2021 Campers Coverage Guide

In Ontario, camping continues to be a topic of conversation when it comes to provincial COVID openings. As the date of all openings moves closer, we’re here to help you prepare for the safest camping season yet. Here are our top 4 ways for you to stay safe and smiling:

Best trailer insurance coverage for families

Know what your policy is doing for you

Travel trailer insurance

firstly, understanding what exactly you are covered for while camping is a big thing many people miss once they have received their policy. Although most trailer policies would seem similar if not identical, when you add your trailer to your auto policy the coverage isn’t as extensive. In most cases, your auto policy actually does not cover you when your vehicle is detached from your trailer. Considering covering our campers is our specialty, we don’t want you to worry about your every move or worse, having a claim that isn’t covered. For more of an understanding about trailer insurance vs. trailer add-on insurance check out this blog.

Prepare your proof of insurance

Next, this is an important thing to consider as many campgrounds these days request this upon arrival. Therefore, having a copy of your proof of trailer insurance in your trailer saves time. This in turn leaves more time for your camping experience. For your knowledge, proof of insurance can take the form of a certificate of insurance or the declaration page of your policy. For more specifics about what proofs of insurance look like and how to get them check out this blog.

Following rules means following fun

This is a given, but do you do it? Sometimes we want to break the rules, we’re human. Frankly, most rules are put in place to protect you from situations that can result in serious consequences. Not only that, but obeying signage also saves park workers from dealing with arising issues as opposed to focusing on park-related tasks. Especially with COVID-19 restrictions, employee enforcement is important now more than ever. Overall, by following the signage posted around the park you protect not only yourself, but the people around you and your campground.

Prepare smarter not harder

A lot, but not all, claims can be prevented if campers took preventative measures to ensure their own and surrounding parties safety. These measures can be simple pre-camping checks that lower the possibility of unwanted claims. Here are some things that might make your camping experience safer this season:

All these items can be found on amazon.

In conclusion we want to ensure you remain claims free. This not only prevents devastating, permanent loss but also saves you money from any future increases in insurance that may result from these claims.

Following these guidelines will help keep you and your fellow campers safe and leave you with more time for your next adventure. On the other hand, keeping campers covered is what we do best. But why not help us out by covering yourself more than ever before. 

Get the Right Coverage for You

Don’t have trailer insurance yet for your next adventure? Get a free 5-minute quote here

Advice From the Experts: Trailer Insurance

Recently we got the chance to chat with one of our trailer experts Natalie about travel trailer insurance details. She introduced an important topic that she has realized not many people know about. Auto policy coverage in terms of travel trailer insurance!  

Trailer Add-on Specifics

An automobile policy is the policy you that covers your regular driving vehicle. That is obvious. What isn’t obvious is the coverage when towing a RV. While towing your trailer, liability is usually included in your auto policy. However, this is something you will want to check with your broker on.

Ultimately, you are only covered by your auto policy when on the road towing your trailer. An auto policy does not cover your trailer when it is parked in a park and detached from the vehicle. Therefore, having your trailer included with the auto policy only covers you in the case of an accident while towing, not while enjoying your next adventure.  

Travel trailer insurance ontario

Choosing a Policy

Most campgrounds require their campers to have $2 million in liability coverage. With that in mind, here are three options for trailer coverage:

Option 1 – Auto Policy Add-on

Targeted Trailer owner:

This is for people who don’t want a specific trailer insurance policy. Overall it is for campers who would rather just have liability coverage. Or, these campers are fine with paying extra for more coverage if need be.

This option allows for you to add a typical liability coverage to your current automobile policy. As stated, this is typically included within your auto policy. However if you want more coverage it is an option with several insurance companies.

Option 2 – Travel trailer policy

Targeting Trailer owner:

This coverage option is meant for people who do a lot of travel during the summer from park to park. It also might be better suited for someone who uses different vehicles from different policies to transport their trailer.

This policy covers your trailer when its parked and detached from your vehicle as well as when towing. Considering there is great risk both when towing a trailer and parking it, this policy ensures you’re fully covered. Click here for more details about our travel trailer program.

Option 3 – Park Model Policy

Targeted trailer owner:

This policy should be considered by trailer owners who either live in the trailer or use it as a semi-permanent seasonal dwelling.

