Safety tips for RV travelers

Personal safety while camping in Asheville, NC is something that should always stick to your mind, as keeping you and your family safe is paramount. Remember, not everyone came to the campground with the same purpose as you, and sometimes, just buying RV insurance is not always enough. You need to take personal steps into ensuring that your family and RV are safe.

Here is what Asheville Insurance Center recommends doing when you are out to camp.

  • Always keep your doors and windows closed: You never know who is waiting for you to get into your RV and steal your possessions. Most RVs share the same locking systems, so never leave valuables anywhere on your RV. You can use a safe or take them with you when heading out.
  • Drive defensively: This means you can stay safe by avoiding road mishaps and keeping up with the allowed speed. You will be more careful when entering and exiting highways. Defensive driving means keeping in mind that the other guy in front or behind you is not as conscientious as you.
  • Always check your RV before leaving the parking lot: Check for faults or signs that could lead to driving problems before starting your trip. This will save you time, energy, and resources while also ensuring that you are safe. You can also take your time to learn some simple RV repairs.
  • Beware of your environment: This may sound obvious for most campers in North Carolina, but unfortunately, many people end up ignoring or forgetting about their surroundings. Before you decide to park your RV and stop anywhere, please take a good look at the neighborhood and its safety.
  • The weather is a must check: Never leave for a camp without checking the weather. Even after getting a clear sign, don’t ignore signs of weather change. Bad weather can be disastrous when driving a loaded RV.

Staying safe starts with you. At Asheville Insurance Center, we care about your safety. For more information on RV life, feel free to contact our office in Asheville, NC.

Why You Need the Right Motorcycle Insurance Policy

There’s a lot of freedom in riding a motorcycle, but there’s also responsibility and a need to be careful. Part of that comes with being safe on the road, and some of it’s based on having proper motorcycle insurance to protect you and your investment in your bike. At Asheville Insurance Center, we want to help all of the motorcycle riders in the Asheville, NC area have good quality insurance policies they can rely on for their safety, security, and peace of mind. There’s no reason to settle for a low level of coverage when you want more protection, and we can help you make sure you have the type and level of coverage that’s right for you.

Just like with a car, insurance for a motorcycle has different coverage options and choices. Some people want more coverage, and others want less, depending on several factors. Whether you use your bike for your daily commute or you only ride it on the weekends, there’s a policy that’s going to be right for your needs and lifestyle. The best way to find that policy is to work with a knowledgeable agent who can offer plenty of great information about the choices you have for coverage.

Reach out to us today at Asheville Insurance Center, and let us answer your motorcycle insurance questions. If you’re in the Asheville, NC area, we’re here to help you. Our agents are committed to quality and value, and we want to be sure you’re getting all that you need to be comfortable and feel secure on the road. Whether you’re a new rider or you’ve enjoyed the experience of riding a motorcycle for years, it’s vital to make sure your policy is the right one for your bike and the amount of riding you do. We’ll help you find what works.

What benefits come with umbrella insurance?

Anyone that is in the Asheville, NC area will have some level of liability risk. A lot of people can mitigate some of these risks by getting home and auto insurance policies. For those that are looking for additional personal insurance coverage, getting an umbrella insurance policy could be a great option. Several benefits come when you get this insurance coverage. 

More Coverage for Liability

One of the advantages of umbrella insurance is that you will receive more coverage for liability. When you have a home and auto policy, you will have liability protection up to the policy limit. While this covers the majority of liability claims, there is always a chance that you could cause damages over normal policy limits. To offset this risk, you could get an umbrella insurance policy as it will give you additional protection.

Coverage for More Situations

Another advantage of an umbrella insurance policy is that it can give you coverage for more situations. Home and auto insurance policies provide coverage for a variety of situations that could come with a risk. However, they are limited in coverage compared to an umbrella insurance policy. With this form of coverage, you will receive coverage for a much wider range of situations that could come with liability risk. 

If you are looking for a way better to protect yourself in the Asheville, NC area, getting an umbrella insurance policy could be a great option due to the benefits it provides. While there are benefits that come with this insurance, it can be complex picking a policy. Due to this, you should call the Asheville Insurance Center for your insurance needs. The insurance team at Asheville Insurance Center can help you to pick a policy that will provide you with the right coverage. 

Do You Need a License to Drive a Recreational Vehicle?

Recreational vehicles come in many different shapes and sizes. In Asheville, NC, the agents at Asheville Insurance Center offer insurance policies that cover RVs and a variety of recreational vehicles. Having the right type of policy in place is essential so that you can focus on having fun with your family instead of worrying about what will happen if you are involved in an accident.

