Insurance

Insurance Guidelines for Ownership of a Refurbished Motorhome

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Are you planning to purchase a refurbished motorhome? If so, it’s important to review some insurance guidelines to support your new ownership. Insuring your investment will protect it in the event of a natural disaster, criminal activity, or incidents where you are found at fault.

Usage

Your insurance coverage should align with how you plan to use your motorhome. If your motorhome will be driven, liability insurance coverage is essential. This coverage protects you against vehicular accidents where you are at fault.

If your refurbished motorhome will be used for towing purposes, consider adding towing coverage to your policy. This type of coverage protects towing equipment from theft, vandalism, and extreme weather conditions.

Operating Systems

The HVAC unit, stereo, and other operating systems within the refurbished motorhome can be included in your insurance policy. Any systems of value should be considered when preparing your motorhome insurance policy.

While coverage won’t protect against everyday wear and tear, it will provide protection if your equipment is vandalized, stolen, or severely damaged during a natural disaster.

Motorhome Inclusions

Before purchasing a refurbished motorhome, it’s a good idea to assess the inclusions that come with the RV. Furnishings, decor, and permanent fixtures within the RV can be added to your insurance policy.

Schedule an Appointment With an Agent in Reno, NV

Call our office to speak with an agent from Hinman & Associates Insurance. A representative from our company will schedule an appointment to discuss the insurance coverage options available for the refurbished motorhome you plan to purchase.

How to Choose the Right RV Insurance Policy for Your Travel Style

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Choosing the right RV insurance policy is crucial, and several key factors should be considered. If you’re in the Reno, NV area and looking for insurance coverage options, Hinman & Associates Insurance is here to help. We can help you protect your RV based on your travel style, usage frequency, and the level of coverage that best suits your needs. With the right policy, you can enjoy peace of mind on the road.

How Often Do You Use Your RV?

If you only use your RV during the summer months for vacations, you may not need the same level of protection as someone who uses their RV year-round. While coverage is still essential, you might want to explore policy adjustments for the months when your RV is not in use. This ensures you have adequate coverage throughout the year without paying for unnecessary extras during non-driving months.

Are You a Full-Time Traveler?

If your RV serves as your full-time home, you’ll need a different policy than someone who uses their RV occasionally. Working with our dedicated agents can provide you with valuable insights into the various policy options available. We’ll help you find the right coverage to ensure you’re protected no matter where your adventures take you.

Work With Insurance Experts You Can Trust

Contact us today at Hinman & Associates Insurance if you’re in the Reno, NV area and need RV insurance. Our team is ready to discuss your options and provide you with multiple quotes from top insurers so that you can choose the best policy for your needs. How often you travel and how you use your RV are key factors in determining the right coverage for you.

Motorcycle Insurance for Seasonal Riders in Reno, NV: What You Need to Know

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For numerous motorcyclists in Reno, NV, riding is a seasonal delight. The open road is an integral part of their lifestyle, whether it’s the refreshing spring breeze or the warmth of a summer’s evening ride through the Sierra foothills. But what happens when winter arrives, and your motorcycle remains in storage for months? This is where seasonal motorcycle insurance becomes crucial.

If you’re not a year-round rider, you might be tempted to cancel your policy during the off-season. However, this could put your bike and finances at risk. Even when parked, your motorcycle can be damaged by weather, theft, or vandalism. A lapse in coverage can also lead to higher premiums in the future.

Hinman & Associates Insurance suggests adjusting your coverage rather than canceling it entirely. Many insurance providers offer the flexibility to reduce your policy to comprehensive-only coverage during the months your bike is stored. This approach protects your motorcycle against non-collision risks while lowering your premium.

Your full coverage can be easily reinstated when you’re ready to ride again. Just remember to notify your agent before that first ride of the season. Also, remember that liability insurance is required by law in most states, including Nevada, even if you’re only an occasional rider.

At Hinman & Associates Insurance, we assist seasonal riders in Reno, NV, in striking a balance between cost and protection. We understand the local riding climate and offer tailored solutions that meet your needs, whether you’re on the road year-round or only a few months each year.

Before you store your bike or prepare to hit the road again, give us a call. We’re here to ensure that your motorcycle is insured intelligently, season after season.

Has Your Boat Been Lost or Stolen? Three Steps to Take with Your Boat Insurance in Reno, NV

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Boat owners often joke that the two best days of boat ownership are the day they buy and sell the boat. This sentiment holds true unless your is stolen. Unfortunately, boat theft is a reality for some residents of Reno, NV, and we at Hinman & Associates Insurance handle such claims regularly. While you can’t change the past, responding appropriately can influence the future. Here are three steps to take if your boat is stolen.

