It’s that time of the year we’ve all been waiting to enjoy, Summer! With the beautiful weather also comes many opportunities to have some fun with summer toys. Summer is the perfect time for long trips in the family RV or motorcycle rides for an afternoon cruise. You should make the most of your summer toys, but it is important to make sure they are covered before doing so.
The owner of any vehicle should thoroughly understand their auto insurance policy and identify any limitations within it. Many auto insurance policies do not completely cover RVs and motorcycles, so you may want to take out a separate policy that would fully insure your summer vehicles. Doing this could potentially save you a lot of stress and money in the future. If you are looking for an auto insurance policy for your RV, you’ll want one that offers total loss replacement, emergency expense coverage and 24-hour roadside assistance. This kind of coverage will provide peace of mind when taking those family RV trips this summer.
If you’re a motorcyclist, then you should also have a separate auto insurance policy that completely covers your motorcycle. There are many discounts available to those looking to purchase motorcycle insurance, like the homeowner’s discount and the Motorcycle Association discount just to name a couple. Motorcycle insurance may also be advantageous for you because it allows you to purchase special coverages for accessories such as chrome plating, helmets, leather, and much more.
You’ve been waiting all year, now it’s finally time to play with those summer toys. Protect your assets by making sure you have all your ducks in a row and your vehicles are properly insured.
For more information on both RV and Motorcycle Insurance contact one of our Auto Insurance Specialists at 610-777-4123.
June Enews
Read here to find out about insuring your summer toys & info about risks associated with drones!
Gallen Insurance, celebrating 60 years!!
Gallen Celebrates 60 Years
A look back over the past 60 years…way back to when Joe Gallen, Sr. opened the doors!!
More to come, but please join us in celebrating our 60 years!!
We will be holding an open house at our agency in late September to thank you all, our loyal customers, as we know we would not be here without you!
Gallen Insurance was recently named in the top 50 businesses of Berks County by the Greater Reading Economic Partnership.
Summer’s the season for good times and lazy days. There’s ample opportunity for adventure – and more than a few excuses to get in just a little trouble.
Everyone knows for the right kind of fun you’ll need the right equipment. Pools, trampolines, ATVs, RVs, boats, golf carts, motorcycles – they’re the toys of summer and there’s just no way around it.
So Let’s Make Sure They’re Covered
Regardless of whether you rent or own, it’s essential to properly insure your recreational equipment under personal policies.
We know there’s more than enough information out there to get lost in, so we’ll take some time to break it down. Let’s look at how standard auto and homeowners’ policies address specific coverage concerns.
Note: These statements are founded in the provisions of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) policy forms. They will not be the same for all insurers’ homeowners’ and personal auto policies.
Backyard Basics
Nothing says summer like a swimming pool. Or maybe your kids are the outdoor thrill-seeking type and they’ve convinced you to get a trampoline this year.
Well, if you’ve ever opened the pool or assembled a trampoline before, you know exactly what happens: The whole neighborhood hears about it, and they’re jogging up your driveway on the first humid day of the season. They’ll be safe, of course they will.
But what if something does happen?
The good news is homeowners’ policies do account for cases just like this. The problem, however, is underwriting limits and restrictions, so be sure to discuss the new “toy” with your agent. Also be sure to purchase a Personal Umbrella and don’t hesitate to increase the limit past the common $1 million!
Golf Cart Coverage
Renting – homeowners’ policies can supply coverage for golf carts when they’re used on the course. But what if something happens between your house and the green?
Most policies will provide liability coverage only if you’re driving in a private community where it’s legal to travel by golf cart. Otherwise, there’s no liability coverage under the homeowners policy.
Owning – As for owning, there’s no coverage for damages to an owned golf cart under the homeowners or the personal auto policy.
To ensure you are properly covered a Recreational Vehicle Policy is the best option for all golf carts.
ATVs
Renting – It is recommended that you purchase coverage through the agency you are renting from.
Owning – If you own an ATV it’s essential to be aware that there is absolutely zero coverage under either the Homeowners’ or the Personal Auto policy.
The same exceptions apply as in the case of an owned golf cart. And – again in much the same way – your best bet is a Recreational Vehicle Policy.
Motorcycles
Renting – The personal auto and the homeowners’ policy provides no coverage for renters or borrowers.
