One of the most devastating things that can happen to a home is significant water damage by a flood. For those that are in the Bethlehem, PA area, one of the best ways to protect against this is by getting a flood insurance policy. There are many people who do need to have a flood insurance policy to be compliant law and provide themselves with the right level of protection.

High Risk Flood Area

The first situation in which you may need flood insurance is if you live in a high-risk flood area, as determined by FEMA. If you live in one of these areas, a federally-backed mortgage lender will be required by law to require you to carry flood insurance and they may even escrow for it each month. Even if you are not located in a high-risk area, your mortgage lender may still require you to have it if there is still a perceived level of additional risk.

Lack of Flood Control System

While there are plenty of areas across the country that are in high-risk flood zone areas, there are still many people outside of these zones that should still carry flood insurance. A sporadic flood can happen anywhere, which could lead to significant water damage in your home. In many cases, the level of flood coverage that you will have in your policy may not cover all of this damage. Because of this, it may be a good idea to purchase additional flood insurance to protect you. This is particularly and especially true if your home does not have a flood control system.

Since flood damage can be so devastating, all people in the Bethlehem, PA area should speak with and insurance agent to better understand their needs. One insurance agent that you should speak to is Saucon Insurance Agency. Saucon Insurance Agency can help you better understand what your risks are and help you choose a flood insurance policy that provides you with the right protection.  

Here at Saucon Insurance Agency, serving the greater Bethlehem, PA area, we are often asked why someone would need RV insurance. In most cases, you are required by law to carry RV insurance if you are driving the vehicle on the road. However, there are many benefits to carry insurance beyond this. Here are a three of the top reasons why you should carry RV insurance if you own an RV. 

To Cover Your RV If It Is In a Collision

One of the reasons you will want to have RV insurance is to cover the RV if it is in a collision. If your RV is in a collision, repairs can be costly. Having insurance helps to ensure that you do not have to pay for this damage out of pocket. 

To Cover the RV Against Vandalism

Another benefit of having RV insurance is that your policy may cover against vandalism if you purchase comprehensive coverage. Vandalism coverage protects your RV from vandalism, including graffiti and broken windows, while the RV is being stored and when the RV is parked at a campsite and being used. 

To Cover the RV Against Weather-Related Damage

The last benefit to RV comprehensive insurance coverage is that it helps to cover your RV in case of weather-related damage. This includes things like hail damage or flood damage. Weather can be unpredictable, so having this coverage helps to protect your RV when the unexpected happens. 

If you own an RV in the greater Bethlehem, PA area and are looking to purchase your first RV insurance policy or are looking to change insurance companies, contact Saucon Insurance Agency today. We can help answer all of the questions you have about RV insurance and lead you to the best policy for your needs. 

At Saucon Insurance Agency, serving the greater Bethlehem, PA area, we know that shopping for insurance can be confusing. If you are looking to insure items that you use on the waterways, you may be torn between whether you need boat insurance, personal watercraft insurance or toy insurance. We want to make the insurance buying process as easy on you as buying. Here is some information you should know when you begin this process. 

Boat Insurance

Boats that are designed to transport more than one person, including power boats, sailboats and yachts should be covered by a boat insurance policy. In most cases, a policy is needed to even register your boat. 

Personal Watercraft Insurance

If the item you are using is primarily designed to be used by one person, such as a jet ski or wave runner, a personal watercraft insurance policy may be needed. Once again, a policy will likely be needed to even register your personal watercraft vehicle. 

Toy Insurance

If the item you plan to use on the waterways does not fall under either boat insurance or personal watercraft insurance, it likely falls under toy insurance. Differentiating between all of the options can be challenging. A great insurance company knows what factors to look at when determining what type of insurance is needed to cover your watercraft vehicles. 

If you need to insure a boat, personal watercraft or other toy used on waterways, pay a visit to Saucon Insurance Agency, serving the greater Bethlehem, PA area. We can help you determine what type of insurance policy you need and what policy limits best meet your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to sit down and discuss your insurance needs. 

One of the best ways to protect your newly established business in Bethlehem, PA is to obtain a commercial insurance policy. Commercial insurance from Saucon Insurance Agency can protect your business property, services, products, workers and finances against risks that could cause financial loss. What kind of protection does commercial insurance offer?

