started at 7pm at South, located at 36 Riverside Road off exit 5!

Involving nearly 300 students, the concert will consist of NHSS Concert Band, Freshmen Choir, Chorale, Concert Choir and Jazz Choir. Music and songs will be performed from a broad range of eras, including selections from the hit show "Glee!".

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students, and children under 5 are free, but a ticket must be obtained to reserve seating. All tickets are available at the door. For advance tickets and questions, you can contact South's music department at 603-589-8534.

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day Weekend.

Until next time...

Is your jewelry covered?

2011-05-23T14:58:00.003-04:00

When you purchase homeowners or renters insurance, your “stuff” is covered, like the house you own and your furniture and fixtures inside of it, but is everything covered?

One of the most important items people want covered in their homes is jewelry, and most assume that your personal property limit provides coverage for such. While the policy does provide a small amount of coverage (typically $1,500 on a standard policy) it rarely fulfils an amount high enough to cover everything.

Your homeowners policy can be endorsed in two ways to provide jewelry coverage. First, you can endorse a higher limit. This is the cheaper option, but there is a limit per item. For example, you might raise the jewelry limit to $5,000, but you can only claim $2,000 per item.

The second option is to “schedule” each piece of jewelry. Accompanied by an up to date appraisal, this is the best method to ensure that you’re insured. It can be a little more expensive, but you have the comfort of knowing that if something happened to Grandma’s diamond brooch, or that expensive engagement ring you’re hiding, that you’re covered.

Jewelry is only one of the many items that can be scheduled on your policy, and as always this is an important topic you should discuss with your agent at The Coffey Insurance Agency.

Until next time…

Community Event!

2011-05-18T12:27:00.002-04:00

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the annual Greek Food Festival at St. Phillip Greek Orthodox Church on Exit 5!

The festival runs May 20^th and 21^st from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is free parking, free shuttle service from nearby Stellos Stadium, and best of all, free admission! There will be plenty of excellent Greek food local families and businesses. Authentic music will be performed by the band Ta Pedia, and a dance performance by the Hellenic Dance Troupe!

If you’re looking for more information, you can find it on St Philip’s website!

Until next time…

From the Kitchen!

2011-05-17T10:30:00.005-04:00

On a gloomy day like this we have the perfect treat to share with you and make you think of summer! Today our yummy recipe for Key Lime Cupcakes comes from Bon Appetit!

Makes 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

Cupcakes

1 cup all purpose flour

3/4 cup self-rising flour

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 large eggs

2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon finely grated lime peel

1/4 teaspoon neon-green food coloring

3/4 cupe buttermilk

Frosting

1 8oz package cream cheese, room temperture

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperture

1 tablespoon finely grated lime peel

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350F. Line standard muffin pan with paper liners.

Whisk both flous in medium bow. Beat butter in large bowl until smooth. Add sugar; beat to blend. Beat in eggs 1 at a time, then next 3 ingredients (batter may look curdled). Beat in flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with buttermilk in 2 additions.

Spoon scant 1/3 cup batter into each liner. Bake until tester come out of center clean, about 20-25 minutes.

Frosting: Beat all ingredients in medium bowl until smooth. Spread over cupcakes!

We made these over the weekend and they were a big hit! We hope everyone at our house enjoys them too!

Until next time...

Snapshot from Progressive!

2011-05-16T14:04:00.003-04:00

You may have heard commercials or seen the ads on TV, but now The Coffey Insurance Agency is pleased to announce we’re now offering the Snapshot, or "Pay As You Drive" program from Progressive!

The Snapshot is a device that plugs into your car’s computer, and actually provides Progressive a “snapshot” of your driving habits. It tracks the number of miles you drive a day, what time of day you’re driving, and if and how often you make sudden stops. While your premium will never go up from the Snapshot, if your driving habits meet the Snapshot’s qualifications, you’ll be eligible for a discount. You can even login online to view your policy, track your driving habits and see your estimated discount. The best part is this is no cost to you!

If you want more information on this exciting new product, please give your agent a call at The Coffey Insurance Agency.

Until next time…

Today in History Fridays!

2011-05-13T12:49:00.001-04:00

On May 13^th in history...

1607 – 100 English colonists settled on the bank of the James River in Virginia, establishing Jamestown as the first permanent English colony in North America. The colonists traveled from England on three ships, the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, and were led by Captain John Smith.
1846 – President James Polk, with the approval of the U.S. Congress, declares war on Mexico over Texas. The war would last about two years, and would end with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which was signed February 2, 1848. The United States received California and New Mexico, and Mexico was paid $15 million.
1898 – The father of the light bulb, Thomas Edison, sues the American Mutoscope Company over a patent infringement on his Kinetograph movie camera. The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Edison did not invent the camera, but the system that moved the film through the camera. In 1909 he created the Motion Pictures Patents Corp. to block others from entering the industry, but the Supreme Court found this to be an unfair monopoly, dissolved the corporation and in 1918 Edison left the film industry for good.
1958 – Vice President Richard Nixon, while on a diplomatic visit to Latin America, has his car attacked by an angry crowd in Caracas, Venezuela. Windows were broken, and the car was nearly flipped over. President Eisenhower sent troops to Venezuela to protect Nixon, but there were no more attacks and Nixon left ahead of schedule.
1981 – Pope John Paul II is shot in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, but survives the attempted assassination. He was shot by Turkish terrorist Mehmet Ali Agca, who was an escaped fugitive for a previous murder. He was immediately captured, tried and sentenced to life in prison. However, due to changes in amnesty and penal codes, he was released in 2010.

Until next time...

Community Event!

2011-05-11T15:45:00.001-04:00

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out Seussical performed by the Peacock Players! The show starts May 13^th and runs through the 22^nd, with shows on the weekends. This family oriented show centers around Horton the Elephant and his friends and their adventures in the land of Suess!

The Peacock Players are located at 14 Court St in downtown Nashua, and this Keith Weirich directed play looks to be a lot of fun. For more information, visit their website here.

Until next time…

From the Kitchen!

2011-05-10T12:15:00.001-04:00

Today I thought I'd share what we had for our Mother's Day dessert we made a really easy and yummy strawberry pie! It's almost strawberry season so take note of this yummy recipe to make with some fresh picked strawberries!

Prep Time: 30 min

Total Time: 4 hours

Ingredients:

Crust

1 box Phillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box

Filling

6 cups fresh strawberries

1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup water

Topping

1 cup sweetened whipped cream

Directions

1. Heat oven to 450°F. Bake pie crust as directed on box for One-Crust Baked Shell, using 9-inch glass pie plate. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, crush enough strawberries to make 1 cup. In 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch; stir in crushed strawberries and water. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. If desired, stir in food color. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

3. Place remaining strawberries, whole or sliced, in cooled baked shell. Pour cooked strawberry mixture evenly over berries. Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours, before serving.

