What would you do if you found yourself suddenly sued for negligence? Would your home, retirement savings, or wages be at risk? Losing important assets is a reality faced by thousands of Americans embroiled in legal battles each year. In many cases, the incident that sparked the situation began with a completely unavoidable incident.

The first step in protecting happens by clearly understanding your risk. If you regularly have visitors to your home, own a pool, or entertain often, there is a greater chance that a guest could be seriously injured while on the premises. Parents of teen drivers and those who commute a great distance for work have a much larger probability of filing a serious auto insurance claim. By taking a look at your lifestyle, you can easily determine how much protection you need against an incident.​

Another step to protect yourself against a lawsuit is by making sure you have proper liability insurance coverage on your auto policies. In most states, the minimum liability limit for vehicle coverage is a measly $15,000 per person and $30,000 per incident for multiple people involved in an accident. With the skyrocketing cost of medical treatment, these funds can be completely used up even in a relatively minor crash. The lesson? Always purchase a higher amount that the state requires.

Another way to protect yourself from a lawsuit is by purchasing an umbrella policy. This type of policy acts as an extension of the liability coverage on your home and auto policies. In many cases, your insurance carrier requires that you have a certain level of liability coverage on your home and auto policies before they will allow you to purchase an umbrella policy. For most providers, this figure hovers somewhere around the $250,000 to $300,000 mark. However, it is important to speak with your agent directly to determine what changes you need to make to those policies to be considered for additional liability coverage.

Don’t put your family’s financial well-being at risk! Contact our knowledgeable team today.   You may be surprised to know an Umbrella policy is very affordable- often around $200 to $300, depending on the number of risks to insure.  Additionally, you may be eligible for multi-policy discounts too.  Call us at (610) 376-7300 or fill out the form below for more information on how insurance can protect you from a serious lawsuit.

If you’re anything like me, you have probably enjoyed the convenience of delivery services over the past year.
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This increase in demand means that many people can make delivery driving a profitable full or part-time job. If you or someone you know falls into this category, kudos on being opportunistic!  However, most personal auto policies will not cover incidents that happen when a personal auto is used for business activities like deliveries of pizza, groceries, meals, etc?

What you’re driving and who you’re driving for come into play here, since companies differ in whether they provide auto coverage–and to what extent. Here are a few of the more popular delivery companies and what they require in terms of coverage:

• Uber – For both ridesharing and delivery, Uber requires drivers to have at least a 3rd Party Property Damage or Comprehensive auto policy.
• DoorDash & PostMates – Drivers must have an up-to-date personal auto policy.  These companies will provide excess auto coverage if a driver causes damage to other parties while on an active delivery and only once the driver has gone through his or her policy first. PostMates specifically suggests that its drivers secure a small business delivery policy.
• GrubHub – The company requires drivers to have a personal auto policy because the company does not provide any commercial coverage.

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If you’re using your vehicle for delivery purposes, you should review your auto policy carefully.  It is important to read the “fine print” before signing up as a driver for any Transportation Network Company (TNC).  Do they provide insurance in the event you are in an accident?  What about your personal auto policy? Since business activity is often an exclusion on personal auto policies, you may need a commercial policy.  You also want to make sure you have sufficient liability insurance should you have an accident.
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If you are planning to become a delivery driver, or are already on the road,  please give us a call at (610) 376-7300. We can help identify and fill any gaps in coverage.  We’re here to help!

Quick, easy, inexpensive – whoever thought those adjectives could apply to home improvement projects here in southeastern Pennsylvania? But they can!

To spruce up your home on a budget, check out these five ideas for projects that yield maximum results with minimal effort and cost:

1. Paint: All you need is a can of paint to make big changes. Completely transform the mood of a room, or turn your front door into the main attraction of your porch. You can even paint a tile backsplash or turn worn vinyl flooring into something that resembles stone. Here’s an interesting tidbit… According to Zillow® analysis, “Homes with black or charcoal gray front doors sell for $6,271 more than expected.”
2. Lighting: If you have lamps, you don’t necessarily need new ones — simply changing lampshades is a great way to update a room. You also can install new overhead lighting, such as a pendant lamp, or add inexpensive LED strips underneath your kitchen cabinets. Finally, dimmer switches can cast a whole new glow on your lighting options.
3. Furniture: You don’t need to buy new furniture to have “new” furniture. A slipcover or new upholstery can refresh a tired couch or chair. Or, if you like your pieces the way they are, why not rearrange them? That won’t cost you anything at all. 
4. Don’t forget the hardware: Do your cabinet pulls and handles look dated or worn? Replacing them will make a bigger difference than you might think. And, while you can buy new ones at a local home improvement or department store, check online auction sites or local “freecycle” groups for other interesting options. A new faucet for your bathroom or kitchen is another great update that won’t break your budget. 
5. Take a look outside: Spruce up your porch and create an inviting atmosphere with container plants, which are easy to swap out. A new welcome mat, door-knocker, or house numbers could further lend an entirely new feel to your curb appeal.

