Don’t Wait for an Increase to Compare Rates on Homeowners Insurance

Residents of Allentown, Pennsylvania are hardworking and practical. It is hard to believe we would waste money if we could save money. Yet there is one expense on which we repeatedly see people over-paying. That is their personal insurance coverage.

Here is a typical scenario. We will be contacted by someone looking for a quote on, say, their homeowners insurance. When asked why they are shopping around, a common reply is “because my current carrier just raised my rates.” Well then, as independent agents, we will go to work. We search several companies looking for similar coverage so they can compare rates apples-to-apples so to speak. What we often find is that we could have saved them money even BEFORE they were notified of a rate increase by their current carrier. This doesn’t just happen with homeowners insurance either.

The lesson here is that you should not wait to get notified on an increase in the price of your insurance policy before contacting us to compare. We may be able to help you save money right now. Finding out is simple, too. Visit our website and request an online comparative quote. You can request a quote on your homeowners policy and your auto insurance. Let us go to work saving you money BEFORE your resent carrier raises your premiums.

With a captive agent who only represents a single company, they don’t have that option of choice. That is a powerful, money-saving aspect to being an independent agency that our clients appreciate. Don’t wait. If you live in or near the 18101 zip code, visit our website or contact us today for a no obligation quote. It’s practical, it can save you money, and, after all, it is an Allentown kind of thing to do!

Fill Your Halloween with Treats, Not Tricks with Homeowner’s Insurance

Tree roots, cracks in your cement and shaky porch steps are all potential dangers for trick-or-treaters in Easton, PA. With one misstep, children visiting your home may encounter a fall that may lead to hospital bill arriving in the mail. Even though we adore our children and wish them no harm, you have to protect yourself from the possibility of accidents on your property with homeowner’s insurance.

Many people aren’t aware that homeowner’s insurance protects more than their personal property. Whether you are facing legal action as a result of an accident on your property or your jewelry was stolen while you were traveling, your homeowner’s insurance policy may help you cover the costs. Unfortunately, individuals without homeowner’s insurance are responsible for their costs, which can easily deplete their savings if they have to pay off a lawsuit.

Fortunately, it is easy to get the protections you need, right here in Easton. In fact, you can visit Saucon Insurance Agency’s website and compare insurance quotes from other insurance providers with that of ours. The website provides live quotes, so that you choose an insurance policy that fits your budget. Many homeowners find that changing the deductibles in the live comparative quote helps them find the insurance that provides the perfect amount of coverage for their family.

Whether you are a new homeowner or you are interested in changing your current insurance company, we have the plan that is right for you. Take the potential for tricks out of your Halloween this year and protect your household by speaking with one of our insurance agents about the coverage you’ve chosen using our site. They can offer their expertise about coverage, premiums, and limits with just one phone call.

What Are The Most Important Features of a Home Insurance Policy in PA

Homeowners insurance covers much more than the building you sleep in, although that is one important component. Your home insurance policy also protects your belonging, your family and anyone that comes into your home. Here are some of the key items you should look at when selecting a homeowners insurance policy.

Structures

“Dwelling” provides coverage for the primary residence on your property, along with any other structures that are physically attached to your house. Structures that are not physically attached, such as a detached garage, storage shed or guest house, are addressed under “other structures.”

Personal Property

The “personal property” section of your policy provides protection for all your belongings. If you were to take your home, turn it upside-down and shake it, most of the things that fell out would be considered a personal belonging. There may be exceptions in your policy for expensive jewelry, firearms and electronics. Boats and vehicles are not considered personal property, even though one might fall out of your garage.

Personal Liability

“Personal liability” comes into play when someone sues you. Anyone injured on your property may claim you were negligent. Your personal liability coverage, or the “medical payments” component of your policy, would provide protection in this case.

Loss of Use

In the event of an emergency, you may temporarily lose the use of your home. In some cases, such as a large fire, you may be unable to use your home for several months. “Loss of use” reimburses you for lodging and meals during this time.

Understand Each Component

Home insurance is a complex amalgamation of multiple different types of coverage. If any one of these are unclear to you, consult with one of our insurance agents. They are familiar with the different types of coverage available in Pennsylvania and how each component is applied in different scenarios.

Types of Home Insurance Policies in Pennsylvania

Buying a home insurance policy to protect your house can require an understanding of the options that are available. There are several types of policies that are available, but the best plan for your house can depend on your personal concerns and the type of property that you have purchased.

