Reducing Claims through Better RV Maintenance

The agents at Johnsen Insurance want our Baraboo, WI, customers to enjoy their motorhomes for many years to come. That’s why we put together this short guide on seasonal RV maintenance. A little extra care for your recreational vehicle helps it last longer and operate at optimum capacity.

Semi-annual Maintenance

Conducting semi-annual maintenance, also called seasonal maintenance, on an RV improves performance. That can mean the difference between brakes that fail and brakes that screech the RV to a halt in tough conditions.

Mechanical Maintenance

Let’s review the basic seasonal mechanical maintenance your RV needs before you store it for winter or first use it in spring:

  • Check the air conditioning and heating.
  • Check and top up all fluids, especially engine oil and brake fluids.
  • Examine the engine, hoses, and clamps.

More than the mechanical components of your RV need maintenance, though. The structural integrity of the motorhome matters, too.

Structural Maintenance

Your RV needs thorough washing and detailing. Start at the top of the motorhome and work your way down. Here’s a full list of tasks:

  • Clean the roof by sweeping it and then washing it with mild cleaner and water.
  • Coat the RV’s roof with UV protectant after it dries.
  • Wash the RV.
  • Repair any roof or siding cracks.
  • Wax the RV or use a protective seal on it to create a heartier finish.

Completing these tasks every six months before storing your RV and before using it again will help maintain its optimum operation.

Contact Johnsen Insurance Today

Don’t wait until the unexpected becomes reality, and it is too late to get umbrella insurance to offset the cost of medical, legal liability, and property damage claims. Contact the professionals at Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI, to get a free quote and protect your most prized investments today!

My RV doesn’t have a motor. Do I need insurance?

RV insurance is like any other insurance, providing liability and loss coverage. However, depending on the type of recreational vehicle you own, the insurance requirements vary. The world of RVs is wide and varied. There’s a lot to choose from. Our Johnsen Insurance agents are committed to helping Baraboo, WI residents understand their insurance options as RV owners.

What is RV insurance?

In short, RV insurance protects your RV regardless of whether it’s being driven regularly or stored most of the time. The key determinant when it comes to insurance rests on whether your RV is motorized or not. If your RV is motorized, you are required by law to carry insurance. In essence, think of your RV as a car on wheels. As a result, it’s subject to the same laws as cars. Liability coverage is a requirement. However, depending on your situation, you may have to carry more than just liability coverage. Conversely, if you own a fifth wheel that doesn’t have a motor, insurance isn’t required unless you’re financing your fifth wheel. In this situation, your lender usually requires you to carry full coverage insurance until your RV is paid in full.

My RV doesn’t have a motor. Do I need insurance?

Probably not. You’re not legally obligated to carry insurance if your RV isn’t motorized. However, as mentioned above, your lender usually requires full coverage insurance if you don’t own a non-motorized RV. Insurance isn’t legally required for RV owners unless your RV is motorized. Like auto insurance, RV owners have various insurance options in addition to what’s required. Our insurance agents can help answer any questions and clear any confusion that you may have regarding RV insurance. 

Exploring the Great Outdoors: RV Adventures and Insurance

At Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI, we know that you cannot wait to hop into your RV for a cross-country adventure. Whether you are looking to take a lengthy round trip or simply see all of the sights that Wisconsin has to offer, we are here to help you choose the policy that makes the most sense for your lifestyle.

The following tips and pointers are sure to help!

Do Not Rush Into a Decision

Our team of experienced RV insurance agents is here to offer all of the time that you need. During the RV buying process, there is a tendency to jump into a policy decision because the seller is not going to let you drive off the lot without one. However, you may end up losing out over the long haul when you do not have the coverage you need. That’s why taking your time is imperative.

Discuss Vehicle Usage

Are you going to be living out of the vehicle and using it full-time? Will you only be using it for vacations? Is the RV strictly for personal usage, or will it be used by friends and loved ones? These are crucial distinctions that will have a profound effect on the policy that you choose.

Considering Related Insurance Policies

In many instances, the right RV insurance policy will need to be chosen in conjunction with related insurance policies. With the help of our insurance agents, it is easier to identify your potential needs and make a more informed decision on the policies that are most closely related to the coverage that you require.

Schedule A Consultation Today

When it is time to explore the great outdoors in your RV, you need an insurance policy that will provide you with the necessary peace of mind. The good folks at Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI are here to help. Give us a call or stop by when you’re ready to learn more about the RV insurance policy that works best for you.

Do You Need Both RV Insurance and Home Insurance?

Investing in an RV is a big decision, whether you plan to live in it long-term or make it the ultimate vacation vehicle. Before you get settled or hit the road though, it’s crucial that you take measures to protect your RV properly. But what kind of insurance coverage does your RV actually need? For example, do you need separate RV protection if you already have homeowners insurance?

At Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI, we’re here to help answer all of your questions!

What is RV Insurance?

RV insurance is just what it sounds like — insurance protection for your recreational vehicle. Like auto insurance, RV insurance is required in Wisconsin if it is a motorized vehicle. That means that if you are driving your RV at all, you need to carry minimum liability coverage in case of an accident. If you have a camper or trailer that you are towing, however, RV insurance is not required as long as your auto insurance on the towing vehicle is valid.