Off-Road Vehicles

Off-road vehicles like ATVs and dune buggies that are designed to be taken over all types of terrain aren’t built for highway use. In most cases, no actual license is required if they are only used off-road. Recreational vehicles that are capable of being driven on the highway must be operated by a licensed driver if they are used on public roads.

Obey the Laws of the Road

Even though a recreational vehicle may not be built for highway use, it is still mandatory that laws are obeyed. If you are off-road, being courteous and lawful is common sense. Take the time to get to know North Carolina laws as they pertain to off-road and all-terrain recreational vehicles. This will make it easy for you to have fun with your family and ensure that you will not get into any trouble with your recreational vehicles.

At Asheville Insurance Center, each agent has both the knowledge and experience required to assist clients with all of their insurance needs. Owners of recreational vehicles who live in the Asheville, NC area are encouraged to call the agency to learn more about recreational insurance and the benefits it offers. Have fun, be safe, and call your agent today to get the peace of mind you need!

Top Five Questions to Ask Before You Get Renters Insurance

It is a good idea to have renters insurance if you do not own your home. Many people may not be aware of this useful insurance when they rent an apartment or home. If you have valued possessions and those items are damaged, or in some cases, stolen, then renters insurance can help you recover some of the losses.

The agents at Asheville Insurance Center of Asheville, NC can help you understand what kind of policy you may need as a renter. Here are some questions to ask about renter’s insurance.

Does my landlord’s insurance cover my possessions?

Your landlord likely has homeowners insurance, but this only covers the building and structures. Your possessions are not covered under their policy.

Are injuries covered with renters insurance?

Typically, renters insurance will cover medical and legal expenses from injuries to others inside your dwelling in the event it is taken to court.

Will renters insurance cover my possessions fully?

Not exactly. There are limits to this type of insurance and how much you will be able to recover based on the type of item and overall coverage. High dollar items such as jewelry and collectibles that will have limits on how much will be paid out in the event of a loss. 

Can I calculate the value of my items?

Yes, there are apps and websites available now to find the worth of your items to log and track their value. These can be extremely useful in the event of a disaster where you suffer damage and loss of possessions.

Does renters insurance only cover possessions?

Some renters insurance will help with lodging in the event of a disaster where you are displaced and in need of housing. It is best to speak with an agent about your particular policy.

If you are in need of quality renters insurance contact us at Asheville Insurance Center of Asheville, NC. Our representatives will be happy to schedule an appointment to discuss your options for coverage.

Why Do You Need Motorhome Insurance To Stay Safe?

In today’s society, many individuals are deciding to live a more contemporary type of lifestyle instead of traditional. Imagine being able to travel the country and live wherever you want to whenever you want to. That is what you can do with a motorhome. 

At Asheville Insurance Center, we are based in Asheville, NC as a family-owned and operated independent agency. We have served the local area and even some parts of South Carolina for over 23 years now. It is a great feeling to know that we can provide residents with the proper motorhome insurance that they need. Being able to travel, live in a non-traditional home, and still be happy with life. Here are a few key reasons as to why you should acquire motorhome insurance and work with an agency that has your best interest at heart. 

It is highly recommended that whether you have your RV out on the road or in storage that you have insurance on it. By state law, you must have insurance first before you can even register the title to your RV and have tags. Having this size of an investment should be protected at all times as anything can happen. This is not just a part-time home for some people. This is their full-time home. Having a great team to consult with and understand the best insurance policy for your motorhome is a must-have. 

Ready to speak with one of our representatives about your new motorhome insurance? You can call our office in Asheville, NC during business hours to reach a representative at (828) 505-7222. You can also ask for a review of your current policy and coverage as well if you have an existing motorhome policy.

COVID 19, Your Insurance Policies, Our Agency, UPDATES

I wanted to take a minute to reach out to all of our clients, to bring you some updates in the insurance world that may affect you.

Last Friday the NC Insurance Commissioner issued an order to all insurance companies, premium finance companies, concerning those that have been financially affected by the COVID 19 Virus.

If you have suffered a financial loss, due to loss of a job, reduction in hours, and are having a hard time making ends meet. You may call the insurance carrier directly and ask for some assistance with your monthly insurance payment.

Each company is handling this a little differently. That is why you need to call them direct.  If you don’t have their number please call our office at 828-505-7222 and we can get that information to you.

Don’t be surprised if they ask you for some proof. as we are sure many people who have not been financially affected may try to take advantage of this option.

If you simply don’t pay your insurance bill, your policy will cancel, you will have to pay the reinstatement fees and could be subject to FINES from DMV…  So please call if you need assistance.

Our agency is committed to staying open during this time of crisis. HOWEVER, we will be implementing some new procedures until this crisis passes.

We can handle 99% of your needs over the phone and by email. things like payments, policy changes, even new policies.  So please feel free to call us at 828-505-7222.

