Seasonal Vehicle Coverage

April 8, 2015 at 9:00 AM | Posted in Auto, Camper, Insurance Policy, Motor Home, Motorcycle, Personal Property, RMV, Seasonal, Specialty Policy, Travel Trailer | Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

It is that time of year again. The motorcycles, campers, and collector cars and other recreational vehicles are starting to make an appearance now that the weather is better. Here are some insurance reminders before you take them out:

Motorcycles: If you decreased your coverage when you put your motorcycle away last winter, don’t forget to increase coverage before taking a ride. When deciding what coverage to put on your motorcycle, Medical Payments is very important to you and anyone that is on your bike at the time of an accident.

Campers: They can be covered under your auto policy, but you will get much better coverage at a comparable price if you insure your camper on a travel trailer policy. It includes things like towing and roadside assistance, accessory coverage for awnings, etc… and campsite liability if stationary.

Collector Cars: If you have a classic or collector car that is at least 15 years old, you will want to make sure you have collector car insurance coverage. The coverage is designed for the special needs of the car collector. It covers everything your regular auto policy will cover in the event of a loss but the method of determining the value is an agreed value rather than an actual cash value — there is no reduction taken for depreciation. Since a collector or classic car is only driven for a short period of time each year, the premium is usually much lower than a regular auto policy.
Off Road Vehicles: Whether you drive an ATV or a golf cart, you could potentially injure someone or cause property damage. You need coverage that will respond to any situation. Some of the extras on a recreational vehicle policy include: Equipment coverage, helmet and safety apparel, and trailer coverage.

Watercraft: Boats of all sizes and jet skis need the proper coverage as well. Physical damage to the vessel, liability to other boaters, medical payments, and trailer coverage are just some of the coverages available under a watercraft policy.

No matter what your passion is, make sure you and your family are protected with the right coverage before you experience a loss.

WINTERIZING YOUR SUMMER TOYS

September 10, 2014 at 3:00 PM | Posted in Auto, Camper, Motor Home, Motorcycle, Seasonal | Leave a comment
Tags: , , ,

Your motorcycles, classic cars, and boats have contributed to your summer fun. Can you believe that the time to winterize them is just around the corner? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

CARS & MOTORCYCLES:

  • Change the oil and filter
  • Fill the tank with fresh gas and use a stabilizer
  • Make sure the coolant levels are proper
  • Use a battery maintainer or remove the battery
  • Put the vehicle on stands if possible, otherwise, inflate the tires to the proper pressure
  • Wash the vehicle to remove any dirt, especially underneath and in the wheel wells
  • Cover openings such as exhaust pipes and air intakes to prevent animals from nesting
  • For indoor storage open a window slightly, for outdoor storage use a cover

BOATS:

  • Store boats stern down
  • Open all valves and drains
  • Use a fuel stabilizing additive
  • Drain the fresh water tank and heater and use anti-freeze
  • Provide structural support under covers and tarps
  • Remove electronics and cushions and store inside
  • Put moisture absorbers in the cabin

Winterizing your summer toys properly during the long, cold winter months will help ensure that you get to enjoy them again next year.

Seasonal Vehicle Coverage

April 9, 2014 at 9:04 AM | Posted in Auto, Camper, Insurance Policy, Motor Home, Motorcycle, Personal Insurance, Personal Property, Specialty Policy, Travel Trailer | Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

It is that time of year again. The motorcycles, campers, and collector cars and other recreational vehicles are starting to make an appearance now that the weather is better. Here are some insurance reminders before you take them out:

