Do I Need To Add My Sidecar To My Motorcycle Insurance Policy?

In Oro Valley, AZ, you should expect that your basic comprehensive and collision coverage will only cover the factory-standard parts of your bike. That means that custom seats and windscreens, decorative elements, and saddlebags are not going to be covered, and yes, that extends to your sidecar.

What you will want to do is call your insurance provider and ask about their "add on" rider. Add on riders, or accessory riders, cover things like custom rims, saddlebags, and so on. Most motorcycle insurers will cover your sidecar with the add on the rider.

Note that this isn’t uniform across all insurers. Some may actually provide some accessory coverage with their standard comprehensive and collision policies. Usually the limits there are relatively low. They expect that they’re going to be covering things like windscreens and custom handlebars rather than a whole extra vehicle attached to the side. So your policy may max out before you have enough money to replace the sidecar after an accident.

You’ll want to read your policy, call your insurer, and make sure that your accessory coverage covers the entire value of the sidecar. You may find that the basic accessory coverage is more than enough, but you can’t bet on that. You need to make sure that you know whether or not you’re covered.

If you’re using a used sidecar that wasn’t that expensive to buy in the first place, you might not even want to bother getting it covered. But remember that your sidecar will be covered on the same provision as all of your other accessories. So if you can get protected, you might as well get protected.

If you’re still looking for an insurance provider in Oro Valley, AZ, call Old Pueblo Insurance or get in touch via the Old Pueblo Insurance website. We can connect you with a policy that’s right for you.

Why You Need RV Insurance

If you are someone who loves RVing and heading out on the open road it is very important for you to do what you can to protect your RV. A recreational vehicle is similar to a traditional vehicle, but it also brings with it unique living quarters, which means it very well is similar to a home and vehicle built together. That means you need special insurance to protect your RV. If you don’t yet have RV insurance, or if you haven’t looked at your RV insurance in a while, our staff here at Old Pueblo Insurance is here to help. So when you live in Oro Valley, AZ or the surrounding Tucson area, we want to help make sure your RV is protected. 

Part Home, Part Vehicle

Your RV requires a different kind of insurance from a traditional vehicle. This isn’t just because it likely costs more than a regular vehicle. It is because you can also live in it. It has a kitchen, added electronics, and a number of other features you’re just not going to find in other vehicles. You can also set up shop at a campground and remain there for weeks, if not months. With an RV as both a home and a vehicle, you need to protect it as such. 

Properly Protect Your RV

When it comes to protecting your RV it all starts with having the right RV insurance. It doesn’t matter if it is 20 years old or you just purchased it brand new, RV insurance will protect both the driving aspect and the living aspect of your vehicle. If you live in Oro Valley, AZ, Tucson, or in the surrounding communities and own an RV, you need to give our staff at Old Pueblo Insurance a call. We are here to help you protect your vehicle. 

Flood Insurance Coverage in Arizona

Arizona homeowners should consider the unique impacts their homes may face as a result of the climate and topography in the region. Because of the dry, warm climate, people may not think of Oro Valley, AZ as a place where flood insurance is necessary. However, it pays to think ahead when it comes to the safety and security of your home.

In fact, flood insurance can be especially important in areas where wildfires are prevalent. Arizona does have a monsoon season, which homeowners should consider when selecting their insurance policies. 

Old Pueblo Insurance can help homeowners decide what sort of insurance to select, what their liabilities are, and how to make informed decisions about how to protect their property while also keeping costs in mind. 

After all, being protected from flooding is key to lessening anxiety when ominous weather reports arrive. Once you’ve spoken with your Old Pueblo Insurance agent, you will know you’ve done all you need to do in case flooding does occur. 

Whether or not your dwelling is in a high risk “flood plain”, you should consider flood insurance. Between 20% and 25% of flood insurance claims come from property that was not listed as a risky area prior to the flooding event. What does this mean for your property? It’s important to consider purchasing flood insurance before the rain begins to pour. 

Another important resource for homeowners is floodsmart.gov.This governmental website provides information about how to mitigate flood risks on your property and explains more about flood insurance coverage. 

Wherever you live in the Oro Valley, AZ, you will want to speak to Old Pueblo Insurance about coverage options in case of a flood. It’s better to be prepared than caught without protection, so reach out for a free quote– you will be glad you did!

Does Boat Insurance Cover When My Boat is Being Towed?

The answer is yes!  Owning a boat in Oro Valley, AZ means hours of fun for you and your friends on area lakes.  Many think about the dangers while on the water but few think about the perils of transporting the boat to the lake.  That’s why boat owners need the right cover before they head to the lake.  There are many insurance options available to boat owners.  Before you try to find the right options yourself, come into Old Pueblo Insurance.  Our agents work with boat owners in the Oro Valley, AZ to get the policy that fits them.  Our agents will talk with you about the type of boat you have and how often you use it.  This will help them recommend the best coverage that meets your needs. 