4. Just before serving, top pie with sweetened whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pie.

Enjoy!

Until next time...

The 411 on Condo Insurance!

2011-05-09T14:33:00.005-04:00

Homeowners insurance is fairly straight forward. It covers the structure, your contents, your liability, etc. But when it comes to a condo unit, what is covered?

Condos are covered by two policies. The first is the “master policy” which covers the building and common areas, such as roof, stairways, hallways, boilers, etc., as well as liability. The master policy does not provide coverage for your contents and possessions, as well as your personal liability.

Your policy covers your furniture, your possessions and your property that makes up your household. Just like a homeowners policy, some items are provided very limited coverage, and you need to purchase a “floater” to cover these items, like jewelry and fine arts.

There are some other important coverages you should consider, such as unit assessment, water back up and umbrella coverages. These important coverages can be discussed with your agent at The Coffey Insurance Agency.

Until next time…

Today in History!

2011-05-06T09:54:00.002-04:00

On May 6^th in history…

1876 – The most expensive piece of art sold (for its time), Duchess of Devonshire painted by Thomas Gainsborough is of Georgiana Spencer, an ancestor of Princess Diana was stolen a few weeks later from the Thomas Agnew & Sons art gallery by Adam Worth, the “Napoleon of Crime”. The painting was finally returned to England in 1901, and purchased by Wall Street financier J.P. Morgan for a reported $150,000.

1937 – German airship and pride of Nazi Germany Hindenburg explodes in Lakehurst, New Jersey as it is docking. The airship was 804 feet long and carried 36 passengers and 61 crewmembers. It fell 200 feet to the ground killing 13 passengers, 21 crewmen and 1 crewman on the ground.

1940 – Famous author John Steinbeck wins the Pulitzer Prize for his novel The Grapes of Wrath. The Californian author is also famous for his other novels Tortilla Flat (1935), Dubious Battle (1935) and Of Mice and Men (1937). He also penned the scripts for successful films like Forgotten Village (1941) and Viva Zapata (1952). Steinbeck won the Nobel Prize in 1962, and died in 1968.

1954 – Oxford University medical student Roger Bannister breaks the long unobtainable record, the four minute mile, completing the task in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds. Although his record would not stand for long, Bannister went on to win several track and field championships before focusing on medicine full time.

1994 – For the first time since the Ice Age, England and European mainland are connected thanks to the opening of the English rail tunnel under the English Channel. The “Chunnel” is under water for 23 miles, about 150 feet below the channel floor. Roughly 30,000 people travel a day in the Chunnel, by car, shuttle or freight train.

Until next time…

Community Event!

2011-05-04T12:57:00.002-04:00

Looking for something to do this weekend? Join the Souhegan Valley Rotary Club at Amsterdam Bar on Temple Street this Saturday from 1-5 for their first annual Kentucky Derby party!

The newest Rotary club in the area will be celebrating the 137th running with drink specials, appetizers, a hat contest and lots of great raffle prizes donated by local businesses. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit a local charity.

The Kentucky Derby is considered one of most popular races in Thoroughbred racing, and is labeled "the fastest two minutes in all of sports". The Kentucky Derby is also known as "the race for the roses" as a blanket of roses is draped over the winner, and is the first leg in the coveted Triple Crown of Thoroughbred racing.

Please learn more about this fun event by visiting the Facebook page and feel free to give us a call if you have any questions.

Until next time...

From the Kitchen!

2011-05-03T11:48:00.007-04:00

With all this nice weather I have been craving a yummy summer salad from Panera. My favorite the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is actually not out for the season yet...but I found a recipe online that you can make yourself at home!

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Ingredients

4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped

12 oz fat free poppyseed dressing (or sugar free, whichever suits you)
12 oz canned pineapple tidbits, drained
12 oz mandarin oranges, drained
12 oz fresh blueberries
12 oz fresh strawberries, halved
6 oz chopped pecans

Sliced chicken breast (optional)

Directions

Toss fruit with lettuce, add dressing, toss again, top with pecans.

Enjoy!

We hope you enjoy this salad...its so yummy and very healthy, you almost forget you are eatting a salad!

Until next time...

Happy May!

2011-05-02T15:24:00.003-04:00

Now that is seems spring is officially here, Winnie and Phinn would like to share some tips with you to help protect your home this spring!

Windows & Doors – When cleaning the glass on your windows and doors, check to make sure the locks are properly working, and the wood casings are not rotting out. Consider repairing screens and glass as necessary, and check locks on external doors as well.

Decks – If you’re like Winnie and Phinn, then you love hosting and entertaining guests on your patio and deck. Check to make sure all boards are screwed and nailed down, or if any paver stones need to be set back into place. It is also a good time to check your grill and make sure the hoses and tanks are connected properly.

Roof & Gutters – Check your roof and gutters and clean any debris you see. Spring rain and wind can cause loose shingles to blow off, and clogged gutters can collapse.

Toys – Clean your garage or basement, and inspect any toys your childen and guests might play with. Throw away anything worn or broken that could cause injury. Take a look at your playground equipment too and tighten any loose bolts or screws.

Do you have any other helpful spring tips to share? Let us know we would love to hear from you!

Until next time...

Dog Trick Thursday!

2011-04-28T17:33:00.001-04:00

Today is Thursday, and that means Dog Trick Thursday! A trick that is fun to teach your dog, but takes some time to practice is “roll over”.

Start by getting your dog in the “down” position. Once he is down, hold a treat in one hand, and with the other, gently push him to his side. When he is laying on his side, hold the treat near his nose, and move your hand to the side so his head follows. Where his nose goes, his body will follow. When he started to roll onto his back say “roll over” and give him the treat when he gets to his side.

This is a trick that takes some dedicated practice, but once your dog learns it, it is a fun trick to show off. Winnie and Phinn love “roll over” so much, we often find them rolling around in the yard by themselves!

Until next time…

Wedding Insurance

2011-04-27T16:16:00.001-04:00

With the Royal Wedding almost here, Winnie and Phinn thought it would be appropriate to share some information with you on wedding insurance!

Wedding (and other special event) insurance can be purchased to reimburse you for if the event is cancelled due to weather, death, illness and serious injury. The policy can also provide coverage for reimbursed costs such as the minister, florist or band does not show up.

Liability can also be purchased in case you end up being liable for property damage or injury due to your event. Additional endorsements can be purchased for the tuxes and gowns, and gifts and jewelry (like the wedding band!!)

The premiums are relatively cheap, ranging from $100 to $500 or so, and provide you with protection in case something causes your special day to be not so special.

Until next time…

Community Event!

