RV Travel Tips

Get the Most Out of Your RV This Summer

There’s nothing quite like taking a road trip in an RV. Whether you’re headed to somewhere nearby in Chippewa or somewhere across the country this summer, we at Mower Insurance want you to get the most out of your travels.

But before we get to travel tips and how to find the best places to stay, we want to remind you about safety. As with any vehicle, maintenance is important. After all, even though you can hang out in your RV if it breaks down, who wants to spend their road trip on the side of the road? We encourage you to visit www.safeco.com and click on the “Insurance 101” tab. The “Consumer Tips” section has a wealth of information on RV safety.

With that said, it’s time to hit the road!

General travel tips

·         Have a plan (and maps or a GPS). One of the reasons you’re traveling in an RV, no doubt, is for the adventure. But while the freedom to go wherever you want can be exciting, getting lost isn’t (at least for most people). You’ll cut down on frustration if you know where you’re headed.

·         Pack the right things. We’ve all forgotten to pack something while going on vacation. And buying new items at your destination can add up. So make a packing list, and remember that it’s not all about clothes and toiletries. Don’t forget your favorite road music or DVDs to watch at night. And if you’ve got kids with you, be sure to pack games and other things to entertain them.

·         But don’t pack everything. Of course, just because you have an RV doesn’t mean you should bring all of your possessions on vacation with you.

·         Be prepared for anything. You should have a first-aid kit in the RV, as well as some tools for smaller repairs. And if you’re traveling a long distance, why not bring some local items from your hometown to give as gifts when you make new friends?

·         Limit the driving. It’s tiring enough driving a car hundreds of miles a day, let alone an RV, so give yourself plenty of rest and don’t overdo the driving.

Want to bring your car?

Taking a car along with your RV can give you a lot more flexibility on your vacation. But it can also make the driving more stressful, so keep that in mind. According to towingworld.com, there are three main options to bring your car with you:

·         A trailer: This of course, allows you to raise the car completely off the ground. They’re generally more expensive than other options, but keep wear and tear to a minimum for your car.

·         A tow dolly: This lifts the front wheels of the car off the ground. They’re useful if you can’t tow your car with all four wheels down, and can be easily used for front-wheel drive vehicles without another device to make it towable.

·         A tow bar: The most popular choice, because of its convenience. It’s the option with the least amount of equipment, and usually the least expensive; it also takes up less space than dollies and trailers. Note that not all cars can be towed with four wheels on the ground, so check your manufacturer’s recommendations.

Where to stay

If you’re looking for a campground or RV park, you’re in luck - there are seemingly endless options across the country. But how do you know which ones are good or safe? Plenty of online resources have information on various parks, including the ones below:

·         http://www.rvparkfinder.net/

·         http://findarvpark.com/

·         http://www.gocampingamerica.com/

·         http://www.trailerlifedirectory.com/

·         http://www.rvingusa.com/

Wherever you stay, you’ll want to take some steps to prevent crime. RVs can be inviting targets for thieves, because they usually contain more valuables than cars. Always lock your doors when you’re away from the RV and keep valuables out of sight or locked away. If you’re parked for the night in a non-camping area, such as a parking lot, try to stay in a well-lit area and keep the door facing the light. Finally, try to make fuel or convenience store stops during the day, if possible.

You’ve got a summer full of fun ahead in your RV. We wish we were coming with you! Here’s hoping for smooth and safe travels.

And don’t forget, we can help you get the right insurance coverage for your RV (and everything else). Give us a call today!

Boat Slip Selection

Finding the perfect boat slip

If you’re an avid boating enthusiast and you’ve tired of the typically exhausting practice of hauling your boat to and from your favorite body of water like Lake Wissota, waiting in lines at launch ramps and winching it in and out every time you boat, it may be time to consider renting a boat slip.

Marina boat slips vary from one another, but all of them offer many advantages to boaters who spend a lot of time on the water. Some of their many benefits include:

• Convenience. It is much easier and more time-effective to dock your boat than to put it in and pull it out every time you go boating.
• Security. Marinas are generally very safe, protected by locked gates. Some marinas also offer 24/7 security via cameras or guards that patrol the marina grounds.
• It’s ready when you are. When your boat is docked, it’s always waiting for you when you’re ready to go.
• Onsite amenities. Most marinas have shops containing boating supplies and snacks, restrooms, shower facilities, restaurants and bars. They also tend to be surrounded by pleasant outdoor areas.
• Community. By having a slip in a marina, you reap the benefits of being a member of a social community.

While the advantages are numerous, boat slips are also notorious for being costly. Here are a few pointers for finding the best deal possible on a boat slip rental:

·         Shop, shop, shop. There is no substitute for good, old fashioned bargain hunting, so invest time in shopping. Go talk to personnel at a variety of marinas in your area to start price comparing.

