Auto Insurance Myths :: Car Insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania

May 10th, 2012

When purchasing any insurance policy, it is extremely important to know and understand the factors that can affect your car insurance premium rates and coverage. Still, countless car and truck owners do not know how to separate auto insurance fact from auto insurance myth. Luckily, we at Barrick & Associates Insurance are here to help!

Auto Insurance Myth #1: Car Color Affects Insurance Rates

Of course color doesn’t matter! What will affect your insurance premiums are your car’s sticker price, make, model, body type, engine size, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, the likelihood of theft, the age of the vehicle and the age, driving record and credit history of the driver.

Auto Insurance Myth #2: It Costs More to Insure Your Car When You Get Older

Actually, the opposite is typically true. Many drivers over 55 years of age can, in fact, qualify for a reduction in auto insurance rates. If you are retired or are not employed full time, you may also be eligible for a discount of up to 5 percent off your car insurance.

Auto Insurance Myth #3: Your Insurance Covers Theft, Vandalism, Damage by Natural Disasters, etc.

You will need to purchase both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage to fully protect your vehicle from all types of damage. These coverages are optional and not part of a standard auto insurance policy.

Auto Insurance Myth #4: You Only Need the Minimum Amount of Auto Liability Coverage Required by Law

Most states require you to purchase a minimum amount of liability coverage. Yet, accidents, legal fees, and hospital bills often cost more than your minimum limits will cover, meaning you will end up paying out-of-pocket.

The insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident.

Auto Insurance Myth #5: If Other Drive Your Car, Their Insurance Will Cover Them

In most states, the auto insurance policy covering the vehicle is considered the primary insurance, which means that the owner’s insurance company must pay for damages caused by an accident. However, policies and laws differ from state to state. So familiarize yourself with these differences before allowing someone else to drive your vehicle.

Auto Insurance Myth #6: Personal Auto Insurance Covers Business Use of Your Car

No, no, and, did we mention, no! If you use your personal vehicle for work, you will most likely need business vehicle insurance policy.

If you have any further questions about Auto Insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania, please contact the insurance experts at Barrick & Associates, Inc. to learn more. Call 1-800-548-9810 or click here today!

Whether you’re looking for business insurance or auto, home, life, or health insurance in Hanover, PA, our qualified and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right policy to best suit your needs. And we do much more than just help you purchase a policy. We also assist in submitting claims and customizing programs for your business. We specialize in providing customized insurance protection for Automobile Dealers, Auto Service Centers, Auto Body Shops, Contractors, Farms and Restaurants, as well as Personal insurance policies. And with all of our insurance services, Barrick and Associates offers a “Money Back Guarantee.”

We are the leading provider of insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Eight Auto Insurance Myths Insurance Information Institute

Home Remodeling and Homeowners Insurance in Hanover, PA

May 1st, 2012

Are you planning on remodeling your home this summer? If so, it is important to notify your homeowners insurance agency to ensure you are properly covered during and after your remodel.

Home Remodeling Steps according to the Insurance Information Institute 

  1. 1.   Notify Your Insurance Agency: Before you even swing a hammer, cut a board, or even buy materials, it is important to notify your insurance agency of you upcoming home remodel. Be sure to ask if you will need to update your homeowners insurance and whether you need other types of insurance to protect you financially during the project.
  2. 2.   Verify Your Contractor has Insurance: If you decide to hire a professional home improvement contractor, be sure to ask for a copy of your contractor’s insurance policies. The contractor should have the following coverages: commercial business insurance, general liability insurance, and workers compensation.
  3. 3.   Keep Records: Take photographs before, during, and after your home remodel so that you have a record of the work done to your home. Also be sure to keep copies of any contracts and receipts.
  4. 4.   Update Your Homeowners Insurance: After a major home remodel, you may need to increase the amount of homeowners insurance coverage you have.
  5. 5.   Ask Questions: Do not be afraid to ask your insurance agent questions about your coverage. It is important to ensure that you are properly insured.

If you have any further questions about Homeowners Insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania, please contact the insurance experts at Barrick & Associates, Inc. to learn more. Call 1-800-548-9810 or click here today!

