The days are getting longer and the temperatures are heating up which means summer is just around the corner in Rowlett. Summertime means outdoor fun in Rowlett and with over 30 miles of shoreline on the lovely Lake Ray Hubbard, hitting the water and boating is on the top of many peoples lists.
When it’s time to get back to dry land, Rowlett is only a short drive from some great ATV and UTV trails.
Summertime is also a great time to review your insurance policies. Summer toys usually require a separate insurance policy and it’s important to make sure you are fully protected before you head out for a day of fun on the lake or trails.
Following is everything you need to know about insuring your summertime toys:
Boat and Personal Watercraft Insurance
Lake Ray Hubbard is a big part of life in Rowlett and if you love getting out on the lake in your boat or personal watercraft, you need to have the proper insurance policy in place.
Homeowners insurance does offer a bit of protection for your boat but industry experts recommend purchasing a separate policy. Homeowners insurance usually excludes salvage costs and wreck removal, which can result in a major expense in the event you have a serious accident with your boat.
There are two different types of boat insurance to choose from and it is important that you understand the differences:
Agreed Value Policy: An agreed value policy means that you and your insurance company set a value on your boat and that is the amount you will be paid if the boat is stolen or destroyed. This type of policy does not take depreciation in to account when its time to make a claim. These policies tend to be a bit more expensive than an actual cash value policy.
Actual Cash Value Policy: This policy type is cheaper but depreciation will be taken into consideration when its time to calculate a payout amount. This can be a major issue if your boat is completely destroyed because boats depreciate quickly. You may receive a check that doesn’t allow you to replace your boat with one of a similar size and quality.
Discounts are usually available if you take a boat safety class, ask your agent about details.
Personal watercraft (wave runners and jet skis) can be added to your boat insurance policy or a separate standalone can be purchased to protect your PWC. Personal watercraft insurance is extremely affordable and will protect your waverunner against theft, liability, accidents, and vandalism.
Be sure to ask your agent about any exclusions as personal water craft policies often exclude damage that occurred if the jet ski was being operated after dark or by a rider who didn’t have a valid drivers license at the time of the accident.
ATV and UTV Insurance
There are plenty of trails around Rowlett and nothing says weekend fun like spending a little time cruising your ATV or UTV.
In almost all cases, an ATV or UTV needs a separate policy, as they are not covered by a homeowners insurance policy. If you have a motorcycle, an ATV or UTV can easily be added to a motorcycle policy.
ATV policies tend to be very affordable and offer the following protection:
· Comprehensive: This protects your ride against damage caused by events other than a collision. Damage caused by fire, theft, vandalism, flooding, or collision with an animal would all be covered.
· Collision: Collision pays to repair or replace your ATV if it is damaged in a collision with another ATV, tree, parked car, stump, or other covered obstacle.
· Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability: This type of liability coverage will pay for any injuries you cause to other people or damage you do to other people’s property.
· Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist: If you are in an accident with a person that doesn’t have insurance or is underinsured, this policy will cover any injuries or damage that you suffer.
Motorcycle Coverage
Rowlett has some great country roads that are fun to cruise on a bike. Motorcycles are not covered by either a homeowners policy or an auto policy so you will need to purchase a motorcycle insurance policy. Costs can vary and will depend on both your driving record and the bike you are driving. High-performance bikes will always be more expensive than a middle of the road cruiser.
Motorcycle policies are very similar to an ATV policy, offering collision, comprehensive, liability and uninsured/underinsured coverage. You can choose your coverage levels as well as your deductible amount.
Pricing can vary so be sure to shop your coverage around before committing to a policy.
RV Insurance
Insurance for your recreational vehicle is a necessity. RV’s are expensive and repairs and towing can be major expenses. Having the proper insurance coverage is always a good idea before you head out on the open road.
If you only use your RV a few weeks a year, it may be possible to get by with just your homeowners policy which will usually offer limited protection. Check with your local agent to verify coverage and be sure you understand any and all restrictions.
If you spend a lot of time in your RV, a separate policy is the way to go. RV policies can be highly customized to offer protection that fits your needs and RV.
These are just a few options that may be available:
· Roadside Assistance
· Emergency Assistance
· Audio-Visual Equipment
· Loan or Lease Protection
· Personal Property Coverage
· Electronic Lock and Key Replacement
· Pet Coverage
Work with an agent to customize a policy for your RV and be sure you understand the various coverages and any exclusions.
Once you have verified that all of your summer toys are property protected, get outside and enjoy another epic Rowlett summer. Call us today for more information or to receive a free quote.
