Four mistakes to avoid when you purchase umbrella insurance

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One of the best ways to ensure that you have coverage for every possible liability you could experience in Bethlehem, PA is to get umbrella insurance that will offer comprehensive insurance. While it’s smart to purchase umbrella insurance for those who have a lot of assets to protect, you need to avoid potential mistakes to make the smartest investment in this insurance product.

The following are four mistakes it’s important to avoid when you purchase umbrella insurance from a provider like Saucon Insurance Agency:

Neglecting to analyze what coverage you already have before making a purchase

Umbrella insurance is typically as additional coverage on top of what one already has. It’s therefore important to analyze current coverage before purchasing it to see where there are gaps that are leaving the policy holder susceptible to liabilities and financial loss. You need to look at the policies you have and analyze nuances in depth to see where insurance or gaps and coverage are leaving you vulnerable.

Purchasing umbrella insurance without first undergoing a loss analysis to analyze your liabilities

Take advantage of a loss analysis to examine all the claims you have made on your insurance policies up to this point. Consider whether your policies have easily covered your needs or whether your claims have been denied or only partially fulfilled in the past.

Not getting the opinion of a claims consultant

Before purchasing, discuss coverage options with an experienced and knowledgeable claims consultant for invaluable advice on what umbrella insurance can do for you. 

Not getting coverage for recreational possessions and liabilities

A lot of people are more focused on business and practical assets and overlook recreational assets. Yet recreational assets can be very valuable and open consumers up to unique liabilities against which they need to be protected.

Reasons You Should Buy Supplemental Flood Insurance

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If you live in the greater Bethlehem, PA area, flooding caused by heavy rain or rivers and creeks overflowing into your home may not be covered by your home insurance. The only way you are covered is by purchasing a supplemental flood insurance policy. Many people wonder if this is something they need and what the benefits are. Here at Saucon Insurance Agency, we want you to know the benefits of purchasing flood insurance so you can make an informed decision as to whether it is right for you. Here are a few of those benefits.

Your Home is Covered if it Floods

The biggest benefit to purchasing flood insurance is that your home is covered if it floods. Flooding can cause a significant amount of damage to your home. Additionally, removing all of the water and moisture from the home, as well as any dirt, mud and mold that are brought in by the floods can be pricey. Flood insurance covers all of this, protecting your financial investment in your home.

You Are Reimbursed the Fair Market Value Of Your Water Damaged Belongings

The other major benefit to buying supplemental flood insurance is that it helps to reimburse you for the fair market value of the items in your home that are damaged by flooding. This includes your furniture, electronics, clothing, toys and other household goods that cannot be salvaged. All of these items can add up quickly if you are not covered.

If you are interested in learning more about supplemental flood insurance, or are ready to purchase a policy in the greater Bethlehem, PA area, call Saucon Insurance Agency today! We are more than happy to answer any questions you have or help you find the right flood insurance policy for your needs.

Planning an RV Adventure? Start the Process with RV Insurance

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The open roads can take you through mountains, down valleys through forests and even to the beach. With a recreational vehicle, you’re able to enjoy the experience with amenities like a bed and a shower. Before going on your trip, you should get RV insurance, so you can enjoy every minute of your trip.

1. Helps You Budget

If you don’t figure out how much money insurance is going to cost you, especially if you choose to pay biyearly, you might have less money for your journey than you thought you would. Plus, if you get a quote for an insurance policy from Saucon Insurance Agency, serving Bethlehem, PA and the surrounding area, you’ll know how much money you have to spend on your trip before you actually begin the planning phase. 

2. Feel Safe Going Anywhere

You can feel safe going anywhere in your RV once you have insurance. By getting insurance, you’ll be able to go on a trip anywhere in the U.S., or even out of the country, and know you’re covered if you get into an accident. Take as long of a trek as you like because you’ll be covered the entire time. 

3. Accident Won’t Spoil Your Trip

An accident would ruin your trip if you didn’t have insurance. You could find yourself having to spend your own money to cover the cost of the accident. Without insurance, you could find yourself worrying about how to pay for the damage, which would ruin the rest of your trip, if you’d even be able to finish your trip. However, when you have insurance, an accident won’t spoil your trip because you’ll be covered. 

Contact Saucon Insurance Agency, serving Bethlehem, PA and the surrounding area, to get a quote and a new policy. We’re available by calling 610-868-1800.

Is Actual Cash Value or Agreed Value on Boat Insurance Right for Me?

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Whether this is your first boat or you just upgraded to a more impressive yacht in Bethlehem, PA, it’s time to purchase some boat insurance. Saucon Insurance Agency is ready to help you purchase the right policy that protects not just you and your guests, but also your wallet if you are involved in an accident.