1. File a Police Report

When your boat is stolen, the first action is to file a police report. The sooner you file, the fresher your memory of the incident will be, leading to a more accurate report. Prompt reporting also increases the chances of recovering your boat. A detailed police report is crucial when filing your insurance claim, so strive for accuracy and thoroughness.

2. Submit an Insurance Claim

Immediately file a claim with your insurance provider. The sooner you file, the quicker you’ll receive your settlement. Your insurance company may also assist in locating the boat using the pictures and documentation you provide.

3. Document Everything

Photograph every part of your boat and keep all related documents, such as the bill of sale, registration, and any other paperwork related to your watercraft. This information will be invaluable to the police during their search. Without this documentation, proving ownership of the boat if it’s recovered can be challenging.

At Hinman & Associates Insurance, we’ve been providing comprehensive watercraft insurance to customers in the Reno, NV, area for decades. If you’re seeking the ideal policy for your boat, contact us today.

Why everyone with assets needs to have umbrella insurance

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Understanding the Benefits of Umbrella Insurance

We are independent insurance agents at Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV. We take our responsibility to work for our customers seriously, including helping them see the benefits of umbrella insurance for their financial planning.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is excess liability insurance. It provides additional coverage above the coverage that your current policy has. Many types of insurance provide liability coverage. Liability is part of your policies for your vehicle, boat, home, condo, motorcycle, rental unit, and recreational vehicle. You need to have a policy that includes liability to add umbrella coverage. It is not a stand-alone policy.

How Umbrella Insurance Works

Umbrella insurance is aptly named since it works like an umbrella. If you think of yourself as your assets and the rain as everything that puts you at financial risk, it offers protection. The world we all live in allows people to be sued for various things, and your risk of being sued or exceeding the limits of your policy is greater than you may realize. An auto accident, a pet who hurts someone or someone’s pet, or a teen who makes a mistake are some of the risks.

What Does Umbrella Insurance Pay?

When you are sued, there will be legal costs associated with your defense. Your liability insurance will cover the expense up to your policy’s limit. Then, the umbrella insurance will kick in and pay up to the limit you have on it. This protects your assets from being attached or your equity being used to pay the additional costs.

Contact Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV, and let us provide you with a quote for umbrella insurance and any other insurance needs you may have.

Important questions to ask before choosing life insurance

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Life insurance may be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Your loved ones and family are counting on you to get it right. To get it right, you need to know what questions to ask when choosing. At Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV, our team of independent insurance experts will help you to get coverage that will protect those who are counting on you. 

When is the best time to purchase life insurance?

Life insurance is unique when it comes to deciding when to purchase it. It will be less expensive if you purchase it when you are young. However, when you are young, you are often the least able to afford it and have the least use for it. You do need to make sure that if you are purchasing term insurance, that the term lasts through the years when you will need it most. 

How much life insurance is enough?

There is not one answer to this question. Each individual will have different needs. You need to figure how long it will need to provide support, how old your dependents are, and how much you now provide per year. Multiplying your annual income by the number of years is the simplest formula, but it may not provide complete or adequate coverage. Experts suggest at least 10 years of income. 

Who can be the beneficiary?

You can choose to have one beneficiary or multiple people. Keep in mind that if you are choosing a child, they will need to wait to collect the benefit until they are of legal age in the state where they reside, 

Contact Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV for all your life insurance needs. Call, email, or stop by to get your questions answered. 

The Difference Between Commercial Insurance and Personal Insurance

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You may be considering getting commercial insurance for your business. You might wonder if you even need it due to personal insurance. The truth is that commercial insurance and personal insurance cover completely different circumstances. While personal insurance is always good to have, you should also look into commercial insurance to protect your business assets. Let’s look at what makes these two policies different from each other.

Compare and Contrast

For the most part, commercial insurance has higher liability limits than personal insurance. As the name suggests, personal insurance only covers personal activities, while commercial insurance covers business activities. Commercial insurance tends to be higher due to the increased risks and isn’t quite as tailor-made as personal insurance needs to be. Where commercial insurance is to protect business assets and operations, personal insurance is for the purpose of protecting individual assets and personal use. If a vehicle is involved, it only covers licensed employees driving for business purposes. Personal auto insurance is for the individual and their family members. With this in mind, applying for commercial insurance for your business needs is best.

