Driving during the summer, especially over a holiday weekend, increases your odds of being in an accident. That’s because of the high volume of cars on the road, roadwork, impaired drivers and erratic driving behavior. 

Summer is also when teen drivers hit the roads in force. AAA refers to the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers,” given the dramatic increase in fatal crashes involving teen drivers during that stretch. 

Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the road this summer.

Fight fatigue

Fatigue can affect any driver. Summer driving often involves long distances, and everyone is anxious to get to their destination. Even so, it’s not worth the risk. Approximately 20% of all motor vehicle crashes involve drowsy driving, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). 

Driving for extended periods can create the same responses as someone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A clinical trial conducted by the NSF found that being awake for 17-19 hours is comparable to having a blood alcohol content of .05%. Both result in decreased reaction time and hand-eye coordination. When participants went beyond 19 hours without sleep, their driving performance levels were equivalent to a blood alcohol content of .1%. 

Signs of drowsy driving include: 

Heavy eyelids or blinking a lot 

Excessive yawning 

Drifting between lanes 

Missing road signs or exits due to daydreaming 

Restlessness, irritability and aggressiveness 

Don’t drive while your body is naturally drowsy, between 12-6 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. When you feel fatigued, stop and rest. Take a 20-minute power nap or walk around for a few minutes to get your blood flowing. Use this time to check your vehicle’s tire pressure and fluid levels. 

To stay alert during your trip, play music or listen to a podcast or audiobook. Some people choose music they don’t like because it prevents them from being lulled into a road trance. Others choose music that motivates them to sing, move and get their adrenaline pumping. 

Another option is to lower the temperature. You don’t want it so cold that you’re shivering, but keeping the AC cooler than normal can discourage sleepiness. 

If you’re so sleepy that your eyes close or you nod off, find a safe place to pull over and rest. 

Avoid distractions 

On long car rides, it’s easy to become distracted or bored. You might be tempted to call or text a family member or shop online. Other drivers, road construction, changes in scenery and kids in the back seat can also be distracting. 

To avoid becoming distracted, plan ahead. Pack games, snacks for the kids and anything else you need for a comfortable trip. If a child needs your attention, pull over. Also, avoid eating while driving and keep your phone out of reach and out of sight to discourage texting. Set your device to auto-respond to texts and use a hands-free solution if you must take voice calls.

Stay alert for impaired drivers 

The longer the drive and the later in the day you are driving, the more likely you are to encounter an impaired driver. 

If you notice another driver weaving or driving erratically, put as much distance as possible between their car and yours. If you have a passenger, ask them to record the license plate number and vehicle information. Then have them call 911 to report the suspected impaired driver. 

Plan for storms 

Summer can bring thunderstorms, heavy winds, flooding, hail and other dangerous driving conditions. Before you leave, check the weather forecast and prepare your vehicle. Examine your windshield wiper blades, battery, tire pressure and tire tread. And clean your car’s external camera. 

If you find yourself in slippery conditions, the National Safety Council offers this advice: 

• Avoid using cruise control.
• If you lose control, steer in the direction of the skid. 
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. 
• Increase your following distance. 
• Avoid stopping when going uphill. 

If you find yourself in foggy conditions, the National Weather Service recommends you: 

• Turn on fog lamps if your car has them. 
• Slow down when entering a patch of fog. 
• Adjust your speed so you can quickly stop within the distance you can see. 
• Turn on the wipers and defrost to remove moisture from the windshield. 
• Use low-beam headlamps, day or night. (High beams reflect off fog and make it harder to see.) Use the reflective painted road markings as a lane guide. 
• Look out for slow-moving and parked vehicles. 
• Don’t change lanes or pass other vehicles unless it’s necessary. 

Fog can develop fast and change rapidly. Visibility may be lower near rivers, lakes and marshes. If you have to pull off the road, signal first. Pull off the road as far as you can safely go. Then turn on your hazard flashers so others can see you. When merging back into traffic, signal your direction. Give yourself and other drivers plenty of space and time to adjust to your vehicle reentering the road. 

Summer brings lots of activities and fun, but also dangers. By preparing and practicing defensive driving, you can enjoy your trip and arrive at your destination safely. 

After a bad storm, it’s natural to worry about your roof. Missing shingles, fallen branches, hail, heavy snow, and strong winds can all leave homeowners wondering whether there’s damage, and whether they need to act fast.

Unfortunately, that urgency can also create an opportunity for dishonest contractors. Roofing scams often increase after severe weather, when homeowners are feeling pressure to make fast decisions and may not know exactly what damage they’re dealing with. While many roofing contractors are reputable, some use aggressive sales tactics or misleading promises to push unnecessary repairs or questionable insurance claims. That’s why it’s important to understand what roofing fraud is, how it can affect you, and what warning signs to watch for.

