What is the difference between liability coverage and comprehensive coverage?

As drivers, many of us may not fully understand auto insurance and what’s covered under different policies. Many of us have a general understanding of what’s required by law but little else is fully understood. The Berks County Insurance agency of Reading, PA is dedicated to making sure drivers understand their options when it comes to auto insurance. It’s simply not enough to only understand what’s legally required to drive in your state. Our agency is committed to educating drivers, not the many options available to them. One of the first things that drivers should explore is the differences between liability and comprehensive auto insurance. 

Liability Insurance…What is it? Why Do I Need it?

Liability insurance only covers damage that results from a collision. It covers damage to other people’s property, as well as any injuries that others may sustain as a result of a collision where you’re at fault. This is a limited auto insurance policy however, it’s required by law in most states. However, the state minimum requirements may vary from state to state. As a driver in Philadelphia, you are required to carry $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Driver’s must also carry $5,000 in property damage liability coverage as well as uninsured motorist coverage. Motorists must carry $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. It’s important to understand that liability insurance doesn’t cover anything that’s not collision-related. Motorists need liability insurance to legally drive in the state of Philadelphia. The price difference between liability and full coverage or comprehensive insurance can be significant. Liability insurance covers injuries and damage and to other people’s property. 

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive auto insurance covers both collision and non-collision related damage. Full coverage/ comprehensive auto insurance covers the cost of damage to your car and to others. Comprehensive coverage will pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. This coverage kicks in even if your car is stolen. It also covers damage your car sustains that’s unrelated to a collision. This includes damage to your car that may result from fire, wind, hail, flood, theft, and vandalism. This coverage also includes damage caused by falling objects and hitting an animal. Comprehensive auto insurance coverage isn’t required by state law. However, there are situations when a motorist might be required to carry it. If you take out a car loan or lease a car, your lender will more than likely require you to carry full coverage or comprehensive insurance. We are committed to helping motorists understand their options when it comes to auto insurance. We want to explore your options so that you understand your options and make choices that best suit your unique needs and situation. Give us a call. Were here to help.

What are the benefits of getting home insurance?

The Reading, PA area continues to be a great place to own a home. If you are a property owner here, you will enjoy the long-term benefits that include price appreciation, tax benefits and also having a stable and consistent place to live in a nice community. Along with buying a home, you also need to spend time carefully considering your insurance needs. There are several benefits that come with home insurance.

Coverage Protects Dwelling

One of the benefits that you will receive along with your home insurance policy is coverage for your dwelling. If your home is ever damaged or destroyed by a fire or other significant issue, the cost of repairing can be significant. Fortunately, you are able to protect yourself with home insurance. This protection will give the support you need to repair or replace your property. 

Provides Liability Protection

Another reason that you should get home insurance is you will get liability protection. If there is ever an accident in your home that leads to bodily injury, you could be found liable for damages. If you do have a full home insurance policy, you will receive some personal liability protection. This will give you the coverage you need to pay for the damages or associated settlement expenses. 

Owning a home tends to be a good option for a lot of people in the Reading, PA area. If you are looking to purchase a home in this area of the state, you should call the team at Berks County Insurance. Picking an insurance policy can be difficult. Fortunately, Berks County Insurance can make it easier for you. The team here can help you evaluate your needs and choose a policy that provides the right coverage for your personal situation. 

Three steps to finding a Pennsylvania auto insurance policy

As a Pennsylvania motorist, you’re expected to carry insurance coverage that will cover any liability costs you face if you’re involved in an accident. At Berks County Insurance, we provide insurance coverage to drivers in Reading, PA.

The following are three steps you should go through when you’re finding a Pennsylvania auto insurance policy to meeting your insurance coverage obligations as a motorist. 

Learning the basics about auto insurance

Before you purchase an auto insurance policy, you need to learn about how auto insurance works. You’ll need to consider whether you want to purchase only liability coverage, or collision and comprehensive coverage as well.

You’ll also want to understand important terms like premium and deductible. The premium on your policy is how much it costs every month or every policy term. The deductible is how much you need to pay out-of-pocket before your policy starts covering accident damages. 

Getting quotes on policies

Once you’ve determined what types of coverage you want, you can get quotes from a few insurance providers on policies. It’s best to get a few different quotes. This way, you can compare the offerings of different providers.

Reading the fine print and making a choice

It’s important that you carefully review the policy details for each quote you’ve gotten. Then, you can compare these different policies and choose the best option.

Remember to not simply select the cheapest among the policies available. Instead, you should carefully evaluate the value and quality that each policy will provide you. Read the fine print and understand the key differences between each policy option. 

Do you have questions about your auto insurance options in Reading, PA? We can help you find the answers you’re looking for. Contact us at Berks County Insurance to learn more about auto insurance coverage in the Keystone State. 

