Friends and Family: Non-Owner Occupied Condo Coverage

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Condominiums often go through a variety of purposes over the years, each of which requires a review of insurance coverage depending on who’s living in the space.

Keeping Your Insurance Up to Date with Your Condo Usage

It’s also important to consider whether the owner is residing in the condo, renting it to others including friends and family, or simply allowing them to live there for a period of time. Examples might include a home for a student dependent during school years, a home for elderly parents to live nearby or visit, or a place for friends to live once the owner has bought a house. While the financial arrangements for each case are up to you and whoever’s living there, they will most likely determine the kind of insurance coverage required. At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we’re your local source for condo insurance in South Kingstown, RI and other nearby towns.

Are You a Landlord, or Just a Friend or Relative?

As condo owners providing short-term rentals on the open market have discovered, defining your role as a non-resident owner can be a challenge. You’ve probably heard stories of how friends and family make arrangements, leaving the terms loosely defined, and discover that the simple fact of people occupying your property allows them specific rights and, for you, responsibilities and liabilities. You may also face compliance issues with a local condo association, which could guide how you define your relationships with the occupants.

Consult With Us

At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we can help you adjust your coverage to make sure you’re protected from year to year. We’ll consider factors like who’s living in your South Kingstown, RI property, for how long, and how the state of Rhode Island defines your legal relationship each time.

Should Married Couples Combine Their Auto Insurance?

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Kingston Insurance Agency LLC wants South Kingstown, RI residents to fully understand how marriage could help them save money on their auto insurance. Conventional wisdom says married couples save on their premiums if they combine their coverage into a single insurance policy, but there’s a huge caveat to this.

Both Spouses Need a Superb Driving Record

 Combining insurance only works to lower a married couple’s premiums if both have a good driving record. If one spouse has a DUI, DWI, or lost points from their license, they would probably raise the premiums of the spouse with a clean record.

Why Do Married Couples Earn Lower Rates?

The insurance industry conducts complex statistical studies to determine the risk levels of groups of individuals. This actuarial study results in certain situations providing a person or couple with potential savings in the form of discounts or lower premiums. Married individuals typically engage in lower-risk activities. This lowers the risk of insuring them, so insurance companies pass along the savings.

How to Handle a Spouse with a Bad Driving Record

Before you get married, every couple should speak with one another honestly about matters that could affect their finances, creditworthiness, or insurability. The number one thing that marriage counselors say couples fight about – money – can prove easy to deal with if you remain upfront with one another. Reveal DUIs or DWIs, unlike the character Fritz from “The Closer,” who hid his DUIs from Brenda. Keep your coverage separate until the spouse with a bad driving record repairs their record.

Contact Us for an Auto Insurance Review

Whether you’re about to tie the knot or you’ve been married for years, let Kingston Insurance Agency LLC uncover ways you could save on your auto insurance premiums. Contact us today for an appointment, South Kingstown, RI residents!

Getting Into Jet Ski Racing? Get Yourself Insured

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At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we can provide South Kingstown, RI residents with great boating insurance that covers your Jet Skis. If you’re getting into racing and want to keep yourself safe, there are many policies that you can consider that should make sure you understand your options here.

The Importance of Boating Protection

Boating insurance provides a high-quality and unique level of protection that keeps watercraft safe. They’re designed to cover a broad array of different boat types like speed boats, fishing trawlers, yachts, and even Jet Skis. They can keep your vehicle safe while you’re on the water.

Basic boat coverage can help with things like collisions, vehicle damage, liability issues, and more. Specialized and personalized racing policies focus specifically on the unique challenges and dangers of racing. They can provide a long-term solution that makes sense for your needs.

Specialized Racing Insurance is Available 

Boating insurance provides a diverse and unique level of protection that can keep your Jet Ski safe. There are many racing types that you might enjoy, such as closed- and open-course racing, as well as freestyle and hydrodrags. Racing insurance can protect you, no matter what race you set up.

It’s important to research your options here to choose a policy that suits your needs. For example, there are some that focus specifically on Jet Skis, so do your research to get great coverage. Just as importantly, make sure you do your shopping to find a price that makes sense for your needs.

We’re Here to Help You

Our crew at Kingston Insurance Agency LLC can provide South Kingstown, RI residents with the important boating coverage they need to keep their Jet Skis safe while they’re racing. Contact us so that you can get a strong policy that makes sense for your specific needs.

How Classic Car Insurance Protects Spare Parts and Accessories

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Classic car enthusiasts in and around South Kingstown, RI spend countless hours and resources restoring, maintaining, and customizing their treasured vehicles. These classic cars are often fitted with rare spare parts and unique accessories that enhance their authenticity and performance. This is when classic car insurance becomes beneficial. 