HO-2 Plans

An HO-2 policy is a type of plan that protects against a list of specific perils. It is slightly more than the bare-bones policies that were originally available, but it will protect your home from the items that are mentioned in the policy.

You can expect the policy to pay for your personal belongings, furniture and damages to the house whenever a situation damages your property that is covered in your plan. Keep in mind that many perils and situations are not covered, so it may be necessary to purchase additional coverage.

HO-3 Plans

The HO-3 policy is a common homeowner’s plan that addresses the primary concerns that you may have when it comes to protecting your house. It will cover most situations as long as it is not specifically excluded in the plan.

Generally, the plan will not have coverage against floods or earthquakes. You will want to learn about the exclusions before buying the plan.

Specialty Plans

Specialty plans can cover a specific type of house, such as an older home or a condo. Keep in mind that your needs can vary, so the basic homeowner policies may not be appropriate for your property.

The type of home insurance plan that is best for your property can depend on your concerns and the house that you have purchased. In some cases, you may need a specialized policy. Contact us to talk to an agent and learn more about your policy options.

As a college student, isn’t my personal property covered under my parents’ homeowners insurance?

Attending college in Bethlehem, PA does not necessarily mean that all of your personal belongings are covered by your parent’s homeowner’s insurance policy. Depending on the situation, you may need to purchase additional protection for your belongings.

Living in the Dorms

Although every insurance policy is different, it is possible that you may be covered under your parent’s homeowner’s policy if you are living in the dorms at your university. The reason is that insurers do not usually consider the dorms at a university as moving out of your parent’s home.

As long as you are still living at home and attending college while staying in the dorms, you may have coverage under your parents. Even though that may apply in many cases, your parents will need to evaluate their policy to determine if you are still covered based on the details of their plan. Some policies may not offer protection for students who are staying on campus.

Renting an Apartment

Renting an apartment might seem like a financially savvy solution if your university has a high cost for dorms, but it can also mean that you are no longer covered under your parents. Any belongings that you own in a rented space are your responsibility to maintain.

If you are not covered under your parents, then you may need to consider a renter’s policy to protect your personal belongings. The policy is designed to protect personal belongings and prevent liability concerns from arising.

Moving away from home is challenging, but that does not always mean that you must seek coverage for your belongings. In some cases, you may still have protection under your parent’s plan. Contact us to talk to an agent to learn more about the coverage that is available for your needs.

Is mold covered under certain situations and is there a limit for mold damage?

The growth of mold in a house can be a sign of serious problems, but many homeowners insurance policies will not cover the removal of the material unless it meets very specific guidelines. The problem with the fungus is that it can grow in unexpected locations, but the removal and prevention of fungal growth is a part of regular maintenance. Even though a basic homeowners insurance policy may have certain limitations, it is possible that the insurer will have options available to help with the removal of mold.

Dangerous Species

Fungal growth in wet and damp areas of the house is a normal part of homeownership. It is necessary to remove the growth of the fungus before it can cause major damage to the property.

Even though many species of the fungus may not be covered, it is possible that some insurers will have solutions to remove dangerous species. Evaluate your policy if you discover a toxic species of the fungus to determine if your policy might have a solution available.

Normal Care

In normal situations, it is likely that your insurer will consider the removal of the fungus a part of your maintenance responsibilities. Catching the mold early plays a key role in ensuring that the damage from the fungus is limited, but insurers may not pay for the damages from the fungal growth in most situations. The reason is that the fungus grows over time and it is possible to limit the damage by removing it early.

The growth of fungus is never pleasant, but it is your responsibility to remove it before it causes major damage to the property. Contact us to speak to an agent for more information about the types of coverage that are available for your property.

Will my premium be lower if I have improved security such as good-quality locks or smoke detectors fitted?

After buying your current home insurance policy, chances are you’ve also been looking for opportunities to lower your monthly premiums even further. Improving your home’s security is one of the best ways to lower your premium and there are several ways you can reduce the overall cost of your homeowners policy, all while making your home safer for you and your loved ones.

For instance, the addition of something as simple and affordable as a set of dead-bolt locks may offer a small decrease in your homeowner’s insurance premiums. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your home or a state-of-the-art burglar alarm or sprinkler system that also alerts police and fire/rescue officials may offer significant discounts, as well.

At the same time, you’re also enhancing your home’s ability to protect you and other occupants from a wide variety of threats. These range from intruders and carbon monoxide poisoning while you’re at home to burglary attempts while you’re away on vacation.

