Berks County Insurance

Flood Insurance – Cleaning Essentials That Your Policy Covers

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The aftermath of a flood can be distressing. Contaminated water could compromise the safety of your home. One rehabilitation step that typically occurs after a flood involves cleaning affected items.

Understanding Your Flood Insurance Policy

Reviewing your insurance documents can help you understand your flood protection. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the flood mitigation steps typically taken after a natural disaster.

One of the coverage types you may have includes professional cleaning processes. These processes are often necessary before moving back into a home that has been flooded. The cleaning essentials will eliminate germs and restore surfaces to their pre-flood condition.

The Inspection Process

After a claim has been filed, an inspection must be conducted. This process will determine the severity of the damage caused by the flooding and whether your home needs to be temporarily vacated.

If flooding is severe, the person who inspects the premises may prepare documentation that lists the items that were affected. Each item that comes into contact with water should be inspected, dried, and cleaned.

Cleaning Steps

A flood mitigation plan will be prepared once a flood insurance claim has been approved. A cleaning crew is usually needed to perform the necessary cleaning steps to restore a home. Specialized cleaning agents and tools are used to disinfect surfaces.

Contact an Agent in Reading, PA

If you would like to discuss your flood insurance in depth, contact one of our Berks County Insurance agents. An agent will review your policy and answer any questions you have about the policy.

Dividing Your Life Insurance Among Multiple Beneficiaries

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The challenge of life insurance is determining who to list as a beneficiary. A spouse is probably the first to be listed, but you may have multiple children or even grandchildren. Single individuals may wish to list siblings on their life insurance. So, how do you decide who gets what?

The More, the Merrier!

While you technically only need one beneficiary, it’s a good idea to have more than one just in case something happens to that person. In such a case, the funds would revert to the estate and go through probate. You could list a primary beneficiary who would get everything and a contingent beneficiary who would receive the benefits should the primary be unable to. Another option would be having beneficiaries split the proceeds. The percentages don’t have to be equal, but all the benefits should be accounted for. You may choose to divide the proceeds per stirpes or per capita. If you divide per stirpes, the proceeds are divided by family rank. Your children would have a larger inheritance than your grandchildren. In a per capita assignment, all beneficiaries involved get an equal share. If your estate is fairly large, you are advised to have an estate planner to help you avoid unnecessary estate taxes.

Contact Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA

Deciding who can benefit from your life insurance is tricky, but getting life insurance to start with can be easy with the right agency. If you are in the Reading, PA area and are in the market for life insurance, please get in touch with Berks County Insurance. Our knowledgeable and helpful agents are ready and willing to assist you in any capacity.

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Cyber Incidents?

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Commercial insurance is a good idea for any business to ensure that they’re covered in the event of common problems like property damage or customer injury on the property or due to faulty products. However, in any modern business, working online in some capacity is quite common. Businesses face unique risks when they own their own website. For example, customer data and other sensitive information could be hacked or locked out of their own computer due to ransomware. When you have commercial insurance, will it cover issues like this? That’s what we’re here to find out! Let’s take a closer look at whether or not commercial insurance covers cyber incidents and how you can find the right coverage for your business with our support at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA.

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Cyber Incidents?

We all know that commercial insurance will cover physical property, but does it cover your digital assets, too? Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Cyber attacks and other cyber incidents are not covered under general commercial insurance policies, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t defend yourself. Cyber insurance policies will allow you to keep your digital assets protected, ensuring that you can cover the loss of data and any potential legal issues that may stem from a cyber attack. Keep in mind that this shouldn’t be an either/or situation. Having both commercial insurance and insurance policies like cyber insurance will guarantee that your business has the comprehensive protection it needs to continue operating successfully.

Find Commercial Insurance and More at Berks County Insurance

Are you ready to find the right coverage for your business? Start here at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA. Contact us with any questions or compare quotes now!

How to Keep Your Custom Car Under Your Auto Insurance

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Many drivers enjoy modifying their vehicles after they’ve already purchased auto insurance. You may not know that by doing so, auto insurance is often invalidated due to changes. As a driver, you must ensure your vehicle is valid and protected. So, here at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA, we want to help ensure you can enjoy your modified car while still retaining your auto insurance.

Step 1: Document and Report Changes

The most important part of modifying your vehicle is documenting the changes. Any modifications you may make to the car must be documented and reported to your auto insurance. After you submit the documentation of changes to your auto insurance, we will appraise the value of your vehicle.

Step 2: Change Your Coverage

Once the appraisal is done, you’ll want to increase your limits to cover your car. Your quoted auto insurance limit may often not be enough to cover the value of your changes. In these situations, it’s best to adjust the limit to ensure everything is covered for auto, collision, and other insurance.

Step 3: Customize Your Auto Insurance

Some auto insurance policies will only cover modified cars up to a certain value. To help keep yourself protected, you’ll need to find custom car insurance. These policies are designed to be created so that you can ensure that your vehicle has adequate coverage. Having the proper coverage on a modified vehicle is crucial; if it’s totaled, it will be appropriately reimbursed.

