Pennsylvania might not be the nation’s capital for massive floods, but that doesn’t spare homes in the state from the occasional disaster. Floods are something we’d all usually rather not think about, but in the end, you want to make sure your home is protected. That’s why Saucon Insurance Agency is trying to help you assess the flood risk for your home in Bethlehem, PA.

The Bank Tells You

There’s a nice minimum safety net when it comes to owning a home and dealing with floods. If you get a mortgage, a bank is going to require you to purchase flood insurance if your house is in an area of high enough risk. You simply won’t be able to buy the house without it. Even if you don’t have a mortgage, if a bank would require flood insurance before giving someone a loan to buy your house, you can trust that you need it.

That said, this is not entirely foolproof. First, it offers no insight on rentals. Flood damage in a rented property can be very tricky, so it’s best to follow through on your research. The second problem is that banks won’t always demand flood insurance even when there is a notable risk involved.

Lower-Risk Flood Zones

That brings us to lower-risk flood zones. Known by many names, these are areas or neighborhoods that are in flood zones but aren’t at the highest levels of risk. These are areas where banks might let you buy a house without the extra coverage, but flood insurance is probably still a good idea. The easiest way to find these zones is to look at FEMA’s network of maps. They’ll help you assess risk and determine if you need specialized insurance. You can find those maps at msc.fema.gov/portal/search.

Once you check the floodplains in your Bethlehem, PA, neighborhood, you’ll have a clear idea if you need to be talking about flood insurance. When you’re ready for that conversation, your Saucon Insurance Agency representative will be ready to help.

So you’ve finally decided to buy an RV. Congratulations! Recreational Vehicles or motorhomes offer a comfortable way to camp, travel the country and/or just provide everything you need on wheels. But before you embark on any adventures near or far, it’s time to get that RV properly insured. Here’s what you need to know about RV insurance requirements in the state of Pennsylvania. 

The Basics

First things first: as with most other vehicles, the state of Pennsylvania requires drivers to ensure their RVs before they take them on the road. And if you are leasing or financing an RV, you most likely will be required to purchase insurance as per the terms of your contract. If you live in the Bethlehem, PA area, Saucon Insurance Agency can answer all of your specific questions regarding state insurance laws and contract-specific requirements. Now, in addition to having the proper insurance, it is also worth noting that in the rarer cases of an RV being over 26,001 pounds, the state also requires you to get a non-commercial class B license in order to drive it (and you will need to get this before you get approved for an insurance policy). 

Minimum Coverage Requirements

As a Pennsylvania resident, you must meet certain minimum coverage stipulations in order to legally drive your RV. This includes a minimum of $30,000 in coverage. Likewise, RV drivers must have specific coverage for medical expenses, property damage, and bodily injury. Whereas medical expense coverage must be in place for regardless of who is at fault, both property damage and bodily injury must– at the very least– cover others involved if you are determined to be at fault. 

Taking Things Further

Now, in addition to making sure you meet all of the minimum coverage requirements in Pennsylvania, you may want to get extra protection (for many people, this is a wise investment). For example, adding on uninsured/underinsured insurance to your policy can help you recover quickly from an accident involving a driver without insurance, as can collision (with stationary objects) and comprehensive add-ons. When you’re ready to take the next step, contact Saucon Insurance Agency. Serving the Bethlehem, PA area and beyond, we’re here to help you find the perfect policy to get your RV covered and fit your specific needs. 

There is no better way to spend an afternoon during the hot summer days than on a boat. For those that are in the Bethlehem, PA area, owning a boat is a big investment and responsibility. Because of this, boat owners need to consider carrying boat insurance. There are several situations in which having boat insurance is a requirement for owners in the area. 

Loan on the Boat

One situation in which you will need to have insurance on your boat is if you use a loan to purchase the boat. When you buy a boat with a loan, the lender will have a lien on the boat at all times. Because of this, they will likely require that you carry a full boat insurance policy as long as the loan is outstanding. This will ensure that they can be repaid if the boat is damaged or stolen.

Local Requirements

In general, the state of Pennsylvania does not require that you carry boat Insurance. However, there are local areas throughout the state that do require that you have boat insurance if you are in certain areas. For example, if you are in a larger lake area with a local marina, you may be required by the lake association to carry boat liability insurance whenever you are on the water. This will provide liability coverage for you in the event of an accident.

If you own a boat in the Bethlehem, PA area, you should reach out to the Saucon Insurance Agency. When you meet with the Saucon Insurance Agency, you can receive more guidance into what your boat insurance requirements are. They will also be able to review your requirements and particular situation to ensure you get a boat policy that provides you with good coverage and also stays in compliance with all regulations.

