SUMMER FUN

Summer just wouldn’t be the same in Northeast Nebraska without the fun and excitement provided by recreational vehicles like boats, RVs and motorcycles. But before you hit the road or the water, be sure that you make safety a priority, and don’t forget about the insurance!

RV Safety and Insurance

RV insurance combines home and auto insurance coverage into one policy that protects the RV from collisions with other vehicles or objects, weather, vandalism, theft and other perils. RV owners also need coverage for personal property inside the RV, as well as liability protection in the event that you cause injury or property damage to someone else. RV insurance can be purchased as an add-on to your auto insurance policy or as a separate policy. We will help you find the right coverage by assessing your RV and how much you use it, as well as your other unique needs.

There is a lot to learn and consider before heading out in an RV. Before you hit the road in your home-away-from-home, remember these basic safety tips:

·         Be aware of the stopping and turning distances required by your vehicle.

·         Know the height of your RV to avoid getting stuck in overpasses, bridges or tunnels.

·         Use mirrors and signals properly to avoid hitting someone in your blind spot.

·         Keep a proper distance between yourself and other vehicles, and give yourself plenty of time to stop.

·         Distribute the weight inside your RV evenly.

·         Always be aware of and maintain proper air pressure in your RV’s tires.

·         Have the RV checked and make all necessary repairs before heading out.

·         Always wear your seatbelt.

·         Tell someone where your destination is and when you plan to arrive.

·         Always keep a cell phone with you on the RV.

·         Always share driving responsibilities when you are on a long trip.

·         Practice, practice, practice before driving your RV in heavy traffic.

Boat Safety and Insurance

Boat owners have different insurance needs depending upon the type of boat they have and where and how often they use it. Most boat insurance policies will include collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and property damage and bodily injury liability coverage. It is also recommended that boat owners consider uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, towing coverage, and coverage for fishing equipment, tools, life preservers and other personal property that is kept on the watercraft.

Boating is great fun but also can be very dangerous if something goes wrong or proper care is not taken to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers. Remember the following basic safety information:

·         Know what kind of weather to expect before you go out on the water. Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

·         Regularly check the engine, fuel, electrical and steering systems on your watercraft for proper function and dangerous leaks.

·         Have a marine-type fire extinguisher on your boat at all times.

·         Your boat should be equipped with navigation lights and a whistle, horn or bell.

·         Always keep a paddle or oars, a first- aid kit, a supply of fresh water, a tool kit and spare parts, a flashlight, flares and a radio on your boat.

·         Everyone on board your watercraft should wear a life jacket.

·         Do not let passengers ride on the bow, seatbacks or gunwales of your boat.

·         Never operate your boat while intoxicated.

Motorcycle Insurance and Safety

Most insurance companies will offer motorcycle policies that include comprehensive and collision coverage, liability coverage, motorcycle medical payments coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. In addition, you might consider optional coverage like equipment coverage for after-market custom parts, lease/loan gap coverage, guest passenger liability, towing and labor, and rental reimbursement coverage. Like auto insurance, motorcycle premiums are based on a variety of factors such as your age and driving record, where you live, your bike’s make, model and horsepower, and other specifics about how and where you operate your motorcycle.

Motorcycle riders also need to take great care in learning how to ride and must keep safety a top priority. Here are some general guidelines from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for safe motorcycle riding:

·         Be visible to other drivers. Make sure your headlights work, and use reflective strips on your bike and on your clothing. Don’t drive in the blind spots of other cars and trucks.

·         Dress properly, including wearing a quality helmet and eye protection. You should also wear leather or other thick protective clothing, long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.

·         Always be aware of changing road conditions.

·         Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists, and give other motorists time to respond to you.

·         Ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible.

·         Watch for turning vehicles, and signal your moves well in advance.

·         Don’t weave between lanes.

·         Never ride when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

·         Know the rules of the road and obey the posted speed limit.

·         Take a formal training course and follow up with refresher courses.

·         Know your specific bike and how to use it.

·         Practice riding and get comfortable with your bike before taking it out into heavy traffic.

·         Know how to handle your bike in conditions such as wet or sandy roads, high winds, and uneven surfaces.

None of the safety tips we have offered above are exhaustive. Boat, RV and motorcycle operators need to take responsibility for the safety of themselves and others very seriously. Training classes and lots of practice are highly recommended before taking any of these recreational vehicles out on the road or water. In addition, taking safety classes and maintaining a good driving record will help to keep your premiums low for you auto insurance, and all of your recreational vehicle policies.

Talk to an Anderson & Anderson Insurance agent about bundling your boat, RV or motorcycle policies along with your home and auto insurance policies with the same insurance company and making you eligible for certain discounts on all of your policies. Call Anderson & Anderson Insurance before heading out on your adventures this summer! 402-254-3915