​Your options are limitless, and some are even easier than you think. One of the easiest fixes of all? Clearing up clutter around the house. It might not be as much fun as these other projects, but you’ll be just as happy with the results! Check out “How to Declutter Your Home, Room by Room” from The Spruce.
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And don’t forget to protect your home with the right Homeowners or Renters Insurance. Give Berkshire Insurance Services a call at (610) 376-7300 or contact us online. We’ll be happy to help you find the right insurance coverage, and as an independent agent, we’ll check with several companies to get you the best price on that coverage.

Most travelers, facing that question, have the vague notion that they don’t really need to buy rental car insurance – which somehow is covered already. With just enough doubt in their minds, and the need to make a quick decision, they may buy it just to be safe.

So, which is it?

​Typically, car rental agencies will offer you four types of insurance to purchase:

• Collision damage waiver – The rental car company won’t charge you for a damaged or stolen vehicle when you buy this.
• Supplemental liability protection – This ensures you’re covered for costs to others if you cause an accident in the rental.
• Personal accident insurance – This coverage will pay for injuries or death of the driver and passengers of your rental car.
• Personal effects coverage – This coverage reimburses you for stolen personal items while renting the car

Start with your personal auto insurance. Your policy will likely provide the same level of coverage for your rental as it does for your own car. That usually includes liability insurance and, depending on the policy you purchased, may include collision, comprehensive and medical payments, too. There are exclusions, however. Some insurers won’t cover rentals in a foreign country or rentals that are being used for business. Get in touch with your independent insurance agent to verify your coverages.

Next, there’s your credit card. Most cards offer some degree of coverage, but it varies widely. This coverage is usually secondary. It is designed to step in and pick up where your auto insurance leaves off, and it tends to be mostly confined to collision, damage, and theft. For coverage to apply, most cards require that you decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver and pay for the car in full with the card that provides the protection. Again, contact your card company to find out exactly what is covered.
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Then, consider your health and life insurance, too. If you’re in an accident involving a rental car and have these policies, you likely have coverage for your own costs. Plus, with your homeowners’ insurance, you may have personal property coverage to help repair or replace valuable belongings that are lost, damaged, or stolen while you’re in a rental. Your deductible and policy limits will apply, and the same goes for renter’s insurance or condo insurance.

If something happens to the rental car, you may be looking at loss of use and diminished value fees, and your standard policy may not cover them. Loss of use is the income that the rental agency loses due to the vehicle being in the shop for repairs, and diminished value is the calculated reduction in a vehicle’s resale value as the result of an accident. Credit cards sometimes cover these but be aware that they may require documentation that rental agencies can be reluctant to provide.

So, before you make that next trip, give Berkshire Insurance Services a call at (610) 376-7300 or find us online and check with your credit card company. That way, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision when you get to the rental car counter.

Have you considered wedding insurance?

Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting stay-at-home orders derailed many special events, including weddings, this spring. With a little creativity, some couples moved forward with their wedding plans – although significantly altered.
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Fortunately, a worldwide pandemic interrupting your wedding plans is an incredibly unique situation, but things – both large and small – can impact any wedding, any time. Getting married is a big step that often comes with a (relatively) big price tag. Did you know that the average cost of a wedding in Pennsylvania is $29,827? That’s even higher than the U.S. average cost of $24,723.

That is quite an investment that you may want to consider insuring?
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As with other sizeable investments, you can insure big events, such as your wedding. But, that’s not the only way insurance can play a role in your big day and the events that follow. Here are four tips for insuring your wedding, rings and more:

Of course, you want your big day to go off without a hitch. But, you also want to prepare for those pesky “what ifs.” What if the caterer backs out? What if the bride’s dress gets lost in her checked baggage? What if your venue goes out of business?

Event insurance typically covers unexpected issues with the site, weather, vendors, and illness or injury, so you aren’t stuck with the tab. For example, if you need to find a new caterer the day before the wedding, your policy may help with the costs.

