Live Near an Old Dam? You Have to Get Flood Insurance ASAP

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At Richard Zeises Agency, we can help Jenkintown, PA residents get the necessary insurance. For example, you might need flood insurance due to living near a dam but not even realizing it’s necessary. That problem can come back and bite you if you aren’t careful.

You May Live Near a Dam Without Knowing It

The frustrating thing about dams is that it’s hard to gauge how severely an area will get flooded if it breaks. It’s not uncommon for whole towns to go temporarily underwater. When this happens, water will likely damage most of a home and cause real long-term issues. 

As a result, there’s a real chance that you’re at risk without even knowing you are in trouble. What will happen if a dam breaks and floods your home? You might be in real trouble without flood insurance. As a result, you need to ensure you have this coverage ASAP.

How Flood Insurance Helps 

When your home is protected by flood insurance, you don’t have to worry about paying for the damage. Without it, you’ll find yourself struggling to handle your payments and potentially in serious debt. Make sure that you look at the coverage options outlined below to understand more:

  • Replacing all flood-damaged items in your home
  • Covering your temporary relocation costs
  • Repairing damaged structural elements to keep your home safe 
  • Paying to keep you fed during your relocation
  • Restoring areas of the home affected by flood, such as the foundation

Talk to Us Soon 

With the support of our team at Richard Zeises Agency, you can protect your Jenkintown, PA, home and minimize the danger of floods. It’s a process that’s well worth doing right if you want to keep your house safe and secure. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today if you’re curious.

Things you need to know about condo insurance coverage

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If you are a condo owner in or near Jenkintown, PA, you can count on the Richard Zeises Agency to provide the insurance help that you need. As independent insurance agents, we represent more than one insurance carrier, which gives you more choice and the potential for a better rate. We also work for our customers, not one insurance company.

Condo insurance is different from home insurance

When you own a condo, the exterior of the building is insured by the condo association. How far it goes inside the walls depends on the master policy. You are covered against perils, but the master policy also covers the public areas for liability, so if someone visiting you is injured in the parking lot, the condo association is responsible. 

It covers your possessions away from home

Your condo policy covers your personal possessions while in your unit, but it also covers them when they are away from home. So, if something you own is stolen from your vehicle, it is covered by your content insurance. There will be a deductible, but if it is something like a laptop, it is worth filing a claim.

You have choices when it comes to your content coverage

Much like home insurance, you have options regarding your Condo content coverage. You can choose replacement cost or current value. It does make a difference. If you have a 6-year-old sofa, its value today differs from when you purchased it. It can make quite a significant difference in the valuation. It would be best to decide how much of your possessions you want to replace.  

Contact Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA, when you are in the market for new condo insurance or are a first-time condo owner.

Who Needs Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

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If you still owe money on your car loan or live in a rural area, there are several reasons why you may need comprehensive car insurance. With this coverage, you can get the money you need to repair or replace your vehicle following damage not related to a collision. Reach out to the knowledgeable insurance agents at Richard Zeises Agency to learn more about comprehensive insurance in Jenkintown, PA.

Do You Still Owe Money on a Car Loan?

If you finance or lease a vehicle, your lender or rental company will probably require comprehensive coverage. However, if you already own your car, the coverage is optional. We recommend investing in comprehensive coverage to ensure you have the money needed to repair non-collision damage due to vandalism or fire.

Do You Live in a Rural Area?

Deer, elk, and other wildlife sometimes wander onto the roadways directly into the path of oncoming traffic. You’ll need comprehensive car insurance to pay for the damage if you hit a large animal. Comprehensive insurance also covers the replacement cost of a stolen vehicle, assuming it’s written into your policy.

Do You Want "Everything but Collision" Coverage?

Comprehensive car insurance is sometimes called "everything but collision" insurance. It may include coverage for losses due to falling objects, fire, theft, animal damage, and natural disasters. It’s an excellent addition to the legally required property damage and bodily injury coverage mandated in Pennsylvania. So, you probably want it, especially if you have a newer vehicle.

Where Can You Get Comprehensive Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania?

At Richard Zeises Agency, our agents undergo continuous training to stay on top of the latest changes in comprehensive coverage. If you want to discuss how this coverage would benefit you, contact our team today! We’d love to provide a free quote or evaluate your existing auto coverage in Jenkintown, PA.

Why Your Customers May Require Proof of General Liability Insurance Coverage

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General liability insurance is one of the most basic and necessary business insurance you should have for your company. The coverage provides essential protection not only for you but also for your customers. Depending on the operations of your business, you may require additional types of commercial insurance. At Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA, we can help your business get the necessary insurance coverage.