2011-04-26T14:14:00.002-04:00

Looking for something to do this week? Stop into Gallery 263 at 263 Main Street in Nashua, where they are hosting ART IN BLOOM until the end of April. ART IN BLOOM is a collective art exhibit featuring many artists. Gallery 263 is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5pm, and its free to the public. 5% of sales will go to a children's charity.

Hurry up and get down to Gallery 263 before the end of the month, and view the wonderful pieces of art reflecting on the arrival of Spring!!

Until next time...

Boat Insurance

2011-04-25T14:32:00.006-04:00

Winnie and Phinn explained some coverages for motorcycles, but now that spring is here, there is another coverage that many people should have, and that is for their boats!

Many people are unaware that they need insurance on their boats and personal watercraft, and don’t have any. Winnie and Phinn would like to explain boat coverage to you and help you understand what is covered and where you can get coverage.

On a standard homeowner policy, there is typically between $1,000 and $1,500 for physical damage to the boat, motor and trailer. Liability is not included, but can be endorsed to the policy.

Often times, it is easier and relatively inexpensive to purchase a personal watercraft policy. This combines liability for property damage and bodily injury, as well as liability for your guests using your boat, medical expense payments to you and your passengers, and physical damage and theft coverage. Like automobile policies, valuation for the property is often on an actual cash value, meaning depreciation is taken into account, and the approximate market value is used in the event of a total loss. Agreed amount value can be used as well, meaning you and the company determines an agreed value for the boat. This is often times used in collector car policies as well.

If you visit the Insurance Information Institute (iii.org) you can find some safety tips, as well as tips to protecting and caring for your vessel.

We hope you have a nice Easter! Winnie and Phinn sure did!!

Until next time…

41st Earth Day!

2011-04-22T09:57:00.003-04:00

Today marks the 41^st Earth Day. Earth Day is an celebration of the environment movement and ecological awareness. Millions of Americans each year pledge to reduce, reuse and recycle, and participate in programs and rallies in their communities for the purpose of helping the environment.

In 1970, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day. “The objective was to get a nationwide demonstration of concern for the environment so large that it would shake the political establishment out of its lethargy, and, finally, force this issue permanently onto the national political agenda” Senator Nelson said. Senator Nelson’s wishes certainly came true, as in July of 1970 the Environmental Protection Agency was created to enforce pollution legislation, and Earth Day would become an annual event!

You can learn more about Earth Day by visiting the EPA’s site, and find out about events and ways to help in your community. Winnie and Phinn just love the outdoors, and want you to help out anyway you can! Until next time..

Dog Trick Thursday!

2011-04-21T14:27:00.002-04:00

Sometimes playing with your dogs gets them all wound up, and they need a reminder to calm down. Today, Winnie and Phinn are going to share the "crate" command, but you can also use "go to your spot" and "bed" as well.

First, hold a treat in your hand so they can smell it.
Direct them to the location.
Toss the treat on the bed or in the crate, and say “bed” or “crate” while releasing their collar.
Keep practicing until you no longer need the treat!

This is a fairly simple trick that will save you a lot of time when you need your puppy to go to their special area. Sometimes, without even saying it Winnie and Phinn need a little quite time to themselves, and we’ll find one of them snoozing away in the crate!

Until next time...

Community Event!

2011-04-20T13:27:00.007-04:00

Today we decided to share information on a Rabies Clinic for your pets in Hudson this Saturday April 23, 2011. The event is hosted by the Hudson Junior Woman's Club and Dr. Allen J. Conti of the Hudson Animal Hospital will be at the Hudson Animal Control Facility at 6 Constitution Dr. in Hudson from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm.

There is a fee of $10 per animal. A responsible adult must accompany every animal treated, and pets must be kept on a leash. For those owners residing in Hudson, a representative of the Town Clerk's office will be in attendance to provide dog licensing. All dogs owned by Hudson residents must be licensed by May 1, and a rabies vaccination certificate is required for licensing. The proceeds from this event will help to fund scholarships and other future projects planned by the Hudson Juniors to benefit the town and its citizens.

This is a great way to make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on their shots! No need to make an appointment just drop in! Winnie and Phinn are all set on their rabies shots!

Until next time...

From the Kitchen!

2011-04-19T11:51:00.009-04:00

With Easter around the corner we thought it would be fun to share a cookie we have made as an Easter treat for many years! Everyone in my house always looks forward to these!

Bird's Nest Cookies!

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

2 sticks butter or margarine, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 cups "M&M’s"®, Plain, Peanut, Almond or Crispy Chocolate Candies for Easter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Spread coconut on non-greased cookie sheet. Toast in oven, stirring occasionally, until it turns light golden, about 25 minutes.
Remove coconut from cookie sheet and set aside.

2. Increase oven temperature to 350°F. In large bowl, add butter and sugar & whip until light & fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla.

3. In medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Blend into creamed mixture.

4. Form dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Roll heavily into toasted coconut. Place coconut cookies 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets. Make indentation with thumb in center of each cookie.

5. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown. Remove cookies and cool completely. Fill indentations with "M&M’s"® Chocolate Candies for Easter.

We hope you enjoy these cookies! We are always open to trying out some new recipes so please share with us some favorites from your family!

Until next time...

Marathon Monday!

2011-04-17T19:53:00.015-04:00

Happy Monday and it's Marathon Day in Boston! We want to wish all the runners a great race!

This year there are runners from 67 different countries coming together to race in the 115th Boston Marathon! An estimated 500,000 spectators line the 26.2-mile course each Patriots’ Day to view the Marathon in person. According to the Greater Boston Convention & Visitor Bureau President and CEO, Patrick Moscaritolo, the Boston Marathon will bring 132.2 million in spending to the Greater Boston region. This year there are 26,923 official runners!

Check out this link for marathon updates and to search from someone you know running!

Until next time...

Today in History!

2011-04-15T12:11:00.009-04:00

It sure feels like spring is here for real now with this nice weather we have been having! We hope everyone has had a good work week and those taxes are in so you can relax this weekend!!

Time to take a break from your emails, phone calls and work to fill yourself in on a little history of today!

1865 – 9 hours after being shot by John Wilkes Booth, President Abraham Lincoln dies in Washington, D.C. His funeral was held on April 19^th, and he would later be buried in his hometown of Springfield, Illinois, two weeks later.

1912 – At 2:20 am, a little over two hours after striking an iceberg, the RMS Titanic split in two and sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Based on the protocol of “women and children first” 1,517 people went down with the ship as a result of insufficient lifeboats. In 1913, new regulations were created including an ice patrol to monitor icebergs in North Atlantic shipping lanes, as well as requiring ships to maintain a 24-hour radio watch.

