Boats and Yacht Insurance Klamath Falls, OR

Boats and Yachts: Do you know the difference?

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It is fairly easy to tell the difference between a car and a truck or a motorcycle and a moped, but when it comes to boats and yachts, differences may not be as evident. In insurance terms, the differences between a boat and a yacht are very clear.

How are boats and yachts defined in Oregon?

  • Boats: A boat is generally defined as a vessel under 26 feet in length. This can include speed boats, fishing boats (for recreational purposes) and classic or antique boats. Standard boat insurance policies can include physical damage coverage, liability coverage, personal property coverage and towing and assistance coverage. Many of the policies are yearly policies so there is no need to be concerned about your boat when it is moored or in a dry dock for the winter months. Boat insurance policies often include limits on navigational areas or be an agreed value policy which means you and the insurance carrier will agree upon a set value of worth for the boat before a policy is drafted. This may help recoup costs in the event the boat is lost or damaged beyond repair. A basic boat insurance may not include extra coverage for uninsured/underinsured boater coverage or coverage for fuel spills, but a yacht insurance policy may include those items. So, when insuring a boat, be sure to ask your agent about these coverages because most times, they can be added.
  • Yachts: A yacht is defined as a vessel over 26 feet in length and used for mostly personal or recreation purposes. Yacht insurance tends to be more inclusive than your standard boat insurance policy. Those extras that you may pay more for in boat policy, like fuel spill coverage, towing and additional personal property coverage, may be generally included in your yacht insurance policy. There are also custom coverage options that may be available just for yacht insurance. Custom coverages may include additional hurricane protection if you are sailing or docking in an area during hurricane season. It may also include an option to extend or create a custom navigation area as most standard boat insurance policies only offer coverage the extends 75 miles past the U.S., Canadian or Mexican coastline. If your yacht includes a dinghy, there is a coverage option for that as well, though it may be limited to anything under 16 feet in length.

Whether you are considering purchasing a boat or a yacht or wondering which category your current sea-faring vessel falls, the insurance experts at Pacific Ridge Insurance in Klamath Falls, OR can assist you with all your boating insurance needs. Pacific Ridge Insurance agents can also assist you with insuring other items like your autos, homes or adding a personal umbrella insurance policy for additional protection beyond your auto and home insurance policies. Whatever your insurance needs, let Pacific Ridge Insurance help. Visit their website 24/7 for more information about the agency or the insurance products they offer.

Fire safety Klamath Falls, OR

Summer fire safety tips

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At some point this summer, you will most likely use fire for something. Whether it be a camp fire, fireworks or a grill, the potential for both fun and hazards is present. We put together a few fire safety tips for using fire (and its byproducts) safely and responsibly.

Fire Safety Oregon:

  • Campfires:  Make sure that your campfire is well contained, either in a pit or surrounded by rocks and the area around and above it is free of flammable material. Watch sparks and shifts in the fire to ensure that the flames stay within the pit. Be sure to extinguish your fire prior to sleep and when you depart the camp site. Having a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher handy is a very good idea. If a forest or brush fire should start, you’ll want to contact the authorities (in many cases a camping host) immediately.
  • Fireworks: Whether you are shooting off fireworks in your neighborhood or at a campground (make sure this is within the confines of the campground rules), you should be prepared for anything. When lighting fireworks, make sure that there is nothing flammable around your area and keep fireworks away from houses and other structures. Keep a bucket of sand available to dispose of used fireworks and never throw used fireworks directly into the garbage as they could spark a fire. Make sure to keep a hose, water bucket or fire extinguisher in the event a rogue fireworks sparks a blaze. Should a fire occur dial 911 immediately.
  • BBQs: Barbequing is a summer pastime. Whether you prefer a charcoal or gas grill, you should take some safety precautions. Never grill too close to a dwelling wall or under an awning or porch, the heat from the grill could cause a spark. If you are storing a grill close to a dwelling, make sure the grill is completely cooled before putting it in place. When using a charcoal grill, closely follow the direction on the lighter fluid as large flames could start a fire and injure anyone standing too close.
  • Other causes: BBQs, fireworks and campfires are not the only catalysts when it comes to fires. Sparks from ATVs, motorcycles, RVs and cars can start fires with the driver never knowing. Making sure your regular and off-road vehicles are in good repair may help prevent a random spark from starting a blaze.

