Berks County Insurance

Does The Beneficiary Of Your Life Insurance Policy Need To Be Notified Prior To Being Named?

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Purchasing life insurance can be a very personal experience. The process requires you to work with an agent who is willing to explain all of the terms and conditions and help you discover the options that work best for the situation. You must name a beneficiary for your policy, but do you need to notify them before you name them?

The Beneficiary

Before you begin the process of purchasing life insurance, make sure you know who your beneficiary will be. Although you have to name them, you don’t necessarily have to notify them that you are taking that course of action. You may also need to name an alternate in the event of an extenuating circumstance that would prevent them from accepting the claim. Discuss your decisions with a licensed agent before you begin the process and find out if there are any special circumstances in your area that would make it necessary to notify the beneficiary before the policy purchase. 

Licensed Agents

Always work with an agent specifically licensed to sell life insurance and who has plenty of experience to help guide you through the process. You will want to work with someone you can trust and who is sympathetic to your individual wishes and needs. If you live in or around the Reading, PA area, you should contact Berks County Insurance for more information about their high-quality products that are offered by knowledgeable agents who care about their customers.

Resident in the Reading, PA area can rely on Berks County Insurance to help them protect their loved ones and offer solutions that work for any individual. Call or stop by the office for more details about life insurance.

Insurance Contractors and Builders Need

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As a contractor or builder, you need insurance to protect your future. In the high-risk construction industry, lawsuits are just around the corner. Berks County Insurance, which serves Reading, PA, has the products to safeguard what you’ve built.

When you have Commercial Liability insurance, your business has the safeguard of coverage if a third party files a lawsuit claiming bodily injury, property damage, or, in advertising, libel, slander, or copyright infringement. Whereas the above-mentioned policy protects your business if you’re sued by a third party, you also need workers’ compensation to pay for the medical expenses and lost income resulting from on-the-job injuries to your employees or you. Like contractors and builders, subcontractors should also carry liability and workers’ comp. 

Another insurance to consider is Builder’s Risk, which covers a building under construction. Since the materials used in construction are costly, it’s good to know that this insurance usually covers your tools and equipment at the job site while you are completing the structure. If you have Commercial Property insurance, the loss of tools and equipment due to fire, theft or vandalism at your business’s permanent location will be paid for. Combining the benefits of liability insurance with property insurance into one policy is Business Owner’s insurance. As for the vehicle you use as a contractor or builder, generally speaking, your personal auto policy will not cover it. Therefore, you will probably need a commercial auto policy.

Aside from protecting what you have accumulated, another reason to get commercial insurance is that many businesses will not enter into a contract with you unless you have it. Contact Berks County Insurance, which serves Reading, PA, to speak to a knowledgeable agent who can put your business on more solid ground with the right coverage.

How to Keep Your Home Safe From a Natural Disaster

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When it comes to keeping your home safe from a natural disaster in Reading, PA, preparation is key. Weather is unpredictable, and you never know when a flood, tornado, or other natural disasters could hit Pennsylvania. At Berks County Insurance, we want you and your property to be safe, so the following are some tips for keeping your home safe from a natural disaster.

First and foremost, it’s important to keep you, your family, and your pets safe. Make sure you have an evacuation plan and an emergency kit ready so you can run out the door if needed. If you need to leave in a hurry, it’s a good idea to shut off your water, gas, and electricity, so be familiar with how to do that quickly.

One of the most common issues with any disaster is a power outage. If possible, make sure you have a generator on hand, especially if you have household necessities that run on electricity, such as medical equipment or stored breast milk and medicine. Also stock up on essentials such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, and candles.

Another common problem during a natural disaster of any kind is downed trees and limbs. These can do severe damage to your home. Before nature strikes, you might consider removing any large or old trees on your property or near your home. You can also trim branches that are close to your home, as these could damage your roof, siding, or even come through a window.

Natural disasters often bring flooding, even if your home isn’t located in a flood zone. To protect your home, try to elevate electronics as much as possible. Also, install a sump pump, and if you already have one, check it regularly to make sure it is working.

When disaster strikes in Reading, PA, it can be hard to keep a level head. You can trust Berks County Insurance to help you with any insurance need in the event of a natural disaster.

Should I Tell My Insurance Provider I Made Upgrades?

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So, you just made a few vehicle upgrades recently. Perhaps you added in a new stereo system, or you went all out for new rims and running gear. Whatever you have decided to do, you probably invested good money in making your vehicle more your own. All of that is great, but now you’re faced with the question of whether or not you should tell your insurance provider about the upgrades. There are pros and cons to each. At Berks County Insurance, the team is on hand to help you decide what to do while living in and around Reading, PA.