Contact Berks County Insurance

If you’re modifying your car and making any interior or exterior changes, it’s best to report it to your auto insurance to stay insured. You can switch to custom car insurance if your auto insurance won’t approve the changes. Here at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA, we’re ready to help you find the best insurance for your modded vehicle.

The Importance of Boxing and MMA Specialized Insurance in Reading, PA

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Athletes who enjoy MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts, recreationally or even professionally, have a significantly greater risk of experiencing injuries that are commonly associated with high-risk sports. Anytime you’re actively involved in MMA in Reading, PA, consider investing in MMA-specialized insurance. At Berks County Insurance, we can walk you through the types of insurance that may be right for you based on your boxing and MMA needs.

Types of Boxing and MMA Insurance

Boxing and MMA insurance policies may include:

  • Liability: Liability insurance may cover damage, injuries, and accidents sustained during fights or events.
  • Athlete Insurance: Training and completion injuries may be covered with athlete insurance in Reading, PA.
  • Event Insurance: You may opt for event insurance to protect against certain MMA or boxing-related events. 

Importance of Boxing and MMA Specialized Insurance

Specialized boxing and MMA insurance plans protect the following areas:

  • Injuries: Because boxing and MMA are both high-risk sports, specialized insurance can ensure proper and comprehensive coverage for concussions, fractures, broken bones, torn ligaments, and even severe joint damage.
  • Competitions and Training: In addition to covering standard events, specialized MMA and boxing insurance can also cover competitions and training sessions leading up to events.
  • Compliance: In Pennsylvania, professional MMA athletes and boxers are required to provide proof of insurance to abide by state compliance regulatory laws. 

Participating in MMA and boxing can be great forms of exercise while also providing a wealth of knowledge in terms of self-defense. Whether you plan to build a career as a professional MMA fighter or fight regularly, learning about boxing and MMA specialized insurance is key to protecting yourself from all angles. To learn more about MMA and specialized boxing insurance in Reading, PA, get in touch with Berks County Insurance today.

Preparing For College? Don’t Forget to Include Renters Insurance

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If you have students heading off to college, there’s a great deal to organize. There’s a lot to consider, from choosing courses and acquiring books to sourcing furniture and finding accommodation. Often, this might involve sharing a house or apartment.

If you’re choosing a rental property, Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA suggests considering us via renters’ insurance.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

Renters insurance covers tenants’ personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, housewares, bedding, and certain electronics. Be sure to review your policy for any personal electronics coverage restrictions.

This insurance can cover your belongings against theft and damage caused by water or fire. It can even provide coverage for personal items while you’re traveling.

What About Liability Protection?

Most renters’ insurance policies also include liability coverage. This protects you if a visitor becomes injured while on your rental property. It even includes the ever-growing number of delivery personnel.

Additional Notes About Renters Insurances

Your landlord is likely insured, but this is usually to cover their own losses, not those of their tenants. That is your responsibility.

Something to remember is that when there are multiple tenants, each person listed on the lease should have their own renters’ insurance policies.

Renter’s insurance can frequently be combined with other policies, potentially saving you money.

Sometimes, a landlord or property manager might require tenants to have renters insurance. They might suggest a provider, but the choice is ultimately yours.

Learn More Today

Contact us to learn more about renters insurance and get a free quote today. You might be surprised by how affordable renters’ insurance can be. Reach out to us at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA.

Before packing up for college, make sure you’re prepared. Include renters insurance in your plans. Contact us at Berks County Insurance today.

What an RV Insurance Policy Does Not Cover

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Traveling throughout the United States is a memorable experience, particularly when done on a road trip. However, before hitting the road and filling up your gas tank, it’s essential to understand the extent and limits of your RV insurance policy. The team at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA is ready to guide you through the details, ensuring you have the right coverage for all your journeys.

Keeping Your RV Maintenance Schedule Up to Date

It’s important to note that standard RV insurance policies do not cover "general wear and tear," particularly if it results from a failure to adhere to a regular maintenance schedule. Such deterioration often happens when the RV is used primarily as a living space during an extended road trip. Also, any mold damage is excluded from the insurance coverage as regular cleanings could have preemptively prevented it. Consider extending your liability coverage if you intend to use your RV as a full-time residence.

Addressing Storage Collision Incidents

Some RV owners opt not to maintain full RV insurance coverage during winter, switching to a storage-only policy. While this protects against theft, vandalism, and water damage, it does not cover damage resulting from collisions with other vehicles in the storage facility. Bear in mind that moving vehicles like other RVs, trucks, and campers are a frequent sight in these storage facilities. Therefore, maintaining your full RV insurance coverage can save you from expensive repair costs following a collision.