While exploring your options, it’s a good idea to read the fine print to see if your addition qualifies your policy for a discount. Some discounts can’t be used with others or only apply to certain situations. Also, keep in mind that these discounts may be combined with others to maximize your home insurance policy’s bang for the buck.

Don’t hesitate to shop around for a policy that best suits your needs. As your independent agency, we’re always ready and prepared to help you find and compare quotes online from multiple insurance carriers. Get in touch with us and speak to one of our agents to discover more ways to reduce your home insurance premiums.

Is liability for injuries to outsiders within the insured premises covered?

Selecting a homeowner’s insurance policy that is appropriate for your goals, concerns and plans can seem easy, but there are several factors to consider before you make a final decision. Depending on the insurance plan and the coverage that you purchase in Bethlehem, PA, injuries to outsiders on your property may or may not be covered.

Liability Protection

In general, liability protection on a home will usually provide some coverage for outsiders within the insured premises. Injuries to outsiders refers to any accident or injury that occurs in your home and involves a guest or visitor.

Even though many policies may have limitations on the coverage amount, most plans will offer protection for any guest or visitor to your home, even if they do not live on the property. Basic liability may mean that the insured premises covered injuries and damages to personal belongings when guests fall, are pushed or otherwise are injured when they visit your home.

The Premises

Identifying when an individual is covered against injuries can seem complicated, especially if you are not sure whether the injury took place on your property or not. Depending on the plan and the property that you own, the area that is considered the premises may vary.

Usually, the premises refers to the house and any property that you own. That may include a garage, shed or the front and back yard of your house. Read your policy if you are not sure if a particular location is covered under your plan.

When you purchase a homeowner’s insurance policy, the liability protection will usually provide coverage for your family as well as any outsiders who are visiting your home if an accident occurs. Contact us to talk to an agent for more details about your policy.

I have specifically insured antique items listed on my homeowner’s insurance policy in Bethlehem, PA. If I have a total loss, would the home insurance company pay me their insured value?

There are a lot of different parts to a homeowners insurance policy. There is the dwelling amount, personal items coverage amount, endorsements and even personal item floaters that can be on the policy. To help you know what your policy will pay out for a loss it is important that you know what is covered and what needs to be added. Here are some things that you will need to know about when it comes to your insurance policy in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and objects needing to be insured.

What Your Policy Will Cover When it Comes to a Total Loss Claim

  • If you have antique items in your home, then you may want to have them endorsed to value on your homeowners insurance. High dollar items need to have an appraisal and be endorsed on a rider to be fully covered.
  • If you do not have a a rider on the policy, then any losses will be paid out to a specified limit or just replaced with a newer version of what was lost.
  • The total loss claim has to be from certain perils in order to be covered by the policy. Anything that is not listed as a covered peril will not be paid replaced or fixed.
  • Make sure to have a qualified appraisal from an expert. Without an appraisal there is no way to determine the value of certain items.

Your personal items mean a great deal to you. The older the item is found to be can mean the different between a cheap knock off or high value. If you have questions about how to list your antique items on your policy, Then you will need to contact your independent agent today. As your agent we can help protect your high dollar items with the right kind of home endorsement.

My landlord claims that I have damaged the apartment and is keeping a part of my security deposit. Will the Bethlehem, PA renters insurance cover this loss?

As a renter you will want to have a renters insurance policy to cover all of your risk exposure as a tenant. Renters insurance is a policy that can be bought to help cover the cost of replacing your personal property. If your landlord has accused you of damaging the premises, then your policy may not cover the repairs. Here are some things that you will need to know about your renters insurance policy in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

What you Can Expect Your Renters Insurance to Cover Your Apartment Losses

  • Your renters insurance is only designed to pay for the things that are directly related to your things. If the building that you are living in is damaged, then your landlord will need to have their own homeowners insurance policy to file a claim.
  • Your security deposit is for any damages that you may incur while living on the premise. If you damage the property, then your landlord will withhold the money in order to fix the damages.
  • Your renters insurance will only cover your personal belongings. If there is a fire and all of your items are lost, then your policy will pay to fix what you have lost.

Items that are not covered on a home insurance policy will not be replaced if there is ever a need to file a claim. To help you determine what your policy can do for you contact your independent agent today. As your agent we can help you understand what your policy will cover and what needs to be done to strengthen your policy. A disaster can happen at anytime and you will need to have the policy in order to protect your personal belongings.