Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity, offering a fun and exciting way to explore the great outdoors. However, snowmobiling can also be dangerous, especially in challenging weather conditions. To help keep you safe on your next snowmobiling adventure, we’ve put together a guide to winter snowmobile safety, including tips and best practices for staying safe on the trails.

 

Preparation Before You Ride

Before you hit the trails, it’s important to make sure you’re properly prepared for your snowmobile ride. Here are some tips for getting ready for your snowmobile adventure:

• Check the weather. Before you go snowmobiling, check the weather forecast to make sure you’re prepared for any conditions you may encounter on the trails.
• Plan your route. Plan your route in advance, taking into account any obstacles or hazards you may encounter. Make sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
• Dress appropriately. Dress in layers and make sure to wear appropriate clothing, such as a helmet, gloves, and boots, to stay warm and protected while snowmobiling.
• Check your equipment. Make sure your snowmobile is in good working condition before you go, checking the brakes, lights, and other systems to make sure everything is in order.
• Get trained. Take a snowmobile safety course to learn best practices for operating a snowmobile and to improve your skills on the trails.

 

During Your Ride

When you’re on the trails, it’s important to follow best practices for snowmobile safety to reduce the risk of accidents and incidents. Here are some tips for staying safe while snowmobiling:

• Follow the rules of the trail. Follow the rules of the trail and stay on designated snowmobile trails to reduce the risk of accidents and incidents.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to your surroundings, including other snowmobiles, trees, and other obstacles, to avoid potential hazards.
• Drive defensively. Drive defensively, allowing plenty of space between you and other snowmobiles, and being prepared for other drivers to make sudden moves.
• Take it slow. When you’re on the trails, take it slow and be cautious, especially in challenging weather conditions.
• Avoid alcohol. Avoid alcohol when snowmobiling, as it can impair your judgment and increase the risk of accidents and incidents.

 

If you Encounter an Emergency

 

Despite your best efforts, accidents and incidents can still occur while snowmobiling. If you encounter an emergency, here are some tips for staying safe:

• Stay calm. If you encounter an emergency, stay calm and assess the situation.
• Get to safety. If possible, get to a safe location and call for help.
• Know your location. Make sure you know your location and have a way to communicate your location to first responders.
• Stay warm. If you’re stranded, make sure to stay warm and dry, as hypothermia can be a serious risk in cold weather conditions.

Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity, offering a fun and exciting way to explore the great outdoors. However, it’s important to follow best practices for winter snowmobile safety to reduce the risk of accidents and incidents. By preparing before you ride, following safety tips while snowmobiling, and being prepared for emergencies, you can have a safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experience. So, make sure to follow these tips to stay safe and have a great time on the trails this winter!

Outdoor recreation activities over the past few years (since the onset of COVID-19) has boomed with people throughout the U.S. looking for safe spaces with fresh air and good opportunities for socially distanced recreation.  Here in New York, there are parts of the Catskills that were inundated with so many people, trails were closed in order to protect them from foot traffic.  This surge in interest in outdoor activities has also spurred increased visitation at National Parks throughout the country.  Those numbers continued to increase in 2021 – with close to 300 million visits and record high numbers in forty-four parks.

If you are planning on traveling to some of our country’s beautiful outdoor recreation spots this year, please be sure to plan ahead for safety.  Some basic practical tips can help to make your trip a great one!

When traveling out of town for vacation, remember to practice safe online and communications protocols.  If you use social media, don’t post that you are going away, or the dates you will be gone – instead, save your pictures and trip posts for after you return.  Also, make sure to stop at your post office and have them hold your incoming mail until you return.  Mail piling up at your home is a good indication that no one is home, and can be enticing for break-ins and theft.  You can also have a neighbor or friend stop in each day you are away to bring in your mail and do a general house check.

Bring or buy a paper map for the area where you are traveling.  While our phone maps and GPS systems typically work very well, they are not failsafe and you should always have a backup in the event you are lost.  Keep emergency supplies with you in your car with blankets, extra water, dry goods, etc. in case you get stuck somewhere and have to wait for help to arrive.  A portable first aid kit is also a welcome addition to any backpack if you end up needing to travel on foot for a distance in the elements.  Remember that a locked car can get very hot very quickly, so if you bring your pets along with you, be sure to take them out at rest stops – use picnic areas or pet friendly outdoor dining areas for meals so they can stay with you.

