auto INSURANCE
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Auto Insurance
Once you have a clear picture of how you use your car and your priorities, you’re ready to shop for insurance. Generally, it’s a good idea to compare policies from at least three different insurers.
You’ll want to consider fundamental factors such as coverage and price, but it’s also worth evaluating prospective insurers as well. The following are the most important factors to consider.
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Types and amount of coverage
Try to compare apples to apples when choosing your insurance policy. All of the policies that you review should have the same types and amount of coverage. It is difficult to compare policies, for instance, if one provides $50,000 in property damage liability coverage, another only $30,000, and a third $100,000. Coverages that you’ll want to consider, though some are optional, include:
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Primary liability—including bodily injury and property damage coverage
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Medical payment coverage
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Uninsured motorist coverage
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Collision
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Comprehensive
Check prospective policies too for secondary options that could prove beneficial, such as glass coverage—which often comes without a deductible—or reimbursement for a rental car.
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Price and deductibles
Naturally, when you compare insurance policies, cost will be a top consideration. You may be surprised by how much prices vary, so you’ll want to get several quotes. In addition to the price of the premium—the actual cost of the policy—look at the payment schedule. Will you incur an extra fee if you pay monthly? Can you get a discount if you pay for a full year all at once? When you compare prices, be aware of the amount of the deductible—how much you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Generally, you can lower your premium if you opt for a higher deductible.
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It's not only accidents
Many people think that since they are good drivers, they have no need of car insurance. But there is another side to car insurance. What happens if your car is stolen and wrecked? What happens if it’s destroyed by fire, or keyed by vandals?
Car insurance is there for more than to cover you in the event of an accident. Most car insurance policies today come with a range of extra coverages and services that can make them valuable and helpful even if you never have an accident. Things like roadside assistance and rental car coverage are helpful options that increase the value you get out of your insurance policy.
Car insurance is something every driver needs because no one can predict the future. Taking the risk of driving without insurance is not only illegal – it can have a far-reaching impact on your life should you make the gamble and lose.
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The vehicle you own, your personal priorities and your budget all factor into your unique auto insurance needs. Before comparing policies and insurers, evaluate how you use your car and what risks you face to figure out what options make the best sense for you.
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8 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING AUTO INSURANCE...
Motorcycle/ATV Insurance
Choosing the right insurance policy is much like choosing the right motorcycle. You want it to fit your needs and lifestyle—and to be within your budget. Here's a guide to insurance coverage for your bike—and some tips to make your insurance ride more "easy" on your wallet.
In order to find out what coverage is best for you, it is important to understand all the options available.
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MOTORCYCLE COVERAGE BASICS
Although most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, other types of coverage are usually optional. Ask your insurance professional which laws apply in your state and understand all the coverage options available to best fit your needs.
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Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident. It doesn't cover injury to you or damage to your motorcycle. Guest Passenger Liability, which provides protection in the event that a passenger is injured on your motorcycle, may also be available to you, depending on state laws and the company issuing your policy.
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Motorcycle collision insurance covers damage to your motorcycle if you are involved in a collision with another vehicle. Your insurance company pays for damages (usually the book value of your bike before the loss occurred), minus your deductible.
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Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by an event other than a collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism. Like collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for damages, minus your deductible, and will cover only the book value of the motorcycle.
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Coverage for customized motorcycle parts. Many comprehensive and collision policies will only cover the factory standard parts on your motorcycle, or they will limit the coverage. If you decide to add on any optional accessories such as chrome parts, a custom paint job, trailers or sidecars, check with your insurer to understand the limits of coverage.
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Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage pays for damages to you and/or your property caused by another driver who either doesn't have insurance (uninsured) or doesn't have adequate insurance (underinsured). UM/UIM policies typically pay for medical treatment, lost wages and, in some cases, property damage.
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FACTORS THAT AFFECT YOUR MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE COSTS
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Your age, your driving record and where you live
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​Type or style of bike you ride—for example, sport bike, cruiser or custom motorcycle
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Age of the motorcycle
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Number of miles you ride a year
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Where you store your bike
Motorcycle insurance policies vary so, as always, shop around for an insurer and insurance professional with whom you feel comfortable.
