Winter Driving Safety

Winter is here, which means cold weather and plenty of ice and snow for Bethlehem, PA. While we all have places we must go each day such as work, school, and other activities, there are times when this can be dangerous during the winter. At Saucon Insurance Agency, our hope is that all of our customers and their families stay safe when driving throughout the winter. Here are some safety tips to use throughout the season.

Safety Tip #1: Keep Up with Local Weather Reports

It is not a matter of if, but when the roads will ice over in Bethlehem, PA. We recommend that you make it a habit to regularly check the local weather reports. If the roads are too treacherous for driving, make the smart choice and stay home. It is also good to get familiar with weather terminology. Terms such as advisory, watch, or warning are used to let you know the severity of an upcoming storm.

Safety Tip #2: Winterize Your Vehicle

Have your vehicle inspected by a local mechanic, or examine it yourself. It needs to have adequate amounts of antifreeze to prevent freezing. Your tires should have plenty of tread or they may need to be replaced. Make sure that your thermostat and defroster are in good working order so you stay warm while on the road.

Safety Tip #3: Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car

If you are stranded in the cold, an emergency kit will come in handy. Your kit should include essentials such as a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, blankets, warm clothes, water, and snacks.  Call your insurance agent as soon as possible if you need assistance while on the road. At Saucon Insurance Agency, we hope you stay safe and warm all season long.

How Much Home Insurance Should I Buy?

Home insurance should fit your home and your lifestyle. Buy too much and you’ll be throwing money away each month. Buy too little and you won’t be covered in the event something happens. For that reason it’s necessary to do a thorough inventory that takes into account the following:

The Structure of Your Home

Estimate the cost of rebuilding your home by determining local construction costs, the home’s square footage, and the style and type of materials your home is built from.  

Personal Possessions

Policies typically provide coverage for personal possessions that’s equal to between 50% and 70% of the value of the home. If you have valuable possessions such as artwork, jewelry, antiques, etc., you may need to secure additional endorsements to cover these items. Remember, when calculating possessions it’s important to insure them for their replacement cost, not their intrinsic value.

Liability to Others

Always make sure you are covered against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage. This is especially important if you have features such as swimming pools, ponds, potentially dangerous pets such as dogs,  or other attractive nuisances. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to carry $300,000 to $500,000 in coverage if any of these are present on the property.

Relocation Expenses

Consider the cost of relocating to a hotel or temporary home if a fire, flood, or other event makes the home uninhabitable. When calculating how much you will need, estimate your daily living expenses + the cost of area hotels or housing and any additional transportation expenses a temporary move would require. 

Homeowners in Bethlehem, PA should carry enough homeowner’s insurance to protect them from potential accidents or damage. Saucon Insurance Agency can help determine the appropriate level of coverage and any endorsements that are advisable.