·         Use the Internet. Websites like pickaslip.com allow you to do detailed searches for slips on a wide variety of popular bodies of water in the United States.

·         Advertise. Put up a flyer on community boards at marinas, coffee shops, and anywhere else you have the opportunity; include what you’re seeking and how much you want to pay. You can also advertise in your local newspaper classifieds and on popular buy/sell websites like craigslist.org.

·         Talk it up. Tell everyone you know what you’re looking for so they can help you spread the word.

If you think it’s time you start enjoying more time on the water and less hauling a boat to and from the water, we at Mower Insurance wish you good luck in your search for the perfect slip!

When a commercial building is vacant or unoccupied, there are generally two problems.  The property is exposed to an increased amount of risk; for example, it becomes a target for vandals.  In addition, discovery of a loss may be delayed; a water pipe can burst and go undetected for days.  As a result of the increased risk and delay in detection, insurance policies are not as broad when a property is considered vacant.

Defining Vacancy

In the mid 1990’s, commercial property policies started defining exactly when a building is considered vacant.  The definition is found in the Conditions section of the policy.  With each new edition of the policy, the definition has been revised.  Today, you must review the actual policy covering a building in order to determine which definition of vacancy will apply.  Some policies state that a building is considered vacant unless at least 31% of the total square footage is being used to conduct customary operations.  This would mean that if only one floor of a four-story building is being used, the vacancy restrictions of the policy would apply.

The Threshold

For a short period of time, vacancy is not a problem because the vacancy condition in a commercial property policy contains a threshold.  Usually after the building has been “vacant” for either 30 or 60 days, the restrictions on coverage are activated.

Restrictions on Coverage

When a building has been vacant for longer than the policy threshold, there are two changes in coverage:

·         Excluded Perils

There is no coverage for six causes of loss:  theft, attempted theft, vandalism, glass breakage, water damage, and sprinkler leakage

·         Reduced Coverage

For other covered perils, payment of a loss is reduced by 15%.  With a $100,000 fire loss, the policy will only pay $85,000

When your building is unoccupied or vacant, be certain to check the vacancy condition in your property policy.  If you are not certain how the provision will apply, get it cleared up before the loss and get it in writing.  When your building is vacant check with your agent and ask him your options.  He/she should be able to negotiate coverage through an endorsement, vacancy permit, or special vacancy policy.  Remember, most carriers do not hesitate to activate the vacancy provisions of a policy if the conditions at the time of claim warrant it.

Understanding Coinsurance

Coinsurance is one of the most misunderstood concepts in modern insurance.  It is also an important concept because a coinsurance clause is found on most property policies.  The clause is only activated with a partial loss, but the impact can be significant.  If the coinsurance clause is activated at the time of loss, you will not be fully compensated for a partial loss.  Imagine your limit of insurance is $100,000 at the time you have a $10,000 fire but you can only collect $5000 because of the coinsurance clause.

Here is how coinsurance works:

·         In exchange for lower rates…

The industry has a number of actuarial reasons for adding a coinsurance clause to a policy, but there is also a benefit to the consumer.  With most policies, rates are less when the policy contains a coinsurance clause

·         You agree to be insured for at least 80% of the replacement cost at the time of loss

The only thing the coinsurance clause requires of a policyholder is that property be insured to value.  Contracts vary and some require 80% of the value, others require only 90-% or even 100% of value.  (Although we are using “replacement cost” in this discussion, if your property is insured on an “actual cash value” basis and your contract has an 80% coinsurance clause, you will be required to insure for 80% of the actual cash value)

·         If you do not keep your promise, you become a coinsurer and share in any partial loss

At the time of loss, the claims adjuster will determine if you have kept the coinsurance promise; he will simply compare the policy limit with an estimated value of the property.  If your limit of insurance is not adequate, you will only be compensated for a portion of your loss, and you will pay the balance.  You are a coinsurer

·         There is a formula in the policy that tells your share

The coinsurance clause of a property policy contains a formula that tells you what your share is.  The industry calls this formula Did Over Should.  It simply says that if you only did have half of what you should have had, the insurance company will pay for half of the $10,000 fire and you will pay the other half

The Bottom Line

The minimum amount of insurance you should carry on property is the limit that will satisfy the coinsurance clause.  If you are insured for that amount at the time of loss, the coinsurance clause will not be activated.  However, if you are only insured for 80% of the value of the property and you have a total loss, you will have a different problem.  You will have to decide which 80% of the property you are going to replace, because you will run out of limits.  Prudent policyholders simply insure for 100% of the value of their property

5 Reasons to Buy the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

When you rent a car, the rental company offers you their optional coverages.  One is coverage for damage to the vehicle you are renting.  This coverage is called Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).

Your personal or business auto policy may provide some coverage for the rental car but the LDW is broader than most of those policies.  There are five primary reasons you should consider buying the LDW.

