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T.D. McNeil Insurance Services

110 Blue Ravine Rd, Suite 105,
Folsom, CA 95630

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Why Can’t You Fix Tires With Sidewall Damage?

Getting a flat tire is bad enough, but it only gets worse when you find the damage is to the sidewall. T.D. McNeil Insurance Services in Folsom, CA, wants you to know that no matter how simple the damage is if it’s on the sidewall and not the tread that contacts the road surface, you’ll have to replace your tire. This is due to how tires are constructed, and it’s essential that you understand why.

What Makes Sidewalls Unrepairable?

Sidewalls are flexible, allowing tires to handle expansion due to heat during use and to add some cushioning as the tires travel over uneven surfaces. A perfectly rigid tire would make for an uncomfortable ride, no matter how good your shocks or struts were. The flexibility also helps the tire handle the weight of the car and all its passengers and cargo. However, that flexibility would destroy any patch or plug used on the sidewall, leading to a blowout while driving.

That makes sense, but it raises the question of why a repair to the tread is OK when the tread is constantly rolling over the road and hitting rough surfaces. The tread section is thicker and stronger than the sidewall, and most tires now contain steel cords that keep the tread section more stable than the sidewall or shoulder. A repair stands a better chance of remaining strong and in place if it’s in the tread section. And remember, only puncture-type damage can be repaired; anything longer than that requires tire replacement.

T.D. McNeil Insurance Services in Folsom, CA, can help you with auto insurance and repair claims. Contact us today to discuss coverage.

Boat Maintenance Essentials

To ensure your boat’s optimal performance, safety, and longevity, it is important to follow the recommended maintenance guidelines for the vessel. According to the insurance professionals at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services in Folsom, CA, proper boat insurance and regular boat upkeep are the smartest ways to avoid expensive repairs and find stress-free and worry-free adventures where you may be headed.

Essential Boat Maintenance Tasks

Like any machine, routine inspections are the foundation of adequate boat maintenance. Before you depart, check the boat for signs of corrosion or damage in the areas around the propeller, hull, safety equipment, etc. Identifying an issue can help avoid more costly problems later on. Regular maintenance is essential for –

  • The Engine – the heart/power of the vessel.
  • The Drive train/Propeller – is another essential component that requires routine inspection.
  • The Safety Equipment – check life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and related safety gear.
  • The Electrical System – a properly working system is necessary to power important equipment on board and ensure passengers’ safety.
  • The Bilge Pump – removes excess water to keep the boat afloat.

Additionally, it is important to maintain a clean vessel because it helps enhance its overall look and protects the surface materials from deteriorating or corroding.

  • Wash your boat regularly with water/mild soap. Focus on those areas prone to dirt, salt, and grime buildup organically.
  • Remove marine growth collected from all underwater parts (including the hull) to make sure you optimize fuel efficiency and the boat’s performance.

Contact a Leading Folsom, CA Boat Insurance Agency Today

Proper boat maintenance ensures a safe, enjoyable, and trouble-free boating experience. For more information about how to protect your boat and investment, contact a staff member at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services at 916-983-2561 or online.

Umbrella Insurance for Surprise Business Liability

At T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, we remind our customers in Folsom, CA that insurance is for surprises, as well as for covering the routine risks and responsibilities that life brings. That’s especially important for our business customers, who often have significant assets, either personal or as part of a legal entity like a corporation, that may be at risk in a liability situation.

Coverage for Surprise Liability Your Business Encounters

Umbrella insurance helps cover surprise liability situations for businesses as well as individuals, going beyond the basic limits of commercial or vehicle liability coverage. It also helps organize a response to surprise liability situations when you’re still dealing with the feeling that this situation shouldn’t be happening. Someone might have what seems like an unreasonable expectation of compensation for a situation or simply be trying to leverage that situation for gain.

Sometimes, they may be trying to shift the blame, to protect themselves, and to make it official to put you on the hook for damages. However, if you see a situation that caught you off guard, with umbrella insurance, you can recover from the shock and get started on handling it.

Making Wise Business Choices for Success

At T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, we stand behind our business clients with insurance that backs them up in Folsom, CA when they experience unexpected liability situations. These days, it’s hard to know when you’ll be on the spot, and it’s good to know you’re not alone when facing a problem you didn’t expect in your line of business.

Your umbrella insurance policy is an excellent way to respond to our uncertain world confidently and wisely. You’re saying, whatever comes my way, I’ll handle it and keep on track. Come and talk with us, and our insurance professionals can help.

4 Tips for Buying Flood Insurance

If you live in Folsom, CA, chances are that flooding may have an impact on your life. The Folsom area is moderately at risk of flooding in the next few decades, meaning that insurance is in greater need than ever before. With T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, homeowners can have the coverage they need to protect themselves against flooding.

