Franklin Insurance Agency

2345 Southern Blvd SE Ste C4,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124, United States

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What Happens If Your Motorcycle Is Stolen or Vandalized?

Owning a motorcycle is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a passion, a lifestyle, and often a significant investment. But what happens if your bike is stolen or vandalized? At Franklin Insurance Agency, serving the Rio Rancho, NM area, we understand how devastating it can be to discover that your motorcycle has been taken or damaged. That’s why understanding what steps to take and how your insurance can help is so important.

Reporting the Theft or Vandalism

If your motorcycle is stolen, you should first report it to the police. Provide as many details as possible, including the make, model, color, VIN, and any distinguishing features. The sooner law enforcement is aware, the better your chances of recovering your bike. If your motorcycle has been vandalized rather than stolen, a police report is still essential for insurance purposes.

After contacting the police, notify your insurance provider. They will guide you through the claims process and provide you with the information they need to proceed.

How Insurance Helps

If you have comprehensive motorcycle insurance, theft and vandalism are typically covered. This type of policy helps pay for repairs if your bike is damaged or provides compensation if it’s stolen and not recovered. However, theft and vandalism won’t be included if you only have liability coverage.

Protecting Your Motorcycle

While insurance is a great safety net, prevention is key. Parking in well-lit areas, using a secure lock, and investing in an alarm system can deter thieves and vandals.

If you’re unsure whether your current policy offers the protection you need, Franklin Insurance Agency in Rio Rancho, NM is here to help. Contact us today to review your coverage and ensure your motorcycle is fully protected.

How Does Auto Insurance Handle Single-Vehicle Accidents?

Single-vehicle accidents are more common than you might think, accounting for nearly half of the nation’s traffic fatalities. Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, these accidents can occur, so it’s important to understand how insurance handles such incidents. Knowing what to do if you’re involved in a single-vehicle accident is also crucial. The team at Franklin Insurance Agency, serving Rio Rancho, NM, is here to answer your insurance questions and provide the coverage you need.

Understanding Fault in Single-Vehicle Accidents

New Mexico operates under an at-fault system, meaning procedures are in place to determine legal and financial responsibility for injuries or damages resulting from accidents. Fault is determined for both multi-vehicle and single-vehicle accidents, as the driver is not automatically at fault in a single-vehicle accident.

Interestingly, more than one party can be found at fault for a single-vehicle accident. In some cases, the driver may not be at fault or may only be partially at fault.

Factors contributing to single-vehicle accidents, aside from driver-related issues, can include:

  • Weather-related conditions such as ice, snow, or fog
  • Poor road conditions, like potholes or broken pavement
  • Obscured stop signs or other street signs
  • Striking an animal or objects that have fallen onto the road
  • Swerving to avoid a vehicle that negligently enters your path
  • Certain vehicle mechanical issues

Whenever possible, obtain a police report following an accident. Also, try to safely document factors contributing to the accident using pictures or videos of the scene, as these may help determine fault.

Working with Franklin Insurance Agency

If you live in or near Rio Rancho, NM, the team at Franklin Insurance Agency can help you secure the necessary insurance coverage. Visit our office today or call (505) 891-8733 to schedule an appointment.

Need an Umbrella Insurance Policy Update? Your Agent Can Help

Keeping Your Umbrella Insurance Policy Updated in Rio Rancho, NM

If you’re in the Rio Rancho, NM area and have an umbrella insurance policy, it may be time to update it. That’s where Franklin Insurance Agency comes in. Contacting us is the right step to get your policy reviewed and updated so you can be prepared for whatever life throws your way. With the right coverage, you have less to worry about, allowing you to enjoy more of what life offers now and in the future.

The Importance of Working With Your Agent

Whether you’ve had umbrella coverage for a long time or just got your policy recently, working with an agent is crucial when making updates. You don’t want to jeopardize your future by not having insurance coverage. When you work with one of our insurance professionals, you reduce the risk of any mistakes or misunderstandings.

Regular Policy Updates Are Essential

It’s a good idea to talk with one of our agents for an umbrella policy review at least once every year. At that time, you can decide if you need any updates or whether you want to keep your coverage the same for the immediate future. Another good time for a review is at any significant life change; an agent can assist with that as well.

Contact Us for Policy Updates Today

Contact us today at Franklin Insurance Agency if you live in the Rio Rancho, NM, area and need to update your umbrella insurance policy. Our trusted agents can answer all your questions and help you make necessary updates so you can be confident in the type and level of insurance protection you have. Peace of mind matters; we’re here to help you find it.

What Add-on Options Are Available for Motorcycle Insurance?

New Mexico offers beautiful scenery and wide open spaces to enjoy your motorcycle. However, it’s crucial to have adequate insurance coverage for your bike, just as you would for a car or any other vehicle. To make sure you’re adequately covered, you may want to consider add-on insurance.

What is Add-on Insurance?