1.    No Deductible

When your auto policy pays for the damage to the rental car, you will pay the policy deductible.  There is no deductible with the LDW.

2.    No Claim on Your Record

When your policy pays, the claim will show in the insurance industry databases and can influence your rates in the future.  The claim covered under the LDW is never reported to the insurance industry.

3.    Full Coverage for Loss of Use

If you damage the rental car, you will also be responsible for the loss of rental income during the time it is out of use.  Many auto policies do not cover this and others provide only partial coverage.  It is not an issue if you purchase the LDW.

4.    Coverage Matches Your Legal Obligation

With a collision loss, your auto policy will pay the cost of repairing the vehicle.  The rental agreement you signed may obligate you for much more than that.  Most rental car companies are now charging for Diminished Value (the reduction in value of the vehicle because it has been in an accident).  And, one major rental car company is simply selling the damaged vehicle at auction and charging the renter for the difference between the pre-loss value and the sale proceeds.  If what your auto policy pays for the repairs is not sufficient to cover the bill from the rental car company, you will pay the difference.  When you buy the LDW, your obligation for damage is covered completely.

5.    You Won’t Miss the Plane

If you return the rental car damaged, you may miss your flight home as you complete the paper work that is required.  When you have the LDW, the return process is not difficult.

The cost of the LDW is expensive, in most cases around $20 per day.  Despite the expense, many renters feel the peace of mind it brings makes the price well worth it.

Who is Covered?

You increase your limits of liability on your automobile and homeowners policies and you purchase a personal umbrella policy to protect your family and your future.  You should also determine just who is covered under the liability protection you have purchased?

As a general rule, most liability policies in personal lines cover the following people:

·         You and Your Spouse

The broadest coverage under a liability policy is provided for the named insured.  Both the husband and wife should be listed as named insureds under a liability policy in order to obtain that broad coverage

·         Resident Relatives

Most liability policies define this as someone who is related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption and is currently a resident of the household\

The named insured and resident relatives usually receive very broad coverage under personal lines policies.  In addition to being covered while driving vehicles that are listed on the policy, they also are covered for driving a vehicle they borrow or rent, in most cases.  Under the homeowners policy, they are the only individuals who receive coverage for their personal activities, both on and off the premises

·         Permissive Users

People who use your vehicles with your permission are usually covered under your auto insurance.  This would include a neighbor or a roommate who borrows your car.  But your auto policy only covers them when they are driving your vehicles, even if they are listed on the policy as a regular driver.  Beware – any claims they have with your vehicle will go on your claims history and can impact the rates you pay in the future

Some liability policies broaden coverage to include broad coverage for some additional individuals.  For example, many auto policies include broad liability coverage for a ward or foster child who is currently a resident of the household.  This is incidental coverage and varies from one company to another.  Your agent should be able to help you determine who is covered under your liability policies

So, You Have a Company Car...

Employees who are assigned a company car are able to avoid the substantial expense connected with owning and operating a vehicle.  The employee does not have to make the car payments, pay for repairs and maintenance, or fill it with fuel.  And, it is the employer who picks up the cost of insurance.  Unfortunately, there are limitations and exclusions with a business auto policy that may come into play at the time of an accident.

The Uncovered Claim

The employee’s use of a company car, insured under the employer’s corporate policy, may not be covered in the following circumstances:

·         The Coverage Has Lapsed

Whether through oversight or poor cash flow, when a premium is not paid on time, coverage lapses.  An accident during a lapse period will not be covered

·         Beyond Permitted Use

The employee signs an agreement that only he will be covered for use of the vehicle, but his wife is driving it at the time of the accident

·         Fellow Employee Exclusion

An employee hurt on business can collect for injuries under Workers Compensation.  But, if the injured employee sues another employee who was driving the company vehicle, the corporate auto policy may not defend the suit.  Most commercial auto policies contain this exclusion.

Covering the Exposure

Most Personal Auto Policies include coverage for a non-owned vehicle on an excess basis.  It provides coverage for certain people when they are driving a vehicle they do not own and the vehicle is uninsured, the limits are not adequate, or the accident is excluded.

If you have a Personal Auto Policy in the household, check to see if it will provide this coverage for you and others in your household who may be driving the company car.  If that policy contains an exclusion for a vehicle that is furnished or available for your regular use, you can add an inexpensive endorsement to remove that limitation.  Ask your agent for details.

If the company car is your only vehicle, you should consider obtaining a Named Non-Owned Personal Auto Policy.  It provides liability coverage only for driving a vehicle you do not own.  It will cover you in the situations just presented and also if you borrow a friend’s vehicle and then discover it is uninsured.  This policy also contains a furnished or available exclusion that can be removed by endorsement.

The Bottom Line

Use of a company vehicle is a significant employee benefit; however, the prudent employee would make certain that there is sufficient insurance on the vehicle.  Remember, proper automobile insurance protects both your current assets and your future earning ability.