Whether you’re looking for business insurance or auto, home, life, or health insurance in Hanover, PA, our qualified and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right policy to best suit your needs. And we do much more than just help you purchase a policy. We also assist in submitting claims and customizing programs for your business. We specialize in providing customized insurance protection for Automobile Dealers, Auto Service Centers, Auto Body Shops, Contractors, Farms and Restaurants, as well as Personal insurance policies. And with all of our insurance services, Barrick and Associates offers a “Money Back Guarantee.”

We are the leading provider of insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

If You Are Planning to Remodel Your Home, Notify Your Insurance Company First

Landlording in Hanover, Pennsylvania: The Insurance Policies You Need

April 25th, 2012

If you are considering getting into the landlord business in Hanover, Pennsylvania – whether you want to rent out a second home or a spare room – there are a few things you will need to know. First and foremost, you will need to purchase the appropriate insurance coverages. And if you are unsure what coverages those may be, don’t worry. We will explain everything shortly.

Step 1: Call your insurance agent or agency. Barrick & Associates Insurance can help. We understand the importance of protecting your investments, so we offer quality protection at an affordable price.

Step 2: Determine the Type of Insurance Policy You Need

  1. 1.   Short-Term Rentals (Primary Residence): If you plan to rent out a room in your primary residence for a week or several weekends, you will run into two scenarios. 1) If this is not going to be a frequent occurrence, your insurance company may cover you under your standard homeowners insurance policy. If not, you may have to purchase an endorsement for your existing policy. 2) If you plan to rent out your spare room for short periods of time, but on a regular basis, you will need a business insurance policy.
  2. 2.   Long-Term Rentals (Second Home): If you plan to rent out a second home for long periods of time, you will need a landlord or rental dwelling policy. These policies typically cost 25% more than standard homeowners policies for the simple reason that landlords need more protection than a typical homeowner.
  3. 3.   Renters Insurance: As a landlord, your insurance coverage only covers the structure of the home itself, not the contents. In order to avoid disputes in the event of damage to the renter’s belongings, it is often a good idea to require a tenant to buy a renters insurance policy before signing a lease.

If you have any further questions about Landlording and Insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania, please contact the insurance experts at Barrick & Associates, Inc. to learn more. Call 1-800-548-9810 or click here today!

Whether you’re looking for business insurance or auto, home, life, or health insurance in Hanover, PA, our qualified and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right policy to best suit your needs. And we do much more than just help you purchase a policy. We also assist in submitting claims and customizing programs for your business. We specialize in providing customized insurance protection for Automobile Dealers, Auto Service Centers, Auto Body Shops, Contractors, Farms and Restaurants, as well as Personal insurance policies. And with all of our insurance services, Barrick and Associates offers a “Money Back Guarantee.”

We are the leading provider of insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

An Overview of Life Insurance Policies from Hanover, PA’s Insurance Experts

April 20th, 2012

Life insurance policies come in two major types – whole life, also known as permanent life insurance, and term life insurance. But which type on life insurance makes the most sense for you? Well, before you make a decision, you need to know more about your two choices.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance is exactly what it sounds like. You buy a policy and you are covered under that policy for a specified term, typically 1-30 years. There are two basic types of term life insurance policies—level term and decreasing term.

  • Level Term Life Insurance: Death benefit stays the same throughout the duration of the policy.
  • Decreasing Term Life Insurance: Death benefit decrease the duration of the policy’s term.

Whole Life / Permanent Life Insurance

Whole life / permanent life insurance covers you until the day you die. There are three subcategories of whole life or permanent life insurance—traditional whole life, universal life, and variable universal life, with variations of each subcategory.

  • Traditional Whole Life Insurance: This type of policy offers a death benefit along with a savings account.
  • Universal Life Insurance: This type of policy offers you more flexibility than whole life insurance, including: the ability to increase the death benefit, a savings vehicle called a cash value account, and more.
  • Variable Life Insurance: This policy combines death protection with a savings account that you can invest in stocks, bonds and money market mutual funds.

You work hard to obtain financial security. You understand the importance of protecting that security. We offer quality protection and affordable pricing to help you obtain your goals.

If you have any further questions about Life Insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania, please contact the insurance experts at Barrick & Associates, Inc. to learn more. Call 1-800-548-9810 or click here today!

Whether you’re looking for business insurance or auto, home, life, or health insurance in Hanover, PA, our qualified and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right policy to best suit your needs. And we do much more than just help you purchase a policy. We also assist in submitting claims and customizing programs for your business. We specialize in providing customized insurance protection for Automobile Dealers, Auto Service Centers, Auto Body Shops, Contractors, Farms and Restaurants, as well as Personal insurance policies. And with all of our insurance services, Barrick and Associates offers a “Money Back Guarantee.”

