The special hazards of riding a motorcycle

For some, nothing is quite as refreshing as riding a motorcycle. The wind in your face, the open road, and the feeling of freedom are like nothing else you can experience.

However, because a motorcycle lacks safety features such as an airbag or an automobile’s collapsible car body, motorcycle riding can have several special hazards. Hinman & Associates Insurance, serving Reno, NV, explains some of these dangers.

A person on a motorcycle is less visible than an automobile. Bikes are smaller and thus can sometimes be missed on the road, especially at night or in inclement conditions.

Motorcycles, being inherently unstable and are more prone to accidents when encountering road hazards than automobiles. Slick pavement, potholes, and road debris that a car might be able to handle can be deadly for a motorcycle and its rider.

Motorcycles are also susceptible to speed accidents. Sometimes, at high speeds on a freeway, the front of the motorcycle can begin to wobble and shake. This characteristic can lead to an accident at high speeds if the rider is not careful.

Finally, riding a motorcycle requires a different skill set than driving an automobile. Operating a motorcycle takes a great deal of dexterity and an appreciation for the basic limitations of the vehicle. Motorcycles have far less of a margin for error than driving a car. 

One good safety tip is to wear proper gear when riding a motorcycle. This includes boots, full-length pants, a leather jacket, and gloves. A helmet is a must, even in states or localities that don’t require it.

For more information on motorcycle insurance and how to ride in greater safety, contact Hinman & Associates Insurance, serving Reno, NV.

Boat Insurance Coverage Requirements for Nevada Residents

If you’re a Reno, NV resident and own a boat or other type of watercraft, you will need boat insurance coverage. Here are the facts about boat insurance for Reno, NV residents.

Types of Boat/Watercraft Insurance

Types of boat and watercraft that can be covered include:

  • Performance boats
  • Sailboats
  • Fishing boats
  • Classic boats
  • Jet skis, wave runners, and other personal watercraft

Available Coverages for Reno Boat and Watercraft Owners

Boat and watercraft owners have a variety of coverage options, including:

  • Property damage liability
  • Comprehensive
  • On-water towing
  • Labor coverage service
  • Bodily injury
  • Medical payments
  • Uninsured boater
  • Personal effects replacement

Do You Need Boat Insurance?

Nevada is a state that does not require boat owners to have boat coverage, but if you’re interested in docking your boat on the marinas, you may be required to have adequate boat insurance. If you take out a loan and use your boat as collateral, banks may require you to obtain a valid boat insurance policy.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing Boat Insurance

Before you purchase boat insurance, you need to consider if you need coverage year-round, the discounts and other programs available, and how much liability and medical coverage is enough. If your boat is towed, you need to know whether or not you are covered in an emergency. You should also be familiar with the process of filing and settling a claim, just in case you need these services.

Here at Hinman and Associates, we understand your need for boat and watercraft insurance. We provide insurance coverage for a variety of situations, including auto, home, commercial, and other insurance types. Contact us now to inquire about the insurance solutions we offer and how we can help you with your insurance needs.

When is umbrella insurance a necessity for a Nevada resident?

Most in the state of Nevada will likely have some personal liability insurance coverage through their home and auto insurance policies. However, for a lot of people, it could make sense to get additional personal liability coverage. One way to do this is by getting an umbrella insurance policy. There are several situations when it should be considered a practical necessity to get an umbrella insurance policy. 

When at Risk for Other Situations

One situation when it makes sense to get an umbrella insurance policy is when you are at risk for other situations that may not be covered. While home and auto policies are enough for liability coverage for most people in the Reno, NV area, there are situations when you could have a higher risk of being sued for unrelated forms of liability. For example, if you are at a higher risk of being sued for slander or libel, you should consider getting an umbrella insurance policy.

Concern for Bigger Accidents

Another situation when an umbrella insurance policy is a practical necessity is if you are concerned about the damages that can come with bigger accidents. If you are involved in a bad accident, the damages could exceed your base home or auto policy. With umbrella coverage, you will receive additional liability protection that is on top of your base policies. 

There are a lot of situations when having umbrella insurance is a good option for someone in the Reno, NV area. When you speak with the team at Hinman & Associates Insurance, you can learn a lot more about how umbrella insurance can benefit someone. Based on the conversations that you have with Hinman & Associates Insurance, you will be able to better determine if umbrella insurance is right for you and your situation. 

Can Life Insurance Help Prepare For Retirement?

When people begin to consider planning for their future retirement, many times, they are unaware of how life insurance can be beneficial. There are two main types of life insurance; whole life and term life. If you’re planning for retirement, you should consider purchasing a whole life insurance policy to help prepare for unexpected emergencies.

Why Whole Life Insurance?

