Fall Newsletter 2023

Coming Soon!

Our East Millinocket location will be moving to Millinocket.

Stay tuned for more details!

Veterans Day Flag Exchange

F.A. Peabody Insurance is pleased to extend the opportunity to replace your worn American flag with a new one, free of charge (size 3′ x 5′.) Flags are in limited supply and will be exchanged on a first-come, first-served basis. Flags must be exchanged in person at one of our local branch offices. Just bring in your old flag and we will properly dispose of it.

Maine Eclipse 2024

We are so excited to be a major sponsor of Maine Eclipse 2024! Join us on April 8, 2024, in Houlton, Maine, for a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Thanks to an unusual convergence of market trends, ushered in by the pandemic and followed by other disruptive events, you may see a bigger change to the cost of your home and auto insurance than usual when it comes time to renew your policies this year.

Insurance rates are based on what an insurer thinks it will cost to make you whole in the event of a loss – whether it’s roof damage during a windstorm or a vehicle totaled during a traffic accident. As you’ve likely noticed, pretty much everything costs more than it did even a few years ago.

Read more...

Putting Away Your Summer Toys!

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, it's time to bid farewell to the warm days of summer and prepare for the winter months ahead. For those of us who enjoy outdoor adventures with our summer toys, such as boats, campers, ATVs, and more, it's crucial to ensure they are stored safely and securely. In this guide, we'll explore some of the steps to properly stow away your summer toys for the winter. For a complete list of steps, consult the owners' manuals for your property.

1. Clean and Inspect

Before storing your summer toys, take the time to clean and inspect them thoroughly. Remove any dirt, grime, or residue from your boats, campers, and ATVs. This not only preserves their appearance but also prevents damage over the winter. Inspect for any signs of wear and tear, and address any issues promptly. A well-maintained toy is less likely to suffer damage during storage.

2. Winterize Your Toys

Different summer toys require specific winterization procedures. Here are some general tips:

   Boats: Drain all water from the engine and water lines, replace oil and fluids, stabilize the fuel, lean the boat, and protect it by using a boat cover.

   Campers: Empty and clean the holding tanks, remove all perishable items, and ensure the plumbing and electrical systems are winterized.

   ATVs: Clean them thoroughly, change the oil and filter, and stabilize the fuel. Remove the battery and store it separately.

3. Secure Storage

Selecting the right storage location is essential. Whether you're storing your toys in a garage, storage facility, or on your property, make sure they are protected from the elements, including wind, snow, and ice. Use sturdy covers or tarps to shield them from the harsh winter conditions. Storing them indoors or in a climate-controlled facility is ideal, but not always feasible.

4. Review Your Insurance Coverage

One of the most critical steps in preparing your summer toys for winter is to review your insurance coverage. Check with your insurance agency to ensure your investments are adequately protected during the storage period. Consider the following:

   Coverage Type: Some insurance policies offer specialized coverage for recreational vehicles and boats. Ensure you have the right type of coverage that suits your needs.

   Storage Coverage: Some insurance companies offer reduced coverage during the storage period, as these toys are not in use. This can help you save on premiums while still protecting your investment.

   Liability Coverage: Remember that liability coverage may still be necessary, even if your toys are in storage.

For any questions about your insurance coverage pertaining to your summer toys, reach out to your F.A. Peabody Insurance agent.

Consider a Career in Insurance!

Why a career in insurance? Many insurance professionals enjoy working in a business setting with upward mobility, at the same time, helping people through some of the most vulnerable situations in their lives.

Here are some benefits of a career in insurance:

• Job security: The insurance industry is a stable industry that is not likely to be affected by economic downturns or recessions.

• Career growth opportunities: The insurance industry offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, including underwriting, claims adjusting, sales, marketing, customer service and more.

• Several types of careers – Insurance companies and agencies offer a variety of positions specific to insurance and several business related occupations that occur in many different industries. Not only can you find opportunities to grow your insurance related skill set, but also broadening your transferable skills to a variety of careers within the industry.

• High earning potential: A career in insurance can offer significant earning and growth potential, especially for those who excel in sales.

• Continuous learning and development: The insurance industry is constantly evolving and offers opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development. Most insurance related employers know how important education is, and many provide and encourage continuous learning.

• Challenging & rewarding work: Insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection for individuals and businesses during difficult times, allowing you to make a positive impact on people's lives in a variety of positions.

• Work-life balance: A career in insurance can provide work-life balance, allowing you to have time for family, hobbies, and other interests. Many insurance employers have flexible work arrangements that include remote work options and/or flexible schedules.

• Diverse work environment: The insurance industry is a diverse and inclusive industry that welcomes people from all backgrounds and experiences.

• Stability and benefits: Many insurance careers provide stability and benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off.

• Giving Back – A career in insurance can be an opportunity to give back to your community and get involved. Insurance positions can be found at the root of protecting your community and most insurance organizations encourage engagement and activity of their employees in charitable efforts that support the communities in which they serve.

We have varying positions open throughout the state, check it out on our web page!

Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Roasted pumpkin seeds for garnish (optional)
• 
  

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the cubed butternut squash and the broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
5. Return the blended soup to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a creamier soup, you can add heavy cream at this stage and stir until well combined.
6. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve hot, garnished with roasted pumpkin seeds if desired. You can also add a drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of ground nutmeg, or a dash of cinnamon for extra flair.

This butternut squash soup is perfect for a cozy, autumn meal. It's warm, comforting, and embodies the flavors of fall. You can also customize it by adding apples or pears for a slightly sweet twist, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. Enjoy this recipe with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete fall-inspired meal.