Be aware of local wildlife and research safety protocols.  When camping, make sure to tie up your food and hang it out of reach to prevent bears and other wildlife from being attracted to your site.  Take your trash with you and don’t harass the local wildlife.  Leave animals be and give them a wide berth, and typically they will ignore you.  Know what to do in an emergency situation.  If you are visiting the coasts, learn the warning signs for sharks, and stay within approved swim zones with lifeguards and lookouts.

Learn about ticks and other hazards in the area you will be visiting.  What poisonous plants, reptiles, insects are in the area – learn how to identify them and how to prevent and/or treat any rashes or bites.  If you are hiking, be sure to wear and bring appropriate hiking gear, shoes, rain gear, etc. and if you plan on biking, make sure to use a helmet.

Our country has some amazing places to explore – locally, throughout the state and all across the US.  Travel, explore, enjoy – and be safe!

Our team at Bieritz wishes everyone an amazing summer season with special times with families and friends.  Make amazing memories and contact us at 607-547-2951 for all your insurance needs.  We are happy to help you!

 

It’s the time of year when our snow-loving neighbors venture forth on wintery trails throughout our region.  According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, in 2021, there were over 1.3 billion snowmobiles registered in the U.S. – over 100,000 of these are in New York State. New York offers thousands of miles of snowmobile trails that wind their way through some of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the state including the Catskill Mountains and the Adirondacks.

 

Each year, between December and March, we receive a number of calls for quote requests for snowmobile insurance.  As an independent agency, we have the opportunity to work with a diverse selection of insurance providers and can often find products and policies that are specific to your needs, often at a great price.  Our team will work with you to determine the amount of coverage required and will research your options, answer your questions, and assist you in finding the right policy. 

 

Securing your insurance through a local, independent agency assures that you receive professional, personalized service with people who are part of your community. It means that you have someone to contact and help you with the process if you need to file a claim. 

 

To find out if we can save you money on your snowmobile insurance, call our office at 607-547-2951 or use our “Request a Quote” form located at https://bieritzinsurance.com/request-a-quote/.  

The month of November is an exciting time for hunting enthusiasts as our avid outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen start gearing up for the start of deer hunting season.  The season typically begins each year early in the November for Crossbow hunting and then opens up a few days before Thanksgiving for the regular season for rifle hunting.  The regular season extends into mid-December.  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, close to 700,000 New York State residents and over 50,000 out of state hunters take part in these opportunities each year.  Hunters who travel to Central New York to enjoy part of the season are an important part of our regions’ fall tourist economy.  These people, along with our local hunters also play an important role in local conservation efforts to manage our deer populations.  Having a safe hunting season – for both hunters and non-hunters – is an important part of upstate living.

Wear bright clothing

The preponderance of hunting-related shooting incidents in New York State involves a victim who was not wearing bright colored clothing.  If you are a hunter, New York State (as of June 2021) requires all big game hunters who hunt with a firearm to wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest or jacket.  If you are not a hunter but are outdoors in places where hunting activity might be taking place, wearing bright colored clothing immediately makes it known that you are not a deer or other prey item target.  Choose colors that are highly visible in wooded areas (reds, oranges, bright pinks).

Clearly identify your pets

Similar to humans, pets should also be clearly identified with bright colored accessories such as a vest, leash, coat or bandana.  If you have a hunting dog that accompanies you on your outings, you want to be sure that they are properly outfitted.  If you are a non-hunter out hiking with a pet, make sure that they are also clearly identified as non-prey.  Orange vests for dogs are available at almost any pet supply store as well as many sporting goods stores.

Be aware of others and be courteous

Situational awareness is a critical part of safety during hunting season.  If you are hunting, try to make sure others in the area are aware of your presence. If you are a hiker, consider alternate locations where hunting is not permitted for your walk.   If you should come across someone who is hunting, make sure they see you and recognize that you are there.  Be respectful (don’t make lots of noise that might disturb wildlife or take other actions to interrupt hunting in the area).  If you hear shooting nearby, you should raise your voice to let hunters know you are in the area.

