When is Car Insurance Not Good Enough? When You Use It to Cover Your RV

From the Quirky to the Commonplace, Progressive Warns Many Mishaps Not Covered by Common Car Policies; Urges Considering Specialized RV Insurance

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Imagine leaving your RV set up at a campsite and returning to find that a family of bears has moved in and, because they weigh hundreds of pounds and are not the best housekeepers, the RV is torn apart. Or accidentally flooding your neighbor’s coach with “black water” by mistakenly hooking your water connections up to the trailer next door. These incidents may sound far-fetched, but they actually happened to Progressive customers. Fortunately for them, they were covered because they had specialized RV insurance, but a lot of RVers wouldn’t be.

“Some people make the mistake of adding their RV onto their car insurance policy, only to find out too late that the car policy doesn’t cover a lot of things that can go wrong in an RV,” said Cathy Pelfrey, RV product manager, Progressive. “An RV is much more than a car—it’s a house on wheels. So an RVer really needs a specialized policy that covers more than what standard car insurance covers.”

As the number one brand of RV insurance sold through independent insurance agents in the country, Pelfrey says Progressive has seen its share of oddball claims over the years, as well as everyday mishaps that may be excluded from standard auto coverage. For example, if your RV is damaged during a trip, an auto policy could leave you out in the cold but Progressive’s RV insurance would pay up to $2,000 for lodging and transportation so you could still enjoy your vacation. Similarly, expensive items like outdoor gear, laptops or other electronics stolen from inside your RV would be covered by an RV policy but typically would not be covered by an auto policy.

Specialized RV coverage can also protect you against depreciation if your RV is totaled. A car insurance policy could only pay the RV’s actual cash value, but an RV Agreed Value policy would pay the amount that you and the insurance company agreed the RV was worth when you bought the policy, regardless of the RV’s value at the time of the loss.

“We’re sharing this information about claims and coverages because we want RVers to understand what their policies cover and to make sure they have the protection that best meets their individual needs,” said Pelfrey.

While RV insurance covers most of what can go wrong in an RV, there are exceptions. Take the case of the customer who let his motor home fall into such disrepair that the roof seals were leaking, resulting in a small forest of mushrooms growing underneath his couch. Because RVers are required to maintain their coaches, this claim was denied.

To learn more about Progressive’s RV coverages, go to http://rv.progressive.com.

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, is one of the country’s largest auto insurance groups, the largest seller of motorcycle and personal watercraft policies, and a market leader in commercial auto insurance based on premiums written.

Progressive is committed to becoming consumers’ #1 choice for auto insurance by providing competitive rates and innovative products and services that meet drivers’ needs throughout their lifetimes, including superior online and in-person customer service, and best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, such as its concierge level of claims service available at service centers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.

Progressive companies offer consumers choices in how to shop for, buy and manage their auto insurance policies. Progressive offers its products, including personal and commercial auto, motorcycle, boat and recreational vehicle insurance, through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the U.S. and online and by phone directly from the Company. Private passenger auto products and prices are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through independent agencies. To find an agent or to get a quote, go to http://www.progressive.com.

The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at (NYSE:PGR).