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TIPS FOR THE COST-CONSCIOUS RIDER
As with auto insurance, maintaining a good driving record with no violations will help keep your premium costs down. In addition, some insurers offer driver discounts and other ways to save money on your motorcycle policy. While offerings may vary by state and insurer, following is a sampling:
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Training course discounts are offered to graduates of classes such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider course. This is particularly useful for riders under the age of 25, usually considered a higher risk. It’s also a good idea for riders who have already had accidents.
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Multi-bike discounts can deliver savings to riders insuring more than one motorcycle. If available, getting your policy from your auto or home insurer may qualify you for a multi-policy discount.
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Organization member discounts might be available if you belong to a motorcycle clubs or other associations.
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Mature rider discounts can help experienced riders save money.
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“Lay-up” policy savings. Available primarily in northern U.S. states, with a lay-up policy all coverage except comprehensive is suspended during the winter months when the bike is not being used, saving the driver money.
Motorhome/RV Insurance
What is RV Insurance?
Recreational vehicles, or RVs, include a wide range of motorhomes, from camper vans to bus conversions, organized by classes: Class A, B and C. Your RV insurance will depend on the class of your vehicle, how much you use it, whether you live in it full time and other factors.
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To find the right RV coverage for your motorhome or camper, contact an independent agent in our network. A local agent can help you compare several different RV insurance quotes and find the right coverage for your needs.
What Does RV Insurance Cover?
RV insurance covers many of the similar risks that auto insurance does, including collision, comprehensive and liability coverage. You can also get additional protection for your personal belongings on board, equipment and attached accessories such as awnings and satellite dishes.
Depending on the insurance company you choose, your additional coverage options may include:
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Total loss replacement coverage
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Campsite and vacation coverage
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Emergency expenses
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Towing and roadside coverage
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Full-timer coverage if your RV is your full time residence
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Uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage
How Does RV Insurance Work?
RV insurance protects you, as a recreational vehicle owner, from excessive out of pocket costs in the event of a loss or if you are at fault in an accident that causes bodily injury or property damage. It can also provide compensation for your costs if you have a roadside breakdown.
As an example of how RV insurance works, let’s consider some accidents or trouble you could encounter with your motorhome on a vacation. Your RV insurance would potentially cover you in the following ways:
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If you have uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage and another driver collides with you but is not insured, your insurance company will pay for your damages. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the amount of damage, your deductible amount, and the limits set on your policy.
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If you are at fault for an accident, the other driver will file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurer will pay the claim up to the limits of your liability policy. You will pay the costs of any damages, injuries, legal fees or judgments out of pocket beyond the limits set on your policy.
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If your RV is disabled after a crash and has to be towed, your insurance will cover some or all of the costs of towing.
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If your RV is stolen, an animal causes damage to your RV, or it is damaged in a hail storm, your comprehensive insurance would provide coverage for your losses, after your deductible and up to the limits you’ve selected in your policy.
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Is RV Insurance Required?
Like car insurance, RV insurance is required in every state. All states require a minimum amount of liability insurance; in addition, some require uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage.
Collision and comprehensive insurance limits are determined by you, the consumer. Be sure to consider how you will cover your costs if you are in an accident and do not have adequate coverage.
Under the following circumstances, you will experience additional requirements:
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If you rent an RV
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If you live in your RV full time – in this case, you will need full-timers insurance which has some similarities to homeowners insurance
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If you finance the purchase of an RV – when you borrow money to buy your motorhome, your lender will most likely require you to buy RV coverage before your financing can be approved
How Much RV Insurance Do I Need?
The amount of RV insurance you need will depend on several factors, such as:
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The requirements of the state in which you reside
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The class of motorhome you own
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Where you will be traveling, and whether you will cross state and country borders
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Whether you are using it part time or living in it full time
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Whether you have custom features on your motorhome, which can result in higher repair costs
Additionally, the amount of RV coverage you need will depend upon the assets you want to protect in the event of a liability claim or lawsuit.
For help determining how much RV insurance you will need, contact an independent agent in our network. An agent in your area can help you learn about the requirements in your state as well as the specific risks you may face.
