Renters Insurance with Roommates: What You Need to Know

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Sharing a rented apartment or house with roommates can pose challenges when determining responsibilities. Renter’s insurance is one such issue. You might wonder if all roommates need individual policies or if a collective one would suffice. At Collum Insurance Group LLC, we’re committed to helping renters in Richardson, TX understand their insurance needs. Let’s explore what you need to know about renter’s insurance to ensure you’re well covered.

Are All Roommates Required to Have Renter’s Insurance?

It’s advisable for each roommate to have their own renter’s insurance policy. Some landlords require individual policies for each tenant, while others leave it to the tenants’ discretion. If you haven’t already, it’s wise to discuss with your roommates the possibility of purchasing renter’s insurance to cover their possessions.

Individual Vs. Shared Items

A common misunderstanding is that renter’s insurance isn’t essential if shared items in your home, such as furniture and TVs, are not yours. But remember, renter’s insurance isn’t limited to expensive items only. It also covers personal items, clothing, jewelry, and electronics, among others. Your insurance agent can help you decide on an adequate coverage level that suits your needs.

Collum Insurance Group LLC: Proudly Serving Richardson, TX Renters

At Collum Insurance Group LLC, our team of skilled insurance agents takes great pride in serving the Richardson, TX community. Whether you’re a renter needing to understand your insurance requirements or an individual planning to buy a home and looking for home insurance, we’re here for you. Contact our team or drop by our office today to speak with an agent and learn more.

If I Have An Accident with My Classic Car, Can I Repair It Myself?

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Classic car owners enjoy driving, showing, and discussing their vehicles with others. For many, part of the pride and bragging rights comes from knowing they restored and now maintain their car. 

Their care and craftsmanship brought the car back to its glory days, so they seek classic car insurance policies that allow owners to self-repair their vehicles if they are in an accident. Contact the Collum Insurance Group LLC team for assistance if you need a classic car or other insurance and live in or near Richardson, TX.

Approved Repair Practices for Classic Car Insurance

Classic cars and everyday drivers are not the same, and neither are their owners, so their owners have different needs when they are involved in accidents.

While insurance companies encourage the use of preferred repair providers for everyday vehicles, they are more flexible with classic cars. Depending on the specific policy, insurance companies often allow classic car owners to take their vehicle to a specialist shop that is several times more expensive than a mainstream shop for a comparable repair. They are more forgiving about the cost of authentic replacement parts.

Some, but not all, classic car insurers allow owners to locate the needed parts and repair the car themselves. If you want the ability to repair your vehicle, speak to your agent about your interest so they can search for a provider that meets your needs, understanding that your rates may reflect this flexibility.

Working with Collum Insurance Group LLC

The Collum Insurance Group LLC team wants to provide classic car insurance that best fits your needs. If you live in the Richardson, TX, area, call us today at (972) 387-1863 or stop by so we can address your classic car insurance needs.

Have You Checked Your Storage Unit Lately?

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Renting a long-term storage unit can be helpful, but the unit often fades into the background in the renter’s mind. The renter might start out checking on the unit frequently, but as time passes, they may stop going over so often — and may even just not check-in for several months. If you’ve rented a storage unit and plan to keep it for a while, don’t let it become one of those things you never check up on. That increases the risk of someone getting into the unit and taking your belongings. Collum Insurance Group LLC in Richardson, TX wants to be sure you know how to keep your stored belongings safe.

As They Say, out of Sight…

If you’re not actively taking things out or moving things into the storage unit, it’s going to become very tempting not to check it at all. What will you do, open the door, stare at your stuff, and close the door? It seems like a pointless errand, but the few minutes you spend looking at what’s in the unit are actually critical for keeping everything safe. When you check in frequently and make sure your stuff is OK, that helps you catch problems when they’re still small. Maybe you notice that something from the next unit over has leaked and seeped under the wall into your unit; you can notify the facility staff before that leak becomes bad. Or, maybe you notice signs that someone tried to get into your storage unit, and you can have the facility staff increase security and check all the units.

No one wants to find that their storage unit has been compromised, and storage facilities should notify you if someone’s broken into your unit. But the staff can’t be everywhere at once and certainly can’t be in your unit all the time. Your vigilance helps keep your belongings where they should be. You should also have coverage for your stored items, and Collum Insurance Group LLC in Richardson, TX, can help you out.

Protect Your Personal Items from Theft with RV Insurance

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Embarking on journeys exploring the beauty of the outdoors in an RV is an unrivaled experience. Having suitable RV insurance ensures that you and your assets are adequately safeguarded on your travels. If you’re uncertain about the type of coverage you need, specialists at Collum Insurance Group LLC in Richardson, TX, are here to assist!

