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3 Common Boat Insurance Claims

Fri, 06 May 2022 06:31:03 GMT

Now that summer is here, you may be taking your boat out on the water to cool off, catch some fish, and spend time with friends and family. As enjoyable as your watercraft is, you'll need to exercise restraint and care while using it to avoid a boat insurance claim. Here are a few costly boating scenarios and how to avoid them.

What Are Some Common Reasons for Boat Insurance Claims?

1. Collision With a Submerged Object

This type of event often occurs when boat operators are inexperienced, unfamiliar with the area, or driving recklessly. Submerged items may include rocks, trees, sandbars, and sunken debris. Avoid this issue by slowing your speed in murky water and taking note of any obstructions.

Never operate the boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and always keep your eyes peeled ahead of you for warning buoys or ripples on the surface of the water. If your boat has a depth sounder, use it when navigating unfamiliar bodies of water.

2. Bodily Injuries

Physical injuries are also common causes of boat insurance claims. These often occur due to inexperience. For instance, boating too rapidly over rough water can jolt or jostle passengers violently, as can suddenly changing speed or direction.

Always drive responsibly and with caution. Additionally, a surprising number of slip-and-fall incidents occur just as passengers are boarding, so insist that everyone wear proper footwear, such as water shoes, boat shoes, or rubber-soled sneakers with good treads, as well as a personal floatation device.

3. Theft

Thefts of boats are rare, but they do happen—particularly to smaller watercraft, like jet skis. Usually, this occurs when the owner doesn't take proper security precautions and someone takes the craft for a joyride. However, theft from a boat is much more common. Always take care to remove or lock up valuables when you leave your boat at a marina. This includes jewelry, fishing gear, scuba supplies, and navigation equipment.

If you seek high-quality boat insurance to protect your vessel, contact the professionals at Action Auto Insurance Agency Inc. in New London County, CT. They offer top-tier products to safeguard you while you're skiing, fishing, or cruising. They'll provide invaluable guidance when designing a policy to ensure the coverage meets your needs. Learn more about the options on their website , or call (860) 444-7224 to request a boat insurance quote.

The Do's & Don'ts of Safe Motorcycle Riding

Fri, 06 May 2022 06:18:41 GMT

Because motorcycles offer less protection and are harder for inattentive drivers to see, they come with more risks than other vehicles, and you must take care to ride safely. These risks are even factored into your motorcycle insurance policy, which is often higher for cyclists. But with care, attention, and preparation, riding your motorcycle can be both fun and safe. Below are some do's and don'ts to help you stay safe on the road.

Do:

Wear appropriate gear.

No matter how defensively you drive, accidents can still happen, so it's important to wear head-to-toe protection. A motorcycle helmet is a good start, and gear that covers your arms, legs, and torso will provide full-body coverage. Jackets made of leather or reinforced materials offer the best protection against road rash. Also wear thick pants, boots, and gloves for full protection. If you can find bright, reflective clothes to increase your visibility, that's even better.

Perform frequent safety checks.

Developing a routine for checking your bike before riding can prevent unexpected failures, accidents, and a call to your motorcycle insurance provider. Before taking off, check the lights, horn, mirrors, chains, tires, and brakes. If it's been a couple of months since your last ride, these checks are even more important; additionally ensure your oil and fuel are at appropriate levels.

Stay alert.

Attentiveness is your best safety tool on the road. Always be alert while driving: Know what's behind and ahead of you, watch the road for hazards, and stay out of a car's blindspot. Being aware of your surroundings offers a better chance of responding to threats on the road.

Don't:

Ride in bad weather.

Rain, snow, and high wind make riding less safe. These conditions reduce visibility on the road, meaning that other drivers are less likely to see you and that you'll struggle to see hazards. Rainstorms also reduce tire traction on the road. Even small amounts of water can cause a motorcycle to lose control, so it's best to stay home.

Take the shoulder.

It can be tempting to take the shoulder when you're stuck in traffic on a motorcycle, but doing so is risky. The shoulder often harbors dangerous debris from the highway that could damage your motorcycle, especially the tires. Taking the shoulder also makes you less visible to cars.

Neglect the motorcycle.

Minor malfunctions on a motorcycle lead to big consequences. Avoid these problems by addressing any issues on your bike promptly. Don't let the tires wear too thin, change the oil frequently, and keep an eye on your gas gauge.

If you need motorcycle insurance for your motorcycle, Action Auto Insurance Agency Inc. in New London, CT, can find the right plan for you. For 36 years, this business has helped the communities of New London County get the insurance coverage they need. Learn more about their motorcycle insurance options online , and call (860) 444-7224 to ask about coverage.

