Coverage Options for Renter’s Insurance

If you’re not ready to buy a home or condo in Reno, renting offers a viable option. Renting is less expensive than buying and comes with less responsibility regarding the overall maintenance and upkeep of the property. One thing you are responsible for as a renter, though, is your personal belongings. Your landlord’s insurance won’t cover your loss if any of your goods are stolen or damaged in an unforeseen disaster. That’s why you need a renter’s insurance policy from Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV.

What Renter’s Insurance Covers

Renter’s insurance protects the interests of renters by offering the following coverage to help you avoid financial loss:  

Property Coverage

Property insurance covers your personal belongings. If they’re stolen, damaged by vandalism, or destroyed in a disaster, property coverage will help you recover your losses. Insuring your valuables can save you thousands of dollars in replacing them on your own in the event of a disaster.  

Loss of Use Coverage

If your rental home becomes uninhabitable due to damage from a covered peril, loss of use coverage helps pay for your living expenses elsewhere until repairs are done and you can move back into the home.

Liability Coverage

Anytime you have people over to your home, there’s a risk of an accident. If an accident results in injury or property damage to others, liability insurance will help cover medical or property damage costs. Say a friend trips over your pooch, falls down the stairs, and breaks his arm. Liability coverage will pay for his medical costs. Liability insurance covers mishaps like slips and falls, kitchen accidents, and injuries from sports play in the yard, so you don’t have to cover these expenses out of pocket. 

Contact Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV to learn more about renter’s insurance coverage. 

I have a 5th Wheel. Do I need motorhome insurance?

Determining the best insurance for your home on wheels can be confusing if you own a camper or motorhome. This is understandable because the insurance requirements vary based on the type of camper you own. Our Hinman & Associates Insurance team understands the confusion that many people with homes on wheels can experience regarding insurance. We’re here to help our Reno, NV residents cut through the confusion.

What is Motorhome Insurance?

Motorhome insurance is designed for people with motorized recreation vehicles/campers. Like car insurance, motorhome insurance includes liability coverage and other forms of coverage. Motorhome insurance can provide coverage for the repair or replacement of your motorhome and your personal belongings if a covered incident damages it.

I have a 5th wheel. Do I need Motorhome Insurance?

No, a 5th wheel is not a motorized camper or recreational vehicle. As a result, motorhome insurance isn’t a requirement. Travel trailer insurance would be the appropriate insurance for a 5th wheel. Travel trailer insurance covers your 5th wheel if it’s damaged due to a covered incident. However, it should be noted that travel trailer insurance isn’t a legal requirement. However, if you’re financing your travel trailer, your lender will likely require you to carry travel trailer insurance. Regardless, travel trailer insurance pays for repairing or replacing your 5th wheel if it’s damaged due to a covered incident. Travel trailer insurance benefits both full and part-time campers, especially if you can’t pay for repairing or replacing your 5th wheel. Call us if you have questions about travel trailer insurance and its benefits. We’d be happy to help you explore your options.

How does RV insurance differ from auto insurance?

RV insurance is like auto insurance in some ways, but it has several key differences that RV owners should understand. We’ll summarize the similarities and differences here. Still, if you are in the Reno, NV area, we encourage you to contact our Hinman & Associates Insurance team to ensure you have the RV coverage you need.

RV and Auto Insurance Compared

Nevada law requires motorized RVs to carry the same minimum insurance as autos. Those requirements include at least the following:

  • $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property liability per accident

Of course, many policyholders prefer to exceed these minimum requirements, and RVs differ from autos, so RV owners commonly buy additional coverage, including:

  • Personal property and attachment: Clothing, appliances, satellite dishes, and other equipment are typically not covered by your auto policy but are vital for your RV.
  • Roadside assistance: The size of many RVs means towing costs often exceed the coverage available from an auto policy.
  • Full-Time RV: Your homeowner’s policy does not cover your liability for injured visitors and other issues if you spend more than 150 nights per year in your RV. A separate full-time RV policy can handle those concerns. 

RVs can provide wonderful times and memories, but they also bring potential liabilities and costs beyond the coverage of any auto policy, so RV owners must understand and consider the advantages of RV insurance.

Working With Hinman & Associates Insurance

Your friendly team at Hinman & Associates Insurance in the Reno, NV area is ready to address your RV or other insurance needs. So, give us a call or stop in today to ensure you and your RV are appropriately covered.