Outlining The Benefits Of Boxing/MMA Insurance

Berks County Insurance proudly serves the Reading, PA community, as well as the surrounding areas by offering residents different types of insurance coverage. As an independent insurance agency, we have established successful partnerships with several different insurance companies throughout Pennsylvania.  We always put our client’s interests first.

Boxing/MMA Insurance

Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts are very physical sports with a high likelihood of violence and potential injury. If you are a promoter who hosts boxing and MMA events throughout Reading, PA and the surrounding areas, you need protection.

The policy protects you in the event that one of the competitors is seriously injured or if one of the employees or volunteers working the show is seriously injured. You’ll also be covered in the event that you are held liable for potential property damage.

Boxing/ MMA insurance covers all of the participants in the event, as well as the referees and judges in the event that they are injured. The policy also covers the process if a serious injury results in an accidental death. Read through the language in your policy carefully, as the terms may be different based on whether the boxing and MMA fights at the event are amateur or professional. You can amend your policy to include spectator liability coverage. This protects you in the event that a spectator is injured while watching the event. If you plan to sell alcohol at the event, you can amend your policy to include that in your liability coverage.

Berks County Insurance Will Assist You Through The Process

Organizing a Boxing or MMA event is hard. There are a lot of steps involved in the process of making sure that everything runs smoothly. We can help alleviate some stress by helping you find the right policy. Visit our website today to learn more information about how we can assist you.

Who is Responsible for Your Belongings – Landlord or Renter?

Whether you live in a rental home, condo, apartment, or townhome chances are you’ve wondered whether or not your landlord is responsible for your property if anything is damaged or stolen. First, start by reviewing your lease because this is a legally binding document outlining everything from the rental start date to damages to the property. Chances are high that your lease will absolve the property owner of any responsibility for your belongings. 

While this may not be the news that you want to read, there are a couple of reasons why it is the case. First, the property – as outlined by your lease – is rented to you for a specific duration of time which means that whether it is for 6 months or 12 months you have possession and control of the space – not the landlord. As a result, the possessions within that space are under your control and ownership. Second, generally speaking, in order to insure an item you need to have ownership of it like a car, musical instrument, or pet which would absolve the landlord of responsibility because the items belong to you not them.

Luckily, it doesn’t all have to be doom and gloom because with rental insurance your personal belongings are covered from damage, theft, and other incidents. Although policies can vary, a typical renters’ insurance policy will include coverage of personal property, liability, and additional living expenses if you have to move out of the space due to the damage. Keep in mind that renters’ insurance does not cover the actual property and accidental or purposeful damage to the place being rented is still a liability. For specific questions and assistance in purchasing a policy, give Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA a call for a no-obligation consultation where our friendly team of insurance professionals are ready to answer all your questions. 

What Vehicles are Classified As RVs?

The sizes and types of recreational vehicles (RVs) are many.  These vehicles are grouped together in classes for insurance purposes, but even within a class, there are wide variations in the size and type of RV.  Berks County Insurance in the Reading, PA area can help you with your insurance for an RV because regardless of size or class, you will want to protect your investment from accidents.  

Class A RV’s are the largest type and can range from 26 to 45 feet in length and weigh from 13,000 to 30,000 pounds.  These RV’s are basically a home away from home on wheels which can include everything from separate bedrooms with king-size beds, to space under the RV to store a sports car.  They are however limited as to where they travel due to their size and hook up needs once parked.  

Class B RVs are more commonly known as camper vans and range from 17 to 23 feet and weigh between 4,000 and 9,000 pounds.  These are basic with a bed and some storage space, but can have bathrooms, dining areas, and sleep as many as six people.  

Class C RVs usually have the sleeping quarters over the cab and range from 20-30 feet.  These RVs are usually not big enough to tow anything behind them but can have pull-outs and separate bathrooms. 

Class A-C recreational vehicles are typically motorized and driven on the road without needing to be towed.  Travel trailers are another type of RV which are towed behind a truck or SUV.  These are good for campers who want to store the RV when it’s not in use.  Pop-up trailers are also towed behind a vehicle and range from 8-16 feet and can be as light as 700 pounds.  These lightweight campers fold into themselves for easy storage.  

No matter what type of RV you own, the agents at Berks County Insurance in the Reading, PA area can help you insure it against accidents.  Please visit our website to get started.

Motorcycle Insurance: What Does it Cover?

Just like cars, motorcycles that are registered in Pennsylvania and operated on roads in that state need to be properly insured. But if you’re not sure what kind of policy you need, then it’s important to work with a knowledgeable agent who can help you. If you’re in the Reading, PA area, Berks County Insurance can give you the information you need to get a quality policy that fits your situation and protects you on the road. Then you can enjoy spending time on your motorcycle when the days are warm and sunny and experience the miles of roads that can lead to adventures all over the state. Whether you stay close to home or you’re planning a road trip, having proper motorcycle insurance is important.