General Liability Insurance Helps Protect Your Customers

General liability insurance aims to protect any third party that might sustain damage while doing business with your company during normal operations. So, if a customer slips and falls while at your store or office, the policy would pay for their medical costs. The policy would also cover a customer’s property if it is damaged while at your business. General liability also covers costs or settlements if you are sued. These protections explain why customers often require general liability coverage before they agree to do business with your company.

Liability Insurance Also Helps To Protect Your Business

The protections offered by general liability insurance help protect your business against large, unexpected costs that might arise in normal operations. The coverage provides financial shields for your business, which you would otherwise have to pay for on your own. These expenses could significantly undermine your company’s bottom line and drive you out of business.

Make Richard Zeises Agency Your Choice For Business Insurance

Our Jenkintown, PA agents can provide detailed information on the best types of business insurance for your needs. We offer a broad range of home, auto, boat, life, renters, and commercial insurance products. Contact Richard Zeises Agency today for a no-obligation quote on general liability insurance for your business.

Can You File a Home Insurance Claim if Fireworks Damaged Your Home?

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The 4th of July has come and gone. But, it may not have left you in a great position if your home or roof sustained damage due to fireworks. At the Richard Zeises Agency, serving the greater Jenkintown, PA area, we are often asked whether you can file a home insurance claim if fireworks damage your home.

In general, standard home insurance policies typically provide coverage for fire damage. However, coverage for fireworks-related incidents may vary. Some policies explicitly exclude damage caused by fireworks, while others may cover such damage under certain conditions. Reviewing your insurance policy to understand the terms and conditions regarding fireworks is crucial. If the policy includes coverage for fire damage and does not explicitly exclude fireworks, you may be able to file a claim for the damages caused by fireworks.

When filing a claim, it is essential to provide thorough documentation, including photographs and descriptions of the damage. It is also helpful to have evidence that the fireworks were the cause of the fire, such as eyewitness accounts or fire department reports. Remember that insurance companies may investigate the incident’s circumstances to determine the claim’s cause and validity. Additionally, some policies may have specific restrictions on fireworks-related claims, such as limiting coverage to certain dates or requiring compliance with local ordinances.

If you have any questions about your home insurance policy, including whether firework damage is covered, or you are looking to obtain a new one, the team at Richard Zeises Agency, serving the Jenkintown, PA area, can assist you. Call us now to learn more or to get started.

Tips to keep your classic car running like new

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If you are a proud owner of a classic car in the Jenkintown, PA area, you know how important it is to keep your vehicle running like new. Maintaining a classic car can be a bit of an art form, but here are some tips from us at Richard Zeises Agency that will help you out: 

  1. Regular Maintenance: Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and having all required services done as prescribed is essential. This includes regularly checking the oil level, changing oil filters and spark plugs, and other regular servicing that will help keep your car running smoothly for years. 
  2. Tune-Ups: Periodically tune up your classic car to ensure all its components work properly. This includes cleaning and adjusting the carburetor, timing adjustments, and checking ignition systems and spark plugs. 
  3. Pay Attention to the Tires: Make sure your tires are always correctly inflated and in good condition, with plenty of treads left on them for safety purposes. Also, check alignment often to ensure it is correctly balanced for optimal performance. 
  4. Invest in Quality Parts: If you need to replace certain parts, invest in quality ones that will last longer than cheap parts that may not fit correctly or wear down quickly over time. 
  5. Treat Your Classic Car Right: Always use high-quality fuel with appropriate octane ratings so that it does not damage the engine components over time due to poor quality fuel used. Additionally, be mindful of where you park your car if you leave it outdoors—avoiding harsh weather conditions can help extend its life over time.

For more tips, give us at Richard Zeises Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the Jenkintown, PA area.

Why renters should have renters insurance

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Rental insurance is something that a little less than half of renters choose not to have. It is risky since most of your possessions are probably in your rental. At Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA, we have our renter’s best interests at heart, and we are happy to explain why it is something you probably should have. 

If you think your landlord or management company has insurance covering your possessions, you are wrong. They have insurance on their building and what belongs to them. They are not paying to insure what belongs to you. If you want to protect your possessions, you need renters insurance. 

Coverage for your Possessions

Renters insurance has valuable coverage for your possessions. You can choose what type of coverage you want and how much you should have. You can cover your things for their current value or replacement cost. Those two figures are not the same. Chances are, your seven-year-old sofa isn’t valued at an amount that would allow you to replace it today. Your renter’s insurance also covers your possessions when you take them away from home. So, if someone steals something from your car, you’re covered minus the deductible.