Key Benefits of Classic Car Insurance for Spare Parts and Accessories

  • Spare Parts Coverage: Classic car owners often accumulate a collection of spare parts over the years to ensure the longevity and authenticity of their vehicles. Classic car insurance can cover the cost of these spare parts in the event of loss or damage. This helps maintain the historical accuracy and performance of the car.
  • Accessory Protection: Many classic car enthusiasts invest in unique accessories and add-ons to enhance the appearance and functionality of their vehicles. Classic car insurance can protect these accessories from loss or damage, whether it’s a custom grille, period-correct tires, or vintage interior furnishings.
  • Agreed Value Coverage: Classic car insurance policies often provide agreed value coverage. This means that the insurer and the policyholder agree on the car’s value, considering its condition, rarity, and the value of its spare parts and accessories. In case of a covered loss, the agreed value is the amount paid, ensuring that the total value of the car and its components is protected.
  • Coverage for Theft and Fire: Spare parts and accessories are not only at risk of damage; they can also be targets for theft or affected by fires. Classic car insurance covers these perils, providing the resources to replace or repair the components.

Kingston Insurance Agency LLC Can Help You

At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we can help answer questions concerning classic car insurance. We serve the South Kingstown, RI area. Contact us today. 

Don’t Forget to Insure Your Recreational Equipment

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If you use the equipment for the leisure activities you enjoy, do you have the insurance to replace them if they are ever lost, stolen, or damaged? To answer that question, examine your homeowner’s, renter’s, or recreational vehicle policy. At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC our agents serve South Kingstown, RI and surrounding communities.  And we suggest that you find out what gear or equipment is covered and what your deductible is.

Examples of Equipment You May Want to Insure

The number of items you use in pursuing sports and recreational activities can be numerous. Just think of the number of personal items you carry or use when you go fishing, golfing, canoeing, paddleboarding, or kayaking.

Likewise, when driving your RV on a road trip, you have not only the above items but also the ancillary ones needed to power your recreational vehicle. Even if you travel light while biking the William C. O’Neill Bike Path, you wouldn’t want anything that happens to your bike to be a total loss. 

Consider This When Purchasing Insurance for Recreational Gear

And some of the items so essential to your happiness while at leisure are expensive. Even if they are named in an existing insurance policy, there may be a limit to the amount an insurer will pay to repair or replace them. You don’t want to be without insurance for pricey sports and recreational equipment. 

If you need coverage for those items, sometimes an endorsement for additional coverage can be put on your existing policy. At other times, our insurance agents will write a new policy. With their knowledge and experience, our experts can get you insurance for gear and equipment. Contact us today at the Kingston Insurance Agency LLC serving the South Kingstown, RI metroplex for all your insurance needs. 

Tips to keep your motorcycle running like new

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Motorcycles are a fun and cost-effective way to get around here in the South Kingstown, RI area, but they require regular maintenance to keep them running like new. Here are some tips from us at  Kingston Insurance Agency LLC to help you keep your motorcycle safely on the road. 

Motorcycle Safety Tips

1. Check the Tires:

Inspect your tires regularly for signs of wear, tear, or damage. Make sure the tread is still good and that there isn’t any visible dry rot on it. Replace worn tires if necessary so that you have the best grip and traction possible when riding. 

2. Change the Oil:

Change your oil regularly as part of your motorcycle’s preventive maintenance program. It helps lubricate and cool engine parts so that it runs smoothly and efficiently over time. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to change it properly, or have a certified mechanic do it for you if needed. 

3. Clean Your Bike:

Keep your bike clean to avoid corrosion or rust, which can shorten its lifespan significantly over time. Clean off any dirt or grime from all surfaces of the motorcycle after each ride, and wax it periodically as well to protect it from long-term exposure to the elements. 

4. Monitor Fluid Levels:

Make sure all fluid levels (oil, brake fluid, coolant) are at their maximum level so that they are ready for use whenever you need them on your ride. This will reduce the chances of overheating or other dangerous malfunctions while you’re out on the road. 

Consult With Us

By following these simple tips and doing regular maintenance checks on your motorcycle, you can ensure that it stays in top condition for many years to come! For more tips or to find a motorcycle insurance policy, give us at Kingston Insurance Agency LLC a call today. We serve the South Kingstown, RI area.

Why is umbrella insurance called secondary insurance?

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At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we want our clients to understand their insurance and how it works. When you read a policy document that refers to umbrella insurance as secondary insurance, you might wonder what that means.

Primary vs. Secondary

A primary insurance policy covers a piece of property with multiple coverages, such as structural, personal property, and liability in a South Kingstown, RI home or RV policy. A secondary policy offers added coverage of one type in the primary policy that enhances its coverage. Umbrella, a secondary liability policy, adds to the individual’s or business’s liability coverage, so when the primary policy pays out fully, the umbrella policy pays any remaining costs up to its policy limit.

Which Policies Qualify as Primary for Umbrella Coverage?

Any policy that includes a liability component can serve as your primary policy to qualify a policyholder for umbrella policies. You can add umbrella coverage to any of the following primary insurance policies:

  • Homeowners
  • Renters
  • Motorhome
  • Auto
  • Recreational toys (ATVs, dune buggies, etc.)
  • Business liability.

