Consignment Coverage

In today’s economy more and more RVers are looking at consignment contracts with RV dealerships as an option to sell their RV. The typical RV insurance policy may not provide coverage for your RV while it is in the possession of an RV dealership; in fact, many policies specifically exclude coverage for RVs being sold on consignment. If you are considering selling your RV on consignment, be sure to read your policy and speak with your insurance agent before hand to see if your policy provides coverage while your RV is being sold under a consignment contract.

In many cases, a special consignment endorsement can be added to your RV policy for an additional fee. This endorsement extends coverage on the RV if it is being test driven by potential buyers or dealership employees. Consignment endorsements may not be available in certain states or areas, so speak with your insurance agent to make sure the endorsement is available for the dealership or consignment lot you are considering.

Before selling your RV through a consignment program, talk to your insurance agent to make sure that your RV is adequately covered. The consignment endorsement may be worth the extra cost since the RV will be out of your control and custody while on consignment, and may be exposed to inexperienced drivers as well as dealership employees. Your insurance agent will be able to assist you in answering any question that you may have about consignment coverage to ensure you are protected during the sales process.

For a complete review of your policy go to www.explorerrv.com/Quote/ or call 888-774-6778

Jill Marsillett
Specialty Agent

Three things every RVer should have on board

RV travel is in full swing. There are many things you can do to make sure your RV is ready to hit the road, such as changing your oil and transmission fluid and a regular check of your battery. The more you use your RV, the harder the batteries work and the more corroded they tend to get.


One of the biggest issues RVers deal with when it comes to problems on the road is underinflated tires. Insurance companies see many claims for accidents related to this as well. I tell every RV traveler I know that there are three aftermarket items you should not be without in your RV:

1. A tire pressure monitoring system. Properly inflated tires increase your fuel efficiency, reduce accidents and save wear and tear on your tires. The best tire monitor system sold today monitors tire pressure and temperature in the tires of both the RV and the vehicle being towed. The read out is mounted on the dash in plain view of the driver, and gives a constant digital read out and will sound an audible alarm if there is a problem.

2. An Electrical Management System (EMS). An EMS is either permanently installed (ideal) or plugs in, and monitors the power to the RV. It performs a diagnostic test of the electrical shore power when the power cord is plugged in, and will not supply voltage to the RV if there are problems like low voltage, high voltage, reverse polarity, open ground, etc. An EMS also will turn the power off for the same reasons.

3. A tow brake. Installed in the towed vehicle, a tow brake takes braking load off the RV. Because the RV is not stopping the extra 3,000-4,000 pounds of weight, the stopping distance in an emergency situation is reduced by around 30%.

It is a good idea to keep an online “diary” of when you service your RV. Give it some built-in reminders so you know when to check your tires and battery or change your oil, for example. You don’t need anything fancy, just a simple spreadsheet will do.

To review your policy click here www.explorerrv.com/quote or call 888-774-6778
 

Going Full Time? Make sure you have the right coverage!

If you’ve decided to permanently hit the road to experience all of America in your RV, you may have gaps in your insurance coverage, particularly when you are no longer a homeowner.

Personal liability is the most important coverage for full-timer protection. This coverage protects you when losses occur for which you are legally responsible. When you sell your home and become a full-timer, personal liability coverage is lost and you could be unprotected.
Explorer Insurance Agency offers personal liability and other specialty RV programs for full-timers, providing coverage to fill important gaps. Learn more.

• Full-timers personal liability is the most important in full-timer protection. When you are a homeowner, personal liability is covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy, which protects you when losses occur for which you are legally responsible. When you sell your home and become a full-timer, personal liability coverage is lost leaving you unprotected. Full-timers personal liability fills that gap by offering liability protection wherever your travels take you in the U.S. This is also a required coverage by most specialty insurance companies when RV usage exceeds five months per year.

• Full-timers medical payment coverage provides coverage for the homeowner’s medical bills incurred as the result of an accident in the motor home. Again, when you become a full-timer, this protection may be lost. Full-timers medical payment fills this gap by offering coverage for medical bills incurred when the parked RV is being used as a residence.

• Scheduled valuable personal property coverage allows an insured to schedule valuable personal items such as jewelry, antiques, and stamp collections. Full-timers may wish to take such items on the road but without a homeowner’s policy, can’t protect them. Scheduled valuable personal property will cover up to $99,000 for any item, collection, or group of similar items you wish to protect.

