Motorcycle Insurance 101

Are you struggling to determine what type of insurance you want for your motorcycle? If so, don’t fret. We’ve found a guide that can answer many of your questions!

Check out this link one of our partners Foremost found from NerdWallet https://bit.ly/3zyP1Gg

We can shop motorcycle and ATV rates for you, experience the benefits of your own independent agent. Call or Email us for free quotes today: 813-996-4111; info@oakesins.com

Before Signing a Lease ...

Before signing a lease, be sure to ask how long the lease term is, if utilities are included, if they allow pets and these other important questions:

Signing A Lease Agreement | Oakes Insurance
 

Questions you should ask before signing a lease

by The Foremost Creative Team

Moving into a new rental property is such an exciting process! Sure, it's also super time-consuming and can be pretty demanding, but finally settling in can bring so much joy. I recently made the move from my college house into a full-on adult apartment and I was giddy with anticipation! Anything that came my way from the apartment complex was immediately completed and returned, all the T's crossed and I's dotted – including the lease. It didn't dawn on me until after I had sent it back that I probably should have read it more thoroughly. Luckily, my lease outlined understandable guidelines and didn't have any weird rules or vague statements releasing the complex from responsibility.

Before signing a lease, make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. Your lease is more than just a piece of paper with boring writing on it – it's a legally binding contract! Most leases are pretty straightforward, but once you sign it, you're locked in for the near future.

Here are nine important questions to ask your landlord or leasing office before signing the rental agreement.

  1. How long is the lease term?

    Most leases are a year long, but the timeline will occasionally change depending on the best rate or what's convenient for both you and the property owner. You may also want to consider asking what the penalties are for terminating a lease early. You probably aren't planning on breaking the agreement, but if you're offered a job in a different state or extenuating circumstances arise, it'll be handy information to remember.

  2. Are utilities included?

    Clarify which utilities you are responsible for and which are included in your rental agreement. The utilities included vary greatly depending on the owner and can dramatically alter your monthly rental fee if you’re not prepared. Ask about utilities like water, electric, gas, internet, cable, and trash pickup before signing a lease.

  3. Do you allow pets?

    If you already have a pet or plan to get one soon, this will be an important question to ask. Most rental facilities offer some kind of accommodation for pets but may still require an extra monthly fee to protect against potential damages. Some apartment complexes will also have a specific list of pets that are allowed, detailing what kinds of dogs they do and don't allow on their premises.

    Service animals, however, are a different story. You may be entitled to special accommodation for your service animal; consult your legal representative to know your rights prior to initiating a discussion with your potential landlord.

  4. Where do I park my car?

    Some facilities offer free parking in a garage or car port and some require a fee to access the parking amenities. Be sure to clarify where you can park your car, if it's free, and how many cars are allowed per tenant on the property.

  5. When is rent due and how can I pay it?

    Rent is generally due on the first of the month, but you might want to clarify with the property owner to be sure. And is that rent taken in check form? Can you electronically transfer it? Ask before you move in to avoid any confusion or late fees in the future.

  6. Is the security deposit refundable?

    The treatment of security deposits is typically regulated by law, but in general, security deposits are refundable as long as the property is in good condition when you move out. Your landlord may, however, be entitled to withhold part of your deposit for damages that were incurred during your stay or if you break the lease. As long as you keep the rented space in good condition, you should have nothing to worry about!

  7. What kind of maintenance services are available?

    Depending on whether or not you live in an apartment complex, you may have on-site property management that will fix any issues you may have. On-site management quickly swooped in and resolved an issue my sister had with her dryer after she realized that she had never emptied the lint tray. Of course, I would suggest that you regularly empty the tray (since it's a fire hazard), but property management will be there for those types of mishaps.

    If you're looking to rent somewhere without on-site management, it may be more difficult to get someone on the premises to fix issues that may arise. In this case, you may consider renting elsewhere. Try not to end up with an overflowing tub at two in the morning and no one to help!

