Set Sail with Confidence: 5 Tips for Reno, NV Boaters

Whether you’re a local or tourist about to take on the adventure of the open waves, we at Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV, have got you covered. Ensuring your maritime journey is safe and enjoyable is of great importance to us. Therefore, we’ve compiled five vital tips for your future boating excursions.

1. Practice Responsible Boating

Being a responsible boater is about more than just maintaining your vessel; it’s also about having respectful conduct while on local waterways. Avoid reckless behaviors such as excessive speeding, alcohol consumption, and disturbing local wildlife during your marine excursions.

2. Stock Up on Safety Equipment

Before embarking on your journey, ensure you have the essential safety equipment onboard. Each passenger should have access to well-maintained safety supplies, including—but not limited to—life jackets, fire extinguishers, and flare guns for signaling distress.

3. Monitor Weather Forecasts and Alerts

Stay alert and responsive to the changing weather conditions to ensure a safe boating experience. Reno’s weather, especially around bodies of water like Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, and the Sparks Marina, can change dramatically, often leading to unexpected storms that may put you at risk.

4. Understand Local Boating Regulations

Before setting sail, familiarize yourself with local boating regulations and laws. Understanding these rules, including speed limits, navigation regulations, and dedicated watercraft zones, can prevent legal complications and enhance your overall boating experience.

5. Secure Comprehensive Boat Insurance

Protecting your marine adventure starts with comprehensive boat insurance; it is the most vital step to ensure you, your passengers, and your boating accessories are covered against both collision and non-collision-related risks.

We’re Here to Support You

At Hinman & Associates Insurance, we’re your go-to partner for protecting your aquatic odysseys in Reno, NV. Whether you need comprehensive boat insurance or want to understand how to manage your risks better, we’re here to help!

Pros and Cons Of Umbrella Insurance

So, you may wonder: what is umbrella insurance? It is known as a special type of insurance that offers extra coverage beyond the limits of your other insurance types. If you are eligible for any damages, umbrella insurance will protect your assets and cover any financial gaps. It is not mandatory insurance, but it is worth having it for your peace of mind. Keep on reading this post to know more about the pros and cons of this unique coverage: 

What Are the Pros Of Umbrella Insurance? 

Umbrella insurance is what can protect you from a serious financial loss. Here is a list of its major advantages: 

  • It will cover you when you reach the limit of your auto or home insurance. 
  • It covers the events and situations that other policies might refuse to cover. Such events include slander and libel. 
  • Umbrella insurance usually offers high coverage limits. 
  • The majority of umbrella insurance policies cover you anywhere in the world, meaning that you can have peace of mind while traveling internationally. 
  • It often covers expensive rental items and equipment that other insurance policies do not cover. 

Does Umbrella Insurance Have Any Cons? 

Even though umbrella insurance is great to have, it has certain downsides and limitations:

  • You can purchase an umbrella insurance policy unless you already carry auto or home insurance. 
  • If you get injured, umbrella insurance will not cover your own medical bills. 
  • Damage to your personal property is also not covered by umbrella insurance. 

If you live in Reno, NV, and are considering purchasing umbrella insurance, Hinman & Associates Insurance is the right company to contact. At Hinman & Associates Insurance, we specialize in different types of insurance, including umbrella insurance. We are to answer your questions and provide detailed information about available insurance options. Reach out to us today to have coverage tomorrow. 

When Should You Consider Buying Your Own Life Insurance Policy?

The Significance of Life Insurance for Your Peace of Mind

Life insurance is an essential financial safety net that offers both protection and peace of mind to you and your loved ones. At Hinman & Associates Insurance, servicing the whole of Reno, NV, we comprehend the necessity of having the appropriate coverage during critical times.

Marriage and Life Insurance

Tying the knot often means an increase in financial responsibilities. Life insurance can offer financial support to your spouse in the event of your untimely demise, helping to maintain their lifestyle and manage shared expenditures.

Life Insurance for New Parents

With the arrival of children, their financial well-being becomes a top priority. Life insurance can ensure they are provided for financially, covering costs such as childcare, education, and future aspirations.