  • Motorcycles: If you decreased your coverage when you put your motorcycle away last winter, don’t forget to increase coverage before taking a ride. When deciding what coverage to put on your motorcycle, Medical Payments is very important to you and anyone that is on your bike at the time of an accident.
  • Campers: They can be covered under your auto policy, but you will get much better coverage at a comparable price if you insure your camper on a travel trailer policy. It includes things like towing and roadside assistance, accessory coverage for awnings, etc… and campsite liability if stationary.
  • Collector Cars: If you have a classic or collector car that is at least 15 years old, you will want to make sure you have collector car insurance coverage. The coverage is designed for the special needs of the car collector. It covers everything your regular auto policy will cover in the event of a loss but the method of determining the value is an agreed value rather than an actual cash value — there is no reduction taken for depreciation. Since a collector or classic car is only driven for a short period of time each year, the premium is usually much lower than a regular auto policy.
  • Off Road Vehicles: Whether you drive an ATV or a golf cart, you could potentially injure someone or cause property damage. You need coverage that will respond to any situation. Some of the extras on a recreational vehicle policy include: Equipment coverage, helmet and safety apparel, and trailer coverage.
  • Watercraft: Boats of all sizes and jet skis need the proper coverage as well. Physical damage to the vessel, liability to other boaters, medical payments, and trailer coverage are just some of the coverages available under a watercraft policy.

No matter what your passion is, make sure you and your family are protected with the right coverage before you experience a loss.

Motorcycle Season Is Here!

April 17, 2013 at 9:41 AM | Posted in Insurance Policy, Motorcycle, Personal Insurance, Personal Property, Safety Tips, Seasonal | Leave a comment
Tags: , , ,

Motorcycles are out now that the weather is getting warmer. If you plan on putting your bike out on the road again, here are some tips to help keep you safe:

  • Invest in a quality helmet and riding gear.
  • Don’t drive on the shoulder of the road. At this time of the year there is still an accumulation of sand from winter.
  • Stand out so other drivers can see you – wearing bright clothing and always using your headlights will help make you more visible.
  • Don’t tailgate or drive in the blind spots of other vehicles.
  • Stick to the speed limit and use your signals.
  • If you reduced your coverage while your bike was garaged for the winter, make sure it is increased for the season before you take your bike out. Pay particular attention to the medical payments coverage.

It is very easy not to see a motorcycle. When driving a vehicle other than a motorcycle, always look twice and save a life. Be extra careful at intersections – statistics show that most motorcycle accidents happen at intersections.

Motorcycles are Everywhere. Make sure you have the proper insurance coverage to be safe and have fun!

Seasonal Coverage: If it’s back in use it needs to be back on your policy.

April 11, 2012 at 10:27 AM | Posted in Auto, Insurance Policy, Motorcycle, Reminders, Seasonal | Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , , ,

The change in season is giving way to warmer weather and you can’t wait to jump on your motorcycle or get your boat in the water. No matter what seasonal toy you own, take a moment to check your insurance policies. If you decreased your coverage in the fall, your policy limits need to be increased before you start enjoying these summer joys.

The warm weather season is too short to be worrying whether or not you have your insurance up-to-date. The Protector Group Insurance Agency can save you time, money, and the peace of mind of knowing you have the proper coverage in place. Contact us today at 888.850.9400 to discuss your specific insurance needs.

Mortgage and Loan Changes

April 4, 2012 at 9:12 AM | Posted in Auto, Home, Insurance Policy, Motorcycle, Personal Insurance | Leave a comment
Tags: , , , ,

Did you realize that, when you pay off your mortgage or vehicle loan, the banks rarely notify your insurance agent? In addition, banks sell loans to other banks and don’t provide insurance agents and companies with the new bank information to update your policy.

If your bank information changes in any way, please be sure to contact your customer service representative to update your policy. Taking this step will help ensure that your lender receives a copy of your policy. It will also help avoid a claim check being issued to both you and the bank in the event of a loss.

Review your policy to make sure your information is accurate.

Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

December 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM | Posted in Home, Identity Theft, Insurance Policy, Motorcycle, Personal Insurance, Personal Property, Renters, Travel Insurance | Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

We at Protector Group would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued partnership. May the new year be filled with much joy, happiness, and success. We look forward to working with you in the coming year and hope our relationship continues for many years to come.
Happy Holidays!

A Guide to the Bodily Injury and Liability Coverages on Your Auto Policy

October 12, 2011 at 11:55 AM | Posted in Auto, Motorcycle, Personal Insurance | Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Your auto insurance can be confusing. How do you know what coverage limits you should have? There are so many parts to the policy – what does each one do? Here is a breakdown of the mandatory bodily injury and liability coverages of an auto policy. Optional coverages will be discussed in next week’s blog.