Whole life insurance is a type of policy that you pay into monthly for a set amount of time. Over the years, you can eventually borrow money against the policy to help cover unexpected costs. This option can be a real asset if there is a medical emergency or other issues that can be a financial burden. Start paying into the policy early so that this option is available after retirement. You can consult with a licensed life insurance agent to find out more about how whole life policies work and how they are beneficial for retirement planning.

Finding the Right Policy

Working with customers to help them protect the people and belongings that are most important to them is the goal of Hinman & Associates Insurance. We proudly serve the Reno, NV area and can work one on one with each client to help determine current and future needs. Based on the situation, we can offer top quality life insurance products that match your situation. Having the right policy in place can be one of the best ways to prepare for all the future holds and gain the peace of mind necessary for building a solid retirement strategy. 

Life insurance can serve as an essential tool for those who are getting ready for retirement. Call or stop by Hinman & Associates Insurance, proudly serving Reno, NV, to speak with an agent today about your options.

Find Out How Much Commercial Insurance Your Company Needs

Do you have a new company or just determined that you need commercial insurance? Be sure to talk through what’s necessary with an agent like those at Hinman & Associates Insurance, serving the Sparks and Reno, NV area.

The Size of Your Company Is a Big Factor

Consider the size of your business when it comes to knowing how much insurance you should have in place. A small business likely will require much less in terms of coverage, though, of course, this depends on the specifics of the company.

Most Common Types of Business Insurance

It’s in your best interest to have the bare minimum insurance for your company, which is required for most states. Be sure to get general liability insurance that will protect your company against legal claims resulting from claims of negligence, accidents, and injuries. Product liability coverage also is vital if you manufacture, distribute, wholesale, or retail any products since it will cover liability in terms of safety. If you provide services, you should have professional liability insurance to protect your business against malpractice, negligence, and error claims.

Where you work will determine if you should get commercial property insurance or home-based business insurance. They both provide coverage in the instance of fire, storm, vandalism, and more that can cause damage to your building, electronics, and other physical property.

An agent at Hinman & Associates Insurance can help you figure out what commercial insurance would benefit your business. We’ll ensure that you comply with the laws of the Reno, NV area. Reach out to us today with your questions and concerns, and we’ll do our best to put your mind at ease.

Classic Car Insurance in Nevada

Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV offers insurance for your classic car. An antique automobile is hard to find and expensive to maintain. That’s why it’s important to keep them covered with the appropriate policy. Learn more about our classic truck and car insurance below.

What Is a Classic Vehicle?

A classic vehicle is over ten years old and of historic interest to collectors. If it’s 25 years or older, it’s an antique car. There are a few other characteristics that impact whether you can insure your antique or classic car.

First, you use it rarely, reserving use to club activities, exhibitions, and parades (or similar events). Insured cars are well-maintained and preserve the antique look of the original features.

Insurance for Your Classic Car

You can get insurance for your exotic sports car or rare editions of brand collectors love, such as Mustang or Jaguar. Perhaps you bought it in pristine condition or restored it with your own hands. Your classic car is your passion and you need to protect yourself from the financial loss associated with theft, accident or another covered event.

Collector Car Insurance in Reno, NV

Here are some of the coverage option for rare vehicles available in Nevada:

  • Special claims and repair options
  • Value coverage
  • Flexible use coverages
  • Liability and damage options
  • Free valuation of the vehicle

Hinman & Associates serves our clients in Reno, NV. Whether you own a sleek sports machine from the 1960s or a trusty Model T that survived the depression, we can help you get the coverage you need to keep your baby safe on the road, at the show or in your garage.

 

Understanding Renters Insurance

If you are renting in Reno, NV, you may have heard about renters’ insurance. If you have questions about this common and affordable type of coverage, here are the answers from Hinman & Associates Insurance.

What is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance is a policy that you can buy to cover the possessions that you keep in the home or apartment that you rent. Even if you don’t own a home, replacing all of your belongings if there is a fire or robbery in the place that you live can be very expensive. Just consider all the electronics, jewelry, and collectibles in which you’ve invested money, as well as your furniture, clothing, and other essentials. Do you have cash in hand to replace all of that if your rental unit had a fire? Renters insurance will help pay to replace your things if something terrible happens at your rental unit.

Isn’t My Landlord’s Policy Enough?

Of course, your landlord probably has a homeowner’s policy, especially if he has a mortgage. However, his policy for your rental unit only covers repairs to the structure itself. So, if a storm tears the roof off of the home, the landlord’s policy will pay to replace the roof and repair the damaged interior. However, his policy will not cover your things that are in the home. That’s why you need a renters insurance policy. If there is a storm, fire, or burglary, you will want to replace the items that are damaged or stolen, and a renters policy can help you do that.

