Summer in this part of the country is well earned, especially this year. The winter of 2014 qualified as one of the ten coldest on record in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Relish the summer months, and don’t think twice before heading out of town, up to the lake, down to the beach, or in the water. Do, however, take time to make sure you are adequately insured prior to backing down the driveway.
You may have auto, homeowners, or renters insurance, but summer recreation often calls for specialized insurance coverage.
Do you have a pop up camper, ATV, boat, or storage trailer riding along to your favorite recreation spot?
Are you bringing living quarters, a/k/a RV or motorhome, in addition to suitcases and fishing tackle?
If so, your risks differ in quality and quantity from those posed by driving an automobile or living at home. Make sure you have the basics covered:
- Liability coverage to pay for bodily injury to another or damage to another’s property
- Collision coverage to pay for loss or damage to your property resulting from an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage to pay for loss or damage to your property resulting from theft, fire, or severe weather.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage in the event a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance is at fault
- Remember that risks don’t stop when you are parked. You can’t pull into a garage to escape bad weather when you are camping. Thieves strike campgrounds just as they do neighborhoods.
You and your agent should also discuss coverage for other situations:
- Roadside assistance for an RV or trailer is more complicated than changing a tire on or towing a car. If your vehicle breaks down or trailer becomes unhitched, you will need help, and insurance helps defray the expense.
- If a breakdown or accident interrupts the vacation, you will be happy to have emergency expense coverage. If you are not close to home, your expenses for lodging and meals will be considerably higher than budgeted.
- Think about the total cost of all the personal property stored in your motorhome, RV, or trailer. The value of household items, fishing and ski equipment, not to mention the boat or ATV itself add up. To replace property lost or damaged in an accident, make sure you have adequate coverage.
- If you plan to live in your trailer, RV, or motorhome, check into “full-timers” insurance, which provides coverage for circumstances unique to this lifestyle.
- If you borrowed money to purchase your RV, boat, or ATV, the lender will want to be a named insured on your insurance policy.
Remember that if you are planning to use a boat or ATV when you arrive, you may need special insurance to cover any resulting personal injury, property loss, or damage. Riding ATVs and boating pose special risks, and insurance companies offer separate policies to cover them.
Call us to discuss how your existing coverage works and what additional coverage you need to keep yourself protected. We have been addressing the insurance needs of
western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota for nearly 40 years. We are conveniently located at 220 S. Main Street, River Falls, WI 54022. Give us a call to set up an appointment 715-425-6721.