Here are some tips for purchasing flood insurance.

1. Choose Public or Private Insurance Based on Your Needs

In California, homeowners can purchase public insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private company. The NFIP is a federal government program managed by FEMA and covers specific coverage. Private insurance carriers create their own policies and can offer additional coverage. 

2. Purchase Flood Insurance Sooner Than Later

Typical homeowner’s insurance varies in coverage, but they rarely include protection against flooding. Purchasing separate flood insurance provides buyers with the assurance that they are fully protected if disaster strikes. 

3. Check a Variety of Insurers

Shop around for many flood insurance policies before making a decision. Some insurers provide shorter wait times for the coverage to begin. This difference can be critical in protecting your home from flooding. There are also differences in pricing and covered expenses, so look at the insurance options in your area. 

4. Check Your Flood Insurance Coverage

Remember that your flood insurance likely doesn’t cover earthquakes, even if a flood causes them. Carefully check your policy before purchasing.

Whether choosing federal or private insurance, flood coverage is a necessity. Contact T.D. McNeil Insurance Services today for your flood policy needs in Folsom, CA. 

How Term Life Insurance Works

It’s always a good idea to have a life insurance policy in order to leave something behind for your beneficiaries. This is especially important if they rely on you for your income. Having a life insurance policy can save your loved ones from financial harm once you’re gone. There are two main types of this insurance- term life and whole life. Term life is a relatively simple type of insurance that is popular for a number of reasons.

When you’re interested in a term life policy, contact us at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services in Folsom, CA.

Term Life Basics

A term life insurance policy is one that is in place for a certain term of time. This may be ten years, 20, or any other amount of time. During this period, the life insurance policy is in force and will pay a death benefit to your beneficiaries if you pass away during that time. However, at the end of the term, if you haven’t passed away, the policy expires. After that, you have to seek out another policy if you want to be insured again. 

How It’s Different

This type of life insurance is very different from the other type, known as whole life. While whole life policies never expire, a term life policy has a clear expiration date from the beginning. Whole life policies also create a cash value that builds over time and allows policyholders to borrow that amount. Term life doesn’t build this value. And compared to whole life, term life is generally far more affordable. It’s often easier for people to fit term life policies into a budget. 

Get Life Insurance Today

It’s important to have a policy to protect your loved ones. When you need life insurance, call us at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services in Folsom, CA. 

Four common mistakes consumers make regarding motorcycle insurance

Get in touch with us at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services if you need motorcycle insurance in Folsom, CA. We are an insurance company offering coverage for motorcycle owners.

Don’t make mistakes when you buy motorcycle insurance that could lead to negative financial consequences.

Here are four common mistakes consumers make regarding motorcycle insurance:

Canceling your motorcycle insurance coverage when your bike is not in use

If you don’t use your bike during certain times of the year, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should cancel your policy.

A lot of motorcycle insurance providers offer storage coverage that customizes coverage to your unique needs throughout the year. Switching over to storage coverage is often better than just canceling your policy when your bike is not in use. 

Never updating your motorcycle insurance policy

it’s a good idea to reevaluate your motorcycle insurance policy occasionally. You might want to make some changes to your coverage if your bike’s value or your riding habits change. 

Assuming your motorcycle insurance policy includes collision coverage

A basic motorcycle insurance policy will usually only include liability coverage. You need to specify that you want collision coverage when you buy your policy if you want to be covered for damages to your bike.

Being unaware of coverage limitations

Motorcycle insurance coverage might not be in effect if you take your bike outside the country or if you use your bike for commercial activities. You should be aware of any coverage limitations related to geographic location or commercial activity. 

Reach Out To Us

If you need insurance coverage for your motorcycle in Folsom, CA, we can come to your assistance at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services. Call us to get a quote on a motorcycle insurance policy. 

Does motorhome insurance include protection against fire damage?

Here at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, we’re proud to offer an array of outstanding insurance policies to meet the needs of all our Folson, CA clients, including comprehensive motorhome insurance. Comprehensive motorhome insurance is a complex type of insurance policy that will safeguard your home and property in a number of protected perils.

The following is a quick look at what you can expect from your Folsom, CA motorhome insurance policy as well as the answer to the question of whether motorhome insurance will protect against fire damage:

Does Motorhome Insurance Include Protection Against Fire Damage?

So long as you have comprehensive motorhome insurance, yes, your policy will include reimbursements for damages caused by fire up to your policy limits. Furthermore, your insurance provider will likely cover damages to property within your motorhome at the time of the incident as well as damages to its physical structure. Many insurance policies will also offer clauses that will cover food and lodging for the period in which you are unable to occupy your home as you wait for repairs, search for a replacement, or make your way to your home property. 

