Road trip season is finally here and before you start packing for your next trip, it's important to make sure you have the RV insurance coverage you're looking for.

Here are six frequently asked RV questions you can ask your agent or broker when you are deciding what type of policy to purchase for your RV!

Is my optional equipment covered?

Awnings, air conditioners, satellite dishes, LP tanks and bike racks can all be damaged, so ask if these things are covered by your policy. Be sure to discuss whether the coverage applies only to originally affixed equipment or if it includes equipment that you attach after purchasing your RV. A good policy will give you a set amount of coverage included with your comprehensive coverage, with the ability to purchase more.

Is my personal property inside the motorhome or travel trailer covered?

Chances are you are packing your camping, cooking and other traveling equipment for your trip, including golf clubs or other things for entertainment. You can typically choose coverage for these items as part of a package. The one thing to double check about personal property is sometimes your homeowner's policy can have exceptions regarding coverage for personal property in a motorized vehicle. The agents at Lallis & Higgins Insurance can help you figure out your best option.

What type of coverage is best for me—Replacement Cost or Actual Cash Value?

Replacement cost coverage protects your motor home from the effects of depreciation and usually isn't available with an auto policy. With a Replacement Cost policy, if your new-model motor home is destroyed within a certain period of time after purchase, the insurance company will replace it with a brand new one of similar kind and quality. If your motor home is destroyed and you only have an Actual Cash Value policy, which is typically what you'd get with an auto policy, you will only be paid the current value of your motor home.

How much does RV insurance cost and what payment plans are available?

Whether you want to pay in full or in installments, having the flexibility to choose is an important option. Talk to your agent or broker. Insurance companies offer many different plans such as one-pay, four-pay or twelve-pay options.

Is towing or roadside assistance available?

Towing and roadside assistance is a great coverage to have if your motorhome or travel trailer breaks down and can include towing, jump starts, roadside service, flat tire changes, fuel delivery and locksmith services. Specialized coverage is important and can exceed what you would get from an auto policy. You'll want to be covered 24/7 by experts who have the equipment and parts to help with a bigger vehicle like an RV. Ask if coverage extends to any vehicles you may be towing behind you.

What about special coverages for full-timers or vacationers?

Some insurance companies offer these special coverages, which may cover full-timers when they are parked and using their RV as a residence. You can also ask about vacation liability, which may cover you in case you are found responsible for someone else's injury in your RV while it's parked. Again, exclusions in your homeowners policy may play into what type of coverage you want to purchase for your RV, so take this into consideration when you discuss your options.

For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: foremost.com

This comprehensive beginner’s guide is the ultimate resource for buying an electric scooter. You will learn about price classes, features to consider, tips for riding, maintenance, safety, laws, component parts, micromobility, and electric scooter history, and gain some tools that will help you with your buying research.

Electric Scooter Buying Guide

Don’t Make Your Vehicle an Easy Target

By the time you finish reading this paragraph, another vehicle will be stolen somewhere in the U.S. Vehicle theft is a big business, frequently run by organized crime rings that are out to make huge profits, and they are doing it at your expense. Vehicle theft is driven by money and greed – it is a dangerous business that victimizes everyone.

Help Put the Brakes on Vehicle Theft: Use the “Layered Approach” to Protection

Professional thieves can steal any car, but make them work for yours by using “layered protection.” The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal.

LAYER 1: ALWAYS USE COMMON SENSE

• Lock your doors
• Remove your keys from the ignition
• Close your windows completely
• Park in well-lit areas

LAYER 2: USE A VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE DEVICE

• Audible alarms
• Steering column collars
• Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
• Brake locks
• Wheel locks
• Theft deterrent decals
• Identification markers in or on vehicle
• Window etching
• Micro Dot marking

LAYER 3: INSTALL A VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER

• Smart keys
• Fuse cut-offs
• Kill switches
• Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
• Wireless, ignition authentication

LAYER 4: INVEST IN A TRACKING SYSTEM

Put your vehicle on the radar screen by installing a tracking system that emits a signal to the police or monitoring service when the vehicle is reported stolen. Some systems employ “telematics” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked by computer.

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger. To prevent your pet from overheating, take these simple precautions provided by ASPCA experts:

• Visit the vet for a spring or early-summer checkup. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication.
• Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
• Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
• Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
• Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, it is illegal in several states!
• Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool—not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals.
• Open unscreened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them. Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.
• Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.
• When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
• Commonly used rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. Keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils of out pets’ reach as well. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance.
• Remember that food and drink commonly found at barbeques can be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol. Please visit our People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets page for more information.
• Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and even unused fireworks can contain hazardous materials. Many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared or disoriented, so it’s best to keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area of your home.