Increased Value of Your Vehicle

The new upgrades to your vehicle likely increased the value of your vehicle. This means if you tell your insurance provider about the upgrades, you’ll probably pay a higher monthly premium. The difference will not be much, but you more than likely will see an increase. 

Protect Your Investment

While your monthly premium may go up, so too does your protection. This way, if your rims are ever stolen, the new radio ripped out, or you’re involved in an accident, the insurance coverage will pay for these upgrades. If you don’t let your insurance provider know about the upgrades, they will not know about the improvements and, because of this, not be able to cover the upgrades. Due to this, you’ll be left paying for the upgrades all over again. 

After upgrading your vehicle, while living around Reading, PA, you will be faced with the decision of letting your insurance provider know. At Berks County Insurance, a team member is standing by to help you with all of your automotive insurance questions and concerns, including whether you should update your auto insurance information. 

Boxing/MMA Insurance? Yes, There’s A Policy For That!

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At Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA,  we understand the importance of having boxing/MMA insurance. We are also cognizant of the immense sense of responsibility of the athlete to take out this type of insurance. It is to be respected. We strive to make every aspect of the process easy and clear for all parties involved. 

Before The First Round

Before you get into the ring, consider the liability you may incur as a result of either your profession or your hobby in Boxing /MMA. It’s great that you have a sport or profession that you enjoy but the responsible thing to do is protect yourself and your family before you enter the ring. 

Most people are familiar with boxing which, generally stated, is a punching competition between two opponents. MMA is a newer past time and is the acronym for Mixed Martial Arts. Generally, MMA includes kicking, punching, slapping, tripping, and just about anything that you can imagine one opponent can do to another opponent. 

  • Have you considered the property damage that may come about if you damage property inadvertently during a match?
  • Consider the liability if someone who is viewing your match or fight is hurt
  • Consider the injury to yourself 
  • Consider the injury to your opponent

Be certain to take care of business before you throw the first punch. Both of these sports are potentially dangerous, and it is crucial that you protect yourself from liability. Once insured, you can have more enjoyment because you do not have to worry about what might happen. 

Call or come in today to Berks County Insurance if you reside in the Reading, PA area and would like to learn more about how protecting your sports life can help you protect your life. Put down the towel and pick up the phone. Contact us at  610-779-9060 

 

Boxing/MMA Insurance? Yes, There’s A Policy For That!

Posted on by admin

At Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA,  we understand the importance of having boxing/MMA insurance. We are also cognizant of the immense sense of responsibility of the athlete to take out this type of insurance. It is to be respected. We strive to make every aspect of the process easy and clear for all parties involved. 

Before The First Round

Before you get into the ring, consider the liability you may incur as a result of either your profession or your hobby in Boxing /MMA. It’s great that you have a sport or profession that you enjoy but the responsible thing to do is protect yourself and your family before you enter the ring. 

Most people are familiar with boxing which, generally stated, is a punching competition between two opponents. MMA is a newer past time and is the acronym for Mixed Martial Arts. Generally, MMA includes kicking, punching, slapping, tripping, and just about anything that you can imagine one opponent can do to another opponent. 

  • Have you considered the property damage that may come about if you damage property inadvertently during a match?
  • Consider the liability if someone who is viewing your match or fight is hurt
  • Consider the injury to yourself 
  • Consider the injury to your opponent

Be certain to take care of business before you throw the first punch. Both of these sports are potentially dangerous, and it is crucial that you protect yourself from liability. Once insured, you can have more enjoyment because you do not have to worry about what might happen. 

Call or come in today to Berks County Insurance if you reside in the Reading, PA area and would like to learn more about how protecting your sports life can help you protect your life. Put down the towel and pick up the phone. Contact us at  610-779-9060 

 

Does Renter’s Insurance Cover Your Clothing?

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If you are renting a home or an apartment, then you should consider purchasing renter’s insurance. It will protect your belongings in the event of a covered loss. Although the building will likely have landlord insurance, you won’t be covered for your personal losses. Speak with an insurance agent about how affordable renter’s insurance is.

Cover Your Belongings

If you have a covered loss and you need to replace your clothing, you will be covered in most instances. Not only will your clothing be covered at your residence, but it may also be included if you are traveling and your luggage is lost. Renter’s insurance may also protect you from losses that can be considered your fault.

