ATVs, Boats, and RVs: Is Your Summer Recreation Properly Insured?

ATVs, Boats, and RVs: Is Your Summer Recreation Properly Insured?

Summer in Oklahoma means lake days, four-wheeler trails, weekend rides, and family road trips. The ATVs come out of storage, the trailers come off the rack, and the season gets going. What often gets overlooked in the middle of all that: whether the policies covering these vehicles are actually keeping up.

Many Oklahoma families assume their home or auto insurance extends to recreational vehicles. That assumption is one of the most common reasons a coverage gap turns into a costly surprise after an accident, theft, or loss.

Before you launch the boat or hit the trail this summer, here are the gaps Oklahoma families overlook most often.

Your homeowners policy probably does not cover what you think

A standard homeowners policy may offer limited coverage for personal property like fishing gear or bicycles, but it typically does not extend to:

  • ATVs and off-road vehicles
  • Boats with motors above a certain horsepower
  • RVs and motorhomes
  • Jet skis and personal watercraft

In most cases, these vehicles need their own policy to be fully protected, especially when they are in use, on the road, or off your property.

On your land versus off your land

Where you ride or drive matters. ATVs and side-by-sides on your own property may have some limited coverage under home insurance. The moment they leave that property, that protection often disappears. The same can be true for boats once they leave a private dock, or jet skis launched at a public ramp.

A few of the most common gaps to ask about:

  • Liability if someone is injured while riding with you or on your watercraft
  • Property damage if your vehicle hits another vehicle, structure, or person
  • Theft and vandalism while in storage or in transit
  • Damage during loading, unloading, or transport on a trailer
  • Coverage for accessories like winches, racks, sound systems, or custom upgrades

Trailers and tow vehicles need their own look

The trailer you tow your boat or ATV on is usually not covered under your auto policy unless it is specifically listed. The same goes for damage caused by the trailer itself to other vehicles or property. It is worth confirming what is and is not protected before you hit the road.

When someone else takes them out

If a friend, family member, or neighbor borrows your boat or four-wheeler and an accident happens, your policy may or may not respond. It depends on the policy, who is driving, and the situation. Knowing how your coverage handles other riders and drivers before you hand over the keys can save a hard conversation later.

A quick conversation goes a long way

A short call with your local OKFB Insurance agent can clear up most of these questions before they become problems. Your agent can walk through what you have, what may need its own policy, and where small adjustments make a meaningful difference.

OKFB Insurance offers recreation coverage for boats, motorcycles, motorhomes, off-road vehicles, and more. Each is built around the way Oklahomans actually use these vehicles, on the lakes, trails, and back roads that make summer here what it is.

We’re here to help

Whether you’ve been with OKFB Insurance for years, or you’re just looking at your options, your local agent can help you review your summer recreation coverage. 

Reach out to your local OKFB Insurance agent today.

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Boat Owner’s Guide to Safety

As much fun as hitting the water can be, owning a boat is not all fun and games. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out, prioritizing safety should always be at the forefront of your boating adventures. Keep reading for safety tips every boat owner should know! 

Wear life jackets

There’s a reason they’re called life jackets! Before setting sail, ensure that every person on board has access to a properly fitted life jacket. These jackets should be appropriate for each individual’s size and weight, and they should be worn at all times, especially for children and non-swimmers. Remember: adult life jackets will not work for children. There are several options for life jackets, so be sure to check the label for the size and weight limits. 

Know Oklahoma’s boating laws

Every waterway has its own set of regulations and laws governing boating activities. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with Oklahoma’s boating laws–or wherever you’re boating–before embarking on any journey. Understanding speed limits, navigation rules, and safety requirements can prevent complications while on the water.

Look at the forecast ahead of time

Checking the weather forecast before heading out is a fundamental aspect of boating safety. Sudden storms or adverse weather conditions can turn a pleasant excursion into a dangerous situation. Stay informed about any impending storms to make decisions about when it’s safe to get on the water.

Drink plenty of water

Spending time on the water, especially under the hot sun, can quickly lead to dehydration. To ensure everyone’s well-being, make sure to bring an ample supply of clean water on board. Dehydration can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents, so staying hydrated is important. 

Make sure you’re covered

Boating accidents can happen unexpectedly, despite taking all necessary precautions. Having the right boat insurance ensures that you’re financially protected in case of damages, injuries, or liabilities arising from accidents on the water. Before setting sail, review your insurance policy to ensure it provides comprehensive coverage for your vessel and passengers. Talk to your local OKFB agent to learn more about your coverage options! 