We are the leading provider of insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

What are the principal types of life insurance?

Advice from Hanover, PA’s Insurance Experts: Insuring a Home Business

April 13th, 2012

If you own and operate a small business out of your home, it is important to know that a typical homeowners insurance policy probably does not adequately cover your home business. A typical homeowners policy provides only $2,500 coverage for business equipment. Is this enough to cover your business property? If not, you may want to look into other options. You may want to look into coverages for liability and lost income, as well.

Three Basic Insurance Options for Home Businesses

Homeowners Policy Endorsement: Adding an endorsement to your current homeowners policy may be all you need to adequately cover your home business. You can also buy a homeowners liability endorsement.

In-Home Business Policy / Program: This provides a more comprehensive coverage than a homeowners policy endorsement. These policies, also known as in-home business endorsements, typically protect your property; reimburse you for the loss of important papers and records, accounts receivable and off-site business property; and pay for the income you lose (business interruption) in the event your home is badly damaged. Although policies will differ depending on the insurer, so be sure to talk to your agent about your options.

Businessowners Policy (BOP): Specifically for small or mid-sized businesses, BOPs cover business property and equipment, loss of income, extra expense and liability. However, a BOP doesn’t include workers compensation, health or disability insurance.

At Barrick & Associates, Inc., we understand the importance of creating and maintaining a safe, productive work environment for your employees and customers. We will work with you to develop an effective safety and insurance plan. Over time, accident prevention and management may save you money by:

-Reducing direct and indirect expenses normally associated with losses.

-Qualify you for available insurance discounts.

-Lower the overall cost of your coverage by improved loss experience.

If you have any further questions about Home Business Insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania, please contact the insurance experts at Barrick & Associates, Inc. to learn more. Call 1-800-548-9810 or click here today!

Whether you’re looking for business insurance or auto, home, life, or health insurance in Hanover, PA, our qualified and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right policy to best suit your needs. And we do much more than just help you purchase a policy. We also assist in submitting claims and customizing programs for your business. We specialize in providing customized insurance protection for Automobile Dealers, Auto Service Centers, Auto Body Shops, Contractors, Farms and Restaurants, as well as Personal insurance policies. And with all of our insurance services, Barrick and Associates offers a “Money Back Guarantee.”

We are the leading provider of insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

How do I insure my Home Business

Insurance Tips from Hanover’s Insurance Experts: Common Insurance Mistakes

April 5th, 2012

Everyone wants to save money. And while it is possible to save money on your auto, home, and life insurance policies, you must be certain that you are not putting yourself in jeopardy by reducing your coverage. This can leave you dangerously underinsured.

So, before making any decisions about your insurance policies, consult your insurance agent or agency representative. They will be able to walk you through the process, ensuring you get the most coverage for the best price.

Insurance Tips and Common Insurance Mistakes

  1. Home Insurance: Be sure you have insured your home for the cost of rebuilding, NOT for its real estate value. This is a critical mistake that countless homeowners make. A better way to save is to increase your deductible…not decrease your coverage!
  2. Flood Insurance: It never floods in your area, right? Well, did you know that 25% of all flood losses occur in “low risk” areas? Flood insurance is a must!
  3. Car Insurance: Many people purchase the minimum amount of liability coverage for their car insurance policy. This means you will be forced to pay A LOT out of pocket if you are found liable for an accident. Is saving a few dollars now worth the risk of spending thousands upon thousands later?
  4. Renters Insurance: Renters insurance covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to an insured disaster, such as a fire or hurricane.
  5. Insurance Company: Do not choose just any insurance agency. Choose an agency that actually cares, an agency like Barrick and Associates, Inc.!

We offer quality protection and affordable pricing… click here for a free, real-time insurance quote.

If you have any further questions about Insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania, please contact the insurance experts at Barrick & Associates, Inc. to learn more. Call 1-800-548-9810 or click here today!

Whether you’re looking for business insurance or auto, home, life, or health insurance in Hanover, PA, our qualified and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right policy to best suit your needs. And we do much more than just help you purchase a policy. We also assist in submitting claims and customizing programs for your business. We specialize in providing customized insurance protection for Automobile Dealers, Auto Service Centers, Auto Body Shops, Contractors, Farms and Restaurants, as well as Personal insurance policies. And with all of our insurance services, Barrick and Associates offers a “Money Back Guarantee.”