A park model policy tends to have less risk since the trailer isn’t towed, making the premium lower. Overall this option covers trailer liability and damages when parked in a campground. In MBK’s park model insurance package you can also add on additional coverage. This could include your golf carts, decks and other camping specific items. Click here for more details about our park model program.

“The auto policy is not going to cover you for anything that might happen when its parked.”

Natalie believes this is an important thing to consider while using your trailer.  

 ADD-ONS & Trailer Policies Summarized

 Homeowners     Side Note

You can also add your trailer onto your homeowners policy.

However, you run the risk of losing any no-claims discount for your house if you have to report a claim on your trailer.

Get the Right
Insurance
for you

WE CARE ABOUT GETTING THE RIGHT TRAILER INSURANCE FOR YOU. CHECK OUT OUR TRAILER POLICIES AND FIND THE ONE BEST FIT FOR YOU.

What is my Insurance Broker Doing for me?

I Don't Trust the Big Guys

A common perception of insurance institutions, whether brokers or companies is that they can’t be trusted. This stems from the big guys worrying more about getting more policies than they do about customers actually understanding what they’re covered for. Additionally, it comes from the fact that because there are so many insurance companies and brokers, shopping around is what a lot of people do.

With that being said, we believe it’s important to know that there is a difference between companies and brokers in terms of what they do for you. We want to make sure you know who is where for what. With this, we hope that you can have a little more trust in us or your own broker.   

Its About Knowing Who You’re Dealing With

So you’re looking for the best insurance policy for you. Should you go through an insurance company directly or should you go through your local broker?

 

Here is a secret. When you go through a broker you are going to get more personalized service. Whether its hearing about package options or discussing a claim, your broker should provide you with the one-on-one relationship you’re looking for. Check out these benefits of using an insurance broker.

So you have your insurance policy in place. Say you have questions, should you contact the insurance company or the broker?

Natalie, one of our trusted brokers at MBK.

Natalie, one of our trusted brokers at MBK.

If you have questions about your policy  its best to contact your broker. In many cases if you attempt to contact your insurance company they will refer you to your broker, pass you around on the phone or provide you with a lengthy legal document. Especially at M.B. Kouri Insurance Brokers we make sure to explain all those legal things in simpler terms. We want to make sure all our clients know exactly what they’re getting and the best way they can protect themselves. 

What about when I report a claim?

Every insurance relationship is different. So, reporting claims can be done through several channels. Under the circumstances it is advised to contact your broker seeing as they are your representative and know the most about your insurance package. However, many other insurance companies also offer 24 hour claim phone hotlines you can contact in emergency cases.

At M.B. Kouri Insurance Brokers you can contact us at 1-800-465-6574 to report your claim or if its after hours contact 1-800-665-3351. Either way we are on your team. We take pride on being the middle man and being your go to if anything happens. Click here to make a claim.

So What are the Differences

Insurance brokers and insurance company infographic

When you deal with us

We do exactly what we say. So we care about getting you the proper insurance. Because we are specialized, our services include:

Considering our insurance specialization, our primary insurance provider is Wynward. to date, we have had Wynward’s support for over 15 years. 

campground & trailer insurance

Wynward serves their clients by focusing on insightful risk assessment while maintaining a fair and dependable status. Check out what Wynward has to offer

Get the Right Insurance for You

 
Not sold? Click here and check out our family and history. 

Top 3 RV Insurance Coverages You Should Have

As the season winds down, now is the perfect time to do some shopping. Whether you are owning your first trailer or have past experience, we’re here to share with you the top 3 best RV trailer insurance coverages. These include coverages that are a given and some that are not always considered. Above all, M.B. Kouri Insurance Brokers include all of them in their policies. 

What is going on?

For people getting insurance for their RV either through an existing policy or a new one, make sure to look over the coverages. It important to ask questions you might be afraid to ask in order to understand what you’re getting.

Firstly, it is just as important for you to know what you’re getting as it is for the insurance companies to tell you. However, knowing what you are covered for is not always easy considering the inconsistent relationship many have with insurance companies. But do not let that stop you!  

What do I Need?

Lets get to it, these are the top 3 coverages we have coined as important for you and your trailer. With these in mind you’re one step closer to the best camping experiences.

1. Personal Liability 

  1. This covers you for any compensation you may have to provide due to bodily injury endured by guests while on or from your property.