• Secured storage personal effects coverage protects your personal items in the event of a theft or fire. When you sell your home, all of your personal effects accumulated over the years likely won’t fit into your RV, even if it is 45 feet long. Most people store personal effects in secured storage facilities, but they don’t know that the items are not covered in the event of theft or fire. Secured storage personal effects coverage will cover up to $99,000 worth of personal effects in storage.

While you are enjoying your RV full time, you should have a sense of security that you are protected. At Explorer Insurance Agency, we firmly believe the full-timer coverage that a specialty RV policy provides is the best way to ensure worry-free travels.
For a free review of your policy go to http://www.explorerrv.com/ or call 888-774-6778.

Personal Effects & Emergency Vacation Expenses

Two specialty coverages that may not be available for an RV on a standard auto insurance policy are Personal Effects coverage and Emergency Vacation Expense coverage. Personal Effects and Emergency Vacation expense coverage are both very valuable in the event of a claim.

Personal Effects coverage provides protection for the items packed onboard an RV. These items can range from the camera you take with you on vacation, to the clothing you pack while on the road. Most standard auto insurance policies do not provide any coverage for items inside a vehicle, whether it is a car or an RV. In the event of a claim, such as a fire, Personal Effects coverage reimburses you for your personal belongings that are damaged or destroyed in the fire, up to the limits listed in your policy. Of course, this coverage is even more important for fulltime RVers as almost everything they own is kept in their RV. Your insurance agent can help you determine an appropriate amount of Personal Effects coverage to carry, but nobody knows what you have in your RV better than you do.

Emergency Vacation expense coverage is also very important in the event you have a claim and are unable to use your RV as your living quarters. This coverage would reimburse you for most living expenses incurred while you’re unable to use your RV, again up to the limits listed in your policy. Generally, things like hotel stays, meals or tickets back home would be eligible for reimbursement. Most policies that include Emergency Vacation Expense coverage have a mileage limitation, where you would have to be a certain number of miles away from home before coverage would apply. Be sure to read your policy or ask your agent if any limitations apply. Of course, this coverage would is even more important for fulltime RVers as their RV is their primary residence.

It is essential for you to read your policy in full to determine what coverages and limits you have. Talk to your agent for more details, or if you have questions regarding any of the specialty coverage listed on your policy. For a complete review of your policy go to www.explorerrv.com/quote or call 888-774-6778.

Jill Marsillett
Specialty Agent

Collision & Comprehensive Coverage

 Collision and Comprehensive (Other than Collision) coverage are without a doubt two of the more important types of RV insurance coverage, and are also the most misunderstood. In this article, we’ll discuss what kind of insurance claims collision and comprehensive cover, and how to select a deductible that is suitable for your particular needs. Of course, when in doubt consult your insurance agent for advice on selecting an appropriate deductible and for more detail on individual limits.

Collision coverage is just what it sounds like; it provides coverage in the event your RV collides with another object. Collisions can be as varied as backing into a light post, or getting into an accident on the road. Generally, collision coverage starts paying after a deductible is met and up to the limits specified in the policy.

Comprehensive is also called “Other than Collision,” or OTC for short. OTC provides coverage for losses that are not a direct result of a collision or accident. Some common claims that are typically covered by OTC include: weather-related damage, fire, theft, vandalism and windshield chips/cracks as a result of road hazards. Be sure to read your policy and note any specific coverage exclusions. For example, most RV insurance policies do not provide coverage for normal wear and tear. Just like Collision coverage, OTC starts paying out after a deductible is met and up to the limits listed in the policy.

The deductibles listed on your policy are the dollar amounts you are responsible for paying before the insurance policy starts paying for a claim. Most insurance companies offer a broad range of deductible limits to select from ($100 to $5,000). As a rule of thumb, the lower the deductible, the higher the premium so it is important to find a balance of what you are willing to pay out of pocket in the event of claim, and how much you want to pay in insurance premiums. Your insurance agent can help evaluate your personal needs and quote multiple deductible limits for price comparison.

To review your policy click here www.explorerrv.com/quote or call 888-774-6778

Medical Payments and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage’s

At Explorer Insurance Agency, our objective for posting these articles is to help you understand the coverages listed on your RV policy. Today we will be discussing two options which are considered standard auto coverages, but are often overlooked.