According to the National Parks Service, “As many as 90 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans.” What it doesn’t mention: if you start a fire you may be liable for any restitution and damage costs, which could result in you being responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Using proper safety techniques and having the right amount insurance may help cover some of those costs in the event you are found liable or negligent in a fire. Talk to your Klamath Falls, OR Pacific Ridge Insurance agent about how your home insurance policy may help protect you should you start a fire on your property or on a neighbor’s property. Having a personal umbrella policy may help reduce damage costs from an exhausted home insurance policy or negligence from a fire started away from your home. Ask your Pacific Ridge agent what may be right for your situation and budget. You can also visit our insurance website 24/7 to see what other insurance products we offer like boat or flood insurance. We hope you have a safe summer!

Camping Klamath Falls, OR

Do you know these camping basics?

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A camping trip is one of the great adventures a person (or family) gets to have each summer. Our area is filled with great camping spots, some nestled in the woods some near streams and lakes, but most are great for meeting new friends. Preparing for this wonderful American tradition a camping trip can be challenging as you have to be ready for many different scenarios: wild animals, weather changes, illness, etc. Don’t fret, we are here to highlight some of the basic necessities one may need on a weekend camping trip.

Camping Basics in Oregon:

  • Food:  Food and drink is a very important component of any trip. Most folks pack your standard camping fare like hot dogs, s’mores and plenty no-fuss ready to eat snacks. You’ll want to pack some energy bars, nuts, fruit and plenty of water if you plan on doing any physical activity as low blood sugar (and heat) can lead to dizziness and possibly fainting. Storing your food is also extremely important. Making sure all food is tightly sealed in containers will help keep pests and wild animals out of your campsite, you should also make sure that cold food stays cold to avoid food poisoning. Be sure to pack all food away in the evenings in a locked car away from any sleeping quarters as bears and other wild animals may enter camp looking for a snack.
  • Weather: Be prepared for all kinds of weather and be aware that it can change at any moment. Pack enough clothes to layer should it get chilly or rainy, hats and umbrellas for staying out of the sun and proper food gear for hiking or for swimming (including life jackets if you plan on using a canoe or raft). Being prepared for the weather also means being prepared for the pests warm weather brings. Mosquitoes and ticks can be an annoyance, but they can also cause health problems like West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. Citronella candles (or torches) and repellant sprays can help protect against mosquitoes and ticks. For ticks, check yourself and your pets daily for ticks.  They prefer dark, warm areas like behind the knees, ears and inside the belly button. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has some great tick prevention and removal tips.
  • Fires: Whether you are camping with a tent or in an RV or camper, you will most likely be starting a fire (in an approved fire pit) to cook food or just to enjoy. Make sure that your fire pit is well contained and the area around and above it is free of flammable material. Watch sparks and shifts in the fire to ensure that the flames stay within the pit. Having a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher hand is a very good idea. If a forest or brush fire should start, you’ll want to contact the authorities (in many cases a camping host) immediately. It is not just camp fires that can cause a forest or brush fire. Sparks from motorcycle, ATV or RV tail pipes can also cause a spontaneous fire. If you are bringing any of these “toys” along take to your insurance agent about a personal umbrella insurance policy, which could help mitigate damage and restitution costs if you were found liable or negligent for a brush or forest fire.
  • Cleanliness: Not just personal hygiene, but keeping your campsite clear of trip hazards, such as unused toys, firewood, ropes or other items that could cause a trip. Remember that you’re usually leasing a space of land to camp on, but this won’t stop others from walking through your site. Be sure they have a safe place to travel through and that you can’t be found liable for someone injuring themselves while being in or around your RV (should you be using an RV). You can protect yourself with vacation liability insurance coverage that is available with specialized RV policies such as those offered by Progressive Insurance.

At Pacific Ridge Insurance we want you to enjoy your summer camping trips. While we can’t assist you with building fires and setting up a campsite, we can help ensure that all your RVs, ATVs and motorcycles are insured with the right policy to fit your needs and budget. Give your Klamath Falls, OR Pacific Ridge agent a call and see the difference of working with an independent agent. You can also visit our insurance website 24/7 for more information about the other insurance products we sell, like home insurance or auto insurance.