Required Auto Insurance in Nevada

While many states are moving to no-fault laws, Nevada has a fault system for car accidents. Someone is chosen as the person at fault for the accident, and that person has to pay for the harm done by it, whether that’s for injuries or property damage. If you need required auto insurance, or you want to boost your insurance, call us at Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV to find out more.

Bodily Injury

Often, the bodily injury of those in an accident is costly. That’s why there is a mandatory minimum for bodily injury in Nevada. There is an amount of coverage required for each person who was injured and an amount for all of the injuries from an accident. Bodily injury also includes death. If someone were to die or become injured in an accident you caused, your insurance policy would pay for their expenses up to the maximum coverage amount you chose. Often, people get more than the mandatory minimum to have less risk of having to pay any of these expenses from their own pockets. 

Property Damage

In addition to bodily injury coverage, you need property damage coverage to stay legal in Nevada. This type of coverage pays for any damage you caused to another vehicle, or any other property, in an accident in which you were at fault. While there is a minimum amount of coverage mandated by law, getting a higher amount is usually recommended if serious damage is caused or a high-priced car is involved.

Talk to an Agent

If you need auto insurance, don’t wait to become legal. Call us at Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV to make an appointment with an agent. 

How Much Commercial Insurance is Required in NV?

For many, owning a small business is the fulfillment of a lifetime of hard work and dreaming. Consequently, protecting that business is of paramount importance and that’s where commercial insurance comes into play. Similar to homeowners or auto insurance, commercial insurance is designed to protect the business owner from being 100% responsible for any potential incidents such as an injury in the workplace, storm damage to the office location, theft, vandalism, and much more. 

Every state has different requirements as to how much commercial insurance a business must have. Keep in mind, that these requirements are only the minimum needed to remain legally compliant with the state and many businesses will need more insurance – particularly liability coverage – to protect themselves and their company from potentially business ending incidents. To that end, Nevada law requires that any business with at least one seasonal, temporary, contracted, part-time, or full-time employee have workers’ compensation insurance to help pay for injuries or illnesses sustained in the workplace. Additionally, any business owned vehicles must have commercial auto insurance that is separate from any personal auto coverage.

While commercial auto insurance and workers’ compensation insurance are the only mandatory coverages for Nevada business owners, there are many optional coverages that may add extra peace of mind. For instance, one of the coverages that is becoming increasingly popular is cyber liability insurance which helps businesses recover from data breaches, cyber attacks, and other similar incidents. 

At Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV our team of insurance experts will walk you through your options, help pick additional coverages that may make sense for your business, and answer any questions you have. Give us a call today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. 

How to Make Sure Your Valuable Belongings Are Covered By Your Home Insurance

Do you have several valuable items in your home? If you worry about damage or theft of your belongings, you can get insurance coverage for them. Hinman & Associates Insurance of the greater Reno, NV area has agents that can assist you with such matters.

Coverage Limits Vary

It’s important to remember that your coverage limits for valuables are different based on the insuring company and the amount of your dwelling coverage.

Look for Named Perils and Exclusions

Many insurance companies will only provide coverage under specific circumstances. In this instance, any of the events/perils not mentioned in the documents will not be covered.

You also should be aware if there are any exclusions. For instance, some companies don’t offer coverage for rare coins or antiques. You’d have to ask for additional insurance if you have items that are excluded in your standard policy.

Blanket Coverage for Valuables

With blanket coverage, you’d be able to raise the coverage for a whole category of items you own such as fine art, instruments, and collectibles.

Riders or Floaters Can Help

If you want coverage for a certain item, you can have it explicitly put into your policy to raise your limits with a floater. This offers protection for the replacement value up to the amount of your policy limit.

Expert Insurance Assistance from a Reputable Agency

When it comes to getting the right coverage for your valuable items, look no further than Hinman & Associates Insurance of the Reno, NV area. You need to know that you won’t have a total loss when it comes to something happening to your belongings and can even potentially get as close as possible to its value depending on what’s in your policy.

All about Classic Car Insurance

You’ve finally gotten that classic car you’ve always wanted. Whether you restored it yourself and gathered all the original parts or bought it from a collector, you’ll need to know everything you can about classic car insurance to protect it. Start with the basics. Insurance agents at Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV have what you need to keep your investment protected.

What is Classic Car Insurance?

Classic car insurance is different than your basic auto insurance. Your classic isn’t a standard vehicle neither should your insurance be. This type of insurance is tailormade to fit your vehicle. You’ll discuss with your insurance agent many of the details, including how much your vehicle’s worth. If your classic car is ever damaged or destroyed, you could be reimbursed for the vehicle’s value. You can also get lots of advantages with a classic, such as roadside assistance or a lower deductible.