​Regardless of the monetary value of your engagement and wedding rings, it’s vital to protect your investment — preferably right after you purchase them. We can help. Call us from the jewelry store if you like, and we’ll schedule your new bling on your renter’s insurance, condo insurance, or homeowners insurance.

While you’re dancing the night away, you don’t want someone walking away with your gifts. But, unfortunately, it happens. You may want to consider a policy to protect your gifts. And, of course, you’ll want to include them as part of your home inventory and personal property coverage. Some items, such as collectibles and china, may need scheduled coverage, just like your rings.

Did you know that the average couple spends between $4,000 and $5,000 on a honeymoon? If your honeymoon costs as much as a car (probably a small, used car, but still…), it may make sense to get travel insurance. Insurance policies can include coverage for trip cancellation or delay and even medical insurance. Frommers.com says it should cost no more than 8 percent of your trip price.

Whether your wedding is a small family affair or the biggest event of the year, you deserve to have a stress-free day. Let Berkshire Insurance Services help you select the insurance coverage you want for your wedding and everything that goes along with it. So, when the big day arrives, all you have to worry about is having a great time!
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Give us a call today at (610) 376-7300 or find us online. We’ll be happy to discuss wedding insurance options with you.

The third Wednesday of September is National School Backpack Awareness Day – an opportunity for educators, parents, and students to shine awareness on the danger of carrying heavy backpacks and discover ways to prevent the injuries and pain it causes thousands of children every year.
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One study found that backpack loads of school students range from 10% to as high as 25% of their body weight. On average, students carried over 15% of their body weight.

It sounds ridiculous, but imagine an 80-pound child carrying a 20-pound backpack (yes, it happens). How well would your back hold up lugging around 25% of your weight in books every day?

Fortunately, more and more parents — and schools — are becoming aware of the damage heavy backpacks can cause.
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Here are five things the National Safety Council says you can do to make sure your student’s academic workload doesn’t turn into a physical one as well:

A backpack might be too heavy if your child struggles to put it on or take it off, changes posture while wearing it, or feels pain, tingling, or numbness.

A good rule of thumb: Kids’ backpacks should not weigh more than 5 to 10 percent of their body weight. Any more than that and they run the risk of bending forward while carrying it, which can put stress on the back, according to the American Chiropractic Association.

The fit of a backpack is extremely important. Shoulder straps should be wide and padded for comfort, and the pack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A comfortable backpack encourages proper use, so that kids aren’t carrying packs around by one strap, which can lead to neck or back problems. And watch the size, too! Getting a backpack with too much room can encourage overloading.

Make sure kids put some thought into what they pack. They should only carry what they need for the day and leave things they don’t need at home. And pack it well. Distributing weight evenly increases comfort and safety.

Talk to your child’s teacher or a school administrator if you need help getting the weight down. There may be solutions, such as bringing home handouts or workbooks instead of heavy textbooks.

A little bit of thought can make a big difference when it comes to backpack safety. And those lighter loads make for happier — and healthier — kids. Here’s to a great school year!
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We here at Berkshire Insurance Services care about the health, happiness, and safety of your family, which is why we offer insurance coverage to protect the things that matter to you… at great savings. Give us a call at (610) 376-7300 or find us online.

With summer drawing near and the weather warming up, southeastern Pennsylvania’s neighborhoods come alive with the sights and sounds of the season: lawnmowers, power tools, and backyard barbecues, to name a few.

For many people, those things all bring to mind one specific person: Dad. And since Father’s Day is just around the corner, we at Berkshire Insurance Services thought we’d give you some gift ideas – and some fun history trivia, too!

Marked on the third Sunday of June in the United States (and in many other countries), Father’s Day was first celebrated in 1910 to complement Mother’s Day. According to the History Channel, “On July 5, 1908, a West Virginia church sponsored the nation’s first event explicitly in honor of fathers.” It was “a Sunday sermon in memory of the 362 men who had died in the previous December’s explosions at the Fairmont Coal Company mines in Monongah.” This was a one-time commemoration and was not repeated annually.

The following year, Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Wash., tried to establish an official Father’s Day. Although Dodd originally suggested her father’s birthday in early June, she had not provided organizers with enough time to arrange the event. The celebration was delayed until the third Sunday of the month.

Although Mother’s Day has been an official national holiday since 1914, Father’s Day had a more challenging road. Congress refused to make the celebration official in the years immediately following Dodd’s first observance, fearing that the day would become commercialized. (Some would say those fears were well-founded; the creator of Mother’s Day later came to regret the commercialization of that holiday.)

It wasn’t until 1966 that Father’s Day received an official proclamation, thanks to President Lyndon B. Johnson. And six years later, President Richard Nixon signed a law making the day a national holiday.

