What Every First Time RV Owner Should Know About Insurance in Oshkosh, NE

Congratulations on your new RV purchase! Whether your RV is a custom-made Class A motorhome, a brand-new travel trailer, or a gently used fifth wheel, there is nothing more exciting than loading up the family and hitting the open road for outdoor fun and exploration with loved ones and friends. 

The local RV insurance professionals at Western Trails Insurance in Oshkosh, NE, provide quick and easy-to-follow tips and tricks to help you get started below. 

RV Insurance Basics for First-Time RVers 

Just like auto insurance or home insurance, RV insurance is designed to protect the exterior, interior, and covered accessories of your RV.

Different levels of coverage can include basic liability coverage to satisfy state insurance minimums, comprehensive RV insurance coverage that protects your RV and finances from a wide variety of possible perils, and collision insurance for RVs, which helps to cover the cost of repairing or replacing campers, trailers, and fifth wheels that have been involved in an accident. 

The Difference Between Comprehensive, Collision, and Liability Insurance for RV Owners

The primary difference between liability and comprehensive or collision coverages is that liability RV insurance meets state minimum requirements and covers at-fault drivers for limited accident-related protections, which can include legal liability claims from injured drivers, medical expenses, and property damage claims when the driver is at fault for an accident. 

Comprehensive and collision coverages for RV owners extend their liability-only policies to cover more events, accidents, and non-accident-related perils.

Talk to a licensed and friendly insurance agent at Western Trails Insurance in Oshkosh to learn more about getting full coverage RV insurance and compatible add-ons like emergency roadside assistance, towing, and trip interruption benefits for RV owners. 

Mastering Motorcycle Insurance in Oshkosh, NE: A Rider’s Guide

Western Trails Insurance is an invaluable resource for motorcycle riders in the Oshkosh, NE region. We help our clients avoid the potential mistakes that can be made when choosing a motorcycle insurance policy. While this task may seem daunting, it is made easier with the following tips. Please take a moment to read on and learn more.

Don’t Expect Kindness From Strangers

Many motorcycle riders may believe that a stranger will pay for all of the damages if they are struck. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. That’s why the policy you choose needs to reflect these risks. Many people drive without adequate insurance, and strangers’ kindness cannot be relied upon.

Basic Policies May Not Be Enough

When meeting with a professional insurance broker, take the time to get into the specifics of your requirements. Too many motorcycle riders will allow themselves to believe that a basic policy is good enough, and these policies may leave them without sufficient coverage. The last thing you want is to be left financially responsible for damages and medical bills.

Consider Your Storage Situation

A motorcycle must be properly stored once the weather starts to turn, and Nebraska residents will need to consider their storage setup thoroughly. Perhaps, you would like to pause your liability coverage for the months when the motorcycle is not in use. These are questions that you will need to ask your insurance broker.

Do you need motorcycle insurance in the Oshkosh, NE area?

If so, our team of professionals can help. Give us a call or stop by as soon as you are ready to learn more. We are here to answer any questions that you may have. At Western Trails Insurance, we pride ourselves on assisting our clients and aligning them with the best policy for their needs.

Jet Ski & Waverunner Insurance Coverage

Waverunners and jet skis can be fun personal watercraft (PWC) rides on, but having the right insurance coverage in place before hitting the water is essential. What types of PWCs can (and should) be covered? Coverage for PWCs is required in many states and counties, but it’s a good idea to have it in case of an incident, accident, or death. Remember, anything can happen at any time. PWSs allow one rider to stand or kneel on the vessel rather than sit; these policies do not cover sit-down jet skis.

Common Liability Losses Covered Under Personal Watercraft Insurance

There are losses when using watercraft that are more common than others, such as:

  • Bodily injury or death to another person due to your negligence
  • Injuries suffered to you by another operator while using your craft.
  • The negligence of another operator while using your PWC
  • Damage to a dock or another craft
  • Towed wakeboarders or skiers injured while using your PWC
  • Physical damage to the equipment, hull, or machinery
  • Towing assistance should you break down on or in the water

What is Excluded From a PWC Policy?

It would be best to read your policy to get the details on excluded items. In general, what’s not covered include:

  • Any PWC that’s been modified for speed or performance.
  • PWCs that have been operated after dusk void coverage.
  • Certain modifications add substantially to the value.

PWC differs depending on the make, model, age, and type of personal watercraft, so you’ll want to read your policy carefully.

Jet Ski & Waverunner Insurance Coverage

Personal watercraft cannot be added to existing boat policies, so they require their own coverage before operating. These are specialized policies but aren’t expensive. We’ll help you find the right PWC coverage, so contact Western Trails Insurance in Oshkosh, NE, today.