Typically, insurance on a motorcycle covers the basics such as accidents whether it’s just your motorcycle or there’s another vehicle involved. Your passenger may be protected by your policy, as well. You can also get coverage for things like fire and theft protection, and collision insurance to cover damage done to your motorcycle if you’re in an at-fault accident, a single-vehicle accident, or involved in a collision with someone who’s not properly insured. Not all of those coverage types are required if you own your motorcycle, but they may be necessary if it’s financed. The basic coverage, though, is necessary even if you don’t have a lienholder on your bike.

Ready to get a motorcycle insurance policy, or see if you should make changes to the one you already have? Contact us at Berks County Insurance today. We want all our Reading, PA area customers to have quality insurance options that help them feel safe and protected. Even if you’re not sure whether your policy needs updating, we’re happy to answer your questions so you can make an informed decision. Then you’ll have a quality policy you can be happy with and feel good about.

What are the benefits of having boat insurance coverage in Pennsylvania

Owning a boat in the Reading, PA area can be a lot of fun. When you do own a boat here, you are going to be able to enjoy plenty of nice sunny days out on the open water. For those that have a boat, there are several benefits that come when you get boat insurance. 

Provides Coverage for Boat

One of the advantages of having a boat insurance policy in Pennsylvania is that it will provide you with coverage for your boat. If you do own a boat, you will have to spend a lot of money buying and maintaining it. Due to this, you should make sure that your investment is always properly protected. When you have a boat insurance policy, you will receive coverage if needed to repair or replace your boat following theft or damage. 

Gives Liability Coverage

Another reason to get a boat insurance policy is that it can provide you with valuable liability coverage. While you are normally quite safe when operating your boat, accidents do happen from time to time. If this happens and you are at fault in an accident, you are going to be held liable for any damages that you cause. Due to this, you should get liability coverage through boat insurance to ensure you are covered for any damages that result from the accident.

Ultimately, having a boat insurance policy in the Reading, PA area is a good idea for any boat owner. When you are in the market for a new boat insurance policy, you should call Berks County Insurance. The team at Berks County Insurance will be able to assess your situation and help to build you a policy that provides you with the right type and level of coverage. 

4 Common Liability Claims Umbrella Insurance Can Cover

Do you have primary insurance that is going to be adequate to cover all of your needs? If you end up with a significant liability claim against you, what would be the impact on your home, your business, and your family overall? The whole idea of umbrella insurance is that it is an additional layer of coverage on top of your existing insurance policies. If the losses from the underlying policies exceed their limits, the umbrella insurance takes over so that you are not liable for those losses directly. There are quite a few common claims where umbrella insurance can prove very helpful.

The first liability claim coverage is in the space of defense costs. If someone sues you, you will have to pay lawyer fees and any of the processing costs that go along with it. Umbrella coverage can help you as you work to pay for these fees to have a proper defense in a courtroom.  

Dog bites are another common liability claim that umbrella insurance can cover. If you take your dog out for a walk, you may end up in a situation where your dog is startled and ends up biting another dog, or someone else. The bodily injury that comes out of this can result in a claim against you. These could be losses that you do not have coverage for on your homeowners’ insurance policy, thus umbrella may take effect.

False arrest is another one where umbrella insurance can be important. It can help you defend yourself, and even pay to help you regain what reputation you lost.

The final common one we see coverage for in the areas of umbrella insurance includes pain and suffering. These are costs outside of just bills and expenses, but psychological stress and impact from a loss.

Umbrella insurance is an extremely powerful thing, providing you with immense value across the board. Working with a provider to analyze the coverage you have in Reading, PA can help you better understand where you are and where you can improve. Work with the Berks County Insurance Group today to start the process of buying umbrella insurance.

Does Flood Insurance Cover Flooding From Busted Pipes?

Flood insurance is a government program that helps protect homeowners from damages to their home and property associated with a flooding incident. Sometimes, however, flood insurance terms and conditions may be confusing and leave the policyholder with questions about the limits of protection in certain instances. 

Flooding as a Result of Busted Pipes

Flood insurance is designed to protect a home from primarily flooding as a result of a natural disaster or regional issues. For floods occurring as a result of busted pipes, you need to file a claim on your home insurance policy. If you have questions about the limitations of flood insurance, you should consult with a licensed insurance agent to help avoid gaps in coverage resulting from misinformation and lack of understating regarding the fine print included with the flood insurance policy.

Get Complete Protection form Flooding and Water Damage

The best way to protect a home from water damage resulting from a natural disaster or even equipment failure is to work with an agent to get a complete blanket of insurance protection. They can offer insight and information that makes choosing the right policy easy and effective. Anyone who is currently interested in purchasing flood insurance for the Reading, PA area, can count on Berks County Insurance to guide them through the entire process and even help with filing claims in the future. 

Get the right type of insurance coverage to prepare for any mishaps or flooding events with the help of Berks County Insurance, serving Reading, PA. Call or stop by today to speak with an agent and start protecting your home and property.