Some homeowners in Wilkes-Barre, PA, believe that their homeowner’s policy will cover all risks associated with their property. However, that is not the case. Virtually all homeowner’s insurance policies have exclusions, meaning they won’t cover specific incidents. So, how do you insure these additional risks?  The Shay Agency can advise homeowners on what additional coverage they should consider?

Consider Your Situation

Add-ons, also called riders, are additional coverage options that allow you to customize your protection. Not everyone will need each add-on, so analyzing your needs before buying such coverage is essential. Among the types of riders you should consider are the following:

• Scheduled property for items worth much more than your deductible
• Flood insurance and sump pump overflow essential in low-lying areas at risk for floods
• Identity theft to protect you from costs associated with thieves stealing your information
• Umbrella insurance provides additional liability insurance beyond what your policy covers

Endorsements vary by each insurance company, so it’s essential to check with your agent to determine which add-ons are available through a specific company. Some endorsements, such as scheduled property and flood insurance, can be expensive. Scheduled property increases with the amount and value of property insured. Flood insurance may be required if your home is in a flood plain. You may also want to consider underground utility service coverage if you live in an older property. Homeowners are responsible for mishaps that happen on utility lines on their properties.

Determining Your Needs

If you are wondering what you need regarding add-ons to your policy, the professionals at the Shay Agency can help. Each year, we advise hundreds of homeowners in Wilkes-Barre, PA, on the best policy riders for their needs. Contact our office today to get started on your personalized quote.

As we all prepare for winter, The Shay Agency is here to meet the insurance needs of the greater Wilkes-Barre, PA community. Several home policy features can protect you this winter. Let’s take a closer look.

Let Us Help You Get Ready for Winter

Winter weather can cause damage to your home in several different ways. From ice storms that create fallen trees to burst pipes, you want to know that you’re protected. Now’s an ideal time to review your current policy to ensure it provides the necessary coverage. Features that provide alternative accommodations if your home is deemed uninhabitable due to a covered event are important to have. Storm and ice damage is difficult enough to deal with without having to find somewhere to stay while your home is being repaired. Before winter arrives, you’ll want to sit down with your local agent to ensure you have the coverage you and your family need.

The right insurance policy can help you get through winter without too much stress. It’s impossible to know how severe the upcoming winter will be, but it’s possible to be prepared. Before the cold weather sets in, you’ll want to double-check your heating and plumbing systems to ensure they’re in good working order and ready to go. And you’ll be spending more time at home, so now’s the time to take care of any necessary house repairs.

The Shay Agency is here for you!

The Shay Agency is here to serve the insurance needs of residents in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and the surrounding area. Contact us today to learn more about the different features available with today’s home insurance policies. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

If you are a homeowner, it is imperative that you have home insurance in place. The agents at the Shay Agency, serving the Wilkes-Barre, PA area, want you to know and understand how vital home insurance is since we never know when tragedy will strike.

Reasons Home Insurance is Important

A home insurance policy can help protect your house from any type of cataclysmic event. These types of events can include natural disasters, such as tornadoes and earthquakes, as well as fires or even acts of vandalism.

If your home is burglarized, a home insurance policy can help you with any damage from such an incident and replace stolen items. This is due to the fact that home insurance covers not only the structure of your house but the contents as well. This can include your furniture, clothing, other personal belongings, appliances, and more.

Some insurance policies will also include any outbuildings on your property. Decks, garages, and sheds are just three examples of the type of outbuildings a home insurance policy can include.

Home insurance can also protect you from a lawsuit if a visitor to your home is injured while they are on your property. Your policy can help pay for their medical bills and any lost wages that they suffer due to their injury.

An adequate amount of home insurance will also provide you with peace of mind and knowing that the largest investment you will probably make in your lifetime is protected adequately.

Contact The Shay Agency

To get your home insurance policy started today, call one of the agents at the Shay Agency serving the Wilkes-Barre, PA area to assist you!

With cold winds whipping across the state and the days getting shorter, it is time to start thinking of how to prepare your home for winter. At The Shay Agency in Wilkes-Barre, PA, we are independent insurance agents that put the needs of our customers first. We will find you the right policy for the right price. 