4 Ways Boat Insurance Protects Your Assets

Fri, 06 May 2022 05:07:33 GMT

Whether your boat is on land or in the water, it's vulnerable to theft, vandalism, damage, or an unexpected accident. While Connecticut doesn't require boat insurance , there are several reasons to consider getting this policy. Here's a closer look at why this coverage is worth the investment.

Why Should You Get Boat Insurance?

1. Weather

A boat is an expensive purchase exposed to various natural elements, such as high winds, flooding, lightning, and fires. These problems put the vessel itself at risk of damage. Boat insurance can cover any necessary repairs or replacements after weather-related incidents.

2. Injuries

Accidents can happen with the potential to injure passengers on your boat. An incident can also harm people on another vessel if you're involved in a crash. With the ability to cover otherwise hefty hospital bills, boat insurance offers medical protection that can prevent you from taking on a significant financial burden.

3. Lawsuits

If you're deemed at fault for an accident involving another watercraft, swimmer, or passenger, you may face a lawsuit. You can also face legal action if you damage a dock or other property. Fortunately, boat insurance provides financial support for costs incurred, including legal fees or money owed to another party in a settlement.

4. Emergency Assistance

Whether an unexpected technical issue arises or you simply run out of gas, boat insurance covers assistance and towing services. Getting a tow can cost several hundred dollars each time. Knowing you'll never be stranded or have to pay significant money to receive help can make a day on the water much more relaxing.

Are you looking for reliable boat insurance? Action Auto Insurance Agency Inc. has helped boat owners throughout New London County, CT, find the coverage they need to protect their investment for over 20 years. With connections to a variety of providers, this agency can guide you to the right policy for your vessel at an affordable price. Visit them online to learn more about boat insurance, or call (860) 444-7224 to request a quote.

3 Advantages of Working With an Independent Insurance Broker

Fri, 06 May 2022 04:58:13 GMT

People in the market for home, renters, or auto insurance normally have a choice between purchasing coverage over the internet or with the help of an agent or broker. Although it may seem convenient to buy online, there are many unique advantages to working with an agency. Here's a closer look at why you should utilize the services of an insurance broker.

Why Should You Get Insurance Through an Independent Agency?

1. Save Money

When you buy directly from the insurance carrier online, you may think you're saving money by skipping the middleman. However, an independent broker deals with numerous carriers, giving them flexibility in coverage and pricing and letting them look for the lowest price available for the coverage you want. It also makes financial sense to work with a broker who specializes in home, life, health, and auto insurance when shopping since they have an understanding of discounts and how to bundle policies to make the coverage more affordable.

2. Get Unbiased Advice

Unlike agents who work with only a single provider, an independent broker doesn't have a financial interest in placing you with a particular insurer. As such, they can provide impartial guidance to help you choose the best fit for your needs.

An experienced agent also understands the ins and outs of their industry and, by asking questions about your goals and desires, works with you to maximize your satisfaction. They can also recommend coverage you might not have considered and provide advice on raising or lowering your deductible to ensure you're adequately covered.

3. Enjoy More Convenience

The right insurance broker provides exceptional customer care. Not only do they advise you when designing a new policy, but they are also there to help when you need to change your address, renew or update an existing policy, or file a home or auto insurance claim.

They should be easily accessible by phone and are often just a short drive away. You can often meet them in person if you have questions, want a new copy of your proof of insurance, or otherwise need assistance. This interaction is much more personal and convenient than dealing with someone in a call center in another state.

If you seek a reliable insurance agent, contact Action Auto Insurance Agency Inc. They offer high-quality products to customers throughout New London County, CT. They'll provide invaluable guidance when designing a home, car, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, or boat insurance policy. As an independent agency, they'll search through their broad provider network to find you the right coverage at the best price. Visit their website to learn more about the available policies, or call (860) 444-7224 to request a property or auto insurance quote.

4 FAQ About Snowmobile Insurance

Fri, 06 May 2022 04:49:20 GMT

With winter just around the corner, many snowmobile enthusiasts are getting their rides ready for the season. While you’re changing the oil and checking the treads, don’t forget to ensure that you have enough recreational vehicle insurance to protect your sled. Here's what to know about snowmobile insurance so that you can get the right policy.

A Guide to Snowmobile Insurance

Is snowmobile insurance required?

Connecticut doesn’t mandate that riders carry recreational vehicle insurance, but your lender may require coverage if you financed your snowmobile. However, you should still protect your investment even if you own the vehicle outright. Snowmobiles are expensive and potentially dangerous, and the right policy will cover costly expenses if an accident occurs.

Why do I need liability coverage?

As much fun as snowmobiles are, they also travel at high speeds in uneven terrain, making them potentially hazardous. At any moment, you could lose control and hit someone else or collide with another vehicle.

