Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Common RV Insurance Policies

Recreational vehicle (RV) insurance policies are more complicated than either car insurance or homeowners insurance policies. RV insurance policies blend aspects of car and homeowners insurance to guarantee that all aspects of the RV are covered. There are different types of RV insurance policies that provide different amounts of coverage. Some basic policies mainly cover the vehicular aspects of the RV, such as collision and liability. Other RV insurance policies also cover items within the RV, such as plumbing and appliances. It is important that RV owners get as much coverage as they can afford since RVs are both vehicles and living spaces, and both aspects need to be insured.

RV drivers are required by law to have liability coverage, just like people who drive conventional vehicles. This protects other drivers that the RV may collide with, ensuring that if the RV inflicts damage on another vehicle, that damage will be paid for out of the RV drivers insurance. Liability coverage is the bare minimum required by most states.

Collision insurance covers any damage to the RV if any type of collision occurs. Another important type of coverage is uninsured driver insurance. This type of coverage protects the RV driver from having to personally pay for any damages to the RV done by uninsured motorists. Total loss coverage ensures that if the RV is damaged beyond repair, the insurance will cover the cost of its replacement. This type of insurance protects the RV owner from any liability for injury or damage that may occur in the direct vicinity of the RV in a campsite.

Since RVs can be dwellings as well as vehicles, the property inside the RV should also be covered. The law does not require this coverage, but it is a good idea, especially for people who live primarily in their RV. RVs contain items that cars dont have, such as furniture and appliances. If the RV is damaged extensively, these items could require repair or replacement. Other items such as plumbing and electrical components of the RV can also be insured. Many people store things like clothes, TVs, computers, and camping gear in their RVs. Just like in a home, these items can be damaged or stolen while on the road, so it is a good idea to purchase insurance for them. Many RV insurance policies are designed for people whose RV is their primary residence. These policies cover all vehicular and home aspects of the RV.

RV insurance policies are complicated, but it is vital that RV owners purchase the right coverage. The bare minimum is not enough for people who live in their recreational vehicle.

Various Types of Window Valance

If you are lucky enough to have a window with a wonderful view, you will want to be sure to choose an appropriate window dressing that will complement and enhance that view, without detracting from it or blocking the light. A carefully selected window valance can provide just the right look. The various types available can be used as a stand alone decoration, or combined with curtains, blinds or shutters to create a unique effect. While high quality sewn valances are a really classy style, there are also no-sew varieties available.

Traditional formal valences were heavy creations of rich tapestries, often with thick fringing. More modern designs are informal, light and free flowing, made from cotton or linen. Some frequently used valance styles are described below.

The Balloon valance is so named because of the way it hangs. Doubled fabric is gathered and secured in equally spaced intervals along a pole, and the material between balloons out to give the required effect. To create extra shape, the balloon sections may be stuffed with tissue paper or a softer material. Lightweight cotton fabrics are effective balloon valances, and bold patterns such as stripes are a good choice.

A swag valance is another style, which can either be fairly short or extend to the floor either side of the window if desired. Two decorative brackets are placed on either side of the window top. The material is folded like a concertina, and hung across the two brackets. For larger windows a central bracket may be required to support the weight of the material. Heavier materials hang well but may be a little too much for the brackets so choose carefully.

To create a formal valance, such as a pleated valance, you will probably require heavier material that will retain its shape. If you wish to use a less heavy fabric, it will work better if you line it first. Material for a pleated valance needs to be cut and lined carefully so that the underside shows equally at every pleat. For this reason you might want to avoid making pleated valances unless you are a talented draper. Pleated valances are attached to a board hung from the wall by strong brackets.

Valance placement is as important as style to create just the right effect. To lengthen windows, the valance should be hung so that the bottom only just covers the top of the window. To shorten overly long windows, the valance should be placed lower down and can be quite long to hide the expanse of glass. As a rule of thumb, a valance should not cover more that one third of a window or the window will appear swamped in fabric. If you have a two story window it can be cut in half with a valance, which complements the dcor of the lower room. However, you may lose some of the height and space creates by the two story window.

Window valances are simple to create and some require little or no sewing ability. The main consideration when using valances for interior design is how the valance will work with the rest of the decorations in your room. Unless you want your window to act as the focal point of the room you want to be careful not to make your valance too overpowering.