Pennsylvania law requires auto owners to buy auto insurance. The compulsory limit of coverage for Bodily Injury Liability is $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident and Property Damage Liability $5,000. These compulsory minimum limits are among the lowest in the nation. However, not everyone obeys the law. A recent study suggests the recession has caused an increase in uninsured motorists,…
This oft asked question by clients when reviewing insurance coverage does not have a right or wrong answer. In most cases the deductible applies to property coverage. On a rare occasion there can be deductibles that apply to liability coverage. One of the reasons for the deductible discussion when buying auto insurance, home insurance or commercial property insurance,…
My post of July 29, 2011 discussed Erie Insurance’s new auto insurance policy feature now available in Pennsylvania. Erie Insurance’s actual name for this policy feature is Rate Protection Endorsement. “Rate Lock” is easier to say and has a nice mental image. Rate Lock has been added to both new auto insurance policies written by Thome Insurance Agency and current auto insurance…
Last week was a harsh reminder that floods are the most common natural disaster . I wish to dispell 2 myths after speaking with many people who suffered water damage to their property caused by the remains of Tropical Storm Lee. 1. Too many people who had water damage said: “But I am not in a flood…
This week alot of people were rudely reminded of 3 things about water damage. After several days of rain here in the Elizabethtown, Mount Joy and Marietta areas, including torrential rain on September 7, many homeowners found they had a new “wading or swimming pool” in their basement. Reports made to my office ranged from minor…
The post of 8/30 mentioned that Hurricane Irene damaged my front porch awning. When you look to your insurance policy to cover damage to property, two important issues are: Is the loss covered? How much will I be paid for my claim? The answer to this question is found in the policy under the section Loss Settlement. The common Loss…
Last week could have been much worse from an insurance standpoint here in the Elizabethtown, Mount Joy and Marietta areas. Remember the earthquake felt here August 23? While I heard no reports of damage, one of my insured’s that has earthquake coverage submitted a claim for damage to the cement floor of their basement. The insurance company will investigate to…
Earlier this week we experienced a rare earthquake here in Lancaster County. Some people were surprised to learn that a “standard” property policy does not cover damage caused by earthquake. Now with Hurricane Irene warnings issued for the entire east coast, including Lancaster County, the popular question being asked is – Do I have hurricane coverage?…
You are probably as surprised as I am by the earthquake that we felt today here in PA. Elizabethtown, Mount Joy and Marietta are not high-risk earthquake zones, but today’s quake is evidence that an earthquake can occur anywhere! The phones are starting to ring with the most common question asked – “Am I covered for earthquake?”…
The Internet is the best marketing tool ever. It has changed the way we shop. Whether you are looking for a refrigerator, a vacation destination or insurance you probably do some searching on the Internet. But some of the “simple ” on-line auto insurance or home insurance quoting sites have lead people to believe they can…