An Overview of RV Insurance Coverage

In Texas, the law mandates RV owners to possess liability coverage. This type of coverage protects other individuals in the event of accidents that you are accountable for. We recommend collision and comprehensive insurance coverage to protect your RV against potential pinch points such as theft, damage, or loss. Collision coverage helps absorb the expenses resulting from damage to your vehicle caused by accidents. Conversely, comprehensive coverage offers protection against theft and damage resulting from non-collision incidents like harsh weather conditions, acts of vandalism, fires, and animal incidents.

Here are some factors you may want to consider when selecting your RV policy:

  • What’s the worth of your RV?
  • Do you still owe finances on your RV, or do you completely own it?
  • How frequently do you use your RV?
  • Have any value-boosting modifications been made to your RV?

A qualified agent from Collum Insurance Group can help you make well-informed insurance decisions to safeguard your valuable investment.

Securing Personal Belongings Within Your RV

RVs offer ample space for personal items such as laptops, cameras, camping equipment, smartphones, sporting goods, and other possessions. Ensuring the security of these items is crucial to avoid financial loss, necessitating personal property coverage. In case your assets are stolen or damaged while on your journey, personal property insurance will cover their replacement cost.

Where To Procure RV Insurance in Richardson, TX

Personal property coverage is indispensable if your RV houses several precious items during your travels! To add this coverage to your RV insurance policy, reach out to Collum Insurance Group LLC in Richardson, TX.

Keep Your Motorcycle Updated With These Three Safety Features

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Motorcycle Safety Features to Consider for Enhanced Road Safety

If you own a motorcycle, there are key safety features to consider adding if your bike doesn’t already have them. Whether you’re upgrading your existing ride or on the hunt for a new one, these features can significantly enhance your safety.

1. Adaptive Headlights

Adaptive headlights are a must-have for both old and new model bikes. They automatically adjust with the changing weather and darkness levels, allowing you to focus on the road ahead. You can also add an adaptive light for turning the bike, ensuring maximum visibility.

2. Anti-Lock Braking System

It’s surprising that not all motorcycles come standard with an anti-lock braking system, given its advent nearly 30 years ago. If your bike lacks this feature, consider adding it promptly. Especially when traveling on highways, it allows proper braking and protects both you and other road users.

3. Electronic Throttles

Installing an electronic throttle can help maintain a steady speed on your motorcycle and facilitate cruise control for longer trips. It also simplifies speed management in different weather conditions, like wind and rain. While some bikes already have this feature, many basic models still operate with mechanical throttles that lack these capabilities.

Get Your Personalized Motorcycle Insurance Quote in Richardson, TX

If you’re searching for motorcycle insurance solutions in Richardson, TX, allow our team at Collum Insurance Group LLC to assist with a personal quote for your needs.

Why is having a boat insurance policy helpful for me?

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Being a boat owner can be a lot of fun when you are in the Richardson, TX area. If you have a boat here, you will have the ability to enjoy all of the nice weather and local lakes and waterways. If you are going to buy a boat, you do need to insure it as well. Having a full boat insurance policy will be helpful for various reasons when you are in Texas. 

Ensure Asset is Covered

A reason boat owners need to have a boat insurance policy is so they can ensure their asset is covered. Those who are going to buy a boat will be making a major investment that they will want to last for a long time. If you do purchase a boat insurance policy, you will have support in the event your boat is damaged or stolen.

Manage Liability Risks

There is always a chance you could cause an accident when using it. If this occurs, you will need to pay for the damages that you cause. One of the best ways to reduce this concern is by investing in a full boat insurance policy. When you have this coverage, it will offer support to ensure you can cover such costs and damages. 

Schedule A Consultation Today

While it can be a lot of fun owning a boat when you are in the Richardson, TX area, you also need to make sure that you are protecting your assets as well as you can. A great way that this can be done is by calling our team with Collum Insurance Group LLC. There are many choices that come with selecting boat insurance in Texas, and our team at Collum Insurance Group LLC will help you build an ideal plan to cover your boat. 

Are there any exceptions to the waiting period after purchasing flood insurance?

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There are many properties in Richardson, TX, that have a higher-than-average risk of flooding within the next 30 years. If you live in the area, you may be considering whether you should get flood insurance. Collum Insurance Group LLC can help you evaluate your risk and compare policies, so you can make an informed decision.

You Have To Wait Up To 30 Days Before Using Flood Insurance

No matter what kind of flood insurance you buy, there is usually a waiting period. Federal policies normally make you wait for 30 days, while the waiting period for a private policy is usually about two weeks.  

That means that you cannot wait until you see a storm coming or until there is actually a flood before you purchase flood insurance. There are some exceptions to this rule.

