Should You Get RV Insurance Before A Trip?

Residents of West Hartford, CT love going camping and taking off on trips with an RV. At ALLConnecticut Insurance, we find that getting a policy before a trip is usually a wise decision. That’s because it can help to protect your investment, even in situations where a policy is not mandatory.

RV Insurance is Often Optional

While RV insurance is usually a good choice, it is often optional. For example, people who own their motorhome without any financing are not required to get insurance. However, motorhomes that are being financed usually require policies because the lender will make it part of your loan deal. That said, towable vehicles, such as pop-up and fifth wheels, usually don’t require insurance to own and use. That said, just because a policy is not mandatory doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea to have one, particularly if you are going on a trip.

Policies Are Wise if You Are Traveling

Even if RV insurance isn’t required in your instance, it is still a good idea to get it before going on a trip. Imagine driving your motorhome up a mountain and suffering from brake failure. The damage you cause before you finally stop could be catastrophic. And without liability or collision coverage, you are going to be left in a strange area with a huge repair bill and potential lawsuits on your hands. These situations could be easily handled with liability and collision insurance but not so much if you don’t have these policies to protect you. 

Let Us Know if You Need Help

Residents of West Hartford, CT who plan on going on a trip with their RV should contact us at ALLConnecticut Insurance to learn more about their policy options. We can help you sort through the confusion and get the right coverage for your trip and your travel needs.

Tips for Saving on your Commercial Insurance Policy

A commercial insurance policy helps protect your business from risks such as legal suits, and natural disasters. Here are some tips on how to save on your commercial insurance cover; 

Increase your deductible
A higher deductible implies a lower premium and vice versa. Keep in mind that you will have to pay the deductible before your claim is processed. Therefore, set your deductible to a reasonable amount.

Consider bundling your coverage
Purchasing a policy package that covers multiple coverages and liabilities is often cheaper than purchasing individual policies. This could explain why the Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) is popular among small start-ups. However, find out exactly what you are covered against and find out whether your insurer can customize the package.

Look out for discounts from your provider
Often, insurers offer discounts if the policyholder does not file for claims for a specified period. Implementation of a safe workplace program could also qualify you for discounts. Inquire from your service provider on the various discounts they offer and whether you qualify for them.

Inquire on loss-prevention programs
Most insurers will be willing to advise you on the ways through which risks in your business can be minimized. Such could include introducing a theft-prevention strategy and establishing disaster awareness plans.

Provide a safe working environment
Implementing the safety recommendations from your insurer translates to lower premium rates. Not providing a safe environment or the reluctance to enforce safety regulations shows means that there is a greater risk of workplace injuries hence the higher premiums.

Do you need a commercial insurance policy in West Hartford, CT? ALLConnecticut Insurance has got you covered. Get in touch with us to find out the different commercial insurance plans available for you. You can also obtain a free estimate of your policy on our website. 

What To Do if You Have a Boat Accident

Nobody wants to think about having a boat accident; however, knowing what to say and do if you happen to have one is an important consideration for all boat owners. There are certain steps to take in case there are people injured or killed. There are things to do to help those in need. There are things not to do and things that should not be said. This is a helpful guide from the agents at ALLConnecticut Insurance, serving West Hartford, CT and the surrounding area.

Safety First

After a boat accident, if you are still onboard and the boat is afloat, determine if anyone is injured and needs medical assistance. At the same time, evaluate the safety of remaining on the boat. Stay calm and do not panic. Focus on making good decisions and taking the appropriate actions depending on what is happening.

In some boat accidents, the fuel explodes into flames. If there is any risk of this occurring or if the boat is already on fire, help everyone out of the boat and get into the water. Move as far away from the burning boat as possible.

If the boat is sinking, make sure everyone has a floatation device and get into the water. Move away from the boat to avoid the boat pulling you down under water from the vacuum caused by its sinking.

If there is no risk of the boat sinking, or from fire, or explosion, do the opposite and stay on the boat. Help anyone that fell overboard to get back into the boat. Help the injured by giving first aid. Use any available communication system to send a “May Day” distress call for help to the Coast Guard.

Gather Information

Once you are sure everyone is OK and out of danger, gather information about the accident, such as the contact information for everyone involved including the boat owners, passengers, witnesses, and insurance companies/policy numbers (if available) for the involved parties. Take photographs of the scene and the damage.

Report the Accident

Federal law requires the boat accident to be reported if anyone is injured enough to need medical care or killed. Moreover, if the damage exceeds $2,000 a report must be filed with the U.S. Coast Guard. Do not admit the accident was your fault or say you are sorry about it to anyone.

Contact Your Insurance Agent and an Attorney

As soon as possible contact your insurance agent to inform them of the accident. It is also usually a good idea to contact an attorney that specializes in boat accidents regardless of who is at fault for causing the accident.

For peace of mind, ask your agent at ALLConnecticut Insurance in West Hartford, CT to review your boat insurance to make sure the coverage is adequate.

If Your RV Air Fails, Will Insurance Help?