For other ways to help, download and share our hot weather safety infographic to alert others of the dangers your pets may face during the summer.

https://www.aspca.org/

It feels like we blinked and boom - summer is here. It comes and goes as quickly as that, so I try to make every day count (especially living in the north!).

Here's some fun ideas to add to your summer bucket list to make it the most memorable year yet.

Have a picnic.

It only takes an hour or two and it's a fun, relaxing activity with a family or friend. If you can't find someone who is available, bring your furry friend along!

Spend the day at the beach.

Nothing beats the feeling of the sun on your face and the sound of waves in the distance. If you aren't close to a beach, go to a friend's pool or your city's pool for some water fun.

Go to an amusement park.

Take the kids and head to your local water park or amusement park to make some fun memories. You'll definitely take some fun pictures and have a lot of laughs!

Throw a BBQ at your house.

Have you always "talked" about getting together with your friends for dinner, but it never happened? Well, now's your chance! Grill up all of those savory foods you've been thinking about all summer and host a great evening at your place.

Go camping for a weekend.

If you're craving the outdoors, this one is for you. Pick a weekend to unplug from your life, and soak in the scenery and wildlife.

Stargaze.

Summer is the perfect time to go stargazing. Drive far away from the city lights to look at the many constellations and planets in the sky! Experts say the best places to stargaze are national or state parks.

Attend a bonfire.

There's no better way to end the night than with a warm fire and some roasted marshmallows!

Watch a movie at a drive-in theater.

It's rare to find a drive-in theater nowadays. If there's one located near you, go watch your favorite flick for a memorable experience.

Go to the zoo.

If you want to do a fun, affordable activity with your kids, this one is for you. They will love seeing their favorite animals up close, and depending on the zoo, they may offer some interactive exhibits for the kids.

Go on a mini vacation.

If you need some new scenery, planning a weekend getaway will be the perfect cure. Look up the nearest vacation town near you, book the hotel, start driving and don't look back! You'll thank me later.

Before you know it, the cold will be back (in some parts of the country), school will be in session…and you'll be thinking about the smell of that bonfire or how the sand felt between your toes.

Injury Prevention Jet Skiing cartoon Personal watercraft devices (PWC), such as jet ski's, can be an exciting water-based activity, but it can also be dangerous and precautions must be taken. In 2018, the US Coast Guard (USCG) reported 634 injuries attributed to a personal watercraft; 196 of those injuries occurred to children ages 19 and under. Injuries such as broken bones, concussions, sprains/strains and scrapes/bruises were most common. Of all reported accidents to the USCG, the main causes were operator inexperience, operator inattention, improper lookout, excessive speed and violation of navigation rules.

Jet skis are considered boats, and operators must obey all boating rules while on the water. Since January 1, 2000, all individuals who operate a personal watercraft must have completed a certified boater safety course.

Safety Tips

• Children under the age of 16 should not operate a waverunner.
• Take a safe boating course and have your child/children take a safe boating course.
• Always have a life jacket (or personal flotation safety device) on board for each passenger.
• Make sure that your life jacket and your passenger’s life jackets fit properly and support your individual weights. (See Life Jacket Safety Chart.)
• Never mix jet skiing and alcohol.
• Always make sure an adult is watching you and/or your child from the shore.
• When driving a jet ski with a passenger, make sure your passenger is ready to go before you start.
• When riding a jet ski when someone else is driving, make sure that you are holding on tightly. Inform the driver if your hands slip or if you are not ready to go.
• Never start your engine without attaching the cord that is connected to the start/stop switch or your key to your life jacket or wrist. If you fall off, the machine will automatically stop.
• Each rider should wear eye protection, a wetsuit (in colder weather), footwear and gloves.
• Always watch for bad weather conditions.
• Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from the pump intake.
• Never operate a jet ski in water that’s less than 24-inches deep.
• Know your water terrain.

Source: chp.edu

Know Your Hurricane Risk

Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind, water and even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. Start preparing now.

Make an Emergency Plan

Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans. Include the office, kids’ day care, and anywhere else you frequent in your hurricane plans. Ensure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.

Know your Evacuation Zone

You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay.

Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.

Recognize Warnings and Alerts

Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which require no sign up.

