26Jun

From Work Mules to Trail Schools: Best ATV Insurance For 2023

From a crisp fall hunting run to summer days spent whirling around dunes, ATVs are a source of fun for many. There are so many ways to work and play with them, as you can do chores around the farm side by side or hit the trails full-on with a 4×4. Even though many riders see these vehicles as a bit more stable than a motorcycle, there are still various risks you take while using them. The cost for protection on these very fun and productive toys doesn’t have to be a bundle, and the best ATV insurance providers offer many incentives to allow you to save a substantial amount!


While ATV insurance is not required by law in most states, you will likely need to obtain a policy if you want to enjoy your vehicle on public land. Some states also require you to prove insurance coverage to enjoy 3 or 4-wheeled fun on anyone’s property that is not your own. It works quite a bit like motorcycle insurance and will protect you financially if you suffer a crash. An ATV is officially known as an altering vehicle primarily designed for off road use, and many ATVs are now designed for two passengers or more.


What Does ATV Insurance Cover?


Bodily Injury Liability (required:) this coverage pays if anyone besides you or your passenger becomes injured during an accident that occurs while your ATV is in use, whether you are driving it or not. The limits of bodily injury liability are typically an amount per person and allocated in its total amount per accident. Policies are listed on the marketplace as follows: a $60,000/$110,000 policy will pay up to $60,000 toward each person’s injuries, and a total of $110,000 for the incident overall.


Property Damage Liability (required): this is much like bodily injury liability, and pays for any damage that the operator brings upon another person’s property. A dwelling, the yard around it, or the belongings inside and outside the home are covered. Property damage just has a single limit per incident: if your limit is $75,000, the policy will pay out up to that amount, no matter how many people were involved in the accident.


Medical Payments Coverage/Personal Injury Protection (Optional in Most States): medical payments coverage pays for any medical expenses incurred by any party operating your ATV. Ambulance rides, hospital stays, X-rays, and even surgeries are covered. Even though this type of ATV coverage is so beneficial, it is not always mandated by state law for ATVs because it is so expensive. However, it provides peace of mind especially when younger or generally reckless individuals may be at the helm.


Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (requirements vary): abiding by the same principles as auto insurance, this provides coverage in the event you or someone riding your ATV collides with an uninsured party. It also will help if there is not enough coverage to make good on all expenses, and this is an extremely good idea during the summer months. Once you start embarking on trips off your property and around high-traffic areas, this type of coverage is well worth it.


Collision (Optional): this type of coverage will pay to repair damage to your ATV caused by a collision with another vehicle. Once you get covered you can choose your deductible amount with the insurance company which will then take care of up to the recorded value of the vehicle. If you are leasing your ATV from a dealership this kind of coverage is often required, as they know that multiple riders may be enjoying the vehicle, and those who could be inexperienced as well.


Comprehensive (Optional): This type of coverage will pay for damage that is not caused by an impact. It will also cover the loss of an ATV due to theft, flooding, earthquake, vandalism, or fire. Much like other forms of coverage, comprehensive options have a deductible. When you file a claim, your policy provider will pay up to the cash value to replace it, and you are responsible for the deductible amount.


Does Homeowners Insurance Cover ATV Accidents?
In most cases, homeowners insurance will not cover your ATV or your ATV after an accident occurs and is damaged. Each vehicle will require its own insurance policy, but there is a chance your homeowners liability insurance may cover an ATV accident if you happen to be responsible for someone else’s property damage or injury. If an acquaintance was riding an ATV on your property and was seriously injured, your homeowners liability insurance would cover the damages that you could be sued for.


What is a Sensible ATV Insurance Choice?

Here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles, we partner with many different providers to give you a wide variety of choices for ATV insurance. One good choice for ATV insurance is Progressive. They offer savings with numerous discounts and even provide the option of a disappearing deductible. They also have perks such as OEM parts coverage that assures repairs will be made with original parts or the precisely needed after-market custom parts. You can also select add-ons to cover personal belongings, cover the cost of rentals, and the very useful benefit of 24/7 roadside assistance.

19Jun

The Deep End’s Inviting Distraction: Homeowners Insurance & Swimming Pool Coverage

A swimming pool is a hot-weather friendly feature in many American backyards, but there can be a slightly risky side to their recreational existence. Nearly 7000 children under the age of 15 were seen in the emergency room in 2021 for injuries that took place in a swimming pool, with 45% of these injuries happening in residential pools. From a smaller size and shallow pool to Olympic-grade structures, there’s always a risk of accidents that could lead to injury when a pool is on your property. It’s always best to inquire whether your home insurance will cover these potential risks.

Is my Existing Homeowners Policy Adequate for Pool Coverage?

To answer this question properly, it’s best to look at if your pool largely depends on your insurance provider. Some insurers will not issue a policy at all if a pool exists on the property, and others have specific criteria that need to be taken into consideration, including:

  • Fencing the area around the perimeter
  • placing adequate lighting around the pool to reduce accidental risk
  • installing a useful, non-skid surface on the diving board
  • Placing a lock on your ladder when the pool is above ground

Once you have your homeowners coverage intact, liability coverage can extend to the pool structure, and any damage the pool itself undergoes is protected under a separate coverage type. Secondly, if the pool in question is above ground, your insurance company can consider it part of your personal property since there are no permanent structures attached to it. Personal property coverage may offer both a policy limit and a category limit for your pool, as there are separate coverage limitations to think about with each type of construction.

Above-Ground Pools are usually covered under personal property or other structures coverage as long as they are permanent installation.

In-Ground Pools are usually covered under the dwelling or other structures coverage function of your policy.

How are Pool-Related Injuries Handled by Insurance?