Preparing for Natural Disaster Damage

Standard RV insurance does not cover damage caused by natural disasters like floods or fires. If you plan to travel to areas prone to such events, it may be wise to consider supplementing your existing coverage. A comprehensive insurance policy will cover any damage from severe storms or natural disasters.

Navigating the road with the security of robust RV insurance can prove to be a lifesaver, especially in cases of accidents or theft. Let Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA help clarify what your policy covers and what it doesn’t. Call and schedule an appointment today. We’re here to help you drive with confidence.

Tips and Tricks for Motorcycle Safety in Reading, PA

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Bikers, if you’re gearing up for thrilling rides along the scenic roads in and around Reading, PA – this guide is for you! 

This guide from Berks County Insurance provides an overview of tips and tricks for staying safer when riding in Reading. 

Tips and Tricks for Motorcycle Safety

Tip 1. Wear Protective Motorcycle Gear 

Wearing the proper protective equipment can make all the difference if you get in a motorcycle accident. 

Examples: 

  • DOT-approved Motorcycle Helmet 
  • Sturdy and Rip-Resistant Biker Jacket and Pants
  • Riding Gloves 
  • Motorcycle Boots 

Tip 2. Stay Visible

Cyclists and pedestrians can easily get lost in the flow of everyday and rush-hour traffic. Use your headlights (even in the daytime) and wear reflective safety gear to increase your visibility on the roads. 

Tip 3. Practice Defensive Driving 

Seasoned motorcycle riders understand that using defensive driving skills is necessary for staying safer on the road. Stay alert, anticipate hazards, and be prepared to react quickly to avoid becoming entangled in traffic accidents on your bike. 

Tip 4. Stay Sober 

Riding a motorcycle requires attention to detail, focus, coordination, and quick reflexes; as such, drivers should always remain sober and never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Tip 5. Get Motorcycle Insurance in Reading, PA

A trusted local motorcycle insurance expert can help you choose a comprehensive policy to protect your bike, passengers, and accessories when venturing out on long trips and local excursions. Talk to a knowledgeable and friendly agent to learn how to get full insurance coverage to protect your bike against theft, natural disasters, vandalism, and animal collisions. 

Contact a reliable insurance agent at Berks County Insurance to get a motorcycle insurance quote today! 

Knots and Bolts: Boat Insurance Basics

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Boat insurance can be a lifesaver, especially in the face of unexpected accidents or theft. The experts at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA, are here to unmask the vitals of boat insurance coverage and help you navigate these waters safely.

Consider Factors Impacting Your Boat Insurance Coverage

Several factors influence the coverage you need and the premium you pay for your boat insurance. Your boat’s size, value, and storage location are primary considerations. Compared to smaller vessels, more extensive coverage may be necessary for high-performance boats and yachts. A clean boating record free of accidents can also result in lower insurance rates.

Determine Your Boat Insurance Needs

The frequency of boat usage significantly impacts your liability and basic coverage requirements. Be sure to include risk factors particular to your needs. Options range from haul coverage, medical, and property damage insurance to coverage for personal property and towing assistance—remember, the cost of security doesn’t outweigh the price of peace of mind.

Consulting Experts in Boat Insurance

The seasoned agents of Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA, can provide clarity about your specific boat insurance needs and address any of your concerns. Get in touch today for expert advice and schedule an appointment.

Risks of Not Having Umbrella Insurance from Berks County Insurance

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When protecting one’s assets and future financial stability, umbrella insurance emerges as a potent defense against unexpected legal claims or catastrophic incidents that could lead to severe financial losses.

Many individuals possess homeowners or auto insurance policies, but these standard protections might not be sufficient when faced with high-stakes lawsuits or liability claims that exceed their boundaries. At Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA, we offer expertise in securing umbrella insurance tailored to your specific needs.

Risks Associated with Ignoring Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance serves as a vital safety net in the event of unexpected problems. Without this additional layer of coverage, you could put everything you’ve worked arduously for at risk. For example, if you encounter a liability claim surpassing the limits of your primary insurance policies, the absence of an umbrella policy could push you toward financial ruin.

Furthermore, given our increasingly litigious society, lawsuits are commonplace. Without umbrella insurance, you might find yourself personally accountable for damages that exceed the coverage limits of your other insurance policies. This could result in devastating financial losses, potentially jeopardizing your future financial stability. Investing in the peace of mind that comes with umbrella insurance is a smart strategy for safeguarding your assets and preserving your financial health. We’re here to explain all the options when choosing an umbrella policy, helping you make an educated decision.

Reach Out to Berks County Insurance for Comprehensive Umbrella Coverage

At Berks County Insurance, we acknowledge the significance of protecting your assets. If you’re on the hunt for an affordable and effective umbrella insurance policy in the Reading, PA, area, contacting us would be a wise step. Our qualified insurance agents can elucidate why considering an umbrella policy should be on your agenda.

Get in Touch with Berks County Insurance for an Umbrella Policy Today!