5 Reasons why life insurance is important in Reading, PA

Life insurance is an essential part of life. Unfortunately, many people just don’t know it yet.

In fact, the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA) reported that only 54% of people in the U.S. had some form of life insurance coverage in 2020. Of those policyholders, LIMRA also found that every one in five people felt their current life insurance was inadequate. 

Berks County Insurance wants to close that gap. Located in Reading, PA, the agency understands the importance of life insurance. While there are countless reasons to purchase a policy right away, their expert agents share the top five benefits of having a life insurance policy.

Protect loved ones

The primary purpose of life insurance is to protect your loved ones. If you unexpectedly pass, life insurance ensures you can continue to provide for them long after you’re gone.

Replace lost income

Life insurance supplements any lost income that you earned to help support your family. This helps with daily needs and alleviates some financial burdens.

Pay off debts

Keep bills from piling up. In addition to these living expenses, life insurance covers any outstanding loans, mortgages, or other debts.

Cover funeral expenses

Funerals can be costly. Your family is already shouldering the emotional stress of your passing. Death benefits, included in most life insurance plans, can make it a little easier by reimbursing these expenses.

Added financial security

Peace of mind is priceless. You’ll want the best life for your spouse, partner, and kids after you’ve passed. Life insurance adds a layer of security by preparing for the unexpected. 

Find an agent serving Reading, PA

Berks County Insurance knows that life insurance isn’t for you. Purchasing a policy protects your family and loved ones, providing them with security and safety. Schedule an appointment today.

Common Commercial Insurance Exclusions

Your commercial insurance is superb in protecting your business against numerous risks, including liability claims, employee injuries, fire, and theft, among other perils listed in your policy. While business insurance is excellent, it’s not entirely perfect — it has limitations and exclusions. While it’s important to know what your commercial insurance covers, it’s equally pivotal to understand what it doesn’t cover. Berks County Insurance of Reading, PA sheds light on common commercial insurance exclusions to help you understand the riders or add-ons you need to buy to boost your standard coverage.
Flood damage

Although floods are common in Pennsylvania, typical business insurance doesn’t cover the damage. You need to purchase stand-alone flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private carriers to get flood damage protection. Flood insurance covers your premises plus the contents inside.

Earthquakes

Just like floods, typical business insurance doesn’t cover damage from earthquakes. So, if you live in a high-risk earthquake zone, don’t forget to invest in an endorsement that protects your business from earth movements.

Equipment breakdown

Your property insurance won’t cover mechanical failures and other breakdowns for the equipment used to run your operations. Similarly, normal wear and tear of your equipment aren’t covered by typical commercial insurance.

Personal vehicles used for commercial purposes

Have you converted your car for commercial use? Your commercial insurance won’t cover damages and injuries arising from such incidences.

Intentional acts

This exclusion is obvious, but we will still say it because it happens. Your insurer will void any claim of damage caused intentionally. For instance, publishing something about someone when you clearly know that the information is false.

Breach of contract

Liability claims emanating from dishonored contracts are likely to be ignored by your insurer. Similarly, executing another person’s idea amounts to a breach of contract, and you won’t be compensated for any liability claims when sued.

Need to learn more about commercial insurance in Reading, PA? Please get in touch with Berks County Insurance.

Home Insurance for a Second House: What You Must Know

Buying a second home is often an attractive financial option, such as purchasing a vacation destination. At Berks County Insurance, we can provide Reading, PA residents with the secondary home policy that they need. 

You’ll Need a New Policy 

Many homeowners may hope to bundle their second home policy in with their first or that one policy can cover their second home. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. You’ll need a second policy for your new home because it will have different and unique factors to consider for your policy coverage.

This factor requires you to seriously consider what kind of policies you’ll get for your second home. Just as importantly, you need to take into account the use of your home and much more. Let’s break down these factors to ensure that you don’t face a challenging financial situation.

Considerations to Make

Before buying a second home insurance policy, it is crucial to consider a variety of different things. For example, how often will you be in the home? This factor can significantly affect the policy that you buy. In addition, your insurance company may provide temporary- or vacation-home policies that cut back on your costs. 