Owning – If you own a Motorcycle, both the auto and the homeowners’ exclude coverage. So what does one do? You guessed it – go ahead and purchase a Motorcycle policy.
RVs
Renting – If you rent a Motor Home, the common auto policy provides liability coverage, but doesn’t cover physical damage. If borrowing from a friend, you may want to check with their Motor Home insurance to make sure it is covered for you to operate.
Tip: If available, always purchase the insurance offered by the rental agency.
Owning – If you own the RV, most insurers will add it to your personal auto policy and insure it the same as any other covered vehicle. However, you could be missing out on some valuable coverage and endorsements that are only available on a Recreational Vehicle Policy. A Recreational Vehicle policy is always recommended.
Boats
Renting – There is very limited coverage provided by the common homeowner policy. The best practice is to purchase any coverage offered by the rental agency.
Owning – Again for owners, coverage provided by a homeowner policy is very limited (boats under a specified HP and length). The best practice is to purchase a watercraft policy no matter what.
Be Sure It’s Insured
It’s summer. It’s time for hot days, late nights, and maybe a couple benign bruises. But be sure your vehicles and equipment are sufficiently insured throughout the season. You don’t want your summer fun to cost you more than you bargained for.
To learn more about how you can protect your assets, please contact:
Chantelle Oliver, CISR
2237 Lancaster Pike
Shillington, PA 19607
Ph~ 610-898-6531
Looking for classic car shows in and around the Berks County area? We’ve got a great lineup of classic car, collector car, hot rod and motorcycle shows for this summer that’s guaranteed to keep your engine revving!
5/7/15 – Every Thursday this Summer – Morgantown Sonic
Morgantown, PA / Collector Cars & Motorcycles
5/16/15 – Denver Park Assoc.
Denver, PA / Collector Cars & Motorcycles
5/17/15 – Richland Legion Car & Bike
Richland, PA / Collector Cars & Motorcycles
5/30/15 – Raising Awareness the Classic Way
Denver Park / Collector Cars & Motorcycles
6/21/15 – Womelsdorf Park Assoc
Womelsdorf Park / Collector Cars
8/25/15 – Reinholds VFW Post 6759
Reinholds, PA / Collector Cars
8/28/15 – 8/30/15 – Wheels of Time SRA
Macungie Memorial Park / Street Rods & Custom Cars
9/13/15 – Womelsdorf Park Assoc
Womelsdorf Park / Collectors Cars
9/19/15 – Smokehaus
Robesonia, PA / Collector Cars & Motorcycles
9/20/15 – Shillington Business Association
Shillington, PA / Collectors Cars
For more information on classic car and motorcycle insurance contact:
Amber Rice-Manella – Insurance Consultant
610-898-6510 | Email
Yes, sadly it might be time to face the facts – we probably won’t get many more nice days on the boat, motorcycle, or personal watercraft (jet ski, wave runner, etc). Fall is also the perfect time time to take care of any issues or maintenance you may have encountered with your summer vehicle so you’re not at the shop during the busiest season and also you’re all set to get on the water or on the road when spring comes. If you intend on doing this yourself, it’s way easier to tackle this task before the weather gets too grisly, so here are some things to think about.
Winterizing Your Boat
In Cliff Gromer’s article on winterizing boats in Popular Mechanics, he states that, “Winterizing is more than just sloshing in some fuel stabilizer, draining the engine and adding antifreeze. Consider it to be a methodical process that runs from bow to transom. Because boats and engines differ, start by checking the winterizing/storage sections of your owner’s manual.” That’s a good place to start, but also be mindful that ice can crack fiberglass so have a really good cover if you’re storing your boat outdoors, remove barnacles, look into vinyl protectants, and protect your engine from freezing, corrosion and fuel degradation. Read Cliff’s whole piece in Popular Mechanics here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/recreation/boating/1276866
Winterizing Your Personal Watercraft
Jetski.com offers these in-depth steps for winterizing your Personal Watercraft:
Drain the engine
The first thing you’ll want to do when you take your PWC out of the water is drain the water from the engine. The best place to do this is right at the loading dock when the craft is out of the water and the trailer is tilted so the stern is lower than the bow.
Clean It Up
Wash down the exterior of the craft using the same kind of soap that you would use to wash your car. It might take some extra elbow grease to remove all the build-up, but removing the algae and grime now will be much easier than trying to clean it off after the storing period.