Injuries caused by snowmobile accidents won’t be covered by other policies, which is why liability coverage is important. This policy will cover medical bills and personal property damage associated with an accident, protecting you from expensive lawsuits.

Do my other policies protect my snowmobile?

Home insurance may compensate you for a snowmobile that's stolen or damaged while parked at your house. An auto policy may also cover damage if you get into an accident while towing the sled. However, only specialized snowmobile coverage will protect your vehicle out on the snow.

Do I need collision and comprehensive coverage?

Collision insurance will pay for repairs to your vehicle if you hit a fence or large rock, and collision coverage protects against damage caused by animals, hail, and other perils. Snowmobile repairs can be expensive, so these policies can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

Whether you need this coverage depends on how often you ride and the value of the snowmobile. If you have a newer sled and take it out frequently, having as much protection as possible is usually best.

Since 1986, the agents at Action Auto Insurance Agency Inc. have provided reliable snowmobile insurance to riders throughout New London County, CT. They work with a variety of carriers, giving you access to a wide range of policies. They'll help you secure a policy that will protect you financially if an incident occurs. Visit their website to learn more about the coverage options, or call (860) 444-7224 to request a free recreational vehicle insurance quote.

What to Know About the Importance of Snowmobile Insurance

Fri, 06 May 2022 04:38:50 GMT

Riding snowmobiles is a popular recreational activity during the winter. While this sport allows for a thrilling exploration of different terrains, it also comes with various risks. Snowmobiles are powerful machines, and even the most cautious driver can find themselves in an unexpected situation. As such, it’s important to have the right vehicle insurance when hitting the trails. Here's what you should know about how snowmobile coverage works.

Why Do You Need Snowmobile Insurance?

Snowmobiles can travel at high speeds, making them challenging to control. There’s also the potential to encounter hazards concealed beneath the snow. Snowmobile coverage may include liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection. Without a policy, you would be responsible for taking care of damages out of pocket.

Liability covers any third-party injuries or property damage you cause due to an accident. Collision will help repair or replace your own machine if it gets damaged while in transport or from crashing into an object or another vehicle.

Comprehensive is designed to pay for your losses during a fire, vandalism, inclement weather, theft, or animal collisions. Uninsured motorist will cover your repair and medical bills if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.

What Are Some Snowmobile Safety Tips?

There are several safety guidelines that can reduce the likelihood of being in an accident while riding. First, make sure your snowmobile is in good working order. Check its components before each outing, and keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule.

Next, it’s vital to remain aware of your surroundings while riding. Scanning the trail ahead will allow enough time for you to react and avoid possible dangers.

Additionally, you should stay away from frozen bodies of water, where you can lose traction and risk falling through the ice. Maintain a safe speed, don’t ride in harsh weather conditions, and stick to marked trails. You may also consider attending a snowmobile safety course, which will teach you proper trail etiquette, important hand signals, and how to steer clear of hazards.

For help finding vehicle insurance that adequately protects you and your snowmobile, turn to Action Auto Insurance Agency Inc. Having served customers throughout New London County, CT, since 1986, this independent agency is committed to providing affordable and reliable products. They offer a wide range of vehicle insurance options and will assist you in customizing a policy for your snowmobile. Call (860) 444-7224 to request a quote, or visit them online to learn more about their services.

3 Safety Tips for Driving on Black Ice

Fri, 06 May 2022 04:31:26 GMT

When outside temperatures dip below freezing, black ice can form. This clear coating typically develops on roads, highways, and bridges. The frozen precipitation gets its name from the road's black color that can be seen through the icy patch. Since it's so difficult to detect, drivers may not know it's present, leading to skidding and accidents that can result in costly car insurance claims. If you encounter black ice on the road, here's how to handle the situation.

How to Drive Safely on Black Ice

1. Reduce Speed

During snowy and icy weather, always drive slower than the posted speed limit. This precaution will give you enough time to brake to avoid collisions. If you encounter a patch of black ice, avoid slamming on the break and ease your foot off the gas pedal slowly to prevent skidding. Doing so will also provide better traction and control for navigating over the slick surface.

2. Keep Steering Wheel Straight

Hold both sides of the steering wheel firmly so that it remains straight. Maintaining this position can prevent swerving into other lanes, oncoming traffic, and down embankments.

If you feel the vehicle drifting to one side, avoid attempting a sharp recovery, which can lead to swerving. Instead, slowly restore the wheel back to a straight position to maintain control over the black ice.

3. Look for Traction Areas

If you find yourself sliding on black ice, avoid stopping on a road's shoulder, which is a common location for vehicle collisions to occur. Instead, slowly steer the vehicle toward an area with some traction, such as spots with road salt, gravel, sand, or fresh snow. They may provide enough grip for your tires to prevent further skidding or swerving.