How a helmet could help save your life on a motorcycle

Motorcycles can be an exciting and enjoyable way to travel and experience the outdoors in Reno, NV. Unfortunately, they also come with the risk of serious injury if an accident occurs. Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle can significantly reduce your chances of being seriously injured or killed in the event of an accident. Helmets are designed to absorb and deflect much of the shock from a direct impact, protecting your head and neck from serious injury, such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage. At Hinman & Associates Insurance, we recommend you wear one every time you get on your bike.

The best helmets on the market today are made from advanced materials, such as carbon fiber or Kevlar, and are constructed to meet or exceed impact safety standards. Additionally, many modern helmets come equipped with special features such as built-in ventilation systems, adjustable straps for comfort, and improved visibility. Those features mean that today’s riders have more options when selecting a safe helmet. 

In short, wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is essential for protecting yourself in case of an accident. A quality helmet won’t just help you avoid serious injury; it could save your life. For more safety tips or to explore a policy that can cover you and your motorcycle in case of an accident, give us at Hinman & Associates Insurance today. We are proud to serve the Reno, NV, area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and budget.

How To Keep Guests Safe on Your Boat

If you are a boat owner, you probably live for opportunities to have guests come boating with you. Although this can be great fun, it is also important to remember that boating can be risky. At Hinman & Associates Insurance, we want to help boat owners in Reno, NV, and the surrounding areas learn better ways to keep their guests safe while boating. Keep reading to learn more. 

Life Jackets

It is imperative that you provide properly fitting life jackets for everyone on your boat. Although this might seem like an inconvenience, it is a small price to pay to avoid a tragedy. Life jackets should also be replaced after a few years to ensure you have quality items for your guests. 

First Aid Kits

Accidents can happen even on a boat. You should always keep a well-stocked first aid kit on your boat. You should also have at least a basic knowledge of administering first aid if you will be taking guests out on your boat. In most cases, you can deal with small injuries on the boat and then safely get your guests to better medical help if they need it. 

Drinking and Boating 

Just like with driving, it is important that there is always a designated boat driver if there is alcohol present on the boat. Boating while under the influence can be very dangerous. Anytime water is involved, risks of injuries or drowning are significant.

If you want to learn about boat insurance, please get in touch with us at Hinman & Associates Insurance serving Reno, NV, and the surrounding areas.  

When does Umbrella Insurance coverage kick in?

Umbrella insurance from Hinman & Associates Insurance kicks in when you are liable for more money than your other insurance policies can cover. This type of policy is designed to provide additional coverage for expenses that exceed your standard auto, health, and homeowners insurance policies. Umbrella insurance can help protect against various damages and liabilities, such as medical expenses, property damage, legal costs from a lawsuit, and even libel or slander. It’s important to note that umbrella coverage does not kick in until the limits of the underlying policies have been exhausted. 

For example, if you have an auto accident here in the Reno, NV area and the costs exceed the liability limit of your car insurance policy (say $500,000). Your umbrella policy would kick in and cover any remaining costs up to its limit (which could be millions). This way, umbrella insurance acts like a “safety net” – providing additional financial protection when traditional coverage isn’t enough.  

Umbrella coverage can also provide protection for certain damages or liabilities not covered under a typical insurance policy, such as false arrest and slander/libel. In addition, umbrella insurers often offer worldwide coverage, meaning you’re protected from claims even in other countries. 

Ultimately, umbrella insurance is a great solution for those looking to protect themselves and their finances against potential lawsuits or costly damages. It’s always best to speak with an experienced insurance agent or financial advisor who can review your current coverage levels and determine if purchasing additional coverage through an umbrella policy makes sense.

If you have additional questions about your insurance policies, call us at Hinman & Associates Insurance today. We proudly serve the Reno, NV area.

Update Your Life Insurance in 2023

Life insurance is an integral part of financial planning. While it’s easy to put off thinking about your coverage, it’s essential to review and update your life insurance policy every few years. This ensures that you have the coverage you need and that your beneficiaries will be protected in the event of an unexpected death. With 2023 just beginning, it’s an excellent time to review your policy.

What’s Changed Since You Last Reviewed Your Policy? 

Life is constantly changing and evolving, so you must ask yourself what has changed since reviewing your policy. Have you gotten married or divorced? Do you have new children or grandchildren? Are there any significant changes in your income or assets? These things can impact how much life insurance coverage you need in Reno, NV. It’s also essential to ensure that any beneficiaries listed on the policy are still up-to-date. 

