Insurance

How Common Are Boating Accidents?

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Texas is one of many states that doesn’t require you to have boat/watercraft insurance. As a result, you might find yourself weighing the pros and cons of opting out of boat insurance and taking your chances. After all, how common are boating accidents really? We give you insights into boating accident statistics from the most recently available data, as well as some insights into why it’s helpful to have boat/watercraft insurance regardless of laws or odds. If you want to cover your boat or watercraft, come to us at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX. 

How Common Are Boating Accidents? What Statistics Tell Us

To preface this section, it’s important to know that numbers aren’t extremely high. However, as is evidenced by the statistics, the potential for damage or fatalities does exist, which is why it’s so important to have boat/watercraft insurance. Available data from 2024, provided by the Coast Guard, revealed these insights. 

  • There were approximately 3,887 incidents that involved 556 deaths. Meanwhile, there were 2,170 injuries. 
  • There was $88 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating incidents.
  • Open motorboats were responsible for most of the reported incidents and fatalities, at 47 percent and 46 percent, respectively. 
  • Texas was ranked fourth among all states in terms of deaths and injuries, with 27 deaths and 128 injuries. 
  • Texas was ranked third among all states in terms of deaths to accidents, with 174 accidents total. 

Prevent Boating Accidents From Affecting You With Rickey McGill Insurance Agency

No matter whether you think you’re at risk or not, it’s vital to have boat/watercraft insurance if you plan on taking your boat out into the water. We here at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX, are ready to help you compare your options and find your policy. Get in touch with us or compare quotes now!

Water Damage Nightmares Condo Owners Face in Arlington, Texas

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It’s easy to get confused about who covers what in a condo community. The short answer is that you own the inside of your condo, so you cover that. Your association covers the building, roof, hallways, and common areas.

But sometimes that basic understanding can get confusing, too. Because what happens if a pipe bursts in the unit above you and ruins your unit? Those types of situations are when it helps to have someone like Rickey McGill Insurance Agency on hand to answer your questions.

Understanding What Condo Insurance Actually Covers

Let’s keep going with our example scenario. The unit above you has a pipe burst. The water pours through your ceiling. Your floors and furniture are soaked. Maybe even your expensive electronics. Not to mention your clothes and other personal belongings. Who covers this? The association? The owner of the other condo?

Your association’s insurance covers the exterior of the units, along with shared spaces. Your condo insurance, or HO-6 policy, protects what’s inside your unit. Your four walls. This is the policy that covers:

  • Your personal belongings
  • Your unit’s interior structure (drywall, floor, cabinets, etc…)
  • Liability if someone gets hurt while visiting you

Condo insurance can also cover your living expenses if you’re unable to stay in your unit while it’s being repaired after a covered event.

Why Your Condo Association’s Policy Doesn’t Help You in This Situation

In our flooded unit scenario, the association’s insurance doesn’t kick in because it only covers the common plumbing in the buildings. Not the damage that occurs inside your unit. Under the Texas Uniform Condominium Act, associations are required to maintain property insurance on common spaces. But individual improvements and personal belongings are all on you.

Why Condo Insurance Is So Important if You Live in Arlington, TX

Arlington, TX (and all of DFW) sits right in the path of the violent North Texas storm season. Flash flood warnings hit Tarrant County on the regular when heavy rainfall overwhelms the city’s streets and drainage systems.

A condo unit on a lower floor or in an older complex is especially vulnerable. Without the right condo insurance coverage, you could find yourself on your own handling repairs from water damage.

Talk to a Professional Who Knows Arlington and DFW

Water damage doesn’t care who has to pick up the tab. If you own a condo in Arlington, Texas, get in touch with us at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency to learn what you can do to make sure your belongings stay as safe and dry as possible.

Life Insurance Options: How to Know When Term Insurance Is Best

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Life insurance is a financial tool designed to provide a death benefit to beneficiaries after the policyholder passes away. This type of coverage can be critical for meeting the financial needs of loved ones, especially when a loss occurs unexpectedly. Because there are multiple types of life insurance available, it is important to understand your options before making a long-term decision.