Gas It Up
Top off the fuel tank with the appropriate amount of gas stabilizer, according to the instructions on the container. Using stabilizer prevents the gas from getting gummy, which can eventually clog the carburetors and make for a messy problem.
Oil It
The next step is to spray fogging oil through the carburetors and spark plug cylinders.
Remove the battery
Check your battery and battery chargers for specific safety instructions.
Storage
Because your craft will have a full tank of gas, remember to be cautious about the location that it will rest.
Place steel wool or a rag inside the exhaust to prevent any animals or bugs from nesting there.
Finally, place your cover over your PWC to keep it clean and protected while it’s being stored.
Winterizing Your Motorcycle, RV or Camper
When looking to best winterize your bike, Michael Ross, who is a roadracer, writer and instructor at the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, has some tips. He believes that the most crucial areas in need of protection are the piston rings, cylinder walls, and valve seats. The enemy here is moisture, which can enter the engine from any of a number of places and cause serious damage. Since its not really practical to try and close up all of the possible areas of entry, we will concentrate on moisture proofing instead. For his step-by-step process, check out his blog on Super Bike Planet: http://www.superbikeplanet.com/winterize.htm
Top 6 Ways to Protect Your Motorcycle from Thieves
Motorcycle owners take great pride in their bikes, and they hate to have anything happen to them. Sadly, motor
cycle theft is relatively common. There were a total of 46,061 bikes stolen across the country in 2012 according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and although that number had decreased from the previous year that is still an alarming statistic. While nothing you can do will make your motorcycle entirely theft-proof, there are still plenty of things you can do to keep your ride safe.
1. Know Where to Park
Thieves tend to target motorcycles and other automobiles that are a little more out of the way, so try to leave your bike in a well-lit area, preferably around other motorcycles. A thief will have to work to get a bike unsecured from any locks and get it started, and they’ll be a lot less willing to go through that trouble if they’re in a place where they can be seen by others. In other words, stick to parking lots with plenty of other bikes whenever you can. Be careful about parking your bike in between two larger cars though; that can give a thief plenty of cover from others.
2. Use Your Lock
A motorcycle should come equipped with a lock to protect it from thieves. These locks can be broken into fairly easily, but they’ll still offer some protection if you use them in conjunction with other theft deterrents. If you want to add an extra level of protection, consider using disc brake locks as well. Of course, keeping your bike locked also means keeping your keys on you at all times and never leaving the key in your ignition, under your seat or other compartments. Thieves know many people leave keys in various compartments and often look there first.
3. Wrap Your Bike Lock Around Something Heavy and Secure
Bike locks can go a long way towards keeping your motorcycle safe, but only if they are difficult to remove. When you wrap a lock around something, make sure that something is bolted down, too heavy to lift and difficult to disassemble.
4. Never Leave Your Motorcycle Running
It might be tempting to leave your motorcycle running if you’re only stepping away from it for a few seconds, but it also only takes a few seconds for a thief to drive away with it. Even if it seems like a waste of time to turn off the ignition and start it again, never leave a running motorcycle unattended. Leaving your motorcycle running while you step away can also be a liability issue should a child hurt themselves on your bike as a result of your negligence.
5. Disguise Your Bike with a Plain Motorcycle Cover
Certain motorcycles are more likely to be targeted by thieves than others. If it’s obvious that your bike is an expensive and popular model, cover it with a plain and unassuming bike cover when you leave it parked. It’s not foolproof protection, but it will keep your bike from standing out too much.
6. Get Insured
Finally, while there is a lot you can do to protect a motorcycle, no bike is completely safe from theft. If you want to make sure that your investment is as safe as possible, make sure that you have good insurance coverage. Even if you do become the victim of theft, your insurance should help cover your losses so that you can buy a new vehicle. And be sure to see your agent for additional coverage when modifying or customizing your motorcycle to be sure you get properly compensated in the event your bike does get stolen.
For more information on motorcycle insurance in Pennsylvania please contact:
Jodie Leigey
Motorcycle & Classic Car Insurance Specialist
2237 Lancaster Pike
Shillington, PA 19607
Ph. 610-898-6524
Top 10 Motorcycle Safety Tips for Summer
Summer is in full swing—making it a perfect time to impart the Top 10 Motorcycle Safety Tips for the season!
