Tips to Ensure Your ATV is Properly Covered

Tips to Ensure Your ATV is Properly Insured

The winter has been very mild in the Southeast this year, so you might be breaking out the “outdoor toys” a little early!  Before taking out your all-terrain vehicle (ATV), but sure that it is properly covered.

When it comes to your ATV, it pays to keep your feet on the ground when it comes to insuring it. You may think it’s covered by your home-owners policy, but are you really protected? Your “toy” wasn’t cheap, and lacking the right type of insurance coverage could lead to a sticky financial situation.

“Owners should think of ATVs the same way they think of motorcycles,” said Rick Stern, product manager, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies. “You’d never consider getting on a motorcycle without the proper insurance, and you shouldn’t ride an ATV without the right coverage either.”

If you’re not sure what to do about your ATV insurance needs, here are a few things to consider.

Your homeowners policy might not be enough.

Most likely, your homeowners policy only covers your ATV if trouble occurs on your property. Anywhere else and you’ll be exposed. Look for an affordable ATV insurance policy that offers coverage no matter where you are. Trail riders should be aware that many states require ATV insurance for vehicles operated on state-owned land.

What about theft?

ATVs are portable and can be easy targets for thieves. You should consider ATV insurance that provides coverage for things such as theft, fire and vandalism just like the kind you can get for a motorcycle. Theft, fire and vandalism are covered by Comprehensive coverage, an optional physical damage coverage.

Consider uninsured and underinsured coverage.

You never know what can happen in the great outdoors. This relatively inexpensive coverage protects you if another rider causes damage to you and he or she lacks adequate coverage.

Keep your rates low.

You can do a number of things to save money on your ATV insurance, including maintaining a clean driving record, staying free of claims or choosing a less “sporty” ATV. In addition, most insurers offer a discount if you insure more than one vehicle on your policy, or have more than one policy with the company. This could mean additional savings on your car, motorcycle, boat or RV insurance.

For more information about ATV insurance or to find an independent agent, call Bob Johnson Insurance, Inc. at 865-922-3111 or click here to contact us.

8 Tips to Gear Up to Motorcycle Season

mechanic tightening the wheel nut on a motorcycle

To steer this riding season in the right direction, you’ll want to make sure your motorcycle — and your motorcycle insurance policy — are in good working order before hitting the open road.

While you should always check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines, here are some general tips for getting ready:

Change the oil and filter.

Many manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter before storing a bike for any extended period of time and again when you bring it back out for riding season. Be sure to first start up the motorcycle to warm the engine and then shut it off before changing the oil and filter.

Check the belt or chain.

Make sure it is set to the manufacturer’s recommended tension. If you have a chain, lubricate it.

Check nuts and bolts.

Start off the riding season with a solid bike. Make sure everything is tight. “A well-maintained motorcycle not only assures a fun time, it can save you money by avoiding accidents, which helps to keep your insurance rates down,” says Rick Stern, motorcycle product manager, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies.

Inspect tires.

Look for any damage and also make sure each tire is inflated to the correct pressure. You’ve only got two tires, so for maximum stability it is very important to avoid underinflation as well as overinflation.

Look for fluid leaks.

The easiest way to check for this is to look at the floor under the motorcycle. Leaking oil or brake, radiator or clutch fluid can cause their own special problems. For example, being low on brake fluid could make it hard to stop your motorcycle. You don’t want to find that out after you’re already on the road.

Check all lights.

Make sure headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are all functioning properly.

Brush up on your riding skills.

Find a safe place to practice riding skills such as fast stops, figure eights, U-turns, etc., so you’re ready for the season. You’ll be glad you did.

Update your policy.

Perhaps one of the most important things you can do at the start of the season is review your insurance coverage to be certain you, and your bike, are covered. Talk to your local independent insurance agent.

Independent agents represent many companies and they can help you to understand the coverages you need. An independent agent can also help you find the combination of price and service that’s right for you. Call Bob Johnson Insurance, Inc. at 865-922-3111 or click here to contact us.

Motorcycle Insurance 101: The Essentials

motorcycle insurance considerations

A motorcycle is a significant investment. Before you get your motor running and head out on the highway this season, you owe it to yourself to make sure your insurance is up-to-date and you’re properly covered.

“Just as riding a motorcycle is much different than driving a car, riders should know that their motorcycle insurance needs are different, too,” said Rick Stern, motorcycle product manager, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies.

Here are some tips.

Update your policy.

First, verify that all your coverages are still in force. Be aware that some companies have a winter layaway period during which some coverages are restricted. Check with your insurance company to see if you currently have any type of limited coverage. Next, note any changes such as additional riders or a new garaging address. A quick call to your independent agent or insurance company will ensure coverage that reflects your current needs.

Consider additional liability coverage.

If you have significant assets, it may be to your benefit to carry a higher limit just in case you are involved in an accident that causes injury to some-one else or damage to property.

Look into medical payments coverage.

Medical payments coverage pays your medical bills as well as your passenger’s and is available in limits up to $25,000 in most states.

Make sure custom parts and equipment are covered.

Additional parts such as chrome plating, a custom paint job, saddlebags or special rims usually increase the value of your motorcycle and may not be covered. If you’ve added any custom parts or equipment, you’ll want to check your policy or call your independent agent to make sure they’re covered.

Know your options.

Rates can vary, so shop around to see if another company offers you a better rate or if you qualify for any discounts. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, consider raising your deductibles. Doing so can help to lower the cost of your policy.

Choose a company that specializes in motorcycle insurance.

For example, Progressive is one of America’s largest motorcycle insurers. Progressive agents and brokers understand the special needs of motorcycle owners and offer specialized coverages that are designed for them and their bikes.

As an independent agency, Bob Johnson Insurance, Inc. can help you decide if Progressive or another company is the best fit for you.  For more information about motorcycle insurance or to find an agent, call Bob Johnson Insurance, Inc. at 865-922-3111 or click here to contact us.

What to Do If You Are in an Accident During the Winter

What to do in an accident during winter

Black ice, snow, blizzards, reckless drivers and other factors can make driving in the winter very dangerous. No one wants to be in a winter accident, but sometimes it happens. Here are some tips to help if you find yourself in a winter accident.

Stay Calm

Take a deep breath and check your new environment.  Your first reaction may be to get out of the car and check the damage, but it may not be safe.  Depending on where you are traveling, you could be near a cliff or large drop-off.  Perhaps a patch of ice is right outside the door. Before getting out of the car, look around and determine that it is safe to exit the car.

Get off the road.

If the car is still in good enough shape to be driven, move it out of the way.  Take it slowly and test the car to see what damage has occurred. Again, drive slowly. You don’t want to make a bad problem get worse.  Move your car enough off the road to remove the risk of other cars hitting you.

Stay in the Car

If you are unable to get the car off the road its best to just stay in the car. Walking around an active road is dangerous in general.  It is even worse in the winter due to ice hazards and the possibility of falling.  (If you slip and fall, you are at the mercy of the driver coming towards you. The cold itself can also be dangerous, so stay in the car and stay warm.  If you have to go out be very careful.

Stay Warm and Visible

During those times that you are stuck in the car it’s best to stay warm and stay visible.  If it is during a storm, this is even more important to help you be found and to keep other drivers from accidentally hitting your car.  Check your “emergency stash” for needed items.  (Want to know what you need to include in your “stash?”  Click here.)  Make sure your hazard lights are turned on in order to help keep your car visible.

Use Your Cell Phone

Finally, use your cell phone to report the accident.  This should get help to you sooner.  Most cell phones now have cameras.  This makes it easy to take photos of the accident.