Those with Disabilities

Identify if you may need additional help during an emergency if you or anyone else in your household is an individual with a disability.

Review Important Documents

Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents, such as ID, are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.

Strengthen your Home

De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.

Get Tech Ready

Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.

Help your Neighborhood

Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others

Gather Supplies

Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. You may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane.

Source: ready.gov

Homes become vacant for many reasons. Maybe your home is for sale but you haven't found a buyer yet. Or you've purchased a new home but won't move in for a while. It could be a rental property that's between tenants. Whatever the cause, there are some insurance risks that you should keep in mind.

You may be thinking, why get vacant home insurance when you already have regular homeowners insurance? Well, most homeowners policies exclude or limit coverage if the home is vacant, so you'll need more specific coverage.

Insurance coverage is extremely important for a vacant home, because there are lots of dangers that threaten vacant homes in particular. If you're debating whether or not you need a vacant policy, talk to your insurance agent! Here are some things to ask about:

Cost

Vacant home insurance typically costs more than regular homeowners insurance due to potential risks like weather threats, fires and vandalism. However, you may be able to get a discount by installing security systems around the house. Even if your insurance company doesn't provide a discount for extra security, it's a good idea that will make your home safer!

Coverage

Each vacant home insurance policy is different. Many cover damage caused by fires, lightning, wind storms, hail, vandalism and theft. Check with your insurance company to see what options you have. (Remember to ask if flood damage coverage is an option!) There are also different time lengths for policies. Many are 12 months long, but they could go up to four years, so find out what will work best for you. You'll also want to consider Liability coverage, which applies if anyone is hurt on your property and you're found legally responsible.

Restrictions

Many insurance companies have different definitions of what is vacant and what is unoccupied. Additionally, there may be a specific time length distinction for the type of coverage. Restrictions can also be based on the age or value of the home. Discuss these variables with your insurance agent to find the coverage that works best for you!

Still not sure if vacant home insurance is for you? Contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance to learn more and get a quote! Overall, don't be afraid to ask questions about insurance. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments.

foremost.com

Why buy a vacant home? One of the biggest perks is being able to make the home whatever you want it to be. You can make it your new home, create a vacation home, rent it out, or fix it up and sell it to someone else. In some cases the seller may be willing to sell a vacant home cheaper than an occupied home. This is good news for you because you can save some money, but it could also mean something might be wrong with the house. It may need a little love, attention and renovating. Before you purchase a vacant home, here are a few things to do and watch out for:

Professional Inspection

Ask for an inspection from a professional and take notes on what they discover. You'll want to know what's broken, what needs to be fixed and what could possibly go wrong. (Note: Be prepared to pay for the home's electricity to be on for the duration of the inspection).

Critters

Since vacant homes can sit for quite some time, critters may come in and make themselves at home. Although they are usually small animals such as mice or bats, they can cause damage to a vacant house. Those unwanted critters can eat at the floors, carpets, walls and wiring. Be aware that you may need to hire a pest control service, and this could be costly based on the number of animals and the amount of damage.

Plumbing

There may be plumbing issues that have caused dried and cracked seals, slow faucets, leaks and other issues. If the heat hasn't been on and the temperatures dropped, the pipes could be at risk to freeze or burst (if they haven't already).

Appliances

The previous owner may not have unplugged their indoor appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers, or let them dry out. There may be mold inside from the moisture being trapped. Having appliances plugged in with no one there could result in a fire (if the electric was on). Appliances in the house may become unusable due to long periods of sitting with no use, which means you will need new ones.

Molds

Remember, molds can grow on more than just appliances! Check for mold in the walls, floors, pipes…everywhere! Some molds may cause health issues, so if mold is found during your inspection, you may want to rethink purchasing the home. Talk with your inspector about the extremity and presence of mold, and evaluate the safety risks.

Unanticipated Repairs

There are other potential sources of damage. For example, break-ins are more likely when a home appears empty, and windows, doors and other items could be damaged by the intruder. Storms are another danger. Debris could hit the home and cause damage that may have gone undetected. Always thoroughly inspect the home before buying!

There are a lot of things to do and watch out for before purchasing a vacant home, but the possibilities of what the home could be are endless. If you are looking to buy a vacant home but haven't found one yet, there are a few ways to move forward. Look online, talk to neighbors, get a realtor or simply drive around. There are more vacant homes than you think…happy hunting! For information on Vacant Home Insurance, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: foremost