When an injury occurs in your pool, homeowners insurance coverage is the first means of assistance. Depending on how the injury took place, your local laws on residential swimming pools and what safety features you have will govern the outcome. If the pool is used without your permission, the responsibility level can lower drastically, but if they are invited to your house and get injured, you could still be held responsible for said injuries.

One general rule of thumb is that if someone is injured while using your pool, the personal liability coverage on your homeowners policy will take care of all the associated costs. Proper safety measures to reduce risk are also an excellent help for reliability extent, and many property insurers will ask you to put safety measures in place such as a fence around the pool with a locking gate or the removal of the ladder to keep uninvited guests away.

Is a Personal Umbrella Policy Right for You?

A personal umbrella policy is not required, but it is very much worth considering because of the added layer of financial protection it provides. With an umbrella policy, homeowners can rest easy with $1,000,000 or more in valuable additional liability protection. If there is a fatality on their property or someone becomes seriously injured while invited to the pool, this umbrella policy would help pay for their funeral and medical expenses, as well as any fees originating from legal action.

Steps to Take for Heightened Safety in and Around Your Pool:

Even if you are certain that your swimming pool will be covered under personal property or other structures, it’s best to consider taking additional proactive steps to reduce any risk of injury at all on the property. Here are some steps that will assure that the fun you’re enjoying with the pool and your property will be as safe as possible:

  • Installing a fence with a locking gate: it’s not just on graduation nights and when pranks are in play: swimming pools are often appealing to the public and a durable fence is an excellent first line of defense to keep trespassers away. If this gate can be locked, you are provided with an even better layer of protection. Some insurance coverage providers may ask for the fence’s exact height and require a 6-foot minimum.
  • Alarm Installation: Any door on the property that leads to the pool should have an alarm that sounds as soon as it is opened. It should be loud enough that you can hear it throughout the entire house, and have a very distinct ring. Following this protocol will allow you to know every time someone is near your pool that does not have your permission to be there.
  • Prohibit Swimming Alone: When anyone swims alone, the chances of a serious accident increase drastically. Even a minor bump or duck can turn severe without anyone around, and it can be practical to impose this restriction, even for the adults in your household.
  • Acquire proper CPR training: CPR training is a very valuable skill to have when considering everyone’s safety around the pool. Knowing how to administer CPR can absolutely save a life within an instant and can be obtained through hospitals or other cooperating agencies such as the American Red Cross.
  • Assuring That Your Pool Area is Obstacle-Free: Obstacles such as toys and built-in decor can greatly increase the chance of an unwanted injury. It’s best to keep items like toys and chairs away from the pool, especially when left unattended. This will prevent not only accidents in the dark but mishaps that incur when people begin running around recklessly or jumping in from a distance.
  • The Leisure Hour Minus the Ladder: Since most pools are above ground, raising the ladder or removing it completely when the pool is not in use is a good habit that promotes safety. This will at least provide a little bit of defense against unwanted visitors helping themselves to a dip. 

Do all Types of Swimming Pools Require Insurance?

Savvy and experienced insurance agents will tell you that each variety and size of pool will need to be insured. This helps cover the cost of any damages or injuries and provides financial safety and security for the owner. Come see us this summer at the Alexander Agency of Saint Charles while you are weighing your options, preparing your flip-flops and trunks, and adjusting the optimal chlorine levels for all out sunny summer fun!

14May

Is Umbrella Insurance Is the Right Choice for You and Your Family?

Most families protect their finances with liability insurance, but this more than likely won’t be enough to protect your assets in the event of a more extreme emergency. Umbrella insurance will help prevent your family from losing everything. Alexander Insurance in St. Charles, MO, is here to ensure you and your family’s assets are secure, keeping you protected.

Liability insurance generally always covers two things: bodily injury to third parties and property damage.

Examples of what liability insurance will cover:

  • Bodily injury: for example, if someone were to walk up your driveway where the concrete happens to be uneven, and they trip and hurt themselves.
  • Property damage: let’s say a bee flies into your face while you’re driving through your neighborhood, you instinctively freak out, and then crash through a neighbor’s mailbox. Hey, it could happen.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance provides additional coverage, or “excess liability coverage.” This can be applied to any of your insurance policies, whether it’s auto, motorcycle, homeowners, or watercraft. It covers past the “base” that your liability insurance covers. To put it simply, umbrella insurance will cover what the liability won’t.

Examples of What Umbrella Insurance Will Protect

  • Dog bite: homeowner’s insurance will generally cover your dog biting someone – to an extent. If you’re sued, and the price goes above that liability “base,” umbrella insurance will ensure you don’t lose your assets.
  • Auto or boating accident: if you’re in an accident and you’re found at fault – umbrella insurance will cover all expenses that you’re responsible for past what the “base” liability covers. This also applies to property damage if, let’s say, you accidentally drive your car into a building. Crazier unfortunate things have happened.
  • Injuries: Perhaps your son plays pee wee football and accidentally causes another child a significant injury, prompting the other child’s parents to sue for medical bill coverage. Umbrella insurance will once again cover past the liability “base” coverage.

What Umbrella Insurance Covers That Liability Insurance Doesn’t

  • False arrest, imprisonment, or detention
  • Invasion of privacy
  • Libel, defamation, or slander
  • Malicious prosecution
  • Wrongful eviction

What Umbrella Insurance Doesn’t Cover

  • Business losses
  • Criminal acts done on purpose
  • Intentional acts of violence or harm to another
  • Damages due to acts of war

How to Purchase Umbrella Insurance in St. Charles, MO

Be sure to call Alexander Insurance in St. Charles, MO, for all of your insurance needs and to ensure your family’s future is in safe hands. We take pride in helping families all throughout the Missouri area.