Is Auto Insurance Required in Pennsylvania?

If you own a vehicle in Pennsylvania, you’re required to have auto insurance coverage. Liability coverage protects other drivers and is mandatory by law. However, it’s not the only coverage available to you. You can also obtain coverage to protect your vehicle against theft and damage. If you need help choosing an auto policy, talk to an agent from Saucon Insurance Agency. We’ll explain your options and recommend the coverage best suited to your lifestyle. Here are some facts you should know about auto insurance in Pennsylvania.

Liability Coverage is Mandatory

Pennsylvania requires that you carry minimum liability coverage to pay for injuries and damages to others in accidents you cause. If you cause an accident where damages exceed this minimum coverage, you may have to pay the rest out of pocket. For your protection, it’s best to purchase more than the minimum liability requirement.

Auto Policies Offer Optional Coverage

In addition to liability coverage, auto policies in Bethlehem, PA offer optional protection in the form of collision, comprehensive and uninsured motorist coverage. You can pick and choose from this coverage to obtain the protection you want and need.

  • Collision insurance protects your car against crashes.
  • Comprehensive insurance covers theft and damage to your vehicle by non-collision causes, i.e. falling objects, vandalism, or inclement weather.
  • Uninsured motorist insurance protects you against uninsured and hit and run drivers. 

The more expensive your vehicle, the more protection you’ll need to cover its value. If you fall short in your insurance protection, you could wind up paying for damages out of pocket.

Auto Insurance Can Vary According to Need

You can customize your auto coverage in Bethlehem, PA to obtain the essential protection you need. This can save you money on your premium. For more information about auto policies and costs, call or visit Saucon Insurance Agency today.

Car insurance tips for teenage drivers in Bethlehem, PA

Your teenager’s sixteenth birthday can be a much-feared or much-anticipated day, depending on whether you are the parent of the teenager. It is a time when teenagers look forward to hitting the Bethlehem, PA roads. While a driver’s license could be their rite of passage, your teenager will still need something else, which is more essential and critical for their safety–An auto insurance policy.

If you’re worried about your teenager’s safety on the roads, you can always speak to us at Saucon Insurance Agency, and we will help you teach your teenager about safe driving and which coverages to purchase to protect them.

When it comes to buying insurance for your teenage driver, you have two options. You can either add your teenager to your auto policy or get them a separate policy. While adding them to your own policy only increases your rates a little more than double what you are paying, it is much cheaper than buying a brand-new auto policy.

Enquire about multi-policy discounts

Most auto insurance companies in Bethlehem PA offer discounts if you buy multiple policies from them. For instance, if you have a home, boat, life, and car insurance from the same provider, the company can offer various discounts based on your limits. As you shop around for the best deals, enquire about discounts for multi-policy.

Get an old safe car for your teenager

older cars come with many benefits. They are not only less expensive, but also tend to carry affordable insurance. Safe cars lower your insurance premiums as they are less likely to cause accidents.

Above all, educate your teen.

Having some of these conversations about insurance is critical in helping teenagers stay safe and become more responsible. Let them know that the more accidents they get into, the higher their insurance rates. Violating auto insurance and roadside rules can lead to license suspension and penalties.

Keep your teenager safe on the roads. Contact Saucon Insurance Agency if you have any questions, and our team will be happy to get back to you.

Maintenance Services That Your Car Needs For Maximum Performance

When we invest in our cars and vehicles, we are looking to maximize their longevity and performance. Having a fully functioning care will also protect your safety. Here at Saucon Insurance Agency, we want to provide our customers in Bethlehem, PA with the best maintenance tips for your car. 

Keep up your oil changes.

It is essential that you have your oil changed every 3,000-5,000 miles in your car. This keeps your engine from overheating and keeping debris from causing extensive damage. 

Get that Tune-Up

Periodically, your car will reach anywhere from 60k to90k miles and need to have a little care. 

  • Spark plugs 
  • Engine coils
  • Carbon deposit removal
  • Air and Engine filter changes

During this service, a certified technician will inspect and replace the above parts around your engine. After a tune-up, you may notice that your car starts much faster and drives much better. 

How are your tires?

While it can be easy to forget about those tires, have them inspected to see if they need to be changed or balanced.

  • Tire pressure check
  • Tire balancing and alignment
  • Tire tread check

During this service, they will give them a rotation to even the wear on the tires and balance them so that your car drives smoothly when in operation. 

Top off your fluids

Your vehicle requires several types of fluids to maintain the operation of your brakes, power steering and transmission.  When your vehicle has the fluids it needs, it will keep these operations lubricated and continuing to function even as the miles continue to add up. 

