Will your mind be clear when you take a cruise?

Taking a nice long cruise in your motorcycle can be a lot of fun. I see many people become lost as to what type of motorcycle coverage they really need so, just what do you need to look for in a motorcycle insurance policy? Here are some quick tips to help.

Protecting Yourself And Passengers

You are required by state law to carry liability coverage to help protect others in case you're found at fault in an accident. It's the law!

Medical Payments - This coverage provides payments for reasonable medical treatment for you or another injured person in the event of an accident.

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist - This protection will cover damages caused by those drivers who fail to carry any insurance at all, or don't carry enough to pay for the damages.

Protecting Your Motorcycle

Collision - Pays for the repairs or replacement of your motorcycle in the case of a covered accident. Generally, you'll use this coverage if you are at fault, but in other cases it can be used even if you're not at fault and the other insurance company is slow to settle the claim. Once they do, your insurance company will refund you back your deductible.

Comprehensive - This motorcycle insurance coverage pays for covered losses from damages caused by peril other than collision. Typically, this would include fire, theft, vandalism, storm damage and other covered causes.

Added Equipment Coverage - Have you added on some custom options to your motorcycle? You may need to have this coverage added to your policy. It covers a loss for equipment that was not included as standard equipment, or equipment that was not permanently installed by the manufacturer. This is an important coverage to consider adding.

Towing - This option provides for reimbursement of towing charges up to the policy limit in the event your motorcycle breaks down.

Rental Reimbursement - In the event of a covered loss, if you also have comp and collision coverage on your policy, you can have rental transportation while your motorcycle is being repaired. You'll be able to rent a car and the policy will reimburse your expense up to the policy limits.

Or

Roadside Assistance/Trip Interruption

Roadside Assistance coverage provides you with the following benefits:

• Provides towing to the nearest qualified repair facility and necessary labor at the place of disablement when the vehicle is disabled due to mechanical or electrical breakdown, battery failure, flat tire, lockout, insufficient supply of fuel, oil, water or other fluids, or entrapment in snow, mud, water or sand within 100 feet of the roadway.
• Toll-free number to call for help.
• Service is available anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• When using a qualified repair facility, Progressive will pay them directly for covered services.
• Assistance even if your vehicle breaks down in your driveway.
• Prompt response time and quality service.

If you contact a service provider on your own or if you directly pay for any roadside service that is covered under your policy, you can still report your claim to us and your request for reimbursement will be processed according to the coverage provided under your policy.

Trip interruption coverage

Trip interruption coverage is provided for mechanical breakdowns and covered comprehensive and collision losses. The mechanical breakdown or covered loss must occur more than 100 miles from your primary residence.

The coverage provides daily maximums of $100 for lodging, $50 for alternative transportation, and $50 for food while the covered vehicle is being repaired, up to $500 per occurrence.

Other Discounts

Multiple Motorcycles - Many motorcycle insurers will offer a multi-cycle discount if you have more than one motorcycle on the same policy. This discount can really add up over time, so check to see that a company offers this coverage if this applies to you.


Motorcycle Safety Course Discount - This is another discount you may be eligible for if you have passed a motorcycle safety course. Generally, the discount applies for up to 3 years after certification.

So, lets make sure we have covered all our basis and are able to enjoy the cruise instead of thinking are we really fully covered!

Boat Insurance is a must!

"Insurance" not a subject anyone wants to get into, never mind boat insurance but do yourself a favor and protect your investments.

Who doesn't enjoy cruising around the lake or ocean in their boat. It can be a great way to relax and unwind from all the stress and aggravation you have to face each day. When you are out having a good time boating do you ever think about boat insurance? This is something that many people tend to not think about unless an accident happens. However, having insurance for your boat is just as important as having car or motorcycle insurance. In the event of an accident you need to be covered.

Boating Accidents are probably the number one reason you should purchase boat insurance. Yea, there are many people saying, a boating accident won't happen to me, but here's the thing: In any accident, did the parties involved wake up that day prepared for the worst?

If an accident occurs not only can the boat be badly damaged but someone can also get hurt. Sometimes this involves a collision between two boats, however many accidents have occurred where the driver of a boat didn't see a water skier or a swimmer and hit them. Serious injuries have occurred this way and in some cases even death. Having insurance in a case like this will help protect you from being sued if any type of accident was your fault. It will also help to pay for repairs or the replacement of your boat.

The water is a pretty tricky thing, it can be calm one minute and the next you could be facing unforeseen events that catch you off guard. You could encounter rough water that could damage or even overturn your boat. This is especially true if you are boating in the ocean. In some cases tornados and hurricanes are a real threat. These can completely destroy your boat even when it's sitting on dry land. Without boat insurance you have to repair the damage or replace the boat on your own.

Theft another reason that boat insurance is a great idea is because boats can be stolen. It is a common problem and it can happen to you. If someone steals your boat and you do not have boat insurance then unless the boat is recovered in good condition you are basically just out of luck. Whatever amount of money that you have put into this investment will all be lost.

Many people think that buying boat insurance is very expensive, but this is not always the case. In fact, buying boat insurance can actually save you a lot of money. Take a few minutes to think about the reasons listed above for having boat insurance and consider what situation you would find yourself in, if any of these things happened to you. You will then see how important it is for you to be protected. Just imagine how much it will cost you to replace your boat compared to the price of an insurance policy; you will then see how cheap insurance for your boat really is.

There is much more to renters insurance than you think!

The importance of purchasing Renters Insurance.