Let others know your plans

A good safety practice in general (hunting season or not), is to let others know where and when you are going and how long you are expected to be there.  For hikers, you can make use of a park office and ‘check in’.  For hunters, make sure you have permission to hunt on private land.

These easy, common sense tips can help make the hunting season safe for both hunters and non-hunters.  Safety is critical to a successful season for all.

 

 

 

Winter is here and, in New York, you can be reasonably sure of one thing: Snow.  And lots of it.  If you’re like many people, you’ve come to love the snow and all the fun that winter has to offer.  But, you also know that winter is only fun if you’re prepared. This goes for something simple, like bundling up to go outside to take a walk or play a game.  And it goes for more important things like owning and operating a snowmobile.  One of the most important things you can do to get your snowmobile prepared is to make sure you have insurance.

Insurance is Mandatory

Did you know that, in New York, snowmobile insurance isn’t just a good idea — it’s the law? That’s right. State law requires anyone operating a snowmobile on public lands, or even crossing a public road, to have a minimum amount of insurance — $25,000 liability coverage for accidents involving one person, $50,000 for accidents involving two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage. Keep in mind, though, that’s the minimum.  It’s always a good idea to look at options above and beyond the minimum.  With snowmobile insurance, many times, it’s at no additional cost.  Because, as you know, it doesn’t take long for the cost of damages to add up to over $10,000. Just like with auto insurance, there are plenty of other options available and it might be a good idea to consider some of those other options, just to keep you safe from future financial troubles.

Insuring Year-Round

One of the big questions that snowmobile owners ask is whether or not they should insure their snowmobile for the entire year. At first, this question makes sense, doesn’t it? I mean, if you’re only going to get a few of months use out of the snowmobile, why bother insuring it for the entire year and paying all that extra money?  Well, there are two very good reasons for considering a year-round insurance purchase.

1) It’s Not as Expensive as You Think.

The biggest objection people have to year-round insurance is the cost. Who wants to pay for months of insurance when the snowmobile is tucked under a tarp, not being used? The difference in cost is not as great as you might think. That’s because insurers figure into the rates the time that snowmobiles are not in use.  Liability only policies can cost as little as $50 a year!  And cancelling the coverage will not result in a refund. In addition, many insurers are more willing to “lock in” better rates when you have year-round coverage. When you constantly cancel and re-write a policy, you might find yourself having to pay more than if you had just kept steady coverage.

2) Damage Can Still Happen in Storage

While you might think that insurance is simply unnecessary when your snowmobile is tucked away, keep in mind that insurance isn’t just about liability.  Just because it’s not winter doesn’t mean your property is out of harm’s way. A good, comprehensive insurance policy will also protect your snowmobile from damage  that can happen even when there’s no snow on the ground!  These incidents can include things like weather damage, fire or theft — all of which can leave you out of luck if you’re not properly covered during the off-season. And when you put these two reasons together, you’ll see that year-round coverage is worth it, no matter the season.

Other Things to Consider

When deciding on a policy, there are several factors to consider that will help determine the amount of coverage you get. For example: – What Is Your History? Just like auto insurance, your driving history affects your cost.  If you have a clean record, then you can expect to pay less. It’s as simple as that.  So, drive safely out there! If you would like to know more about snowmobile insurance and what coverage is available to you , please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are happy to provide you with some guidance along with a free quote!

We understand that, with summer right around the corner and water temperatures sure to be rising, you want to get back out on that water fast.  While the draws of Glimmerglass and other bodies of water are many, your safety is nothing to be hasty about, and so here we provide 5 things to consider when buying boat insurance.  

1. Your Boat is Not Covered by your Auto & Homeowners Insurance Policies

• Auto & Homeowners Policies Limitations
  • While your auto insurance will cover your boat when you are traveling with it attached to your vehicle on land, it does not cover your boat when it is in the water.  
  • Similarly, your homeowners insurance will cover your boat for damage done to it while it is on your property, but, when your boat is on the water, it will usually only cover a small boat or at most; a boat with a small engine in certain waterways.  It also often does not cover for salvage work, wreck removal, and pollution or environmental damage.
• Similarities with the Other Policies:
  • As with homeowners insurance, your boat insurance covers you for injury to others while they are on your boat, and it also offers you replacement cost or cash value in the event of damages.  
  • Like your auto insurance, your boat insurance covers you for your boat’s damage to others and others’ boats and docks, as well as for the damage done to your own boat by others’ or the environment.  Furthermore, it can be additionally protected against its theft or theft of contents (often specialty gear), against vandalism, fires and floods.  It can also cover you for towing and while you are outside of the US.
• Differences from the Auto & Homeowners Policies:
  • Unlike these two other policies, your boat insurance policy can be suspended while your boat is not in use, which can save you some money.
  • Your boat insurance policy also covers you for permanently attached items like motors, oars, anchors, and navigational equipment.