Once you’re past the age of, say, 10, the “Old Spice and a tie” routine probably won’t cut it anymore when it comes to getting a gift for your father. Here are some better ideas from AskMen.com:

• Grilling tools (this way, perhaps he’ll even cook for you on Father’s Day!)
• Fishing gear
• Golf clubs, balls, or other sporting goods – or take him out for a round of golf
• Books (particularly grilling cookbooks)
• Gadgets (such as a GPS; after all, many dads don’t like asking for directions)
• Landscaping services (so he can take a break from mowing the lawn)

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Aside from ties and cheap cologne, you’ll probably want to avoid the most clichéd gifts, especially “World’s Best Dad” items (even if it’s true!) and socks.
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As with all gifts, though, it’s the thought that counts. And we’re sure your dad will appreciate simply being appreciated.
Here at Berkshire Insurance Services, we would like to wish all the amazing dads a very Happy Father’s Day! We hope you enjoy your special day.

There’s a ticking bomb in your southeastern PA house right now, waiting to strike when you least expect it. In fact, there might even be more than one. And each can cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage.

We here at Berkshire Insurance Services are talking about faulty appliance hoses, of course.

Consider your humble washing machine: According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), washing-machine failures cost an average of more than $5,000, and faulty hoses are responsible for more than half of those failures.
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You can take steps to defuse these ticking time bombs — or at least make them less likely to go off. Here are the common hoses and tubes you should be checking:

Most washing machines come with rubber hoses that connect to your water supply — hoses that can wear out and eventually burst. The IBHS says to check frequently for blisters, worn tubing, stress cracks, and loose connections. Even if there is no obvious wear, replace hoses every five years. Use a reinforced steel-braided hose, as they are less likely to fail.

Although you should clean the lint trap in your dryer with every load, danger lurks behind the dryer as well. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), lint build-up in the dryer or the exhaust duct can block the flow of air and cause heat build-up, resulting in a fire. To help prevent fires, the CPSC recommends the following steps:

• Clean the lint screen/filter before or after each load
• Clean dryer vent and exhaust duct regularly
• Clean behind the dryer where lint can build up
• Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct
• Take special care when drying clothes soiled with volatile chemicals

If your refrigerator has an icemaker or water dispenser, it also has a hose connecting it to the water supply. Replace the standard hose with a steel-braided line for added security.

Dishwasher leaks can easily go undetected, so it’s important to check these connections regularly as well. Make sure that hoses and lines have no kinks, and periodically remove and clean the filter in the dishwasher, which is designed to stop food pieces from making it into the drain hose.

At least once a year (typically when you fire up the grill for the first time after winter), check the hose connecting the fuel source to the burners. Simply brush it with some soapy water, turn the gas on (do not light the grill), and check the hose for air bubbles. If you see any, replace the hose and fitting.

In addition to checking your hoses regularly and replacing them when needed, there are monitoring systems available now that can automatically shut off your water supply in the event of a failure. Some detect leaks with moisture indicators, while at least one new system actually checks your water meter for unusual activity.

To further protect you, your Homeowner’s Insurance may cover certain damage that results from appliance hose failures. But, it all depends on the circumstances of your situation and on your specific policy. You may find that an appliance hose failure is not covered by your insurance, so it’s best to maintain your appliances to avoid damage in the first place.
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If you have questions about your Homeowner’s Insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Berkshire Insurance Services are happy to help. Give us a call at (610) 376-7300 or find us online.

More families are taking to the road in their RVs than ever before. Fox Business reports, “Recreational vehicle dealers throughout the country have had as much as a 170 percent increase in sales for the month of May compared to this time last year as Americans crave outdoor travel as coronavirus-induced lockdowns ease in states, according to the RV Industry Association.”
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But vacationing on the road can have its troubles, like dead batteries, flat tires, and missed destinations because of wrong directions. Wouldn’t it be great if there were tools and gadgets to help avoid these situations?

We at Berkshire Insurance Services want to help make your RV trips not only easier but also better, whether you’re headed across the country for a month or to French Creek State Park for the weekend. So we’ve found some handy items to help do just that.

We know this isn’t exactly a “new” thing, so why not make the most of your RV trips by knowing exactly where you’re going? Your family will thank you. And some GPS models even show restaurants and other attractions.

A dead battery will bring your trip to a quick halt. So make sure you can charge up in an emergency. Some portable chargers are solar-powered and include air compressors to pump up a flat tire.