Preparing for snow

Snow is one of the beauties of winter, but it also poses various hazards that you need to be prepared for. With yearly averages of more than 40 inches, having a snow blower can be very helpful. Making sure it is tuned up should be done before the first snowfall. Time to pick up a bag of salt and sand to keep your walkways from being a slip-and-fall hazard. 

Make sure your home is warm.

Getting a furnace cleaning and tune-up is even more important this year than ever. You want your furnace to be as efficient as possible. If you have a fireplace, this is also the time to get your chimney cleaned so that you can enjoy a warm fire crackling on the hearth. 

A safe home

In the cold weather, you spend more time indoors, and it is a good idea to make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide are working and that the backup batteries are fresh. 

Plug the holes

It is time to ensure you are not losing your precious heat. Adding an extra layer of insulation to your attic is the first step. Check the fit of all your windows and doors, and use caulk and weather stripping to plug the leaks. 

Contact The Shay Agency in Wilkes-Barre, PA when you need to change or review your home insurance policy. We will give you the benefit of our years of experience. 

Those that live in the Wilkes-Barre, PA area are going to find that owning a home is a good long-term housing option. If you want to own a home in this area, you can find that it is a major asset that requires proper support and protection. Those that are looking for a way to cover their home should get a home insurance plan. You may need to have this coverage for a few reasons.

Protect Your Asset

A top reason to get a home insurance plan is so you can protect your asset. Buying a home is a very significant purchase and investment. Due to this, you need to make sure that you are protecting this investment as well as you can. Home coverage will provide you with a lot of support that can help to repair your home in some situations. 

Comply with your Requirements

You also need to have home insurance to comply with various requirements. If you intend to take out a mortgage, you will need to have insurance to stay in good standing with your loan agreement. Also, if the home is located within a larger association, there is likely a rule that will require you to carry coverage. 

Owning a property will always be a good housing option in the Wilkes-Barre, PA area. If you want to live in this area of the state and be a property owner, getting the right insurance coverage continues to be very important. As you are looking at your options, starting your search with The Shay Agency is a good idea. The team with The Shay Agency can offer any support that is needed to build a plan and ensure you remain fully covered and in compliance with any insurance obligations. 

People living in Wilkes-Barre, PA may not spend a lot of time worrying about flooding, but it is a real threat. It is dangerously close to the Susquehanna River that surrounds the main part of the city. The river usually stands at around 510 feet. If the river rises much above this normal level, flooding can occur very quickly.

Flood Insurance that Stands By You

The Shay Agency that serves the Wilkes-Barre, PA area is involved in helping people to prepare for the unexpected so that rebuilding and repairs can begin quickly following a flood.

The average cost of flood repair is around $3700 for every 200 feet, according to one source that keeps data on the history of flooding in various areas of the country. Imagine having to pay out-of-pocket for this. Most people simply cannot afford to do so. And you shouldn’t have to. 

Know Your Risks

The NOAA Weather Service keeps logs of flood information for various areas of the country. They recorded that the flood stage of the Susquehanna River is 22 feet. It is important to monitor the current stage of the river in your area and get out of the area when it is near the flood stage, especially if you live close to the banks of the river. 

Why Have Flood Insurance?

Having adequate flood insurance before a flood hits will keep you from worrying in the event you are hit by flooding or other potential disasters. Insurance is like a seatbelt that you hope you never have to use. But if you don’t wear it, it cannot help you.

If you have concerns about whether you should carry flood insurance and how much, see The Shay Agency for more information and find out how much insurance you should carry based on your personal flood risk.

Home may be where the heart is, but it is also one of the largest investments you will ever make. Protecting it solidifies your financial situation. Risks are everywhere and knowing what you need to be protected from helps you to make sure you have the right coverage. At The Shay Agency in Wilkes-Barre, PA, we are an independent agency, and we believe it is our responsibility to represent our customer’s interests. We will be there for you if you ever need to file a claim, and we are here to discuss any questions you may have.

Do I need to have home insurance?

If you own your home outright, then no you don’t have to have home insurance, it is not mandated by law. If however, you have a mortgage; your lender will require that you have enough home insurance to protect their investment in your home. 

What is the right deductible?

The right deductible is one you can easily pay and allows your home insurance to be affordable for you. The higher your deductible the lower your premium. Average deductibles range from as low as $500. 

What discounts are available?

Talk to your agent about available discounts. If you get your home and auto insurance from the same carrier you may be eligible for a multi-policy discount. Having safety equipment installed in your home and being close to a fire station are also ways to qualify for a discount. 