 

2. Pick the Right Agent (Check with our Team at the Bieritz Agency and Morris Insurance)

• It is never fun to suffer a loss and then be pressed into haggling over discrepancies in the insurance policy, so it is wise to put the effort in upfront by locating the right agent for you, and thoroughly discussing your needs with them.  
• Make sure they are familiar with boats and boating.
• Make sure they are connected with well-respected marine insurer companies.
• Make sure they are providing you with advice that is reasonable and applicable to you and your boating needs.

3. Factors that Affect Policy Cost

• • Where you Plan to Boat:
    • Inland or coastal
    • Freshwater ($) or saltwater ($$$)
    • In-country or out-of-country
    • Specific locations out-of-country
  • Storm Plan
    • In the event of a strong storm, whether or not you decide to have your boat stored in a secure facility or towed to a safer locale could affect your policy price.  If you want to be covered for damage done during a storm, you must follow the plan.
  • Agency
    • You can bundle your policies and get discounts if you buy your boat insurance from the same insurance company that holds your auto and homeowners policies.

 

• Type of Boat

 

• Suspension
  • During the off-season (or times of the year when your boat is not being used), you can suspend your policy and reduce your costs.
• Things that may Qualify for Discounts:
  • Taking a boating class or previous training and certification in classes
  • Good driving and boating record
  • Safety equipment and fixtures

4. Agreed vs. Market/Actual Cash Value

• Like cars, your boat suffers a decrease in the amount of money it is worth as soon as you put it on the water, and it continues to decrease with time.  
• When you agree on a policy with your agent, you can decide whether, in the event of your boat being partially or completely destroyed, you want to be reimbursed to an “agreed value” or a “market/actual cash value.”  
• Agreed value is what you and your agent decide the boat’s worth is at the time of purchasing insurance for it.  
• It tends to cost more than market/actual cash value, which is the value of the boat in its “lifespan” at the time of the incident.  
• While you might get more money back for damages with agreed value, insurers may push for actual cash value, which could offer you savings at the time of purchasing the policy.  

 

5. Whether or not you feel your craft should be insured, it might be a good idea to buy a minimum liability coverage worth at least $500,000.  

 

Accidents happen, and it is always helpful to have something to fall back on!  If you are looking for information about insuring your boat, give our team a call at either of our offices in Cooperstown at 607-547-2951 or in Morris at 607-263-5170.  

 

Be safe and enjoy the water!

Snowmobiling is fun, but it doesn’t come without potential risks.  The ability to take a snowmobile for an exhilarating and challenging ride sometimes far away from civilization and in freezing temperatures comes with the responsibility of making sure you know how to operate it, of knowing the area you’re riding in, and of knowing what to do should things go wrong.  Learning regulations, precautions, and other safety tips helps to ensure that the risks of riding don’t become reality.  Although reading about them can feel like a chore, having them behind you gives you a confidence that can boost enjoyment of the activity altogether.  

The following are resources about snowmobiling safety that cover many of the ways you can exert more control over your ride, and through that, gain the freedom and fun that you might have sought in the first place.

• SnowmobileCourse.com www.snowmobilecourse.com/usa/newyork/snowmobile-laws.aspx
  A short highlight of laws and regulations mostly regarding age, one exception to them, and a brief reminder of safety practices.  This site also includes links to more detailed information about the laws and regulations of snowmobiling, links to more information about Fresh Air Educators Inc.’s New York State Approved Snowmobile Safety Course, as well as to more information about how to obtain the required snowmobiling safety certificate.
  