Moped sales on the rise

By Jimmy

Published: September 19, 2008

Young and old alike are flocking to fuel-efficient mopeds and more stylish scooters to get around Waynesboro and other towns and cities across the country.
With high gas prices, an increasing number of the fuel-efficient mopeds that can get 100 miles per gallon or more can be found on city streets. Greg Hensley, manager of Wayne Cycle Shop in Waynesboro, said the mopeds are moving out quicker than he can keep them in stock.
His sales are up by about 60 percent over last year, with nationwide moped sales up nearly 50 percent. Prices start at just under $2,000, with payments as low as $50 per month.
According to a AAA Mid-Atlantic news release, more people are riding motorcycles and mopeds.
In the first three months of 2008, sales increased 24 percent compared to the same time last year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. Motorcycle sales have nearly quadrupled – from 356,000 in 1997 to 1.1 million in 2006.
AAA Mid-Atlantic says lower prices, stylish designs and improved performance have contributed to the moped and motorcycle proliferation.
Other advantages to mopeds: “no tags, no insurance, no permit,” Hensley said.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some rules to follow.
For starters, mopeds in Virginia must display green stickers classifying them as mopeds.
“Really, [the police] could charge them because they’re supposed to have the sticker on it,” Hensley said.
Moped riders, according to Virginia law, must be at least 16 years old, cannot exceed 35 mph and must carry identification. In addition, moped engines must not exceed 50 cubic centimeters. Also, anyone who is a habitual offender or has had their license suspended due to an alcohol violation is not allowed to ride a moped.
Virginia code also states that a moped seat must be at least 24 inches high. Riders must abide by the same traffic laws and regulations as people driving motorcycles or cars.
While state law does not require a helmet to ride a moped, Waynesboro recently passed a helmet ordinance that took effect Aug. 21. First-time offenders get a warning, with a second offenders facing a $25 fine.
Across Virginia and in other states, Hensley said there is no degree of consistency in moped laws.
At Wayne Cycle, Hensley said anyone buying a moped must sign a form stating that they understand the law.
He said some people come into the store saying they want a scooter, but it can be classified either as a moped or a motorcycle depending on the amount of horsepower it has. A scooter, he said, is about the styling of the bike, as it has a step-through frame. If the scooter is 50 cubic centimeters or more, those owners – like motorcycle riders – must have a driver’s license and the vehicles must have tags and registrations. The higher-powered scooters, at 40 to 90 mpg – get slightly poorer gas mileage their lower-powered counterparts.
Vice Mayor Frank Lucente is a recent scooter convert.
“I thought it’d be fun to ride around town,” Lucente said. “I didn’t buy it particularly to save gas. I was a little bored driving to the post office in my car, and it’s a lot more fun to drive the scooter.”
Besides having trouble keeping them in stock, the other issue Hensley faces is finding parts for mopeds. He told a customer recently that it would be four months before a part came in. He was able to provide a temporary fix for the moped until then, however.
“Your selection and availablity to see what’s out there is very slim right now because demand is so high,” Hensley said.

Yamaha sets up new-age store in Mumbai

In a bid to rev up the spirit of youth and refurbish the biking culture in the country, India Yamaha Motor on 8th September'08 has launched their first new-age lifestyle company owned store at Malad, Mumbai. Yamaha had earlier opened similar showrooms in Delhi and Pune.

Designed to provide a complete biking lifestyle experience, the showroom presents a complete range of accessories to fulfill the needs of a modern biker. Through this innovative concept, Yamaha is all geared to associate Indian bike enthusiasts with the thrill of technological superiority and artistic brilliance. While the store exhibits an entire range of latest bikes from Yamaha, there is an apparel and accessories section displaying quality, stylish and trendy clothing like jackets, T-shirts, jeans and accessories like bags, mugs, gloves, key chains. Apart from it, the showroom also has a world class service centre for international models YZF-R1, MT 01 and other models.

The showroom will also provide insurance, finance options, spares and warranty for its international models YZF-R1 and MT01. There are various zones inside the store as you move from a gaming zone to an internet area thus creating a one-stop store for the needs of today's youth.

According to Tsutomu Mabuchi, CEO and MD, Yamaha India, biking is not just about commuting; but today it is all about making a statement. The rationale behind the unique concept is to create a new culture of biking lifestyle, which Indian youth is looking for, and move into their everyday life, thus achieving the highest customer satisfaction in the industry. He also added that it is confident that the showroom will pad-up the biking experience of gen-x by providing an insight into the complete gamut of Yamaha's offerings.

Yamaha is going to expand this new Merchandising concept in a phased manner throughout India. Yamaha is refining the motorcycling culture in India by bringing in technologically advanced and visually appealing machines.