Boats Depreciate Like Cars

As soon as you put your new boat in the water, it starts to lose value much like a new car.  By the time your first season is over, your favorite party pontoon could have lost a quarter to a third of its original purchase price. If you have replacement on your boat insurance policy, you likely will get Actual Cash Value as part of the standard coverage if your boat is damaged in an accident. The insurance carrier will determine what the current value of the boat is and send you a check for that amount, not what you paid at the dealer.

Protect Your Vintage Vessel

Actual Cash Value works if you have a small boat with a simple outboard motor as you’d probably be able to absorb the difference in insurance payment vs. cost of another boat without too much fuss. However, if your boat is either a custom luxury yacht or a vintage vessel featuring teak decking and built-in furniture, you may wish to opt for Agreed Value on your policy. You’ll have the boat appraised and pay for coverage based on the real cost of fixing or replacing the damaged ship.

It’s always a good idea to spend a few minutes talking to your Saucon Insurance Agency representative in Bethlehem, PA before finalizing your new boat insurance policy to fully protect your latest investment.

Should an Owner of a Company Allow Teenage Employees to Drive Company Vehicles?

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Dosomething.org is a global movement of teenagers that counts over five million young people as members. To avoid any criticism for age discrimination in this review of this topic; here are some teenage driving statistics that this group of young people reports about teen drivers:

  • The highest rates of auto accidents for any age group are caused by 16-year-old drivers.
  • Within the first year of driving, 20% (one in five) of 16-year-old drivers will have an accident.
  • More than half (56%) of teens admit to talking on a mobile phone while driving.
  • Distracted driving, such as talking on a cell phone or texting while driving, doubles the probability of having an accident and reduces the reaction times of teen drivers to the equivalent of those found in 70-year-olds.
  • Motor vehicle crashes cause one-third of the deaths of young people between 13 and 19-years-old.
  • The chance having an accident caused by a teen driver increases by the number of additional passengers.

Use of Commercial Vehicles

The company policy about employees who are authorized to drive company vehicles is a business risk decision. Like all decisions of this kind, insurance coverage and the cost of it, are key factors that the business owner should consider when making the decision about who is permitted to drive a company vehicle. Many companies require an employee to be 25-years-old in order to be allowed to drive commercial vehicles for the company because this is normally the age where the insurance rates are more reasonable. Each policy is different, so check with your agent at Saucon Insurance Agency serving Bethlehem PA, for the specifics.

The experts advise business owners to exercise caution when allowing a younger person to drive any vehicle. For example, if the business owner asks an employee to drive a few blocks to pick up food for lunch at the office that is considered a commercial use of that vehicle, even if it is the owner’s private vehicle. When an owner asks an employee to do something as part of their work, then this task is a commercial activity, not a private trip in the vehicle. Business owners need to be careful not to create liability risk by mistake.

Summary

Check with your agent at Saucon Insurance Agency serving Bethlehem, PA, to make sure you have adequate coverage, which includes adequate vehicle insurance for the business owner’s private vehicle that includes coverage for the occasional use of the vehicle by others (including employees) and commercial insurance to cover the potential liabilities for company-owned commercial vehicles.

Tips for Safer Driving Habits

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Not everyone is a safe driver in Bethlehem, PA and whether you want to believe it or not, you may be another culprit at times. If people are constantly telling you to slow down or be more careful, then you likely do not have the best driving habits. They may even be scared to ride with you. Driving safer can help you keep your auto insurance premiums low too so if you want to be a safer driver, use these tips from Saucon Insurance Agency.

  • Remove distractions. The one device that causes the most distractions while you are driving is your cell phone. You do not need your cell phone to drive and if you are guilty of using it while driving, you should consider putting it in another place where you cannot reach it. That text can wait and texting while driving is illegal anyway.
  • Use your blinkers. No matter what, if you are turning, you should use your turn signals. They are there to tell other drivers what you plan to do and to keep everyone aware. Use them as they are meant to be used to stay safer.
  • Go the speed limit. Sure, driving fast may be fun but it can also be dangerous. Don’t test the limits. Always follow the speed limits for the area because they are posted for a reason. 
  • Wear your seatbelt. It is the law to wear one while driving and even if you do not like the way it feels, it is there to protect you. Always put it on no matter how short your drive may be. 

Driving safer really takes just a few minor adjustments. This can make a huge difference though. If you need an auto insurance policy to protect you on the roads, be sure to reach out to Saucon Insurance Agency, serving Bethlehem, PA.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pest Removal

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Pests in the home are inevitable, especially during the warm months in the Bethlehem PA area. Ants and other insects make it through the smallest of openings to your home in search of food and water. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts not in your quest to remove pests from your home.