1947 – At Age 28, Jack “Jackie” Roosevelt Robinson becomes the first African-American player to play in Major League Baseball, for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and breaking the more than 50 year old color barrier. After serving in the Army, the Negro League, Robinson would become a historic figure in baseball history. He helped the Dodgers win six National League pennants, one World Series, was voted an All-Star six times, won the N.L. MVP award in 1949, and was the inaugural N.L. Rookie of the Year in 1947. On April 15, 1997, 50 years after Robinson’s historic achievement, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig retired the “42” worn by Robinson, the first-ever number retired by all teams in the league.

1967 – Between 100,000 and 125,000 people march in parades in New York City to listen to speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Floyd McKissick, Stokely Carmichael and Dr. Benjamin Spoke, protesting the Vietnam War.

Until next time...

Dog Trick Thursday!

2011-04-14T14:51:00.002-04:00

Sometimes when you’re playing with your puppies, they get too aggressive and won’t let go! Phinn loves to play tug, and is quite strong. Today on Dog Trick Thursday, we’ll explain how to teach your dog to “drop it”!

First, make sure you have some treats. Next, throw a ball, or get a rope toy and have them put it in their mouth. When they come back to you, hold a treat in your closed fist and firmly say “drop it!” while holding the treat near their mouth. As soon as they smell the treat, the mouth should start to water and that toy will fall right out!

As with any trick, keep at it until you can say the command without the aid of a treat. Winnie and Phinn love sharing their favorite tricks with you and your four legged friend, so be sure to check back for more tips! If you have a trick you want us to share, feel free to leave us a comment!

Until next time...

Community Event!

2011-04-13T16:48:00.003-04:00

Get your children's picture taken with the Easter Bunny! From now until April 23rd, the Easter Bunny will be at the Pheasant Lane Mall! Located in the center near the Macy's entrance, kids have the chance to sit and get their picture taken. The Easter Bunny will be available Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday 12 to 6 pm! Visit the mall's website for more information!

Know of anything fun going on in the community that's coming up?? Let Winnie and Phinn know; they are always up for fun and looking for stuff to do!!

Until next time...

From the Kitchen!

2011-04-12T11:49:00.005-04:00

The awesome weather yesterday had us thinking about and craving some yummy summer desserts! We decided to share one of our favorites!

Triple-Berry Trifle!

Prep Time- 15 minutes

Total Time- 3 Hours

Servings- 12

Ingredients:

1 box of white cake mix (water, vegtable oil, & eggs whites called for in mix)

1 pint blueberries

1 pint raspberries

1 pint strawberries, halved

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup raspberry-flavored liqueur or use cranberry-raspberry juice

1 cup whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Make cake as directed on box for 13x9 pan. Run knife around sides to loosen cake. Cool completely about 1 hour.

2. While cake cools in medium bowl gently mix berries, sugar, and raspberry liqueur.

3. In chilled large bowl, beat whipping cream and powdered sugar with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

4. Cut cake into 1 inch pieces. In glass trifle arrange half the pieces, Spoon half of the berry mixture over the cake, top with half of the whipped cream. Repeat layers. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

This is a great dessert to share with a crowd and very refreshing on hot days! Enjoy!

Until next time...

Motorcycle Insurance

2011-04-11T14:49:00.006-04:00

Springtime is here, and motorcycles are out and about! Just like your auto insurance, you should consider purchasing a policy for your motorcycle as well.

A motorcycle policy has coverages similar to an auto policy, but tailored for your 2 wheeled vehicle.

· Liability Coverage – This coverage protects against bodily injury and property damage that you cause. In New Hampshire this is called “split limits”, meaning there are separate limits for bodily injury and property damage. You may see “Bodily injury: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident, property damage: $100,000” on your declarations page. This means that in an accident, there are limits, or the total amount that will be paid for injuries or damage caused by your motorcycle.

· Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – This limit has the same “split limits” as whatever you have chosen for your liability coverage, but it protects you in the event another driver causes injury or damage to you or your motorcycle, and either doesn’t have any coverage, or inadequate coverage limits to cover the incurred expenses.

· Comprehensive Coverage – This coverage protects your bike itself form damages that are caused by a loss other than collision. This includes fire, theft and vandalism. The insurance company pays for the damage, minus your deductible to repair the motorcycle, and covers is on an Actual Cash Value basis.

· Collision Coverage – Collision coverage protects your motorcycle from you getting into an accident (colliding) with another object. Like the comprehensive section, the company pays the damages minus your deductible, on an Actual Cash Value basis. Both of these coverages cover only standard, factory equipment, so it is important to discuss any customized equipment or accessories you have added to make sure they are covered as well.

Motorcycles are a fun and enjoyable way of getting around, but it is important to be safe at all times. Both those who own motorcycles, and those who do not need to be aware of each other, and respect and share the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov) 47% of all fatal motorcycle accidents in 2008 were caused by collision with another vehicle.

Please be safe, wear a helmet and enjoy the ride! As always, this is an important coverage you should discuss with your agent at Coffey Insurance.

Until next time…

Today in History!

2011-04-08T11:45:00.011-04:00

Happy Friday! It's sunny, warm & woohoo it's the Red Sox home opener!

Today we have our #1 secretary on the phones at 2 Wellman Ave! So feel free to give Winnie a call to help you with any insurance questions!

And now our interesting facts of today in history!

563 BC – Buddhists celebrate the birth of their religious icon, Gautama Buddha.

1974 – Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves broke Babe Ruth’s record of 714 home runs by hitting his 715^th career homer. He hit this legendary shot in the 4^th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers off pitcher Al Downing. Aaron would retire in 1976 with 755 career home runs.

1990 – ABC’s highly anticipated drama Twin Peaks debuted on the network. It set record ratings over the course of the season, and was nominated for eight Emmys, winning two. The second season faired well in the ratings in the beginning, but eventually was pulled from the air due to deteriorating quality.

1994 – Legendary Grunge rock band Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain is found dead in his home in Seattle, by apparent suicide.

2005 – Eric Rudolph, the man behind the 1996 Atlanta Olympic bombing and a string of several other bombings, agrees to plead guilty. He would be sentenced to four consecutive life terms in a federal prison in Colorado.

Until next time...

Tips for Spring Cleanups!

2011-04-07T15:08:00.002-04:00

Hopefully we’ve seen the last of old man winter. As the weather continues to get nicer and warmer, it’s time to start thinking spring and get that spring cleaning done.