Tip #1 Do A Onceover
If it has been a while since you have had your bike out, give it a once over. Check the tire tread, air pressure, headlights, signal and break lights. If it’s been a while since you have had a tune-up—take time for that too.
Tip #2 Invest In Summer Gear
Your summer riding gear may be different than you winter gear—in that you want to stay cool in warmer weather. While it is essential to wear protective gear when riding, there are many options designed for warm weather riding. This includes your helmet, gloves, protective eye gear, and footwear. While it may be tempting to wear less gear in the summer, safety always comes first. Just bring summer shoes with you, and dress in light layers.
Tip #3 Consider Summer Accessories
There are a multitude of accessories you may want to add to your bike to make your summer riding more comfortable. This includes tail bags, tank bags, saddle bags, handlebar bags, luggage racks, backrests, or drink holders.
Tip #4 Secure Your Insurance
If your motorcycle insurance has lapsed, you must secure a new policy prior to hitting the road. Aside from ensuring that you have your state minimum requirements, ensure that your insurance covers the full cost of your bike and any upgrades you have invested in.
Tip #5 Consider A Refresher Course
Summer is a great time to consider a refresher course, particularly if you haven’t been on your bike since the previous summer. Most states require new riders to participate in a road safety course, but also offer refresher courses to help boost your confidence.
Tip #6 Check The Weather
Just because it is summer, doesn’t mean the weather will be ideal for riding. The evenings could be significantly cooler than the daytime—and there is nothing worse than riding when you feel underdressed. Also check to see if rain, wind, or extreme heat is in the forecast.
Tip #7 Remain Visible
As you prepare to hit the road this summer riding season, keep visibility top of mind. Ensure that you keep adequate distance between you and the vehicles around you. Ensure all of your lights are operational, and invest in gear that creates additional visibility—both day and night. This includes bold colors and gear with reflective stripes.
Tip #8 Know Your Motorcycle’s Limits
Knowing your motorcycle’s limits is essential for safe summer riding. This includes speed, distance, and weather. If you will be taking a road trip or traveling long distances—always have a “Plan B” in place for when unexpected road or weather conditions arise.
Tip #9 Be Prepared For Passengers
If you enjoy riding with a passenger, ensure you are prepared for their company. This includes investing in a second helmet, and secondary riding gear. Also educate first-time passengers on how your bike moves, your preferred method of communication, and any likes and dislikes you have as the driver.
Tip #10 Ride Respectfully
The thrill of the open road, and unique maneuverability can make it tempting to test your skills and limits. However, safety must come first and foremost. Ensure that you ride respectfully. Do not weave in and out of traffic, and respect the laws of the road. If you want to test your skills, find an off-road course where you can do so in a controlled environment.
For more information on Motorcycle Insurance in Pennsylvania, please contact:
Jodie Leigey
Classic Car Insurance Specialist
2237 Lancaster Pike
Shillington, PA 19607
Ph. 610-898-6524
It’s that time of year again for many of you to break out the leather and chrome!
Before hitting the open road, you should take a few minutes to review your insurance policy.
Are you getting the best price available?
There are many discounts available that you may not be aware of such as:
- Homeowners Discount – Save money if you own a home or condo.
- Paid In Full Discount – Save money by paying the full year’s premium up front.
- Prior Coverage Discount – Save money for having continuous motorcycle insurance. And the higher your liability coverage, the larger the discount.
- Multi-Vehicle Discount – If you own multiple motorcycles, save money by insuring them all on the same policy.
- Motorcycle License Discount – Save money for having a valid motorcycle license.
- Multi-Policy Discount – Save money for having another in-force policy with the same company such as auto, boat, RV, snowmobile, etc.
- LoJack Device Discount – If you have comprehensive coverage on your motorcycle (which covers theft), you will save money for having a LoJack device.
- Anti-Lock Brake Discount – Save money when your motorcycle has anti-lock brakes. This one is frequently overlooked!
- Safety Course Discount – Save money when you’ve taken an approved safety course within the past 3 years.
- Motorcycle Association Discount – Save money when you belong to a motorcycle association.
Discounts vary by company. Gallen Insurance represents multiple companies, so whether it’s a cruiser or sports bike… we have a policy that’s right for you! When you’re out on the road, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you have the right insurance policy. So, contact us today for a free quote and discount review.