What things aren’t covered by home insurance?

Home insurance doesn’t cover everything. It excludes floods, sewer backup, earthquakes, mudslides, and sinkholes. Don’t expect your insurance to pay for termite or mold damage. 

When you are in the market for home insurance The Shay Agency in Wilkes-Barre, PA is here to meet with you. Give us a call or visit our office for a free quote. 

If you own a home, you need to purchase home insurance. However, you do have a few options to choose from when it comes to your home insurance policy. We offer home insurance for those in Wilkes-Barre, PA at The Shay Agency.

The following are three key options to consider when you purchase home insurance.

Amount of coverage regarding liability expenses

You will be able to choose from various maximum coverage options regarding liability expenses. You might find policies offering as little as $100,000 in liability coverage or much more than $300,000. You need to calculate your liability coverage needs depending on your risk of experiencing a liability lawsuit at your property. 

Additional living expense coverage

It’s always a good idea to invest in added coverage for additional living expenses. If severe damage occurs at your property, you might be temporarily unable to live at your property. In this scenario, it’s important to invest in coverage for additional living expenses. 

With additional living expense coverage, you’ll have the rent costs for a temporary living space covered on your home insurance policy. 

Actual cash value vs. replacement cost

One of the most basic decisions you’ll make is whether you want an actual cash value or replacement cost policy. Actual cash value policies tend to be lower cost, but they also don’t provide as much coverage. Replacement cost coverage is more secure in the event of a damage claim for your property. 

Let us help you choose between various options for your home insurance solution in Wilkes-Barre, PA. We can help you learn more about your options when it comes to home insurance at The Shay Agency. 

As a homeowner, it’s important that you purchase the correct amount of home insurance to replace your house and belongings after an unexpected event like a natural disaster. The Shay Agency, which serves Wilkes-Barre, PA and surrounding areas, is happy to consult with you and discuss precisely how much home insurance you’ll need for your individual situation. You’ll need to have enough home insurance to cover the following: 

Your Home
You’ll need to have enough insurance to cover repairs to your home or potentially rebuilding it entirely. You’ll first need to have a full assessment of your property performed so that you have documentation of how much your home is worth and how much it would cost to replace its various elements. If your home is damaged in a natural disaster, a fire, or another adverse event, your insurance policy can help you replace what you’ve lost. 

Special Features
As you note details about your house and property with an insurance adjuster, be sure to call out any special features that will cost additional money to replace. Do you have an attractive stained glass window, custom hardwood flooring, or specialty woodwork in your home? These will all make your property more valuable and should be noted on your insurance policy. 

Your Possessions 
You’ll also need enough home insurance to cover the majority of your possessions. Spend some time taking an inventory of the items in your home that will be expensive to replace. Consider taking photos of your items, or taking a video tour of your home and noting all of your belongings, as well as the date and time. 

As you determine how much home insurance you need to carry on your house and property, speak with a skilled insurance professional with The Shay Agency. They’ll be happy to help you determine the exact amount you need to protect yourself against damage to your Wilkes-Barre, PA home. 

When you live in the Wilkes-Barre, PA area, there are a lot of opportunities to enjoy appreciation if you own your own property. Due to this, owning a home in this area can be a great long-term financial decision as it also gives you a stable place to live. If you are going to purchase a home in this town, it is important that you properly insure it with a home insurance policy. There are several forms of coverage that are included with your home insurance. 

Property Protection

One type of coverage that is included with your home insurance policy is property protection. When you own your own home, you are going to have a major asset that will require a lot of personal investments. Further, under the roof of your home will be all of your personal assets. When you get an insurance policy for your property, you will receive coverage for all of these assets.

Liability Protection

Another advantage of getting a home insurance policy here is that it can provide you with liability protection. Anyone that owns a property in this state is going to take on risk. If you have guests over, you could be held liable for damages if they are injured. When you get a home insurance policy, you are going to receive some personal liability coverage.

Whenever you are ready to start looking for a home insurance policy in the Wilkes-Barre, PA area, you should contact The Shay Agency. At The Shay Agency, you can be treated very well by a team of insurance professionals that will keep your best interests in mind. This team of professionals can assess your situation to figure out what form of coverage is right for you and properly covers you and your property.