At Rickey McGill Insurance Agency, we help individuals compare life insurance options in Arlington, TX so they can select coverage that aligns with their goals and financial priorities.

Understanding Term Life Insurance

One of the most common types of life insurance is term life insurance. This coverage remains in effect for a specific period of time, as long as policy requirements such as premium payments are met. Term lengths are commonly 10, 20, or 30 years, and some policies offer renewal options.

Term life insurance is often chosen to provide financial protection during key stages of life when obligations are highest. Examples of situations where term coverage may be beneficial include:

  • The duration of a mortgage loan, allowing loved ones to pay off the balance if something happens to you.
  • The years during which dependents rely on your income for daily living expenses.
  • Specific periods when financial responsibilities or risks are elevated.

Selecting the right coverage length and benefit amount is an important step in protecting your family’s future. At Rickey McGill Insurance Agency, we can help you determine the appropriate term and coverage level. If you are looking for life insurance in Arlington, TX, contact our team to request a quote and learn more about how term life insurance can support your financial plan.

Commercial Insurance Claims Organizational Strategies

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If your business is damaged by a natural disaster or vandalism, you may need to file an insurance claim. The following steps can help you navigate the process in an organized and efficient manner.

Secure the Establishment

Secure the area where the damage or criminal activity occurred. Leave the affected space exactly as you found it, as an insurance adjuster or licensed inspector may need to examine the scene to assess the loss. Their evaluation will rely on seeing the damage exactly as it happened.

In addition to leaving the damaged area untouched, secure the rest of your business property. Doing so helps prevent trespassers or unauthorized individuals from disturbing or altering the affected section of your building after the incident.

Prepare Paperwork

Document everything related to the event. Any proof you provide will help support your insurance claim. Create a detailed list of all items that were damaged, stolen, or impacted by the natural disaster or criminal act. Take clear photos of the aftermath throughout your business. Store your documentation in a safe, dry location accessible only to authorized individuals.

Review the Steps

After filing your insurance claim, your insurance provider will outline the steps required to complete the process. Review this information carefully. Take note of any scheduled inspections, calls, or meetings you must participate in throughout the claim.

Understanding the full process in advance can help you stay organized and confident as your claim moves forward.

Update Your Agent

If you have questions about your claim, contact an agent at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency. An agent serving Arlington, TX can provide guidance and support as you work through the process.

Boat and RV Readiness Before March

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Everybody loves spring, but March doesn’t ease in gently around Arlington, TX. A warm weekend shows up early, and suddenly, everybody is rushing to catch the first adventure. That rush to get a boat back on the lake or an RV out on the road has excitement of its own, but it often skips over the part that matters most: making sure you’re protected.

How Early-Season Use Shapes Risk

There’s one thing RV owners need to realize: The boat or RV that’s been sitting through winter isn’t the same machine you parked months ago. It feels stiff, unfamiliar, and maybe a little dependent on how well it survived the downtime. Even the most confident owners feel the doubt creeping up during those first minutes: the hesitation before turning the key, the quiet worry about what the months of idle time have done under the surface.

But that isn’t even the biggest story. The real story is not mechanical; it’s behavioral. Spring breaks behavioral patterns. More towing. More miles in unpredictable weather. Let’s face it, you’re putting your boat in the water before other people even realize winter is over. Worse, everyone you share ramps, fuel docks, and narrow roads with is just as rusty as you are. And that’s how your exposure changes: Everyone else is warming up at the same time.

Rickey McGill Insurance Agency helps boat and watercraft owners connect their seasonal habits with the harsh realities of recreational insurance. 

Why a Boat Insurance Review Makes Sense

Recreational insurance can be complicated to understand. Rickey McGill Insurance Agency offers guidance grounded in our local experience. We know how owners navigate the early spring season. If you’re looking for a practical conversation about your recreational insurance, we are here to help. We’re currently serving Arlington, TX. 