When Should I Update My Policy? 

Ideally, you should review your life insurance policy every three years. This ensures that all of the information in the policy is correct and accurate and reflects any changes in your lifestyle or family dynamics. You should update your policy immediately if something unexpected happens—such as a severe illness or injury. 

How Can Hinman & Associates Insurance Help?  

Hinman & Associates Insurance can help you find the right life insurance package for your particular needs. Our experienced team can guide you through setting up a new life insurance policy in Reno, NV, or updating an existing one to meet your current needs and goals. We understand everyone has different financial goals and priorities, so we provide tailored solutions for our clients.  

If you’re ready to start reviewing or updating your current life insurance plan, contact Hinman & Associates Insurance today!

Exploring Different Types of Auto Insurance Coverage in Reno, NV

Shopping for auto insurance can be a daunting task. There are many coverages to consider, and deciding which type is best for you is difficult. This blog post will explore the different auto insurance coverage available in Reno, NV, so you can make an informed decision about your policy and how Hinman & Associates Insurance can help.

Liability Coverage 

This coverage is mandatory in most states and protects you if you cause injury or damage in an accident. It will cover the costs associated with medical bills, vehicle repairs, and legal fees. Liability coverage typically comes in two forms: Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability—and it’s essential to ensure you have enough coverage to protect yourself financially in the event of an accident. 

Collision Coverage 

Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object (like a tree). Collision coverage may compensate for a brand-new vehicle if your car is totaled. 

Comprehensive Coverage 

Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle caused by something other than a collision – such as hail damage, theft, vandalism, or fire. It’s important to note that comprehensive coverage does not cover any damage caused by an animal.  

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage 

If you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or whose insurance limits are too low to cover all the costs associated with the accident, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help protect you financially. This type of coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses related to an accident exceeding the at-fault driver’s policy limits. 

If you live in Reno, NV, and need help exploring different auto insurance policies, don’t hesitate to contact Hinman & Associates Insurance—we’re here to help!

Required Auto Insurance in Nevada

When you own a car in Nevada, you must have auto insurance to protect yourself and others. When you buy your vehicle, you need to have your auto insurance in place immediately so that you never drive without your coverage. There are certain types of coverage that you are required to have in your auto policy in Nevada. When you need coverage, call us today at Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV to get started. 

Liability Coverage Is Required

When you get your policy, your insurance agent will know the types of coverage available to you, including the types required for all drivers in the state. They will also know the exact amounts required and how much you can add to your coverage to be better protected against the costs that result from accidents. The policy is required to have bodily injury liability coverage as well as coverage for property damage liability. There are two amounts needed for bodily injury coverage, with one amount for everyone injured and a different amount for one person who is injured. Both of these coverage types pay for someone else’s expenses if you should be the cause of an accident. 

Other Coverage

You can also choose to get comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage protects you against a wide range of risks to your vehicle when it isn’t being driven. Collision insurance covers your vehicle for damages if you cause the accident. These two types of coverage aren’t mandatory, but they can be accommodating after an accident or other incident. 

Get Auto Insurance

When you need auto insurance, we are here to help you. Call us at Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV.

Commercial insurance every small business needs

Owning a small business is a dream come true, and, at the same time, it can be highly stressful. So many things can go wrong and damage your business. The best thing you can do is to have good commercial insurance to protect your business. At Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV, we take our job seriously, and we understand the risks that your business needs to be protected from. 

Commercial liability insurance

As a small business, you are even more vulnerable to judgments and legal fees than larger businesses. Between one-third and one-half will be sued in any year. If you don’t have commercial liability insurance, you could lose everything you have and be forced to close your business. This insurance will pay the judgment and legal fees up to the policy’s limit. 

Commercial property insurance

Commercial property insurance is different from home insurance. It combines content with property insurance. If you don’t own the building, it will cover the content. This includes the things that your business uses every day to operate your particular business. It covers office furniture, machines, inventory, raw materials, tools, display units, electronics, and more. 

Business interruption insurance

When a covered peril causes the necessity to stop business temporarily, your income may dry up, but your expenses won’t. If you have this commercial insurance coverage, you can pay your bills, meet your salary, and even get paid yourself. Exclusions exist. Familiarize yourself with your policy. 

Commercial auto insurance

Vehicles your business owns should have commercial auto coverage. Keeping your personal and company cars separate is very important. Most auto insurance won’t cover business usage. 

Contact Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV for all your commercial insurance needs.