Where Can I Get RV Insurance?
RV insurance is available through insurance agents, who will underwrite your policy through an insurance company. If you work with an independent agent, you'll get the help you need to review several RV insurance quotes in one place.
Find a local independent agent in our network today and find the right RV coverage that will protect you wherever you go.
Travel Trailer Insurance
Trailer insurance covers any form and size of trailer that you might use to tow and transport supplies, goods, vehicles, equipment or animals behind your vehicle.
There are many different types of trailers, varying widely in value from several hundred dollars to over $100,000. Trailer insurance covers horse trailers, motorcycle trailers, ATV trailers, boat trailers, utility trailers, and many other varieties.
The amount and type of insurance you need for a trailer depends upon its use and its value. To find out what kind of coverage you need for your trailer, locate an independent agent in our network.
One of our agents can shop for the right coverage from many different insurance companies and tailor a policy to your needs.
You may be able to add your trailer onto your auto policy, depending on the type of trailer you have. Your homeowners insurance may cover your trailer if it is small or is stored at home. Be sure to contact a knowledgeable agent about the right coverage for your needs.
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What Does Trailer Insurance Cover?
The type of trailer you have and the way you use it will dictate the kind of insurance coverage you need. Some of the insurance coverage you may need for your trailer includes liability, collision, and comprehensive.
While collision covers damage from an accident, comprehensive will provide coverage for things like hail and storm damage, theft and vandalism.
The risk of liability is often overlooked because you tow rather than drive a trailer, and it does not have its own engine. However, trailers have been known to become unhitched and can cause extensive damage. Your auto liability may or may not cover damages from your unhitched trailer.
If you use your trailer for business, you will need to cover the trailer as part of your commercial policy which is often called “commercial trailer insurance.”
This type of coverage would include auto haulers, side dump trailers, dump body and transfer boxes, concession trailers, dry freight trailers, flatbed trailers, gooseneck trailers, livestock trailers, logging trailers and any other trailer you may use for business.
It’s always a good idea to talk with a knowledgeable insurance agent about your particular trailer, how you use it, and any unique risks you may encounter. Be sure to review coverage for the contents you carry in the trailer.
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How Does Trailer Insurance Work?
Insurance coverage protects the trailer owner in a variety of ways. In some cases, the trailer and its contents may be covered under an existing policy, such as your auto insurance.
Unfortunately, many trailer owners assume that their auto policy or truck insurance covers the trailer towed behind the vehicle, and discover the trailer needs its own insurance policy once the damage is done.
If you do have coverage and your trailer is damaged, stolen or destroyed, you can file a claim on your trailer insurance to recover some or all of your loss.
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Is Trailer Insurance Required?
Some states do require that you have trailer insurance, so it is best to contact the motor vehicle division in your state. While trailer insurance is generally not required, it can be a wise investment.
For example, if you have a trailer of significant value, such as an expensive custom made trailer or a large horse trailer, you might want to consider getting coverage for liability, theft and vandalism.
The best approach is to talk with an agent who can research trailer policies from several different insurance companies so you can compare them and find the one that best meets your needs.
How Much Trailer Insurance Do I Need?
The amount of insurance you need will depend on the type of trailer you own and its value. For example, if you have a fairly expensive trailer, you may want full collision and comprehensive coverage in the event that it is damaged or destroyed in an accident, or the trailer is stolen.
You may also want liability coverage in the event that the trailer becomes unhitched, rolls away and causes bodily injury or property damage.
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Does Trailer Insurance Cover Water Damage?
Some trailers are water tight and others aren’t. If you are towing something that could be damaged by inclement weather, it’s a good idea to talk to your agent about coverage against water damage, both for the trailer itself and for the items you are towing.
Where Can I Get Trailer Insurance?
The best way to find trailer coverage tailored to your needs is to contact an independent agent. Your agent will be able to help you evaluate your risks, determine the appropriate amount of coverage needed, and compare plans from a range of different insurance carriers.
Contact an agent in our network today so you can feel confident that your trailer and the contents are fully covered when you hit the road.