RV Insurance

What To Know Before Buying an RV

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So you decided to purchase an RV. Sounds like you’re ready for a good time traveling America in a home on wheels. Before you make this very important purchase, there are many things you have to think about first. You have to think about what type of RV you want for the lifestyle you choose. You have to budget for costs such as maintenance, insurance, storage and fuel. You may want to research the pros and cons of having a new or slightly used one. It’s not enough to kick the tires! You have to inspect for water damage, check the condition of the roof, consider the tow capacity and see if any of the appliances are working. You’re not just buying a vehicle, you are also buying a home. 

Planning Ahead

Start by defining your lifestyle and needs. Will this be full-time or just a vacation? Do you plan on going off-grid? How many people or animals are in your party? There are many types of RV including fifth wheel, pop-up, and travel trailer. Which one is right for you? You want to budget not just for the RV itself but taxes, registration, insurance, repairs, fuel and campground fees. You’ll want to thoroughly inspect and research an RV before you buy it. Make sure everything is sealed properly, works as it should and isn’t damaged. Get an actual measurement of everything. Don’t fully trust manufacturer specs. Do a test drive and get a mechanic to inspect it. Maybe consider a trial rental. There’s no need to rush this.

Kinowski Agency Inc., Serving Amsterdam, NY

If you’re in the Amsterdam, NY area and need RV insurance, we here at the Kinowski Agency Inc. are happy to help. Give us a call today. 

Does Your RV Insurance Provide Roadside Assistance and Towing?

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Many auto insurance policies include roadside assistance and towing as part of their coverage. If you have an RV, you may assume that you’ll automatically get similar coverage. However, this is not always the case. Kinowski Agency Inc., serving Amsterdam, NY, can help you find an RV insurance policy that offers roadside assistance and towing for your recreational vehicle.

RV Towing Is Not Automatically Included

Unexpected breakdowns can occur with your recreational vehicle, leaving you stuck by the roadside, sometimes in a remote area. Although you may view this as an essential benefit, your insurance carrier may not. Some carriers offer limited towing but only for specified distances. You may end up paying extra for the service beyond the stated mileage. Most companies offer a roadside assistance package for your RV for an additional cost that can fully cover roadside troubles. Many carriers don’t include towing as part of their primary policies because RVs are heavy and require specialized towing equipment.

What RV Roadside Provisions Typically Include

Most RV roadside add-on policies include the following:

  • Towing to the closest repair shop
  • Flat tire service
  • Fluid or fuel delivery
  • Jump starts
  • On-site mechanical help
  • Lockout services
  • Winching and extraction if you get stuck off-road

Check Your RV Policy Carefully

Whether benefits are included in the main policy or as an add-on, carefully read your documents to determine what is covered. Towing limits are a major concern. Some policies have a minimum mileage limit, while premium policies have a higher one. You’ll also want the benefits mentioned above, and trip interruption for lodging and meals if extensive repairs are required. Note that many policies do not cover cars being towed by your RV.

Fully protect your recreational vehicle in Amsterdam, NY, with a comprehensive RV insurance policy from Kinowski Agency Inc. Call our office today to speak with an agent.

RV Insurance and Natural Disasters

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RV insurance, also known as recreational vehicle insurance, is a crucial coverage for your RV while you’re on the road in Amsterdam, NY. It helps cover damages to your RV, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful sites and scenery without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses after an accident. However, it’s important to note that other factors, such as natural disasters, can also cause damage to your vehicle.

Types of RV Insurance

Recreational vehicle insurance often offers the same coverage options as car insurance. Limited liability protection covers the other person’s vehicle and bodily injuries in case of an accident. Collision coverage, on the other hand, covers your RV if a collision occurs that doesn’t involve another car, such as hitting a telephone pole.

Comprehensive coverage covers other types of damage to your RV, such as those caused by floods, hail, or tornadoes. Some policies also cover theft and vandalism. It’s always a good idea to read the fine print on your policy or consult with an agent at Kinowski Agency Inc. to determine what coverage is offered.

Acts of God

Some policies specifically exclude "acts of God." This term refers to anything natural and beyond anyone’s control, such as a tree falling on the recreational vehicle or a natural disaster. The terminology can be confusing because they’re referred to as an act of God instead of a natural disaster or a specific disaster, such as a tornado.

Other policies may require additional coverage for specific areas. For instance, it’s common to see insurance requirements for flood-prone areas include additional flood coverage, or the insurance company won’t cover flood damage.

