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Is a Wreck with a Rec Vehicle Covered?

As hunting season kicks off, we are going to jump start our series on recreational vehicles.  Kiddy Jeeps and Gators, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, golf carts and even riding lawn mowers – these are all considered recreational vehicles under the 2011 ISO Homeowners policy.  By definition, recreational vehicles are “self-propelled land or amphibious vehicles” – which also makes them “motor vehicles” according to the homeowners policy. 

Is there coverage on the homeowners policy?  The answer is…it’s complicated.  Today, we will look at both property (physical damage to our rec vehicle) and liability claims.

A rec vehicle is considered personal property under the homeowners policy which means it is covered for physical damage when it’s owned or used by an “insured” anywhere in the world, however, in order for coverage to apply, there are requirements that must be met.  First, the damage needs to be caused by one of the sixteen (16) perils named in the policy.  In addition, the rec vehicle cannot be limited or excluded elsewhere from coverage in the policy.  If both of these apply, then there is coverage for physical damage.  The sixteen named perils are important because if you browse the list of covered claims, you won’t find upset, overturn, or collision on that list – the most common types of recreational vehicle claims.  

What about liability coverage?  Since recreational vehicles are considered motor vehicles under the homeowners policy, they are excluded from liability coverage.  The homeowners policy does make an exception for recreational vehicles that are not required to be registered and if used solely to service a residence.  This means if you have an ATV or lawn tractor that you use on your own property to clean up the yard, haul feed, etc there is liability coverage for it, but once it leaves your property, the liability coverage no longer applies.

This is an overly simplistic view of the homeowners coverage.  There are additional limitations, exclusions, and exceptions that may apply.  Ask your insurance agent today if you have the coverage you need or if a recreational vehicle policy would be more appropriate.

Protect your legacy.  Insure for your future.

Hilarious Tales from Auto Insurance Claims

Auto insurance claims are typically associated with stress, damage, and inconvenience. However, amidst the chaos, there are some extraordinary stories that emerge—stories that leave insurance agents and adjusters scratching their heads and struggling to keep a straight face. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the amusing side of auto insurance claims, sharing some of the most memorable and funny tales that have made their way into insurance folklore.

  1. Miscommunication Mishap: Picture this: a perplexed driver submits an insurance claim, asserting that they collided with an “invisible” object. As investigators dig deeper, the truth emerges—it wasn’t an invisible object at all, but rather an “invincible” one. Yes, you guessed it right. The driver had inadvertently rammed into a parked police car! It seems that for a fleeting moment, the police car had become invisible to their awareness.
  2. Unlucky Parking Spot: Sometimes, our furry feathered friends can wreak havoc in the most unexpected ways. Take, for example, the driver who filed an insurance claim for damages sustained while their car was peacefully parked. The culprits? A group of seagulls with questionable aim. These birds mistakenly considered the roof of the parked vehicle as the perfect landing spot, resulting in a maddening combination of scratches and droppings. It’s safe to say that the owner’s misfortune soared to new heights that day.
  3. Slippery Surprise: In the chronicles of insurance claims, a slippery banana peel may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But for one driver, it became a hilarious reality. This claimant blamed a minor accident on losing control of their vehicle and careening into a ditch. However, upon closer inspection, it was revealed that their skid was caused not by reckless driving, but by a rogue banana peel casually discarded on the road. It seems life does imitate art—only this time, it was a comedy skit unfolding on the streets.
  4. Forgetful Fueling: As they say, absent-mindedness can strike at any moment, often with amusing consequences. Imagine the confusion when a driver mistakenly poured coffee into their car’s fuel tank instead of gasoline. Yes, you read that right! In a mind-boggling mix-up, the driver confused a gas station for a coffee shop and proceeded to fill their vehicle with a steaming hot cup of joe. Needless to say, the engine suffered a severe case of caffeine overload, leading to some seriously pricey repairs.
  5. Animal Encounter: Animals crossing roads can often be a hazard, but in this particular claim, the circumstances took an unexpected twist. A driver reported colliding with a deer, a relatively common occurrence. However, their account took a whimsical turn as they described the deer deliberately running into their car. According to the driver, the deer locked eyes with them, exhibiting a mischievous grin before executing an acrobatic leap onto their vehicle. It seems even wildlife can possess a quirky sense of humor.

Conclusion: While auto insurance claims are typically serious matters, it’s refreshing to take a step back and find humor in the most unusual situations. These funny tales from auto insurance claims remind us that life can be unpredictable and that sometimes, laughter is the best response. From invisible police cars to banana peel slip-ups, these stories inject a touch of amusement into an otherwise stressful process. Remember, though, that behind these tales lie real-life incidents, and it’s essential to prioritize safety and responsible driving to avoid becoming the protagonist of your own hilarious insurance claim story. Drive safely and keep your eyes peeled for any unexpected twists and turns that life might throw your way!