Recent Posts

A vehicle break-in can happen when you least expect it, even in your own neighborhood. Approaching your car and seeing shattered glass from a broken window is unsettling and scary. You’re left dealing with vehicle damage and the emotional toll of having your personal...

Nothing beats the freedom of an open road and a full tank of gas – until the check engine light comes on or your tire deflates. Routine car maintenance is vital to maintaining a healthy, reliable vehicle and it can reduce the need for, and cost of, repairs down the...

Even though it doesn’t make the road slick, fog can lead to dangerous driving conditions. And if you add severe weather or darkness to the mix, fog can be extremely hazardous. Whether the fog rolls in as you leave for work in the morning or settles in after a...

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, over 930,000 vehicles were reported stolen in 2021. With reports continuing to rise across the United States, many people are left wondering what they can do to prevent car break ins. From simple safety tips to devices...

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. This annual campaign is held each spring by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to promote safe driving and riding practices to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on the roadways. Motorcyclists...

Auto and homeowners policies are meant to go together. (If tater hadn’t met tot, what would we have? Just a tater.) If your auto and home policies aren't bundled, you might be missing out on duo discounts — and that can mean missing out on premium savings. Benefits to...

 Did you know that if you’re driving and engaging in a conversation on your mobile device, you are overfour times more likely to be involved in an accident? Let’s take a look at what constitutes distracted driving,what the consequences are and what you can do to curb...

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the days preceding Thanksgiving kick off a busy – and potentially dangerous – holiday travel season. In addition to just the sheer volume of cars on the road, speeding, distracted driving and...

Dropping some of your coverage—like comprehensive or collision—to the lowest legal level can cut your premium, but it could also put you at serious risk. Determining Which Coverage You Need An automobile insurance policy is designed to provide you with a level...

No one wants to come home to an overflowing toilet, a backed-up sewer line or a leaking ceiling. Water damage can cause homeowners as much money and anxiety as a fire, an earthquake or a hurricane.  The Insurance Information Institute reports that water damage...

When severe weather and high winds threaten your neighborhood, it’s important to be prepared. Knowing what to do after a tree falls on your home could help you avoid injury, make repairs quickly, and get your home back up and running sooner. The process for filing a...

Unfortunately, prices are going up everywhere. Whether it is your electric bill or higher prices at the gas pump – rising costs are affecting everyone. Many factors determine what you pay for property insurance. Rates are primarily based on the risk of unexpected...

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to replace an HVAC unit in the United States is $5,000. With numbers like that, it’s no wonder so many homeowners want to ensure they have the proper coverage in place to protect their homes and families after a loss. Does...

Wildlife is a pleasure to experience — but not inside your home. Animals can move into your attic, walls, chimney or other nooks and crannies. Dealing with their waste, unpleasant smells and damage is frustrating (and potentially expensive). Most homeowners insurance...

An ice dam is a thick ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof. It prevents melting snow from draining off, forcing the melted water to seep underneath shingles. The water can leak into your home, damaging insulation, walls and ceilings. Here are some suggestions...

The work of a plumbing contractor involves installing, maintaining and repairing water systems in residential and commercial structures. This article discusses plumbing contractors’ potential exposures and common types of insurance available to address these possible...

If you’re planning a family road trip, you might also want to bring your pet. While traveling is fun, it can be stressful if you don’t take proper precautions to ensure you and the dog or cat are safe. Before venturing out, be sure your pet is up to date on its...

As the summer days wind down, the excitement of a new school year approaches. At Thorp & Trainer Insurance, we recognize that your children's safety is of utmost importance. With this in mind, we're delighted to offer valuable safety tips to ensure a secure,...

According to SpareFoot Storage Beat, approximately 10.6% of Americans currently rent self-storage units. And economic analysts at IBISWorld report the storage unit business continues to experience growth. If you’re among the one in 10 Americans who rent a storage...

Life doesn’t stop after you obtain insurance coverage. Maybe you added that much-needed extra bathroom to your home or inherited your grandparents’ precious antiques. Perhaps your teenager is going to college or you’re starting a new business. You’ll need to adjust...

Nothing beats the freedom of an open road and a full tank of gas – until the check engine light comes on or your tire deflates. Routine car maintenance is vital to maintaining a healthy, reliable vehicle and it can reduce the need for, and cost of, repairs down the...

When severe weather and high winds threaten your neighborhood, it’s important to be prepared. Knowing what to do after a tree falls on your home could help you avoid injury, make repairs quickly, and get your home back up and running sooner. The process for filing a...

On Saturday, October 14th from 9am - 12pm SHARP, Thorp & Trainer invites community members to stop by our office on Airport Road in Westerly to safely discard important documents containing your personal information. The public is invited to bring ONLY 2 BOXES of...

Everyone wants to keep the family dog healthy for years to come, which is why many people purchase pet insurance to their insurance program. This type of coverage will help to cover your dog’s medical bills; however many people are unaware that it does not cover any...

Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter. Molds may grow indoors, or outdoors and are part of our natural environment. They play a significant role in the environment by breaking down and digesting organic material. Molds multiply by producing...

At Thorp & Trainer Insurance, we are committed to helping you safeguard your home or business from loss. Flooding is a great concern in our area and we want to keep you informed on the latest information regarding flood insurance. Please click here to view the...

Ingredients 1 medium banana, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch wheels (~15 pieces)2 tablespoons peanut butter¼ cup chocolate chips, melted 1 tablespoon peanuts, chopped Directions Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper and add banana slices. Top each with a...

Ingredients PAM® Coconut Oil No-Stick Cooking Spray1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1-1/2 cups plain nonfat yogurt4 tablespoons Fleischmann's®...

This classic icebox cookie can be made ahead, frozen, and baked on your time.Prep Time 15 minutes - Cook Time 7 minutes - Ready In 22 minutes - Makes 18 servings Ingredients 1 (17.5) oz pkg Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix3 Tbsp flour1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter,...

Ingredients 1/2 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup packed brown sugar1/2 cup creamy peanut butter1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened1 egg1 1/2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour3/4 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon baking powderAdditional granulated sugarAbout 36...

Ingredients 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks2 bunch of asparagus, rinsed and trimmed1/2 cup butter, softened1 teaspoon olive oil2 teaspoons minced garlic1 teaspoon Italian seasoning1 tablespoon hot sauce, optional1/2 cup low-sodium...

While we all love summer grilling, sometimes you need to change it up a bit. If you’re looking for an easy way to add some variety to your summer meals, check out this deliciously simple recipe for Pasta Bolognese. Easy Bolognese Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1...

Ingredients Honey Garlic Sauce 1/3 cup honey 1 tbsp garlic, minced 1/2 cup soy sauce, low sodium (see note) 1/4 cup ketchup 1 tsp dried oregano Crockpot Chicken and Vegetables 2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on 1 pound baby red potatoes 1 pound carrots, peeled...

Ingredients and Directions 2 cans of refrigerated biscuits (8 count each) 1/2 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast (approximately 1 large breast) 1 bag frozen peas and carrots 1 can cream of chicken soup Cooking spray for pan Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and...

Ingredients 12 lasagna noodles 2 ½ cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken 2 15-ounce container ricotta cheese ¼ cup pesto, homemade or store-bought 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided FOR THE GARLIC PARMESAN CREAM SAUCE ¼ cup unsalted butter...

Ingredients 8 ounces spaghetti 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil ½ cup fresh French style breadcrumbs Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 cloves garlic, minced 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced 4 sprigs fresh...