The sun is shining, the grass is green, and the roads are clear. For many of us, that means it’s finally time to break out our favourite seasonal vehicles. But before you take your summer car, boat, or personal watercraft out of storage, it’s important to call your insurance broker first to ensure you have the right coverage applied.
While you may have a “seasonal vehicle”, it’s easy to forget that there’s no such thing as “seasonal insurance”. Your policy is in effect year-round, and it will only ever change if your broker changes it for you. Give them a call to make sure your vehicle is appraised properly and that you have the right coverage. If you have added custom accessories or made expensive modifications that increases the value of your vehicle; you should let your insurance broker know. It’s best to keep your broker informed and the appraised value of your seasonal vehicle up to date. And remember, if you want to move your vehicle, even an inch, you’ll need to be sure your liability and collision coverages are in place.
In any case of changes to your policy, the broker will work quickly to make those changes happen quickly, but it can take up to two weeks for your insurance provider to revise your policy. Call your broker well in advance to make sure your vehicle is ready to roll when you want to use it.
After your coverage has been adjusted, it’s also a great time to finish your checklist for the season. Your license and registration tend to expire when you’re not looking, so make sure all your paperwork is in order. Fresh oil, lube and filters are also a wise investment before you start your vehicle for the first time after a long rest.
For boating insurance and personal watercrafts, it’s also important to see if any new regulations have been put in place since the last time you were on the water. There are changes to the rules almost every year, so we recommend taking a look here for the latest regulations information.
Top all that off with a visual inspection to check for safety, mechanical or corrosion concerns, and you’ll be in great shape to enjoy your time on the lake.
Don’t forget; it’s also a smart move to set a reminder in your calendar to call your broker when it’s storage season again. While there’s nothing wrong with having liability coverage on a vehicle you’re not using, there’s no sense in paying the extra cost. Remember, your Nicol Insurance broker is here to help you with seasonal vehicle insurance. Talk to your broker every season to make sure your coverage fits your lifestyle.
