The Top 7 Camper Claims...Did you know?

Camper or RV insurance is a must-have for people with travel trailers or motor homes, because insurable incidents don’t leave you alone just because you’re on vacation.

Take a look at the top 7 claims experienced by camper and RV owners, and you’ll see just how necessary insurance is whether you are on—or off—the road.

1.) Fire Damage

Gas leaks and unattended indoor cooking sessions are often to blame for the fire damage claimed by RV owners. To avoid them yourself:

• Use leak detector solution to check for gas leaks.
• Don’t leave cooking food unattended.
• Do not use a grill inside the camper.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions when using portable heating devices 

2.) Roof Damage

 Claiming damages that occur after driving into overhangs, signs and bridges is a common activity for RV owners. To avoid this:

• Know the height of your RV from the ground to its highest point.
• Always check clearances before driving underneath something.
• Remove antennas before driving if they extend higher than the highest point.

3.) Damages after a Tire Blowout

Tire blowouts can be easy to prevent:

• Keep tires properly inflated.
• Check tires at least weekly when the camper is in use.
• Keep weight appropriate to limits on the tires.
• Keep tires rotated and replaced when tread is low or tires cracked.

4.) Body Damage

Body damage can occur to any RV owner, but it can be easy to avoid if you::

• Take a course in learning how to back in, how to use your mirrors, and understanding your blind spots.
• Keep the RV or camper parked level and wheels secured so that it can’t roll.

5.) Damage to Awnings and Steps

Always retract steps and awnings before moving the RV or camper—even if you aren’t moving it far.

6.) Infestation

An unused RV makes a nice home for rodents and bugs. To lessen this risk:

• Drive the RV occasionally when not vacationing.
• Keep food and liquids out of the camper when stored.
• Keep mouse and bug traps in the camper and replace them as often as necessary.

 

7.)Theft

When travelling around from campsite to campsite, your RV can easily become the target of thieves, but you can reduce risk by:

• Keeping your RV locked whenever it is unattended.
• Keeping expensive items such as personal electronics out of view from the outside. 

For all your RV and camper insurance needs, give us a call 845-565-2200 or visit us online at http://www.bryanagency.com/. Stay safe this summer!

The Most Important Gear to Protect You on Your Motorcycle

If you own a motorcycle, one of the best parts about a nice day is going for a long ride. Whether it be by yourself or in a group, there is something about the wind in your face and its just you and the open road. But just you and the open road is exactly the reason why you have to take precautions to make sure you safe at the same time. Its also a reason why getting the right coverage can be more protection for you than your helmet and gear.

Its around this time, we get a lot of calls for motorcycle coverage. The customer calls us looking for coverage…cheap coverage. Cheap however, isn’t always saving you in the long run.

Did you know that in New York State Personal Injury Coverage doesn’t cover you on your motorcycle?
I know what you are thinking… “What? Wait a minute I see Personal Injury coverage on the quote you gave me.” Yes, there is PIP coverage for motorcycles which is required by New York State but it only applies to injured pedestrians. Not to you. Not to your passengers.

Your reply: “Ok. Well I have health insurance, so I don’t need that PIP coverage anyways." Wrong again. Unfortunately, if you are injured in a motorcycle accident where you are driving the motorcycle, your health insurance will not pick up the tab either.

Finally your reply: “Ok. Is there ANYTHING that will cover me if I wipe out on my bike?”
Yes. Actually with many companies, you can purchase voluntary coverage called Medical Payments. While sometimes this may not be as high as the limit on a personal auto policy, many companies offer coverage anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 or higher in medical payments. This is what will cover you if you are injured on your motorcycle.

One last question: “What about my passengers who are on my bike with me?”
Your passenger would be covered under the passenger liability portion on your policy. Some companies include this directly with the Bodily Injury coverage on the liability of your policy. Other companies have this as an option. Make sure your agent includes this if it isn’t already included.

Things to Remember:
Besides protecting yourself with a helmet and the proper gear, make sure you double check your coverages before you head out to hit the open road this summer. Make sure your agent max’s out the coverage for you on your policy on your medical payments. If you are getting a quote and they are quoting you with multiple carriers find out what the maximum coverage each company offers. Be sure you know exactly what you are paying for. If you are unsure of the coverages, ask your agent to explain and review them with you so that you understand them. This is the only coverage to protect you on the open road. Know before you go, it can be just as important as a helmet.