Homeowners and Life Insurance

A mortgage is probably one of the largest financial commitments you’ll undertake. Life insurance can assist your family in paying off the mortgage or managing ongoing housing costs if your life is cut short, enabling them to stay in their home without financial stress.

Job Changes and Life Insurance

If you’ve been depending on employer-sponsored life insurance, job changes can leave you exposed. Owning your policy gives assurance of continued coverage, irrespective of your employment status, providing consistency and peace of mind.

Business Owners and Life Insurance

Entrepreneurs often invest significant time and resources into building their companies. Life insurance can protect your business partners and heirs by supplying funds to purchase your share of the business or settle outstanding debts in the tragic event of your death.

Life insurance is a valuable tool that offers financial security and protection for your loved ones during various stages of life. For personalized guidance and comprehensive life insurance solutions in the greater Reno, NV, area, reach out to Hinman & Associates Insurance today.

Four problems businesses can avoid with commercial insurance

Commercial insurance is one of the most critical assets available to business owners in Reno, NV. If you have questions about commercial insurance, you can get the information you’re looking for from us at Hinman & Associates Insurance.

Carrying commercial insurance protects business owners from a wide range of potential problems. Here are four problems businesses can avoid with commercial insurance. 

Revenue losses due to business interruption

Events like natural disasters or equipment theft can cause business interruption that leads to lost revenues. This can be detrimental to a company if it leads to cash flow issues and challenges with covering operating expenses.

With business interruption coverage, companies can continue covering costs even if business operations are interrupted for an extended period. 

Legal expenses due to lawsuits

Business owners shouldn’t underestimate how expensive it can be to pay for legal representation in the event of a lawsuit against their companies. Fortunately, business liability coverage covers legal expenses if a company gets sued. 

On-the-job injury complications

Accidents happen even at the safest worksites. On-the-job accidents can be expensive for companies. Companies can be held liable for the resulting medical expenses. 

Fortunately, commercial insurance can cover costs that result from injuries on a company’s worksites so that such expenses don’t compromise the company’s future. 

Losses due to theft

You could face severe financial loss if your inventory or valuable company equipment is stolen. Commercial insurance can include coverage for theft so that you don’t have to worry about going out of business or experiencing significant financial problems at your company due to theft. 

Enjoy the peace of mind of having commercial insurance coverage that protects your likelihood. Get a quote on a policy for your business in Reno, NV by calling us or visiting us online at Hinman & Associates Insurance

What Does Classic Car Insurance Cover?

In Nevada, classic cars are touted as vehicles that are at least 15 to 25 years old and have an appreciating value. This makes them special since most vehicles depreciate in value over time. Also, a classic car is not driven regularly for daily activities. If you have a classic car, you will want a proper classic car insurance policy to protect the investment you have made in your vehicle, and our agents at Hinman & Associates Insurance, serving the Reno, NV area, are ready to assist you.

What is Classic Car Insurance?

Classic car insurance in Nevada is specialized coverage for vintage and antique automobiles. It is designed to ensure that these cherished vehicles are protected in a way that regular auto insurance policies cannot provide.

What Does Classic Car Insurance Cover?

Much like regular auto insurance, classic car insurance provides comprehensive and collision and liability insurance coverage. All vehicles in the state of Nevada must have at least liability insurance, and even though classic cars are not to be driven regularly, they can be driven to and from events, such as car shows and parades, so the owners must have an auto liability insurance policy.

Classic car insurance also provides comprehensive and collision coverage in case a fire, natural disaster, theft, vandalism, or collision damages or destroys your classic car. However, the way the insurance coverage is determined is different since classic car insurance policies allow owners to establish an agreed-upon value for their vehicles. This ensures that the owner receives the total agreed-upon amount without depreciation in the event of a total loss.

Contact Hinman & Associates Insurance in Nevada

To get your classic car insurance policy started, contact our experienced agents at Hinman & Associates Insurance, serving the Reno, NV, area today!

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 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.