What Type of Insurance Should I Offer to My Employees?

Most employers want to provide their employees with the best possible insurance coverage at an affordable price. The agents of Saucon Insurance Agency are available to discuss the different types of policies and packages they offer to companies in Bethlehem, PA. They can help to identify specific risks that may impact the types of insurance needed for different industries. 

Types of Insurance

There are several different types of insurance that employers can offer to their employees. A few of the most common include:

  • Health insurance
  • Workers’ Compensation
  • Long/short-term disability
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life

It’s important to know what types of insurance your employees are interested in having. Once you know what they want and the affordability of each, you can make a decision as to which ones you want to offer. You will also have to take into consideration the industry you work in and what is commonly offered by other companies with similar risks.

Different Packages

While Workers’ Compensation is mandatory, you can create packages that offer health, life, and long/short disability. If your employees are willing to pay a little more each week or you are willing to match what they pay, you may want to include dental and vision. The type of package you create for your employees will depend on their needs as well as how affordable the policies are. 

If you are interested in putting together an insurance package for your employees, call the Saucon Insurance Agency and ask for an evaluation. They are available to business owners in the Bethlehem, PA and the surrounding areas. Call today and get the information you need!

Is Lightning Damage Covered By My Home Insurance Policy?

Lighting strikes are probably a lot more common than you think, with over 20 million strikes reported each year in the United States. Luckily, most basic home insurance policies will cover the damage caused by both lightning strikes as well as power surges and other electrical incidents. At the Saucon Insurance Agency, we are here to provide such coverage to our clients in the greater Bethlehem, PA area. 

How Your Home Insurance Policy Can Protect You from Lightning Damage

If your home is struck by lightning it may become uninhabitable, especially if the strike causes a fire. While a basic home policy will cover the damage to your property, it may not provide reimbursement for expenses relating to your temporary relocation. Additionally, there may be valuable items in your home that exceed the maximum coverage amount of your policy. It is highly advisable that you have a regular policy review of your entire insurance portfolio to make sure that your home policy provides adequate coverage to protect you and your family in the event of a lightning strike or other natural disaster. Basic policies will cover some damage to your home but may not be adequate to protect your belongings and other ancillary expenses that can arise after a natural disaster. Make sure that you have the right coverage in place now before you need it!

Want to learn more about lightning coverage and other protection that a comprehensive home insurance policy can provide? Call or stop by the Saucon Insurance Agency today to meet with one of our helpful agents who can review your home insurance options for your residence in the greater Bethlehem, PA area. 

How to Research State Auto Insurance Requirements

When it comes to understanding auto insurance, there’s a good chance you have a lot of questions. What does the policy cover? Does it include rental car assistance? How about towing assistance? Can I use it if I’m stranded on the side of the road because I ran out of gas? All of these questions are good questions, and they definitely deserve to be answered. It’s also likely that you are wanting to know your state’s exact insurance requirements. By knowing what your state expects of you, it becomes easier to purchase a policy that keeps you in compliance with the law. Here at the Saucon Insurance Agency serving Bethlehem, PA, we’d like to share two tips for helping you understand your state auto insurance requirements. 

Use the Internet

First and foremost, you can always use the Internet to help you pinpoint your state’s insurance requirements. When using the Internet, though, it’s extremely important that you make sure you are researching sites that are reputable and legit. Ideally, you will want to visit a government website, one that ends in .gov, to ensure the information being shared with you is correct. 

Contact an Agent

You can also contact an agent at an insurance company to ask about state auto insurance requirements. Do keep in mind that some insurance companies only sell insurance in certain states, so when you call an agent, make sure he or she is experienced and knowledgeable of the insurance laws for the state you reside in. 

Lastly, you can always call an agent here at Saucon Insurance Agency serving the Bethlehem PA a,rea to learn more about the exact insurance requirements for PA. 

How to Know if You Need Flood Insurance

Pennsylvania might not be the nation’s capital for massive floods, but that doesn’t spare homes in the state from the occasional disaster. Floods are something we’d all usually rather not think about, but in the end, you want to make sure your home is protected. That’s why Saucon Insurance Agency is trying to help you assess the flood risk for your home in Bethlehem, PA.

The Bank Tells You

There’s a nice minimum safety net when it comes to owning a home and dealing with floods. If you get a mortgage, a bank is going to require you to purchase flood insurance if your house is in an area of high enough risk. You simply won’t be able to buy the house without it. Even if you don’t have a mortgage, if a bank would require flood insurance before giving someone a loan to buy your house, you can trust that you need it.