  8. What kinds of amenities are provided? Are these complimentary?

    Amenities like a community center, pool, fitness center, washer and dryer, and storage space can add that extra bit of value to your rental property. Which are the most important to you? Some properties have laundry facilities in each specific apartment, while others can be accessed through the basement of the building. Make sure to clarify if these amenities are included with the rental fee or if there’s an additional charge to access the spaces.

  9. In what ways can I personalize the property?

    If you plan on painting the walls or installing curtain rods or a wall TV mount, you may want to first discuss what kinds of customizations are acceptable and which are not allowed. My experience is that as long as you leave the property in the same condition as when you first entered, you should be good to go.

No matter what your landlord or leasing consultant says, make sure you read the entire lease. Yes, it will be time consuming, and no, it will not be particularly interesting, but it will make you well aware of the expectations the owner has for you as well as the things you can expect from your property owner.


FIRE SAFETY

Home fires can start and spread quickly, which is why we all need to be careful and educated when it comes to fire safety. Just a little bit of planning can make a big difference for your family.
Fire Safety | Oakes Insurance


The Hard Facts

In 2013, 334 children died in home fires. Eighty-seven percent of all fire-related deaths are due to home fires, which spread rapidly and can leave families as little as two minutes to escape once an alarm sounds. Fires are not just a problem in the United States. In 2008, nearly 61,000 children around the world died due to a fire or burn.

Top Tips

1.      Working smoke alarms reduce the chances of dying in a fire by nearly 50 percent. They are a critical first step for staying safe, but in order to be effective, they have to be working properly. For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.

2.      Teach kids never to play with matches and lighters. Make a habit of placing these items up and away from young children.

3.      Create and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room in case of a fire. Get a stopwatch and time how fast your family can escape. The kids will love it. Here’s a handy worksheet to help get you started. 

4.      Children should know how to respond to the sound of a smoke alarm. Teach them to get low and get out when they hear it. A child who is coached properly ahead of time will have a better chance to be safe. Watch our video to learn more.

5.      Use common sense in the kitchen. Limit distractions when cooking and don’t leave a hot oven or stovetop unattended.

6.      Blow out candles before you leave the room or before you go to sleep.

Learn More

Fire safety is complex issue. Here’s more information on how to handle carbon monoxide, prepare for any burns and scalds that result from cooking in the kitchen, find out what to do with fireworks and general fire safety tips

Resources


INFOGRAPHIC

Fireplace Safety Infographic

Infographic explains the importance of fireplace safety.


OTHER RESOURCE

Home Fire Escape Plan in Spanish

Descargue esta hoja de trabajo para ayudarlo a crear su propio plan de escape en caso de incendio.


RESEARCH REPORT

How Safe Is Your Home? Protecting Children from Fire, Burns and Scalds in Kuala Lumpur (November 2016)

Protecting Children from Fire, Burns and Scalds in Kuala Lumpur


CHECKLIST

Lista de Verificación de la Seguridad Contra Incendios

Obtenga más información acerca de los detectores de humo y qué hacer en caso de un incendio en su casa.


CHECKLIST

Fire Safety Checklist

Learn more about smoke alarms and what to do in case of a fire in your home.


RESEARCH REPORT

How Safe is Your Home? Protecting Children from Fire and Burns in Pune (October 2015)

Preventing accidental injuries to children in India.


VIDEO

Changing the News with Neal McDonough: Fire Safety

Together, we can change the news by learning simple, effective ways to prevent injuries to children due to fire. 


INFOGRAPHIC

Escuche el Bip Donde Duerme

Escuche el Bip Donde Duerme..


INFOGRAPHIC

Hear the Beep Where You Sleep

Every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm.


CHECKLIST

Lista de verificación de la Semana de Prevención de Incendios (PDF)

Lista de verificación de la Semana de Prevención de Incendios.

 

Do you think you might need Renters Insurance?

Renter's Insurance | Oakes Insurance

Check out this article from Bristol West with a good explanation of your possibility to risk associated with renting a place. We can often provide bundles on renters policies to get multi-policy discounts, this equals extra savings for our clients. Enjoy!

What's the Deal with Renters Insurance? Adjusting to Changes in Consumer Lifestyles

It's undeniable: the fastest growing segment of personal lines property and casualty—in terms of policy count—is renters insurance⚹. More people are living in rental units and they are staying there longer. But the average premium for renters insurance continues to decline⚹⚹, so the booming growth in policies doesn't necessarily equate to big business.

