September in Nebraska doesn’t necessarily mean the fun is over. There may still be plenty of good weekends ahead for camping, boating, ATV riding, and other outdoor adventures.
But cooler nights and shorter days are also a reminder that winter isn’t far away.
If you own a camper, RV, ATV, boat, Jet Ski, motorcycle, or other recreational vehicle, now is a good time to start thinking about end-of-season maintenance, storage, and insurance.
Here are a few things to put on your Fall checklist.
1. Don’t Wait for the First Freeze
Nebraska temperatures can change quickly as fall progresses. Depending on what you own, freezing temperatures can cause problems with water lines, plumbing systems, batteries, engines, and other components.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for winterizing your particular recreational vehicle or watercraft. RV and camper owners may need to drain or protect plumbing systems, while boat and Jet Ski owners should pay attention to engine and water-system winterization.
Taking care of these tasks early can help prevent an unpleasant surprise next spring.
2. Give It a Good Cleaning
Mud, dirt, moisture, food, and other debris aren’t things you want sitting around all winter.
Before storing your recreational vehicle, give the interior and exterior a thorough cleaning. Campers and RVs should be checked for food that could attract pests, while ATVs and other off-road vehicles should be cleaned of accumulated dirt and debris.
This is also a good opportunity to inspect for damage you may not have noticed during the busy summer months.
3. Choose Your Storage Location Carefully
Where will your recreational vehicle spend the winter?
Whether you’re using a garage, barn, storage facility, outdoor parking area, or another location, consider the risks it could face while sitting unused.
Nebraska winter weather can bring wind, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Stored recreational vehicles can also be vulnerable to falling objects, fire, theft, vandalism, and other unexpected losses.
Make sure your storage location is appropriate for the type of vehicle you own and take reasonable steps to secure it.
4. Check Batteries, Tires, Fuel, and Fluids
Long periods without use can be hard on a vehicle.
Check your owner’s manual for specific storage recommendations regarding the battery, tires, fuel system, oil, and other fluids. Recommendations can vary considerably depending on whether you’re storing an ATV, motorcycle, camper, boat, or other recreational vehicle.
Taking care of the mechanical side of storage now can make getting back on the road, trail, or water easier when warmer weather returns.
5. Take Photos Before Storage
Before you put everything away, take a few photos.
Document the overall condition of your recreational vehicle as well as accessories, upgrades, equipment, and significant personal belongings stored with it.
Keeping an updated record of what you own can be helpful if you ever need to provide information following a loss.
6. Don’t Automatically Cancel Insurance Because You’re Not Using It
If your recreational vehicle will be sitting unused for several months, you may wonder why you need insurance on it at all.
Remember that not driving or riding something doesn’t mean nothing can happen to it.
A stored recreational vehicle may still face risks such as theft, fire, severe weather, vandalism, or falling objects. Your coverage options and requirements will depend on your individual policy, vehicle, storage situation, and other factors.
Instead of simply canceling coverage for the winter, talk with your insurance agent first. There may be options for adjusting certain coverages while a recreational vehicle is in storage.
7. Tell Your Agent About Changes
Did you buy a new ATV this summer? Add expensive equipment to your boat? Upgrade your camper? Change where your RV is stored?
Your insurance agent should know.
Your recreational insurance should reflect what you actually own and how you’re using it. An annual review is an opportunity to discuss changes and better understand your limits, deductibles, exclusions, and available coverage options.
Enjoy the Last Days of the Season—Then Get Ready for the Next One
September is a great month to squeeze in a few more Nebraska adventures. It’s also a good time to think ahead.
A little maintenance and preparation before winter can help protect your recreational vehicle during the months when you’re not using it—and make it easier to get back to doing what you enjoy when next season arrives.
Nebraska Owner’s Insurance Agency in Lincoln offers insurance options for a variety of recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, campers, boats, ATVs, Jet Skis, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.
Have questions about recreational insurance or how your coverage works during storage? Contact the NOIA Lincoln office at 402-260-7931 to speak with a local agent.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, deductibles, and exclusions of the applicable policy. Speak with a licensed insurance agent regarding your specific coverage needs.