Winnie and Phinn want to share some ideas from SparkPeople on spring tips! (http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1073)

Reevaluate you cleaning products. Lots of cleaning products have toxic chemicals that can be more harmful to the environment then what you’re cleaning! Try looking into products by Seventh Generation, Biokleen, or other companies that are “nature friendly”. You can also make your own supplies as well! (Maybe put the link in here, because it lists the “recipes”)
Add some green around the house. Plants can help purify the air in your house! Consider planting a few small plants like English Ivy, Spider Plants or Peace Lilies in rooms you spend the most time in.
Air Dry your laundry. Even with EnergyStar and other energy efficient driers, consider hang-drying some of your laundry, especially sheets, comforters and other larger items. Not only will this help cut down on energy costs, but you’ll also cut down on pollution, extend the life of your clothes and get a fresh spring air scent as well!
Cut down on paper towels. Most people clean out their closets and dressers in the spring. Donate some clothes to places like Salvation Army and Good Will, but keep some items like t-shirts and turn them into rags. You’ll cut down on paper waste, and will have reusable clothes to cut back on expenses.
Invest in a reusable mop. Swifer pads make life easy, you just mop and toss. However, they can get expense, and are wasteful. Consider spending a little extra on a reusable mop, preferably one that is absorbent and can be machine washed. It will save you in the long run.

Hopefully these tips will help you get in the mood for spring cleaning and no more snow! Until next time…

Community Event!

2011-04-06T12:16:00.005-04:00

Any plans for the weekend? We have a community event in Nashua to share with you! Starting tomorrow the Nashua Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the "Giant Carnival" at Holman Stadium, 67 Amherst Street. The fun starts 4/7/2011 and runs through 4/17/2011 so there are plenty of days for you to stop in for the fun of rides and games!

Check out this link for more information on the carnival itself and if you "like" fiesta shows on facebook you can get an extra coupon! Bonus!

Have anything fun going on in the community that's coming up soon?? Let Winnie and Phinn know they are always up for fun and looking for stuff to do!!

Until next time...

From the Kitchen!

2011-04-05T09:52:00.009-04:00

Today we have a very simple dinner and/or appetizer recipe to share! These "Easy Pizzettes" are the perfect thing to make during the week on a busy night or a great crowd pleaser you coud bring to a party.

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 16

Ingredients:

1 cup pizza sauce

8 English muffins, split, toasted

2 cups shredded provolone cheese (8 oz)

Assorted toppings, such as sliced peppers,

sliced red onion, olives & mushrooms (2/3 cup each)

1. Heat oven to 425 F. Spread 1 tablespoon pizza sauce over each English muffin half. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon shredded cheese. Arrange the toppings on pizzas and sprinkle each with remainig cheese.

2. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted!

Enjoy!!

Until next time...

Sometimes Accidents Happen...

2011-04-04T12:50:00.007-04:00

As careful of a driver as you are, and as slow as you drive, unfortunately, accidents do happen. Winnie and Phinn are more than happy to give you tips on protecting your car and helpful safety ideas, but today they wanted to give you some pointers on what to do after an accident.

Stop your car and see if there are any injuries. Remember, you shouldn’t move your car after any accident, but make sure you’re clear of danger from oncoming traffic.
Call the police and tell them where the accident is, and if there are any injuries.
Call a tow truck, and take steps to protect your car from more damage, and let other drivers know that you’re in an accident. Most roadside kits you can purchase contain road flares or reflective emergency signs.
Ask the police for a copy of the accident report. This often times can help expedite the claims process.
Gather information from the other driver. Important information you’ll need is:

Name and address of the driver (and owner, if the driver does not own the vehicle) as well as any passengers
Year make and model of the vehicle
License plate numbers
Driver’s license numbers
Insurance carrier & agent

If you have an accident with an object or a parked car, try to find the owner. If you cannot locate them, leave a note with your name, address and a contact number. Keep details of the accident handy for when they call you.

As always, your agent at Coffey Insurance will help you through every step of the claims process to help you out in this unfortunate situation!

Until next time...

Today in History!

2011-03-31T12:20:00.010-04:00

Happy Friday and Happy April Fool's Day! It looks like Mother Nature played the biggest trick on all of us here in New England today with this snow! Just as I had put my snow boots and heavy coat away last weekend time to drag them back out again...hopefully for the last time! You just truly never know with NE weather...at least the spring snow melts fairly quick!

Well since it is Friday that means time for our facts!

1700 – The April Fools Day tradition becomes popular with young English children playing pranks on each other. Historians also believe there are several other reasons why this day became known for pranks and tricks, including in 1582 when the French changed from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, and people who still thought the end of March was the end of the year were teased and pranked for being “foolish”.

1789 – The first U.S. House of Representatives, meeting in New York City, elect their first speaker of the house, Pennsylvania Representative Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg.

1946 – A massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Alaska triggered a devastating tsunami which caused extensive damage on the Hawaiian islands and claimed the lives of 159 people.

1984 – The “Prince of Motown” Marvin Gaye was shot and killed by his father, one day before his 45^th birthday.

1985 – The Villanova Wildcats complete one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history, beating the Georgetown Hoyas 66-64 for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship!

Hope you all have some exciting plans this weekend!

Until next time...

Dog Trick Thursday!

2011-03-31T12:15:00.008-04:00

We hope all you New England dog owners have taken advantage of the spring weather these last fews days and taken your doggies out for nice walks! It looks like Winnie and Phinn will be having a snow day tomorrow so we are letting them run around and burn off lots of energy today!

We taught Winnie and Phinn the trick of "crawling" a while back in puppy class and we gave them a refresher on it last night. They will really do anything for a treat!

Here's what you do to teach your dog! First, you need to get your dog in the sit position. Once he is sitting nicely, have him lie down. Make sure he stays.

The next part is a bit tricky, and if your dog is anything like Winnie and Phinn, you’re going to need some patience. Phinn just wanted to eat the snack and give you a lick to say thanks!

When you have them laying down, hold the treat in your fist closed up, and put it by their nose. Now you’ve got his attention! Kneeling down, hold your fist a few inches from his nose, and slowly drag you hand along the ground. Sometimes you might have to gently place your hand on his back to remind him to stay on the ground. Now as you pull your hand away, and he starts to “crawl”, praise him with a “good boy!” and give him the treat! It’s going to take some practice, but with clear instructions and lots of praise and patience, and your puppy will be “crawling” just like Winnie and Phinn!

Let us know how the trick training goes with your dogs!

Until next time...

Insurance for Pets in Cars

2011-03-30T10:35:00.009-04:00

As you can certainly tell from reading this blog, we are huge dog lovers! Winnie and Phinn love to give helpful tips and share insurance knowledge, but one thing they haven’t done is explain what would happen to them if they were injured while riding in the car. Is your pet covered by your insurance if they needed veterinarian care?

Here's a picture of Winnie getting ready to leave on vacation with us.

Previously, unless you purchased separate pet insurance, any injuries or veterinarian bills would be paid out of pocket. However, due to increased consumer demand, several carriers have broadened the coverage provided on their personal auto forms to include injuries and costs incurred with pets.