You may also want to consider whether you’ll rent it out to anybody else, the unique risks you may experience, and more. Vacation homes often cost more money to insure because they are left vacant so long, increasing their risk of problematic issues. 

Protect Your Second Home 

If you’re buying a second home, and you want to keep it safe from potential dangers, reach out to us at Berks County Insurance right away to learn more. Our team will work with your Reading, PA needs and finds a policy that makes the most sense for your needs as a second homeowner.

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance: What Does Liability Insurance Actually Cover?

The requirements for Pennsylvania auto insurance include liability insurance. You are required to get liability insurance for injuries per person, and per accident. You are also required to get property damage liability auto insurance in Pennsylvania.

Liability insurance is intended to cover your costs in the event that you are found to be liable for another party’s damages in a car accident in Pennsylvania. When you get liability insurance, you are protecting yourself from financial losses in the event of an accident.

At Berks County Insurance, we help Reading, PA drivers get the auto insurance they need so that they have enough coverage in the event of an accident.

What are the Liability Coverages in Pennsylvania?

There is bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance in Pennsylvania. 

Bodily injury liability coverage will cover the costs up to a certain amount for medical expenses in the event of an accident where you are the liable party. You will need bodily injury coverage per person, and bodily injury coverage per accident.

Property damage liability coverage will cover the costs of damages to another person’s property in the event of a car accident for which you are found to be liable. 

Tort Coverage and Pennsylvania No-Fault Law

In Pennsylvania, when you purchase auto insurance, you have the option to purchase either Limited Tort coverage or Full Tort coverage. When you purchase Limited Tort coverage, this will limit your ability to sue another driver for pain and suffering if they are liable in an accident. 

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means that your own car insurance will cover the costs regardless of who is responsible for a car crash. That includes medical and out-of-pocket expenses up to your coverage limits. 

You can fight this after a car accident with a lawsuit, and that is the only way around the no-fault law. This is something you may want to consider when looking at Limited Tort and Full Tort options.

Get a Quote

Liability insurance is not optional in Pennsylvania, but there are options within your liability insurance. At Berks County Insurance, we want Reading, PA drivers to have all the coverage they need, with the options that work best for them. Call us for a quote today.

Coverage Oddities: Strange Things Covered By Homeowners Policies

When you think of homeowners insurance the first thing that comes to mind is insurance that covers the physical structure and surrounding area as well as liability coverage. However, there are some strange things, to say the least, that are also covered by homeowners insurance:

Dog bites

It is estimated that about one-third of homeowner claims are due to dog bites. If you own a dog and your dog bites someone, you are covered under your homeowner’s liability insurance if you are sued.

Falling motors and space debris

You read correctly. In the unlikely event that your home is hit by falling debris, it is covered by your homeowners’ insurance. It’s happened before. This coverage also applies to your vehicles.

Accidents that happen when you are not at home

If you are on a trip or perhaps on vacation and your property is stolen, your homeowner’s insurance will pay for it. If you accidentally injure another person, your homeowner’s insurance will also pay for it, even if it happens outside your home.

Damage from planes and cars

If a plane crashes into your house or a car veers off the road onto your property and into your house, your homeowners’ insurance will pay for the damage.

Damage caused by explosions, riots, or bombs

Leaky gas pipes can cause an explosion in your home. And, while not always likely, a riot may break out in your neighborhood. In such a case, your homeowners’ insurance will pay for the damages.

Floods and earthquakes

With climate change, these factors have become a reality for many homeowners. In the event that your home is damaged by a flood or earthquake, your homeowners’ insurance will pay for the damage.

Speak to an expert at Berks County Insurance serving Reading, PA to find out which insurance policy is best for you and your family.

What Should You Know About Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance is the type of insurance for tenants – people who rent a home. Renters insurance is important because it protects the personal belongings of tenants and tenants themselves. If you are renting an apartment or house, and you are thinking of getting renters insurance, Berks County Insurance serving Reading, PA and other surrounding areas prepared a list of things you should know about this type of insurance:

What Should You Know About Renters Insurance?