What Is Roofing Fraud?

Roofing fraud happens when the condition of a roof or the cost of repairs is misrepresented in order to secure work or influence an insurance claim. In many cases, it starts with a contractor offering a “free inspection” after a storm and telling a homeowner they have serious damage, sometimes before the roof has been properly evaluated.

A contractor may claim your insurance will pay for a full roof replacement, promise you a “free roof,” or pressure you to sign paperwork right away so they can “handle everything.” In some cases, the damage may be exaggerated. In others, the repairs being recommended may not actually be necessary. What sounds like a helpful offer can quickly become a costly mistake if the contractor is more interested in generating work than protecting your home.

Many homeowners think the worst-case scenario is simply overpaying for repairs. In reality, roofing fraud can create much bigger problems.

If a contractor overstates damage, submits misleading information, or pressures you into unnecessary work, it can lead to:

• Repairs you may not actually need
• Poor workmanship or incomplete work
• Unexpected out-of-pocket costs
• Delays or complications with your insurance claim
• A denied claim if the damage is not actually covered
• Problems if the contractor is not properly licensed or insured

Even homeowners who are trying to do the right thing can end up caught in the middle if they rely on the wrong contractor. That’s why it’s so important to ask questions before signing anything or allowing work to begin.

What Warning Signs Should You Watch For?

Not every contractor who shows up after a storm is acting in bad faith, but there are some common red flags homeowners should take seriously.

Be cautious if a contractor:

• Shows up unsolicited after a storm
• Offers a free inspection and immediately claims major damage
• Says your insurance will definitely cover a full roof replacement
• Promises a “free roof” or says you won’t pay anything out of pocket
• Pressures you to sign paperwork on the spot
• Tells you they’ll deal with the insurance company before you’ve had time to review anything

A reputable contractor should be willing to inspect the roof, explain what they found, provide an estimate, and give you time to make an informed decision. If someone is creating urgency or making big promises before the damage has been properly reviewed, that’s a good reason to pause.

If you believe your roof may have been damaged, there are a few simple steps that can help protect you:

• Get more than one estimate
• Verify the contractor is properly licensed or registered
• Confirm they carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation
• Read all paperwork carefully before signing
• Be cautious of any “too good to be true” promises

And if you’re unsure whether the damage may be covered, or simply want another set of eyes on the situation, give Thorp & Trainer a call at 401.596.0146. We’re happy to help you better understand your coverage and what the next steps may look like before you commit to anything.

As winter begins to fade and temperatures start to rise, many homeowners welcome the arrival of spring. But the transition from winter to warmer weather can also bring an increased risk of spring thaw flooding, especially here in New England where heavy snow accumulation and sudden temperature changes are common.

At Thorp & Trainer Insurance, we encourage homeowners to be aware of the risks that come with spring thaw and take a few simple steps to help protect their homes.

Why Spring Thaw Can Cause Flooding

Throughout the winter, snow builds up on roofs, yards, and surrounding areas. When temperatures rise quickly, that snow begins to melt rapidly. If the ground is still frozen, the melting water has nowhere to go and can pool around foundations or run toward lower areas near your home.

Spring flooding can also be made worse by:

• Heavy spring rainstorms
  
• Blocked storm drains or culverts
  
• Ice dams and clogged gutters
  
• Poor yard drainage
  

Even small amounts of standing water near a home can lead to basement leaks or foundation damage.

Steps Homeowners Can Take

While you can’t control the weather, there are several ways to reduce the risk of water damage during the spring thaw.

Keep gutters and downspouts clear.
Remove debris and make sure downspouts direct water several feet away from your foundation.

Check your sump pump.
If your home has a sump pump, test it before spring rains arrive to ensure it’s working properly.

Clear snow away from your foundation.
If large snowbanks are piled against your home, try to move them a few feet away to reduce melting water buildup.

Make sure nearby drains are clear.
Blocked street drains can cause water to pool and potentially make its way toward your property.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

It’s also important to understand what your homeowners insurance does—and does not—cover. Standard homeowners policies typically cover certain types of water damage, but flooding from rising groundwater or surface water often requires separate flood insurance coverage.

If you’re unsure about your coverage, the team at Thorp & Trainer Insurance is happy to help review your policy and answer any questions you may have.

Have questions about protecting your home this spring?
 Contact us today—we’re here to help you stay prepared for every season.

Winter in New England brings its fair share of snow, sleet, and freezing rain but one of the most dangerous hazards on the road isn’t always visible. Black ice can catch even the most experienced drivers off guard, turning an ordinary commute into a dangerous situation in seconds.

At Thorp & Trainer Insurance, we want to help you stay safe and prepared throughout the winter months. Here’s what you need to know about black ice and how to protect yourself on the road.

What Is Black Ice?

Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on road surfaces, often making pavement appear simply wet rather than frozen. Because it’s nearly invisible, drivers may not realize it’s there until their vehicle begins to slide.

Black ice commonly forms when:

• Temperatures hover around freezing (32°F or below)
  
• Snow melts during the day and refreezes overnight
  
• Light rain or drizzle freezes on cold pavement
  
• Early mornings and late evenings bring rapid temperature drops

Bridges, overpasses, shaded roads, and less-traveled streets are especially prone to black ice.

Why Black Ice Is So Dangerous

Unlike snow or slush, black ice provides almost no traction. Even careful drivers can lose control if they:

• Brake suddenly
  
• Accelerate too quickly
  
• Turn the steering wheel sharply
  

These sudden movements can cause vehicles to skid, spin, or slide into other cars or off the road.

Tips for Driving Safely on Icy Roads

While you can’t always avoid black ice, you can reduce your risk with a few smart precautions:

1. Slow down.
   Reducing speed gives you more time to react and helps maintain control if you hit a slick spot.
2. Increase following distance.
   Leave extra space between your vehicle and others—at least 6–10 seconds in winter conditions.
3. Avoid sudden movements.
   Brake and accelerate gently, and steer smoothly to maintain traction.
4. Watch for warning signs.
   If the road looks glossy or reflective in cold temperatures, assume it could be icy. Pay extra attention on bridges and shaded areas.
5. Know how to handle a skid.
   If your car starts to slide, stay calm. Ease off the pedals and gently steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes.

Make Sure Your Insurance Is Ready for Winter

Even with the best precautions, winter accidents can happen. Having the right auto insurance coverage ensures you’re protected if the unexpected occurs.

At Thorp & Trainer Insurance, we’re here to help you review your policy, understand your coverage, and make sure you’re prepared for whatever this winter brings.

Have questions about your auto insurance coverage?
Contact our team today—we’re always happy to help keep you and your family protected on the road.

An increasing number of Americans are transferring their property into a Trust or a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC).

Transferring real estate into a separate legal entity may be a sound financial decision, but it can also create significant unintended consequences with your insurance coverage.

When making this type of legal change, please contact your account manager. Your insurance policy needs to reflect that there is a new owner of your property. (Trust or LLC)

The Insurance Company will require the amended deed showing the change in ownership. If the named insured appearing on the policy is incorrect, there could be considerable delay in any future policy changes, return premiums and/or claim payments.

If you feel this applies to you, please call your account manager 401.596.0146 with any questions or concerns.

We have all experienced much longer delays in the mail service.

Insurance payments sent to this office or direct to the Insurance Company, oftentimes arrive after the due date which could cause a potential cancellation for nonpayment.

If online banking is your method of paying bills, please be advised that many companies do not accept electronic transfers. In this scenario, your bank will print and mail a physical check on your behalf with a typical delivery time of 5-7 business days or more.

Moving forward, we recommend planning and allowing more time for the delivery of essential paperwork and checks, especially if there is a deadline.

To ensure your account and payments stay in good standing, we highly recommend that you call our office to make your payments, 401.596.0146.  We can take payments over the phone using most credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks.

Of course, if there is ever any doubt, please give your account manager a call 401.596.0146 and we would be happy to help you.

Thank you.

Between the months of October and December, it’s common to see deer leap onto a busy road.   

Tips to avoid deer on the road

• Stay Alert.  Pay attention to “deer crossing” and “wildlife crossing” signs and be cautious near woods or water.
• Use high beams. Flicking your high beams on an animal in the road may cause the animal to scurry away.  High beams also help illuminate dark roads
• Don’t swerve.  If a car crash is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and stay in your lane.
• Brake, as necessary.  If you can’t avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn, and tap your brakes to warn other drivers. 
• Remember peak season.  Animal collisions happen most during October through December.
• Watch for animals in the road between dusk and dawn.
• Watch for herds.  If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.
• Always obey the speed limit and wear seatbelts.

Does insurance cover hitting a deer?

You’re covered for hitting a deer or other animal on the road if you have comprehensive coverage, an optional coverage you may add to your auto policy.  Some drivers have comprehensive coverage, but it isn’t required unless you lease or finance your car.  If you only carry liability coverage, you won’t be covered for hitting a deer. 

What to do if you hit a deer

• Move your vehicle to the side of the road, away from the animal.
• Turn on your car’s hazard lights and remain in the vehicle until it’s safe to exit.
• Call the police, let them know if the animal is blocking the road, as it could pose a danger to oncoming drivers.
• Stay clear of the animal.  An injured deer will be frightened and could harm you.
• Make sure your car is safe to drive.  Look specifically for things like leaking fluids, broken lights, or a hood that won’t stay latched.

Call your insurance professional at Thorp & Trainer to update your coverage or to ask any questions you may have about auto insurance and animal collisions.