Shield Insurance’s Roadmap to RV Insurance in Michigan: What You Need to Know

Name: Shield Insurance Agency
Address: 3214 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, MI, 49426
Telephone: 616-896-4600

Posted on April 15, 2024April 2, 2024 by admin

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | RV Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

At Shield Insurance Agency, we effectively educate Michigan residents about RV insurance policies. These policies may seem daunting, but decoding them isn’t as hard as it might appear. This guide will help simplify RV insurance so you can make the best possible decision.

RV Insurance: Differentiating Between Part-Time and Full-Time

One common pitfall among RV owners is the failure to distinguish between a full-time and a part-time RV usage policy. Getting this right will ensure your policy adequately caters to your specific needs.

Special Considerations for Self-Built RVs

If you’ve constructed your own RV, be aware that it poses different issues for insurance companies. Self-built vehicles typically have additional insurance concerns and may not be as straightforward to insure as standard RVs. It’s important to bear this in mind when deliberating over potential modifications to your RV.

Importance of RV Insurance Emergency Expense Coverage

Emergency expenses are a vital consideration for any RV policy. Emergency coverage should be top of mind whether you use your RV full-time or part-time and whatever belongings you need to insure. This type of coverage will offer you the security of being prepared for any unexpected expenses that may come up.

At Shield Insurance Agency, we are eager to answer all your questions about RV insurance policies. Michigan RV owners are invited to call or visit us anytime to learn more. We’re here to assist with your RV insurance needs, enabling you to hit the road confidently.

Give us a call or stop by our home office at 3214 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, MI 49426 Our phone is 616-896-4600 or you can fax your current policy to us at 616-896-4601. And of course, we can be reached via email at ContactUs@shieldagency.com

Does RV insurance cover the theft of personal belongings that are in the RV?

Posted on April 11, 2023May 11, 2023 by admin

Shield Insurance Blog | RV Insurance | Start a quote today!

What better way to explore the hidden gems of Michigan than in an RV? But theft is an unfortunate possibility that can ruin a vacation. Shield Insurance Agency explains how RV insurance coverage works in regard to the theft of personal belongings.

RV Insurance Liability Coverage Does Not Cover Personal Items

RV insurance policies typically have different coverage options that you can choose from. The most basic coverage option is liability coverage, which covers damages or injuries you cause to others while operating your RV. However, this coverage does not include coverage for personal belongings inside your RV.

Coverage Options To Protect Personal Belongings

To have full coverage for personal belongings inside your RV, you must purchase RV or scheduled personal property coverage. RV personal property coverage comes as an additional coverage option. It covers personal belongings inside your RV that are damaged or stolen due to covered events such as theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. On the other hand, scheduled personal property coverage covers specific high-value items such as jewelry or antiques.

Keep Your Personal Items Safe

In addition to purchasing proper coverage, there are some preventative measures that you can take to reduce the risk of theft. One way is to keep valuable items out of sight, close windows and doors, and lock them when you leave. It is also recommended to use an alarm system or a surveillance camera to deter potential thieves.

Michigan RV insurance coverage for personal belongings inside your RV depends on your policy options. Liability insurance alone does not include coverage for personal belongings inside your RV.

Top eight towing mistakes people make

Posted on March 20, 2023March 15, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

The Foremost Creative Team | towing mistakes | Auto Insurance | Start a Quick Quote here!

The idea of hauling something huge behind your truck or SUV may sound like a fun adventure, but for those who aren’t familiar with the complexities of towing, it can actually be pretty intimidating! According to Complete Trailers LLC, there are eight common mistakes people make while towing. To avoid costly damages, read this list before you hitch and go:

Towing Mistakes: Overworking Your Engine

The number one towing mistake people make is overworking their tow vehicle. Overextending your vehicle can start a landslide of engine problems. This mistake could lead to a meltdown on the side of the road and potentially require a brand-new transmission. To avoid this, keep an eye on your pressure, temperature gauges, and exhaust gas temperature gauges.

Towing Mistakes: Weight Distribution Bars

If you don’t have your weight distribution bars set up right, you’re bound to have your vehicle and trailer bouncing from each other. Your ride will be bumpier than usual and the hitch and frame can be damaged from this too. And when it comes to weight distribution bars, bigger is not better. The bars with chains are tunable and come in various strengths and weights. If you properly load the correct bar size, they’ll be parallel to the trailer’s frame.

Towing Mistakes: Checking or Maintaining Brakes

Brakes are the most essential and overlooked safety system. Trailer brakes don’t self-adjust like the brakes on your tow vehicle. In fact, they must be manually adjusted by you. Additionally, trailer brakes wear out just like any other brake does, so be sure to check for wear and tear regularly.

Poorly Loaded Vehicles us a towing mistake

It’s crucial for safety and damage prevention to always put a balanced load on your trailer. Read up on weight restrictions and follow them closely because if you don’t, your tow vehicle won’t last very long.