Protect Against Injury

Renters’ insurance also provides liability coverage. If someone decides to sue you over an injury at your rental or they are injured away from the rental by a family member, your insurance will cover you up to the policy’s limit. 

Uninhabitable Home

Have you ever considered where you would go if your rental was damaged and was not habitable? Renters insurance provides loss-of-use coverage to help you find a place to stay until you can return to your rental. It may also pay for meals. 

Contact our team at Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA for help with any questions you have about renters insurance. 

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

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Umbrella insurance is a kind of insurance coverage that you get to add coverage elsewhere. You can get umbrella coverage if you already have auto and home insurance policies. Both types of policies come with liability coverage, but it often isn’t very much. You can add to that coverage by getting an umbrella policy to be better protected. When you want more insurance coverage, call us at Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA to learn more about these policies.

Save Money

If you know you need more liability coverage, you may think it’s too expensive to get it. And if you add liability coverage straight onto your home and auto policies, that may be true. Adding coverage to them directly is expensive, but it costs much less to do it with an umbrella policy. These policies cover you like an umbrella, adding an enormous amount of liability coverage onto both of those policies for a small price tag. It’s a great way to be well-protected without breaking your budget. 

Paying Overages

If you don’t have umbrella insurance and are in a major, expensive accident, your liability coverage might not be enough to pay for it. You may have your liability coverage reach its maximum payout and leave a lot of bills left over for you to pay. That’s why so many people get an umbrella policy. After the first insurance policy maxes out, the umbrella policy comes in and pays for that overage. This will leave you with nothing left to pay out of pocket for your accident. Major accidents can be costly, and this can leave you in a better position. 

Get Your Umbrella Policy

Call us today at Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA to get started with an umbrella policy.

 

Preparing for the Worst: How Flood Insurance Can Help You Recover from Water Damage

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When it comes to natural disasters, it pays to be prepared. Floods are among the most destructive disasters that can hit your home or business. That’s why our experts at Richard Zeises Agency highly recommend residents of Jenkintown, PA and the surrounding areas invest in flood insurance.

Understanding Flood Insurance Coverage

Flood insurance can make the difference between a complete disaster and the chance to pick up and start again. It provides you with financial protection when floods damage your home or business, often covering more than what traditional homeowners’ insurance covers. In addition to buildings, flood insurance can also cover personal property, living expenses, and even debris removal.

Who Needs Flood Insurance?

If you live in an area prone to flooding or declared a flood zone, it’s wise to invest in flood insurance. Floods don’t just affect coastal areas; they can occur anywhere and can be catastrophic when they do. Even if your home isn’t located in a flood zone, your mortgage company may still require you to have flood insurance.

What to Do If Your Home is Damaged by Flooding

If a flood damages your home, there are some steps you can take to get your life back on track.

Before anything else, immediately contact your insurance provider and document the damage with photos or video. Your insurance agent will then work with you to assess the situation and determine what coverage is available under your policy. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacements, as well as living expenses while you’re displaced.

Making the Choice to Invest in Flood Insurance

To ensure you’re adequately prepared for the worst, contact Richard Zeises Agency today and ask about our flood insurance plans. We can help you assess your risk level in the Jenkintown, PA area and create a plan that will give you peace of mind in the face of flooding. Don’t wait until disaster strikes; take control of your future and invest in flood insurance today.

Can a Condo HOA Regulate Which Company You Have to Buy Condo Insurance Through?

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If you have a condo, the lender likely requires you to purchase condo insurance. If your condo is paid off, the HOA that oversees the condo building, can require you to carry condo insurance. Here at Richard Zeises Agency, serving the greater Jenkintown, PA area, we have had individuals ask us if their condo HOA can require or regulate which company you have to purchase condo insurance through. 

Can a Condo HOA Regulate Which Company You Have to Buy Condo Insurance Through?

The HOA, or homeowners association, for a condominium building, can require you to carry condo insurance. They can even require you to carry a minimum amount of coverage. However, while they can recommend insurance companies to you, ultimately, you have the final say in which company you decide to purchase condo insurance from.

As long as the insurance meets the minimum requirements required by the condo HOA, they cannot force you to purchase a policy through one insurance company or another. You have the ability to research various companies and obtain estimates for policies through different companies and select the insurer for your policy on your own. 

Reach Out To Us

Condo insurance is similar to home insurance. It helps to protect the investment you have made in the condo, as well as your belongings that are stored in the condo. If you are in the market for a new condo insurance policy in the greater Jenkintown, PA area, reach out to the insurance professionals at Richard Zeises Agency. We would love the opportunity to help you find the best insurance policy for your needs. Call us today to learn more.