Part 1:  Bodily Injury to Others. This coverage pays damages (medical expenses, pain and suffering) to anyone injured or killed by your car only in an accident that occurs in Massachusetts up to the basic limit of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. If you drive outside of Massachusetts or in places where the public has no right of access, or if you drive with guests in your car, optional bodily injury to others (part 5) protects you in these situations.

Part 2: Personal Injury Protection. This coverage pays up to $8,000 to you or anyone you let drive your car, anyone living in your household, passengers; and pedestrians, no matter who causes the accident. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays for medical expenses, replacement services, and 75% of any lost wages. Your PIP coverage pays for medical expenses in excess of $2,000 that are not paid by your medical insurance only after these expenses have been submitted to the medical insurer to determine what it will and will not pay. Your health insurance may not cover all of your medical expenses from an auto accident such as cosmetic and dental services, co-payments, and deductibles. Also, your disability policy may have long waiting periods. The small savings from the larger deductible may not be worth it.

Please Note: Motorcycle drivers and passengers are not covered by PIP. However, the owner of the motorcycle must purchase this coverage to protect other people who may be injured in the case of an accident.

Part 3: Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto. This coverage protects you, anyone you let drive your car, household members, and passengers (unless covered by another Massachusetts policy with similar coverage) against losses caused by an uninsured or unidentified (hit and run driver). The minimum coverage is $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.

Part 4: Damage to Someone Else’s Property. This coverage pays for damage to another person’s property and costs associated with the loss of use of that property when you, a household member, or another authorized driver cause an accident.

Many agents will make suggestions on what amounts of each coverage you should carry, and can vary by agency. Only you can determine which coverages you should carry to protect yourself based on your financial situation.

Contact us at 888.850.9400 for additional information on what coverage options are available to you.

Remember to check back next week for guidelines on Optional Coverages!

Seasonal Coverages are Just as Important as Your Primary Coverages

April 27, 2011 at 12:31 PM | Posted in Auto, Motorcycle | Comments Off on Seasonal Coverages are Just as Important as Your Primary Coverages
Tags: , , , , ,

If you have seasonal “toys” such as campers, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, boats and ski-doos, or golf carts, make sure you are properly covered. Just because they are only in use for part of the year, that doesn’t reduce your level of exposure.

  • Contents – Even with a primary home policy, coverage for your contents away from home is limited. If you have a camper, make sure you have a camper policy in place that gives you coverage for your contents.
  • Uninsured Motorist – Many off-road vehicles, boats, and golf carts are not insured. Obtaining this coverage will protect you and your passengers from costs associated with bodily injury from others who did not purchase insurance.
  • Property Damage – It happens. Securing this coverage protects you from paying for damages you may have caused to someone else’s property out of your own pocket.
  • Bodily Injury to Others – This coverage protects you against the costs of a lawsuit if you are found to be liable for injury to others. You should be carrying the same limits as your primary auto policy, if not more.
  • Medical Payments – Obtaining this coverage ensures that you, your passengers, and visitors have some immediate medical coverage if needed.

No matter what your passion is, be safe and take any training courses available to improve your skills and possibly qualify you for additional discounts on your insurance coverage.

If you’re not sure what seasonal coverage you need, call us at 888-850-9400… We’ll walk you through it.

Motorcycle Weather is Finally Here!

April 6, 2011 at 1:21 PM | Posted in Motorcycle | Leave a comment
Tags: , , ,

Before taking your motorcycle out for a spin this Spring, make sure you have taken care of the following items.

  • Have you contacted your agent to obtain or increase your coverages for the season?
  • Have you renewed your motorcycle license plate?
  • Personal Injury Protection coverage is excluded from motorcycles, which means there is no coverage for you or your passenger. Have you added medical payments coverage to offset some of that excluded coverage?
  • Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage covers you and your passengers for bodily injury from a hit and run driver or an underinsured driver. Do you have enough coverage?
  • If you have a loan, have you added physical damage coverage for the motorcycle?

We want you to avoid any “bumps in the road” so you can have a safe and happy riding season! Contact us with questions at 888-850-9400.

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.
Entries and comments feeds.