We are the leading provider of insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Five Insurance Mistakes to Avoid… And Still Save Money

The Dangers of Distracted Driving and Safe Driving Tips

March 30th, 2012

Distracted driving is to blame for 25% of all automobile accidents, accounting for more than 1.5 million collisions annually in the United States. Distracted driving includes text messaging (200,000 crashes annually), talking on the phone (1.4 million crashes annually), eating or drinking, changing the radio station, turning around to talk to one of your passengers, and much more.

Each of these actions takes your attention away from the road and greatly reduces your reaction time.

Safe Driving Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

Voice Mail: You have voice mail for a reason. Use it!

Pull Over: Instead of texting or talking on the phone while driving, wait until you reach your destination. Or, if it is really important, pull over in a safe area before texting or calling.

Do not Eat or Drink: Spills cause more accidents than you can imagine.

Get Ready at Home: Do not do your makeup or hair while driving. Give yourself plenty of time in the morning to get ready.

Talk to your Teen: If you are a parent, make sure your young driver knows the dangers of distracted driving. “Teens and Distracted Driving”, a Pew Internet & American Life Project 2009 survey of 800 young people, found that 26 percent of American teens ages 16 to 17 have texted while driving and 43 percent have talked on a cellphone while driving.

Be Safe…the Call can Wait!

If you have any further questions about Safe Driving or Auto Insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania, please contact the insurance experts at Barrick & Associates, Inc. to learn more. Call 1-800-548-9810 or click here today!

We offer quality protection and affordable pricing… click here for a free, real-time insurance quote.

Whether you’re looking for business insurance or auto, home, life, or health insurance in Hanover, PA, our qualified and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right policy to best suit your needs. And we do much more than just help you purchase a policy. We also assist in submitting claims and customizing programs for your business. We specialize in providing customized insurance protection for Automobile Dealers, Auto Service Centers, Auto Body Shops, Contractors, Farms and Restaurants, as well as Personal insurance policies. And with all of our insurance services, Barrick and Associates offers a “Money Back Guarantee.”

We are the leading provider of insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Distracted Driving

 

Flood Insurance: Protecting Your Hanover Home from Water Damage

March 23rd, 2012

Water damage is not only one of the most common disasters affecting U.S. homeowners, but it is also one of the most devastating. In fact, water damage accounts for billions of dollars in losses annually. So how can you better protect your home and your possessions from water damage?

Well, purchasing the right type of insurance is a good start!

Standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for water damage caused by burst pipes, wind driven rain, and ice dams on your roof. Flooding, on the other hand, is NOT covered in your standard homeowners insurance policy.

In order to protect yourself from these types of disasters, you will need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.

Additional Tips to Protect your Home from Water and Flood Damage

  • Inspect Hoses and Faucets: Check hoses annually and replace those with cracks or leaks. Additionally, you should replace hoses every five to seven years.
  • Inspect Showers and Tubs: Check seals and caulking and make sure they are still watertight.
  • Shut Off the Water Supply: While on vacation, be safe and shut off the water supply to the washing machine.
  • Know the Location of the Main Water Shut Off Valve: In case of an emergency, know where the valve is located and how to shut off the main water supply.
  • Emergency Release Valve: An emergency release valve in your plumbing system will protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
  • Check Pipes: Examine pipes periodically for cracks and leaks and repair or replace damaged pipes immediately.
  • Inspect Your Roof: Look for missing or damage shingles. Replace shingles as necessary.
  • Check Gutters and Downspouts: Remove any debris that may have accumulated in downspouts and rain gutters.

If you have any further questions about Flood Insurance Policies, please contact the insurance experts at Barrick & Associates, Inc. to learn more. Call 1-800-548-9810 or click here today!

We offer quality protection and affordable pricing… click here for a free, real-time insurance quote.

Whether you’re looking for business insurance or auto, home, life, or health insurance in Hanover, PA, our qualified and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right policy to best suit your needs. And we do much more than just help you purchase a policy. We also assist in submitting claims and customizing programs for your business. We specialize in providing customized insurance protection for Automobile Dealers, Auto Service Centers, Auto Body Shops, Contractors, Farms and Restaurants, as well as Personal insurance policies. And with all of our insurance services, Barrick and Associates offers a “Money Back Guarantee.”