Other Types of Protection Coverage

Comprehensive insurance also covers other types of perils, including:

  • Theft and vandalism
  • Weather-related damages, such as from hail, lighting, or windstorm
  • Earthquake damage
  • Damage caused by falling objects
  • Towing and labor costs in the event of a breakdown

Learn More About Motorhome Insurance With T.D. McNeil Insurance Services

Your motorhome is a very important asset, and as such, you want to ensure that it is properly protected with a comprehensive motorhome insurance policy. That’s exactly what our team at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services can help with! Contact our team today to get your personalized quote. 

Does my RV insurance limit who can drive my RV?

At T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, we find RV insurance one of the most misunderstood types of policy. Folsom, CA residents with RV policies must list the individuals who will drive the RV.

RV Driver Requirements

Typically, RV policies let you add up to four drivers besides the RV’s owner. Each motorhome driver must maintain a valid driver’s license in the US. Some policies set an age limit, such as 18 or 21 years of age, to reduce risk.

Why Add Drivers?

Motorhome trips can mean long hours of driving, so many RV owners list every adult member of their immediate family on their policy. This lets them share driving duties.

In many ways, RV insurance works like auto insurance. For someone to use your vehicle, you need to list them on your insurance. That’s why spouses typically list both names as drivers on their policies. RV insurance works the same way.

Contact Us Today

Perhaps when you purchased your RV policy from T.D. McNeil Insurance Services you did not plan long trips, so you only listed yourself. You can update your RV policy to add drivers at any time. We recommend adding as many\ qualified RV drivers as your policy allows so you protect your finances in case of an accident.

If your family drives the RV and causes an accident, your policy may not cover the damages to your RV or the other vehicles. Before you leave on a trip from Folsom, CA to parts unknown, update your motorhome coverage. Call or email our offices today to get started.

Documents you should always have in your vehicle

When you are driving, there are some things you should always have in your vehicle. You need a spare tire and a jack in the event you get a flat. You need to have a flashlight in the glove box and a bottle of water. At T.D. McNeil Insurance Services in Folsom, CA, we provide personalized insurance service, and we will make sure that your auto insurance meets your needs. 

Documents you should always have in your vehicle

Vehicle registration

In California, vehicles are required to be registered annually. In order to get your vehicle registered, you need to get a smog emission test every other year. You should keep not only your vehicle registration but your emission results in the glove box of your vehicle. If you are in an accident or are stopped for another reason by the authorities, you will be required to show your registration. If it isn’t in the vehicle, there may be an issue. If your registration expires, you can be fined. 

Insurance card

When you get your auto insurance, it comes with cards that prove that you have auto insurance. These cards need to be carried in your vehicle to prove that you have auto insurance. There are strict penalties for failure to carry the required amount of auto insurance. Put it in the glove box with your vehicle registration.

Driver’s license

In the state of California, all drivers are required to have a driver’s license. A driver’s license is a form of ID, and most people carry it on their person in their wallet, pocket, or purse. It does not have to be left in the vehicle, but if you are driving, you need to have it with you. 

Reach Out To Us

Contact T.D. McNeil Insurance Services in Folsom, CA, when you need an independent insurance agent to meet your auto insurance requirements. 

Does boat insurance cover boat accidents in California?

Under California law, you are not required to carry boat insurance. Boating is a very popular activity in Folsom, CA, and many boaters probably carry either no insurance or inadequate protection.  Even if you choose not to carry insurance through T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, you are still responsible for anything that happens when you are out boating. Because there are more boats on California waterways, the state has a higher risk of being in an accident.

Boats and Accidents

California has some particularly great places for boating. Unfortunately, that also means that other people take advantage of the great location to let loose on the water. Even if you are careful and follow every rule, you may still be in an accident. Accidents may be caused by speeding, bad weather, or even just not paying attention. This can lead to property damage, injury, and even death. When there is no insurance, how will those damages get paid?

Who Was at Fault?

If you were at fault during an accident, the injured party or parties can sue you for compensation. When you have insurance, those parties will deal with your insurance company instead of you. If you were negligent and caused an accident, your policy will pay up to the maximum limits you chose. On the other hand, if you choose not to carry insurance, you will be personally liable for any damages and deal directly with victims.

Reach Out To Us

Boat insurance from T.D. McNeil Insurance Services will keep you from using your own bank account and property to compensate accident victims. If you enjoy boating in Folsom, CA, please feel free to call and learn how boat insurance can benefit you.

Our Partners
  • foremost
  • Hudson
  • Kemper
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Mercury
  • Metlife
  • National General
  • Personal Umbrella
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • Stillwater
  • The Hartford
  • Travelers