If you experience an accident due to black ice and other hazardous winter conditions, having the right car insurance policy is essential. Action Auto Insurance Agency Inc. has been a trusted provider of vehicle coverage for drivers throughout New London County, CT, since 1986. The independent firm partners with leading car insurance companies to bring their clients affordable and customized policies. Call (860) 444-7224 today to request a no-obligation quote, or visit them online to learn more about the available coverage.

5 Items to Keep in Your Winter Car Kit

Fri, 06 May 2022 04:18:54 GMT

Vehicle breakdowns are not only frustrating, but they can be dangerous if you’re stranded during severe winter conditions. While your car insurance can cover damage sustained during an accident in inclement weather, it may take a long time for roadside assistance to arrive at your location. Having the following items in an emergency kit can help you handle the situation safely.

What to Include in a Winter Car Kit

1. Flashlight and Batteries

Snowfall and heavy cloud cover can significantly reduce your visibility. Having a flashlight on hand ensures you can see well enough to change a tire or check the battery, potentially saving you several hours waiting for roadside assistance. Cold weather can sap the energy from household batteries, so be sure to change them regularly throughout the winter.

2. Portable Jump-Starter

Winter conditions can also drain your car’s battery. If it dies, you can end up stranded in a parking lot or stuck on the side of the road. A portable jump-starter can get your vehicle running again without waiting for help from someone else.

3. Cat Litter

Even experienced winter drivers can slide into a snowdrift and be unable to get out. While you can wait for a tow truck, a simple bag of kitty litter could help you get out of trouble sooner. Spreading the product underneath your tires can provide enough traction for your vehicle to dislodge itself.

4. Blankets

Sometimes, getting your vehicle moving yourself is simply impossible, so you might have to wait for a tow truck. Having blankets in the car can keep you and your passengers comfortable until help arrives.

Space blankets are efficient and extremely compact, but they don’t offer as much protection as ordinary wool blankets. For maximum warmth, you may want to invest in wool or wool-blend blankets.

5. Compact Shovel

A small snow shovel is an essential piece of equipment for every driver in snowy areas. This tool can help you dig your vehicle out of a snowbank. Keeping snow from building up around the car will also make it easier for rescue crews and roadside assistance to find you. Many manufacturers offer small folding shovels designed to fit into your trunk.

In addition to having the right emergency supplies in your vehicle, you need reliable coverage. For over 30 years, Action Auto Insurance Agency Inc. has provided affordable car insurance services to drivers throughout New London County, CT. Their agents work with a variety of carriers and specialize in helping drivers with less-than-perfect records get the coverage they need. Visit their website for more on their car insurance services, or call (860) 444-7224 to request a free quote.

A Guide to How a Connecticut DUI Affects Car Insurance

Fri, 06 May 2022 04:08:44 GMT

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs in Connecticut can have significant consequences. A first offense can result in up to $1,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, and a 45-day license suspension. On top of that, you will likely experience changes to your auto insurance premiums. Below is a look at how a DUI affects rates and coverage.

Insurance Changes After a DUI

Premium Increases

A DUI conviction indicates to insurance companies that a driver is prone to taking risks behind the wheel, possibly resulting in increased claims and payouts. The insurer will raise the driver's premiums to offset this increased risk—and the change can be substantial. In Connecticut, the average increase per policy term after a DUI conviction is $1,387 .

Loss of Coverage

Depending on the severity of the DUI charge, an insurer may deem the driver too great a risk and cancel their coverage. If this happens after your arrest or citation, you'd have to find another carrier, most likely one that specializes in high-risk auto insurance coverage. Driving without insurance is considered a Class C misdemeanor in Connecticut, which is punishable by additional fines, jail time, or a combination of both.

Saving Money After a DUI

You can reduce your premiums after a DUI in several ways. First, complete a defensive driving course that emphasizes responsible behavior and safety behind the wheel. You may also want to install safety features that reduce your insurer's overall risk; airbags and anti-lock brakes are often standard in cars, but you can add an upgraded alarm or anti-theft system.

You can also increase the policy's deductible, which means you pay more out-of-pocket before the insurer starts contributing toward a claim. You can also reduce your coverage amount as long as it still meets any state requirements or waive optional forms of coverage. Buying multiple policies from the same carrier, such as home and auto coverage, can also make you eligible for a bundle discount.

If you need affordable auto insurance after receiving a DUI, contact Action Auto Insurance Agency in New London, CT. They have served New London County and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. As an independent brokerage, they can search through their extensive provider network to find you the best coverage at the cheapest rates. Learn more about their services online , and call (860) 444-7224 to request an auto insurance quote.