Recreational Vehicle owners across the Northwest are having a fun-filled summer on the road. That fun, however, could be short-lived if you experience a loss and do not have the proper RV Insurance.
If you own an RV, NW Insurance Council urges you to take a minute to talk with your agent or insurance company to make sure you are adequately insured before hitting the road. This simple step could save you from a summer’s worth of headaches and financial burdens.
The point of a vacation is to get away from it all. The last thing you want is the double whammy of having an accident, then finding out you don’t have the right insurance on your RV.
Your RV is much more than a car and your insurance should reflect that. Consider insuring your RV on its own policy rather than adding it to your auto policy. Usually, RV Insurance will cover more than what your Auto Insurance covers.
Here are some of the differences that may help you decide if you need RV Insurance:
- RV Insurance can provide coverage for many items in your RV that you wouldn’t normally keep in your car, such as furnishings, jewelry, laptops, video recorders and clothing. Auto Insurance typically only covers items permanently installed in the vehicle.
- You may be liable if someone is injured inside your RV or at your campsite. RV Insurance can provide additional liability coverage.
- If your RV is damaged while you're traveling, you'll need a place to stay and a way to get there. A standard auto policy may not cover these losses or RV towing, which could cost you thousands of dollars.
- The high value of many RVs and the potential for extensive physical damage from an accident may mean you will need additional coverage.
- Your RV Insurance may not cover attached accessories, such as an awning, TV antenna or satellite dish. You may need to add Accessories Coverage to safeguard items attached to the outside of your RV.
Contact your auto insurance company or agent to ask about special RV coverage. If needed, explore coverage with a company or agent who writes policies specifically designed for RVs.
For more information about insurance visit NW Insurance Council or call (800) 664-4942.
NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public-education organization funded by member insurance companies serving Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Vacation is a time to relax, recharge and enjoy time away from home. To help ensure a worry-free and enjoyable trip, take steps to protect your home and make it a less attractive target for thieves.
More than 2 million burglaries occur each year, and most burglaries occur in July and August. Homeowners Insurance claims due to theft average $3,620 per year according to the Insurance Information Institute.
In 2012, there were an estimated 2.1 million burglaries according to FBI crime statistics. Burglaries of residential properties accounted for 74.5 percent of all burglary offenses.
A few simple precautions will make your home a lot less attractive to burglars, and you’ll be able to relax a little more while you’re away.
Standard Homeowners Insurance covers the theft of most personal belongings and damage associated with burglary. However, jewelry, furs, fine art and other expensive belongings typically have $1,000 to $2,000 worth of coverage, depending on your policy. To protect your high-dollar items for their full value, you can purchase special coverage with no deductible.
As you plan a fun and relaxing vacation this summer, take time to safeguard your home and belongings by following these tips:
- Update your insurance coverage. Be sure you have adequate coverage for your personal belongings, including high-value items.
- Don’t update your Facebook status. Resist the temptation to update your Facebook status with details about your upcoming vacation. Burglars can scan Facebook updates from local residents to target homes. Wait until you return to tell your friends and family on Facebook about your great vacation.
- Lock all doors and windows. Sliding glass doors have weak locks. Install a deadbolt lock and place a broomstick or dowel in the inside door track.
- Install an alarm system. Consider installing and using an alarm system that is monitored at a central location.
- Reduce the darkness. Consider having exterior lights and motion detectors mounted around your home and out of easy reach.
- Make your home look less attractive to thieves. Leave blinds in their usual position. Leave a little trash in your garbage can and arrange to have your lawn mowed. All of these tactics can give burglars the indication that someone is home.
- Stop all mail and newspaper deliveries. A stuffed mailbox or a pile of rolled newspapers in front of the door leaves a clear impression that you aren’t home.
- Trim hedges next to your home so burglars do not have a place to hide and arrange to have a trusted person mow the lawn.
- Tell police and dependable neighbors when you plan to be away and when you expect to return. Have a friend or neighbor keep an eye on your home and property.
- Do not hide keys in secret places outside your home. Experienced burglars usually know where to look.
- Conduct a home inventory of all of your personal belongings. Document or video tape each room of your home and keep the inventory in a safe place or offsite. You can access free, downloadable Home Inventory Software from NW Insurance Council’s website.
For more information about Homeowners Insurance coverage and how to protect your home from burglary, contact NW Insurance Council at (800) 664-4942 or send an email to info@nwinsurance.org