Depending on your carrier if you’re traveling and you get into an accident, vet bills up to $1,000 will be paid for from your policy. Also, if a “comprehensive” loss happens (other than collision) like fire, theft or glass breakage, any injuries to your pet are covered, again up to $1,000.

We love taking Winnie and Phinn for car rides with us, and it is comforting to know they are protected too! Again, this is an important question that should be discussed with your agent at Coffey Insurance to see if you have the coverage, and if it can be provided.

Until next time...

From the Kitchen!

2011-03-29T12:06:00.012-04:00

Looking for a new dinner idea tonight? Try this delicious recipe we found on BettyCrocker.com for Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken Breasts. It is super easy and a great healthy dinner paired with a side salad!

Total Time: 35 min

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves

(You can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves instead of fresh thyme)

1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon peel

2 teaspoons garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lbs)

1. Heat the grill and prepare for grilling

2. In a small bowl mix all ingredients except chicken. Sprinkle mixture over chicken

3. Cover and grill chicken, medium high heat 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut. Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired.

Enjoy!

Until next time...

Flood Insurance!

2011-03-28T12:22:00.018-04:00

Flood Insurance...Do you have it? Do you need it?

With March coming to an end and "April showers" around the corner now is a good time to make sure you have coverage for flooding. Living in New England we never know how wet of a spring we will actually have so it a good idea to be prepared! Winnie and Phinn hate too many rainy days in a row the yard gets all soggy and they can't run around in the mud!

Here's a picture of Winnie relaxing after running around the yard on a nice spring day!

It is important to know flood coverage is not included in your homeowner’s policy. Water backing up from your sewer or drains can be added as an endorsement, but surface water flooding has to be purchased from surplus carriers or the National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP).

Regardless of your dwelling limits, the NFIP plan provides up to $250,000 for the building and up to $100,000 for contents. The building is valued on replacement cost (no depreciation) but the contents are valued on actual cash value (depreciation is taken into account). Separate limits are included for contents that might be stored in your basement or below ground.

If you live in a predetermined flood zone, you’ll be required to purchase a flood policy. Mortgage companies also will require it in other zones as well. Even if you don’t live near a river or major body of water, this is an important coverage you should consider with melting snow.

If you require limits above and beyond what is provided by the NFIP, you can purchase excess flood coverage to have higher limits. As always, this is an important coverage that should be discussed with your agent at Coffey Insurance!

Until next time...

Today in History!

2011-03-25T13:10:00.009-04:00

On March 25th in history...

1996 - The US issued the newly-redesigned $100 bill
1982 - Wayne Gretzky became the 1^st NHL to score 200 points in a season
1967 - “My Fair Lady” opened at St. James Theater in NYC for 384 performances
1971 - Boston Patriots became the New England Patriots!
1965 - Martin Luther King led 25,000 to state capitol Montgomery, Alabama
1954 - RCA manufactured the 1^st color TV set, a 12-inch screen that sold for $1000!

Happy Friday! We hope you have a nice weekend! Don't forget if you are looking for something to do, check out the Home and Garden Show at UNH!

Until next time...

Dog Trick Thursday!

2011-03-24T14:44:00.009-04:00

As the official greeters of Coffey Insurance, Winnie and Phinn would like to share with you their second favorite way of saying hello, shaking! (second to licks!)

To teach your dog how to shake, start by getting your dog to sit down. You can then bend down or kneel in front of him and touch the leg you want him to lift. An easy trick is to touch the shoulder muscle, and the paw will lift slightly.

As soon as the paw lifts, place your hand under the paw and lift the leg up and down gently in a shaking motion, while using the command “shake” or “shake a paw”. As this comes naturally to dogs, it won’t take much motivation (treats!) to get your dog to start shaking.

A fun twist to throw on is having your dog “wave”. When the dog can shake confidently on his own, you can step back and he will paw at the air waiting for your hand. You can add the “wave” command, and reward him. Lots of times during dinner, Phinn will wave at us, hoping we’ll drop some, but we just wave right back!

We hope you have fun bonding with your four legged friend while teaching them this trick and come visit Winnie and Phinn at Coffey Insurance they love to "shake" after lots of hello licks of course!

Until next time...

Caesar Burgers!

2011-03-23T20:32:00.007-04:00

So did anyone out there try our recipe for the Caesar burgers? Winnie and Phinn took over as grill masters last night and whipped them up at our house!

To add a little spin on the recipe Winnie and Phinn decided to serve up the burgers up on a slice of toasted baguette and a side of sauteed yellow squash. They were so yummy!! Who says you can't grill in March?? Here are some pictures of the dinner and feel free to share how the burgers worked out at your house!

Until next time...

Community Event!

2011-03-23T09:16:00.009-04:00

Happy Wednesday!

Ok we are halfway through the workweek…so time to start thinking about the weekend plans, right?! (haha it’s never too early to have the weekend in mind!)

This weekend at the UNH Whittemore Arena in Durham, NH is the 17^th Annual Seacoast Home and Garden Show. It is Saturday March 26^th from 10-6 & Sunday March 27^th from 10-4. Admission is only $8 for adults and if you check the show’s website there is a coupon for $2 off an adult admission!

http://www.homegardenflowershow.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=seacoast.home

It is a great local show to walk around and get ideas for things to do in your own yard this season. There are over 200 exhibitors so it is the perfect opportunity to meet local businesses and see examples of their work. This year there is an emphasis on updating in an eco-friendly manner. UNH will also have their Annual Greenhouse Open House for tours, plant sales, and informational displays.

I saw a few chances for snow on the extended forecast so escaping to see some beautiful flowers and get my mind thinking about spring projects in the yard will be perfect this weekend!

Until next time…

From the Kitchen!

2011-03-22T10:43:00.014-04:00

All the mild weather last week had us grillin' again and we have a wonderful backyard barbeque recipe to share with you from BettyCrocker.com!

Grilled Onion-Topped Caesar Burgers...yum! Winnie and Phinn's mouths water when we fire the grill up!

Bottled Caesar dressing in and all around the burgers is the flavor secret to this great grilled burger

Total Time: 30 min

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup Caesar dressing

1/2 teaspoon peppered seasoned salt

1 small sweet onion, cut into 1/4-to 1/2 inch slices

1 1/2 cups shredded romaine lettuce

2 tablespoons freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

4 burger buns, split

1. Heat gas or charcoal grill. In medium bowl, mix beef, parsley, 2 tablespoons of the dressing and the peppered seasoned salt. Shape mixture into 4 patties, about 1/2 inch thick.

2. Place patties on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160ºF. Add onion slices to grill for last 8 to 10 minutes of cooking, brushing with 2 tablespoons of the dressing and turning once, until crisp-tender.

3. In small bowl, toss lettuce, remaining 1/4 cup dressing and the cheese. Layer lettuce mixture, burger and onion in each bun.

