The weather's warmer, the days are longer, and we are getting the urge to take the bike our of storage. Remember to check on your motorcycle coverage before you head out for that first ride of the season!

Motorcycle policies, while similar to auto policies, have some special features. In general, motorcycle policies do NOT cover rented or borrowed machines. You may qualify for discounts if you are a member of a riding group, have completed a safety course, have an antitheft alarm, or wear a helmet. Allowances for safety gear may be included in your property coverage. If you plan on carrying a passenger, please consider adding guest passenger liability. If you have after factory installed extras, please list them separately to ensure coverage. You may and trip interruption coverage and roadside assistance coverage. If your bike is over 30 years old, you may qualify for "Classic" programs.

We can customize your motorcycle policy to fit your lifestyle. Please call us for a quote or review before the warm weather tempts you.

Staying Afloat

Insuring your "boat" doesn't have to be confusing, but it is important to understand where coverage can be found for different situations. Many styles of boats are insluded under personal watercraft: rowboast, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, inboard and outboard motorboats, jet skis, and yachts. While most people focus on protecting their interest in the boat itself, perhaps more important is protecting yourself from liability claims that might arise from owning and operating a boat.

Personal Auto Policy: Only the boat trailer, NOT the boat, may be covered under your auto policy! List the trailer, choosing comprehesive and collision coverage deductibles, if you want property damage coverage. Liability coverage is available when an "eligible trailer"(one that is designed to be towed by a personal vehicle) is attached to your insusred vehicle.

Homeowners' Policy: Liability coverage may be available for the boat trailer when it is NOT attached to a vehicle. Liability coverage for your boat is limited by the sizes of the boat and of the motor. Property coverage is very limited and many exclusions apply. Some insurance companies offer endorsements to increase these coverages.

Personal Watercraft Policies: There is no "standard" policy as in homeowners and auto. Each insurance company develops their own policy language. Call us today and we can assist you in finding the policy and company that fits your needs and keeps you floating worry-free.

Jeffrey M. McDonnell, CPCU, agency manager, has been with the agency since 1991. Throughout the years, he has shown his support for continuing education in the field by completing numerous classes and mentoring peers. He has recently received his Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters designation. We are honored by schievement--only 2% of those in the Insurance Industry meet this challenge. After eight long years of study, he was able to take part in the National CPCU conference Ceremony in New Orleans. We say, "Well done!"

You insure your home, your vehicle and your life...What about your income? Without it, can you still afford your home, vehicle or lifestyle? Disability Income Replacement Coverage, also known as Long Term Disability Insurance, is the protector of your hopes and dreams! Even healthy persons can experience a serious accident. Adults of all aages can be stricken with a heart attack. Debilitating illnesses like cancer, MS, or rheumatoid arthritis can slowly weaken a person to the point of total disability. I once read that more home foreclosures occurred because of disability than death!

Just think for a moment how your life would change if you had a serious accident or illness. How would you pay for your health insurance, mortgage, or car payment? You would drain your retirement savings and max out your credit cards and home equity loan. Then what happens?

Now imagine you have disability income replacement coverage. Generally the benefit comes to you income tax free. You have less money coming in than you did when you were working, but you bought enough coverage to handle those big expenses. You can take the time you need to recover or make any necessary arrangements.

While some employers provide disability income protection, the benefits are often limited and usually taxable to you. If you don't have coverage through work, an indiviual plan is essential. Call me to discuss your particular needs and to see if you qualify for an individual or group plan.

Insuring Your Children

There has been a debate for years as to whether life insurance on children is a good idea. While it is most important to ensure the parents have adequate coverage themselves, insurance for children isn't very expensive and there can be several advantages.

Healthy children may not maintain their good health. For example, our state has one of the highest levels of juvenile diabetes in the country. All children are at risk for serious accidents. having coverage in place may ensure their ability to purchase insurance in the future.

If you know someone who has lost a child, the last thing they need to worry about is how to cover medical bills and final expenses. The surviving siblings may need counseling or extra time with their parents. Having funds available to allow a perent to take some time off from work to be with their children, or even to grieve on their own, is essential. Money is necessary to provide that type of healing time and life insurance is the best solution to meeting that financial need. Call me with your questions and concerns.

The articles here are for general purposes only. Remember that only the actual insurance policy can give specific terms, coverage amounts, conditions and exclusions.