Understanding Insurance

Meals on Wheels It’s Not, but Our Latest Outreach Project Does Involve Food and Motorcycles

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:55:00 GMT

Author’s note: We recently made two updates to our blogs. First, we’re inviting and posting comments. Second, our posts will be shorter and more frequent, and will include updates about what we’re up to, in addition to insurance-related tips and how-tos. By making these changes, we’ll be able to post—and talk with you—more often. Now on with the post…

Corn for Kids is based on a simple idea. We roast ears of corn, serve them up free at motorcycle rallies, and then suggest that those who eat them make a donation to help fight hunger among kids and families. We test drove the project for the first time this fall, at 13 rallies cross-country, and were thrilled with the support we got.

When Do You Need Boat Insurance?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT

If you're only on the water for a few months, is year-round boat insurance necessary?

With warmer temperatures arriving earlier than usual, water season is well underway. Whether you're out on your boat every day or just on weekends, boat insurance should be top of mind during the summer months — and even beyond.

How Much Home Insurance Is Right?

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The best way to protect your home is to insure it properly.

One of the largest investments you'll most likely ever make is your home, and naturally, you'll want to insure it adequately. But how do you determine the right amount of homeowners insurance coverage to have?

Buying a Bike, Boat, or RV?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Make ownership enjoyable with the right amount of planning.

Take a jaunt down any road on a warm spring day, and you'll likely encounter boats being towed to nearby waters, motorcycles on winding roads or RVs on the highways. Seeing them might make you want one of your own, which could be a pretty easy — and enjoyable — feat with the right amount of planning. If you remember things like insurance, accessories, and operating costs, you can enjoy your toys for many balmy seasons ahead.

How to Be a Money-Savvy Pet Parent

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:00:00 GMT

With unemployment on the rise and the economy becoming more unstable every day, people are more stressed than ever.

Auto Insurance Discounts

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Why do companies offer different auto insurance discounts, and what discounts does Progressive offer?

Many people think all auto insurance companies offer the same coverages and options. In actuality, it varies quite a bit from company to company. Just like with other types of businesses, auto insurance companies determine what they'll offer and how they'll offer it, and auto insurance discounts are included in that mix. What one company offers, another may not.

Why Wait to Save on Car Insurance?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:00:00 GMT

With car insurance, you don't have to wait for the new year to begin saving.

In today's economy, trimming your household budget might be one of your New Year's resolutions.

Why Choose Roadside Assistance?

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT

With Roadside Assistance coverage, you don't have to worry about being stranded on the road.

Sometimes bumps in the road really are, well … bumps in the road. And when one of them blows out your tire at rush hour, you need more than a philosophical attitude to get back behind the wheel.

Halloween Street Safety

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Follow these safety tricks as you navigate the roads on foot or by car.

When Halloween arrives, ghouls and goblins emerge to festively trick-or-treat in the chill of the night, but don't let these frightful beings scare away your common sense. For pedestrians, Halloween is one of the three deadliest days, according to a March 2005 study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here are a few safety tricks — or treats — to follow if you're on the streets on Halloween.

Should You Insure Your Golf Cart?

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Though your golf cart may not be your primary mode of transportation, you may still want to insure it with golf cart insurance.

If you own a golf cart, you may associate it with leisure activities — driving around the golf range, traveling around a gated or retirement community, or even just rolling around your property. Though golf carts aren't made for speed, they're still moving vehicles, which means they can still be damaged, and they can cause damage to property or even injure someone.

Why Your Motorcycle Should Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Though Uninsured Motorist coverage is optional, here are a few reasons why you should consider adding it to your policy.

When you choose what type of motorcycle insurance coverage you need for your bike, consider that situations involving a car versus those that involve a motorcycle can result in very different outcomes. Since you're much more exposed on a motorcycle, injuries from a motorcycle accident can be drastically different than injuries sustained when you're sitting in the relative safety of a car.

Road Tripping With Your Pet

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Following these tips can make short or long road trips with your pet more enjoyable.

Though long summer road trips may be over, weekend and day trips can happen year-round. Why not include your four-legged friends next time you take a jaunt somewhere? The following tips can not only help your pet become a better passenger, they can make a trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Stay Ahead of Hurricane Claims

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Know what to do before you have to make a claim because of a hurricane or heavy storm.

Storms abound in the summer months, and hurricanes or tropical storms can appear on the radar well into November. Since it's the heart of hurricane season, take precautions — if you haven't already — to protect your belongings, including boats and other vehicles, from damage caused by hurricanes or other heavy storms. Here are a few things you can do ahead of time to help you plan for an evacuation. That way, if you have to evacuate, you can focus on the safety of you and your loved ones during that time.

Whose Car Should Your Kids Drive?

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Consider several factors before you allow your kids to get behind the wheel of someone else's car — or before someone gets behind the wheel of your car.

With school back in session, more students will be driving to and from school during the morning and afternoon hours. Parents know they can't monitor their kids at all times, but they can work with their kids to set ground rules before young drivers hit the road. One of these rules: What cars your kids can drive. Before you let your child drive someone else's car, or before someone outside the family drives your car, consider these factors.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Every Bike You Ride?

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Before you jump on someone else's motorcycle to take it for a spin, do you know if you're covered by motorcycle insurance? What if you're riding your own bike — does your motorcycle coverage apply in all situations? Here are a few things to consider before you decide to hit the road on a Harley — or any other type of motorcycle.

Considering Boat Insurance? What You Should Know.

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Hot sun and warm water are the norm during the summer months, and these conditions translate to boosted boat shopping and buying so people can enjoy the rays and sprays. If you're in the market for your own watercraft &emdash; or if you're about to wheel your own boat to the water for some sun-soaked fun &emdash; remember that it's also a good time to consider your boat insurance options.

What Happens If You're Involved in an Out-of-Town Accident?

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Here's how auto insurance works if you have an accident while you're in another city or state.

It's a given that any time you get on the road and drive, there's a chance you could be involved in a car accident. If you're in another city or state, factor in unfamiliar streets, road signs, traffic and driving patterns, and your risk is even higher. Though they may not happen often, out-of-town accidents do occur. If you're involved in one, here are a few things to know.

Complete Your Home Inventory Easily

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Itemizing what you own may take time up front, but it can save you time and money if you ever need to make a claim on your homeowners or renters insurance policy.

Protecting your possessions is an important reason to purchase homeowners insurance or renters insurance. As time passes, most of us acquire more things that have sentimental value as well as monetary value. If you have items like this, it's a good idea to maintain an ongoing inventory of your belongings even after you've purchased homeowners or renters insurance.

Should you buy insurance from a rental car company?

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT

If you're renting a car, think about what you need before you purchase supplemental insurance or a damage waiver.

Whether you're on a trip and need transportation in a different city or your car is in the shop and you need a set of wheels to get to work and back, chances are you'll need to rent a car. That's the easy part. But, if you're like many of us, it becomes more difficult when you're faced with the decision of whether to purchase the additional insurance or damage waiver often offered by the rental car company.

What to Do After Your Car Is Vandalized

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Be sure follow certain steps and take specific measures to protect your car to ensure your claim is covered by auto insurance.

Finding out your car has been vandalized can make your stomach drop, but if you have Comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, your auto insurance will often cover this type of damage. Keep in mind, even if you have the proper coverage, there are some steps you should take to ensure the damage is covered by your auto policy.