Contact Hinman & Associates Insurance Serving Reno, NV

Trying to discern one insurance policy from another may seem daunting, but it need not be. If you live in or own a business in Reno, NV, and would be interested in commercial insurance, we at Hinman & Associates Insurance would gladly help you in any way. Our knowledgeable and courteous agents will do all they can to help you find the policy that best suits your needs.

3 Ways To Transport Your Classic Car To Car Shows

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If you own a classic car and travel occasionally in or around the Reno, NV, area, several methods exist to transport it safely and minimize wear and tear. This is particularly important for those who prefer not to drive their classic cars to shows, avoiding the risk of damage or accidents.

1. Open Trailer

An open trailer towed behind your truck is a feasible option that allows you to spare your classic car from adding on extra mileage. Depending on your destination, this may be the easiest way to unload your vehicle. Do note that an open trailer does expose your car to sun and weather, but a quick cleanup upon arrival will solve that.

2. Enclosed Trailer

An enclosed trailer is the top choice for those who prefer to tow their classic cars. An enclosed trailer is ideal for traveling through varied weather or constant sun exposure. Since certain classic cars deteriorate more rapidly than others due to environmental elements, this method is recommended if you plan to tow your classic car independently.

3. Hire a Third-Party

Suppose you do not own a towing-friendly truck or an open/enclosed trailer. In that case, you may consider transporting your classic car by a professional transportation company via truck or train. Reservations are required, but they will offer a secure container and deliver your car to the agreed location on time. Do remember that this puts your car in someone else’s hands, and it may not include the option of traveling alongside in the car.

If you’re located in the Reno, NV, area and searching for classic car insurance, our Hinman & Associates Insurance team is ready to answer all your queries.

What to Do If Your Landlord’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover Your Belongings

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Landlords often carry insurance that includes property and liability coverage. Many tenants believe their personal property is covered under their landlord’s policy, but this is generally untrue. While landlord insurance may cover items that the landlord left on site for use at the property, such as a lawnmower, it does not usually cover belongings owned by tenants.

Instead, tenants should carry renters insurance to help cover unexpected events. Serving Reno, NV, and the surrounding areas, Hinman & Associates Insurance offers renters insurance to protect tenants from financial losses.

What Is Renters Insurance and What Does It Cover?

While most people are familiar with homeowners insurance, renters insurance is not as commonly discussed. A renters insurance policy may cover personal belongings that are stolen or damaged due to a covered peril. It may also cover living expenses if the tenants are temporarily unable to continue living in the home while damages are being repaired. Renters insurance does not cover the structure itself as this is the landlord’s responsibility.

Renters insurance works similarly to homeowners insurance, providing policyholders with financial reimbursement for covered losses to personal belongings. Once your policy is active, you can contact your insurance company when you encounter a covered peril and file a claim up to your policy’s limits, minus any deductibles. While renter’s insurance is not legally required in Reno, NV, some landlords may request proof of renter’s insurance as part of the lease agreement.

Protect Your Personal Belongings with Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is an effective and affordable way to protect your personal belongings when renting a home or apartment. Contact the experienced insurance professionals at Hinman & Associates Insurance today to discuss your coverage needs and safeguard your assets.

Do You Still Need Motorhome Insurance if You Park Your RV?

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Reno, NV offers some amazing RV and motorhome parks specializing in long-term stays. People from across the U.S. travel to Reno to enjoy its balmy climate, breathtaking vistas, and gambling fun. Hinman & Associates Insurance wants everyone to understand that you still need motorhome insurance, also known as RV insurance, even when you park it in one place full-time.

Introducing Full-timers Insurance

People who live in their RV full-time, with it parked and skirted, still need motorhome insurance. In fact, their need for liability coverage and personal property coverage increases. People tend to invite guests over when they settle down in one place.

Inviting people over increases liability because there’s a higher chance that someone might trip, fall, or injure themselves in another way. When living in an RV or any other type of home, people tend to buy stereos, TVs, small appliances, and so forth. These personal property items need coverage, too.

Don’t Go Under-insured

The typical motorhome policy focuses on travel. It covers you for liability if you cause an accident while driving. Your collision or comprehensive coverage pays for the damage repairs or replacement of your motorhome. If you plan to live in your RV full-time, switch to a full-timers policy.

Contact Hinman & Associates Insurance Today

Contact your agent at Hinman & Associates Insurance to update your motorhome policy. Many people who visit Reno, NV, choose to move here. Contact us to upgrade your RV policy when you relocate to your motorhome. Ask your insurance agent about full-timers’ insurance, a type of motorhome insurance that includes broader liability and personal property coverage.