How to Properly Cover the Fun Stuff

When you are riding the waves, hitting the trails, or exploring the open roads, it’s probably safe to say that insurance is not on your mind—nor should it be. That is your time to enjoy, and you shouldn’t have to worry about insurance. Choosing proper coverage for your recreational vehicle before you take it out of storage for the season allows you to relax and have fun, which is the true definition of recreation.

Insurance protection is available for you, your passengers, and your toys, whether you own an ATV, boat, camper, golf cart, personal watercraft, or snowmobile. Here are a few key items to consider when choosing coverage.

Protect yourself, your passengers, and others:

• Liability. Pays for injuries and damages you caused to others. 
• Medical Payments. Pays for you and your passengers’ doctor, hospital, and funeral expenses, regardless of who is at fault. 
• Uninsured Motorists and Underinsured Motorists. Pays for your injuries and legal fees caused by someone else.

Depending on state law, insurance coverage may be required for your recreational vehicle. Proof of insurance should be kept in the vehicle at all times.

Protect your recreational vehicle while it is in use, transit, or storage:

• Comprehensive (Other Than Collision). Pays if your recreational vehicle is damaged by fire, theft, hail, vandalism, or collision with an animal. A deductible may apply.
• Collision. Pays for damage caused by another vehicle. A deductible may apply.

If your recreational vehicle has a loan or lease, the bank may require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverages and provide proof of insurance.

When insuring your recreational vehicle, don’t forget about the trailer and any other accessories or equipment used with it, such as oars, life preservers, helmets, protective covers, and items inside your camper. These items may have to be specifically listed in your policy for coverage to apply.

It is a good rule of thumb to obtain a separate policy for your recreational vehicle when:

• The state requires insurance for your vehicle.
• The coverages or limits you want are not provided under another policy.
• The vehicle is stored or operated in a state other than where you live.

It is also a good idea to maintain year-round insurance for your recreational vehicle to:

• Protect your vehicle, trailer, and equipment from damage during the off-season. Comprehensive (Other Than Collision) coverage is recommended when the vehicle is in storage.
• Continue discounts with your insurance company.
• Avoid having to remember when to start and stop coverage.

Acuity will help you determine the proper ATV, boat, and personal watercraft insurance so you can focus on the adventures ahead. Contact your local independent insurance agent to assist you in insuring your recreational vehicles. Whatever vehicle(s) you choose to drive for fun, be safe and know that Acuity is driven to help if you have a bumpy ride.