Do I Need Life Insurance After I Retire

Berks County is a great place to retire. Pennsylvania is a state that is very laid back for retirees making it attractive as a destination for seniors.  As you start making financial decisions about your retirement you may be asking yourself,  ‘Do I need life insurance after I retire?" This is a big decision and one that Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA would be happy to discuss with you. 

It is tempting to think of life insurance as you get older as less than necessary. Keeping up the premiums may seem as if it would put some stress on your new retirement budget or you may think that it just isn’t needed. Before you decide that it might not be necessary, you need to take a look at the reasons that you purchased it originally. Do you still have a spouse or partner who counts on your income to maintain their lifestyle?

When you die, some of your retirement income may go away with you, but will the income that is left be enough?  Hopefully, you are not going into retirement with a lot of debt. Some people still have a mortgage that will need to be paid, as well as a car payment and credit card debt. Have you already prepaid your final expenses? Do you want to leave money to your children or grandchildren? 

Determining whether or not you need life insurance after you retire depends in large part on your overall financial plan. You may not need the same amount that you needed when you were younger and a different type may be better for you. Talking to the experienced team at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA can help you to make the right decision for your situation. Give our office a call or stop by and let us help you to protect your financial future.

 

Can Commercial Insurance Protect You from Personal Financial Loss?

Your commercial insurance doesn’t directly reimburse you for personal financial losses. However, by covering your business assets, commercial insurance prevents you from incurring substantial out-of-pocket expenses. For example, imagine that a pipe bursts and damages your inventory. Without insurance, you would have to pay for the cost out of pocket or by dipping into personal savings. Ask the agents at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA for the type of commercial insurance you need to protect your business and prevent a substantial personal loss. 

How Commercial Insurance Protects Your Assets

You may be wondering what commercial insurance covers. It protects the physical aspects of your business and safeguards the future of your business. Every policy is unique, but some events are almost universally covered. This includes explosions, damage from aircraft, vandalism, theft, and vehicles. Some of these events are rare, but it’s a great relief to know that you aren’t responsible for the damages if they do.

Commonly covered items include:

  • Building
  • Inventory
  • Outdoor sign
  • The property of others
  • Furniture, fence, equipment, and landscaping
  • Property of others

When you start or continue to operate a business, there are enough things to worry about without risking your savings on unforeseen events. Your insurance agent can answer any concerns you might have and help you choose the right commercial insurance options. 

Contact Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA to set up an appointment or to purchase commercial insurance to protect your business assets and keep your personal wealth intact. There are many options available to tailor your commercial service to the needs of your business. Let us help you get protected.

 

How much life insurance is enough

Most people are not experts on life insurance. As a matter of fact, it is a subject that is often shuffled to the back burner to be dealt with at some later date. Life is good in Reading, PA and It seems rather macabre to be thinking about dying when you have so much life left to live. Life insurance, however, is one of those things that are better purchased when you are young, preferably less than 35 years old. How much life insurance is enough is not a one size fit all kind of question. The knowledgeable agents at Berks County Insurance are there to ask the right questions to help you determine how much and what type of life insurance is best for you. 

  • Who are you responsible for?
  • Do you have a spouse, children, dependents or parents who count on your income in order to survive?  
  • How long would you need to provide income for the people who depend on you?
  • Do you have a mortgage or any other outstanding loans or debt? 
  • Have you provided for your final expenses? 
  • Do you want to leave a legacy to any of your dependents or to any other person? 
  • Do you have children whose education you want to provide for? For example a college education or private school in younger children. 

These basic questions will provide the information that is necessary to make a practical decision about the amount of life insurance that you will need to protect your family. If you live in Reading, PA or the surrounding area, it is time to talk to the team at Berks County Insurance. Why not give our office a call or stop by to discuss the amount of insurance that is enough for you in your particular situation and what type of insurance you should be purchasing. 

 

Should I Take a Defensive Driving Course?

Defensive driving courses offer a variety of benefits to anyone who chooses to take them. Whether you are just learning to drive or have driven for several years, there is always something new to learn. In Reading, PA, the agents of Berks County Insurance offer their clients sound advice when it comes to their auto insurance and ways they can improve their driving.

Reinforce What You Already Know

An excellent defensive driving course will not only teach you about the rules of the road, but it will also show you what to do if you find yourself in certain situations. Safety tips are offered that can help you avoid being in an accident as well as keep your family safe if you are stranded along the side of the road. Defensive driving courses are also written to provide you with up-to-date information on what you need to do if an emergency arises.

