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The Washwick Agency

2212 Main St
Bethlehem, NH 03574

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860 East Main Street
Riverhead, NY 11901

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When Is It Time to Consider Medicare Insurance?

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Insurance and health often go hand in hand, regardless of age. From our first pediatrician visits to the times when our health isn’t what it once was, healthcare can significantly impact our comfort and happiness. That’s why many older adults in the Bethlehem, NH area trust the friendly team at The Washwick Agency for their health and Medicare insurance needs.

When Is It Time to Consider Medicare Insurance?

Throughout our lives, our healthcare needs and the providers we use change. As children, we visit pediatricians. As adults, we typically see family doctors. As we age, we may see geriatric specialists who specialize in working with older adults. Similarly, our healthcare insurance often aligns with our life stages. For many older adults, this means considering Medicare insurance options. Medicare insurance is generally designed for people aged 65 and older. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your local agent before reaching this age – it’s never too early to plan ahead.

Medicare Insurance Options for Bethlehem, NH Residents

If you live in or around the Bethlehem, NH area and would like to learn more about Medicare insurance or how to get coverage, we can help. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment with our professional and helpful team at The Washwick Agency today. We can provide the Medicare insurance solutions you need and deserve to make the most of every day.

Are There Different Types of RV Policies According to Vehicle Size?

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You’ve just bought a brand-new recreational vehicle, but how do you insure it? You’re aware that you need a policy specifically designed for them. However, understanding what qualifies as a recreational vehicle can be perplexing. Determining whether your off-road toy is classified as an RV will guide you to the appropriate insurance in Bethlehem, NH. The Washwick Agency can help you find the right policy to safeguard your investment.

Defining a Recreational Vehicle

The definition varies depending on who you ask. Technically, an RV is a motor vehicle or trailer designed for temporary living quarters. However, most insurers adopt a much broader definition. Motor homes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels are just one type of RV. Many smaller vehicles also qualify. These include:

  • All-terrain vehicles
  • Snowmobiles
  • Motorized dirt bikes
  • Mini-bikes
  • Trail-bikes
  • Off-road vehicles
  • Various personal watercraft, including jet skis

Varieties of Recreational Vehicle Insurance

A traditional RV policy will protect your investment for motor homes, camper vans, and similar vehicles. Insurers tailor your policy according to your vehicle type. For instance, Class A, B, and C motor homes have different sizes, so liability limits vary. As fifth wheels, truck campers, and travel trailers are towed by another vehicle, insurance policies generally only cover physical damage and may not include liability provisions. If you rent your RV to others, you’ll need special coverage.

Smaller and personal vehicles cannot be added to an RV policy. Snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and similar vehicles require dedicated policies due to the inherent risks involved in operating them. These policies typically include liability, comprehensive, and collision provisions.

If you need to insure a large RV along with a personal recreational vehicle, The Washwick Agency, serving Bethlehem, NH, can assist you. Please get in touch with our office today to schedule an appointment.

How Does Motorcycle Insurance Differ From Automobile Insurance?

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If you’re a motorcycle rider, you’re likely aware that hitting the open road on two wheels is a vastly different experience than driving a car. However, when it comes to insurance, the differences extend beyond just the type of vehicle. At The Washwick Agency, serving the communities in and around the Bethlehem, NH region, we help riders understand how motorcycle insurance differs from standard automobile coverage, ensuring they stay protected.

Unique Risks and Coverage Needs

Motorcycles inherently carry a higher level of risk compared to cars. Riders are more exposed to the elements, and accidents often result in more severe injuries. As a result, motorcycle insurance policies typically include coverage for medical payments and personal injury protection, which can help with medical bills regardless of who is at fault.

Customization and Accessory Coverage

Unlike cars, motorcycles are often customized with aftermarket parts, upgraded exhaust systems, and specialized gear. Standard auto insurance won’t cover these modifications, but motorcycle insurance can include accessory coverage to protect your custom work. Helmets and riding gear may also be covered under certain policies.

Seasonal Insurance Considerations

Many riders only use their motorcycles during warmer months, which means insurance can be tailored to seasonal use. Some policies offer lay-up periods, allowing you to maintain comprehensive coverage while pausing collision coverage when the bike is in storage. This is a unique option that car insurance doesn’t typically offer.

Understanding the differences between motorcycle and automobile insurance ensures you have the proper protection on the road. The Washwick Agency, providing motorcycle insurance to residents in the greater Bethlehem, NH area, can help you find a motorcycle insurance policy that fits your riding lifestyle. Contact us today to get started!

Boat Insurance – Review and Modify Your Existing Policy

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Refurbishing your boat or adding new accessories may require modifications to your boat insurance policy. Whether your boat is actively used or dry-docked on land, it is crucial to understand how increased coverage will protect you.

