Insurance Agencies vs Insurance Companies

When I get a chance I like to check out the various RV forums online just to get an idea of what you RV'rs are discussing when it comes to your insurance. Today as I was reading through some of these it became quite apparent that there is alot of confusion about insurance agencies vs insurance companies. Let's see if we can clear this up a bit.

In terms of Full Timer RV Insurance, there a handful of insurance companies that offer the correct type of coverage. They are:

Blue Sky also known as Companion Insurance Company
GMAC also known as the Good Sam Insurance Company
Foremost now owned by Farmers Insurance Company
Progressive
National Interstate also known as Great American and Triumphe Casualty
Allied

Now I have come across some others who claim to insure full timers but in my opinion don't offer the right coverage options. Those include Geico, State Farm, Hartford and a couple of others. To be fair I don't represent these carriers but I have seen some of their policies and they appear to be lacking in comparison on what you get from the companies listed above.

Insurance Agencies are independent insurance agents who represent one or all of these companies and when you call them they will likely quote all of the companies they offer and give you the best price for coverage. At least that is what they should do. Most of the big agencies are licensed in all states so it doesn't matter where you domicile, they can write the policy for you. Some of the bigger agencies are:

Explorer RV
AON/Poliseek
Miller Insurance
Gilbert RV

When you buy a policy from these agencies you are actually buying your policy from one of the insurance companies listed above and using one of the agencies as your representative. Yes, these agencies get a commission for selling you a policy but to be fair if you buy directly, you pay the same or more generally because they have to pay the employees and for advertising etc.

When purchasing insurance you should consider whether or not you are comfortable working with the insurance company directly and talking to whoever answers the phone to make changes or file claims and if you are not, then you should use an insurance agency to obtain your policy.

When I started out, I just wrote insurance for Full Timers domiciling in South Dakota and that was great for the first 10 years or so. Then my customers started moving to other states for various reasons and since I can't bear to lose anyone, I started licensing in those states so I could remain their agent. Now I have taken on several states and it has been great. My service is very personal. My clients call me with changes, questions, payments etc. I work directly with the insurance companies so they don't have to. I've been involved in many claims directly because sometimes I just don't like what the insurance company is doing. My clients have my cell phone and we do business via phone, email and even texting is getting popular. All of it works because I don't keep regular 9-5 business hours. Also, traveling in different time zones creates issues for some clients. They call my cell. If I am unavailable, I will always call them back. I have taken many clients away from the big agencies simply because they didn't feel they were getting good personal service and never talk to the same person twice. If you are OK with that then by all means buy from a big agency or from the company direct but if you are looking for an insurance AGENT then call me. I will take care of you. Check my prior post for the states I do business in now.

PS. TEXAS was added to my list today!!

Welcome Blue Sky!

It's been a busy 2011 for us. I've been so lucky to get to meet several of my full timers who came through South Dakota this year. I haven't posted much lately because frankly South Dakota insurance rates have been very stable and not much new to report.

The good news is that I have aquired another insurance company that has some really great rates. Many of you may have heard of Blue Sky but for those who haven't they are an RV specialty company. They do several things that I like alot like insuring medium/heavy duty tow vehicles, scheduling valuable personal property and offering consignment coverage. I am looking forward to working with them.

I also have licensed in some new states so if you are domiciled in any one of these, then give me a call for some great insurance rates:

South Dakota
North Dakota
Iowa
Minnesota
Montana
Arizona
Idaho

and......TEXAS you are next!! Working getting that finished up by the end of the year!

It's Spring!!

This is the time of year that my RV clients are on the move. Before you

move on to your next destination it’s time to make sure that you have your insurance check up.

1. Do you have current Insurance ID Cards in your vehicles?

2. Have you checked your policy to see if the values need to be adjusted?
Remember that RV insurance rates are based upon the value.
If the RV or Medium Duty Tow vehicle is over 5 years, you should do
this annually.

3. Are you planning on staying in the RV more or less than last year?
This could affect the coverage you need.

4. Did you pay off a loan on a car or RV?

5. Did you put your RV into a Trust or LLC?

6. Did you build or buy a home or park model last year?

7. Are you planning a trip to or through Canada this year? If so,
you need to order your Canadian ID cards now.

If you need a check up call me for a no obiligation review of your policies and if you are already a client and any of these apply to you, call me ASAP!!

Happy Travels

"Who Owns It"?

Insurance companies have a special and very important term for ownership. It's called "insurable interest". If you don't have an "insurable interest" in your RV or auto, you might be in some hot water in the event of a claim.

Let me explain.....Let's say your RV/Auto insurance policy is in the name of John and Jane Smith and you have full coverage and good liability coverage and you have an accident. Now let's say your RV/Auto is titled to someone other than you like a Trust or an LLC. The insurance company has the right to deny you coverage for your accident because John and Jane Smith own the policy but John and Jane do not own the RV. Therefore, they have no "insurable interest". If the RV/Auto is titled to a Trust, LLC or someone other than you then that is the name that policy should be in.

It is very important that your insurance agent be informed of who is the titled owner of your vehicles

. It is easy to forget to mention that you have put your RV into a trust or LLC but this information is crucial to setting up your policy correctly. Be sure to let your agent know Who Owns It!!

Great News!!

Epic Insurance is now licensed to do business in the following states:

South Dakota
North Dakota
Montana
Minnesota
Iowa
Arizona

Those of you with auto's, RV's or homes in any of these states are now eligible for coverage with us. Please contact me for a no obligation quote!