What Qualifies You to Ger Classic Car Insurance?

In order to purchase classic car insurance, your vehicle will have to be deemed a classic. In most states, the age is an indicator. If it is more than 20 years old, it could be considered a classic. There are also cars that have vintage or antique models. To get insurance, there are certain conditions that may be required. This vehicle cannot be your primary mode of transportation. Meaning that it can not be for your everyday usage. It also needs to be stored. Speak with your representative about how you should store your classic vehicle.

There could be a difference in pricing if you’ve restored your classic with improvements or left it in its original condition. The independent insurance agents at Hinman & Associates Insurance in Reno, NV can help you decide on your classic car insurance needs.

Can Renters Install a Home Security System?

Renters in the Reno, NV area can rely on the agents of Hinman & Associates Insurance to help them determine the best way to reduce their risk of loss while living in a rental property or apartment. One of the best ways is to install a do-it-yourself home security system. They offer reliable protection without having to be directly wired into your apartment’s electrical system.

Easy to Install and Remove

Most do-it-yourself home security systems come with sensors and detectors that are wireless and battery operated. The entire system can be installed or taken down in a few minutes’ time, leaving no trace of it ever being there. Sensors are conveniently placed at various points of entry like doors and windows.

Wireless with Remote Access

DIY home security systems work by using a wireless internet connection that allows them to connect with your smartphone or other electronic devices remotely. You can access your system from anywhere just by downloading the corresponding app and establishing a connection. 

No Long-Term Contracts

Most DIY home security systems do not require a long-term contract. Although third-party monitoring is available with most systems, you aren’t obligated to subscribe to it. You may choose to monitor your system on your own giving you full control of when your system is armed and what information is turned over to the authorities.

The agents of Hinman & Associates Insurance are able to assist Reno, NV residents who are renting their homes in finding the type of home security system that is most beneficial for them. Each agent understands the need for having a sense of security, especially when renting an apartment or home. Speak to an agent as soon as possible so you can have the peace of mind you deserve.

3 Things All Motorhome Owners Should Know

Motorhomes are a bastion of freedom for so many people in Reno, NV. Not only do they have the means to go nearly anywhere in the country without having the pay exorbitant hotel rates, but they can also customize their space and enjoy the freedom of not having to pack up after every overnight stay. But there are a few practical details that motorhome owners should know, and Hinman & Associates Insurance wants you to have all the details you need before you get back in for another trip. 

You May Have to Insure Your Belongings 

Motorhome insurance can be customized depending on how you use the vehicle. If you intend to use it as your home, then you’ll need to ensure that the policy you get takes that into account. We can help you decide what level of coverage you need, depending on what you own and what you take with you. 

You Should Have Full Coverage 

Your insurance policy should ultimately cover every possible scenario — including uninsured and underinsured motorists, theft, and vandalism. The more situations you account for, the faster you can get back on the road in case something happens. 

Your Insurance Carrier Matters 

The people of Reno, NV should have a partner that they can trust, which is why Hinman & Associates Insurance is here to help. If you have questions about what can be done to make your policy more suited for your adventures, we want to help. We know how important your vehicle is to you, which is why we take every precaution to keep it safe on the road and off. We’re here to serve you whenever and however you need, so give us a call today for more information. 

Your Guide to RV Insurance in Nevada

If you are thinking about purchasing a recreational vehicle or have recently bought an RV, it’s crucial to think about RV insurance. At Hinman & Associates Insurance, we’re happy to help those in the Reno, NV area find out if RV insurance is right for them, and what kind of policy then need.

Defining a Recreational Vehicle

What counts as an RV? RV vehicles are typically divided into several different classes based on how large they are and how they are used. An RV can be anything from a converted bus that you live in and drive to a small trailer you hitch behind your vehicle and use for occasional camping. Motorcoach, luxury coach, cargo van, travel trailer, and many other model types all count as RVs.  

RV Insurance Requirements

If you have an RV that you drive (as opposed to towing it behind another vehicle), then Nevada law requires RV insurance that meets basic auto insurance requirements. That means getting a policy that includes $15,000 coverage for bodily injury or death in an accident, $30,000 for group injuries or death, and $10,000 for injury or destruction of property.

RV Insurance vs. Auto Insurance

Since auto and RV insurance requirements are the same, owners may wonder why they are sold as different policies. The reason is that RV insurance is designed to add on many additional types of insurance specifically designed for recreational vehicles. That includes special roadside assistance insurance, campsite insurance, home insurance if the RV is used as a home, vacation insurance, and other options that owners can choose from based on their activities.

If you want to learn more about the details of RV policies or wish to put together RV insurance, call us today! Hinman & Associates Insurance offers services for those through the Reno, NV area.

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.