Why renters should have renters insurance

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?

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

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?

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. 

Auto Insurance Add-Ons to Make Driving Easier

Whether you’re a new driver or have been driving for years, it’s crucial to have the right car insurance coverage. Having the right coverage can make driving in Jenkintown, PA much easier.

Let’s look at some car insurance add-ons available through the Richard Zeises Agency to help you get around safely and securely.

Auto Insurance Add-Ons

Rental Reimbursement Coverage

Rental reimbursement coverage helps pay for a rental car if your vehicle is damaged or stolen and not drivable. This coverage is beneficial if you use your vehicle for work, school, or other activities that require constant transportation. If you already have comprehensive and collision coverage, this add-on may be worth considering, as it helps ease the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced.

Emergency Roadside Assistance Coverage

No one enjoys being stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down vehicle, but it happens. Emergency roadside assistance provides peace of mind by covering repair costs in case of an unexpected breakdown, such as flat tires, running out of gas, dead batteries, and more. With this add-on policy, you won’t ever have to worry about being stuck on the side of the road without help again.

Glass Coverage

Glass coverage is an optional add-on to your existing car insurance policy that helps cover the cost of replacing windshields and other glass that may be damaged in an accident or from a flying rock. A glass add-on pays for the labor required to fix or replace cracked, chipped, or shattered glass without affecting your rates.

Get The Right Coverage For Your Needs

These are just some ways adding extra coverage to your auto policy could benefit you when driving in Jenkintown, PA. Contact us today to learn more about how Richard Zeises Agency can help customize an auto policy for your and your family’s needs!

I already have insurance. Why get an umbrella policy?

Many people don’t have umbrella insurance and don’t even know what it is. Umbrella insurance is a type of insurance that helps protect you from very large, unforeseen expenses. It works by kicking in when your other policies reach their limit. This can be a huge help if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to sue or are sued for a large amount of money.  Richard Zeises Agency, serving the Jenkintown, PA community, is here to assist you with this vital coverage. 

The benefits of umbrella insurance

There are several benefits to having umbrella insurance. First, it can help protect your assets in the event of a lawsuit. Second, it can provide peace of mind knowing that you are covered for any potential liability costs. Finally, umbrella insurance is typically much less expensive than traditional homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies.

How to get an umbrella policy

If you are interested in getting umbrella insurance, there are several things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure that your current policies have no gaps where an umbrella policy could fill in. Second, be aware of the maximum coverage amount offered by your umbrella policy and make sure that it is sufficient to cover all potential costs. Finally, always read the fine print so that you understand exactly what is and is not covered by your policy.

Contact us today!

Overall, if you are looking for extra peace of mind and protection from liability costs, umbrella insurance may be a good option for you. It is typically affordable and easy to get started, so there is no reason not to give it a try today! Call us at Richard Zeises Agency right away. We proudly serve the Jenkintown, PA area. 

Why You Need Flood Insurance in Pennsylvania

When you own a home, it’s important to have home insurance to protect it. However, your home insurance may not offer you all the protection you need for your home. It’s important to have flood insurance to give you better protection. Flood insurance covers flooding incidents that home insurance doesn’t. To keep your home protected, you need both home and flood insurance policies. To get your flood insurance, call us at Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA.

Why Flood Insurance?

Flood Zones

There are flood zones all across the U.S., and Pennsylvania is no different. When an area is designated as a flood zone, it means that flooding can be expected there at one point or another. Some are 10-year flood zones, some are 25 years, etc. These zones expect floods at some point, but they aren’t the only areas that can flood. Virtually anywhere can experience a flood, and it doesn’t have to be in a flood zone. About 20% of all of the claims for flood damage come from areas that aren’t designated as flood zones. This makes it important to make sure you’re covered. 

Flood Insurance Backing

Flood insurance is backed by the National Flood Insurance Program. This government program is responsible for making flood insurance available, and it also set the prices for the policies. No matter where you get your flood policy, the cost of it is always the same. With government backing, you can count on having this policy, and you know the backer will always be there. It’s never a good idea to go without flood insurance in Pennsylvania no matter where in the state you live. 