Wrong Ball/Ball Mount

Make sure that you have the right ball and mount for your trailer. There are three different sizes of balls: 1 7/8 inches, 2 inches, and 2 5/16 inches — each with a different weight rating. Using the wrong mount or ball will pitch your trailer up or down on your axles and it also puts extra stress on your brakes and tires, which eventually reduces your braking ability. If you use multiple trailers, carry multiple mounts.

“Racing” While Towing

We know how exciting it is to get to a destination, but remember, slow and steady wins the race! Speeding up or down a grade is the last thing you want to do because it’ll ruin the longevity of your tow vehicle.

Low-Pressure Tires

If you maintain the right tire pressure on both your tow vehicle and trailer, you’ll have even tire wear, which means you’re less likely to have blowouts from overheating. This scenario is especially dangerous when it happens on your rear trailer tires, so make sure to pay special attention to them. Tires degrade more quickly when not in use. Before you hitch and go, remember to always inspect your tires and pressure.

Not Lubing Your Components

Like any well-oiled machine, taking preventative measures with your trailer and tow vehicle goes a long way. Axles and all pivot points where steel meets steel (or rubber bushings meet steel) should be greased.

Shield Insurance Agency wants you to travel and tow safely.

Five Ways to Cook While on the Road

Posted on February 24, 2023March 2, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

by Jenean McLoskey | Cook | RV Insurance | Shield Self Quoting Portal

Traveling on the road in your Recreational Vehicle can get pricey if you eat out for every meal, but cooking your own meals may require some creativity. While many RVs do have full, functional kitchens, some may not have that option. However, there are other ways to cook your meals in and around your RV safely, even if you don’t have a source of heat.

Here are five unique ways you can cook delicious meals while you’re on the road!

Propane StoveIf you already have a stove in your RV, use it to your advantage! The burners are most likely smaller than your regular stove at home, so be sure to buy the appropriate-sized cookware for it. Keep in mind that if you have a refrigerator in your RV, it most likely runs on propane too. Be sure to bring enough propane tanks on your trip if you plan on using both!
Portable Grill No stove? No problem! There are plenty of electric grills you can bring on the road to cook all of your favorite foods. Please remember, do not use any of these grills inside of your RV due to flames and the poisonous gases these grills can give off. They are for outside use only!
Cook With FireWho doesn’t love a good cookout? Many RV parks offer fire pits and grills for guests, so you may not even need to bring your own. This is also a perfect opportunity to grill a bunch of foods at once so you have leftovers for the next couple of days. With this option, you also need to make sure you are not around your RV while grilling to avoid a serious fire or any kind of explosion.
Home Kitchen AppliancesYou don’t need to say goodbye to your favorite appliances just because you’re away from home. You can bring along your toaster oven, microwave, pressure cooker, blender, etc. as long as they are all safe for RV usage. If you are unsure if your appliance is safe to use, call the manufacturer to get more information.
Prepare No-Cook MealsIf you have no stove, no grill, or you’re just not in the mood to cook – go cold! There are plenty of recipes you can prepare without heat such as salads, sandwiches, wraps, pastas, and, of course, any kind of fruit.

Before you begin cooking food of any kind in your RV, you should have basic fire safety materials available at all times. Putting together an easy-to-access fire safety kit and having a fire extinguisher on hand will make all the difference during your cooking ventures. Visit the Learning Center for more information on RV fire safety. Have fun and happy cooking!

Questions to Ask an RV Insurance Agent

Posted on February 23, 2023March 2, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance Blog | by Noelle Kimble | RV Insurance

Road trip season is finally here and before you start packing for your next trip, it’s important to make sure you have the RV insurance coverage you’re looking for.

We spoke with a Senior Product Manager at Foremost Insurance to learn all about RV insurance and what types of things you should consider while shopping around. Overall, it’s a good idea to consider specialized coverage for your RV, since it functions as both a motorized vehicle and a home. Having coverage for both scenarios typically doesn’t come from just an auto or home policy.

Here are six frequently asked RV insurance questions you can ask your agent or broker when you are deciding what type of policy to purchase for your RV!