Maximizing Your Health in Oshkosh: A Guide to Understanding Health Insurance

When Oshkosh, NE residents need clarification about their health insurance policies, Western Trails Insurance has the expert knowledge to guide them. Our step-by-step guide demystifies health insurance policies, ensuring our clients make informed decisions.

Clearing Insurance Jargon

Cracking the insurance jargon code is the first step toward understanding your policy. Terms like "deductibles" and "co-pay" may not be part of everyday conversations, but they are integral to health insurance policies. Doing your homework before shopping for insurance puts you in a stronger position to make an informed final decision.

Know Your Health Status

Comprehensive knowledge about your current and potential future health status helps you choose a health insurance policy that fits your needs. This is particularly crucial when purchasing a policy that covers your loved ones, whose health status also needs to be taken into account.

Prioritize Quality Medical Care

The quality of care provided by healthcare facilities in your insurance plan should be prioritized. After all, you wouldn’t want to be forced to visit subpar healthcare facilities during a health emergency.

Talk to Western Trails Insurance for More Information

Would you like to learn more about the available health insurance policies? If you’re in the Oshkosh, NE, area, contact Western Trails Insurance. We’ll gladly answer all your queries in a timely and efficient manner.

Does Home Insurance Cover Bicycles?

Many people in the Oshkosh, NE, area own bicycles that they use to exercise, recreate, travel, or commute. Some of these bikes are quite valuable, making them difficult to replace if destroyed or stolen. One effective way to protect a bicycle is to obtain home insurance.

Bicycle Coverage

Homeowners’ policies treat bikes as personal property. This means they’re generally covered in the same situations as other belongings, such as theft, vandalism, and fire. Be sure to keep purchase receipts and write down some details about your bicycle. A photo could also prove useful if you need to file a claim.

Keep in mind that coverage limits may apply to the value of a bicycle or personal property in general. You might need to upgrade your coverage when you buy a high-end bike, especially if you own other highly valuable items. An insurance agent can determine if this is necessary.

Exceptions

Regular home insurance probably won’t cover damage inflicted by a bicycle crash, flooding, or an earthquake. You can’t make a claim when the bike is worth less than the policy’s deductible. If a mortgage lender purchases homeowners’ coverage for your house, it might not cover personal possessions.

Away From Home

Although it’s called home insurance, it can protect a bicycle in many different places. The policy will generally cover theft, liability, and certain other incidents while you’re riding or transporting a bike. This may help safeguard your assets if you accidentally harm another person in a bicycle accident.

Based in Oshkosh, NE, Western Trails Insurance serves homeowners throughout Nebraska and Colorado. Our independent agency works with more than 30 different carriers to provide customers with a wide range of options. If you’re looking for dependable home insurance, please call Western Trails Insurance at 308-772-1044 today.

5 Reasons Why Renters Insurance is Important

Are you a renter? Do you lease the home or apartment where you live? If you live in the Oshkosh, NE area, Western Trails Insurance wants you to be aware of five good reasons to secure renters’ insurance.

Why Renters Insurance is Important

     1. Your Landlord/Property Manager May Require It

More and more leases are requiring tenants to secure renters’ insurance. While they may have a recommended provider, where you get renters’ insurance is up to you. Western Trails Insurance can help.

     2. Renters May Be at a Higher Risk

Rental properties may be in areas with an increased risk of crime. This can make it important that your personal possessions are protected.

     3. Liability Can Be a Real Issue for Renters

Renters can be responsible for the safety of visitors, repair people, and delivery personnel who visit their homes. Should someone sustain an injury while visiting, you could be liable.

     4. Each Roommate Should Have Their Own Renters Policy

Since renter’s insurance covers personal possessions, each individual tenant on the lease should secure their own policy.

     5. Renters Insurance Can Be Surprisingly Affordable

Before you decide you don’t need or want renters’ insurance, get a price quote. You may be surprised at how affordable it can be. You may also be able to bundle it with car insurance to save more. You should be aware that not only can renters insurance cover your possessions at home, but it can also cover them while you are traveling. 

Get A Free Quote

If you are considering renting, we invite you to learn more about renter’s insurance. In the Oshkosh, NE area, Western Trails Insurance is here to help. Get your no-obligation quote today.

Great Food on the Road: Get the Most Out of Your Motorhome

No matter how luxurious your motorhome is, kitchen space is going to be limited, which can make it tough to prep, store, and serve food. This can make it tough to create the same meals that you would at home, but rest assured–it can be done. At Western Trails Insurance, serving the Oshkosh, NE area, our team is here to provide you with the insurance policies that you need to rest assured that your home on wheels is protected.

Let’s take a look at some ways you can make the most out of your on-the-road kitchen:

Plan Ahead

You don’t have a ton of space to store food in your RV, so planning ahead is important. Don’t forget to use leftovers effectively in order to make the most of your space. For example, if you’re making chili, having it with cornbread one night and reheating it over baked potatoes the following night can help reduce food waste. 