Purchasing Renter’s Insurance

If you are considering purchasing a renter’s insurance policy, you should find an insurance provider who can help you decide the amount of coverage you need and help you stick to your budget. They can also assist you if you need to find coverage for roommates. If you live in or around the Berks County area, you should contact Berks County Insurance. We can work closely with you to find coverage options that fit your circumstances. We will also go over the details of the policy so you can completely understand the terms and conditions. 

If you want to protect your belongings, including clothing, from potential loss, then renter’s insurance is the best way to protect yourself. Residents living around the Berks County area can count on Berks County Insurance to offer them insurance options that fit their needs. Don’t risk losing your personal belongings. Get the coverage you need for peace of mind. 

How to Save on the Cost of Your RV Insurance Policy

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As an RV owner in Reading, PA, you probably know a few things about saving money, after all, your RV helps you save by combining your hotel and vehicle all in one. It’s only natural that you would want to learn how to save money on the cost of your insurance as well. Here are a few tips to help save on the cost of your RV insurance premiums.

Bundle Your Policies

One of the first and usually easiest ways to start saving on the cost of your RV insurance premiums is to do your research. Contact your current insurance agent as well as a few others to find out if you can bundle policies, such as your home and car along with your RV insurance.

Drive Safely

Avoiding trouble on the roadway is not only safer for you, but a clean and safe driving record may also help to reduce the cost of your RV insurance policy. For example, if you have a habit of speeding, it can result in tickets and points on your license, which will ultimately increase the rate of your insurance coverage. So, by slowing down and following the rules of the road, you will have a safer trip and save money on your insurance premiums.

Increase Your Deductions

The deduction is the amount you owe out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in. Increasing the deductible may help to save on the cost of your premium. Before increasing your deductible, it is important to take into consideration the fact that you will have a more significant financial burden if you have an accident. So, make sure to think carefully about how much you are comfortable increasing the deduction amount to.

Remember always to check around, do your homework, and be sure you thoroughly understand the terms of your policy before buying. Residents of Reading, PA and the surrounding areas interested in learning more about RV insurance should contact Berks County Insurance.

 

3 Helpful Tips for Buying Motorcycle Insurance in Berks County

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Do you own a motorcycle in Berks County? If so, then you need to have motorcycle insurance before riding out on the open road. When it comes to buying this type of insurance, you might not know where to start, especially if this is your first motorcycle. For that reason, the team at Berks County Insurance have put together three tips to help you get started. Read on to learn more:

Always Compare Quotes

Insurance companies offer different prices for different coverages. The best way to find the right coverage at a price that you can afford is by comparing quotes. Work with an agent to narrow down about three quotes and then compare the coverage against the cost. This will help you choose the exact coverage and price point you want.

Bundle Insurance Policies

Chances are you own another asset that requires insurance coverage. For example, if you own a home, car, recreational vehicle, a boat, or other insured asset, you can bundle your insurance policies all under one insurance company. This helps you save money on your premiums and most insurance companies offer a bundling package.  

Work with a Reputable Agent

When purchasing motorcycle insurance in Berks County, use a reputable agent. You will want to work with someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, and who works hard to find you the perfect quote at the perfect price; someone with a reputation for customer satisfaction.  

At Berks County Insurance, our insurance agents are available by phone to answer all of your questions and concerns when purchasing motorcycle insurance. Call today to speak with a reputable agent.

Increasing Your Deductible: When It Makes Sense

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When you’re trying to save money on your boat insurance in Reading, PA, it may make sense to increase your deductible in order to reduce your monthly or yearly premium. Each boat insurance policy is highly personal, so it’s essential that you stop in and talk to your agent at Berks County Insurance to discuss whether or not it makes sense to increase your deductible. You’ll need to consider the following: 

  • Do you have money saved in case your boat needs to be repaired? If you have a large savings account, and a large deductible won’t cause financial stress, it makes sense to take the risk of increasing your deductible to lower your premium. 
  • Do you have many years of boating experience? The longer you’ve been boating, the less likely it is that your boat will be involved in a collision while you’re boating. If you’re newer to the boat scene, it may make sense to keep your deductible low, as you’re more likely to be involved in a collision or accident. 
  • Do you know how to perform some boat repairs yourself? If you have experience with repairing a boat, it’s possible that you won’t need to call in a professional in the case of an accident. If this is true of your situation, it likely makes sense to increase your deductible to lower your premium. 

Boat insurance can be complicated, but you’re not in this alone. Stop in to see your insurance agent at Berks County Insurance in Reading, PA so you can decide if it makes sense for you to increase your boating insurance deductible to lower your premium.