We are the leading provider of insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

How to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Workers Compensation Insurance: Protecting Business Owners in Hanover, PA

March 16th, 2012

Last week, we discussed the various types of business insurance coverages every Hanover business owner should purchase. This week, we are going to focus on one specific type of business insurance coverage: Workers Compensation Insurance (also referred to as workers comp).

Workers compensation insurance is required when you employee more than your state’s designated number of employees (except in Texas). This type of coverage protects employers and business owners from lawsuits resulting from workplace accidents and injuries. Workers compensation insurance pays for medical care and replaces a portion of lost wages, rehabilitation services, and death benefits for an employee who is injured in the course of employment, regardless of who was at fault for the injury.

Workers compensation insurance covers workers who…

1.   are injured on the job

2.   are injured in auto accidents while on business

3.   contract a work-related illnesses

At Barrick and Associates, we understand the importance of creating and maintaining a safe, productive work environment for your employees and customers. We will work with you to develop an effective safety and insurance plan. Over time, accident prevention and management may save you money by:

•    Reducing direct and indirect expenses normally associated with losses.

•    Qualify you for available insurance discounts.

•    Lower the overall cost of your coverage by improved loss experience.

If you have any further questions about Business Insurance Policies, please contact the insurance experts at Barrick & Associates, Inc. to learn more. Call 1-800-548-9810 or click here today!

We offer quality protection and affordable pricing… click here for a free, real-time insurance quote.

Whether you’re looking for business insurance or auto, home, life, or health insurance in Hanover, PA, our qualified and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right policy to best suit your needs. And we do much more than just help you purchase a policy. We also assist in submitting claims and customizing programs for your business. We specialize in providing customized insurance protection for Automobile Dealers, Auto Service Centers, Auto Body Shops, Contractors, Farms and Restaurants, as well as Personal insurance policies. And with all of our insurance services, Barrick and Associates offers a “Money Back Guarantee.”

We are the leading provider of insurance in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Do I need workers compensation insurance?

What Insurance Should I Purchase for my Hanover Business?

March 9th, 2012

Protecting your small or medium sized business is an essential part of any business plan. However, determining you need a business insurance policy and selecting the right business insurance policy are two completely different things.

So what type of insurance policies should your business have?

Property Insurance: If your property – building/structure and personal property – is destroyed or damaged as the result of various types of common “perils,” such as fire or theft, property insurance compensates you accordingly.

Liability Insurance: Liability insurance pays for damages for which you are found liable (up to the policy limits). This includes attorney’s fees, medical bills, and other expenses you may incur during the process.

 Business Vehicle Insurance: Many personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage for vehicles damaged when being used for business purposes. A business auto policy provides coverage for autos owned and used by your business.

 Workers Compensation Insurance: Unless your business is located in Texas, workers compensation insurance is required when you employee more than your state’s designated number of employees. Workers comp insurance pays for medical care and replaces a portion of lost wages for an employee who is injured in the course of employment, regardless of who was at fault for the injury.

At Barrick and Associates, we understand the importance of creating and maintaining a safe, productive work environment for your employees and customers. We will work with you to develop an effective safety and insurance plan. Over time, accident prevention and management may save you money by:

•         Reducing direct and indirect expenses normally associated with losses.

•         Qualify you for available insurance discounts.

•         Lower the overall cost of your coverage by improved loss experience.

 

If you have any further questions about Business Insurance Policies, please contact the insurance experts at Barrick & Associates, Inc. to learn more. Call 1-800-548-9810 or click here today!

Want to ask Steve Barrick your insurance questions in person? Well, now’s your chance. Meet Steve at the Hanover Chamber of Commerce Mixer on March 14 at the American Red Cross, Hanover Chapter.

We offer quality protection and affordable pricing… click here for a free, real-time insurance quote.

Whether you’re looking for business insurance or auto, home, life, or health insurance in Hanover, PA, our qualified and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right policy to best suit your needs. And we do much more than just help you purchase a policy. We also assist in submitting claims and customizing programs for your business. We specialize in providing customized insurance protection for Automobile Dealers, Auto Service Centers, Auto Body Shops, Contractors, Farms and Restaurants, as well as Personal insurance policies. And with all of our insurance services, Barrick and Associates offers a “Money Back Guarantee.”

We are the leading provider of insurance in Hanover, PA.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Small Business Insurance Basics