  • A typical renters insurance policy covers the following: personal property (clothing, furniture, electronics, etc.), liability (pays out if you are responsible for injuries to other people or their property), additional living expenses (if your home becomes uninhabitable for some reason, and you have to stay temporarily somewhere else, your renter’s insurance will pay for it), and medical bills (it covers medical expenses of other people who got injured in your home). 
  • Renters insurance has certain limitations and does not cover everything. For example, it does not cover bed bugs and pests, flood damage and earthquakes, car theft or damage, property and personal belongings of your roommates (unless they are listed on your policy). 
  • There are certain factors affecting the cost of renters insurance. They are personal property coverage (reimbursement of personal belongings), liability coverage, additional living expenses coverage, and the deductible amount (the amount your first have to pay before your insurance starts covering). 

Berks County Insurance – Insurance Company in Pennsylvania That You Can Trust

If you are thinking of renting a property in Reading, PA or any other nearby town, and you are looking for a trustworthy insurance company to purchase renters insurance, Berks County Insurance is the insurance agency you can trust. Feel free to call it and talk to one of the insurance agents, who will answer all your questions and help you find a perfect insurance policy. 

Pennsylvania Boxing and MMA Insurance: Add-Ons To Your General Liability Coverage

If you are running MMC tournaments and events, you will not be able to do this without event insurance. To start, you will need general liability coverage. You may also want to consider getting add-ons to your insurance to protect you from additional liabilities.

At Berks County Insurance, we help Reading, PA MMA administrators and managers get the best coverage they need. Learn more about how to design the most comprehensive policy for your liability insurance.

General Liability Insurance 

Your general liability insurance will protect you, the staff, volunteers, and promoters, against any claim of bodily injury liability. You might also be protected from property damage liability. 

This is coverage against death or injury of any people attending or participating in the event.

In most cases, this coverage has caps. If you feel that insurance isn’t enough, you can always add more coverage.

Excess Medical Coverage for MMA Events

To add to your existing MMA general liability coverage, you may add coverage limits to your accident medical insurance and accidental death insurance for the fighters themselves. Excess medical coverage would be available after general liability coverage caps are met.

You may also be adding bouts and fighters to your event lineup. For that, you will also need additional coverage.

Additional coverage you may consider purchasing is additional travel coverage, travel interruption coverage, and transportation to and from the home or place of residence for MMA policyholders.

These add-ons would cover expenses that are not already covered by other insurance policies excluding the general liabilities policy.

Get a Quote

At Berks County Insurance, we help Boxing MMA event administrators in Reading, PA get the most coverage for their needs. Call us for a quote today.

4 Advantages of RV Insurance

In today’s world, you don’t need a brick-and-mortar house to have a place to call home. Most people are turning to recreational vehicles (RVs) to enjoy both the convenience of a home and the luxury to explore the country. Although RVs are fun, you shouldn’t forget about one thing: RV insurance. 

When you purchase RV insurance from Berks County Insurance of Reading, PA, you will enjoy the below advantages.

Liability protection

Whereas you might be a careful driver, mishaps can still happen on the road. And when you are deemed responsible for an accident, you could face bodily injury, property damage, and legal costs from third parties. Fortunately, liability coverage in your RV insurance ensures that you don’t incur out-of-pocket expenses.

Asset protection

RVs are expensive — some cost as much as your home. Since your RV is a significant investment, it makes sense to secure it with RV insurance. RV insurance repairs your RV if it suffers physical damage following an accident. Besides, it can replace your RV when totaled. 

Compliance with the law

Just like auto insurance, RV insurance is mandatory in Pennsylvania. You need to include at least liability and medical payments coverages in your RV insurance to avoid penalties and fines for non-compliance. 

Peace of mind

Roads are full of all kinds of risky drivers — teenagers, speeding, uninsured, and drunk drivers. But instead of worrying about the behavior of other drivers, RV insurance makes you relaxed, knowing that you are covered even when others aren’t careful on the road. 