The Refurbishment Process

A boat refurbishment project can increase the overall value of your watercraft. Once the refurbishment is complete, your current boat insurance policy may not offer the level of protection needed. Before your boat is upgraded, obtain an estimate for the upgrades. Consider the value of the upgrades and then compare boat insurance products that provide protection for each upgrade.

New Boat Accessories

New accessories can enhance your boat’s safety and functionality. Whenever new accessories are installed in a watercraft, the overall use value of a boat changes. Consider the type of accessories you will be investing in and how often you will be using them. Then, review boat insurance products designed to provide the level of protection you need. New lights, navigational aids, deck trim, and other boat accessories can make your boat much more user-friendly.

You can choose which items to insure and how much coverage to provide for each accessory. If some items are only used occasionally, you may decide you don’t need to insure them throughout the year. You can choose temporary insurance coverage for them.

Contact An Insurance Agent in Bethlehem, NH

Contact one of our insurance representatives at The Washwick Agency. An agent will consult with you first. Then, they will review and modify your existing boat insurance policy.

I’m Getting Home Insurance – Should I Also Get Umbrella Insurance?

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When shopping for home insurance, you may be asked if you’re also interested in umbrella insurance. While umbrella insurance and home insurance are different, some homeowners find it challenging to understand how these two policies relate and why they are sometimes purchased together.

The agents at the Washwick Agency, serving Bethlehem, NH, are available to answer your questions and help you decide if umbrella insurance is right for you. This article will provide more information about umbrella insurance, aiding your decision-making process when purchasing your insurance policy.

Understanding Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance extends liability coverage beyond that provided by your home or auto insurance policy.

Why Consider Umbrella Insurance?

Many people opt for umbrella insurance to safeguard their assets. Rental property owners often get umbrella insurance to protect themselves from liability associated with these properties.

You may want to consider umbrella insurance if you have significant wealth to protect, participate in high-risk activities (like hunting), or own high-risk items (like a trampoline).

Benefits of Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance can protect your assets under certain conditions. If someone gets injured at your house and their claims exceed your home insurance bodily injury liability, umbrella insurance can be beneficial. People often choose umbrella insurance for peace of mind.

How to Get Umbrella Insurance

If you’re interested in umbrella insurance, contact the professionals at The Washwick Agency, serving Bethlehem, NH. Call today to get started.

Is a Short-Term Health Insurance Policy Right for You?

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Keeping yourself healthy is every adult’s responsibility, and one of the components of healthcare is an annual wellness visit to your doctor. During the year, you may also need to visit the doctor if you’re hurt or not feeling well. If you live near Bethlehem, NH, and you have questions about health insurance, our team at The Washwick Agency is ready to discuss your available options. We’ve been providing insurance services to clients in your area since 1979.

Are You Considering a Short-Term Health Insurance Policy?

Our team understands that purchasing an insurance policy may be a financial concern. Some of our clients find that short-term, limited-duration health plans may be right for them. According to Consumers Advocate, although these policies don’t offer comprehensive coverage, they can be an affordable solution for clients who are looking for the right health insurance policy. These policies don’t typically cover pre-existing conditions and often don’t meet the minimum requirements for ACA coverage requirements.

According to Consumers Advocate, short-term policies often impose annual dollar limits on your medical bills. When deciding whether a short-term policy is for you, list your priorities in a medical policy. For example, if you take many medications, you will need a policy that has medication coverage. Although cost is always a consideration, a dental policy will also be necessary if you have children.

Call Us Today for an Appointment

Our agents at The Washwick Agency have the experience and knowledge to discuss all your available health insurance options. If you have questions about mental health, pharmacy, eyeglasses, or dental insurance, you’ll get them answered here. Clients in the Bethlehem, NH, area can feel confident when trusting our team with their insurance needs. Call us for an appointment today, and let’s talk about insurance.

Life Insurance for Your Retirement Planning

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If you are saving for retirement, chances are you already have an IRA, a 401(k) plan, and other well-known kinds of investments. But at The Washwick Agency, serving Bethlehem, NH, and all of New Hampshire, we encourage all of our customers to consider adding life insurance to their retirement portfolio.

Specifically, we recommend cash-value life insurance as a retirement investment.

Why Consider Life Insurance for Retirement Planning?

Cash-value life insurance helps you accumulate investment earnings without paying taxes before withdrawing from your policy.

Whole life and universal life policies contain both an insurance element, that is, they help protect your loved ones in the event of your premature death, and an investment element, earning money on the portion of your premiums in excess of the cost of insurance.

The value of these policies increases the longer you keep paying your premiums. After two years, you can take out a loan against the cash value of your policy that you do not have to pay back (although it will reduce the value of your death benefit if you don’t). You can surrender your policy for its entire value, or, in some situations, you can take out a policy with an option for paid-up premiums for lifetime coverage.

You can choose the investments you want for universal variable life, gaining the opportunity for greater earnings tied to a market index.