What does this mean for insurers? Is this an important opportunity or a short-term trend to ignore? In search for answers, let's take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

Property Insurance Report⚹ recently discussed this change in consumer lifestyles and referenced the latest studies from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. They found that from 2005 to 2014, the number of renters insurance policies doubled from 6.6 million to 13.2 million. That's an astonishing 10 percent growth each year. In comparison, there was just a 2.2 percent growth in the homeowners policy count (on the HO-3 form) from 2005 to 2014.

Renters insurance still brings in less money than homeowners because of its smaller premium volume⚹⚹⚹, but there's no escaping the fact that it's growing at a significant rate.

So, why is all of this happening? One likely suspect is the economic downturn that started in 2008. Indeed, this has shaken up the industry and influenced consumer habits and purchasing decisions. But I would be hesitant to blame the bursting housing bubble as the sole catalyst for change. The NAIC studies reveal that the fast growth in renters policies started well before the recession, and the growth has been consistent every year beyond the recovery stages.

Overall, these studies show that the increase in renters policies is not just a fluctuation in response to the country's economic situation. It is also the result of long-term lifestyle changes.

The takeaway? Focus on building customer relationships.

If you establish trust and credibility with renters now, these customers will be more likely to go to you for other products in the future.

Think about it. Renters insurance is a relatively low-value product, but it's a great entry point for a customer relationship that, with time, may grow into something bigger and better. If you establish trust and credibility with renters now, these customers will be more likely to go to you for other products in the future—like homeowners! If you aren't proactive, you'll find that when the time comes, potential homeowners customers will have already started a relationship with a different insurer.

Play the long game. Make the most of this opportunity to plant seeds that will grow your business!

⚹Source: Property Insurance Report. (2017, March 20). Continuing shift in consumer lifestyles accelerates growth in renters insurance policies.

⚹⚹Source: A report by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners: Dwelling Fire, Homeowners Owner-Occupied, and Homeowners Tenant and Condominium/Cooperative Unit Owner's Insurance, 2005, 2013 and 2014 editions. The NAIC does not endorse any calculation or analysis based on its data.

⚹⚹⚹The NAIC report shows that the total premium on the renters HO-4 form is $2.5 billion; the total premium on the homeowners HO-3 form is $56.6 billion. Additionally, in terms of policy count, renters is 26 percent the size of homeowners, but in premium, it’s just 4.4 percent the size of homeowners.

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Article By

Ryker Huizinga

Ryker is a multimedia storyteller with interests in writing, video, photography and design. He is on a quest to visit all of the U.S. national parks, and is almost always planning his next camping trip. Combining passions for travel and creative communication, he draws from his experiences to share stories of safety and adventure.

Read other articles by RykerMeet the rest of the team!

Watch Out! Distracted Driving Dangers.

Car Insurance Agent Near Me in Tampa Bay DUI Insurnace FR44 Coverage .jpg

We are all in this one together. Driving in a car can be the most dangerous thing we face in today’s world. Please take a look at this blog post from Foremost Insurance.

Sometimes I am amazed at how distracted I can be while driving. Before I worked here at Foremost (in my opinion, a very safety conscience company) I never realized how distracted I really was. Just last week, I asked myself a series of "have you ever" questions:


  • Have you ever arrived at your destination without really paying attention to how you got there because it is so routine?

  • Have you ever picked up your phone while you are driving, if only to check the time?

  • Have you ever looked down at the radio while changing stations?

  • Have you ever read billboards fully while driving?

  • Have you ever been so involved in a conversation on the phone that you forgot to make your turn?

  • Have you ever turned around to look in the back seat at your child talking or sleeping?

  • Have you ever reached for something in the back seat while driving?

  • Have you ever looked in the mirror to groom yourself for a second while driving?

Enough said. This list could go on and on, but the fact is, I answered yes to all the above. (I'm guessing some of you did too?). I'm not proud, but these are small things that we do as drivers that could end in disaster. I've learned through the past year that all I should focus on while I'm driving is...driving. I can't say I'm perfect, but I've come a long way from the text crazy, distracted driver I once was.