Liability

As an entrepreneur, you’ll face many challenges in building your business. A lawsuit could cause you to close up shop before you even get started. General liability protects you against the threat of lawsuits due to accidents that cause serious injury or property damage to others on your business property. You can also obtain specific liability coverage for protection against explicit industry threats.

Business Property

Business property protects your commercial property against such perils as fire, vandalism, theft or natural disasters. This includes your warehouse, office, business equipment and products. If any of these suffer damage or loss in a covered peril, your insurance will pay repair or replacement costs. This saves you from having to pay these expenses out of pocket.  

Business Interruption

If a disaster forces your business to close down temporarily, business interruption insurance will provide financial resources to stay afloat while repairs are being made. Business interruption insurance will compensate your business for lost income, operational costs, employee wages, rental or lease payments and more, saving your fledgling business from financial ruin.

Workers’ Comp

Workers’ comp protects your employees against injuries on the job. It covers medical expenses and lost wages if workers need time off to recuperate from their accident. This coverage also protects you against lawsuits by employees seeking extra compensation for injuries on the job.

To learn more about commercial insurance for your startup, call or visit Saucon Insurance Agency, Bethlehem, PA. We can help you obtain competitive commercial coverage suited to your individual business needs.

Longstanding tales can be divided into history, myths and legends. History describes events  that have been documented to have actually happened. Conversely, legends and myths have never been proven to be true.

Let’s take a peek at several boat insurance myths revealed recently by an industry by an industry survey of over 1,000+ boaters across the country.  

Myth #1: Every boat owner remits higher premiums for boat insurance because of recent hurricanes across the country.

The Reality: This is a widely-believed myth, although not completely accurate. Pricing policies are contingent upon the claims for each state. The more hurricanes , the more losses in that state, resulting in higher priced policies. 

The Myth #2: Boat insurance covers the boat anywhere it roams.

Reality: Navigation limits depend upon the insuring company’s standards and guidance. Some insurers might limit coverage to 100 nautical miles from the boat’s home-port. Others have regionally-based nautical boundaries. Saucon Insurance Agency serving the Bethlehem, PA area is ready to put together a boater’s insurance package that’s right for you.

The Myth #3: You will receive reasonably priced boat insurance rates if you choose to insure your home or car with the same insurer.

Reality: Although some companies do offer multi-policy discounts, buying more than one policy from an insurance company doesn’t necessarily guarantee that  you get the best rate, or the best ‘bang for your buck.’

The best way to ensure you get the best coverage for the price, is  to select specialized policies from experts in the industry.  

The Bethlehem, PA area has some of the most beautiful scenic drives in the region. Make sure you are operating within Pennsylvania state law when enjoying the countryside on your motorcycle.

Requirements from the Department of Motor Vehicles

All Pennsylvania motorcycle drivers need to have a class M license. To obtain a valid license, applicants must pass a knowledge test. After successful completion, applicants receive a learner’s permit that allows them to ride during daylight hours. Learners must be accompanied by a fully licensed chaperone.

• To get a full license, applicants under the age of 18 must:
• Hold learner’s permit for 6 months or more.
• Complete 65 hours of supervised riding.
• Successfully complete the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Basic Rider Course.

Applicants over the age of 18 can schedule their road test after passing the knowledge test.

Restrictions may be applied to your license if you take the road test using a motorized bicycle, scooter, or a 3-wheeled cycle. These restrictions only allow you to operate the type of vehicle you used during testing.

Registering Your Motorcycle

All motorized vehicles must be registered with the state before operating on public roads. Your vehicle must also conform to certain mechanical standards for safety. Motorcycles that don’t meet these requirements will not be granted a license until problems are corrected.

You will need valid insurance coverage before riding. The experts at Saucon Insurance Agency can help you find the coverage you need to be safe on the road.

Helmet Law

The Pennsylvania Helmet Law requires all motorcycle operators to wear protective headgear unless they:

• Are over the age of 21 with at least 2 years of riding experience, or
• Have completed a PennDOT or Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved safety course.

The law also calls out requirements for helmet manufacturers. Wearing protective gear while riding reduces catastrophic injury in case of an accident.