Life insurance can be a way to transfer wealth between generations without gift tax or inheritance duties.

Discuss Your Options with Us

Come in and talk with your agent at The Washwick Agency, serving Bethlehem, NH, and all of New Hampshire, about your options for life insurance investments for your retirement security. See how we help you have enough money to retire by protecting your asset growth from taxation while protecting your family’s security.

Regular Review Of Your Medicare Coverage Can Help You Save Money

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As one grows older, health insurance coverage becomes increasingly critical. The Medicare program covers Americans aged 65 and above and offers myriad coverage options. However, the extensive array can often be confusing, potentially leading to gaps in health coverage and increased out-of-pocket costs. As a person’s health needs may change during this life stage, periodically reviewing their insurance is always advisable. At the Washwick Agency in Bethlehem, NH, we offer guidance to help you navigate the numerous Medicare coverage options.

The Benefits of Regular Review of Your Medicare Coverage

While your current Medicare coverage may have been suitable in the past, changes in your health conditions could increase the regularity and amount of copays or deductibles you need to cover. Perhaps there’s been a change in your financial situation, and you wish to decrease your coverage premium. Or you could be seeking additional coverage for vision or dental care that your current plan does not offer.

Variety in Medicare Options

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans provide a broad range of options. You have the power to reduce your premium, secure additional coverage, or decrease copay and deductible amounts. While traveling, you can even enhance your coverage for certain prescription medications or insurance.

The Washwick Agency: Your Partner in Medicare Healthcare Planning

Our experienced agents are equipped to help you navigate the myriad variety of Medicare plans to help you find the one best suited to you. Additionally, we offer a range of insurance products, including home, auto, watercraft, RVs, motorcycles, and business. Contact the Washwick Agency today for a non-obligatory Medicare health insurance coverage quote tailored to your unique healthcare needs.

Does RV Insurance Cover Personal Belongings Theft?

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RV Insurance and Theft Coverage: Protecting Your Personal Belongings

Traveling with your RV means more than just a vehicle on the road – it’s your residential haven on wheels. Naturally, you’d want to secure it and all the valuables contained within against possible threats. So, what happens if your RV gets broken into and your personal belongings, including jewelry and electronics, are stolen? To what extent does your RV insurance cover theft? The insurance experts at The Washwick Agency, serving Bethlehem, NH, offer the following advice for your peace of mind before you hit the road.

Understanding RV Insurance Coverage

There are various types of RV insurance plans. However, a standard RV insurance policy generally protects the RV and certain integral items, such as appliances, fixtures, and built-in electronics. The degree of coverage for personal belongings like computers, jewelry, and other valuables can vary. Some personal items might be covered under the standard RV insurance policy, while for others, additional coverage may be required through what is termed a rider or endorsement.

Importance of Regularly Reviewing Your Insurance Coverage

Before venturing forth on your RV adventure, ensure that your insurance policy is up-to-date and that you fully comprehend your coverage. At the Washwick Agency, serving Bethlehem, NH, we recommend periodically reviewing and updating your policy coverage, including adding protection for personal belongings. Don’t automatically assume that everything inside your RV will be covered. You don’t want to discover post-theft that your valuables were not covered.

We are Dedicated to Your RV Insurance Needs

Many insurance providers offer added coverage options for existing policies, commonly at reasonable premiums. Protecting your valuables could be as simple and effortless as exploring these options. Our goal at The Washwick Agency is to offer you up-to-date information and insurance solutions needed for sufficient coverage. If you’re in the Bethlehem, NH, area and require RV coverage consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders

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Riding a motorcycle is a unique experience filled with freedom and thrills; it’s part of why so many people are enthusiastic about riding. However, motorcycling also brings about its own set of worries, particularly concerning accidents and traffic navigation. These concerns further emphasize the importance of motorcycle safety, which is why Bethlehem, NH residents rely on the professional and friendly team at The Washwick Agency for all their motorcycle insurance needs.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Before you rev up and hit the road on your motorcycle, it’s essential to remember these safety tips:

  • Always have an escape route in mind. If required, steering your bike onto the side of the road is always a safer choice than colliding with another vehicle.
  • Stay visible. Drivers might overlook motorcycles, so wearing bright colors can increase your visibility.
  • Never venture out without your safety gear.
  • Stay weather-aware. Weather conditions significantly affect how all vehicles drive, handle, and stop, particularly motorcycles.
  • Always ride with sufficient motorcycle coverage because you never know when you might need it.

Protection and Coverage for You and Your Bike in Bethlehem, NH

If you reside and ride in or around Bethlehem, NH, and need motorcycle insurance or have any questions, our experienced team at The Washwick Agency can assist. None of us wants to experience an incident like an accident where we need insurance, but we’re always glad we have coverage when such a situation arises. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment so you and your motorcycle get the protection and coverage you need and deserve today.

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