What are common motorcycle insurance exclusions?

Posted on November 28, 2023November 28, 2023 by admin

New Mexico law requires motorcycle operators to show proof of responsibility by, for example, providing evidence of insurance meeting the minimum requirements for property and bodily injury. Of course, many additional forms of coverage are available to motorcycle owners, but violating your policy terms may result in not being covered for an accident. To discuss insurance exclusions or other aspects of motorcycle insurance, the Franklin Insurance Agency team serving Rio Rancho, NM, is here to help.

Common Motorcycle Insurance Exclusions

Insurance exclusions are provisions in your policy that eliminate coverage under certain circumstances. Typically, exclusions address unsafe uses, behaviors, equipment, or other factors that increase the risk or severity of an accident and the resulting losses. Motorcycle insurance exclusions vary by policy and the coverage purchased, but typical exclusions are damages and injuries that occur while:

Racing or riding in an organized race, whether on a temporary or permanent racetrack
Committing a criminal act
Acting as an employee or for hire, such as delivering products or transporting passengers
Riding recklessly or during an act of intentional act to damage property or hurt others or yourself
Under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances such as cocaine, marijuana, or narcotics
Lending your motorcycle to another driver not named in your policy.

Your policy details each exclusion, so we recommend you review each with your agent to ensure you understand them and the steps needed to ensure compliance while riding. Compliance also helps ensure you operate your motorcycle safely and responsibly.

Working With Franklin Insurance Agency

If you live in or near Rio Rancho, NM, the friendly team at Franklin Insurance Agency is ready to address all your motorcycle and other insurance needs. So, give us a call or stop in to see us today.

Four reasons why it might be time to update your auto insurance policy

Posted on October 30, 2023October 30, 2023 by admin

You need to update your auto insurance coverage periodically to protect your finances. At Franklin Insurance Agency, we can help motorists in Rio Rancho, NM get adequate auto insurance coverage.

The following are four reasons why it might be time to update your auto insurance policy.

You’ve relocated.

Auto insurance policies are typically specific to a certain state or address. This means that it’s essential for you to let your auto insurance provider know when you move.

You need to add a new driver to your policy.

You might have a family member or housemate who uses your vehicle frequently. If this is the case, your auto insurance provider should know.

You cannot assume that your auto insurance policy will cover you when other motorists use your vehicle. Be sure to get other motorists listed on your policy if you need coverage when others use your vehicle.

You’re using your vehicle more or less frequently.

Auto insurance policies are usually customized to accommodate the amount of usage that a vehicle gets. If you use your vehicle more or less than before, let your insurance provider know so your policy can be tailored to your needs.

You need to add a new vehicle to your policy.

An auto insurance policy can typically cover multiple vehicles. However, you need to notify your insurance company that you’ve bought a new vehicle if you want to be sure that your policy covers your new vehicle.

We’re here to help you when you need to update your auto insurance coverage in Rio Rancho, NM. Call us today at Franklin Insurance Agency for more information on your auto insurance options.

Do You Need Commercial Insurance for Your New Mexico Business?

Posted on September 28, 2023September 28, 2023 by admin

Our agents at the Franklin Insurance Agency serving the Rio Rancho, NM area want all business owners to know and understand the options they can choose from and what is required for commercial insurance, also known as business insurance.

Is Commercial Insurance Required in New Mexico?

There are several types of commercial insurance, but there are a few that are required in the state of New Mexico. Those include auto liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.

Auto Liability Insurance

All vehicles in New Mexico must be insured with at least an auto liability insurance policy. This law applies to any vehicles you use for your business or those your business own. This type of insurance will help pay for the other driver’s injuries or property damage in an accident. This type of insurance also applies to the theft of your business-owned vehicle or damage that occurs to a vehicle owned by your business.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If you have three or more employees, you will be required to have a workers’ compensation insurance policy in place to help pay the possible costs of an injured worker or legal fees associated with a workers’ compensation claim.

Types of Commercial Insurance Coverage Options

General Liability Insurance

This type of insurance can help you pay legal bills associated with a customer who suffered an injury at your business or if you are involved with libel or slander. It will also help pay the medical bills of an injured customer while visiting your business.

Commercial Property Insurance

If you own the property where your business is located, this type of insurance will help you out if there is a fire or natural disaster. It can also help if your inventory is damaged or lost due to theft or vandalism.

Other Types of Commercial Insurance

Our agents can assist you in explaining the other types of commercial insurance available, such as professional liability, product liability, cyber liability, business interruption insurance, and several others.

Contact Franklin Insurance Agency

Contact our agents at the Franklin Insurance Agency serving the Rio Rancho, NM area to get your commercial insurance policy started today!

Is Outdoor Property Covered by Home Insurance?

Posted on August 29, 2023August 29, 2023 by admin

A homeowner’s insurance policy provides coverage for various risks that may impact your real estate investment and its occupants. If you live in and around Rio Rancho, NM, the insurance professionals at Franklin Insurance Agency can help you determine how best to protect your home, family, and assets.