The right coverage can give you peace of mind because, unfortunately, accidents do happen.  Boats are very expensive to repair or replace following an accident.  The right coverage will financially protect you if an accident does happen on the road or in the water.  Liability coverage is also important, though not required.  If there is an accident or property damage where you are deemed to be at fault, it will protect you.  Boat policies cover a wide range of events and accidents such as oil spills, your boat sinking or if its stolen or vandalized.  To guide you through your many policy options, talk with one of our agents at Old Pueblo Insurance.  They know boating and boaters in the Oro Valley, AZ area so they will make sure that you have the right coverage in place.  Give us a call or come in to visit today to talk about the options you have for the coverage you need!

Do I Need Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is insurance that helps protect your assets in the event that your insurance does not cover the full amount. Let’s say you were driving through Oro Valley, AZ and find yourself in an at-fault auto accident that involved more than two vehicles. The people in the other vehicles were injured and were taken to the hospital. 

Between the damage to the vehicles and the medical costs, the total comes to more than your insurance policy covers. In this case, the money to cover these costs has to come from somewhere. If you have anything of value, including but not limited to a home or an investment account, you might lose them to cover the additional costs. Additionally, you might be sued for additional costs if the injured party loses compensation or has severe medical problems that are due to the accident. This can be a scary predicament to be in- no one wants to lose what they work hard for.

Unfortunately, though, we do not know the future and anything can happen. You may not be able to control everything, but you can lessen the impact of such a situation by obtaining umbrella insurance. It provides additional coverage that picks up where your other insurance ends.

Not everyone needs such coverage and you are not required to carry it. It is simply a means of protecting assets. Most umbrella insurance policies are for a $1 million minimum coverage. Once you have $1 million in assets, you should really consider adding this coverage.

Here at Old Pueblo Insurance, we understand what it means to work hard and want to protect what you work for. This is why we want to partner with you to make sure you have the coverage you need. If you live in Oro Valley, AZ, give Old Pueblo Insurance a call or stop by today for your no-obligation quote.

Importance of Motorcycle Training for New Riders

As a new rider, you shouldn’t neglect the importance of motorcycle training in keeping you and others safe on the road. Purchasing motorcycle insurance from Old Pueblo Insurance in Oro Valley, AZ will protect you and your bike if you have an accident. A motorcycle safety course, however, could help prevent accidents and possibly save lives in the process. The following benefits make motorcycle training a valuable investment for new riders.

Learn Riding Skills

During a motorcycle safety course, you can learn riding skills and techniques that will make you a better (and safer) rider. You’ll have the opportunity to practice on different types of bikes and learn how to maneuver safely in the city and open road riding. Motorcycle training also exposes you to the dangers of riding so you can take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others on the road.

Gain Experience in Controlled Environment

Motorcycle training gives you valuable experience in riding a bike so you’ll have greater confidence once you get out on the road. You’ll have a chance to hone riding and safety skills within a supervised, controlled environment. A safety course can help you develop good riding habits that can help prevent accidents. You’ll also be able to glean valuable tips on purchasing a motorcycle and motorcycle gear from instructors with years of experience in riding.

Reduced Insurance Costs

Completing a motorcycle safety course could help you qualify for a discount on your motorcycle insurance as the training you receive can reduce your risk of accidents. When learning how to ride a bike, safety is a priority. By putting your training into practical use, you can become a more conscientious rider.

For more information about motorcycle safety or motorcycle insurance coverage, call or visit Old Pueblo Insurance in Oro Valley, AZ.

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Winter Riding

If you’re going to ride your bike in winter, you need to prepare for the challenges that winter weather brings. The following safety tips from Old Pueblo Insurance in Oro Valley, AZ can enhance your safety during winter riding. 

Wear the Right Gear

Layer your clothing from top to bottom to protect yourself from the cold. Base layer gear – top and bottom – is a good investment for winter riding. In addition to this gear, you can benefit from a warm fleece or down jacket to cut down the wind chill, windproof gloves to keep your fingers nimble and warm, and insulated, waterproof boots to keep out wetness and cold. Don’t forget to add a neck-warming scarf and protective full-face helmet with an attached fog-free face shield to your gear for long-distance travel.

Prep Your Bike

Prepare your bike with winter accessories that can make for safer, more comfortable riding. An oversized windshield will protect you from winter winds. Heated grips and a sheepskin seat cover will enhance comfort by keeping you warmer and dryer during your winter riding. Quality all-weather tires are a must for reducing the risk of accidents on Arizona’s slick, wet roads during winter. 

