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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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Why It’s More Expensive Not To Purchase Home Insurance

Why It’s More Expensive Not To Purchase Home Insurance
The vast majority of homeowners live on a budget, so it’s perfectly understandable that they might call into question the wisdom and value of buying home insurance each year. If you’re budget-conscious, and you haven’t had a claim for several years, you might think that foregoing your home insurance coverage is a good option. After all, you might think you’re not using your coverage, so why pay for that extra expense?
Before dropping your coverage, take into consideration the repercussions of this decision. It’s quite possible that in the long run, you’ll end up paying a lot more for not having home insurance than having the yearly insurance expense. Some of the ways not having a policy can end up being more expensive are the following.

Catastrophic Loss

Catastrophic losses are quite rare, but if they do happen, the expenses can drain someone financially for a very long time. Since these losses are very rare and don’t happen very frequently, their coverage is normally not expensive. If you want to save money, an option to consider is to raise your deductible. By doing so, you will be saving on day-to-day premiums and only pay for moderate losses, but in case of a catastrophic loss, you’ll be covered. When you take into consideration the value you’ll get out of your policy in one of these events, you’ll see that it’s money well spent.

Future Insurability

Home insurance carriers will ask you how long you’ve continuously maintained home insurance coverage. If the insurance company perceives you as being someone that is constantly insured, you will be thought of as a reliable and stable risk, which may mean lower premiums. If your insurance has been on and off for a few years, or you’ve been uninsured for a long period of time and now want home insurance, the company may see you as a risk and become suspicious that you intend to file a claim in the not so distant future.
Even if you know that’s not the case, you’ll most likely encounter a skeptical attitude in the future when you try to get home insurance, and you’re more likely going to be paying a higher rate and premium than if your home insurance coverage is constant.
Liability Claims
No matter if you are willing to roll the dice and take a chance with your property, liability coverage (which is part of a home insurance policy) is something to take into consideration. All your assets can be exposed if you are involved in a lawsuit. Having liability insurance provides you legal defence in any lawsuits you may face. If you have this integral part of home insurance, your attorney and court costs will be covered, which will end up saving you a lot more money than your yearly home insurance rate.
Before making any decisions regarding your home insurance and whether or not to maintain it, consider the potential benefits versus the cost of not having home insurance. The equation should be pretty simple.

from Ed Cuellar Insurance Agency http://edcuellar.com/expensive-not-purchase-home-insurance/
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Cars To Consider For Bad Credit Loans And Cheaper Insurance Rates

Car ownership is essential for many people to get to work and carry out household chores. When many people are already struggling, it will be hard for them to get back on their feet again without a transportation and reasonable insurance for it. This problem is highlighted with the recent economic issues that caused many people to end up with bad credit.

Most of the time, people with lower credit scores believe a new automobile purchase is impossible. Then, they believe their next option is a loan for a used auto. It is not as difficult as most motorists believe to get a new vehicle today with poor credit.

Lending institutions or banks who take a gamble on those with poor credit ratings often believe it is a safer investment to lend on a new automobile than a used one. The facts that a new car comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee, no miles on it, and no prior owners who might have sold it with unreported issues all play a part in this reasoning.

A good idea for people with bad credit is to use manufacturer refunds as a deposit. This makes it a win-win for all parties. There are things to be considered before purchasing and insuring new autos. What kind of car can somebody with poor credit apply to purchase is the main question to answer.

One of the best deals on the market that is priced around $16,000 is the Kia Spectra. With a $3,000 rebate a person with poor credit has to finance only $13,000 and the chances of qualifying for a loan is good for someone with lower or poor credit. The rebate serves as the down-payment, there is cheap auto insurance and you should expect regular payments to be reasonable.

Another great car to buy for persons with poor credit is the Kia Rio which is priced around $11,000 and offers up to $2,000 dollars in rebates. Both Kia models offer great guarantees, including a seven-year, 70,000-mile limited warranty and a ten year or 100,000-mile drive guarantee.

Another great option is the Chevrolet Aveo which cost around $14,000 and it comes with low insurance rates. However, the rebate is a little lower approaching only about $1500. It has a guarantee of three years and 36,000 miles.

Preferred by most buyers with poor credit are the cash incentives that differ from $1000 to $3000. Also, customers are happy with the cars with high rebates to use as a down payment. The higher the down payment there is more chance of getting a loan approved.

Many lending institutions are happy to offer auto loans because they are making a rather large sum on interest. Even though your credit score is low, it is possible to locate an automobile loan that is both affordable and comparatively easy to get.

The same applies to car insurance. If you get a few quotes and compare them you are more than likely to cut the costs. Banks or lending institutions requires decent level of auto insurance because the owner has borrowed money to buy the car. So, it is essential to find the most suitable coverage at agreeable costs.