Enjoy!

Until next time...

Renter's Insurance -- What is it, do I need it, and is my roommate covered?

2011-03-21T16:02:00.005-04:00

An alternative to owning your own home is to rent one. It can be a great way to save money towards the future purchase of a home. A typical insurance question that comes up often is do I need insurance as a renter? Also people are curious as to what exactly does the insurance cover, and if their roommate is automatically covered under the policy?

A landlord’s policy typically covers the structural damage to the unit and any liability that arises out of their duties as a landlord. For instance, if they are responsible for maintenance around the property and you get hurt, or the roof caves in, the landlord’s policy would cover this. However, your personal belongings, as well as any liability you assume would NOT be covered under their policy.

A renters policy is a relatively inexpensive policy that provides coverage for your items and liability. Your furniture, electronic equipment, clothes, etc are all protected, as well as if your dog bites someone when they are in your home. (Winnie and Phinn would never do this!) You’re also protected if your negligent and cause damage to the property (fire, water damage, etc) your policy will pay to repair the property.

As far as roommates… the answer we would recommend is to have your roommate purchase his or her own policy, so their “stuff” and liability is covered on their end. You could have them listed on your policy, but it is better they purchase their own. As always, Winnie and Phinn are happy to help explain this to you, but you should always talk to your agent at The Coffey Insurance Agency to discuss the coverage a renter’s policy provides in more detail.

Until next time...

Today in History Fridays!

2011-03-18T10:26:00.007-04:00

Winnie and Phinn would like to announce the start of “Today in History Fridays”, a fun, quick history lesson!

On March 18^th in history…

1852 – Henry Wells & William G. Fargo begin their company, Wells Fargo & Company
1766 – British Parliament repealed the Stamp Act in the American colonies
1837 – Future American President Grover Cleveland is born in Caldwell, NJ
2002 – After an unfortunate fatal accident at a hockey game, the NHL changed rules to include a net behind each goal to prevent pucks flying into the stands.
1925 – The “Tri-State Tornado”, the worst tornado in American history touches down in the Midwest, causing $17,000,000 in property damage and claiming the lives of 695 people.
1932 – In Shillington, PA, famous Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Updike is born. His literary works include contributions to the New Yorker, as well as novels Rabbit, Run, Rabbit is Rich, and Rabbit at Rest.

We hope that you will check back in with us every week for some interesting facts you can share!

Enjoy your weekend and this beautiful spring like weather today!

Until next time…

Workers' Compensation - Do I need it?

2011-03-15T13:07:00.003-04:00

When you buy a house or a car, one of the first things that comes to mind is purchasing insurance to protect the asset. Included in the insurance is liability coverage to protect against lawsuits for bodily injury or damage that you could cause.

Your business is an asset too and insurance is purchased to protect inventory and business income. The insurance also protects from lawsuits that could come from customers and clients. While focusing on your clients, you might overlook your employees. What if one of them were to get hurt, would your business insurance cover this?

The answer is no. Your business insurance (also known as a package policy or a businessowners’ policy [BOP]) would not protect against workplace injuries. A separate policy must be purchased, known as workers compensation.

This policy provides three sections, 3A, 3B, and 3C. 3A provides medical and disability payments mandated by the state (or states) listed on the policy. The policy also provides lost wages and salaries depending on how long the employee is out of work. 3B provides coverage for if your employee sues you due to negligence on your part (but they can’t collect workers’ comp if they lose the suit) and 3C provides coverage in other states.

Workers’ compensation is a complicated yet important coverage that all businesses should have. As always, you should call your agent at Coffey Insurance to discuss your workers’ compensation policies, and the coverage it provides.

Until next time….

What's a Deductible?

2011-03-11T14:45:00.002-05:00

When you look at your policy, you’ll notice that next to the coverage limit, there is a “deductible”. You may be unaware of what a deductible is, so Winnie and Phinn are here to explain what exactly this word means, and how it works with your policy!

In addition to your monthly premium, which pays for the insurance contract between the insurance carrier and you, you also have a “deductible” that you pay when you have a loss. When a claim is placed, the insurance company will pay to repair or replace the damaged property, but they’re not going to pay the full amount. The deductible is the amount that you pay out of pocket to eat some of the cost of the claim. For example, if you a fire that causes $100,000 worth of damage in your home, and your policy deductible is $500, the company would pay for $99,500 to repair your home. ($100,000 - $500 deductible).

Deductibles are also found in your auto policy as well for the comprehensive and collision sections. Typically the comprehensive deductible is slightly lower than the collision deductible. The higher you make your deductible, the lower your annual premium payment will be, since you are essentially paying for more of the claim.

Deductibles can also be found in business and liability policies. These can be a little more difficult to explain, but hopefully Winnie and Phinn have given you an idea of what this term means, and what it does for your policy. As always, you should call your agent at The Coffey Insurance Agency to discuss your deductible, and if you have any more questions regarding it. Until next time…

Going on vacation?

2011-02-28T17:04:00.004-05:00

With kids home for February vacation week, many families are taking trips. Although Winnie and Phinn aren’t going anywhere this break, they do have some tips to help protect your home while you’re away!

Keep the fact you’re going away to a minimum. With social network sites like Facebook, Twitter (and even blogs!) sharing information with the world, it may not just be your friends who know when you are leaving.
Consider purchasing some light timers. They are very inexpensive at home improvement stores and allow you to program your lights while you’re away. Putting them in rooms that face the road, or in areas that are easily seen from outside will give the impression that someone is home.
Leave a car in the driveway. Leaving a car in the driveway will also give the impression that someone is home.
Have a neighbor or friend clear snow from your car and walkways. Plus having them pull in your driveway will look like someone is coming and going to your house.
Have someone collect the mail or ask the post office to hold your mail. Nothing says “I’m not home” like a paper and mail box overflowing.
If you are going away for an extended trip, it might be a good idea to turn your water off. Especially with all the cold weather we have had lately, you don’t want to come home to burst pipes.
Hide any valuable items like jewelry or expensive electronics. Consider a safe deposit box.
Unplug any appliances. They could become a fire hazard if you’re not around.
Don’t forget to arrange pet care! Winnie and Phinn might not be able to go with you, but they still need love and attention when you’re gone.

Vacations are meant to relax and enjoy and if you follow these helpful tips time won’t be wasted worrying about your home while you are gone. Winnie and Phinn are jealous but they will be enjoying their “staycation” and have plenty of playtime in the snow.

Until next time…

Do you have your umbrella?

2011-02-24T13:27:00.003-05:00

With all this wild New England weather we’re having, do you have an umbrella? No, not the umbrella to protect you from getting wet, an liability umbrella!

