Warm Weather Ahead! Key Reminders for Personal Insurance
Spring and summer are on the horizon! It is essential to bear in mind some helpful reminders to guarantee a secure and enjoyable season ahead. M3’s Elevate personal lines team can provide you with customized insurance solutions and timely tips to help you prepare your vehicle, recreational vehicle, boat, and property for the changing season.
Warm Weather Storms
During the warmer months, it is important to be extra cautious about your property’s landscaping and trees to prevent storm damage. Regular landscaping maintenance can go a long way in preventing falling trees and damage from debris. It is worth noting that most insurance carriers have limited coverage for debris removal, meaning there may be limited debris removal built into your policy. Your M3 account executive can walk you through the details of your current policy, address questions, and offer further recommendations.
Make sure to trim back any trees that are too close to your home and other structures. Additionally, there is an added layer of complexity if your tree falls on your neighbor’s property. This video provides clarity regarding who is responsible when a tree falls…as you will learn, it depends on a several factors!
Vehicles
Vehicles stored throughout the winter months are required (in most states) to have liability insurance coverage. When you decide to take your vehicle out of storage, call your M3 Elevate account executive to increase your coverage by adding comprehensive and collision at the start of the season.
Do you own a Hyundai or Kia, or plan to buy one soon? If you are purchasing a newer Hyundai or Kia model – with push starts, most insurance carriers will accept and insure your vehicle. However, we have seen an increase in insurance carriers declining older models. This is due to the significant rise in theft from a TikTok social media challenge that has sparked nationwide. Kia and Hyundai have recently developed theft deterrent software in response to prevent theft of millions of vehicles that lack an immobilizer. NHTSA.gov provides specific action steps to take if you currently own a Hyundai or Kia.
Before you purchase an older model Hyundai or Kia vehicle, reach out to our team to determine if insurance is available. We will help our clients make a sound investment that can be protected.
Recreational Vehicles
Will you be using a recreational vehicle this season? Recreational vehicles include anything from ATVs to RVs. If you recently replaced or purchased a recreational vehicle, it’s important that your insurance carrier is aware of these changes. So, the next time you hit the trails with your ATV or take a trip with your RV, remember that our team is here to ensure you are fully protected!
Boats
If you are planning on spending time on the water this season, remember to check your insurance coverage, safety gear, flares, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and life jackets before heading out. Boater registration and insurance policy papers with claims contact information should always be on board with you. For claim purposes, we recommend boaters take inventory of all equipment, personal items, and outfitting.
Chubb1 has recently released a survey collecting common maintenance errors from boaters. The following are a few of the major maintenance errors to watch out for:
- Incorrect battery installation
- Lack of smoke detectors on boats that exceed 26’ in length with accommodation spaces for sleeping
- Lack of vapor detectors on gasoline powered vessels
- Lack of carbon monoxide detectors on gasoline powered boats with berths
- Lack of throwable device (ex: ring) with proper line
- Loose or unsupported electrical wires throughout the boat
- Unsatisfactory condition of life jackets / improper storage of life jackets
Boats and watercrafts are an excellent pastime for owners, but they do come with risks. Don’t Let an Accident or Disaster Sink You provides an additional checklist of items owners can leverage this boating season. Remember, it is always a good idea to do a thorough inspection of the hull before hitting the water!
If you are currently looking to purchase a new boat or trade in your old one, contact us. M3’s Elevate personal lines team can offer expert advice on the appropriate insurance options based on your specific boat and needs. In selecting your coverage, our team can help ensure the value of the vessel is fully reflected – including any additional “bells and whistles.”
Key Takeaways:
By following these simple reminders from our M3 Elevate team, you will be better prepared for the warmer weather and all the fun activities that come with the spring and summertime. With M3’s Elevate personal lines team by your side, you can relax this spring and summer knowing you are covered.
For further questions surrounding these timely reminders & tips, please reach out to your M3 Elevate account executive.
Source: 1 Chubb’s Reference Guide