The company which recently launched its super sports YZF - R15, has received an overwhelming response from road riders and enriched their riding experience by adding a lifestyle quotient. With India's first liquid cooled, 4-valve fuel injected engine, YZF-R15 comes with R1 DNA. The bike has many firsts to its credit, high performance DiASil cylinder, forged piston, deltabox frame, linked type monocross suspension and sharp dual headlights. The company claims that this bike is becoming a craze for the young motorcycle enthusiasts and plans are afoot for the commercial launch of Yamaha's new bike FZ which attracted a huge crowd during Auto Expo 2008.


Comments By The Readers

Kevin Ash invites you to a taste of adventure

This year's BMW Biker Meeting in Garmisch, Germany, in early July was a success for the group of Telegraph Motoring readers who rode out with the BMW GB party. While hot and humid weather interspersed with heavy storms added to the outward adventure, the Garmisch weekend itself was warm and dry, and packed with spectacle and interest including stunning tours, test rides, displays and the traditional Saturday night parties.

Following the success of this event, BMW and The Daily Telegraph have again joined forces, this time to invite Motoring readers to a two-day BMW Off-Road Skills course in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. The course takes place on October 10 and 11 and covers level one, which BMW describes as two days of "overcoming fears and instilling confidence into novice or nervous road riders who have no off-road experience. Trail riding is on gravel, fire roads and tracks. The course teaches participants the essentials of off-road riding, focusing on confidence and machine control to improve general riding skills and ultimate enjoyment. Lessons include: being able to lift, balance and manoeuvre a motorcycle in awkward situations, manoeuvring at slow speeds, improved braking, and ascending and descending hills safely and confidently".

The course costs £449, which includes two days of instruction, bike hire, third party insurance, fuel, two lunches and one evening meal, refreshments and a certificate of completion. It does not include accommodation or evening drinks.

BMW has 17 places for Motoring readers on a first come, first served basis. Go to www.worldofbmw.com/content/offRoadSkills.asp?article=252 for more details. To book a place, call 08000 131 282 and quote The Daily Telegraph.

Customers must be at least 21, hold a full and valid licence (not provisional or restricted) for riding a motorcycle in the UK and have not been convicted within the last five years of any driving offence involving drink or drugs or that resulted in a disqualification. It is mandatory that all customers bring both original parts - plastic and paper - of their licence to registration for a BMW Off Road Skills event, otherwise applicants will be unable to participate. Customers who are not residents of the UK and wish to participate in the course must hold a full and valid motorcycle driving licence which is legally valid for riding a motorcycle in the UK.

Motorbike Insurance Package Brings New Cover by the Day

Dayinsure.com, the original, internet based, short term motor insurance provider, has taken the daily car and van insurance experience forward by launching Flexirider. The innovative new service is believed to be a world first in motorcycle insurance, offering short term cover purchased by the day.

In partnership with Chaucer Insurance PLC, Flexirider allows bikers to get temporary insurance cover to either enable them to use another bike that does not belong to them, to drive home a new bike or to insure another person to ride their own bike. Eliminating the need to amend any existing annual policy, Flexirider can be purchased to give up to 28 days bike insurance, per annum, used on a daily basis or for longer periods. The policy is fully comprehensive and the online certificate of insurance can be printed out immediately.

Steve Coppock, Managing Director of Dayinsure.com:

“It can be very onerous to amend an existing annual insurance policy with additional bike or rider details. Flexirider by-passes this complicated procedure, providing a simple answer to temporary motorbike insurance requirements. We have seen an 87% growth in Dayinsure.com since January 2008, confirming our credentials in providing innovative insurance solutions that truly reflect the motoring needs of consumers today. ”

Dayinsure.com is the market leader in the provision of day rate motor insurance, which includes dayresQ, the daily roadside recovery in conjunction with Mondial Assistance.