If you have questions about renters insurance or you wish to purchase renters insurance in the Reno, NV area, you can contact Hinman & Associates Insurance. We will be glad to answer your questions and get you set up with a policy that will protect your possessions if something terrible happens at the home that you rent.

 

 

 

What to Look For When Buying a Motor Home

Whether you are looking to buy a motor home for occasional traveling or you are considering retiring to Reno, NV in a motor home, knowing what to look for may seem overwhelming. There is a wide range of options and features available, some of which are essential and some are a luxury. If you are new to being a motor home owner, it’s important to take your time and choose the one best fits your needs. To help you get started, here are a few things that Hinman & Associates Insurance recommend you look for in a motor home.

Storage Space

Motor homes can often be short on interior space, so it’s essential that you look at the available storage space. Keep in mind that storage space may be found both inside and outside the motor home. To ensure you have enough storage, it’s important to think about the amount of time you‘ll be spending in the motor home and the activities you’ll be doing when traveling. For instance, how long will you be on the road and are there any hidden compartments where you can store beach equipment, snowboards or ski equipment? You’ll also need enough storage space for clothing, food, and necessities. If the motor home is lacking in storage space, look closely to see if there is a way you can alter it to add more storage.

Holding Tank

The holding tank is one of the most crucial features of a motor home. The holding tank is responsible for holding water and toilet waste until you dump it. So, the first thing to look for is that the motor home has a holding tank and that it is in good condition. You’ll also want to make sure it is easy to access and easy to dump. The holding tank should be in a secure storage area and the hose should be in good condition and within a close range to the holding tank.

Tires

You will also need to carefully look at the tires. If buying used, make sure they’re in good condition; the tread should be good, the tires should be sized appropriately and if there are dual tires, make sure all can be easily accessed.

Once you have purchased your motor home, don’t forget to insure it. You’ll need to speak with your agent to determine the best policy for the motor home as well as your use for the motor home.

Residents of Reno, NV that are buying a motor home insurance policy should contact Hinman & Associates Insurance.

 

Does RV Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

RV insurance is something that everyone can benefit from. Having a good RV policy can mean the difference between an RV that is well protected and one that is not. You should take the time to find coverage that works best for you and your RV to make sure you have the best coverage. For those that live in the Reno, NV area, the agents with Hinman & Associates Insurance can help you to find the coverage that works best for you and for your particular needs.

RV insurance covers a wide range of damages to your RV, including storm damage. If your RV is damaged in a storm with things like hail, trees, and branches falling, and more, you can put in for your insurance to cover the cost of repairs. This means you can have your dents pulled out, you can have auto glass replaced, you can have any range of other things repaired as well to help make sure that your RV is back in great working order and that it looks as good as it runs.

You can get help with repairs associated with storm damage much like you would if you were filing a claim in terms of a car needing storm damage repair. You may have to take your RV to a mechanic or a repair shop that is approved by the insurance company but you can get help repairing your RV and getting it back in perfect working order. For those that live in the Reno, NV area, the agents with Hinman & Associates Insurance can help you to find the right coverage for you and can help you get coverage that is going to allow you to recover after any storm or any issue you may have.  

Important Motorcycle Insurance Info Everyone Must Know

If you are a motorcycle owner it is critical to understand the coverage you have in place so that you are getting the most value from your policy. If you are unsure of the types of coverage you have in place and live in the Reno, NV area reach out to Hinman & Associates Insurance today. 

It is important to understand the amount of money you would get in the event your bike was destroyed. There are typically 3 different options

Actual Cash Value: Pays you the amount  your motorcycle was worth minus any depreciation 

Stated Amount: This would be the amount you would have chosen when you purchased the policy 

 Agreed to value: This is the option most classic motorcycle owners would choose and it is the amount agreed to by you and the insurance company when you purchased the policy.

As any motorcycle rider will tell you the coast of the equipment such as helmets, gloves, and boots can quickly add up. A motorcycle policy will help replace those items in the event that they are damaged. 

In the event an accident occurs within a certain amount of distance from our home, that forces you to stay at a hotel and eat out, your policy may cover part of these expenses. This is typically an extra coverage that will need to be added on to the basic coverage so be sure to ask your agent at Hinman & Associates Insurance whether your policy has the coverage. 

Another coverage option is lay-up coverage. If you do not use the bike during the winter months you can choose a lay-up policy that covers you for theft and other types of claims that could arise as a result of having your bike in storage for the winter months. It is important to remember that if you have this coverage, you should not ride your motorcycle during the winter because if there is an accident you will not be covered. 

If you have questions about your motorcycle policy please call Hinman & Associates Insurance today. We proudly serve the Reno, NV area.