Before you set off on the road in the Bethlehem, PA area, contact the insurance agents at Saucon Insurance Agency. They can guide you through the insurance process, so you know you’re always covered, no matter where you journey.

Insurance is a wonderful way to protect your belongings, yourself, and your family but it may not always meet your needs. Though individual policies are tailored to each purchaser, they may not have all the coverage that you need to be fully protected. This is where umbrella insurance comes into play. For those that live in the Bethlehem, PA area, the agents with Saucon Insurance Agency can tell you just what umbrella insurance is and where it can be applied.

It is helpful to first look at what umbrella insurance is. Umbrella policies are those that go above and beyond typical policies. They can be added to virtually any type of policy that you may have to help cover any gaps you feel you may have and to help add extra coverage above and beyond what your existing policy already covers. They are put in place to help keep you safe and to help make sure that each and every single policy you have covers any event that might take place. The only stipulation is that an umbrella policy is not going to take place of specific insurance that is required by law like auto or home insurance.

These umbrella policies are put in place to add extra coverage without altering your existing policy or without paying extra premiums associated with that policy. Umbrella policies are generally less expensive than some policies and may help you get more coverage without sending your rates through the roof. They also help you to fully customize your policy to get the exact amount of coverage that you want and need to feel fully safe and secure.

For those that live in the Bethlehem, PA area, the agents with Saucon Insurance Agency can help you find the perfect umbrella policy to add to any of your existing policies.

One of the best ways to ensure that you have coverage for every possible liability you could experience in Bethlehem, PA is to get umbrella insurance that will offer comprehensive insurance. While it’s smart to purchase umbrella insurance for those who have a lot of assets to protect, you need to avoid potential mistakes to make the smartest investment in this insurance product.

The following are four mistakes it’s important to avoid when you purchase umbrella insurance from a provider like Saucon Insurance Agency:

Neglecting to analyze what coverage you already have before making a purchase

Umbrella insurance is typically as additional coverage on top of what one already has. It’s therefore important to analyze current coverage before purchasing it to see where there are gaps that are leaving the policy holder susceptible to liabilities and financial loss. You need to look at the policies you have and analyze nuances in depth to see where insurance or gaps and coverage are leaving you vulnerable.

Purchasing umbrella insurance without first undergoing a loss analysis to analyze your liabilities

Take advantage of a loss analysis to examine all the claims you have made on your insurance policies up to this point. Consider whether your policies have easily covered your needs or whether your claims have been denied or only partially fulfilled in the past.

Not getting the opinion of a claims consultant

Before purchasing, discuss coverage options with an experienced and knowledgeable claims consultant for invaluable advice on what umbrella insurance can do for you. 

Not getting coverage for recreational possessions and liabilities

A lot of people are more focused on business and practical assets and overlook recreational assets. Yet recreational assets can be very valuable and open consumers up to unique liabilities against which they need to be protected.

If you live in the greater Bethlehem, PA area, flooding caused by heavy rain or rivers and creeks overflowing into your home may not be covered by your home insurance. The only way you are covered is by purchasing a supplemental flood insurance policy. Many people wonder if this is something they need and what the benefits are. Here at Saucon Insurance Agency, we want you to know the benefits of purchasing flood insurance so you can make an informed decision as to whether it is right for you. Here are a few of those benefits.

Your Home is Covered if it Floods

The biggest benefit to purchasing flood insurance is that your home is covered if it floods. Flooding can cause a significant amount of damage to your home. Additionally, removing all of the water and moisture from the home, as well as any dirt, mud and mold that are brought in by the floods can be pricey. Flood insurance covers all of this, protecting your financial investment in your home.

You Are Reimbursed the Fair Market Value Of Your Water Damaged Belongings

The other major benefit to buying supplemental flood insurance is that it helps to reimburse you for the fair market value of the items in your home that are damaged by flooding. This includes your furniture, electronics, clothing, toys and other household goods that cannot be salvaged. All of these items can add up quickly if you are not covered.

If you are interested in learning more about supplemental flood insurance, or are ready to purchase a policy in the greater Bethlehem, PA area, call Saucon Insurance Agency today! We are more than happy to answer any questions you have or help you find the right flood insurance policy for your needs.