Tips for Storing Your Summer Toys

As much as we might dislike it, summer eventually comes to an end and it’s time to start thinking about cooler weather. For those of us who own seasonal “toys” like motorcycles, boats, or ATVs, the end of summer means putting these vehicles into storage for the winter. It’s just as important to take care of your toy when you’re not using it as when you are. You want it in good condition when you’re ready to get back on the road, trail, or water in the spring.

Below are a few tips to get your summer toys ready for fall:

Motorcycles

•          Top off your fuel tank.
•          Check all fluids.
•          Check your tire pressure and add air if necessary. Check your tires every few weeks throughout the fall and winter and pump them up as needed.
•          Prevent rust and corrosion. Give your bike a good waxing to minimize moisture, which can cause severe damage to the body of the bike.
•          Give the whole bike a thorough going-over before your first ride of the spring.

Boats

•           Wash it thoroughly and apply a coat of wax to minimize moisture.
•           Change the oil.  Replace the filter, flush out any lingering oil, and add the new oil.
•           Top off your fuel tank.
•           Refresh your coolant system. Drain the coolant in the system, flush with water, and replace with fresh antifreeze.
•          Spray the carburetor with anti-fogger to protect your engine’s moving parts.
•          Remove any on-board equipment and essentials (life jackets, fire extinguishers, GPS devices, etc.) and store them in a cool, dry location through the winter. Don’t leave any sensitive electronics onboard and exposed to the elements.

ATVs

•         Wash your ride thoroughly.
•          Check your coolant. Top it off or change it completely if it’s more than two years old.

•          Add fresh fuel to your tank.
•          Change the oil and oil filter.
•          Remove and charge the battery. Store it in a cool, dry location and connect it to a trickle charger.
•          Block up any holes or pipes to discourage rodents and other critters from building a home inside your machine!

Take the time to do a few simple maintenance tasks that will keep your toy in good condition throughout the winter. When the warm weather arrives, you should be ready to go in no time!

ETA Insurance Group can help you protect all of your summer (and winter!) toys. From boats and ATVs to snowmobiles, we can shop around to find you the best coverage for your needs and budget. Contact us today for more information. 

Your Homeowners' Policy Can Cover More Than Just Your Home

Homeowners’ policies are meant to protect damage to our homes and property (such as barns, pools, and garages), of course. But did you know that this coverage can apply to much more than just a dwelling? Be sure to review your policy so you understand what it covers. Below is a partial list of things that may be covered by a standard homeowners’ policy. 

Valuables. Certain possessions have not only a strong sentimental value, but they can be worth quite a bit of money, as well. Think of family heirlooms like jewelry, china, or firearms, or certain stamp or coin collections. Your homeowners’ policy may include coverage for these items, or you may opt to purchase policies specifically for certain valuables.

Boats (under a certain size). Boats can be covered under a homeowners’ policy if it is physically damaged while stored on your property—the coverage may not even include the time you’re in the water. It is recommended that you purchase a separate policy specifically for boats as your homeowners’ policy only provides minimal coverage for certain incidents.

Service lines. This is a new type of coverage that many providers are adding to their policies.  Service lines are needed for our home’s most basic functions—water, sewer, electricity, cable, and heat—and they can be damaged by a wide range of things (animals, nature, or plain old age). Repairing these lines can be costly. Besides paying for the actual repair, a homeowner may have to dig up some or all of a sidewalk, driveway, or lawn, which would then need to be replaced. It’s not unusual for the entire fix to cost several thousand dollars, the expense of which usually falls on the homeowner. More providers are adding service line coverage to their policies, which will help the homeowner offset a portion if not all of the repair expenses. 

Personal belongings stolen from a car.  Most people think that a car insurance policy covers anything and everything related to your vehicle, but that’s not the case. If you have an item like a laptop, or something even more valuable like your purse, stolen from your car, your homeowners’ policy may offset some of what was lost.

Loss-of-use. If you’re having major work done to your home due to a covered loss, you may be displaced for a period of time and need to live in temporary housing. Your policy may cover your room and board at a hotel or other lodgings while the repairs are going on.

Policies can vary greatly so it’s best to speak with your agent about what yours includes.

Were you ever pleasantly surprised by what your homeowners’ policy covered? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!