So, to practice what I preach, here are some statistics from Distraction.gov to prove why distracted driving is so dangerous:

  • Research indicates that the burden of talking on a cell phone - even if it's hands-free - saps the brain of 39% of the energy it would ordinarily devote to safe driving.

  • Our youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk, with 16% of all distracted driving crashes involving drivers under 20. But they are not alone. At any given moment during daylight hours, over 800,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone or driving distracted.

  • Using a cell phone while driving - whether it's hand-held or hands-free delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.

Check out these powerful and touching stories about distracted driving, and think twice before you pick up that cell phone while you are in the driver's seat.

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Article By

Noelle Kimble

Noelle is a social media specialist for Foremost and a safety expert, which is perfect since she works for an insurance company! She's always looking for new ways to safeguard her home, make sure her motorcycle helmet is as protective as possible and passionately communicate how dangerous texting and driving really is. She's always up for sharing usable tips to help others be safety crazy too. But, maybe not quite as crazy as her.

Read other articles by Noelle Meet the rest of the team!

Wondering why your auto insurance rate keeps going up?

Auto Insurance | Oakes Insurance

Please take a look at this article from the Insurance Journal with 2018 year end auto insurance reports from A.M. Best.  This is national data and based on the non-standard market. Non-standard business is a big part of the Florida, Land O Lakes/Tampa market. Non-standard insurance is for people who are unable to find preferred or standard rates because of prior violations or accidents they had within the last several years.  In the good old days, it used to be that if an insured incurred a comprehensive claim or not at fault accident, it would be be considered as non-chargeable. This was a big deal because people with prior not at fault losses were still eligible for standard coverage and preferred rates (lower premiums).  Long since the past, now a days the carriers are considering anything on your reports a considerable risk factor if it’s your fault or not.


 

Signs Point to Better New Year for Nonstandard Auto Insurance Market

There are initial signs that the private passenger nonstandard automobile segment is beginning to improve after years of unfavorable results, including continued premium growth in 2017 and through mid-year 2018, according to A.M. Best.

  Best’s Market Segment Report, “Early Signs of Improvement in Nonstandard Auto Market,” states that one sign is the combined ratio for the private passenger nonstandard auto insurance companies followed in its report improved to 102.2 in 2017, compared with 107.9 in the previous year and a 10-year average of 106.5.

  The recent improvements reflect a variety of carriers’ underwriting initiatives, including increasing rates significantly over the last few years. As the auto premium base expanded in 2018, loss cost trends and severity increases have mostly been in line with companies’ expectations.

 

The composite’s first-half 2018 combined ratio is more than five points lower than the full-year 2017 combined ratio.

 

The insurers in this report also continued to generate pretax and net income through the first half of 2018, with first-half earnings that more than doubled year over year.

 

Nonstandard auto policies typically are offered to drivers with risk factors that make it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain insurance at standard or preferred rates. These policies are customized to policyholders’ specific needs and pricing and terms can vary widely.

 

Some large national private passenger auto insurers have expanded their presence in the nonstandard auto insurance market through more efficient technology platforms. The resulting competitive pressure on smaller writers has resulted in some being acquired by national writers.

 

Underwriting results were particularly poor in 2015-2016, reflecting higher incurred loss costs and higher repair costs for vehicles with cameras, sensors and other advanced technologies, as well as escalating medical costs on bodily injury claims. A greater number of miles being driven, in part because of lower gas prices, and a greater percentage of distracted drivers, also have played roles in the unprofitable results.

 

 

A.M. Best said it believes the recent trends are indicators that the number and magnitude of rate increases can be expected to subside somewhat over the near term, especially given the high level of competition in the personal auto market. However, medical severity and auto repair costs for increasingly complex cars are likely to continue rising.

 

While there are positive sigs, the report notes that a change in auto frequency, positive or negative, can have a noticeable impact on the underwriting profitability of automobile-related lines. In addition, nonstandard auto premiums generally decline during recessionary periods, with the resulting drop in the premium base hurting profitability.