Be Vigilant on the Road

Use wisdom when riding in winter as road conditions are more hazardous for riding. Ride slower and keep an eye out for ice, salt, cracks and potholes in the road. Stay tuned to weather forecasts to avoid running into a snowstorm during your travels.

Update Your Motorcycle Insurance

Make sure your motorcycle insurance is up to date and that you have the protection you need for winter riding. For year-round motorcycle insurance protection you can trust, call or visit an agent from Old Pueblo Insurance in Oro Valley, AZ today.

When’s the Best Time to Buy Life Insurance?

Many people wait until they’re married or have children to look into life insurance options. The longer you wait, however, the more you’ll pay for life insurance costs. The best time to purchase life insurance is when you’re young, healthy and single to take advantage of lower premiums on your policy. Life insurance from Old Pueblo Insurance in Oro Valley, AZ offers a wide range of benefits to singles, families and seniors alike. Here’s why it’s better to purchase a policy when you’re young:

Lower Premium

Life insurance rates increase with age. Every year you wait means you’ll pay a higher price for the features in the policy you desire. By obtaining a policy when you’re young, you can capitalize on lower premiums for the duration of your policy. If you’re healthy and have good healthy living habits, i.e. moderate drinker, non-smoker, daily exerciser, etc., chances are you’ll qualify for the lowest premium available for the coverage you want.

Financial Security

Buying life insurance early provides financial security for your future. You may be single now, but what about the future? By buying a life policy now, you can be prepared for when you get married and start a family. As you grow older and circumstances in your life change, you can have peace of mind knowing you have the financial security that life insurance has to offer.

Increased Cash Value

The cash value of life insurance grows as time goes by. If you purchase a whole life policy when you’re young, the premiums you pay towards this policy will accumulate a considerable amount of value by the time you’re old. You can cash in on this value to buy a home or even use it to supplement your retirement.

For more information on life insurance coverage and costs, contact us at Old Pueblo Insurance in Oro Valley, AZ.

How commercial insurance can save your business

You may be wondering if your Oro Valley, AZ business needs to have commercial insurance. Especially if you are a new business, it may seem like an additional expense that you just don’t need. Commercial can save your business if something happens and it is one of the things that can really be a lifesaver. Old Pueblo Insurance has the information that you need to make an educated decision about the value of commercial insurance to you and your business. 

Many things can happen to threaten your business and your livelihood. If the building that houses your business is damaged, what would happen to your business? If your stock was destroyed would you have the money to replace it? What about your machinery, no matter what type it is, if it was damaged what would you do? Would you be able to purchase new equipment? These are just a few of the possible scenarios that could cause an interruption in your ability to do business. 

Commercial insurance would be able to help you in all of these occasions to get back to work as soon as humanly possible. 

If you are using a vehicle to do business, having commercial auto insurance keeps your business and your personal life separate, which can save your business and your personal finances. 

Commercial liability insurance will save your business in the event that someone is injured while at your business or by one of your products. If someone sues you, the legal expense, as well as any judgment, will be covered up to the limit of your policy. 

If you have business interruption insurance you will be able to pay your bills and your employees in the event that your business is not able to operate due to a covered peril. This alone can save your business. 

In Oro Valley, AZ, Old Pueblo Insurance would love to talk to you about the best coverage for you. Give them a call or stop by their office for a no-obligation quote. 

I Am Selling My Home. Do I Need to Tell the Home Insurance Company?

When you are selling your home, you may find yourself unsure of whether you need to tell your home insurance company and when you need to tell them. Here at Old Pueblo Insurance, serving the greater Oro Valley, AZ area, we want to make home insurance as simple as possible for you. Here is what you need to know about home insurance and selling your home. 

Prior to Selling Your Home

In most cases, you do not need to tell a home insurance company that you are putting your home up for sale. The exception to this is if you are moving out. If you are no longer living in the residence, and have the home up for sale, you should let your home insurance company know. Many insurance policies are designed to protect you when you are living in the home, not after you have moved out. Changes may need to be made to ensure your home is still covered when you are not living there. 

When a Sale is Pending

Once you have an offer on your home, you should notify your home insurance company that you have a sale pending on the home and the date that the sale is scheduled to close. This gives them notice that your policy may need to be canceled soon. If a sale falls through, let the insurance company know. 

When the Sale Goes Through

Once the sale of your home has been completed, contact the home insurance company. Let them know both verbally and in writing. The policy can then be canceled. 

If you are selling your home, you may also be in the market to buy a new home. Here at Old Pueblo Insurance, serving the Oro Valley, AZ area, we can help you transfer your existing policy or begin a new policy when you purchase a new home. Contact us today and let us help you figure out the right move for your home insurance needs.