Residents of West Hartford, CT have many fun places to take their RV camping. However, a failing air conditioner is always an issue because it can make it impossible to enjoy your camping experience. If you are worried about whether or not your policy will pay for repairs, contact us at ALLConnecticut Insurance to learn more.

Appliance Coverage Is Typical In RV Insurance

When you buy RV insurance, you are typically not only insuring the vehicle but the appliances inside. That’s because these vehicles are unique because they allow you to live in them either temporarily or permanently. Therefore, they are also considered a home unit.

So items such as the refrigerator, television, plumbing systems, and your air conditioner can be covered. It all depends on the scope of your policy and how you set it up with your insurance provider. As a result, it is critical to know when your policy may fail you.

When Your Policy May Not Cover Air Conditioner Repair

If you did anything to cause damage to your unit, such as faulty personal repairs, you may void your coverage on your air conditioner. That’s because insurance companies won’t cover damage that you directly caused through incompetence or malice.

However, they will often cover issues that occur when somebody else performs poor repairs. That’s because you hired them in good faith and they failed to provide you with high-quality service. Talk to your provider about this issue to learn more about how it affects you.

Getting The RV Insurance You Need

Make sure that you talk to us at ALLConnecticut Insurance if you own an RV with an air conditioner. We can help West Hartford, CT residents get the coverage they need for their recreational vehicles and avoid the kinds of common issues that make air conditioners fail.

3 Tips for Landscaping Your Home

To make sure your home in West Hartford, CT maintains its value, it is pertinent that you take care of it, and this applies to both the interior and exterior. The better maintained your home’s exterior is, the more curb appeal it will have, which will be profitable if you ever decide to sell it. Here is a quick look at three tips for landscaping your home. 

Rolling Terrain

Rolling landscape adds a certain amount of charm to any home’s landscape, but slopes in the yard can make it tedious to evenly water and can also make certain parts of the lawn prone to erosion. One way homeowners can address this problem is by leveling the terrain with limestone or granite retaining walls; this can prove to be a good solution to help produce a beautiful windbreaker and help control water flow.

Create Shade

Shrubs and trees placed around a home can create a beautiful landscape along with other benefits, like conserving energy. In fact, trees and shrubs can save energy by lowering temperatures in the home by as much as nine degrees. Taller shade trees, like cedar elms and red maples, have been known to save on cooling costs up to 30%. Shrubs do their part in saving energy by shading windows and exterior walls. Three of the best shrubs to plant to help conserve energy is Cenizo, Texas sage, and Esperanza.

Year-Round Appeal

There are many ways to make your home’s landscape look in tip-top condition all year long. Evergreen shrubs are a good option because they retain their needles, providing both color and cover year round. And to give the home a more inviting appearance, you’ll want to add evergreen plants around the front corners of the house.

It’s Time to Talk

If you would like to learn about protecting the interior and exterior of your home with insurance, please contact ALLConnecticut Insurance today serving the West Hartford, CT area. 

RV Insurance Coverage Options

Recreational vehicles (RVs) refer to a wide variety of motorhomes, ranging from bus conversions to camper vans. They come in different sizes and designs. RV insurance offers most of the benefits found in your standard auto insurance but also adds some extras your motorhome may need. If you own or you’re planning to purchase an RV, it’s important to have the right coverage for it with ALL Connecticut Insurance. Plus, having RV insurance in West Hartford, CT is compulsory. And just like auto insurance, your premiums will depend on different factors. There are several coverage options for insuring your RV. They include:
 
Liability: Due to their large sizes, these vehicles can cause very severe accidents. This policy covers any injury costs or damage costs towards others in the event you are responsible for an accident. This coverage is mandatory.
 
Collision: Covers damage costs in case your RV is hit or hits another vehicle or object.
 
Uninsured/underinsured: Other drivers may not have enough or even lack insurance to cover damages to your RV if they cause an accident. This coverage will cater for those damages. Plus it can help in a hit-and-run situation.
 
Comprehensive: If you use your RV frequently, for instance, if you live in it, it would be wise to cover it against non-collision damages like fire and vandalism.
 
Total loss replacement: Since RVs are quite costly, this coverage will cover the full, original price of your RV without depreciation in case it’s lost or written off.
 
Apart from these major coverage options, some additional coverage options you can include are roadside assistance, personal effects, vacation liability, emergency expenses, etc.
 
An experienced agent at ALLConnecticut Insurance will help you understand the kind of risks your RV may face in West Hartford, CT and help you make an informed decision. Contact us today for more information or to get the right policy for your RV.

The Answers to 3 Unusual Auto Insurance Questions

Auto insurance can feel like a bit of a mystery to people, and this mystery can result in a person picking the cheapest possible policy. But knowing the more unusual scenarios can make it easier for people to decide one way or the other about how much coverage they really need. Here are three answers from ALLConnecticut Insurance that you may not have even thought to ask. 

What Happens When Someone Else Drives My Car and Gets Into an Accident?

The answer to this question will depend on the circumstances, but usually, it’s the person who owns the car who’s responsible for the car. If the driver has their own insurance, then the insurance may cover part of the damages, but it’s not always a guarantee. 