Is my optional equipment covered?”Awnings, air conditioners, satellite dishes, LP tanks, and bike racks can all be damaged, so ask if these things are covered by your policy. Be sure to discuss whether the coverage applies only to originally affixed equipment or if it includes equipment that you attach after purchasing your RV. A good policy will give you a set amount of coverage included with your comprehensive coverage, with the ability to purchase more.”
Is my personal property inside the motor home or travel trailer covered?”Chances are you are packing your camping, cooking, and other traveling equipment for your trip, including golf clubs or other things for entertainment. You can typically choose coverage for these items as part of a package. The one thing to double-check about personal property is sometimes your homeowner’s policy can have exceptions regarding coverage for personal property in a motorized vehicle. Your agent can help you figure out your best option.” To learn how to create a Personal Property Inventory read these helpful tips.
What type of coverage is best for me—Replacement Cost or Actual Cash Value?”Replacement cost coverage protects your motor home from the effects of depreciation and usually isn’t available with an auto policy. With a Replacement Cost policy, if your new-model motor home is destroyed within a certain period of time after purchase, the insurance company will replace it with a brand new one of similar kind and quality. If your motor home is destroyed and you only have an Actual Cash Value policy, which is typically what you’d get with an auto policy, you will only be paid the current value of your motor home.”
How much does RV insurance cost and what payment plans are available?”Whether you want to pay in full or in installments, having the flexibility to choose is an important option. Talk to your agent or broker. Insurance companies offer many different plans such as one-pay, four-pay, or twelve-pay options.”
Is towing or roadside assistance available?”Towing and roadside assistance is a great coverage to have if your motor home or travel trailer breaks down and can include towing, jump starts, roadside service, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and locksmith services. Specialized coverage is important and can exceed what you would get from an auto policy. You’ll want to be covered 24/7 by experts who have the equipment and parts to help with a bigger vehicle like an RV. Ask if coverage extends to any vehicles you may be towing behind you.”
What about special coverages for full-timers or vacationers?”Some insurance companies offer these special coverages, which may cover full-timers when they are parked and using their RV as a residence. You can also ask about vacation liability, which may cover you in case you are found responsible for someone else’s injury in your RV while it’s parked. Again, exclusions in your homeowner’s policy may play into what type of coverage you want to purchase for your RV, so take this into consideration when you discuss your options.”

More blogs from Shield Insurance Agency

Fire Prevention 52: RV Fire Safety 101

Posted on September 20, 2021February 15, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

By Kathy Komatz, National Structural Fire Training Specialist | NPS.gov

20,000 RV Fires Occur Annually

RV fire safety is of premium importance to the conscientious RVer. Unfortunately, fire is one of the leading causes of RV loss in the U.S. today. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that 20,000 RV fires occur annually. Don’t let yours be one of them!

RV fires can start when your RV is moving or when it is parked. The following tips can help you recognize the most common fire hazards.

Before you go:

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The Ultimate RV Insurance Guide

Posted on May 25, 2021January 23, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

The Ultimate RV Insurance Guide

One of the first things a person must consider after purchasing an RV is RV insurance. That said, camper insurance can be a bit confusing and overwhelming. Often, this means an RV owner ends up with insufficient coverage or the wrong type of insurance altogether. This is something that can backfire terribly in the long run.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all there is to know about motorhome insurance, know that you are not alone. In fact, there are so many people looking for information on this very topic that we’ve decided to put together a guide to make things as clear-cut as possible.

What is RV Insurance?

We’ll start at the very beginning by talking a bit about what RV insurance is. As you might imagine, motorhome or travel trailer insurance is a lot like auto insurance (or even homeowners insurance) in a lot of ways.

Essentially, this insurance protects you and your RV should something go wrong while you’re out camping, or when the rig is in storage. That said, there are some key differences between RV insurance and auto insurance or homeowners insurance. Most of these involve the items and events that are covered.

Is this Insurance Required?

You may be wondering if you really need camper insurance at all. The answer? It depends.

The owners of motorhomes of all shapes and sizes must, at the very least, hold liability insurance in order to drive their motorhomes legally. Of course, if you have a loan out on your motorhome, you will probably need to carry much more than just liability insurance—and honestly, this is what we recommend anyway.

If you have a towable RV and you own it outright, you are not legally required to hold any kind of travel trailer insurance policy. However, if you are paying off a loan on the trailer, the lender will likely require you to keep a certain level of insurance until the loan is paid off in full.

It’s also important to note that some campgrounds require campers to have insurance on their RVs. If this is the case, they will request to see valid proof of insurance before allowing you to stay.

Even if you don’t have a loan on your trailer and don’t visit campgrounds that require every camper to have insurance, we still highly recommend holding an insurance policy. Depending on the policy you choose, your insurance could protect you should a person be injured by your trailer. It will also protect your investment should something happen to the camper.

Types of RV Insurance

There are many different types of insurance coverage for RVers. There are policies for motorhomes, which usually include the things you might see on a car policy—bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, personal injury protection, and so on.

Motorhome policies may be liability only, or they may include collision and comprehensive insurance, so be sure you know what you’re getting before you purchase anything.

Additionally, there is insurance specifically for travel trailers and fifth wheels. These policies can also be full coverage policies or liability only. However, they will not include coverages that involve on-the-road incidents, as these things should be covered by the insurance you carry on your tow vehicle

Finally, we must mention full-time RV insurance. These policies protect those who live in their RVs full-time by covering the possessions in their RV and helping them find a place to stay should their RV be totaled.

As you might’ve guessed, full-time RV insurance is more expensive than typical RV insurance, so you will want to be prepared to pay a pretty penny for such coverage.