Whatever policy you purchase, whether it is a homeowners, personal auto, or even your business insurance, should contain a liability section. This limit provides coverage for bodily injury, personal injury or property damage. Typical limits on a homeowners policy are $300,000, and for automobile a split limit of $100,000/$300,000. (Winnie and Phinn will explain split limits in another post!) Although these limits seem like quite a lot of money, if you have a catastrophic accident, you’ll be surprised how quickly this money can be spent.

An umbrella policy provides excess limits in addition to your primary policies. The lowest umbrella you can get is $1,000,000, and you can buy limits higher if you’d like. This policy steps in if your primary, or “underlying” limits are exhausted. If you have $500,000, and have $700,000 in losses, the umbrella would drop down to provide that additional $200,000. The only cost that you would pay out of pocket would be the deductible for this policy, which is typically $250.

Winnie and Phinn hope they’ve explained a little bit better what an umbrella is, and the protection it provides, however they still suggest you call Coffey Insurance today if you have any questions!

Until next time…

Old man winter strikes again...

2011-02-21T11:43:00.011-05:00

With the light snow flurry this morning it seemed appropriate to discuss the safety measures you can take for your home in the winter. Here in New England we certainly aren’t out of the woods yet for more snow this winter and usually towards the end of winter when spring is around the corner we experience many short “thaws”. Similar to the weather we had last week when we were able to enjoy a few days in the mid 50’s! It was perfect weather to chop up and get rid of that ice that has been frozen solid for weeks! However it is the freezing, thawing and refreezing cycle that can cause problems with your home. Winter is an important time of the year to make sure you are taking the proper measures to winterize your property and keep it safe to avoid insurance losses. Below Winnie and Phinn are going to share with you some simple and important steps you can take at home.

Winnie and Phinn love the snow!! I think they miss being able to tear around the yard and roll in the nice green grass but that doesn’t stop them from jumping in the snow banks and eating all that fluffy “white stuff” :)

Here are a few photos of them enjoying the snow!

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III.org), Winnie and Phinn thought these were helpful winter tips they would like to share to help protect you and your property:

· Clear the walkways and entrances of your home from snow and ice to ensure the safety of yourself and guests.

· Watch for ice dams near gutter downspouts. It is important to keep gutters clean of leaves and debris so melting snow can flow freely. Ice dams can cause water problems inside your house.

· Heat your house to a minimum of 65 degrees. Remember the temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is much colder than the temperature inside your home.

· Identify the location for the main water shutoff in your home. Find out how it works in case you have to use it.

· If you have an attached garage it is a good idea to keep the garage doors closed for extra insulation.

· Check your yard for ice build up on tree limbs, watch for dead, damaged or dangerous branches that could break and fall because of ice, snow or wind and damage your house, a car, or injure someone walking near your property.

· Use caution with fireplaces, wood stoves and electric heaters, watch them closely and make sure they are working properly.

· Going on vacation? Ask a neighbor to check the house regularly. If there is a problem with frozen pipes or water leakage, attending to it quickly could mean far less damage.

· If you plan to be away for an extended period of time, have the water system drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting.

Most homeowners policies cover damage from frozen pipes and ice dams. If have any questions regarding your policy and/or coverage please feel free to ask your agent at Coffey Insurance. It is important to make sure you understand your coverage.

In the event of a loss caused by anything mentioned above, the most important thing is to call The Coffey Insurance Agency as soon as possible. Our agency can help you set up the claim, as well as help you understand the claim process and act as your contact with the company. With our team working hard with the claims department of your carrier, we can help ensure that your claim will be handled quickly, correctly, and with as little hassle as possible.

Well Winnie and Phinn have just headed out for their lunch time walk but they hope everyone stays warm and safe with their winter tips!

Until next time…

Welcome!

2011-02-15T11:56:00.018-05:00

Introducing the Coffey Insurance Blog!

We are excited to start this blog and share helpful tips and recommendations for your insurance needs along with some fun and humor of everyday life! :) The Coffey Insurance Agency was established in 1958 by Conrad J. Coffey and since the beginning we have had the same core set of goals, to be the right people, providing the right coverage and offering the right price to our clients. We strive to provide customer service excellence and offer competitive rates to guarantee our clients the best price!

We would like to introduce our mascots and loving pets Lady Winifred and Phineas. They are 1 ½ year old brother and sister Old English Sheepdogs, flown to join our family from a wonderful breeder in the Mid-west. Winnie and Phinn were born in June 2010 and officially journeyed to New Hampshire in September 2010. Throughout our blog Winnie and Phinn will be giving helpful insurance tips and supplying their “paw of approval”.

Here are some photos from Winnie and Phinn’s arrival!

To give a little background about the breed here are some facts about Old English Sheepdogs. We think they are the best breed ever…but of course our opinions are slightly biased! :) Sheepdogs are described as a friendly and “clown” like dog. They yearn to be part of the family and are great with children. Sheepdogs have a strong herding instinct and they need calm and confident leadership, they do best with clear rules and commands. They may be a little lazy, but don’t think they are couch potatoes because they are a very active breed and love daily walks, runs and exercise. Their cute shaggy look might melt your heart but don’t be fooled of the maintenance sheepdog’s coats require consistent grooming and attention! They have coarse long hair that needs to be brushed at least weekly to avoid mats…that are no fun for dogs or owners! :( Many owners have their own grooming tables at home to brush in between professional grooming.

Running around the yard!

It has been great watching Winnie and Phinn grow and see their personalities develop. Having littermates in the family definitely adds to the fun! We have learned that Winnie wears the pants in the relationship she rules the roost with Phinn. If we didn’t separate them at meal times Ms. Winnie would probably never share a bite with her dear brother Phinn. She also likes to get first dibs on most things especially stuffed toys and if they last long enough Phinn will get a turn. They love, love, love to chase each other all over the yard and sometimes when we are not looking play tag in and out of the shrubs!

Relaxing after a game of tag.

Winnie and Phinn sometimes take a break from their hard lives of daily naps and sun basking to join us for a days work at the Coffey Insurance Agency. They love taking trips to our seacoast office which is located at 410 The Hill in downtown Portsmouth. Phinn especially loves to take a walk down Market St. when he first arrives to stretch his legs and give free licks and kisses to anyone that stops to pat him. I suspect he is aware of his cuteness! :) He often enjoys yummy treats and fresh drinks of water from the great dog friendly shops downtown. Winnie our number one secretary loves to spend the day with Jay at our Nashua location at 2 Wellman Ave. She often settles down for a snooze in his office at the foot of his desk and we have wake her up from her long winter’s nap to remind her the phone is ringing!

Winnie at work with Jay.

We look forward to having our friends and followers check back to our blog frequently! Winnie and Phinn have many interesting things they would like to share! Are there any insurance topics you'd like to learn more about? If so, leave Winnie and Phinn a comment below!

Until next time…