Exceptions To the Waiting Period

 There are some exceptions to the waiting period. You can have the waiting period waived if:

  • If you purchase flood insurance to meet the requirements of a loan or mortgage, you will not need to wait. There are some lenders who require flood insurance because an area is considered at higher risk. 
  • If you add to or extend your flood insurance because of a lender requirement.
  • A reassessment of your home’s location puts your home into a higher risk zone.
  • Damage from wildfires can increase flood risks. If your home is on land recently damaged by wildfires, you can waive the waiting period.

Call To Discuss Your Options

If you live in Richarson, TX, you may end up experiencing a flood. If you would like to discuss your options or if you have any questions about flood insurance, please feel free to call Collum Insurance Group LLC today.

Navigating RV Insurance in Texas

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When you buy an RV, it’s important to think about how to provide the necessary coverage. Depending on whether it has its own motor or not, a policy may not be required by the state of Texas. Still, if you spent money on the RV, you’ll want financial protection in place – and when you’re in Richardson, TX, you can turn to our insurance professionals at Collum Insurance Group LLC.

What to Consider When Buying RV Insurance

There are a number of factors to consider when you buy RV insurance. Whether you spend a few weeks out of the year roaming the Hill Country and beyond or you’re on the road almost every day, you need to determine how to get the right coverage.

Consider a few things:

  • Roads you drive on
  • Where you park your RV
  • Where do you store your RV
  • How many months out of the year your RV is being used
  • The value of your RV

Once you explore these factors, it’s easier to get a policy that truly works for you – and our insurance agents are here to help every step of the way.

How to Get the Policy You Can Depend On

When you’re in Richardson, TX, you’re likely to get a lot of use out of your RV. Since anything can happen at any time, you have to be prepared. You don’t want to build your own policy online and hope you’ve thought of everything. If you have to file a claim, you want to do so with confidence knowing that you have the right coverage.

Our insurance agents at Collum Insurance Group LLC will talk to you about your RV, your driving habits, and more. We can build a custom policy to provide you with sufficient coverage along with affordable deductibles. Contact us now to get the help you need.

Helmets: A Very Good Suggestion

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Under Texas state law, If you are over 20 years of age, are trained to operate a motorcycle, and have a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance coverage, you don’t have to wear a helmet in Texas. While helmet laws are a bit lax in the Lone Star State, you may choose to wear one anyway. It’s not a legal requirement, but it’s still a very good idea. 

There’s a Reason You’ll Need That Insurance 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that helmets have saved 1,872 motorcyclists’ lives. It is also estimated that 749 additional motorcyclists would have survived if they had worn helmets. Helmets have decreased motorcyclist fatalities by 37 percent as well as passenger fatalities by 41 percent. With these statistics in mind, it’s likely a motorcyclist with no helmet should worry more about life insurance than medical insurance. 

How A Motorcycle Helmet Can Help You

The number one reason to wear a motorcycle helmet is to prevent injury. You will find that a motorcycle helmet is hard on the outside and soft on the inside. The outer shell is hard in order to protect your head from impact. The inner lining absorbs shock and reduces the rotational forces that can lead to brain damage. The visor also helps by keeping debris out of your eyes and improving overall visibility. You may also experience less wind noise while wearing a helmet. 

Collum Insurance Group LLC Serving Richardson, TX

If you are in need of motorcycle insurance and are living in the Richardson, TX area, please contact Collum Insurance Group LLC. Our friendly and knowledgeable agents will help you get what you need. 

Who needs to have a boat insurance plan in Texas?

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If you are in the Richardson, TX area, you will want to be assured that you have proper insurance in place. If you are a boat owner, this extends to having a full boat insurance plan. There are a lot of situations when someone here will need to have a boat insurance policy. 

Those with a Loan

A situation when having a boat insurance plan will be necessary is when you have taken out a loan. If you do finance your boat purchase with a loan, your lender will want to know that you are appropriately protected and secured. A great way this can be done is by getting a proper boat insurance plan. With this coverage, you will have financial support to repay the loan if your boat is stolen or damaged and needs to be replaced.

Local or Private Requirements

There are also situations when a Texas boat owner will need a boat insurance plan is they have local or private requirements. When you are going to buy a boat, you may want to use it at a local marina or waterway. In some of these situations, there could be local requirements that state you need to have at least a liability boat insurance plan. This ensures you have the financial resources to cover damages if you happen to cause an accident.

Consult With Us

It is always a good idea for those who are in the Richardson, TX area to have a proper boat insurance plan when they are going to buy a boat. As you are ready to start looking for coverage, you should call our professionals with Collum Insurance Group LLC. At Collum Insurance Group LLC, we know the value of this coverage and can help you build a new policy.