A flat tire can not only ruin a day’s drive, it can also be dangerous. That’s why it’s so important to maintain your tires and make sure they’re properly inflated. RV tire pressure monitoring systems alert you when you have a tire running low so you can fix the situation before it gets worse.

These days, everyone has something to charge — from phones to laptops and even e-readers. There are tons of options for inverters that provide portable power, without using your generator, so your devices are ready to keep you connected and entertained.

A “must-have” for many RVers, silicone cookware is renowned for nonstick performance. Stacked pieces also don’t rattle while you’re on the road.

Perhaps you’re RVing to escape “regular” life, including TV. But if you just can’t live without it, you have several choices from dishes that attach to the RV to portable models.

Packing a few games is a great idea for when the weather doesn’t cooperate with your vacation or if you just want to make some new friends at the campground. Classic board games, such as Monopoly or Trouble, are a fun way to spend a rainy day, and it’s always a good idea to have a deck of cards or two around. Outdoor games like Cornhole (also known as “beanbag toss” or “bags”) are sure to get your competitive juices flowing.

Of course, there are thousands of useful tools that we just don’t have room to list here – kitchen gizmos to barbecue grills, solar panels to RV tracking systems. Any of these gadgets could improve your experience, whether you’re headed across the country or just across the state! Your local RV dealer likely has more than a few accessories to help you, so they’re a great place to start. Sites like www.amazon.com and www.campingworld.com have a lot to offer as well.

Another way to help ensure a safe and fun trip in the RV is to have the right insurance coverage at the best price. As experienced agents, we can make sure you have the right coverage, and as independent agents, we can compare the cost of that coverage to make sure you get the best price.
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Give Berkshire Insurance Services a call at (610) 376-7300 or find us online when you need coverage for your RV or anything else. We’re here to help!

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), every year between 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees at the cost of $10 million in direct property damage.
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Homeowners’ Insurance helps protect your home from the damage these fires can cause; however, it can’t prevent the deaths (average of 3 per year) and injuries (average of 15 per year) caused by these fires.

In the spirit of giving and because Berkshire Insurance Services wants to ensure your safety this holiday season, we offer insight into the “Christmas Tree Conundrum” and advice to ensure the safety of your family, whichever type of tree you decide on.

The kind of tree that adorns a person’s home during the holidays can provoke debate as much as Coke vs. Pepsi or Chevy vs. Ford.

When it comes to Christmas trees, do you choose live or artificial? Do you cut your own at a local tree farm, such as Starlyte Christmas Tree Farm, or do you prefer the convenience of an artificial pre-lit tree bought a Weaver’s or Home Depot?

Both live and artificial trees have their advantages and disadvantages.

According to the North Carolina Consumers Council, artificial trees pose fewer safety concerns than live trees, but that’s not to say they don’t have risks of their own. Even fake trees can catch fire when sockets are overloaded with Christmas lights, and it only takes seconds for any tree to become completely engulfed in flames. And yes, flame-resistant artificial trees will eventually succumb to a fire.

When using a pre-lit tree, always follow instructions, and place the tree in an open area away from heat sources, such as candles and fireplaces, and where a fire won’t quickly spread to furniture or other things nearby.
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The benefits of artificial trees, of course, are well-known – they won’t shed needles, don’t need water, and already have lights They’re convenient and often less messy than real trees. You can re-use them year after year, saving money and saving the environment. And there’s no need to spend time searching for the perfect tree, since it’s usually easy to adjust the “branches” to your liking.

OK, so you want the real deal. That’s great! But you’re going to have to take a little more care than you would with an artificial tree. First of all, pick a tree that’s in good shape. If needles come off easily when you give it a shake or a quick pull on a branch, find another one.

When you get it home, cut off the bottom two inches of its trunk, and fill the tree stand with water regularly. This is the best way to prevent a fire. Remember not to overload it with lights and decorations, and the longer you keep your tree up, the drier— and the more dangerous – it will become.  Keeping a real tree away from heat sources is even more important.
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Dispose of your tree properly as well. Don’t burn it or put it in your fireplace, as a burning Christmas tree can be harder to control than other types of fires.

If you’re a fan of real trees, you probably don’t need us to tell you the benefits. Just take in that smell and enjoy the season!

No matter what tree you choose, the important thing is to keep safety in mind as well. If you do that, your holiday enjoyment will be real, even if your tree isn’t!

At Berkshire Insurance Services, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at (610) 376-7300 or send us a note at cheryl@berkshireinsuranceservices.com. We want to help you meet your goals and make sure what’s important to you is protected!