Learn About New Laws

Another benefit of a defensive driving course is that it provides information on new laws that have been written in your state. New laws are established each year for things such as distracted driving, DUI penalties, and fines for speeding in construction zones. Information provided in these courses is continually being updated.

The agents of Berks County Insurance understand how important it is to be as knowledgeable as possible when driving on the highways and byways of the country. If you live in the Reading, PA area, you are encouraged to call one of our agents and find out how a defensive driving course can benefit you. We can answer any question you may have and give you all of the information you need to make a smart insurance decision.

How to prepare your home for winter to reduce home insurance policy claims

As residents of Reading, PA know all too well, the winter months can be extremely tough weather-wise. Homeowners must take specific steps to mitigate the damage caused by the harsh winter weather. By following these crucial steps, homeowners can dramatically reduce the likelihood they will need to file a claim under their homeowners’ insurance policy. 

Freezing pipes are one of the leading causes of damage to homes during the winter. 

As winter approaches, be sure to drain and disconnect all hoses. In addition, you should insulate any pipes that are in unheated spaces such as the crawl space, garage, and attic if you plan on being away for an extended period before to let water drip from the faucet to prevent freezing. 

Another leading cause of damage to a home in the winter is hail. It is crucial to have your roof inspected before each winter and have any damage repaired. Also, after a hail storm, you will want to check your roof for any damage. If you find damage, be sure to file a claim as soon as possible. If you have questions about the claims process, reach out to Berks County Insurance. 

Wind damage can also cause havoc on your home during the winter. To mitigate potential damage, have your trees trimmed, and have any dead branches removed. Any patio furniture should be secured, and any light objects should be stored inside for the winter. 

Ice dams can also cause significant roof damage and water damage inside your home. Ice dams occur when the snow melts and refreezes in the gutters and expands. Proper insulation in the attic is one way to prevent ice dams. Also, have your gutters cleaned before winter. 

If you live in the Reading, PA area and would like to learn more about homeowners insurance, reach out to an agent at Berks County Insurance today. 

When is auto insurance required in Pennsylvania?

Next to a home, one of the biggest and most valuable assets that most people in the Reading, PA area will ever buy is a car. When you own a car, you are taking on a major investment and responsibility that needs to be properly covered by insurance. There are several situations in which having an auto insurance policy will actually be a requirement for you. 

Whenever you are on the Road

For those that are driving in the state of Pennsylvania, auto insurance is a basic requirement as soon as you get out on a public road. All drivers in the state are required by law to carry at least a minimum level of liability insurance. This will ensure you have coverage to pay restitution if you are found at fault in an accident. Comprehensive and Collision coverage is highly suggested.

When you Take out a Loan

Another situation in which you will likely need to have auto insurance is if you took out a loan to buy your car. When providing a loan, a lender will want to make sure that you have a full collision and comprehensive insurance policy. This will ensure that you have ample coverage for their collateral at all times. This type of coverage will give protection against a wide variety of possible risks and situations. 

Having auto insurance in the Berks County area is a great decision to make. When you are trying to get auto insurance for your car, you need to speak with the team at Berks County Insurance first. When you reach out to the team at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA, you will be guaranteed great insight into your coverage options. It’s always nice to have a little help when it comes to assessing your personal situation and making sure that you are getting the coverage that you need.

What Exactly is MMA Insurance

If you participate in mixed martial arts (MMA), you’re putting yourself at risk for an injury. Sometimes, a rowdy crowd member is the one who does the injuring accidentally. Not to mention, you never know what’s going to happen in the crowd to one of the spectators, which could be your responsibility since it’s your event. At Berks County Insurance, serving Reading, PA, and the surrounding area, we offer MMA insurance to those who partake in the mixed martial arts. 

What Is MMA Fighting?

Since its beginnings in the 20th century, mixed martial arts has become popular to watch. The sport consists of grappling and striking. Basically, it combines wrestling and kickboxing. One person tries to achieve dominance over their opponent during a mixed martial arts fight. Often, you see a lot of young men who participate in it since it is dangerous. Not to mention, it’s sometimes a way to make money for them. 

Why MMA Insurance Exists?

Players adhere to certain rules to keep them safe, but it’s still possible for a player to sustain an injury. If the individual can’t afford health insurance, it’s possible that wounds or other injuries will go unaddressed, possibly leading to complications like infection or unhealed musculoskeletal issues. MMA insurance protects these fighters if they should happen to get hurt. Not to mention, people in crowds can get riled up and could possibly injure themselves. This insurance can also keep your crowd safe, and you free from liability. 

Getting MMA Insurance

It’s important to evaluate your options. You’ll want to evaluate the companies for their deductible amounts as well as what they cover. Additionally, you should take into consideration the company’s reputation.  