Add-on insurance can cover expenses that a standard policy doesn’t. It is typically added to an existing policy for an additional cost. This type of insurance is also sometimes called a rider or an endorsement.

What Add-ons Are Available for Motorcycle Coverage?

There are several types of potential add-ons. The following are a few options:

  • Accessory Coverage: This would help cover replacing or repairing customized parts such as special seats, a custom paint job, or electronics.
  • Rental Reimbursement Coverage: This type of add-on insurance helps cover the cost of renting a motorcycle or other vehicle if your bike is damaged or stolen.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: A comprehensive add-on could cover non-accident events such as a motorcycle being damaged by vandalism or a natural disaster.
  • Roadside Assistance: Even if you have a great motorcycle, breakdowns can happen. A dead battery and tire punctures can happen to anyone. Adding roadside assistance add-on coverage means you’ll have assistance whenever needed.
  • Medical Payment Coverage: This insurance can assist with medical payments if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident.

Why Choose Franklin Insurance Agency in Rio Rancho, NM?

At the Franklin Insurance Agency, we can provide you with several types of insurance coverage, including add-ons. We can assist you when selecting the right add-on insurance for your motorcycle. Contact an agent serving the Franklin Insurance Agency in Rio Rancho, NM, today.

Are You Covered for Towing a Trailer?

Franklin Insurance Agency sells towing insurance to drivers in Rio Rancho and all of New Mexico. But do you need a separate policy for towing a trailer?

Suppose you are using your non-business car or truck to tow a non-business utility trailer, which is a trailer with raised sides, an open top, and a back gate. In that case, your auto policy gives you liability coverage on your trailer itself. However, you will need separate collision and comprehensive coverage to ensure the value of the trailer.

(Just a quick review. Collision covers damage to your trailer caused by collisions with another object, such as another car, a guardrail, or your car, should your trailer jack-knife against it. Comprehensive covers theft, fire, storm damage, and other listed causes of damage.)

The same principle applies if you are using a non-motorized pop-up or fifth-wheel trailer. Your auto policy covers your trailer for liability but not for collision or comprehensive. You will need separate coverage for the value of the trailer itself.

If you are using a self-propelled, motorized trailer, you need its own policy. Your auto policy generally covers liability, but another policy (ask your agent if your homeowner’s policy covers it) is necessary for collision and comprehensive.

This means that if you tow your car behind your RV, the liability coverage on your RV covers your vehicle, provided it is in neutral, and the motor is turned off. Any "help" by operating the engine of a vehicle you are towing invalidates liability coverage, and any damage to a vehicle you are towing is only covered by its own comprehensive and collision coverage.

Franklin Insurance Agency provides coverage for Rio Rancho, NM, and the state. Call us today for the policy you need!

Three Reasons Why Your Small Business Needs Commercial Insurance

Advantages of Commercial Insurance for Small Business

If you are contemplating starting a small business in the Rio Rancho, NM, area, commercial insurance can offer several perks.

Cybersecurity and Attacks

Many small businesses have broadened their reach with an online presence, exposing them to the risk of cyber attacks without proper cybersecurity defenses. Commercial insurance can include a cybersecurity component, providing essential protection. This coverage is highly recommended for any small business operating online.

Liability Protection

As a small business, claims related to the misuse of your company by employees, customers, and other patrons pose an inevitable risk. For instance, you could be held accountable for defamation by an employee against a competitor or be accused of negligence by your team. As a business owner, financial liability for these issues falls squarely on your shoulders unless you have commercial insurance to file a claim.

Property Damage

Be it a leased space or your own property, you are accountable for any damage caused by your enterprise. Even if you’re not at fault, making necessary repairs to continue business operations is your responsibility. Without commercial insurance, you’ll need to tap into your personal funds for these repairs, possibly forcing you to halt business operations or reconsider your business model.

Contact Franklin Insurance Agency in Rio Rancho, NM

As a business owner, understanding the financial flexibility and security that commercial insurance can provide is critical, particularly for small businesses. Dealing with unexpected situations without insurance could inflict severe financial damage on a fledgling business. For more information on commercial insurance in the Rio Rancho, NM area, contact our Franklin Insurance Agency team today for a personalized quote.

Inclusions That Your Home Insurance Policy Offers

Insurance inclusions specify the circumstances in which your home insurance policy would pay out. It’s vital to review your home insurance policy to understand what inclusions it comprises.

Dwelling Coverage

A typical home insurance policy provides coverage for the dwelling you inhabit. It offers protection for the structural materials your home is made of, such as walls, floors, and insulation.

Possession Coverage

Possession coverage safeguards the household goods, furnishings, clothing, and other items inside your home. You can select the items you want to insure when you acquire your home insurance policy. Any valuable items or those that would be challenging to replace should be added to your home insurance policy.

Additional Buildings

A home insurance policy may also cover other structures on your property. If you have a garage, a shed, or another freestanding structure, obtaining an inclusion that will cover it might be beneficial. This coverage will safeguard against theft and damage.