Categories: National NewsTopics: A.M. Best nonstandard auto report, non-standard auto insurance, nonstandard auto insurance.

 

  We are a local independent insurance agency near you in Land O Lakes, Florida.  We write for both standard and non-standard insurance carriers.  We are proud to be an independent insurance agent with the beliefs in putting out client’s interest first and foremost.

Car Accident...What Now?

Car Accident | Oakes Insurance

If you ever experience a car accident, it’s important to know these steps for effectively filing claims.

Tips for Effectively Filing Claims

Experiencing a loss can be stressful, frustrating and disheartening, but having insurance coverage will help alleviate the financial burden a loss can cause. The first step in restoring your property and moving forward is to determine if your policy provides coverage for the loss. To do this you need to file a claim with the insurer.

While the claims process isn't something many eagerly look forward to, there are definitely ways you can make it a less stressful experience. To help you successfully navigate the process, here are several tips for effectively and efficiently filing claims.

Keep an inventory of all your insured possessions.

Be proactive! If you keep a written document of your possessions, it can help make the claims process much easier if you experience a loss. Go from room to room and record each item and its value to prepare an inventory. An easy way to do this is to take photos or videos of each room and all of the contents in the rooms. Consider keeping receipts with the purchase date and original cost for your records too, in case of total loss. Your inventory list should be consistently updated, which can be done easily if you record new items shortly after purchasing them. Pro Tip: Your inventory should be easily accessible. It is a good idea to keep a couple copies of your inventory at different locations, with one location being off-premises in case of a total loss, like a fire.

Reach out to your agent first.

In the event of a potential claim, it's best to contact your agent directly instead of the broader insurance provider. Your agent will be able to explain your options and advise on whether filing a claim is in your best interest. In some cases, your agent may even file the claim for you.

Report your loss promptly.

Always file your claim as soon as you possibly can. Of course, theft losses should be reported to the police first, and in other situations of danger and urgency, safety takes priority. But once it's safe and reasonable to do so, you should contact your insurance agent. This is important because your policy might require you to make the notification within a certain amount of time. Not filing a claim within the time required in your policy may lead to a denial of the claim or may result in the claims process taking longer.

Be prepared with the right information.

When you file your claim or make follow-up calls regarding the process, be sure to have the right information so your conversation is easier and more effective. Have your inventory list and the details of your loss, and keep the following information handy for your claims representative:

  • The customer's name and address

  • The policy number

  • The date the loss happened

  • A description of what happened

  • A preferred telephone number for future contact

Provide complete, correct information.

Explain the situation accurately without downplaying or exaggerating your loss. Incorrect or incomplete information may cause complications and delays in processing the claim. Additionally, materially misrepresenting the facts of your loss may result in a loss of coverage.

Record important details from all correspondence.

While going through the claims process, be sure to write down important information from your phone conversations and in-person meetings with claims representatives and other contacts. This should include the time and date, as well as the name and title of the person you spoke with. This will help you stay organized and create records that may come in handy later.

Make appropriate emergency repairs.

If you're dealing with property damage it may be necessary to make immediate emergency repairs to prevent additional damages, such as calling a plumber to repair a broken pipe. Your policy might cover the costs of these emergency repairs, so be sure to inquire about them when filing the claim. It is also important to take photos or even videos before making the repairs, and save the receipts from all of the work that is done.

Ask questions.

Don't be afraid to ask your claims representative for more information or clarification. The process will go much more smoothly if you are both on the same page and fully understand each other. For example, if there is a disagreement about the coverage of the claim, ask for the specific language in the policy that is in question to find out if it is a matter of differing interpretations.

Overall, it's important to have patience because every insurance claim is different! Some may be completed quickly, while others may take a few weeks or even months to be resolved. You never know when problems will arise, but these tips can help you to effectively address the situations and smoothly navigate the claims process.

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Article By

Ryker Huizinga

Ryker is a multimedia storyteller with interests in writing, video, photography and design. He is on a quest to visit all of the U.S. national parks, and is almost always planning his next camping trip. Combining passions for travel and creative communication, he draws from his experiences to share stories of safety and adventure.