To read more click here.

Medium-duty truck coverage

As fifth wheels, travel trailers, and horse trailers are getting longer, larger, and heavier, a typical pickup truck becomes less safe and less capable of pulling the weight. As a result, medium-duty trucks are becoming more popular in the RV and equine cultures.

To Read more click here.

Understanding the Specialty RV policy vs. a Typical Auto Policy

 The RV lifestyle is experiencing tremendous growth, especially as the Baby Boomers increasingly flock to the freedom of the RV lifestyle. In previous articles, we covered the foundation of specialized RV coverage with the depreciation protection coverage options. We have also talked about full-timers’ coverage as well. Let’s now cover other coverage options available on a RV specialty policy that is generally not available on a standard auto policy.

The following are descriptions of specialty RV coverages that Explorer Insurance Agency is able to offer.
Emergency Vacation Expense coverage is an option that reimburses out-of-pocket expenses that occur when an RV is out of use due to a covered loss.
 
To read more click here.

Specialty RV Coverages: Total Loss Replacement, Purchase Price Guarantee, and Agreed Value

According to a USA Today article on March 20, 2008, new sales of RVs hit 354,000 in 2007. Many of those RVs are insured with non-specialized coverage. At Explorer Insurance Agency, we realize how significant an investment a RV can be. This article discusses the three coverage options that are the foundation of the specialized RV policy. Each option provides a form of depreciation protection, but provides it in a different manner.

Total Loss Replacement is available to original owners of RVs with a model year within four years of the current year. This option provides depreciation protection for the first 10 model years. If a total loss occurs during the first 5 model years, the insurance company will replace the RV with the newest model, or a comparable RV. If a total loss occurs during the second five model years, the insurance company will pay the insured the purchase price paid by the insured for the total loss RV to be used towards the purchase price of a replacement RV.

 To read the complete article click here.

Full-Time RVer Protection

 In its November 8, 2007 issue, Time Magazine reported that there are over 400,000 full-time RVers in the United States. Although many of these full-timers inhabit their RVs all 12 months of the year, most insurance companies view five or six months as full-time usage.

When an individual decides to permanently hit the road to experience all of America, they may be subject to gaps in insurance coverage, especially if they are no longer a homeowner. This is another reason specialty RV insurance is needed. Explorer Insurance Agency offers specialty RV policies for full-timers to provide coverages that fill those insurance gaps.

Full-timers’ personal liability coverage provides very important protection. When you are a homeowner, personal liability coverage is usually provided by a homeowner’s insurance policy.
 
To read the complete article click here.

RV Liability Insurance

Today we are going to go over the Liability portion of a RV policy. The definition of this is as follows:

Liability - Applies to claims made against you for bodily injury or property damage to others resulting from negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Your insurance contract can have liability in one of two ways: split limits or combined single limits.

Read more..

RV Insurance Glossary

http://explorerrv.com/RvInsurance.aspx
RV Insurance Glossary

STANDARD AUTO COVERAGES

Liability - Applies to claims made against you for bodily injury or property damage to others resulting from negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Personal Injury Protection - Applies to your medical expenses and lost wages resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, regardless of fault in no-fault states.

Medical Payments - Applies to medical bills incurred by you, members of your family and passengers for injuries involving a motor vehicle.

Uninsured/Under-insured Motorist - Applies to claims you may have against another motorist for injuries you sustain as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Uninsured coverage applies if the other motorist has no insurance. Under-insured coverage applies if the other motorist has insurance, but it is not sufficient to
pay for injuries incurred.

Collision - Applies to damage to your vehicle caused by striking objects such as trees, poles, or other
vehicles.

Comprehensive - Applies to damage other than collision, such as fire, theft, flood, hail, windstorm, or earthquake.

Actual Cash Value - In the event of a total loss, pays the current market value typically determined by using Kelly Blue book or NADA Guide.

SPECIALTY RV COVERAGES

Replacement Cost - Covers the full replacement if the vehicle is destroyed by a loss covered in the policy, and replaced with a similar unit within the first five model years, protecting you from depreciation. This coverage converts to Purchase Price in the sixth model year.

Purchase Price - Pays the purchase price towards a replacement vehicle if you experience a total loss covered in the policy and choose to replace the RV.