Like most situations in life, the best way to protect your business from slip and fall claims is to do what you can to avoid them in the first place. Here are some effective ways to prevent slip and falls at your business:

• Clean up any spills immediately and also post warning signs until the area is completely dry.
• Repair any areas where there are uneven floors, carpeting seams, or other abnormalities that could cause a fall.
• Keep all hallways and aisles free of items that could cause someone to trip or fall.
• Make sure that all steps and transitional areas have the necessary handrails and other safety equipment.
• Don’t forget about outside areas, keep parking lots and sidewalks free of debris and patch any potholes right away.

Of course, accidents can happen even when all of the above precautions and more are taken. Saucon Insurance Agency advises all of our business clients to carry liability insurance that is sufficient to protect them from any slip and fall claims at their businesses in the Bethlehem, PA area.

Liability insurance can protect you if a customer has a mishap at your place of business. Additionally, it can protect you if an employee is the one who falls, and certain policies will provide protection from a claim and also cover expenses related to an employee claim. Having the right insurance can make the difference between a terrible situation and one that can have a lasting effect on your business.

At Saucon Insurance Agency, our here to help you make sure you have the appropriate insurance and at the right coverage levels. Call us today to schedule a consultation, we are proud to serve fellow business owners in the greater Bethlehem, PA area.

People in Bethlehem, PA may wonder what umbrella insurance is and why it is a great choice for their home. We at Saucon Insurance Agency believe that many people, with a few tweaks, could use umbrella insurance for their needs. Here is how you can find the policy that works for you.

Identify Issues That Could Impact You

Umbrella insurance is designed to cover problems that other policies do not cover. For example, you may own a large down that is not covered by your home insurance policy. However, umbrella insurance can be tweaked to include dog bite liability. You can also find other types of coverage that are right or your needs.

Research Umbrella Policies That Include Them

Talk to your insurance provider about your unique needs and discuss what kinds of policies cover them. Most will be able to find an umbrella policy that meets your needs. They will add specific coverage types, depending on what you ask, and find a high-quality insurance type that keeps you and your home safe.

Adjust Your Policy Properly

Once you know what kind of coverage you want for your home or property, you can adjust your policy to meet it. For example, you can get dog-bite coverage if you own a dog but avoid other types, such as slip and fall liability, if your home rarely suffers from wet weather. You can also adjust your premiums and co-pays to find a rate that works for you. Talk to your policy providers to find a rate that works for both of your needs.

Interested In Umbrella Insurance?

If you find that your Bethlehem, PA home or property could use extra coverage, contact us at Saucon Insurance Agency. We will work to find a policy that works for your needs and will create umbrella insurance that protects you in unique and specific circumstances.

There are all kinds of different insurance policies that are available in the market. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which are the right ones for you and your needs. You definitely do not want to get an insurance policy just to have it but if it would be beneficial to you, you may want to consider it. An umbrella insurance policy is one of those that many people do not quite understand. Here at Saucon Insurance Agency, serving Bethlehem, PA, we know just how great of an option it can be if it works for your needs. 

For most people, other types of insurance are just enough for their coverage. However, you may want to consider getting umbrella insurance if you simply cannot get the coverage you need from a standard policy. For example, if your home or vehicle is worth more than what you can get in coverage through a home or auto policy, an umbrella insurance policy can cover the remaining. It is also a good policy for those who throw a lot of parties with a lot of people because it provides added liability protection if something were to go wrong. It is also a good option for anyone that is well known in the community because it provides help with slander cases. 

If you think that an umbrella insurance policy would be a good option for you, be sure to reach out to us here at Saucon Insurance Agency, serving Bethlehem, PA, today. We can help you explore your options and verify that it would be a good insurance option for you. We will even provide you with a free quote that meets your needs and budget. 

You want to make sure you have good insurance coverage because that means financial protection and peace of mind. But in order to get that coverage, you’ll want the right agent. When you live in Bethlehem, PA, you can work with Saucon Insurance Agency to protect your motorcycle investment and get the coverage and protection you need and expect. Motorcycles in Pennsylvania require insurance in the same way that other vehicles do, unlike some states where ensuring a motorcycle is optional. But there’s more to the policy than just the coverage it offers. There’s also the insurance agent you choose.

With the best agent for your needs, you can feel comfortable that the policy you get will also be the right one. Then you’ll have the opportunity to get the information and assistance you want so your insurance will give you proper protection. That protection is vital since you are protecting both your motorcycle and your person, along with other people on the road and their vehicles. Your agent can help you get the coverage you should have under the law, and talk with you about options for adding any additional coverage you might want.

The peace of mind and financial protection you receive from the right policy are both significant, and you can get both of them in one place when you ensure your Bethlehem, PA motorcycle with Saucon Insurance Agency. Not only will you have the coverage you need, but you’ll have an agent you can rely on when you have questions or you need to make a change. Then you can take your motorcycle out into the Pennsylvania sunshine and really enjoy it, knowing that you have the right policy, coverage, and financial protection for your specific needs.