How Does RV Insurance Compare to Home and Auto Insurance?

Car insurance and home insurance are consistent components of the ongoing business discourse. However, RV insurance is often overlooked. Though fewer people own RVs than cars and homes, these large vehicles also require insurance.

Linda Dugan Insurance is here to help you understand the important differences and similarities between RV insurance, car insurance and home insurance in and around Astoria, OR.

The Basics of RV Insurance

RV insurance policies are somewhat similar to auto insurance policies. Take a look at RV insurance coverage and you’ll find most have collision, comprehensive and liability coverage similar to auto insurance policies. RV insurance policies also typically have underinsured motorist coverage and uninsured motorist coverage in the event of an accident with an unprepared driver.

Contrary to what some have heard, most insurance companies do not permit RV owners to add RVs and other recreational vehicles to personal car insurance policies. Rather, RV insurance must be purchased on its own in the form of a distinct policy.

RV Coverage Options

Similar to auto insurance and home insurance, RV insurance policies have distinct coverage options available to policy-seekers. If you want more than the basic level of coverage or live in the vehicle full-time, consider add-ons.

Those who use their RV as a home must add full-time RV coverage for sufficient protection. Similar to homeowners insurance coverage, full-time RV coverage provides elevated personal liability coverage, ensuring costly medical care for those injured in the vehicle will be paid for. Moreover, this coverage is applicable to items kept in storage when traveling.

Roadside assistance for RVs similar to that for regular vehicles is also available through additional coverage options. Take a close look at the policy options and you’ll find different levels of roadside service coverage, some of which have higher limits for vehicles of this considerable size.

There is also the option of adding coverage for personal property and attachments similar to homeowners insurance. For example, such coverage applies to personal items such as camping supplies, satellite dishes, sporting goods and furniture stored in the RV.

Coverage When Parking the RV 

What about RVs parked at one’s home?  If the vehicle is in the garage or driveway, there’s a good chance the home insurance policy will cover it. However, the RV must be listed on the home insurance policy’s content list.

Be sure to check the details of your policy for verification. Moreover, it is worth noting an RV parked at campgrounds is often considered a rental home. In such an instance, the vehicle is not likely to be covered by homeowners insurance or auto insurance.

Linda Dugan Insurance is on Your Side

Do you live or work in the greater Astoria, OR area? If so, contact Linda Dugan Insurance for a customized insurance quote. Give us a call today.

Can You Take Out a Loan Against Your Life Insurance Policy?

If you find yourself in a cash crunch, you’ll be grateful for your life insurance policy. The common misconception that life insurance is only payable to dependents upon death is false.

It is often possible to take out a loan against your life insurance policy. After all, you’ve paid into the policy, so it makes sense that you can tap into that cash in the form of a loan when under financial duress.

Life Insurance Policies and Loans

Do your due diligence when researching life insurance policies in Astoria, OR, and you’ll find they have more flexibility than you may assume. Most policies allow policyholders to take out loans from the policy after paying premiums for a certain amount of time or after hitting a specific financial threshold. As long as the policy builds a cash value, there’s a good chance you can borrow against it.

There is also an opportunity to obtain a loan using your life insurance policy as collateral. If the policy has cash value, that value can be used to qualify for a sizable loan that keeps your finances or those of your business afloat. The only catch to the loan option against the policy or using the policy for a third-party loan is that those loans are distributed with interest rates.

The silver lining is that the average life insurance loan has an interest rate significantly less than that of a credit card.

Be Patient and Your Life Insurance Could Be a Financial Lifeline

In general, it takes new life insurance policies several years to accrue sufficient value to borrow against in the form of a loan. However, as long as you pay your life insurance premiums on time and in full, the policy will remain active and valid. Such a status allows you to take out a loan against the policy.

Most life insurance loans are provided right away, without credit checks, and tax-free as they are not considered a source of income. Moreover, the cash value of the policy will continue to grow even after borrowing against it.

Contact Linda Dugan Insurance Today

Serving Astoria, OR, Linda Dugan Insurance is here to help you get the right life insurance policy. Give us a call to find out more about your life insurance options.