insurance

How to Protect Your Roof From Wind Gusts

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Your roof takes a beating from Texas weather, and wind damage is one of the leading causes of homeowner insurance claims. At Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX, we’ve seen how a few preventive steps can save homeowners thousands in repair costs and keep their families safe during severe weather.

Regular Inspections Are Key

Inspect your property at least twice a year to identify potential problems before they escalate. Look for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing around chimneys and vents, and any areas where the roof edge appears to be lifting. Pay special attention to older sections of your roof or areas that have been repaired previously, as these weak spots are more likely to fail during high winds.

Secure Your Surroundings

Trim tree branches that hang over or near your roof. During windstorms, these branches can become dangerous projectiles, puncturing shingles or tearing off entire sections. Keep your gutters clean and securely attached, as clogged gutters add weight and cause water backup, which can weaken roof structures. When it’s time for a roof replacement, consider upgrading to impact-resistant shingles, especially if you live in an area prone to severe weather.

Address Vulnerable Areas

The edges and corners of your roof are the most vulnerable to wind damage due to strong uplift forces. Ensure these areas are properly sealed, and consider having a roofing professional inspect the fastening systems. Additionally, check your attic ventilation, as improper airflow can create pressure imbalances that increase the likelihood of wind damage.

Taking these proactive steps can protect your investment and provide peace of mind. For comprehensive coverage that safeguards your home when prevention isn’t enough, contact Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX to review your homeowner’s policy today.

How Vehicle Ownership Timelines Affect Auto Insurance Reviews

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Most auto insurance reviews happen when a new vehicle is purchased. After that, things often tend to be quiet. But in reality, ownership timelines matter just as much as buying decisions. At Rickey McGill Insurance Agency, serving Arlington, TX, we too often see coverage fall out of sync because time passed and no one revisited the details.

Why ‘Paid Off’ Is a Missed Insurance Moment

We know the feeling. When a car is paid off, many drivers feel a sense of completion. No more payments. Nothing else to think about. Freedom. But from an insurance perspective, this is one of the most overlooked review points.

It’s true that financing often drives early insurance decisions. Once that obligation ends, the original assumptions usually no longer reflect how the vehicle fits into daily life. Usage patterns shift. Priorities change. But insurance coverage frequently stays the same, even though the ownership stage has changed.

Secondary Vehicles Become Invisible Over Time

But there’s even a bigger blind spot with secondary vehicles. Cars kept for backup, occasional errands, or seasonal use often fade into the background. They’re still insured, but rarely discussed.

Over time, these vehicles may:

  • Be driven less, or by different household members with a very different risk profile
  • Spend more time parked than on the road
  • Shift from “primary” to “just in case” without anyone noticing

And those quiet changes matter. Insurance reviews that only focus on the main vehicle often miss secondary vehicles.

The Bigger Issue Behind Both Situations

Here’s the common thread: Auto insurance is usually only reviewed at purchase, not across ownership milestones. And that means you may be leaving money on the table.

That’s why Rickey McGill Insurance Agency encourages drivers in Arlington, TX, to view auto insurance as an ongoing conversation, not a one-time setup. Contact one of our expert advisors for a quick review of your auto insurance to ensure it still matches how your vehicles fit into your life.
 

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.