Category: Auto Insurance

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!

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.

Rio Rancho, NM, offers a distinctive driving experience that demands a nuanced approach to auto insurance. As motorists travel through the roads connecting the Enchanted Hills and Loma Colorado neighborhoods, Franklin Insurance Agency stands as the local authority, delivering a comprehensive guide to unraveling auto insurance intricacies and promoting assured driving.

Understanding Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho’s roads showcase diversity akin to its landscapes, presenting distinct challenges and opportunities. Whether driving along the serene stretches of Unser Boulevard or navigating the vibrant activity around Southern Boulevard, local drivers need insurance coverage tailored to the dynamics of each road. Franklin Insurance Agency recognizes the importance of customizing coverage to Rio Rancho’s driving environment, offering a guide that considers the nuances of each street.

To maneuver through neighborhoods like Cabezon or Northern Meadows requires an insurance approach attuned to the residential intricacies. Similarly, the bustling commercial corridors necessitate coverage that protects against the unique challenges posed by businesses and high-traffic zones. Franklin Insurance Agency’s guide ensures drivers receive an insurance strategy tuned to their local terrain.

Tailored Coverage for Every Rio Rancho Street

Auto insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, especially on the diverse streets of Rio Rancho. Franklin Insurance Agency understands the significance of providing coverage for the area. From the scenic drives along King Boulevard to the community-centric vibe of Golf Course Road, our guide ensures Rio Rancho drivers access personalized insurance solutions that cater to their individual needs.

As your local insurance partner, Franklin Insurance Agency goes beyond conventional policies, empowering Rio Rancho drivers with knowledge. Our comprehensive guide serves as a decoder, unraveling the complexities of auto insurance on every street, from NM-528 to Westside Boulevard. Connect with Franklin Insurance Agency today for a personalized guide through the auto insurance landscape, ensuring you drive confidently on Rio Rancho’s roads.

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. 

You’ve just moved to Rio Rancho, NM, and need to figure out your auto insurance options. As you research, it isn’t always easy to know what coverage is best for you.

Here are some tips to help you get the right coverage with Franklin Insurance Agency:

Determine Your Needs

The three most common types of auto insurance are liability, comprehensive, and collision.

Comprehensive Coverage 

Comprehensive coverage covers damages to your vehicle caused by events other than a collision, such as theft or vandalism. It also covers certain natural disasters like floods and earthquakes. Comprehensive coverage will help protect your car if these events occur while parked on your property or elsewhere. 

Collision Coverage 

Collision coverage covers damages from an accident caused by you or another driver who is at fault. If you’re responsible for damage to another vehicle or property because of an accident, collision coverage helps cover repairs or replacement costs. This type of auto insurance can be essential if you have a loan on your car since most lenders require this type of protection to approve a loan. 

Liability Insurance

Finally, liability insurance protects if you are at fault for an accident and someone else’s property is damaged or if someone else sustains a bodily injury. Liability insurance will help cover any legal fees associated with the claim and any medical bills related to the incident and provide compensation for lost wages because of injury or time spent away from work because of an accident-related injury.  

With all these options available, it’s important to take the time to understand what type of auto insurance works best for you in Rio Rancho, NM, before deciding. At Franklin Insurance Agency, we can advise you on which policy suits your situation. Contact us today to learn more! 

Purchasing the right automotive insurance can seem daunting, but Franklin Insurance Agency, serving Rio Rancho, NM, is here to help keep you protected and covered.

What is included in auto insurance?

There are three main types of insurance included under auto insurance: property, liability, and medical. The role of insurance is to protect you, the policyholder, from financial costs that may incur in the case of an unforeseen event involving your vehicle.

So, what does each type of insurance cover?

• Property coverage
  • Addresses potential damage to the car
  • Provides coverage in the case of car theft
  • It can also cover damage to other types of property, such as lamp posts or fences that may be hit in an accident.
• Liability coverage
  • Covers any legal responsibility the policyholder has to others in the case of damage to property or bodily injury
• Medical coverage
  • It covers the cost of treating injuries and completing rehabilitation (if required).
  • Depending on the scenario, medical coverage can include lost wages or funeral expenses.
  • It may also be referred to as Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

At a minimum, drivers who operate motor vehicles need to have auto liability insurance per a New Mexico requirement. The minimum amounts of coverage needed are:

• $25,000 – for bodily injury to or death of one person
• $50,000 – for bodily injury to or death of two plus people
• $10,000 – for damage to property from any single accident

Insurance beyond the minimum above provides peace of mind and can help protect your assets, such as a house, in case of the unexpected.