That said, this is not entirely foolproof. First, it offers no insight on rentals. Flood damage in a rented property can be very tricky, so it’s best to follow through on your research. The second problem is that banks won’t always demand flood insurance even when there is a notable risk involved.

Lower-Risk Flood Zones

That brings us to lower-risk flood zones. Known by many names, these are areas or neighborhoods that are in flood zones but aren’t at the highest levels of risk. These are areas where banks might let you buy a house without the extra coverage, but flood insurance is probably still a good idea. The easiest way to find these zones is to look at FEMA’s network of maps. They’ll help you assess risk and determine if you need specialized insurance. You can find those maps at msc.fema.gov/portal/search.

Once you check the floodplains in your Bethlehem, PA, neighborhood, you’ll have a clear idea if you need to be talking about flood insurance. When you’re ready for that conversation, your Saucon Insurance Agency representative will be ready to help.

 

RV Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania

So you’ve finally decided to buy an RV. Congratulations! Recreational Vehicles or motorhomes offer a comfortable way to camp, travel the country and/or just provide everything you need on wheels. But before you embark on any adventures near or far, it’s time to get that RV properly insured. Here’s what you need to know about RV insurance requirements in the state of Pennsylvania. 

The Basics

First things first: as with most other vehicles, the state of Pennsylvania requires drivers to ensure their RVs before they take them on the road. And if you are leasing or financing an RV, you most likely will be required to purchase insurance as per the terms of your contract. If you live in the Bethlehem, PA area, Saucon Insurance Agency can answer all of your specific questions regarding state insurance laws and contract-specific requirements. Now, in addition to having the proper insurance, it is also worth noting that in the rarer cases of an RV being over 26,001 pounds, the state also requires you to get a non-commercial class B license in order to drive it (and you will need to get this before you get approved for an insurance policy). 

Minimum Coverage Requirements

As a Pennsylvania resident, you must meet certain minimum coverage stipulations in order to legally drive your RV. This includes a minimum of $30,000 in coverage. Likewise, RV drivers must have specific coverage for medical expenses, property damage, and bodily injury. Whereas medical expense coverage must be in place for regardless of who is at fault, both property damage and bodily injury must– at the very least– cover others involved if you are determined to be at fault. 

Taking Things Further

Now, in addition to making sure you meet all of the minimum coverage requirements in Pennsylvania, you may want to get extra protection (for many people, this is a wise investment). For example, adding on uninsured/underinsured insurance to your policy can help you recover quickly from an accident involving a driver without insurance, as can collision (with stationary objects) and comprehensive add-ons. When you’re ready to take the next step, contact Saucon Insurance Agency. Serving the Bethlehem, PA area and beyond, we’re here to help you find the perfect policy to get your RV covered and fit your specific needs. 

Is Boat Insurance Required in My Area?

There is no better way to spend an afternoon during the hot summer days than on a boat. For those that are in the Bethlehem, PA area, owning a boat is a big investment and responsibility. Because of this, boat owners need to consider carrying boat insurance. There are several situations in which having boat insurance is a requirement for owners in the area. 

Loan on the Boat

One situation in which you will need to have insurance on your boat is if you use a loan to purchase the boat. When you buy a boat with a loan, the lender will have a lien on the boat at all times. Because of this, they will likely require that you carry a full boat insurance policy as long as the loan is outstanding. This will ensure that they can be repaid if the boat is damaged or stolen.

Local Requirements

In general, the state of Pennsylvania does not require that you carry boat Insurance. However, there are local areas throughout the state that do require that you have boat insurance if you are in certain areas. For example, if you are in a larger lake area with a local marina, you may be required by the lake association to carry boat liability insurance whenever you are on the water. This will provide liability coverage for you in the event of an accident.

If you own a boat in the Bethlehem, PA area, you should reach out to the Saucon Insurance Agency. When you meet with the Saucon Insurance Agency, you can receive more guidance into what your boat insurance requirements are. They will also be able to review your requirements and particular situation to ensure you get a boat policy that provides you with good coverage and also stays in compliance with all regulations.

How to Protect Your Business Against Slip and Fall Claims

Like most situations in life, the best way to protect your business from slip and fall claims is to do what you can to avoid them in the first place. Here are some effective ways to prevent slip and falls at your business:

  • Clean up any spills immediately and also post warning signs until the area is completely dry.
  • Repair any areas where there are uneven floors, carpeting seams, or other abnormalities that could cause a fall.
  • Keep all hallways and aisles free of items that could cause someone to trip or fall.
  • Make sure that all steps and transitional areas have the necessary handrails and other safety equipment.
  • Don’t forget about outside areas, keep parking lots and sidewalks free of debris and patch any potholes right away.