Additional Living Expenses

If your home becomes uninhabitable in the future, additional living expenses coverage will reimburse you for the extra out-of-pocket costs. This type of inclusion can be utilized to cover the costs of a hotel, food, and any other expenses you incur while your home is uninhabitable.

Insurance Agent Guidance

Feel free to contact our representatives at Franklin Insurance Agency if you want to learn more about insurance inclusions. If you’re unsure about the type of coverage your home insurance policy offers, our agents serving Rio Rancho, NM, can assist you.

They will also recommend insurance coverage that will augment your home insurance policy’s level of protection.

Inclusions That Your Home Insurance Policy Offers

Insurance inclusions specify the circumstances in which your home insurance policy would pay out. It’s vital to review your home insurance policy to understand what inclusions it comprises.

Dwelling Coverage

A typical home insurance policy provides coverage for the dwelling you inhabit. It offers protection for the structural materials your home is made of, such as walls, floors, and insulation.

Possession Coverage

Possession coverage safeguards the household goods, furnishings, clothing, and other items inside your home. You can select the items you want to insure when you acquire your home insurance policy. Any valuable items or those that would be challenging to replace should be added to your home insurance policy.

Additional Buildings

A home insurance policy may also cover other structures on your property. If you have a garage, a shed, or another freestanding structure, obtaining an inclusion that will cover it might be beneficial. This coverage will safeguard against theft and damage.

Additional Living Expenses

If your home becomes uninhabitable in the future, additional living expenses coverage will reimburse you for the extra out-of-pocket costs. This type of inclusion can be utilized to cover the costs of a hotel, food, and any other expenses you incur while your home is uninhabitable.

Insurance Agent Guidance

Feel free to contact our representatives at Franklin Insurance Agency if you want to learn more about insurance inclusions. If you’re unsure about the type of coverage your home insurance policy offers, our agents serving Rio Rancho, NM, can assist you.

They will also recommend insurance coverage that will augment your home insurance policy’s level of protection.

Is Seasonal Boat Insurance in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Right for Me?

If you’re a boat owner in the Rio Rancho, NM region, you may be considering comprehensive or seasonal boat insurance. Determining if seasonal boat insurance is right for you depends greatly on numerous lifestyle factors, the number of boats you own, and how frequently they are used on the water. Working with a specialized insurance agent from Franklin Insurance Agency can help you determine if seasonal boating insurance is ideal for you and your watercraft.

Usage

If you’re considering seasonal boat insurance, consider how frequently you use your boats or watercraft. A comprehensive plan may also allow you to customize coverage periods based on the number of boats or watercraft you plan to insure.

Storage During Off-Seasons

Even if you do not plan to use your boats or watercraft during the off-season of the year, you may want to consider seasonal insurance plans that still protect your investments even when they are not on the water. Protecting your boats and watercraft while in storage is much easier with a custom-tailored seasonal boat insurance policy.

Potential Risks

Even if you only boat during specific seasons, proper insurance can protect you from vandalism, theft, and property damage. The right coverage policy will also protect against natural disasters, storms, and accidents while you’re out on the water.

Legal Requirements

In some areas throughout New Mexico, boating insurance may be required by law. Depending on where you intend to use your boats and watercraft, seasonal boating insurance may be necessary to prevent fees and fines.

If you’re curious about seasonal boat insurance and live in the Rio Rancho, NM area, contact Franklin Insurance Agency today. Our agents will work with you to determine if seasonal boat insurance is right for you based on the type of boats and watercraft you currently own or intend to invest in.

How to Stay Safe When Driving With the Sun In Your Face

Driving into the sun can be challenging and dangerous. The glare can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. At Franklin Insurance Agency, serving Rio Rancho, NM, we care about your safety on the road. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when driving with the sun in your face.

Use Your Sun Visors

Sun visors are your first line of defense against sun glare. Adjust them to block the sun’s rays without obstructing your view of the road. Some cars also have extendable visors or side visors to provide additional protection.

Wear Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses can significantly reduce glare and make it easier to see. Keep a pair in your car at all times. They protect your eyes and enhance visibility, making your drive safer and more comfortable.

Keep Your Windshield Clean

A dirty windshield can exacerbate glare. Regularly clean both the inside and outside of your windshield to ensure clear visibility. Consider using an anti-glare cleaning solution for the best results.

Adjust Your Driving Speed

When the sun is directly in your eyes, reducing your speed is wise. Slowing down gives you more time to react to any obstacles or sudden changes in traffic. 

Maintain a Safe Distance

Increase the distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Sun glare can make it harder to judge distances, so giving yourself more space can prevent rear-end collisions.

Driving with the sun in your face requires extra caution. Following these tips can help you stay safe on the road. For more safety advice and to ensure you have the right auto insurance coverage, contact Franklin Insurance Agency, serving the greater Rio Rancho, NM area today.