Get Flood Insurance Today

If you own a home and aren’t protecting it with flood insurance, give us a call right away at Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA.

Protect your condo with a comprehensive policy that provides the coverage you need!

Condo residents in the greater Jenkintown, PA area can turn to the team at Richard Zeises Agency for all of their insurance needs. If you are going to buy a condo in the near future, let us help you find a condo policy that meets your unique insurance needs.

Benefits of a comprehensive condo policy

Many people choose condo living because of the low-maintenance lifestyle it provides. If you have plans to purchase a condo, be sure to consider your insurance options.

While condo boards will carry insurance to protect the building itself and common areas contained therein, it is up to the unit owners to have the policy to protect their units and belongings. 

Prior to deciding on a policy, it makes sense to review the Condominium Owners Association requirements. Many buildings have certain requirements that pertain to the type of insurance and the amount that is necessary for each resident. 

Opting for a comprehensive policy means that you will be protected should anything go wrong in your unit. This type of policy can cover everything from theft to accidents, and other types of damage. Of course, every policy is different, so it’s important to fully review a policy before selecting it. 

Having the information necessary to make a smart decision is a lot easier when you work with an agent. Local insurance agents are a great resource when it comes to determining which policy will be right for your needs.

Let us help with all your condo insurance needs!

Richard Zeises Agency is here for the Jenkintown, PA community. If you have questions about any type of insurance, we are here to answer them! Contact our office or stop by today to find out more.

Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism or Theft?

If you have an auto insurance policy, you realize the importance of adequate coverage. At Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA, we help our customers understand all aspects of their plans. For example, one common question we get is "does car insurance cover vandalism or theft?"

How Vandalism Or Theft Is Covered

Vandalism and stolen vehicles can be covered if someone decides to include comprehensive coverage. However, it’s also important to note that this coverage can be optional. Typically, people who lease or finance cars are asked to carry this coverage for their automobiles. It does become a choice when you own a vehicle, so it’s important to weigh your options and risk level.

Below are some examples of when someone would need to use their auto insurance policy (more specifically, their comprehensive coverage).

  • An intruder attempts a break-in and smashes your front windshield.
  • Someone steals your vehicle that doesn’t get recovered. The current value of your car would be estimated to receive payment ( after the deductible is applied) 
  • Slashed tires or keyed vehicles 

If you have had a situation where your car was vandalized, it’s recommended to take photos and start the process of filing a claim. Here, it would also be necessary to contact your local authorities so proper documentation can be filed. If your vehicle is damaged, don’t do anything like try to move it on your own. That could cause more damage than you would be responsible for.

Find Out More About Auto Insurance 

Do you still have questions about what your auto insurance policy covers? We at Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA have the answers for you. Don’t hesitate to give us a call for any concerns you have or what coverage you need for your family. 

Reasons You Need Business Insurance

When you first start a business, you are going to want to watch your expenses closely. You aren’t going to want to spend any more money than necessary. That being said, business insurance is going to be one of those things that you need. Consult with Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA to learn more about your options.

Here are some reasons why you need this coverage:

Most states require you to have insurance for your business

If you are running a business, you are required by law to protect it with insurance. 

It will protect your employees

It is important that you have worker’s compensation insurance in case one of your employees gets hurt on the job. 

It will also protect your customers

Liability insurance will cover any medical expenses for those who are injured at your business. It will also protect you against property damage. 

It can also protect you against data breaches

If you deal with sensitive information, you are going to want to make sure that your client’s information is secure.  

Business insurance will protect you against lawsuits

If you ever get sued, you may end up losing your business, so you need to be protected. 

Though you may not want to have insurance, the truth is that your state may require you to have some. However, you should think about other reasons why you need it. You need to protect yourself, your employees, and even your customers. If you deal with serious information, you need to make sure that it stays safe and protected. Your business insurance will also help you if you get sued. 

Give Us A Call

If you want to make sure that your business is fully protected, you should contact us today at Richard Zeises Agency in Jenkintown, PA.