For those who rent, renters insurance covers damage to, or loss of, your personal property. Whether you rent from a house owner, a property manager, or a university (as a student living in a dorm), consider purchasing renters insurance. Although renter's insurance is usually not required, it is just as necessary to have. Your landlord's insurance policy does not cover you. Not only will renter's insurance protect your personal items, it will also give you help with temporary housing and liability protection such as medical expenses for people on your property or a lawyer if you are sued by someone unintentionally injured by you. Once you determine your need for renter's insurance, knowing your options will help you choose the best policy.

If the ceiling in your rented property is damaged by wind or hail in a storm, of course the ceiling is covered by your landlord. But what about your brand new stereo and TV that was damaged? Also, while the ceiling is being fixed, do you have enough money to immediately find another place to stay? These are the types of things that would be covered by your renter's insurance policy. Along with personal property coverage and living expenses, your renter's insurance policy will also cover your liability or damage you cause to others or their property. For example, your girlfriend comes over to visit and she slips on the ice outside your door. The same walkway that is your responsibly to keep clear! Your girlfriend needs medical attention and decides to sue you! Renter's insurance can't help with your broken heart, but it will help you pay for your ex-girlfriend's medical expenses and a lawyer.

Now that you have decided renter's insurance is for you, there are some things to consider when purchasing your renter's insurance policy:

1. Dollar Amount of Coverage: This is a leading factor in the price and coverage. A dollar amount is not placed on each piece of property, instead a fixed amount for all of your possessions will be determined. Of course, the more coverage you purchase, the higher the price of the policy.

2. Deductible: This would be a leading factor to consider in the cost and how much you are willing to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Coverages subject to the deductible would be everything except liability coverages, like paying for your girlfriends medical expenses.

3. ACV(Actual Cash Value) or Replacement Cost: When the insurance company comes to reimburse you for your stereo and TV what they give you is determined by these factors. A basic policy will pay you ACV, which is the value of the property at the time of loss. But, if you opt for replacement cost you will get an actual replacement. For example, your 5 year old stereo will be replaced with as much money as it would cost for you to purchase a new comparable stereo. Expensive items prone to theft such as jewelry and guns, only have limited coverage so it is wise to place these items on a separate policy. Replacement cost is well worth the small amount more it may cost for your policy.

4. Location and Previous Claims: If you rent in an area prone to thefts you will probably pay more for your insurance and if you or the previous person or neighbors have had a large amount of claims, this may raise the cost of your policy.

Even if you feel your personal property is not worth enough to insure, the value of having liability coverage is well worth renter's insurance. Something to think about.

What documents you should include in your emergency bag to prepare for a natural disaster.

Being prepared is not only necessary but will also provide you

with peace of mind during this stressful time. When and where

a disaster might strike is impossible to predict. You might have

only a few minutes or a couple hours' notice to gather your

family, take what you can and make your way to a

safe location. Keep in mind hurricane season runs from June to

November.

By creating an emergency bag, you'll have all of

your important documents and files ready to go whenever you

need to leave home in a hurry. An emergency bag is made up of

your most important and irreplaceable papers,

photos, mementos, and a backup of your computer. You will

also need a camera to take pictures of the damage to the

property after the disaster. It's best to keep these items in

plastic, ziploc bags. We recommend you use the two-

gallon bags as they will easily protect and secure most of your

folders, files and papers. Put the bags in a waterproof and

fireproof lockbox. If you don't have one, we recommend you

pick one up, or consider double-bagging

these valuables.

Imagine how hard life would be after a

disaster without insurance papers, birth certificates and your

computer files. To protect your family from that nightmare,

your emergency bag should include:

•  Apartment and condo leases
•  Home or other property deeds (mortgage, etc.)
•  Estate documents
•  Homeowner's or renter's insurance documents
•  Wills
•  Life insurance policies
•  Inventory of possessions and their value
•  List of important phone numbers (family, friends, etc.)
•  Flood Insurance documents
•  Vehicle titles, leases, loan documents, etc.
•  Financial statements (accounts, checks, tax returns, etc.)
•  Stocks and bonds
•  Copies of recent bills (power, water, etc.)
•  Government financial assistance award letters
•  Birth certificates or proof of citizenship
•  Social Security cards
•  Employment contracts or other legal documents
•  Medical records, x-rays, benefits documents, etc.
•  Education reports (report cards, acceptance letters)
•  Passports
•  Duplicate prescriptions from doctor
•  Backup computer files (on a CD, DVD, etc.)
•  Paperwork for your pets (medical records, registration, etc.)
•  Copies of important keys

The magic tools to a great auto discount!

  

People are always asking what they need to do to get that great auto discount. There are not any secret equations or magic solutions to getting a great discount.

There are several things that are taken into consideration:

1. Avoid getting tickets. Traffic tickets increase your premium by a significant amount.

2. Don't wreck. You don't want to be labeled a "High risk driver". All At Fault Accidents stain your record for at least 59 months. All Comprehensive Claims, Not At Fault Accidents, and Violations remain on your record for at least 35 months.

3. Safety devices. Having a car with air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and other safety features can provide discounts.

4. Excessive driving can increase your premium since it increases your risk exposure.

5. Ask about the good student discounts. You have worked hard to keep a good GPA! Show it off.

6. Shop for the best company. Sometimes staying with the same company for life doesn't mean you are getting the best rates and you could be missing out on hundreds of dollars in saving per year. You have nothing to lose with shopping around but much to gain in your pockets.

7. Good credit scores. Paying your bills on time since your credit score can offer you some discounts as well.

8. Take classes. A defensive driving class or a certified driver training class can lower your rates.

9. Enroll in electronic funds transfers to pay for your monthly bill.

10. Go Paperless! Accept documents and bills delivered through e-mail to get a discount.

This is the start of my daily blogs so please sit back and enjoy! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at anytime.