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Spicy Zucchini Salad
Ingredients 2 (6-inch) whole-wheat pita rounds, split ¼ cup olive oil, divided ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided 1 medium zucchini 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, divided 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 4 cups chopped Bibb lettuce 1 (14.5-oz.) can unsalted chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 cup chopped tomatoes ¼ cup sour cream ¼ cup unsalted roasted pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds) 2 tablespoons chopped scallions Directions Step 1 Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush uncut sides of pita rounds with 1 tablespoon oil, and sprinkle with...
Why Choose an Independent Agent?
What is an Independent Agent? Independent Agents’ do not work for one specific insurance company. Thorp & Trainer acts as your partner providing the most comprehensive and affordable coverage for your lifestyle. We offer quotes with our various companies to help protect your auto, home, life, and business. There are many advantages to working with an Independent Agent as opposed to a direct-to-consumer insurance company. Knowledge Thorp & Trainer’s staff is both professional and compassionate to your needs. We stay current with industry trends, policy language and continuing...
Auto Insurance
Homeowner’s Insurance
Cyber Insurance
What is Uninsured Motorist Insurance?
Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist are auto insurance coverages that protect you and your vehicle if you’re involved in a car accident caused by a driver with either no insurance, or too little coverage. Uninsured motorist insurance is valuable protection to...
April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This event is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage motorists like you to minimize potential distractions behind the wheel. Review the...
Safety Tips for Teen Drivers and Their Parents
Handing a teenager their first set of car keys can carry significant risks. In fact, recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that drivers ages 16-19 are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash than any other age group....
Are You Storm-Ready?
Living in Southern New England, we experience our fair share of extreme weather conditions. From damaging hurricanes to blizzards, it is important to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way. At Thorp & Trainer, we want to make sure you are prepared...
Need to add a driver to your Business Auto Policy? Have them provide you a copy of their Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) first!
Did you know that you can hop online with the DMV and obtain a copy of an MVR? That’s right! With just a few clicks, your potential employee can show you proof that they have a good driving record. Here are the links below for RI and CT, the cost is approximately...
Parents are the Key to Safe Teen Drivers
Parent-Teen Driving Agreement Having regular conversations about safety, practicing driving together, and leading by example go a long way in ensuring your teen makes smart decisions when they get behind the wheel. But there’s another simple step you can take to get...
Make motorcycle riding safety your top priority!
Operating a motorcycle takes different skills than driving a car; however, the laws of the road apply to every driver just the same. A combination of consistent education, regard for traffic laws and basic common sense can go a long way in helping reduce the amount...
Hidden risks lurk in rental cars for travelers
The age of connectivity comes with its own set of risks A driver’s home phone number, call and message logs, and personal contacts are just some of the types of information that can be stored on a rental car. No matter the season, travelers rely on rental cars to...
What should I do if I am in an accident?
At Thorp & Trainer, we understand that being in an accident is a very stressful and traumatic experience. Many policyholders have told us that they wish they acted differently at the scene of the accident, but that their nerves got the best of them. That’s why we...
Select the Best Car For Your Trip
Summer is well underway and that means so are your beloved family road trips! At Thorp & Trainer Insurance, we want to make sure that whether you are going across the U.S. or simply crossing state lines, you have the best car for your journey ahead. If your...
Insurance Needs for Plumbing Contractors
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...
The Risks of Airbnb and Home Sharing
Just a few years ago, taking a trip involved contacting travel agencies, booking hotel rooms and making plans far in advance. Today, however, smartphones and the internet have helped create new sharing services that allow homeowners to connect with travelers and rent...
Homeowners Insurance and the Rising Cost of Construction
Recent findings from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) confirmed that household construction costs have surged. This rise in construction costs is directly tied to soaring building material expenses. According to the NAHB, current lumber costs are up...
Different Types of Property Valuation
An insurance valuation is an assessment of how much it would cost to rebuild a property in the event of a total loss, such as after a fire or building collapse. The correct valuation makes sure it’s insured for the correct amount. It also specifies how much money the...
Why You Should Hire a Licensed Contractor for Home Services
If you need to get some repairs or improvements done on your home, it may be tempting to do them yourself or to use an unlicensed handyman to save money. But with certain upgrades, like structural or property changes, electrical improvements or plumbing projects, it...
