Quick Tips for Beginners to Recreational Vehicles

Whether you’re a retired couple that wants to travel full-time, a family that likes to go camping over the weekends or a group of friends planning a fun road trip: every person that’s unfamiliar with recreational vehicles needs to know a few basic things before embarking on your first voyage. Below are some tips that you need to consider before you hit the road.

Buying or Renting?

The answer to this question isn’t always easy, as there are pros and cons for both buying and renting. Some key factors to consider:
If your plans are to go traveling or camping your RV full time or often and you have a storage place for when you are not traveling, then buy a camper. If you are planning just a single trip, or want to test out the feeling of traveling and driving an RV, then rent before making your purchase.

Get to Know Your RV

Driving an RV is very different than driving a car. Therefore, if you have little to no road experience, it’s vital that you take some time and learn how the camper works, even if you’re just renting it. You should be able to evaluate the problem if something breaks down, and potentially be able to fix it. This will save you time and money, as you will not need to contact a mechanic to fix small issues.
The more you know your camper, the less likely you are to commit operational mistakes. For example, there’s a good chance you’ll blow your main breaker if you don’t know how many amps it can handle. Knowing your RV helps you avoid committing these potentially costly mistakes.

Take it for a Test Drive

Think about the types of roads you’ll potentially be driving on, and take a small trip on similar routes. As a camper beginner, you won’t have any idea of how and what the living area will move, how hard it will be to switch lanes, park and ascend hills.
Once you’re familiar with how to drive a camper, any necessary adjustments can be made.

Take Tools and Spare Parts With YouPlan in Advance

Beginner campers should not try to drive through a major city during rush hour or will find it difficult to drive down winding mountain roads. It’s important that during your first drive, you take your time and be very patient. After a while behind the wheel, things will start to become second nature, and you will be more focused on the fun aspects of the trip.

When planning your camper trip, take into consideration:
● Budget: What amount you can allocate for fun, food and overnight stays.
● Food supply: How much will you buy and when you will eat out.
● Route: Plan the one you want to take, as well as an alternate option.
● Stops: Where you want to stop along the way, or any landmarks you want to see.
● Campgrounds: Where you will plan to spend the night along the route.

More information here:

from Ed Cuellar Insurance Agency http://edcuellar.com/quick-tips-beginners-recreational-vehicles/
via http://edcuellar.com

Common RV Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them

Tire Failure
The top cause of tire failures in RVs is the tires being overloaded or underinflated. Damaged tires can cause massive damage, so some tips on how to avoid tire failure are the following:

● Check that your tires are properly inflated: The tires on your RV differ from car tires, as they are manufactured to carry different load weights at various inflation pressures. To know the correct inflation pressure for your tires, you can check the tire chart from the manufacturer for your particular tire size. Always inflate them to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid your tires wearing down more quickly.

● Always check your tires pressure before driving: You can test the pressure by using a Tire Pressure Monitoring system. It’s important that you check the pressure before driving, as it needs to be checked when tires have not been utilized for a while.

● Drive slowly: Your RV tires are rated for low speeds, usually up to 65 mph. The capacity of your tires lowers when you are going fast, so a bigger safety margin happens when you drive more slowly.

● Know when your tires were made, and make sure you change them when needed: The DOT code on your tires will let you know the week and year the tire was manufactured. A properly maintained tire can last you ten years, but most of us don’t maintain them as well as we should. Therefore, have your tires inspected by a professional every five years.
● Visually inspect your tires: Before going on any trip, walk around your RV and inspect your tires. There’s no need to be an expert; you’re just looking for obvious damage. If you notice any cracking or strange bulges, make sure to get your tires inspected by a professional.

Hitting Low Overhangs and Bridges

It takes some time to get used to the height of your RV. It’s important that you know the exact measure of the ground to the top of the highest point in your RV, and pay attention to all the clearance signs. You want to be extra careful, and make sure that you have a few extra inches on what the clearance sign says. If you are going to a campground, you can contact them ahead of time and check for any overhead clearances such as trees, so you are confident that your RV will not encounter any obstacles.
Knowing the height of your RV will go a long way in helping you avoid an insurance claim because you hit an overhang.
Vandalism and Theft
While there are few issues with vandalism and thefts in RV parks and campgrounds, it often happens that while in storage, a criminal may break in and steal your TV or other contents inside the vehicle.
If possible, store your RV far away from high crime areas, as this will lead to better premiums. Invest in storage facilities that have added security, and do monthly checks on your RV to make sure it’s stored in good condition, and check your generators, mechanical functions and tires.
Installing a security system of your alarm may also help, and can give you a discount on your insurance. Remember that the amount of coverage for your RV will increase when you take into account the location you store it in and how long it remains not in use.

from Ed Cuellar Insurance Agency http://edcuellar.com/common-rv-insurance-claims-avoid/
via http://edcuellar.com

Motorcycle Insurance FAQs

What does motorcycle insurance cover?