By you having RV insurance, it doesn’t mean you let your guard down when it comes to being a responsible driver. Of course, you will do your part of being watchful and keeping your eye on the road all the time.

Buy RV insurance in Reading, PA

RV insurance ensures you are fully protected wherever your treasured RV takes you. To get coverage, all you need is to contact Berks County Insurance for an affordable quote. 

What does motorcycle insurance cover?

Selecting a formidable insurance policy in Reading, PA is much like choosing the right motorcycle. Unluckily, most motorcycle owners view insurance as a recurring expense. However, when involved in a crash, they realize how vital motorcycle insurance and the add-on can be. At Berks County Insurance, we offer various motorcycle coverage options to ensure that Reading, PA riders get well protected from imminent covered perils.

Is motorcycle insurance mandatory in Pennsylvania?

The state of Pennsylvania demands that all motorcycle operators maintain minimum liability coverage. Pennsylvania minimum liability requirements are meant to cater to bodily injury and property damage.

Motorcycle insurance policy options in Pennsylvania

The best part of motorcycle insurance is that it comes with versatile options. The flexibility makes it convenient, affordable, and customizable to suit multiple needs. Below are some motorcycle insurance coverages to consider.

Collision policy: It covers damage to your motorcycle that emanates from a collision with another object, including a car, tree, or building.

Comprehensive policy: Covers non-collision damage to your motorcycle propagated by perils like falling objects, vandalism, and theft.

Un-insured or under-insured motorist bodily injury policy: If you get in an accident with your motorcycle and the uninsured or underinsured driver is deemed liable, this policy caters to your injuries and other passengers as well.

Medical payments policy: It helps cover reasonable and essential medical costs such as X-rays and ambulance rides that happen to you and your passengers boarding your motorcycle.

Towing and labor policy: This policy reimburses you for towing and associated labor costs if your bike breaks down or you get involved in an accident.

Coverage for customized motorcycle parts: Comprehensive and collision policies cover the standard factory parts of your bike. If you decide to add any optional accessories like chrome parts and custom paintwork, this is the ultimate type of policy to procure.

Would you like to safeguard yourself and your motorcycle in Reading, PA with the right motorcycle insurance? Don’t look beyond Berks County Insurance. Call or visit us today and our agents will help you to get outstanding motorcycle insurance.

Understanding Boat Insurance in Reading, PA

With over 330,000 registered boats, Pennsylvania is a favorite destination for boaters. Featuring several water bodies for carrying out boating activities, PA State provides limitless fun for water lovers. But as they say, you need to pay to play. Besides putting money in your boat investment, you need boat insurance to protect you and your boat while in the water. To that end, here is a rundown about boat insurance by Berks County Insurance of Reading, PA, to help you understand this coverage in detail. 

Is boat insurance mandatory in Pennsylvania? 

Like most states, the Keystone State doesn’t require boat insurance. However, if your boat is financed through a loan, your lender might require you to buy boat insurance all year though. But compliance isn’t the only motivator for you to buy boat insurance. Boat insurance helps lessen your financial burden when the unthinkable occurs.

Do I need boat insurance if I have home insurance?

While you may have home insurance, it not only provides limited coverage to your boat, but it doesn’t cover your liabilities and boat-specific damages. Home insurance may only come in handy if you have a tiny boat that you are not using outside your home precincts. 

What are the boat insurance add-ons to consider?

It’s highly critical to choose your boat insurance wisely. Boat insurance can prevent you from slumping into a financial mess following a boating accident. Depending on how you use your boat, you should consult with your insurance agent to ensure that you are well-covered.

Ultimately, here are boat insurance add-ons that you must include in your boat insurance, regardless of your boat size and lifestyle.

  • Liability coverage to safeguard you against third party claims
  • Comprehensive and collision coverages to protect your boat against physical damage or loss
  • Medical payments coverage to pay for medical expenses following a boating accident
  • Uninsured boater coverage to protect you against uninsured boaters

Now that you have a clue about boat insurance, it’s time to go ahead and purchase coverage from Berks County Insurance. Besides, if you have more questions about boat coverage, please contact or visit our Reading, PA offices today.