10 Spring Home Maintenance Tips
As the warmth of spring approaches, it’s easy to forget the damage that harsh winter weather may have done to your house. A bit of spring maintenance now can prevent costly repair bills later. Review these 10 tips for spring maintenance to avoid any unwelcome...
Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
While most home owners know the importance of having smoke alarms, almost three out of five fire fatalities from 2014 to 2018 happened in properties with no alarms or where alarms failed to operate, according to a report by the National Fire Protection Association. In...
Why You Need To Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is
Knowing the location of your home’s main shut-off valve is extremely important. If a plumbing disaster should occur in your home, being able to get to your main shut-off valve quickly can mean the difference between a little water on the floor and a major homeowner’s...
PREPARE NOW: Be Ready When Jack Frost Visits
Winter’s extreme temperatures, heavy snow and ice, freezing rain and chilling winds can cause power outages, which could last hours to days. Are your policyholders prepared if that happens? November is Winter Weather Safety Month, so here are some tips to help them...
Benefits of Cyber Liability Insurance
When cyberattacks like data breaches and hacks occur, they can result in devastating damage. Businesses have to deal with business disruptions, lost revenue and litigation. It is important to remember that no organization is immune to the impact of cyber crime. As a...
Cyber Protection
We are more connected than ever. Cell phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, television and family gaming systems, etc., connect us in ways we never imagined. Criminals know the information accessed by your family is valuable. They can steal passwords, data, money,...
Cyber Security Insurance?
Cyber security insurance protects businesses against targeted attacks and even the occasional misplaced laptop containing confidential material. The best cyber security strategy takes a three-pronged approach: prevent, detect and mitigate risk. Today’s business...
Building a Culture of Cyber Preparedness
Author:
Daniel Kaniewski, PhD
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month; a month to ensure all Americans are safer and more secure online. At FEMA, we a…
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Why Choose an Independent Agent?
What is an Independent Agent? Independent Agents’ do not work for one specific insurance company. Thorp & Trainer acts as your partner providing the most comprehensive and affordable coverage for your lifestyle. We offer quotes with our various companies to help...
Insurance Needs for Plumbing Contractors
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...
Commercial Property Insights
Aging Buildings: Roofing Systems Roofing systems are more complex than meets the eye, and they can develop structural issues if they are not properly updated and maintained as they age. When assessing the structural integrity of a building’s roofing, the main concern...
Why You Should Hire a Licensed Contractor for Home Services
If you need to get some repairs or improvements done on your home, it may be tempting to do them yourself or to use an unlicensed handyman to save money. But with certain upgrades, like structural or property changes, electrical improvements or plumbing projects, it...
25 Common Insurance Terms and What They Mean
Every industry has its own unique language and terminology, and insurance is no exception! But whether you’re insuring a new car or settling into a new house, we believe in making the process as easy and stress-free as possible. That’s why we’ve created a guide to 25...
How to Check if You’re At Risk for Identity Theft
Are You at Risk for Identity Theft? In 2020 alone, there were more than 1.4 million identity theft reports filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Luckily, there are things you can do to better protect yourself from someone using your identity. Before you can...
What is Uninsured Motorist Insurance?
Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist are auto insurance coverages that protect you and your vehicle if you’re involved in a car accident caused by a driver with either no insurance, or too little coverage. Uninsured motorist insurance is valuable protection to...
Common Auto Insurance Terms
At fault: This term refers to the degree to which a party caused or contributed to an accident. This term is often used to determine whose auto insurance company pays for specific portions of damages incurred as the result of an accident. Liability coverage pays for...
Do I Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
When running a business, budgets can be particularly tight, especially when you’re first starting out. Saving money wherever you can may seem like a good idea, but it could expose you to financial risks. In most states and for most types of businesses, workers’...
What is General Liability Insurance?
Commercial general liability insurance, also called GLI or business liability insurance, is a policy that protects you and your business from any common risks that result in property damage or bodily injury. General liability business insurance keeps you from paying...
Easy Vegetable Quiche
Ingredients 1 9-inch deep dish pie crust 1 med onion – chopped 1 green pepper – chopped 1 red pepper – chopped 1 tsp salt ½ tsp marjoram 4 cups cooked vegetables (carrots, green beans, broccoli, etc.) 3 tbsp butter 4 eggs 8 oz cubed cheddar cheese ½ tsp pepper...