Agreed Value - Pays the agreed-upon value, typically based on a professional appraisal or bill of sale, in
the event of a total loss. This coverage is ideal for purchasers of classic, bus conversion or used RVs.

Disappearing Deductibles - The comprehensive and collision deductibles are reduced by 25% of each claim
-free year. At the conclusion of the fourth claim-free policy year, you pay no deductible when filing a comprehensive or collision claim. If a loss occurs, deductibles return to the original amount and the diminishing feature resumes.

Full-Timer - Provides personal liability coverage similar to a homeowner’s policy. Additional living expenses, stored personal effects and other coverages may be available.

Mexico Physical Damage - Applies to comprehensive and collision coverage of your vehicle while traveling in Mexico, provided you maintain Mexican Liability on your vehicle during the entire trip.

Personal Effects - Replacement coverage for items such as clothing, dishes, computers, cameras, or
sporting equipment that are not a built-in part of the RV. Note: replacement cost is subject to policy
terms.

Vacation/Campsite Liability - Pays for bodily injury to others or property damage occurring at your campsite.

Emergency Expense - Applies to emergency lodging and transportation expenses if your vehicle is damaged or destroyed by a loss covered by the policy.

Roadside Assistance - Most carriers provide sign-and-drive towing and labor via a toll-free number. Auto policies may provide towing coverage, but typically offer a limited amount of coverage on a reimbursement basis with no dispatching service.

Medical Benefits (Scheduled) - Provides a specified dollar amount in the event of accidental death, or a
dollar amount for scheduled disabilities. Coverage only applies while operating your insured vehicle or as a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle designed for public roads.

Custom Equipment Replacement - Replacement cost protection for after-market equipment added to your unit after the initial purchase.

Golf Cart/Moped/Scooter/Small Boat Coverage - Provides stated-amount comprehensive and collision coverage for a non-registered for-road-use golf cart, moped, scooter, or small boat.

Class Coverage - Instead of paying the higher comprehensive deductible, this coverage provides a $100 deductible for windshield and glass claims.

Consignment Coverage - This endorsement covers your unit from storm damage, fire, collision, vandalism, or theft while being sold on consignment with an RV dealership.

Note: The definitions in this glossary are for general information purposes only. For details
regarding your specific RV insurance policy, contact your insurance carrier or agent.

http://www.explorerrv.com/Default.aspx

RV Insurance- (every thing you always wanted to know about RV Insurance)

Since 1997, Explorer RV Insurance Agency has been providing custom-designed insurance programs for RV owners. The agency represents leading insurance carriers that offer products in 48 states. Explorer RV is underwritten by companies with A.M. Best ratings of "Excellent" or higher.

The Explorer RV staff is committed to bringing you superior insurance protection, exceptional service and more value for your insurance dollar. You will experience the advantages of working with a dedicated agency, backed by the strength and stability of our national insurance carrier partners.

When you contact Explorer RV you will have the opportunity to speak with a licensed agent every time – not a call center operator. Our team of professionals is specially trained in RV insurance, and realizes that service doesn’t end when your policy is written.

They stand ready to:
- Assist with policy changes
- Act as your advocate in facilitating communication with the insurance company
- Perform renewal reviews and make coverage recommendations

We focus on all your insurance needs, so you can focus on enjoying your RV!

For the next 13 weeks we will be discussing what makes up RV Insurance, how the coverages work, and doing this in as much detail as we can.
This is the topics for the next 13 weeks:
RV Specialty Insurance (every thing you always wanted to know about RV Insurance)
WK 1 RV Insurance Glossary
WK 2 Liability& Personal Injury coverage
WK 3 Medical Payment & Uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist coverage
WK 4 Collision and Comprehensive coverage
WK 5 ACV, TRL, PPG, AGV,
WK 6 New Coverage from NIIC GAP& FSO
WK 7 Full timer & Vacation/Campsite Liability
WK 8 Personal effects & emergency expense coverage
WK 9 Roadside assistance & medical benefits
WK 10 Customer Equipment & Golf cart & Glass coverage
WK 11 Consignment Coverage from NIIC
WK 12 Agent vs. Captive
WK 13 Specialty vs. Auto Insurance for your RV

Come back and learn more about the RV Insurance vocabulary next week.