  
• International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html
  A longer and more detailed cautionary that covers alcohol use, awareness one’s own abilities and limits as well as that of their machine, snowmobiling gear and other ways of dressing for the weather, hypothermia, respecting others’ property, knowing the route and informing others about the plan, driving over ice, and driving in the dark.  It also included a Safe Riders! pledge to riding safely, as well as links to ordering safety brochures and to a test.  Lastly, the site described their Safe Riders! Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program, and offered a link at the bottom of the page in a picture to beginning it.

• SnowTracks
  http://snowtracks.com/snowmobile-safety/
  Another longer and detailed cautionary article that opens with ultimately asking riders to prioritize safety while driving.  It continues with a cautionary about different conditions to be on the lookout for, such as thin ice and hidden obstacles beneath snow, and then it strongly deters against mixing alcohol and snowmobiling.  It also details what to do if the vehicle breaks through the ice, and then advises on keeping a repair kit for the machine, along with other maintenance necessities.  It finally addresses the environment, and talks about how to respect it and adapt to it, as well as how to determine risk to oneself from it.  

Freedom on the snow comes with the responsibility of investing in caring for oneself, one’s mode of travel, and one’s surroundings.  Doing so grants us more security that fun is all that is had on snowmobile outings.

If you are looking for information about insuring your snowmobile, give our team a call at either of our offices in Cooperstown at 607-547-2951 or in Morris at 607-263-5170.  Be safe and enjoy the snow!

 

If you are a snowmobiling enthusiast, you know that our area is a great place to play!  According to iloveny.com, New York offers over 10,400 miles of trails throughout the state.  There are over 230 local clubs associated with the New York State Snowmobiling Association and information available on events, trails, places to stay, tips and more.  This coming weekend is a free snowmobiling weekend to encourage out-of-state and Canadian enthusiasts to sled in NY (the registration fee is waived for the weekend for properly registered and insured out-of state snowmobilers).

Locally, there are some great snowmobiling resources available for riders.  One of our favorite resources is a locally developed phone app that can be accessed even when cellular data service is not available – a great feature for when you are not sure what direction to go when riding our local trails.  The premium app for all of New York State is available for download at both the AppStore and Google Play for $20.  Find parking, areas of interest, tourism locations, stopping areas and trails and trail conditions along with additional tools to help plan your route.  This technology is developed by Mohawk Valley GIS , a Utica based company established in 2003 by Linda Rockwood.

You can access the information online as well at http://www.nysnowmobilewebmap.com/webmap/.

 

Don’t forget, if you need help with insurance for your Snowmobile, we are happy to assist you!  Contact our team at our Cooperstown office at 607-547-2951 or at our Morris Office at 607-263-5170.

 

After a long winter, we bet you are more than ready for summer and all of the things you can do to take advantage of the warmer weather.  The pool is open and your boat or jetski is in the water, all ready to enjoy for the season.  Think for a moment and consider your insurance.  Are you prepared for the possibility of an accident?

Summer ‘ toys’ can include an RV (recreational vehicle) for your summer travel or an ATV (all terrain vehicle), a PWC (personal watercraft) like a jet ski or waverunner or boat, or even things like a golf cart, a motorcycle, a trampoline, swingset, pool, and even a bicycle.  Insurance helps to protect you from the risks associated with injuries and damages when using these items.

The first step is to review the types of insurance available for your summer recreation toys.  Consider physical damage for your property as well as liability insurance.  Many policies include property damage to others and coverage that reimburses you or a guest for hospital or doctor bills.

For property damage, estimate the value of each item and how much you would lose without insurance.  For items like an RV or a boat, this can be a considerable loss.  You can choose a high liability limit and add an umbrella policy to your coverage. For liability, you can add extra coverage to your homeowner’s policy or include summer items on an umbrella policy to extend your liability coverage.  Each carrier is different with what summer toys can be included, so be sure to check to make sure each addition is allowed.

For items that carry significant risks, like trampolines, check with your carrier to make sure this coverage is allowed or included on your homeowner’s policy.  Some carriers prefer not to absorb the risks associated with trampolines and may cancel or decline to renew your policy if they learn you have one on your property.

Insurance helps to protect you in the event of an accident, but your first line of protection is to always take safety precautions when operating your summer toys.  Taking measures to preventing accidents helps keep your premiums low by minimizing the number of claims you need to make.  Insurance protects your purchase, yourself and your guests as well.

Please contact our office to further discuss your insurance needs.  Have a wonderful and safe summer and enjoy those toys!