Pan-Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Peppers
Ingredients Pork: 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed .63 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided ½ cup unsalted chicken stock (such as Swanson) ½ teaspoon cornstarch ½ teaspoon cider vinegar ...
Classic Pasta Carbonara
Ingredients: 2 large egg yolks 1 large egg ½ ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup) ½ ounce pecorino Romano, grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for garnish 2 ounces diced pancetta or guanciale 6 ounces gemelli (or similar shaped pasta) ¼ tsp. black...
Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole
Ingredients CASSEROLE 2 pounds chicken breasts 8-10 potatoes, cubed ⅓ cup olive oil 6 tablespoons hot sauce 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons paprika 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon pepper TOPPING 2 cups fiesta mexican blend cheese or monterey jack and...
Ricotta Meatballs (meatless)
Ingredients 2 lbs Ricotta cheese 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs 1/3 cup grated cheese 2 eggs Salt & Pepper to taste Garlic powder to taste Parsley to taste Directions Cream Ricotta. Add breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix well. Heat...
Pistachio Nut Bread
Ingredients 1 pkg yellow cake mix 2 pkgs pistachio instant pudding 4 eggs ¾ cup oil 1 cup club soda 1 cup chopped nuts 1 cup chopped cherries Directions Grease and flour tube pan. Beat first 5 ingredients for five minutes. Stir in nuts and cherries. Bake at 350 for...
Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup
Ingredients 1 1/2 lbs bulk mild Italian sausage, crumbled 1 1/2 tblsp olive oil 1 large yellow onion halved and thinly sliced 6 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch rounds 2 lbs green cabbage, core removed and shredded 2...
Fennel Minestrone with Orzo
Ingredients 1 large onion, chopped 2 cups carrot, chopped 2 cups celery, chopped 1 fennel bulb, chopped 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp fennel seed 2 tsp rosemary, minced 2 tsp thyme, minced 1 14oz can diced tomatoes 4 cups vegetable stock 1 14oz can cannellini beans...
Chicken with Arugula and Lemon
Ingredients 2 cups gluten-free panko breadcrumbs 4 large eggs 4 chicken breast cutlets cooking spray 1 5 oz bag baby arugula 1 lemon Directions Preheat oven to 450. Set the panko in a large shallow bowl with salt (in moderation), and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat...
Why Choose an Independent Agent?
What is an Independent Agent? Independent Agents’ do not work for one specific insurance company. Thorp & Trainer acts as your partner providing the most comprehensive and affordable coverage for your lifestyle. We offer quotes with our various companies to help...
Insurance Needs for Plumbing Contractors
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...
How To Safely Enjoy Your Summer Barbecues
Some of the most memorable summer moments occur when friends and family gather in the backyard for a barbecue. These gatherings can make for a great summer; however, it is important to remember safety when barbecuing. At Thorp & Trainer, we want to ensure this is...
Help Us Support Maddie Potts
From now until the end of March, for every new like we receive on the Thorp & Trainer Facebook page, we will donate $5 to the Maddie Potts Foundation up to $2500. The Maddie Potts Foundation was established in November of 2017, less than 2 months after Maddie's...
Changes in First-Class Mail Delivery
As of October 1, the United States Postal Service (USPS) implemented new delivery standards for First-Class Mail. Delivery of First-Class mail may now take 1 or 2 days longer, depending on location. Local area deliveries may remain unaffected, but mail traveling...
Proudly Supporting Our Friends & Neighbors
Now more than ever, it is important to help those in need. Throughout the months of November and December, Thorp & Trainer will be assisting families in our community by supporting the Holiday Food Basket Program in partnership with The Westerly Sun. We urge...
A Reminder to Support Local Business
We would like to take this opportunity to say how proud we are to be a part of such a vibrant, close-knit community. Thorp & Trainer has been a small business in Westerly for over 100 years and we appreciate your continued business. During these uncertain times,...
Have You Tried Thorp and Trainer’s Portal on Demand (POD)?
We are pleased to announce that our new 24 - 7 online customer service option, Portal on Demand (POD) has been a great success. Located on the lower right corner of our website, https://www.thorptrainer.com. This portal was designed to provide our clients with...
Thorp and Trainer Enhances Customer Service Options Portal on Demand (POD)
New in September, we invite you to check out our 24 - 7 online customer service option, Portal on Demand (POD). Located on the lower right corner of our website, https://www.thorptrainer.com. This portal was designed to provide our clients with services they need in...