What Happens When I Drive Out of State?

Your insurance benefits will carry over in all 50 states in the US, but you’ll need additional liability insurance if you choose to drive to Mexico (unlikely if you live in West Hartford, CT, but certainly not impossible.) You can even drive to Canada without risking your benefits. 

What’s the Right Insurance Company?

Just like with most questions about insurance, the answer is that it depends. Every driver has their own preferences when it comes to their insurance policy, so they need to find someone who can fit all of their requirements and still meet their budget.

What isn’t negotiable when it comes to auto insurance is that you need someone who’s there to answer your questions. ALLConnecticut Insurance can help the people of West Hartford, CT find a policy that will be there for them during the worst of times. But hopefully, it’s clear that the bare minimum for auto insurance can really end up being an expensive decision for some.  

 

When Will You Need Toy Insurance?

Toy insurance is an important coverage option for many adults. If you have the right level of coverage, all of your family’s recreational vehicles can be covered. A “toy” can be a moped, motorcycle or even an ATV. While not everyone needs toy insurance, many do.

AllConnecticut Insurance several toy insurance options. Before picking the policy which works best for you, it’s a good idea to understand why toy insurance is needed in the first place.

Reason One: You Have A Lot of Toys

A lot of homeowners have numerous toys to protect. These include sailboats, jet skis, dirt bikes and more. You’d be surprised how many of your toys can be protected by a comprehensive policy. Serving the West Hartford CT area, our agents can pinpoint the toys you need protection for.

Reason Two: You Have a Vacation Home

Even if you don’t use your toys year-round, you still need to protect them. In cold weather, mold, mildew, dust and other toys, your high-powered weekend warrior vehicles can get damaged. You’d be surprised how easily an ATV, moped or motorcycle can degrade over time. If you have a vacation home—and if you use your toys infrequently—toy insurance is your best friend.

Reason Three: Your Friends and Family Use the Toys

Who doesn’t like sharing their toys? Share the joy—but be safe when doing so. If you’re on vacation, make sure your toys are protected from unforeseen circumstances. If your toys are nicked, dinged or completely run into the ground, you’ll need fiscal protection. Toy insurance can cover the damages, keeping your money where it belongs: in your pocket.

AllConnecticut Insurance wants to protect its community. If you live in West Hartford, CT, contact one of our providers today. Protect your toys, and give your family and friends years of entertainment.

3 Benefits of RV Insurance

For those who are yet unfamiliar, RV insurance is a type of coverage that protects recreational vehicles of all kinds. No matter is you have a travel trailer, motor home, fifth wheel, pop-up camper, or any other vehicle that can be classified as recreational, purchasing RV insurance is the best way to protect your vehicle. Do you live in West Hartford, CT and need coverage for your recreational vehicle? The following is a closer look at 3 benefits for purchasing RV insurance. 

Personalized Policies

Given that RV insurance is an umbrella which includes coverage for a variety of recreational vehicles, no two policies are exactly the same. Purchasing RV insurance allows you to get the exact coverage you need for your vehicle. 

Full Replacement Coverage

Moreover, given that RVs can come in all types, including those that are limited edition and custom, there is also an option for full replacement coverage. In this case, you will never have to worry about taking a loss on your RV as you will receive the agreed upon value in the unfortunate event that it gets totaled. 

Bundling Option

Last but not least, purchasing RV insurance also allows you to combine insurance packages and save money. For instance, if you already have insurance on a personal vehicle, you can potentially have the 2 packages combine and save a percentage on both.

Overall, for those living in West Hartford, CT, AllConnecticut Insurance is an excellent option for RV coverage. Simply call, email, or stop by the AllConnecticut Insurance today to find out how you can start your policy immediately and maybe even save some cash in the process. 

What is the difference between general liability and professional liability?

Commercial insurance protects your business against risk, and most businesses need several kinds of insurance to make sure they have the level of protection they need. Many people ask what the difference is between a general liability policy and a professional liability policy, and if they need both.

The agents at ALLConnecticut Insurance help the business owners in West Hartford, CT to find the insurance policies that best suit the needs of their individual businesses. They can answer any questions you have, and help you compare the various policies available to you.

General Liability Insurance

When you purchase a general liability policy, you are protecting your business against a wide array of risks. Your policy doesn’t just protect your business, your property and your employees; it also protects those who come into contact with your business, such as visitors and those who purchase your products.

Your policy will cover, up to its limits, both personal injury and property damage claims. It will even cover the legal fees and costs you may incur if there is a lawsuit or settlement over one of the claims.

Professional Liability

Professionals are held to a higher standard because they are expected to have specialized knowledge or skills. Many professionals are even regulated by the state and are not allowed to operate without a special license or certification. If they make mistakes or fail to live up to the high standards expected of them, they can be sued for professional negligence.

A professional liability policy protects your business against those risks if you are a professional. Like the general liability policy, it will also cover any expenses related to potential litigation. Call or contact ALLConnecticut Insurance if you are in West Hartford, CT and want to explore the best protection for your business.