Hurricane readiness tips for your car, boat or RV

Home

By Progressive Progressive.com

Hurricane season is here—check out the following tips to keep you and your family, as well as your car, boat or RV safe in case severe weather strikes.

Tips to make sure your car is hurricane-ready

With most of your focus on your family and home, you may not think much about your car during a hurricane. But, it may just be your key to safety if you need to evacuate.

Make sure your car is ready and that you understand how to drive in severe conditions.

Well in advance:

  • Prepare an evacuation route.

  • Store emergency supplies in your trunk. The basics include a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, and prescription medications. Here are a few additional suggestions.

 If a storm is forecast:

  • Get a full tank of gas. Fuel may be in short supply after the storm.

  • Make sure the windshield wipers are in good shape, and the tires (including your spare) are properly inflated.

  • Place your auto and home insurance documents, vehicle registration, title, and other important documents in a waterproof bag and keep them with you.

  • Charge your cell phone and plan to bring it if you evacuate.

  • If you expect to leave your car behind, be sure it’s not in a flood-prone area. Rising water can seep in and damage your vehicle.

  • If you’re instructed to evacuate, do so immediately.

If you’re ordered to evacuate or are returning home after an evacuation:

  • Avoid driving through deep water. The average car can be swept off the road by as little as 12″ of moving water. Just try to find an alternate route.

  • If your vehicle stalls in water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety. But, be aware that restarting may severely damage your engine.

  • If you can’t restart your car and you become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon it for higher ground. If you’re unable to get out safely, call 911 or get help from a passerby or someone standing on higher ground.

  • After you and your vehicle are out of deep water and in a safe area, depress your brakes slowly several times to help them dry.

Tips to make sure your boat is hurricane-ready

Know how to protect your boat if a hurricane or other severe weather event is approaching. We developed these tips with help from the U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Emergency Management Administration. Ultimately, the best way to protect your vessel is to remove it from the water, and all other measures are supplemental in the event this can’t be done.

Whether your boat is docked, anchored, or in dry storage:

  • Have a storm strategy and implement it well before the hurricane hits.

  • Remove non-secure items, electronics and excess gear.

  • Remove important documents and valuables.

  • Make sure openings are watertight, and remove or stow non-essential canvas.

  • Ensure that all self-bailing thru hull fittings are clear of debris.

  • Check that batteries are fully charged and that automatic bilge pump switches are operational.

If your boat is docked:

  • Double-up on chafe protection.

  • Double all lines, attaching them high on pilings to allow for a storm surge. The longer the dock lines, the better a boat will move with high and rough tides.

 If your boat is anchored:

  • Do not tie it parallel to the shore.

  • Leave plenty of room between your boat and other boats.

  • Be sure to use enough line to allow for a storm surge.

  • Clear all self-baling cockpit drains.

  • Consider using several anchors.

If your boat is in dry storage:

  • Place it in an area higher than the expected storm surge.

  • Lash it to its cradle with heavy lines and consider adding water to the bilge to help hold it down. Never leave your boat on davits or on a hydro-lift.

  • If your boat is on a trailer, take some air out of the tires and secure the wheels with blocks between the frame and the axles.

  • Make sure all drains are free from debris and drain plugs are removed.

With any of these scenarios, if you’re out of town, ask a friend or relative with access to your boat to help. Sure, you’ll “owe him,” but that favor could help prevent some very expensive damage.

Of course, the most important thing to remember is to protect yourself. Never put yourself in danger while trying to protect your boat.

Tips to make sure your RV is hurricane-ready

Your RV can help you and your family evacuate an area, and serve as a cost-effective, temporary living space if your home isn’t livable due to storm damage.

Here are a few tips to make sure your RV is hurricane-ready.

Well in advance:

  • Prepare an evacuation route.

  • Store emergency supplies in your RV. The basics include a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, and prescription medications. Here are a few additional suggestions.

  • Perform a thorough safety check. If you use gas-powered lanterns or cook stoves, be sure to have battery-operated fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If you use an electric generator, install a transfer switch to prevent shocks.

If a storm is in the forecast:

  • Get a full tank of gas. Fuel may be in short supply after the storm.

