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How a helmet could help save your life on a motorcycle

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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. 

What Reno area home owners need to know about liability insurance

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Hinman & Associates Insurance can help Reno, NV residents with their insurance needs. We are here to provide the information you need to select the right policy to protect your home and family. 

Protecting your family from liability with a comprehensive homeowners’ policy

Owning a home is likely the largest financial investment most people make in their lives. Whether you are a longtime homeowner or are preparing to purchase your first house, it’s crucial to have the right insurance. 

While a basic policy will provide a certain level of protection, many homeowners enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a more robust policy. With a comprehensive policy, it is possible to have a higher level of coverage that covers a broader range of events.

Everyone’s needs are different, and it is important to review several different options before deciding on the policy that’s a good fit for your needs. Having adequate and appropriate insurance in place is an effective way to enjoy home ownership. A more specialized policy could be more appropriate if you have several outbuildings that need protection or many upgrades to your home.

Choosing the policy that best meets your needs can feel like a stressful and time-consuming task, but when you work with a helpful local agent, the experience can be much more straightforward and successful.

Find out more about the benefits of a comprehensive homeowners’ policy today!

If you are a homeowner in the Reno, NV area or will be buying a house soon, you can count on the Hinman & Associates Insurance team for all your insurance needs. Give us a call or stop by our office today!

Classic Car Regulations in Nevada

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New classic car regulations will be going into effect for Nevada auto owners beginning in 2023 via Assembly Bill 349. While an update on the rules behind these coveted car tags and titles is not entirely unexpected, auto owners may not realize this law links directly to Classic Car Insurance in Nevada. Hinman & Associates Insurance serves Reno, NV classic car owners. Here is what you need to know.

Classic Vehicle Designation

Registering as a Classic Vehicle allows some exceptions for classic car owners. After all, that Model T isn’t going to meet the same standards as a 2021 Prius, and changing components from the original isn’t an option. Classic vehicle registration was previously designed for cars that travel less than 5,000 miles per year and allows these cars to avoid modern smog checks. This registration has primarily relied on the honor system to report care features.

Changing in 2023, the new law will require Classic Car Insurance to be able to register a classic vehicle in the state.

Classic Car Insurance

With insurance soon to be mandatory for Classic Car registration, many drivers seek to find the more stringent details needed to meet these program requirements. The insurance policies tend to have more requirements than the state, which lawmakers see as a means to close registration loopholes and reduce environmental emissions. Classic Car insurance policies are typically based on auto age, usage, vehicle value, storage, and condition. There are also Antique Car policies available for the oldest co

Hinman & Associates Insurance serving Reno, NV is here to help you protect your classic car investment. Contact us today.

Are You a Renter? Make Sure Your Possessions are Protected!

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Many renters are unaware that insurance can protect them, just like homeowners insurance covers a homeowner. Renters’ insurance can be a requirement for some tenant-landlord lease agreements. Even if it is not required, purchasing it is a good idea.

Contact Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV for an answer to all your questions regarding renters’ insurance.

A landlord will have insurance to cover their building only. In the event of a fire or other damage, your personal belongings in the unit remain unprotected from loss. Also, if you are liable for the damage caused to the building, your landlord’s insurance company could seek damages from you.

Renters insurance will protect you in both of these instances. Also, it can cover you in an emergency for certain expenses.

Renters’ insurance will cover many situations, but there are some things to be aware of before purchasing a policy.

  • Coverage limits – the maximum amount covered because of damaged or lost property, additional living expenses, or personal liability.
  • Deductible – the amount you pay if you need to make a claim.
  • Scope of coverage – renters’ insurance does not cover everything. For example, if you conduct business from the residence you are renting and are sued for something related to your business, the personal liability portion of the policy will likely not cover it.

Determining the cost of coverage for the three factors above can determine the cost of the policy. A more extensive coverage amount will typically lead to a higher monthly premium. Other factors could affect the cost of the policy, such as:

  • The type of building you live in
  • The city you live in
  • Your insurance history
  • The insurance company

Renters’ insurance may seem like another monthly cost you would rather not pay. With rent and other fees you may need to pay, renters insurance protects you from possible disaster.

You may never have to use the policy. If your belongings are stolen or damaged, or if you are facing a lawsuit or need extra money for additional living expenses due to an act of God, renters’ insurance could save you. The financial burden could be so enormous that it would be difficult to recover from it.

So don’t take the risk – protect your belongings with a renter’s insurance policy. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Hinman & Associates Insurance. You will be glad you did.