Lastly, with a nice loan and cheap car insurance you are on your way to improving your credit score. Financing a vehicle, making timely payments to the lender and the auto insurance company will help you improve the credit score within a year.Related posts:Paying Off Car Loans – A Fast Way To Lower Insurance PremiumsJoint Vehicle Insurance Policies Are Usually Cheaper For CouplesCar Insurance Premium Payments – Monthly, Bi-Monthly Or Annual?Buying Sufficient Policy Coverage For Cars Owned And Driven

from Ed Cuellar Insurance Agency http://edcuellar.com/cars-to-consider-for-bad-credit-loans-and-cheaper-insurance-rates/
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Classic Car Insurance – A Beginners Guide For New Classic Auto Owners

If you’ve just bought a classic auto you might not know that there are many specialist insurance companies out there offering quotes for classic car insurance.

Dave Healey explains………

Classic Car Insurance – A Beginners Guide For New Classic Auto Owners

If you’ve just bought your first classic car you will need to consider not just where, but also how you are going to insure it.

As a classic car owner it matters not if you drive a perfect condition Ford Capri 3 litre from 1970, a beat up old Morris Minor from the Sixties or a sleek E-type Jaguar in British racing green, it is essential that you find the best classic car insurance cover for your cherished motor, that covers your individual risks at prices that won’t break the bank!

If you have not owned a classic car before it is important to realise that there are basic differences between what is known as a standard car insurance policy and the cover offered under one defined as classic, from a specialist car insurer.

The first thing to establish is whether your car is eligible for cover under a classic policy. One way you could do this is ask the previous owner whether it was covered under a classic car insurance policy and with which insurance company.

Different car insurance companies have different definitions of the age and type of vehicles that can be covered under this type of cover.

What might be easily covered with one provider may be excluded by another. Fortunately most online classic car cover providers provide this information on the first page of their websites, so it is fairly easy to surf around and check your eligibility with different insurance companies.

You should check that both the eligibility of the age of the car in question and also whether there are policy restrictions for your individual driving circumstances, such as your age that would prevent you from applying for cover.

The major variation between a standard policy and those offered by the classic car specialists is in the way that you use your classic vehicle, and in particular, how much you drive it. The large mainstream insurers and price comparison sites will offer cover for older cars but will charge an additional premium because of its age. They will also load the premium if replacement parts for the vehicle type are known to be expensive.

More importantly you will only be offered the current market value replacement if the car is covered under a mainstream policy and is deemed to be a write-off when you claim.

With a standard car insurance policy on a replacement like for like basis, the value of the car is often set by the market value at the time of a claim, typically taken from one of the car price magazines such as the UK’s Glasses Guide. The amount you will be probably receive for a write-off will be at the current market value of your car which is an annual depreciating amount. Inevitably, if you own a classic car and insure it under a standard policy contract, this leads to under valuation and under insurance of the true value of the car. You will also probably not be offered the salvage and a repairable classic car may often be deemed a write-off because the cost of repair is uneconomic to the Insurer.

If you purchase a specialist classic car policy you will be offered a choice of either an agreed valuation of the classic cars worth or a policy based on market value.

An agreed valuation amount is the amount that the insurance company will pay out in the event of a claim that results in a write off. This is a major benefit of insuring classics under specialist policies because it ensures that you are not just properly covered but will also receive the specialist repair services that your classic will require should you claim. It should be noted that even agreed valuation polices can change and you should ensure that the value is guaranteed for a certain period of time to avoid fluctuations in market values.

Classic Car insurance polices are therefore tailored to the needs of cars considered to be collectable and effectively the valuation is a rating factor for the condition of the car.

The other major difference between standard and classic policies is in the way that you are allowed to use your car under the terms of the agreement. Originally this type of vehicle insurance was designed for drivers who do not use their classic cars much.

All classic car policies have a limited mileage clause which only covers the vehicle for an agreed amount of miles per year. Depending upon which specialist car insurance company you use, there will be a limit to how far you can drive your classic. Some providers will only cover a couple of thousand miles per year under the policy, but many specialist providers are now offering cover up to ten thousand miles per year. These policies reflect the fact that many drivers now use modern day classic cars as their main form of transport.

As with all car insurance it is important to compare both covers and prices when shopping around. There are many specialist classic insurance providers available online today and many specialist schemes that are targeted at particular classic owners. Compare the premiums offered by these with those from the price comparison sites, but if you want to avoid disappointment if you need to make a claim, be sure to understand the difference in policy covers.

The Internet has made it very easy to compare Classic Car Insurance that was previously only available from specialist car insurance brokers on the high street. You can find those offering special deals and bespoke schemes for your particular classic by searching for your model type classic car insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Healey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Classic-Car-Insurance—A-Beginners-Guide-For-New-Classic-Owners&id=3280405

from Ed Cuellar Insurance Agency http://edcuellar.com/classic-car-insurance-beginners-guide-new-classic-auto-owners/
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