  • Make sure the windshield wipers are in good shape, and the tires (including the spare) are properly inflated.

  • Pack sleeping bags and bedding in plastic to protect them from moisture.

  • Place your auto and home insurance documents, vehicle registration, title, and other important documents in a waterproof bag and keep them with you.

  • Charge your cell phone and plan to bring it if you evacuate.

  • Empty the holding tanks, turn off the propane cylinders, and cover the regulator.

  • If you have a travel trailer, tie it down and make sure it’s secure.

  • If you expect to leave your RV behind, make sure it’s not in a flood-prone area. Rising water can seep in and damage upholstery, carpeting and electrical systems.

  • If you’re instructed to evacuate, do so immediately.

Driving:

  • Don’t drive during a hurricane. RVs are particularly vulnerable to heavy winds and rain because of their size and high center of gravity.

  • If you have no alternative than to drive through standing water, do it slowly and steadily. If your RV stalls, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety. But, be aware that restarting may severely damage your engine.

  • If you can’t restart your RV and become trapped in rising water immediately abandon the vehicle for higher ground. If you’re unable to get out safely, call 911 or get help from a passerby or someone standing on higher ground.

 

Top Eight Mistakes People Make While Towing

The idea of hauling something huge behind your truck or SUV may sound like a fun adventure, but for those who aren't familiar with the complexities of towing, it can actually be pretty intimidating! According to Complete Trailers LLC, there are eight common mistakes people make while towing. To avoid costly damages, read this list before you hitch and go:

  1. Overworking Your Engine

    The number one mistake people make is overworking their tow vehicle. Overextending your vehicle can start a landslide of engine problems. This mistake could lead to a meltdown on the side of the road and potentially require a brand new transmission.

    To avoid this, keep an eye on your pressure, temperature gauges, and exhaust gas temperature gauges.

  2. There are eight common mistakes people make while towing. To avoid costly damages, read this list before you hitch and go.

  3. Wrong Weight Distribution Bars

    If you don't have your weight distribution bars set up right, you're bound to have your vehicle and trailer bouncing from each other. Your ride will be bumpier than usual and the hitch and frame can be damaged from this too.

    And when it comes to weight distribution bars, bigger is not better. The bars with chains are tunable and come in various strengths and weights. If you properly load the correct bar size, they'll be parallel to the trailer's frame.

  4. Not Checking or Maintaining Brakes

    Brakes are the most essential and most overlooked safety system.

    Trailer brakes don't self-adjust like the brakes on your tow vehicle. In fact, they must be manually adjusted by you. Additionally, trailer brakes wear out just like any other brake does, so be sure to check for wear and tear regularly.

  5. Poorly Loaded Vehicles
    It's crucial for safety and damage prevention to always put a balanced load on your trailer. Read up on weight restrictions and follow them closely because if you don't, your tow vehicle won't last very long.

  6. Wrong Ball/Ball Mount
    Make sure that you have the right ball and mount for your trailer. There are three different sizes of balls: 1 7/8 inches, 2 inches, and 2 5/16 inches — each with a different weight rating. Using the wrong mount or ball will pitch your trailer up or down on your axles and it also puts extra stress on your brakes and tires, which eventually reduces your breaking ability. If you use multiple trailers, carry multiple mounts.

  7. "Racing" While Towing
    We know how exciting it is to get to a destination, but remember, slow and steady wins the race! Speeding up or down a grade is the last thing you want to do because it'll ruin the longevity of your tow vehicle.

  8. Low-Pressure Tires
    If you maintain the right tire pressure on both your tow vehicle and trailer, you'll have even tire wear, which means you're less likely to have blow-outs from overheating. This scenario is especially dangerous when it happens on your rear trailer tires, so make sure to pay special attention to them. Tires degrade more quickly when not in use. Before you hitch and go, remember to always inspect your tires and pressure.

  9. Not Lubing Your Components
    Like any well-oiled machine, taking preventative measures with your trailer and tow vehicle goes a long way. Axles and all pivot points where steel meets steel (or rubber bushings meet steel) should be greased.

Foremost wants you to travel and tow safely.

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