Roommates, Shared Bills, and Insurance: What Arlington Renters Often Overlook

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Housing costs have increased drastically nationwide. This has led many renters in Arlington, TX, to consider roommates to make renting more affordable. That’s great, but it also introduces some additional risks when it comes to protecting your belongings and home. Many renters assume their policy automatically covers everyone living in the household, but more often than not, that’s not the case. Our experts at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency can help you understand when roommates are covered, or not covered, by your renters insurance.

Why Each Roommate Needs Their Own Policy

Living with a roommate complicates your insurance needs. Even if your roommate already has their own renters insurance, it won’t automatically protect your personal property. Their property is covered and only theirs. Each policy only covers the individuals named on it, meaning your furniture, clothes, and laptop are usually excluded. In shared spaces, this distinction is crucial, especially if theft, a fire, or water damage affects everyone’s property. Maintaining your own renters insurance guarantees:

  • Your possessions are covered, even if your roommates aren’t.
  • You’re covered if you cause damage or injure someone else. 
  • You have a place to stay if your unit becomes uninhabitable because your roommate started a BBQ in the living room.

How To Simplify Coverage With Shared Expenses

One benefit of living with a roommate is splitting certain bills. Renters insurance isn’t one of them. At Rickey McGill Insurance Agency, serving Arlington, TX, we can help educate each tenant on how to protect their belongings with the right renters insurance. Our experts will make sure that the policy fits your and their budget while keeping the coverage clear and separate. It often even makes sense for all roommates to coordinate and compare their policies to ensure everyone has the protection they need.

Protect Your Space and Your Peace of Mind

The bottom line? Before signing a new lease or adding a roommate to your existing lease, make sure your renters insurance is built for shared living. Contact Rickey McGill Insurance Agency to discuss your options. We’re currently serving Arlington, TX. 

Seasonal Storage Implications for Motor Home Insurance

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For most people, a motor home isn’t in constant use year-round. It’s driven in the warmer months, then parked once travel slows. Putting it into storage may seem like the end of responsibilities until next season, but insurance doesn’t go on pause. How coverage is handled during downtime can make a big difference if something unexpected happens. Your insurance representative at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency serving Arlington, TX, can help.

Coverage While Parked

It’s tempting to think insurance isn’t necessary once a motor home is off the road. The truth is, risks don’t disappear in storage. Fires, theft, vandalism, and even storm damage can occur when a vehicle is sitting still. Comprehensive coverage is what protects against these events, and dropping it during the off-season can leave you exposed to costly losses. Liability may not be as important while parked, but keeping broad protection in place is still the safer choice.

Tailoring Policies to the Season

Insurance companies recognize that motor homes are often used seasonally. Some offer storage-only coverage or adjustments that reduce liability while preserving comprehensive protection. These options can help lower your premiums without leaving gaps. Reviewing policies before storing a motor home makes it easier to find the balance between savings and security. One of our experienced agents can explain what works best for each situation.

Why Routine Checks Still Matter

Insurance helps, but prevention is always valuable. Checking on a stored motor home occasionally lowers your risk and can prevent claims altogether. For example, make sure your doors are locked, your covers are secure, and the facility is in good condition. Insurers take note when owners demonstrate good care, which may help with rates over time.

Seasonal storage is part of owning a motor home, but insurance should remain part of the plan. With the right coverage through Rickey McGill Insurance Agency serving Arlington, TX, and a little preparation, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and be ready to travel again when the season starts.

Insuring Your RV for International Travel: What You Need to Know

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Taking your RV across borders can be an exciting way to explore new destinations. However, before you hit the road, it’s important to understand how insurance works when traveling internationally. Proper coverage ensures you’re protected no matter where your journey takes you.

Check Your Current Policy

Most standard RV insurance policies only provide coverage within the United States and Canada. If you’re planning to travel to Mexico or overseas, your existing policy may not apply. Review your documents carefully or speak with your insurance provider to confirm any limitations.

Special Coverage for Mexico

U.S. and Canadian insurance policies are not recognized in Mexico. Mexican law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance from a licensed Mexican insurer. You can purchase a temporary policy that covers liability and, in many cases, add protection for physical damage and theft.