  • Fruit flies can show up in droves and are difficult to remove. They often sneak a ride home on the produce from the store. The best thing to do is to keep the kitchen clean, don’t leave fruits and vegetables out, and create vinegar traps to snag them. Don’t try to seal them out, because it doesn’t work.
  • Ants will go after any crumbs or spills around. Follow their trail to see where they are sneaking in and use a tube of sealant to cut off the trail of pheromones they left for their friends. Don’t spay ants with cleaners or combine borax and powder sugar to poison their food. It may kill the ant, but it can end up attracting more, and it is toxic to pets.
  • Roaches naturally hide in their search for food. Scrub the space where they are and put out commercial-grade roach traps. Don’t try to manage an infestation, call an exterminator.
  • The most destructive insects are termites and carpenter ants because they will damage the wood in your home structure. The best thing to do in either case is to call an exterminator to make certain they are gone.
  • Don’t forget about your pets. Treat them for fleas and ticks or those pests will hitch a ride in and want to stay.

Saucon Insurance Agency

We provide home insurance in the Bethlehem, PA area. Contact the Saucon Insurance Agency today to explore your home insurance options.

Things to Include in Your Car Emergency Kit

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If you live in the Bethlehem, PA area, then you know that a car emergency kit is essential.  It may not seem so important until you need it, and then you’ll wish you had made one.  There is nothing worse than breaking down at night miles away from any timely assistance.  Having an auto club membership or a vehicle under warranty with roadside assistance is great, but it can’t always be counted on for a breakdown or an emergency.  Cell phones are great to call for help unless there’s no service or the battery is dead.  Be prepared by building a car emergency kit to leave in your vehicle. 

Emergency Kit Essentials

  1. A fully equipped first-aid kit.  You can put one together or purchase one that has the necessary basic kit, such as an assortment of Band-Aids, gauze pads, adhesive tape, aspirin, antiseptic wipes, cream, and ointment, and a pair of scissors.
  2. A fire extinguisher (Class B and C) that can put out flammable and combustible liquids and electrical fires.
  3. Portable reflective warning triangles.
  4. A tire gauge. Check the pressure in your spare on occasion.
  5. Foam tire sealant that can repair some flats when you are unable to change the tire.
  6. Jumper cables that are at least 10 feet long and covered with at least 8-guage rubber.
  7. A waterproof flashlight and extra batteries, rags, gloves, rain poncho, bottled water, nonperishable snacks, and a warm blanket.
  8. A tow strap or rope, multipurpose utility knife, and duct tape.
  9. Windshield ice scraper, folding shovel, and some cat litter for traction on ice.

Saucon Insurance Agency

At Saucon Insurance Agency, we make it our goal to help you protect your family and assets.  Contact an agent today about your auto insurance in the Bethlehem, PA area.

When to Update Your Bethlehem Home Insurance

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Your home insurance policy likely sits in a drawer or on a file on your computer, and you only look at it if you absolutely need to. But what if you’ve decided to finally spring for a new couch or that 2-karat diamond you’ve had your eyes on? The problem is that these purchases can quickly cause the value of your home to sky rocket. As people settle into a property, it’s only natural to spend money on it. So how often should you really reassess your property?

Major Events 

Any time you do anything drastic to your home (remodeling your bathroom, adding an expensive garden, etc.), you’re going to want to call your home insurance agent. Saucon Insurance Agency serves the people of Bethlehem PA, and we’ve seen all the ways people go out of their way to give themselves a better home. The more people put in the effort, the better the city gets. It’s helpful to have home insurance to reflect it so everything can be repaired or replaced if a massive storm or major event destroys it. 

Once a Year 

But it’s not just major events that should cause you to think about your home insurance policy. You should be going over how your home has changed every year. You may have bought a new laptop or professional clothes. That adds up over time, so it might be time to get more coverage on your items. Saucon Insurance Agency can talk to you more about how your policy should work, and what you should be worried about when it comes to keeping your family safe. If you have questions or are looking for a few quotes to compare, give us a call today to start your search in Bethlehem, PA.

How to Save On Your Home Insurance Costs

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You are not boxed into paying a set price for your home insurance. There are a few different ways you can save on your home insurance costs, either by making a few different plan switches or by making some home improvements. Whatever you are looking for, Saucon Insurance Agency can help you save money insuring your Bethlehem, PA home. 

Up Your Deductible 

If you want to drop the amount you pay for the premium, the best way is to up the deductible. This will increase the amount of money you need to pay in order for insurance to kick in, but it will often substantially lower the amount you pay on your monthly payments. 

Security System Installation

A home security system is an excellent way to cut down on insurance costs. These systems reduce the chance of a break in. Most insurance companies also like knowing you are safe and sound. So, if you are ready to take the next step in home security, look towards a home security system. 

New Plumbing

If you live in an older home, your plumbing system may be significantly outdated. An outdated plumbing system makes your house susceptible to major plumbing problems further down the line. Anything from a burst pipe to leaks behind the shower can end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars in home repairs. By updating your plumbing, you may see a drop in insurance costs. Just make sure to inform your insurance provider of the updates. 

Whether you live in Bethlehem, PA or live somewhere else, the Saucon Insurance Agency is here to assist in protecting your valuable investment. With a handful of ways to save money on your home, follow these tips and you should see a nice drop off in your principal payments.