We all want the best Pa. auto insurance that money can buy…and we want it at “walmart” prices.  It’s the new, evolved american way !

Problem with many of us that go too fast is overlooking some simple items.  Simple items that can affect your bottom line.

I’ll list a few things we deal with on a weekly basis that you should be aware of.  I hope you’ll keep these in mind if the subject comes up.

No Fault- Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, so my premiums won’t go up.  Very common mistake.  Pennsylvania applies the no-fault to only one portion of your auto insurance policy. The First Party Benefits(FPB) portion of your policy operates on a “no fault” basis. Simply put, your auto policy will pay out under your policy for any “first party benefit” claim regardless of who is actually at fault in the accident.  Example: You’re hit from behind while stopped at a red light…you’re FPB will pay “your” medical and work loss benefits. Your insurance is not legally permitted to persue the other driver or their insurance company to recover any of these paid expenses.  Examples can include any injury that is suffered as a result of a motor vehicle, even if it is not “your” vehicle.  You Can be surcharged for an “at fault” accident that results in a certain $$ amount being paid out by your insurer.  You cannot be surcharged if the accident was not determined to be your fault.

I’ll add my young driver to my policy later, when its more convenient.  Unfortunately, we cannot monitor or babysit those who do not add their youthful operators to their policy. In recent situations involving young drivers who were not listed on the policy I’ve noticed a trend developing. The insurer is offering to pay the submitted claim…minus the $$ in premium that would have been paid beginning on the date the young driver was licensed. Bottom line… pay now or pay later.

Slid on Black Ice so It’s Not My Fault. No news flash here but…. black ice is a misnomer, there is no such thing.  The road is black, the ice is still ice…it’s clear.  Your insurer’s view of these accidents…you got in the car on a cold, possibly icy day and took the chance on driving under those conditions. You need to accept responsibility that your actions, inactions or simple “choice” in these conditions that led to the accident. It will be considered your fault.  Maybe Oprah will see it your way, but your insurance company will not.

Switching Companies For a Few Dollars in Savings. Let’s get one thing clear, I work on commissions….no secret there. I love to get new clients and build new relationships because it’s in my nature, that we can blame on God. I do, however, need to get paid for the work I do in between all the fun.  When you come to my office, online or my competitors office and get a quote that saves you a few dollars, you shouldn’t even be thinking about changing based on price.  If it’s a service issue,a personality conflict, claims, I understand. But if it’s for only a few dollars…quite frankly…you’ll be looking again next year.  What do you risk ?? how about accident forgiveness? We do have companies that will “grandfather” accident forgiveness to clients who’ve earned it at their current carrier. Even then, you need a good reason to switch other than a few dollars. So… even though I may be giving up some pay…I’d suggest you stay put unless you’re in desperate need of better service, my charming personality or you’ve just moved to town.

There… I’ve covered a few that are on the top of my mind, but I’ll be back with more in the future.

Got some questions ?? Fire off an email to me and I’ll be sure to get you an answer or at the very least I’ll forward your request on to Santa.

The average consumer has access to information that will boggle the mind. Ten years ago “google it” would have gotten you some odd stares from bystanders. Today we “google” pennsylvania umbrella insurance and get 20,000 hits with free advice on buying insurance. Of course then you need a masters degree to sort through this “free” advice to find what works best for you.

Your concern should be having an insurance agent you can trust. An agent who offers honest, thoughtful advice is priceless. If you’ve shopped for pennsylvania auto insurance rates or pennsylvania homeowners rates you know how valuable a trusted agent can be. Your pennsylvania umbrella insurance is no different and quite possibly even more important.

Pennsylvania Umbrella Insurance is one of the most overlooked coverages in my agency. After 23 years in the business I’m still surprised when clients decide to skip the umbrella coverage when I’m setting up their insurance plans.

When your pennsylvania auto insurance or home insurance is called on by the courts you will be put under the microscope. This is the time when people realize what their agent was talking about. The court will use the term “reasonable and prudent” when your insurance is reviewed to see if you carried adequate limits of liability. Reasonable and prudent is the terminology that decides if you obviously carried limits that were comparable to your overall net worth or if you chose blatantly low limits. Many times this will be the basis of the decision to liquidate your personal assets to satisfy a judgement. Hey, I didn’t make the rules ! Google that one and see for yourself.

For a policy that picks up the excess liability, over and above you pennsylvania auto and home insurance limits, what would it be worth to you? Most umbrella policies range from $150-200 per year.

Now, picture this…you’re sitting in front of a judge and jury… and you’re handed a judgement of $750,000 for the car accident you were involved in that injured three other people…was the $150 bucks money well spent? That will depend on what you’ve worked hard to accumulate. Do you own your home ? Do you have a retirement savings ? How about a camp ? Call an agent you know and trust to get a price on pennsylvania umbrella coverage today. Tonight you’ll sleep much better knowing you’ve protected your family.