International Travel Riders

For extended trips or travel outside North America, you may need an international insurance rider or a specialized policy. These options can help cover medical expenses, liability, and damage to your RV in foreign countries. Always request documentation in the local language if required.

Protecting Your Belongings

Your RV likely carries valuable personal items. Ask about personal effects coverage, which can protect belongings such as electronics, camping gear, and clothing against theft or damage while abroad.

Plan Ahead for Secure Travels

Insurance requirements vary widely by country. Research regulations for each destination and secure coverage before leaving home. Carry physical proof of insurance and keep digital copies as backups to ensure you’re prepared.

Call Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX

At Rickey McGill Insurance Agency, we’re proud to serve Arlington, TX, and we’re here to help you find the right RV insurance policy for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about your options.

Custom Bikes, Custom Coverage: Protecting Your Modifications in Arlington

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In Arlington, a motorcycle is more than just transportation—it’s a canvas in motion, a rolling autobiography written in chrome, leather, and the rasp of a tuned exhaust. But for every new part you bolt on, every panel you repaint, there’s an important question lingering in the background: if something happened tomorrow, would your insurance recognize what your bike has become?

The Value Shift No Policy Should Ignore

Modifications don’t just add shine—they transform the bike’s entire DNA. They impact its performance, profile, and even its place on an insurance underwriter’s checklist. A showroom model is easy for an adjuster to replace. But a low-slung, one-of-a-kind build with a hand-welded frame, airbrushed tank, and precision-machined forks? That’s not a warehouse item—it’s a unique creation. Without proper coverage, the payout after an accident could treat your masterpiece like a mass-produced machine.

This matters because the market doesn’t forgive gaps in documentation. Without photos, receipts, and a record of upgrades, it’s your word against the policy fine print. In the insurance world, proof isn’t optional—it’s your armor.

Threats That Don’t Wait for the Open Road

Most riders think about collisions. Fewer consider the freak hailstorm parked over an Arlington street, the fire that jumps from a neighbor’s garage, or the slow vandalism of rust after a flooded storage unit. Every upgrade you’ve made could be at risk long before your tires touch asphalt. While you can’t bubble-wrap a bike, you can build a safety net with the right language in your policy—a net that accounts for what you’ve created.

How Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington Can Help

At Rickey McGill Insurance Agency, serving Arlington, TX, we don’t lump a custom ride in with a stock commuter. We listen, document, and design coverage that keeps pace with your creativity rather than lagging behind it. Because a bike like yours isn’t just a purchase—it’s a living creation you’ve built, rebuilt, and made unmistakably yours.

Before the next mile, the next mod, or the next “what if,” give us a call. Let’s ensure your coverage is as deliberate, distinctive, and unapologetically custom as the machine you ride.

Does Boat Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

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Hail is a significant risk in many parts of the Lone Star State. Some areas of Texas have reported hailstones measuring more than five inches in diameter! If you live in Arlington, TX, it’s wise to look for boat insurance that covers hail damage to protect your investment.

Hail can damage boats in several ways. It may break glass, crack or dent surfaces, and harm canvas, seals, and electronic devices. Additionally, storms often bring heavy winds or lightning, which can inflict further damage.

Insurance Coverage

To protect yourself against hail-related losses, it’s crucial to carry comprehensive boat insurance. While this type of coverage is generally optional, it may be required by your lender if you financed your vessel with a loan.

Comprehensive insurance covers a wide range of severe weather events, including high winds and lightning. It also insures boats against other losses, such as theft, animal strikes, falling trees, and vandalism. Additionally, this insurance may cover damage caused by a fire in a storage building.

Hull Insurance

Hull or marine hull insurance typically combines collision and comprehensive coverage. It protects against collisions with objects, like docks and other boats, as well as the weather-related events mentioned above.

Considerations

Keep in mind that a deductible often applies, so minor repairs may not be covered. You’ll also need to document the hail damage thoroughly. Be sure to take photos and report the damage to your insurer as soon as possible.

If you’re looking for dependable boat coverage, turn to the experts at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX. Our independent local agency can help you select the ideal policy to protect your investment adequately. To get started, call 817-861-3400 for a free quote from Rickey McGill Insurance Agency.