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Outdoor Property?

Yes, a policyholder’s outdoor property will be covered; however, the scope of insurance will be contingent on the terms of the policy you hold. The outdoor items that are generally covered by a home insurance policy include –

Outside Property Structures

Standard home insurance policies often cover structures on your property, such as an outdoor shed, a fence, or a detached garage. Coverage is usually a percentage of the main dwelling coverage limit.

Outdoor Personal Belongings

Homeowners’ insurance typically covers Outdoor personal belongings, including outdoor grills, patio furniture, or lawn equipment. Note that policy limits may exist, so high-value items might best be covered by a special endorsement.

Landscaping

Landscaping, including plants, flowers, and trees, is not typically covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy; however, driveways and retaining walls might be covered if damaged by a covered event.

Liability Coverage

A homeowner’s policy will often include liability coverage should an accident happen (for which the insured is found to be legally responsible) in the property’s backyard or driveway.

Contact a Leading Rio Rancho, NM Homeowners Insurance Firm

If your home has unique or valuable outdoor features, discussing available coverage options is a smart idea to ensure your home and family are sufficiently protected. To speak with an insurance professional at Franklin Insurance Agency about homeowners’ insurance coverage to meet your needs, contact a Franklin Insurance Agency staff member at 505-891-8733 or online.

Do Non-Motored Boats Need Boating Insurance?

Posted on July 28, 2023July 28, 2023 by admin

If you own a non-motored boat, most states won’t require you to carry boat insurance. However, you can choose to insure your boat if you have risks that make it a good choice. If you want to secure a boat insurance policy, the Franklin Insurance Agency can provide residents around the Rio Rancho, NM, area with quality coverage.

Boat Insurance Information

If you own a non-motorized boat, there may be instances where having insurance on your vessel is a good idea. If you feel there is a risk of damage to your boat or others and other events such as theft or vandalism, securing boat insurance coverage is a good option. If you would like to learn more about boat insurance coverage, our team of insurance experts can help you understand your policy choices and help you find the right insurance products for your needs.

Our agents take the time to carefully assess your situation and use that information to recommend insurance policies that offer the most protection. Once you select your policy, you can depend on your insurance agent to help you submit documentation to acquire it and provide support for any changes to the policy over its lifetime. If you have a claim, we can help with claims submissions to ensure you get a payment to repair or replace your boat.

Contact Franklin Insurance Agency Today

You can count on Franklin Insurance Agency to provide the residents in and around the Rio Rancho, NM, area with insurance products they can rely on. Additionally, we are committed to providing excellent customer service and support. Please call or stop by our office to schedule a consultation with one of our agents or to get answers to any questions.

How Important Is Tire Rotation to Vehicle Safety?

Posted on June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 by admin

Vehicle maintenance plays a vital role in the overall safety of your car. Here at Franklin Insurance Agency, serving Rio Rancho, NM, and the surrounding areas, we want to help ensure you stay safe on the road. Keep reading about the connection between tire rotations and vehicle safety.

Tire Rotation Explained

A tire rotation is a routine type of vehicle maintenance in which each tire is moved to a different spot on the vehicle’s axle. Rotating tires in this way helps ensure that the tires wear more evenly. When tires wear unevenly, it can create safety issues.

Tire Overheating

One of the safety issues that can arise when tire rotation is ignored is overheating on the surface of the tires. The proper tread is needed to keep air flowing correctly over the tires. This airflow keeps the heat from friction at a minimum. When this tread is not ideal, the tires will not cool properly and reach unsafe temperatures.

Hydroplaning

When tires wear unevenly, your vehicle is at a greater risk for hydroplaning. This can happen during very rainy conditions and can lead to serious vehicle accidents.

Lack of Traction In Snow

During snowy or icy weather, traction is vital to safe driving. The tread on your tires is what provides this important traction. If the tires have worn unevenly, traction will be low, and driving in snow or ice will be unsafe.

Blowouts

Another hazardous situation that can develop is blowouts. A blowout is when a tire pops due to areas of the tire wearing thin. This can be very unsafe and cause you to lose control of your vehicle while driving.

If you want to learn about vehicle insurance, contact us at Franklin Insurance Agency, which serves Rio Rancho, NM, and the surrounding areas.

Tips to make your home more energy efficient

Posted on May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 by admin

Energy efficiency is good for the environment and can help you save money on your energy bills here in the Rio Rancho, NM area. Here are some tips from us at Franklin Insurance Agency to make your home more energy efficient:

Change your lightbulbs to LED bulbs. LED bulbs are much more energy efficient than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs and last much longer.
Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. Even small gaps around window and door frames can lead to air leaks that cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder than necessary.
Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures for different times of day, so you don’t have to waste energy by keeping the temperature too high or too low when no one is home.
Unplug unused appliances and electronics. Many electronics draw power even when they’re not turned on, so be sure to unplug any items that aren’t in use.
Use fans instead of air conditioning whenever possible. Fans use less energy than air conditioners, so using them instead of AC will help lower energy costs.