Contact Franklin Insurance Agency, serving Rio Rancho, NM, for a quote. We are here to help you find the right insurance at the right price.

Car loans and comprehensive insurance go hand-in-hand. In Rio Rancho, NM most financing agreements require full auto insurance coverage. It is important to know about getting auto insurance when you have a car loan in Rio Rancho.

Why Do Vehicle Loans Require More Coverage?

The lender wants to ensure they protect their investment in an accident, theft, or natural disaster. So, they may require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage when you finance a vehicle.

How Much Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Need?

The auto insurance coverage you’ll need depends on several factors, including the value of your car, your personal assets, and your state’s minimum insurance requirements. The financing company may also have minimum insurance requirements.

Your Franklin Insurance Agency can help you determine the right coverage for your needs and budget.

Gap Insurance for Auto Loans

If you have a loan on your vehicle, you may purchase gap insurance. This type of policy covers the difference between what you owe on your car and the actual cash value of your vehicle if it’s totaled or stolen.

For example, you owe $20,000 on your car loan, but your vehicle is only worth $15,000. If your car is totaled in an accident, you would still owe the $20,000 to the lender. But with gap insurance, your insurer would pay the $5,000 difference.

Gap coverage is separate from comprehensive and collision insurance, so you’ll need to purchase it as an add-on to your auto insurance policy.

For more about car insurance in Rio Rancho, NM, contact your local Franklin Insurance Agency. We’re here to help you find the right coverage at the best price.

In New Mexico, motorcycle insurance is a requirement even if you already carry an auto insurance policy. The good news is that most motorcycle insurance policies are relatively affordable. The agents at Franklin Insurance Agency of Rio Rancho, NM are here to keep the process of finding the right policy as painless as possible.

The Basics of Motorcycle Insurance

As a general rule, motorcycle insurance is considerably less expensive than auto insurance. However, the exact cost of coverage will depend on the type of motorcycle you ride. Premium rates will also depend on your credit history and your driving record.

Coverage options for motorcycle insurance are pretty much the same as with car insurance. You will need to consider coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and accidental death.

Once you meet the minimum requirements for coverage in New Mexico, you can decide whether other available components meet your needs. For example, if you do not think it is necessary, you may opt-out of collision coverage. This is often the case for riders with older bikes that they do not feel are worth the price they pay for the coverage. Regardless of the coverage options that you choose, it is possible to find a quality policy that fits your particular budget.

If you are looking to find the right motorcycle coverage for your bike, contact Franklin Insurance Agency in Rio Rancho, NM. One of our helpful team members will be happy to assist you in finding the motorcycle insurance policy that comfortably fits into your current budget while providing the exact coverage that you need.

We are a family-owned business with more than 30 years of experience. Our highly trained experts are here to help with all of your coverage needs or answer any questions you have.

In a recent study conducted by the Insurance Research Council, one in eight drivers on the road was operating a vehicle without proper insurance. In New Mexico alone, 21.8% of people did not have auto insurance. This is an exclusive club of which you do not want to be a member. Instead, contact Franklin Insurance Agency to obtain your policy today.

The Consequences of Driving Without Insurance

The penalties for driving without insurance in Rio Rancho, NM are steep. For a first offense, you could find yourself in jail for up to 90 days and paying a fine of up to $300. Get caught without insurance again and you could spend as long as six months in jail and pay a fine of up to $1,000.

In addition to legal troubles, you could also be in financial trouble. If you cause an accident resulting in injuries or property damage while driving without proper auto insurance, the financial consequences could be overwhelming.

Drivers in New Mexico that do not carry at least the minimum liability insurance could have their vehicle registration suspended. This means that you will not be able to register your vehicle until you obtain auto insurance. According to the New Mexico Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act, the owner of an uninsured vehicle must return the vehicle registration and the license plate to the MVD within ten days. Failing to do so could result in criminal actions being taken against the vehicle owner.

There is no reason that you should take the risk of driving in Rio Rancho, NM without proper auto insurance coverage. Affordable options are available to meet the needs of every driver on the road. Contact the qualified agents at Franklin Insurance Agency today and we will help you find the auto insurance policy that is right for you. Give us a call today.