It’s also worth out that you may require insurance by certain campgrounds or trailer parks. If you are leasing or renting your RV short-term, you may also be required to carry insurance coverage for the duration of your time with it.

Why You May Also Want Home Insurance with Your RV

RV insurance functions very similarly to auto insurance, which means it covers the vehicle itself rather than all of your possessions within. Therefore, you may also want to add home insurance to your RV for extra protection. This can be a particularly shrewd decision if you are living in your RV for an extended period of time or simply are bringing a lot of valuables on a long trip.

If you already have a home policy on your other property, you may be able to extend it to cover your RV as well. This will not be possible in every case, so it’s important to discuss your options with an insurance agent.

Learn More About RV Insurance Today

It’s always a good idea to speak with an experienced insurance agent before making any decisions. If you have an RV in the Baraboo, WI area, give our team at Johnsen Insurance a call! We’re ready to help you learn everything you need to know about RV insurance and help you find coverage that works for you.

5 Tips for Renewing Your RV Insurance Policy

RVs are a great way to see the country and spend time with family and friends. However, renewing your RV insurance policy can be a confusing and daunting task. Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI is here to provide you with expert insurance advice.

Here are five tips to help make the process simpler and less stressful.

1. Review Your Current Policy

When it’s time to renew your RV insurance policy, the first thing you should do is review your current policy. Take a look at the coverages you have and see if there are any that you no longer need or could use more of. This will help you determine what changes – if any – you need to make to your policy.

2. Compare Costs and Coverage

Once you know what changes, if any, you need to make to your policy, it’s time to start shopping around. Compare the costs and coverage of different policies to find one that fits your needs and budget. However, don’t sacrifice coverage for the cost. Make sure you have the right amount of protection for yourself and your RV.

3. Ask Questions

If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your insurance agent should be able to answer any questions you have about renewing your RV insurance policy. They may even offer suggestions on how you can save money or get better coverage.

4. Read the Fine Print

Before you purchase a policy, be sure to read the fine print. This will help you understand what is and isn’t covered under the policy. It’s important to know what you’re getting into before you make a purchase.

5. Purchase Your Policy

Once you’ve found the right policy, it’s time to purchase it. Be sure to have all the necessary information on hand, such as your RV’s make, model, and year. You should also have your driver’s license number and credit card information ready.

Give Us A Call

Renewing your RV insurance policy doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these tips, you can make the process simpler and less stressful. Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI can help you find the right RV insurance policy for your needs. Contact us today for more information or for a free quote.

3 RV Insurance Tips To Know Before You Hit The Open Road

Like most insurance, RV insurance is intended to help protect you against loss regarding your recreational vehicle. But, did you know it doesn’t stop there?

The dependable agents at Johnsen Insurance serving Baraboo, WI know that Recreational Vehicle RV insurance doesn’t just protect you for a large RV unit. It also protects your small camper or even that fifth-wheel trailer. Some policies even cover a camper on your truck.

Let’s talk about 3 RV insurance tips to know before you hit the open road.

  1. Some states require that you have insurance simply to drive the RV through the state. It’s true that most only require liability insurance similar to what you would get on your automobile, but you need to check the state’s requirements before passing through.
  2. What Is Covered? If you cover your RV with an auto policy, it is only going to consider that it is a car. It will not cover the living space. This is huge since part of that living space includes a kitchen and a bathroom where things could happen that will make you glad you have the coverage.
  3. Know the types of RV insurance – Your agent will first ask you how you plan on using the RV. You may need full coverage or simply a liability policy will do the trick. But, it goes beyond liability and comprehensive coverage for an RV. When it comes to Recreational Vehicles, there is a part-time or a full-time option depending on whether you live in the RV or only use it for an occasional camping trip. You may want to add vacation insurance as well.

Contact Johnsen Insurance serving Baraboo, WI to find out everything you need to know about RV insurance and to make sure you have the coverage you need.

What are the benefits of getting RV insurance?

In the Baraboo, WI area, owning an RV can be a great investment. When you are an RV owner, it will give you a comfortable place to sleep and a safe transportation mode. When you are in the market for a new RV, it is also vital that you spend time thinking about your insurance needs. Several benefits come when you get proper insurance for your RV. 

Ensures Compliance

A primary reason people should get RV insurance is to ensure they remain in proper compliance. Anyone that owns an RV and drives it on a public road will need to meet the state minimum requirements for driving liability coverage. This type of coverage will be included in your RV insurance policy. Additionally, if you have a loan that was used by the RV, you will need a full RV insurance policy with comprehensive protection.

Protects Valuable Asset

Another reason that people should get an RV insurance policy is that it will cover their assets. Anyone that purchases an RV will have to make a large investment, which needs to be covered and protected as well as possible. When you get a full RV insurance policy, it will give you coverage if the RV is damaged or stolen.

Anyone looking for a new RV insurance policy in the Baraboo WI area should make sure that they get the proper guidance and support. One company that can answer all of your questions about RV insurance is Johnsen Insurance. The team at Johnsen Insurance can answer your questions and address any concerns that you have. They can then help you build a policy that will provide you with the right type and level of coverage.