The best maintenance is auto insurance. 

If you need to upgrade or change your policy, our agents at Saucon Insurance Agency are ready to hear from you. We proudly serve the Bethlehem, PA residents and those nearby. Call us today for more information. 

RV Insurance: How is That DIfferent From Auto insurance?

Recreational vehicles are large vehicles that are driven for traveling or camping. Most Bethlehem, PA RVs and campers offer living space and basic amenities such as seating areas, sleeping areas, a kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes a shower. While they are usually used for traveling, some people live in or tour full-time in them. Since your RV is a motor vehicle similar to an automobile, you may be wondering what the difference is between insurance coverage for an RV and an auto insurance policy. Here’s the basic difference between your Saucon Insurance Agency RV insurance policy and your automobile policy. 

What’s the Difference Between Automobile Insurance and RV Insurance? 

Because your automobile and your recreational vehicle are both motor-driven vehicles, most insurance companies have no problem with issuing either a policy. Problems will occur, though, if you try to push your RV coverage into your auto policy – it can create gaps in your insurance coverage.

Having a specialized policy for your RV will help you fill in any coverage gaps in your protection, such as total loss replacement vs agreed value, emergency expenses you may incur while camping in Bethlehem, PA, full-timer liability, tow-truck coverage, and campsite liability. For example, if your RV is in a collision while driving, your RV insurance may cover the cost of housing and meals while getting repairs on the road, and travel costs to get back home, which your auto policy won’t cover.  Another difference between your RV policy and your automobile policy is that RV insurance coverage can be suspended if you place your RV is in storage, as there is likely to be an issue with having a collision – a cost-saving measure that makes financial sense for some RV owners. 

For more information about how RV insurance keeps your investment safe from financial risks in the event of loss due to an accident or theft, give the Saucon Insurance Agency a call today! 

The Advantages of Getting an Annual Auto Insurance Review

Each year, it is a good idea to talk with your agent at Saucon Insurance Agency, serving Bethlehem, PA and the nearby communities, to have an annual auto insurance review. To make sure coverage is adequate and your records are accurate, it is helpful to double-check the information about your vehicle(s). With your agent’s help, you can then make any adjustments necessary for conditions that changed during the year.

Get An Auto Insurance Review for Life Changes

Circumstances that usually require an auto insurance adjustment are changes in these things:

  • Selling or buying a vehicle.
  • Giving a vehicle to another person.
  • Taking a vehicle out of service.
  • Getting married or divorced.
  • Having different authorized drivers of the vehicle(s).
  • Parking changes for the vehicle(s).
  • Moving to a new address.
  • Getting a job that causes a change in a daily commute.
  • Going on military duty assignment outside of the country.
  • The use of the vehicle(s) changes, such as using the vehicle(s) for carpooling or rent-for-hire.
  • Customized work or a new paint job is done on the vehicle(s).
  • Using the vehicle(s) to tow something like a boat or trailer.
  • Adding equipment to the vehicle(s), such as a stereo, GPS, anti-theft device, or alarm system.

Each year, the value of the vehicle(s) will likely need adjustment as well if the replacement cost or its worth changes. Be sure to ask your agent any questions you may have about the coverage, deductibles, and how to increase protection to make sure there is adequate coverage for your needs.

Conclusion

While it is a good idea to have an annual review to make sure to adjust for these things, there is no need to wait if these changes occur at some other point during the year. Feel free to call your agent at Saucon Insurance Agency in Bethlehem, PA in order to adjust an existing policy or use the convenient online form to get a quote for new auto insurance.

How to Research State Auto Insurance Requirements

When it comes to understanding auto insurance, there’s a good chance you have a lot of questions. What does the policy cover? Does it include rental car assistance? How about towing assistance? Can I use it if I’m stranded on the side of the road because I ran out of gas? All of these questions are good questions, and they definitely deserve to be answered. It’s also likely that you are wanting to know your state’s exact insurance requirements. By knowing what your state expects of you, it becomes easier to purchase a policy that keeps you in compliance with the law. Here at the Saucon Insurance Agency serving Bethlehem, PA, we’d like to share two tips for helping you understand your state auto insurance requirements. 

Use the Internet

First and foremost, you can always use the Internet to help you pinpoint your state’s insurance requirements. When using the Internet, though, it’s extremely important that you make sure you are researching sites that are reputable and legit. Ideally, you will want to visit a government website, one that ends in .gov, to ensure the information being shared with you is correct. 