Understanding an insurance policy to determine exactly what’s covered can be confusing. Thankfully, our agents at Kinowski Agency Inc. can help you understand what’s covered under your policy. Contact us today to learn more about covering your recreational vehicle before a natural disaster hits. We’re currently serving the Amsterdam, NY area.

Filing an RV Insurance Claim for Collision Damage

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If you communicate clearly with your insurance provider, filing an RV insurance claim for collision damage is easy around Amsterdam, NY. This ensures your RV is repaired promptly and effectively.

Assessing the Damage

Immediately after a collision, assess the damage to your RV. Take detailed photos and videos of all visible external and internal damage. You must document everything to ensure adequate compensation.

Reporting the Incident

Report the collision to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide all necessary details about the accident, including the date, location, and circumstances. Be ready to submit the documentation you’ve gathered.

Providing Detailed Information

When filing your claim, provide thorough and accurate information about the collision. This includes details about any other vehicles involved.

Cooperating with the Adjuster

An insurance adjuster will contact you to review the damage to your RV. Cooperate fully by providing access to the RV and answering any questions they may have. The adjuster’s assessment will determine the extent of the damage and the estimated repair costs.

Managing Repairs

Get the RV repaired from a trustworthy repair shop. You may choose your own or get the insurance company’s references. Those that specialize in RVs and have good reviews will deliver quality work. Keep all receipts and records of the repairs for reimbursement purposes.

Following Up on the Claim

Follow up on any pending documentation or additional information the insurance company may need. Keeping the lines of communication open ensures that your claim is processed efficiently and that you are informed throughout the process.

Kinowski Agency Inc. Helps Guide You

Kinowski Agency Inc. will help guide you and show you how RV insurance can save you in the long haul. Our team covers the Amsterdam, NY region. Get in touch with us today.

How Insurance Works When Storing an RV

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Owning a Recreational Vehicle is all about experiencing the freedom of exploring the open road and new destinations. However, most RV owners store their vehicles during the off-season or when not exploring the byways and highways of interest. The insurance professionals at the Kinowski Agency Inc. in Amsterdam, NY offer this guidance about how RV insurance works when the RV is in storage.  

Insurance When Storing an RV

Before storing your recreational vehicle–

  • Review your insurance coverage to ensure you understand the existing coverage when the RV is stored.  
  • Let your insurance company know you plan to store your RV, as they may have specific storage requirements.
  • Choose a secured, monitored storage location to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism.
  • Document the current condition of the RV with pictures and written records.
  • Check the stored RV regularly.

Insurance Coverage Options

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage, which may be called ‘storage insurance,’ is a great option when the RV is not in use as it offers coverage for emergencies, non-accidental, or non-collision events– like fire, theft, vandalism, etc. Often, coverage can be reduced to include only comprehensive with a simple request to the insurance company.

Liability

Liability coverage may still be applicable even when the RV is stored, as it offers protection should someone become injured on your property or the RV damages someone else’s property.

If you plan to store the RV for an extended period, you can temporarily suspend all insurance (or just collision, for example), which means the RV coverage will be reduced or nonexistent.  

We Are Here To Help

Properly managing your RV insurance in storage is essential in protecting your investment. For more information, contact us at Kinowski Agency Inc. serving the greater Amsterdam, NY community today.

Tips for taking your RV to a national park

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National parks are some of the most beautiful places on earth, and they’re a popular destination for those who love to get outdoors. If you have an RV, taking your vehicle out to a national park can be a great experience. But if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can also be a challenge. Kinowski Agency Inc., serving the greater Amsterdam, NY community, is here to assist. 

Here are a few tips that will help you make the most of your time in the great outdoors with your RV:

Be aware of size restrictions and parking regulations at the park you plan to visit. Many national parks now have size restrictions for RVs, as well as regulations about where RVs should park when camping within the park. Make sure that you understand these requirements before you arrive at the park, as you don’t want to get a ticket or be turned away because your vehicle is too large.

Bring extra supplies for your RV in case something goes wrong during your trip. There are plenty of things that can happen on a long drive, such as a flat tire or engine trouble – and if those things happen when you’re far from any towns with repair shops, it can make for an uncomfortable situation. Bring along extra tools, water, food, and other supplies to help you out in case you need them. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Get Coverage For Your RV Today

By doing your research and planning ahead, you will be able to get the most out of your RV at our many beautiful national parks. Make sure to update your RV insurance to best suit your needs. For more tips to enjoy your RV, call the Kinowski Agency Inc. today. We proudly serve the Amsterdam, NY area.