A standard motorcycle insurance policy offers coverage for some part of the costs associated with damage to your bike. It also gives you compensation if you harm another person or their property, or any legal fees you incur due to an accident. If you are at fault in an accident, your motorcycle insurance policy will cover the cost of legal fees and liability claims.
Your policy can be customized to cover the following:
● Replacement of your bike, in the case of total loss
● Comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage or loss due to causes that are not a collision. This can include animal damage, motorcycle theft, and weather damage.
● Medical payments, in case you need to be hospitalized or require medical care.
● Loss or damage to your gear and upgrades, including custom equipment, sidecars and safety gear such as helmets or chaps.

How much motorcycle insurance is needed?

The type of bike you own and how you plan on using it will determine the amount of motorcycle insurance you need. For example, a racing bike or a super sports motorcycle are considered fast bikes and will be more expensive to insure, and you should consider adding on more liability and medical insurance. If you own a dirt bike, additional coverage is necessary also, as it can put you at a greater risk of bike damage and injury to yourself and others.
Each state has different requirements for the level of insurance needed, so make sure to contact your local DMV to get the full information of the minimum amount of insurance required.
Is motorcycle insurance necessary?
It’s imperative that you protect your bike, as well as yourself and others. It’s much easier to steal a bike than it is to steal a truck or a car, and it’s also easier to strip, rebuild and resell a stolen bike. Also, motorcycles are more dangerous to ride than cars, for various reasons:
● Bikes are smaller and therefore harder for other motorists to see.
● They maneuver very fast, which also makes them harder to spot.
● Since they operate on two wheels only, any moment of distraction is able to result in an accident.
● Motorcycles don’t have seatbelts or airbags to offer extra protection in the case of a crash.
For all the reasons stated above, it’s necessary that you get adequate coverage if you plan to use your motorcycle on the road. If you intend to ride your bike on racing tracks, either for fun or in competitions, it’s even more important that you and your bike are insured, no matter if you’re planning on racing on motocross tracks or off-road.
Is theft covered by motorcycle insurance?
Theft can be covered by your insurance, but it depends on the policy you’ve chosen. However, almost all comprehensive insurance policies will cover theft, no matter if it happens on the road, while you’re at home, or while you’re traveling. Comprehensive insurance will most likely cover anything that is stolen from your bike, such as the radio, mirrors, wheels or any other accessories.
A lower deductible means that you will pay extra for premiums, but the amount of your deductible can be determined at the time you purchase your insurance. It’s important that you keep a record of any modifications or add-ons made to your motorcycle after it’s been insured, as your bike’s value may increase, and this will change your insurance. If you have any questions, just drop us a line

from Ed Cuellar Insurance Agency https://edcuellar.com/motorcycle-insurance-faqs/
via https://edcuellar.com

Motorcycle Insurance FAQs

What does motorcycle insurance cover?

A standard motorcycle insurance policy offers coverage for some part of the costs associated with damage to your bike. It also gives you compensation if you harm another person or their property, or any legal fees you incur due to an accident. If you are at fault in an accident, your motorcycle insurance policy will cover the cost of legal fees and liability claims.
Your policy can be customized to cover the following:
● Replacement of your bike, in the case of total loss
● Comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage or loss due to causes that are not a collision. This can include animal damage, motorcycle theft, and weather damage.
● Medical payments, in case you need to be hospitalized or require medical care.
● Loss or damage to your gear and upgrades, including custom equipment, sidecars and safety gear such as helmets or chaps.

How much motorcycle insurance is needed?

The type of bike you own and how you plan on using it will determine the amount of motorcycle insurance you need. For example, a racing bike or a super sports motorcycle are considered fast bikes and will be more expensive to insure, and you should consider adding on more liability and medical insurance. If you own a dirt bike, additional coverage is necessary also, as it can put you at a greater risk of bike damage and injury to yourself and others.
Each state has different requirements for the level of insurance needed, so make sure to contact your local DMV to get the full information of the minimum amount of insurance required.
Is motorcycle insurance necessary?
It’s imperative that you protect your bike, as well as yourself and others. It’s much easier to steal a bike than it is to steal a truck or a car, and it’s also easier to strip, rebuild and resell a stolen bike. Also, motorcycles are more dangerous to ride than cars, for various reasons:
● Bikes are smaller and therefore harder for other motorists to see.
● They maneuver very fast, which also makes them harder to spot.
● Since they operate on two wheels only, any moment of distraction is able to result in an accident.
● Motorcycles don’t have seatbelts or airbags to offer extra protection in the case of a crash.
For all the reasons stated above, it’s necessary that you get adequate coverage if you plan to use your motorcycle on the road. If you intend to ride your bike on racing tracks, either for fun or in competitions, it’s even more important that you and your bike are insured, no matter if you’re planning on racing on motocross tracks or off-road.
Is theft covered by motorcycle insurance?
Theft can be covered by your insurance, but it depends on the policy you’ve chosen. However, almost all comprehensive insurance policies will cover theft, no matter if it happens on the road, while you’re at home, or while you’re traveling. Comprehensive insurance will most likely cover anything that is stolen from your bike, such as the radio, mirrors, wheels or any other accessories.
A lower deductible means that you will pay extra for premiums, but the amount of your deductible can be determined at the time you purchase your insurance. It’s important that you keep a record of any modifications or add-ons made to your motorcycle after it’s been insured, as your bike’s value may increase, and this will change your insurance.

from Ed Cuellar Insurance Agency http://edcuellar.com/490-2/
via http://edcuellar.com