Of course, accidents can happen even when all of the above precautions and more are taken. Saucon Insurance Agency advises all of our business clients to carry liability insurance that is sufficient to protect them from any slip and fall claims at their businesses in the Bethlehem, PA area.

Liability insurance can protect you if a customer has a mishap at your place of business. Additionally, it can protect you if an employee is the one who falls, and certain policies will provide protection from a claim and also cover expenses related to an employee claim. Having the right insurance can make the difference between a terrible situation and one that can have a lasting effect on your business.

At Saucon Insurance Agency, our here to help you make sure you have the appropriate insurance and at the right coverage levels. Call us today to schedule a consultation, we are proud to serve fellow business owners in the greater Bethlehem, PA area.

Tweaking Your Umbrella Insurance For Maximum Effectiveness

People in Bethlehem, PA may wonder what umbrella insurance is and why it is a great choice for their home. We at Saucon Insurance Agency believe that many people, with a few tweaks, could use umbrella insurance for their needs. Here is how you can find the policy that works for you.

Identify Issues That Could Impact You

Umbrella insurance is designed to cover problems that other policies do not cover. For example, you may own a large down that is not covered by your home insurance policy. However, umbrella insurance can be tweaked to include dog bite liability. You can also find other types of coverage that are right or your needs.

Research Umbrella Policies That Include Them

Talk to your insurance provider about your unique needs and discuss what kinds of policies cover them. Most will be able to find an umbrella policy that meets your needs. They will add specific coverage types, depending on what you ask, and find a high-quality insurance type that keeps you and your home safe.

Adjust Your Policy Properly

Once you know what kind of coverage you want for your home or property, you can adjust your policy to meet it. For example, you can get dog-bite coverage if you own a dog but avoid other types, such as slip and fall liability, if your home rarely suffers from wet weather. You can also adjust your premiums and co-pays to find a rate that works for you. Talk to your policy providers to find a rate that works for both of your needs.

Interested In Umbrella Insurance?

If you find that your Bethlehem, PA home or property could use extra coverage, contact us at Saucon Insurance Agency. We will work to find a policy that works for your needs and will create umbrella insurance that protects you in unique and specific circumstances.

What are the Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements for Me?

Driving a car is a necessity for many people.  At the same time, it is a very important responsibility that all people need to take seriously.  If you do own a car and drive it on a regular basis, having auto insurance in place is a necessity.  There are several auto insurance requirements that all Bethlehem, PA area residents need to be aware of.  Saucon Insurance Agency will be able to help ensure you get into a policy that allows you to meet these requirements.  

Liability Coverage

Similar to other states, Arizona requires that all drivers carry liability insurance on their vehicle whenever they are on the road.  For drivers in Arizona, the minimum coverage requirements are $10,000 in property damage per incident and minimum bodily injury coverage of $15,000 per person with a cap of $30,000 per accident.  While this is all that you are required to carry by law, it is recommended that you get higher liability insurance coverage levels to ensure you are properly protected. 

Collision and Comprehensive

While you are only required by law to carry liability insurance on your car, it would still be a good idea to get collision and comprehensive coverage.  This will provide you with financial coverage if your car is stolen, damaged in an accident, or vandalized.  Furthermore, if you have a loan or lease out on your car, you will be required by law to carry this type of insurance.  

For those that are looking for a new car insurance policy in the Bethlehem, PA area, speaking with the Saucon Insurance Agency would be a great option.  This company will be able to provide you with a variety of services to ensure you are properly protected and in compliance with all relevant requirements.  

 

When to Consider Umbrella Insurance

There are all kinds of different insurance policies that are available in the market. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which are the right ones for you and your needs. You definitely do not want to get an insurance policy just to have it but if it would be beneficial to you, you may want to consider it. An umbrella insurance policy is one of those that many people do not quite understand. Here at Saucon Insurance Agency, serving Bethlehem, PA, we know just how great of an option it can be if it works for your needs. 

For most people, other types of insurance are just enough for their coverage. However, you may want to consider getting umbrella insurance if you simply cannot get the coverage you need from a standard policy. For example, if your home or vehicle is worth more than what you can get in coverage through a home or auto policy, an umbrella insurance policy can cover the remaining. It is also a good policy for those who throw a lot of parties with a lot of people because it provides added liability protection if something were to go wrong. It is also a good option for anyone that is well known in the community because it provides help with slander cases. 

If you think that an umbrella insurance policy would be a good option for you, be sure to reach out to us here at Saucon Insurance Agency, serving Bethlehem, PA, today. We can help you explore your options and verify that it would be a good insurance option for you. We will even provide you with a free quote that meets your needs and budget.