Contact an Agent

You can also contact an agent at an insurance company to ask about state auto insurance requirements. Do keep in mind that some insurance companies only sell insurance in certain states, so when you call an agent, make sure he or she is experienced and knowledgeable of the insurance laws for the state you reside in. 

Lastly, you can always call an agent here at Saucon Insurance Agency serving the Bethlehem PA a,rea to learn more about the exact insurance requirements for PA. 

What are the Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements for Me?

Driving a car is a necessity for many people.  At the same time, it is a very important responsibility that all people need to take seriously.  If you do own a car and drive it on a regular basis, having auto insurance in place is a necessity.  There are several auto insurance requirements that all Bethlehem, PA area residents need to be aware of.  Saucon Insurance Agency will be able to help ensure you get into a policy that allows you to meet these requirements.  

Liability Coverage

Similar to other states, Arizona requires that all drivers carry liability insurance on their vehicle whenever they are on the road.  For drivers in Arizona, the minimum coverage requirements are $10,000 in property damage per incident and minimum bodily injury coverage of $15,000 per person with a cap of $30,000 per accident.  While this is all that you are required to carry by law, it is recommended that you get higher liability insurance coverage levels to ensure you are properly protected. 

Collision and Comprehensive

While you are only required by law to carry liability insurance on your car, it would still be a good idea to get collision and comprehensive coverage.  This will provide you with financial coverage if your car is stolen, damaged in an accident, or vandalized.  Furthermore, if you have a loan or lease out on your car, you will be required by law to carry this type of insurance.  

For those that are looking for a new car insurance policy in the Bethlehem, PA area, speaking with the Saucon Insurance Agency would be a great option.  This company will be able to provide you with a variety of services to ensure you are properly protected and in compliance with all relevant requirements.  

 

What are the Auto Insurance Requirements?

Having a car is a practical necessity for many people. Due to the importance of a vehicle making sure you have proper insurance is very important.  For those that are in the Bethlehem, PA area, there are several types of coverage that need to be in place in order to stay in compliance with the law other parties. 

Property Damage Liability

In the state of Pennsylvania, you will be required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance on your vehicle. One part of this is property damage coverage. While you should likely have more coverage than the minimum, the state requires you to have at least $5,000 in property damage coverage. This will cover the damage of the other party’s vehicle in the event you are found at fault in an accident

Bodily Injury Liability

The state will also require you to carry a minimum amount of bodily injury liability coverage. This will provide medical coverage to those that are involved in an accident.  The state requires you to carry coverage amounts of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

While the state requirements only require you to have liability insurance, you will likely need to have additional collision and comprehensive insurance in the event you have an auto loan. These types of coverage will provide you with coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged in an accident if it is stolen, damaged, or involved in an accident with an animal.

If you are in the Bethlehem, PA and are in need of auto insurance, the Saucon Insurance Agency will be able to provide you with valuable services.  The Saucon Insurance Agency will be able to help you to better understand your insurance needs and make sure you get into the right policy. 

 

How to Drive an All-Terrain Vehicle Safely

Some people can get confused when they come across the term “toy insurance.” In fact, this kind of insurance is not something that covers your child’s teddy bear or doll. Saucon Insurance Agency, serving Bethlehem, PA, offers toy insurance covering all-terrain vehicles of the sort that farmers and ranchers use for their work and some like to use for recreation.

Operating an ATV in safety is a little different from operating an automobile. The National Safety Council lists some rules for using your ATV.

  • Generally, depending on the engine size, no one below the age of 12 or, for larger ATVs, below the age of 16 should operate an ATV.
  • ATVs are not made for passengers. Only one person should ride one at a time.
  • Be sure to wear appropriate gear when operating an ATV, including goggles, helmets, over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants.
  • Be careful when using attachments such as cargo carriers. They can change the stability of the vehicle.
  • Do not operate an ATV on a paved road, highways, and streets.

The Consumer Product Safety Council notes that accidents do happen when using an ATV, some of which have resulted in deaths.  In 2012, the most recent year that complete statistics are available, 573 people died while operating an ATV, 58 being children under the age of 16. In 2015 there were 97,200 ATV-related injuries, 28 percent involving children under 16.  An ATV can be dangerous if operated recklessly. It weighs up to 600 pounds, is motorized, and can go up to 65 miles an hour.

For all questions concerning ATV safety, toy or other kind of vehicle insurance, feel free to contact the Saucon Insurance Agency serving Bethlehem, PA.

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

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.