Umbrella only adds more liability coverage.

Why Add More Liability Coverage?

Even if you maximize the liability coverage on the primary policy, it may not offer enough to cover the settlement for an accident for which authorities found you at fault. With a single night’s hospital stay costing $8,000 on average, an auto accident or a pool accident can cause high medical bills that you must pay. A court may award the injured a 

judgment for pain and suffering, which you also must pay. The umbrella insurance ensures you don’t have to pay out of pocket.

Contact Us to Start Your Umbrella Policy

Contact Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, serving the South Kingstown, RI area with the insurance it needs. Let us help you add umbrella insurance to your primary policies to improve your financial security. Call or email us today.

Does umbrella insurance replace my other policies?

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Does umbrella insurance from Kingston Insurance Agency LLC replace my other policies? The answer is no. Umbrella insurance here in the South Kingstown, RI area is an additional form of liability coverage that provides extra financial protection beyond the limits of your traditional auto and homeowners insurance policies. It offers broader coverage for liabilities, including libel and slander, as well as covering legal costs if you are sued. 

Why Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance does not replace your existing policies; rather it acts as an additional layer of protection for those times when your primary policies don’t offer enough coverage. For example, if you were to be sued for a large amount of money and the limit of your primary policy was too low to cover all damages, then umbrella insurance would be able to provide the additional coverage needed to cover the remainder. 

Umbrella insurance is an economical way to protect you and your family from potential financial ruin. It can provide invaluable peace of mind in the event of a serious lawsuit, such as one resulting from a car accident or a medical malpractice claim. 

An umbrella policy is typically very affordable and provides much higher limits of coverage than traditional policies. Policies are usually available for amounts ranging from $1 million to $10 million. Depending on your particular situation, you may want to purchase additional coverage beyond that amount.

Ultimately, an umbrella policy provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind that can be invaluable in the long run. A sound insurance strategy should include both primary and umbrella policies, as they work together to provide comprehensive protection for your family and your assets. 

Reach Out To Us

For more information, give us at Kingston Insurance Agency LLC a call today. We are proud to serve the South Kingstown, RI area.

Does Flood Insurance Cover My Garage?

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If you live in South Kingstown, RI, you know how unpredictable nature can be. With rising sea levels and frequent storms, your property and belongings are at risk of flood damage. As residents of this area, we understand your concern about protecting your garage. 

What does flood insurance cover?

Flood insurance comes in two parts: building coverage and content coverage. Building coverage covers the physical structure of your home, including the foundation, walls, roof, built-in appliances, floorings, etc. Meanwhile, content coverage can include personal items such as clothing, furniture, and electronics. However, this coverage usually does not apply to garages.

Garage Coverage under Different Policies

Basic homeowner’s insurance policies rarely cover flood damages. Some policies offer exceptions for loss or damages that occur because of an overflow of water from your indoor plumbing, leading to damage in your garage area. It’s essential to check with your provider regarding the extent of your coverage.

A National Flood Insurance Program may cover detached or attached garages since the coverage extends to structures on the insured property. Our Kingston Insurance Agency LLC representatives can help you understand the details of your policy and explain what it would take to extend your coverage if it’s unavailable under your current plan.

Reach Out To Us

You have made a significant investment in your garage. Talk to Kingston Insurance Agency LLC about your flood insurance options and get expert advice. We understand your need for peace of mind about your property and belongings in South Kingstown, RI daily. Don’t take any risks! Protect your garage and outdoor buildings by calling us today.

5 Questions About Condo Insurance

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Are you considering buying a condominium – or do you already own one in and around South Kingstown, RI? If so, it is essential to understand how insurance protects you and your investment. According to Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, condo unit owners must understand how to fill the gap or spotty coverage created by the HOA’s master policy.

To better understand your potential risk as a condo unit owner, find the answers to these questions:            

What is the Insurance Deductible for the Homeowners Association?

The master insurance policy for the HOA provides essential coverage for the building and common areas. However, each unit owner will ultimately absorb their relative portion of the HOA’s deductible.

How Much Coverage is Appropriate for Your Unit Owner Policy?

Determine the personal property and/or unit upgrades you want to insure.

Should You Choose Cash-Value or Replacement-Cost Coverage?

After determining the amount of insurance you need, you must decide if you want a cash-value or a replacement-cost policy. The primary difference between these two options is that, for the cash value coverage, depreciation will reduce the amount of the claim, and replacement-cost coverage will not.  

Are the Contents and Structures Covered?

Condominium insurance coverage offers protection as follows –

  • Contents – jewelry and personal property, etc.
  • Structures – custom cabinetry, flooring, etc.

Is there Coverage for Flood Damage?

Flood insurance is optional unless the condo is in a flood zone. If the entire project is in a flood zone, it is more than likely that the HOA has a master policy. Unit owners can purchase flood insurance privately to cover the contents and structures.

Reach Out To Us!

For additional information regarding condominium insurance, contact the Kingston Insurance Agency LLC – serving the South Kingstown, RI area. 

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