To maintain Social Distance during this crisis, if you do need to come by the office, please call us at 828-505-7222 so we can set a time for you to come by.

In the event that this virus was to get out of hand, and we are forced to close the office,  we are equipped to work remotely.

So please call us at 828-505-7222 if you need anything. We are here to help you.

You can email us if needed at the following email address;

Liz@ashinscen.com
Robbie@ashinscen.com
Lee@ashinscen.com

We encourage each of you to shelter in place, Stay Healthy, hopefully, this crisis will pass soon.

Lee, Liz & Rob

Must Have Insurance Coverage for RV Road Trips

Spring is an excellent time of year for an RV road trip. When planning your trip, make safety a priority by purchasing adequate RV insurance for your travels. The right coverage from Asheville Insurance Center in Asheville, NC will protect you, others, and your RV against incidents on the road.

RV Coverage Options

RV policies offer several coverage options, which include:

Liability

Liability covers injuries and property damage to others in accidents you’re responsible for. North Carolina requires that you carry minimum liability coverage to protect other drivers. RV collisions, however, tend to cause a lot of damage, which may exceed the limits of minimum coverage. To fully protect your assets against road trip accidents, it’s best to purchase as much liability coverage as you can afford.

Collision

Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your RV if it’s damaged in a crash, regardless of who’s at fault. If you took out a loan to purchase this vehicle, your lender might require that you have this coverage. Even if you own your RV outright, collision coverage can save you a substantial amount of money in repair costs. 

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage compensates you for the market value of your RV if it’s stolen. It also covers damage caused by non-collision events such as inclement weather, falling objects, and vandalism. These incidents are quite common when you hit the road.  

Uninsured Motorist (UM)

Road trips also put you at a higher risk of being hit by someone who doesn’t have sufficient coverage to pay for your RV damages. If this occurs, UM coverage will help cover your repair costs.

The right coverage will protect you against any eventuality, so you can enjoy your road trip to the full. Contact Asheville Insurance Center in Asheville, NC, today for all your RV insurance needs.

What are the motorcycle insurance requirements in North Carolina?

Motorcycle enthusiasts in the greater Asheville, NC area are fortunate to have such a beautiful area to call home and enjoy on the back of their bikes. If you are interested in getting a bike of your own, you may be wondering about the state’s insurance requirements. The team at Asheville Insurance Center is here to help guide you through the motorcycle insurance selection process as you determine which policy type and coverage level are right for your needs.

The state requires that motorcycle owners have three different types of coverage in their policies: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per incident, and coverage for property damage. We recommend comprehensive policies that also protect you from liability and uninsured drivers. 

Bodily Injury Per Person

This policy will provide coverage for each of the people involved in an accident, whether they are in another vehicle or are your passenger.

Bodily Injury Per Incident

Coverage also includes coverage per incident, which can help cover medical costs in the event of a covered incident. 

Property Damage

If you are involved in an accident that damages or destroys another person’s property or your motorcycle, this coverage will go into effect.

The state’s required coverage levels are quite modest, and if they are exhausted due to damages arising from a covered event, you can become financially liable for the uncovered amounts. It is advisable to opt for a comprehensive motorcycle policy that contains higher coverage levels and more in-depth coverage.

If you are interested in the motorcycle insurance policy options available here in the greater Asheville, NC area, call or stop by the Asheville Insurance Center today to meet with one of our agents. We are here to help you find the appropriate policy to meet your needs.

Is Umbrella Insurance A Good Idea For A Freelance Taxi Driver

There are many independent business opportunities today, and perhaps one of the most popular is a freelance taxi driver for a company such as Uber. These types of jobs require the operator to have full coverage insurance as well as a clean driving record. However, is it enough to rely on typical auto insurance coverage alone?

Driving For Wages

If you or someone you know is considering driving for extra income or is currently participating in this freelance job, they should find out what types of coverage are available to help protect from damages and additional liability. In some cases, it may be wise to have umbrella insurance in place. This will help prevent liability claims that exceed the protection that traditional insurance can afford to the consumer. 

Working With An Agent

The best way to find out what type of insurance policies and options work best for a freelance driver is to consult with an experienced agent. They can offer advice and suggest insurance coverage options that work for each individual situation. They can also explain the limits of coverage and help file any paperwork related to obtaining coverage or future claims. Those who are interested in finding out more can consult with Asheville Insurance Center, serving the residents of Asheville, NC. We can make the process clear and convenient.

Don’t drive without the proper insurance coverage in place. Get protection from liability and damages. Call or stop by Asheville Insurance Center serving Asheville, NC to find out more information and discover policy options that work for everyone. We will be happy to help you get a quote.