Simple changes like these can help reduce your carbon footprint and save money on monthly energy costs in the long run!

For more energy-saving tips or to explore a policy that will cover your home in case of the unexpected, call us at Franklin Insurance Agency today. We are proud to serve the Rio Rancho, NM area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and budget.

RV Maintenance Tips While On The Road

Posted on April 28, 2023April 28, 2023 by admin

RVs are a great way to see the U.S.; for some people, an RV can even be a great living option. Keeping up with RV maintenance is essential to make the most of your RV ownership, especially while on the road. At Franklin Insurance Agency, serving Rio Rancho, NM, we want to help you enjoy your RV ownership more. Keep reading to learn more.

Oil Changes

Like all vehicles, oil changes are a massive part of RV maintenance. It can be easy while traveling to forget some basic types of vehicle maintenance. Even if you are out on the road when oil changes come due, be sure to prioritize this maintenance task.

Tire Maintenance

Tire maintenance is essential while you are traveling long distances in your RV. Not only is tire maintenance important for vehicle care, but it can also significantly affect your safety while traveling. Tire blowouts can cause serious accidents. RVs are larger than most other vehicles, so the risk they pose to other vehicles is greater. Keep on top of tire maintenance to keep yourself and other drivers safe.

Security

You should also make sure that security measures are properly maintained. Allowing things such as locks to go unmaintained can put you and your family at risk while traveling. It is sometimes challenging to keep your RV safe when you are in different locations often. Ensure that locks and windows are always in good working order and secured.

If you want to learn more about RV insurance, please get in touch with us at Franklin Insurance Agency, which serves Rio Rancho, NM, and the surrounding areas.

How much umbrella insurance do I need?

Posted on March 31, 2023March 31, 2023 by admin

Umbrella insurance from Franklin Insurance Agency is an important type of liability insurance that can provide you with an extra layer of protection in case you are liable for a lawsuit. It can be helpful in cases where the damages or costs exceed what your current liability coverage can cover. Considering how much umbrella insurance you need based on your assets, income, and lifestyle here in the Rio Rancho, NM area is essential.

When deciding how much umbrella insurance coverage to purchase, looking at your assets and liabilities is important. This includes property such as your home and vehicles and any other valuable possessions that could be taken in a lawsuit. It would be best if you also considered any debts, such as student loans or credit card debt. All of these items should be considered when determining the amount of coverage needed.

In addition to considering your assets and liabilities, it’s also essential to think about potential risks associated with your lifestyle and activities. For example, if you are an avid golfer, you may want more umbrella insurance coverage since it can protect against claims related to golf-related injuries or incidents. On the other hand, additional coverage may be necessary if you own a business or rental property due to the increased risk of being sued by customers or tenants.

When deciding how much umbrella insurance coverage to buy, remember that too little coverage could leave you unprotected in the event of a lawsuit, while too much could be overpaying for unnecessary protection. The best way to determine how much umbrella insurance is right for you is to work with an experienced agent here at Franklin Insurance Agency who can help assess your individual needs and provide tailored recommendations for coverage amounts. We proudly serve the Rio Rancho, NM area.

Things You Should Know About Motorcycle Insurance Before Purchasing It

Posted on February 27, 2023February 27, 2023 by admin

Being a lucky motorcycle owner is not enough. It would be best if you also thought about how to protect your precious vehicle, and having proper motorcycle insurance is one of the best ways to do it. Finding motorcycle insurance based on your needs and budget is challenging. If you are currently shopping for motorcycle insurance, here is what you need to know:

What Do You Need to Know About Motorcycle Insurance?

Name: Franklin Insurance Agency
Address: 2345 Southern Blvd SE Ste C4, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124
Telephone: 505-891-8733

Here is a list of the most important facts about motorcycle insurance:

Auto insurance does not cover your motorcycle. Many people mistakenly believe they do not need motorcycle insurance if they already have auto insurance. The truth is that auto insurance covers your car only. If you also have a motorcycle, you must purchase separate insurance.
The cost of your motorcycle insurance depends on certain factors. The three main factors affecting the cost of your insurance are who you are, what type of motorcycle you have, and where you live.
Motorcycle insurance does not cover everything. It is important to know that not all types of accidents are covered by motorcycle insurance. The following situations are not covered: racing or operating a bike without registration or proper license, riding while being under the influence, and others.

Trustworthy and Reliable Insurance Company in New Mexico

Are you shopping for motorcycle insurance in Rio Rancho, NM, or Albuquerque? Do you want an insurance policy to cover your motorcycle and protect you on the road? Franklin Insurance Agency is here to help you. We specialize in various types of insurance, including motorcycle insurance as well. We are ready to help you find a perfect policy based on your personal needs and budget. Do not hesitate to contact us – we are here for you.