Get a quote from Berks County Insurance, serving Reading, PA, and the surrounding region, by calling us at  610-779-9060. 

Do You Need Riders on Your Renters Insurance?

A rider is essentially an addition that you can make to your insurance policy. When it comes to renters insurance, you likely have general coverage for your belongings as well as general liability. (If someone breaks into your home and steals everything in your apartment, you can file a claim to replace what was lost. If someone slips and falls, you can file a claim to cover the costs of their injuries.)

A rider provides additional coverage based on your personal preferences and lifestyle choices. Keep the following facts and tips in mind from Berks County Insurance if you’re hoping to get more peace of mind from your policy.  

What Kinds of Riders Are There?

There are a wide array of riders for renters, but you may not have access to all of them. Not every insurance company offers every type of protection. Some of the more popular riders include pet damage and identity theft riders. In case your dog rips up the floor or hacker in another country ransoms your documents, you won’t have to swallow the costs to fix the situation. You can also get a scheduled property rider, which will cover your more expensive items (e.g., diamond jewelry, etc.) in case they’re lost or stolen.

Do I Need a Rider?

Riders are rarely ever necessary. Your complex in Reading, PA may require a certain amount of coverage in order to rent an apartment, but other than that, you don’t technically need a rider. Still, it may be smart to get one anyway, especially considering just how complicated one unexpected event can be. If you live in Reading, PA, call Berks County Insurance to learn more about what riders are available, and how you can use them to bring more security to your life. 

What Does RV Insurance Cover?

What Types of Vehicles Does Recreational Insurance Cover?

Recreational vehicle insurance covers every conceivable type of recreational vehicle although most people associate it with RVs. This blog from Berks County Insurance of Reading, PA explains the types of vehicles covered by recreational insurance to make it easier for you to find the coverage you need.

Rec insurance covers a wide range of vehicle types. Among these are:

  • boats,
  • fifth-wheelers,
  • motorcycles,
  • motorhomes of three classes,
  • personal watercraft.

Larger watercraft require marine insurance. A marine vessel of 26 feet in length or less can carry a recreational vehicle boat policy. Insurers consider a marine vessel of 27 feet in length or greater a yacht and this requires a yacht insurance policy.

You might be surprised then to find out that recreational vehicles have a minimum insurance requirement, just like autos do. Like your auto insurance, it protects you in case of an accident you cause and the liability from it. It also pays for damage or total loss of your vehicle.

RVs are the most common type of vehicle insured under these policies. You can insure a Class A, Class B or Class C vehicle. Class C vehicles include fifth wheelers. You’ll be able to get the same types of coverages as you would have with auto insurance.

Campers, fifth-wheels, and RVs can carry the following types of coverage:

  • bodily injury,
  • collision,
  • comprehensive,
  • limited property damage,
  • personal injury protection (PIP),
  • property damage liability,
  • property protection,
  • uninsured motorist.

Call or visit Berks County Insurance of Reading, PA to learn more about RV insurance. We can help you obtain the insurance you need for each of your recreational vehicles.

Is there a difference between street-bike motorcycle insurance and off-road bike insurance?

When getting motorcycle insurance or renewing a policy be sure to discuss with your insurance agent the type of motorcycle that you have and your intended use of it. This can significantly impact the kind of insurance coverage that you need.

Insurance for Different Motorcycle Types

There are policy differences when insuring a street bike that will only be used on the roads and insuring a motorcycle that can be ridden on the streets as well as off-road. If you make any custom modifications to your motorcycle there may be a need to adjust your motorcycle insurance coverage as well to increase the figure used for the replacement costs.

If you are considering buying a new motorcycle, work with your agent at Berks County Insurance, serving Reading PA and the surrounding area, to get some comparative quotes so you can know the cost of the motorcycle insurance for different models.

Ask Your Agent to Explain Exclusions

Exclusions are things that are not covered in your motorcycle insurance policy. For example, if you have a street motorcycle that can also be used for off-road excursions you should talk with your insurance agent before you use it in this way.

Some policies might have exclusions for activities that are considered sports, which may include off-road motorcycle use. Also, be sure to check with your agent if you plan to enter any motorcycle-riding competition, even if only for fun. It is important to know the limitations under your insurance policy before engaging in activities that may not be covered.

Authorized Drivers

Most policies allow for occasional drivers; however, you still should check with your insurance agent if you plan to allow another person to drive your motorcycle. You need to understand if when to add them to your policy.

When it comes to motorcycle insurance, how you use your bike and who can use it are important considerations. Contact your agent at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA by calling or stopping by. You can also use the convenient online form to get a quote.