Prioritizing safety is non-negotiable when it comes to enjoying your time on the water. By following these essential boat safety tips you can ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience for yourself and your passengers! 

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Recreation Insurance Myths

Do you own a recreational vehicle? If so, it’s important to make sure you have the right recreation insurance policy in place. Many people believe that their regular auto insurance policy will cover their RVs and other recreational vehicles, but this is not always the case. 

In fact, most standard policies don’t cover recreational vehicles. That’s why it’s important to research your options and find an insurance policy that meets your needs. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common recreation vehicle insurance myths.

Myth: All RVs are the same, so they all require the same insurance coverage.

There is a big difference between a Class A motorhome and a pop-up camper. The type of RV that you own will play a big role in determining the amount and type of coverage you need. For example, a Class A motorhome will typically require more coverage than a pop-up camper.

Myth: RV insurance is very expensive.

The cost of RV insurance varies depending on a number of factors, including the type and size of the RV you own, your driving record, where you live and more. However, there are plenty of ways to save on RV insurance. For example, if your home and auto policies are with the same provider, you may be able to get a discount. 

Myth: You don’t need RV insurance if you only use your RV for camping trips.

Even if you only use your RV for occasional camping trips, it’s still important to have the right insurance in place. If you’re in an accident or your RV is damaged or stolen, you could be left paying a high price without the proper coverage.

Myth: Your Auto or Home Insurance Policy covers your RV.

RVs require their own insurance policy. Your auto insurance policy can extend to your personal trailer, but once you unhitch and it is no longer connected to your vehicle, the coverage ends. Home insurance may provide some coverage while it is on your property, but it will not cover any damage that could happen while you travel. Only an RV insurance policy is able to provide full-time protection during travel and parked locations outside of your property.

Now that we’ve debunked some of the most common myths about recreation vehicle insurance, it’s time to start shopping for a policy that’s right for you. Make sure you’re getting the coverage you need to keep you and your family safe. 

If you’re looking at RV insurance options,  we encourage you to speak with your OKFB insurance agent about the coverage options available to you. If you have any other questions about insurance or need to be connected with an agent, please connect with us today. We are happy to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.  

Don’t forget to follow us on social media! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

3 Ways to Show You Care

Valentine’s Day is the perfect holiday to show your loved ones how much you care. This year, don’t just get flowers and chocolates. One gift that can truly last is insurance. It may not be as romantic as a dozen roses, but it can provide protection for life. 

  1. Protect Your Valuables

Home is where you usually feel safest and where you keep your most prized possessions. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, both insurance lines offer personal property coverage. Personal property coverage covers personal belongings inside a home in the event of damages or theft that may not be covered under a general Homeowners or Renters Insurance line. 

Personal property coverage can provide a sense of security and help in recuperating valuables. Reach out to your local OKFB Agent and see if the jewelry you have or are planning to give for Valentine’s Day is covered.

  1. Travel With Confidence

Planning a weekend getaway for the weekend of love? Whether you’re fishing at the lake, racing ATVs or cruising Route 66 in an RV, one way to protect your loved ones from the unexpected is with Recreational Insurance. We offer a wide range of coverage options that could help you when making new memories wherever your travels take you. 

  1. Support Your Employees

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that small businesses have to expect the unexpected and adapt quickly. Many Oklahoma businesses have suffered from lost revenue, staffing shortages or have had to close their doors completely. One way to show you care for your employees is to give the gift of insurance. Our fully-customizable Business Owners Insurance includes Loss of Income coverage that could help cover a loss of net income due to suspension of operations and help pay for continuing payroll expenses. 

BONUS – How We Care: Drive with Peace of Mind

One auto-related gift to offer a loved one, and no, we’re not talking about buying a car, is Roadside Rescue. As an OKFB member or policyholder, we give you the gift of Roadside Rescue. This is a free service that provides 24/7 assistance wherever you or your loved one is nationwide. Enjoy the gift of traveling with confidence and peace of mind wherever and whenever this Valentine’s Day.

Insurance coverage is a great way to show you care and to provide loved ones with protection and safety. Reach out to your local OKFB Insurance agent if you have questions about your existing plan or purchasing a new one. We’re here to help!