This coverage is rated one of our most important and typically can be included in your policy. In particular, this coverage is important if you are within a campground. For example, on seasonal sites you can never be to careful when it comes to other seasonal campers. Additionally, if you are a transient camper this is especially important considering you may not know much about the environment of the park.

2. Golf Cart Liability 

This provides insurance up to $2 000 000 for claims that might arise from your ownership, use or operation of a golf cart.

We understand that not everyone has a golf cart. This coverage made the list because golf carts are actually NOT covered within campgrounds if on your house policy. Because this is the new way to travel within RV parks, having coverage saves you from anything unexpected. So, for all current and future golf cart owners consider the policy your golf cart is on. This ensures that you know that you can scoot around your park safely.

 

3. Theft and Vandalism

This provides coverage for your trailer as well as contents included on your policy. Whether one of your possessions are stolen or destroyed, you should be covered.

Although you can try your best to prevent this from happening, it can still be devastating if it happens. Theft seems to be more common when trailers are being stored or unoccupied. For that reason, we want to give you the peace of mind that if something happens outside of the adventure season, the financial stress is relieved. For how to reduce chances of theft of property with your trailer check out Katherine’s article about RV Safety

Why is this Important?

Because different insurance companies offer different coverages, having expectations for your trailer is a must. Knowing what you are covered for not only gives you peace of mind but also helps if the unfortunate case arose where you had to make a claim. At MBK we want to provide the best RV insurance solutions for you. To conclude, to get insight into what we recommend for claims check out our make a claim section.

Get the Right Insurance for you

 We’ve got you covered. Don’t believe us? Check out if our insurance package is right for you and get a free quote.

Park Model & Mobile Home Differences

To many, the difference between mobile homes, park models and RVs have blurred lines. Whether looking for a new adventure or solid residence, the never-ending battle is understanding what type of trailer you are looking for. Is it a park model or mobile home?

What Insurance Companies Look For

What do the other guys think?

No matter the insurance company, the distinction of what is being covered is important. Travel trailers are typically easy to identify as they are commonly towed behind a vehicle. Although they can be parked seasonally in the best Ontario parks and campgrounds, travel trailers are also towed on a transient basis.

When it comes to the more permanent placement of trailers, many companies question whether the home is a mobile home or modular home. The difference lies primarily in mobile homes being single level, while modular being multiple level. Once that is out of the way, getting a grasp for whether you have a mobile home or park mobile is the real kicker. 

Spot the Difference

What am I buying?

Knowing the difference it not something solely based on looks. Similar trailers may be used for different purposes. This creates the coverage differences seen within varied trailer insurance packages. Although the differences might seem minimal, you want to make sure you have proper trailer insurance coverage for the amount of time that you are occupying your dwelling. Because this varies depending on the usage of your investment, it is relevant to consider when reaching out to insurance companies for park model, mobile home or RV insurance. 

Do not fret! Considering we understand the importance of the differences and the battle trailer owners face with distinctions, we are here to cover all the bases. Let’s take a look more at the differences between the two.

Mobile Home

  • Stayed in year-round, these are people whose home is the mobile home itself
  • Are parked within parks where others live in the dwelling year round
  • They have wheels but are commonly removed and skirted after being placed. Although they can be transported to different locations, it can be costly and is not common 
  • These dwellings are typically more equipped for winter and include fire places 

Park model

  • Seasonal campers that will stay for the season and either have another home, are snowbirds or other circumstances that provide them with different living arrangements during the off-season
  • Typical single chassis axis, around 400 square feet
  • These are still recreational vehicles because they can be moved and transported but can also handle the long-term commitment in a park or resort
Park model trailer insurance
Mobile Home insurance Canada

Your Next Step

I know the difference, now what?

Now that you know the difference you can go into the purchase with a clear mind. Once finances and the initial adrenaline of your investment sets in its time to think about insurance options. The last thing you want to worry about it unwanted claims or accidents that you aren’t covered for. Especially while you are trying to enjoy some relaxation. 

Currently, M.B. Kouri Insurance Brokers offers three insurance packages. These are distinguished according to park models, RV’s or mobile homes. To know the best RV insurance packages M.B. Kouri Insurance Brokers Ltd. has to offer check out the following:

Get the Right Insurance for You

The distinction is important. Its important to us, so it should be important to you. For more information about what our insurance packages cover click here.