Our goal is to provide you with valuable information related to the insurance industry. We hope for this to be an interactive forum… your feedback, comments, and questions are welcome and greatly appreciated. Thank You!
- Valentine's Day Jewelry
Valentine’s Day has come and gone. Did your sweetheart give you an engagement ring and proposal? Did your spouse give you a valuable necklace, bracelet, earrings, ring, or watch? Make sure your special gift is properly insured!The standard home/condo/renters policy typically provides very limited coverage for theft of jewelry… generally $1,000… and no coverage at all if it’s lost. If you only own a modest amount of jewelry (say just a few hundred dollars), perhaps this limited coverage is adequate. However, when high values are involved, you should consider buying additional coverage.
There are several ways to increase your jewelry coverage but typically we recommend scheduling your individual pieces. This option will provide you with the broadest of coverage. So you’re covered when you lose an earring down the drain of the bathroom sink… when your 5 year old flushes your ring down the toilet… or when you leave your expensive watch in a hotel room.
Please contact us to discuss your specific policy and options so you can choose the coverage that best meets your individual needs.
- Don't Let Your Winter Season Heat Up!
Fire is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cold mornings and snowy nights. But according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. Winter usually means toasty warm fires, hot home cooking, and festive holiday decorations. All things that could and do cause home fires. Winter home fires usually occur in the early evening hours, from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm, with cooking as the number one culprit.
Fire is something that can happen in an instant and also be prevented in an instant. So before this crazy holiday season begins, please read the following safety tips that can help you maintain a fire safe home this season:
- Cooking - If cooking that delicious holiday meal involves using your stove top, make sure to turn the stove off if you leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time.
- Space Heaters - They are warm. They are toasty. And they are dangerous! Don’t put anything near a space heater. Period.
- Christmas Tree - Enjoy that thing of beauty, but not for too long. The USFA recommends that Christmas trees aren’t up for longer than two weeks. Also, your tree should never be thirsty, make sure it has water at all times.
- Electrical Circuits - We know the strings of holiday lights are pretty, but please make sure not to overload the socket with too many plugs linked together. Use surge protectors and extension cords to separate sockets when you can.
- Candles - They do provide a glowing light, but they are not safe. Avoid using lighted candles. If you must, place them in a candleholder that won’t burn and never leave them unattended.
- Smoke Detectors - Since you will probably be cooking, entertaining, and having guests, what better time to check all your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly.
By all means, enjoy your holiday… just enjoy it safely!
- Pennsylvania Banning Texting While Driving
This week, the Senate and the House voted in favor of legislation that would ban text messaging while driving in Pennsylvania. Text messaging while behind the wheel will be subject to primary enforcement, which allows officers to stop and cite offenders for that reason alone. Fines: $50.
The legislation is now awaiting Govenor Tom Corbett’s signature. The law will take effect 120 days after he signs it.
- New Rules For Teen Drivers - Effective 12/24/11
This week, Govenor Tom Corbett signed into law a new bill that mandates the following for teen drivers ages 16 1/2 to 18:- Passenger Restrictions: For the first 6 months after receiving a junior license, the teen driver will not be permitted to have more than 1 passenger under age 18 who is not an immediate family member, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. After 6 months, they may have up to 3 passengers under age 18, provided they haven’t received any violations or been responsible for an accident (partially or fully). These restrictions apply until the teen driver turns 18.
- Behind-The-Wheel Training: Increased from 50 to 65 hours of supervised, behind-the-wheel training required for permit-holders under age 18. 10 of the added hours are for nighttime driving and 5 are for poor weather conditions.
- Seatbelt Requirements: For teen drivers and passengers under age 18, the lack of wearing a seatbelt is now a primary offense. This means the driver can be solely pulled over for that violation. The fine for conviction is $75.00.
The bill is known as “Lacey’s Law”. It is named after Lacey Gallagher, 18, from the Philadelphia Area, who was killed in a car crash on April 28, 2007. She was a passenger in an SUV with six other teens. All of the other teens were injured; none wore seat belts.
- Top 5 Insurance Musts - Before & After You Say "I Do"
- Insure Your Rings – Love your ring? Of course you do! What if it’s lost or stolen? Think your renters or homeowners insurance cover it? Probably not. Many policies will only cover your jewelry for theft (not misplacing/losing). And most policies give you a small amount of coverage, typically $1,000. On top of that, your policy deductible would apply, typically $500. Don’t risk it! For a small additional premium, you can schedule your engagement ring and wedding bands on your policy. This will make sure they are covered for misplacing/losing and for the full value they are worth with no deductible!
- Purchase Liability Insurance For The Wedding – Whether your wedding will be big or small… you should really consider purchasing ”Special Event” liability insurance for your big day. What if a guest slips and falls? What if a guest had a little too much to drink and caused an accident on their way home? What if a guest eats or drinks something that got them sick? Think the venue or caterer would be solely responsible when the lawsuit is filed? Think again! You were the “host” and when a lawsuit is filed you will most certainly be pulled in along with everyone else potentially liable. Think the personal liability coverage on your homeowners/renters insurance will cover this? Maybe, maybe not. But why take the risk of filing a potentially large claim on your primary insurance policy? And if it’s a liquor lawsuit, they have the potential of being quite substantial. What if the limit you have on your policy isn’t enough? It’s your special day and you have enough to worry about! Don’t let this be another worry. Purchase a “Special Event” liability policy and have the peace of mind knowing you are covered should something unfortunate happen that day.
- Update Your Auto Insurance – The big day has come and gone. You are now a newlywed. It’s an exciting time and there’s so much to do. One of those things on your “to-do” list should be your auto insurance. Make sure you contact your insurance agent and tell them about your recent nuptials. Your new status as a married couple will probably result in lower premiums. You could also possibly save additional money by combining your policies with one insurance company.
- Update Your Homeowners/Renters Insurance – While some couples purchase a “new” home once they are married, most couples move out of his or her old place into the other’s house. The one who is moving should be sure to cancel his or her current homeowners/renters insurance. If you are planning on renting your old place out, call your agent to make sure you get the type of policy you need. You should also evaluate the policy that’s in place for the home you are moving to. Make sure there is plenty of Personal Property coverage to cover all of your belongings as a couple.
- Purchase Life Insurance – Marriage is considered one of the biggest financial events of your life! Your spouse depends on you, especially financially. If something unexpected should happen to you, make sure he or she is taken care of financially by purchasing a life insurance policy. It will help take away their financial burdens such as funeral costs, final expenses, and all the added expenses of your income loss. If you already have life insurance, most likely your spouse will automatically become your beneficiary. However, you may want to increase or decrease your coverage depending on the needs of your new family.