Print Out Recipes

Trying a new recipe in your RV? Fantastic! A word to the wise–be sure to print out or take a screenshot of new recipes instead of relying on your phone. Many RV destinations have less-than-reliable cell phone service, and you don’t want to wing it when it comes to dinner in the middle of nowhere.

Consult With Us

At Western Trails Insurance, our team is proud to provide the Oshkosh, NE area with top-notch insurance services. We understand how much you value your motorhome, and we believe that it’s our job to ensure that your motorhome is protected against the unexpected. Reach out to us today or stop by our office to learn more about our policies. 

Your Guide to RV Insurance Options

Western Trails Insurance has provided Oshkosh, NE residents with RV insurance protection for many years and can help you find an option that makes sense for your needs. Here’s your guide for sorting through your options to ensure that you find the policy that feels right for your RV.

Find Strong Liability 

If you plan on driving with your RV heavily throughout the camping months or hosting people at your camp, you’ll need liability protection. It will protect you if you get into an accident in your RV and hurt another person or if someone gets injured while visiting your RV.

Identify Intelligent Dwellings Support

Your RV is both a vehicle and a temporary home, so you need to make sure that you have dwelling coverage. This will protect you if your RV’s interior items get damaged, such as anything you might have brought with you, like electronics, furniture, and other expensive items.

Remember Comprehensive Coverage

Are you worried about potential damage seriously impacting your RV? Well, comprehensive coverage can pay for various types of problems, including damage by floods and fire. Remember: it’s both a home and auto insurance policy, with many of the same protections both provide.

Don’t Forget Your Premiums!

When sorting through your different insurance options, make sure you pay attention to premiums. These can vary heavily based on many factors, so make sure that you gauge which makes the most sense for you. Doing so can ensure that you don’t pay too much for your policy.

We Are Here To Help

At Western Trails Insurance, we can help Oshkosh, NE area RV owners get the long-term help necessary to keep their vehicles safe. These important and high-quality rigs can make camping enjoyable and provide a unique and enjoyable experience when well-protected. So make sure you get a policy that suits you.

Motorcycle Insurance for New Riders: What to Expect and How to Get Started

Riding a motorcycle can be an amazing experience, but it also comes with its very own set of risks. Motorcycle insurance is imperative to have in place and is part of responsible riding, especially for new riders who may be unfamiliar with motorcycle insurance coverage. Our agents at Western Trails Insurance serving the Oshkosh, NE area want you to know what to expect when it comes to motorcycle insurance if you are new to the game.

Motorcycle Insurance for New Riders: What to Expect and How to Get Started

The Basics of Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance normally includes liability coverage, which covers injuries and property damage you may cause to others in an accident. It also provides coverage for your own injuries and damages to your motorcycle. Comprehensive and collision coverage can protect your bike from theft, vandalism, accidents, natural disasters, and collisions.

Influences on Premiums

Insurance premiums for new riders can be influenced by several things, such as your age, riding experience, location, and the type of motorcycle you own. This is due to the fact that less experienced riders often face higher premiums due to the perceived risk. Also, keep in mind that where you live can affect rates. For example, urban areas may have higher accident rates than rural areas.

Safety Courses

As a new rider, it is a great idea to complete a motorcycle safety course. This type of course will not only enhance your riding skills but also lower your insurance premiums. Insurers often offer discounts to riders who have completed such courses.

Reach Out To Us

To obtain the best motorcycle insurance policy for you and your situation, contact our agents at Western Trails Insurance serving the Oshkosh, NE area today and get your policy started!

Boat Insurance for Liveaboards: Special Considerations

If you’re considering living aboard your boat, then you may be wondering what special insurance considerations you should take into account. Below are a few key points that you should be aware of if you’re going to be living aboard your boat. As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have about boat insurance.

Do you need insurance?

If you have a boat, then you most likely need special boat insurance. This becomes especially true if you’re going to be living on the boat, as that increases your risk and means you’ll want a special layer of insurance protection.

Log Your Possessions

One helpful thing that you should do if you’re going to be living on your boat is catalog all of the possessions that you have onboard. This can be very helpful if you’re going to make a claim, as it can help you assess damages and provide further information to your insurance agency if necessary. 

Be Honest

One of the most important things when it comes to this type of insurance is being honest when you’re putting together your policy. If you’re going to be living on your boat, it’s important to share that detail with your insurance agency so that they can write your policy correctly and make sure that you have all of the coverage you need to reduce your risk.

Looking For Insurance In Oshkosh, NE?

If you’re looking for boat insurance, then consider Western Trail Insurance. We’re a leading insurance option for individuals in Oshkosh, NE. You can always reach us by sending us a message or giving us a call, and we’ll connect you with an experienced member of our Western Trails Insurance staff.