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Does Everyone in the House Need A Separate Auto Insurance Policy?

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Auto insurance is a legal requirement in many states, but most people are unsure about how to secure car insurance when they have a house full of people. Sometimes, new drivers may have to pay a significant amount for their policy. We’ll review what you need to know to ensure you make the best decision regarding your auto insurance policy.

Everyone Doesn’t Need Their Own Policy

In most cases, people in the same household in Hershey, PA do not need to get a separate policy. A person in the household can add all drivers to their existing policy. This is an excellent way to help everyone save money because it’s usually more cost-effective than everyone paying for an individual policy.

Insurance Company Requirements

Many insurance companies require that every person of driving age in the household be listed on the policy. However, policy owners can usually list someone as a "non-driver" on the policy so it doesn’t impact their deductible or insurance rates. It’s crucial to speak with an experienced agent at Options Insurance Agency to ensure you meet policy requirements.

Sharing An Insurance Policy

Many families choose to have everyone on the same policy because it’s a great way to save money. New drivers may get cheaper insurance rates because their parents or guardians have an exceptional driving record.

In some instances, it’s best to avoid sharing an insurance policy. Adding a person with a poor driving record to your policy can increase your monthly premium. Temporary roommate situations often call for people to have separate insurance policies because the policy owner doesn’t want to be partially responsible for the accident. Always ask your auto insurance company how adding someone to your policy can impact your insurance.

Always consult with an experienced agent at Options Insurance Agency to ensure you are making the best decision for your situation and to ensure coverage if something happens. We currently service the Hershey, PA area.

Pennsylvania Insurance Required for Construction Companies

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Options Insurance Agency provides commercial insurance for businesses in Hershey, PA, including those in the construction industry. If you’re new to construction work in Pennsylvania, it’s important to familiarize yourself with state law, specifically PA’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. At first glance, it may seem like a simple mandate to register with the state, but a closer look reveals that each contracting business needs specific commercial insurance to register.

Understanding What HICPA Does

The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act requires all construction contractors to register with the state government and obtain a registration number. This includes subcontractors who don’t directly contract with clients and are paid by the general contractor (GC). Registration requires proof of commercial insurance, among other things. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General, your firm needs two types of coverage before it can register:

  • Personal injury liability coverage of $50,000 or more
  • Property damage coverage of $50,000 or more

In addition to insurance coverage, you’ll also need to provide contact information, proof of contractor licenses and other registrations, information on previous contracting businesses owned, and a $50 fee. The registrar provides a form that the business operator completes and submits.

Schedule Your Commercial Insurance Review Today

Let Options Insurance Agency help you bring your construction firm into compliance and keep it there. Don’t get caught without a registration number for your Hershey, PA, contracting business. Every construction industry firm in PA must register, and to register, the business must carry appropriate commercial insurance. Whether you work as a GC, electrician, plumber, mason, or in another position, purchase your property damage coverage and personal injury liability coverage today.

Why Homeowners Should Consider More than Standard Home Insurance Plans

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Insurance serves as a safety net, a security blanket, and a shield against unforeseen calamities. It’s the solution many people turn to when they need help. That’s why residents of Hershey, PA, trust the experienced team at Options Insurance Agency for all their home insurance needs. Life is full of surprises, but with insurance, we can be prepared for them.

The Importance of Considering More than Standard Home Insurance Plans

As families grow and change, our homes often adapt along with us. Whether it’s additions and renovations or repairs from storm damage, home insurance prepares homeowners for life’s planned and unplanned surprises. However, standard home insurance policies often leave many areas uncovered. Common concerns like flood damage or water damage from broken pipes are typically excluded from standard policies. That’s why it’s beneficial to work with an experienced agent who can help you understand what isn’t covered and assist you in obtaining the coverage you need to protect what your standard plan doesn’t.

Home Insurance Solutions for Homeowners in Hershey, PA

If you’re a homeowner in or around Hershey, PA, and have questions or need insurance for your home, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment for the protection that only home insurance can provide with our friendly and experienced team at Options Insurance Agency today.

Will Your Auto Insurance Policy Follow You In A Rental Car?

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Sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where it’s more convenient to rent a car for a while. Accidents can still happen even if you only have this car for a short time. Many car rental companies will require you to have valid liability insurance before you rent one of their cars. If you already have a car insurance policy, you won’t need to purchase additional protection before renting a car.

Securing Insurance Before You Need It

Most of the typical types of rental car protection are very similar to the coverage available on an ordinary car insurance policy. The coverage you have for your own vehicle should easily transfer to rental vehicles. If you have collision, liability, and/or comprehensive insurance, you will be protected up to the same limits in a rental car. If you have the proper policies to start with, you won’t have to buy additional insurance from the rental company. As for any personal effects you may have in the car, if renters’ or homeowners’ insurance already covers them, you won’t need to purchase personal effects coverage. Do remember to review your policies before deciding to buy coverage. Legally, a car rental company won’t let you drive off without the state’s minimum liability insurance. Your personal insurance may cover it, but remember that you are in an unfamiliar car and in unfamiliar territory. A little extra coverage might be a good idea.

Contact Options Insurance Agency Serving Hershey, PA

If you live in the Hershey, PA, area and need auto insurance, please get in touch with Options Insurance Agency. We’re happy to help!

How Small Businesses in Hershey, PA, Benefit from Cyber Liability Insurance

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Running a successful business in Hershey, PA, today requires more than a deep understanding of the market and/or industry you represent. In today’s world, investing in cyber liability insurance provides the essential protection against data breaches and cyber threats ranging from traditional phishing scams to advanced ransomware. At Options Insurance Agency in Hershey, PA, we can help you safeguard your operations, financial stability, and overall reputation in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

The Basics of Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber liability insurance is becoming increasingly common in today’s modern digital world. For small businesses operating in Hershey, PA, cyber liability insurance provides:

  • Business Disruption Coverage: Downtime, lost income, and breaches are covered with the right cyber liability insurance policy in effect.
  • Data Breach Response Costs: An extensive cyber liability insurance policy may cover legal fees, customer notifications, and credit monitoring services.
  • Liability Protection: Lawsuits that arise from compromised or hacked data will be covered with a suitable policy.

Benefits of Cyber Liability Insurance

The most notable advantages of cyber liability insurance for small business owners in Hershey, PA, include:

  • Addressing the rise of security threats, including phishing scams, ransomware attacks, and more.
  • Protecting customer data (such as handling sensitive information, including personal information and credit card numbers)
  • Supports compliance with local, state, and federal regulations

Dealing with the growing threat of potential cyberattacks, scams, and data breaches can quickly become overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with solutions or cyber liability insurance. With the right cyber liability insurance, maintain your peace of mind, minimize downtime, and eliminate the risks of data breaches and/or downtime in any industry. To learn more about how your small business in Hershey, PA can benefit from cyber liability insurance, contact Options Insurance Agency for your free quote and consultation today.

What to know about insuring an older vehicle

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Options Insurance Agency proudly offers coverage for a wide range of vehicles in the Hershey, PA, area. We insure small trucks, vans, sedans, SUVs, luxury cars, daily drivers, new cars, and classics.

If you drive an older car, there are some factors to consider.

When to Drop Comprehensive Coverage

There may come a time when paying for comprehensive coverage on your older vehicle is not worth it. Your vehicle’s book value may decrease to the point where, minus your deductible, you are not getting the value you once did. We can help you determine when that point may be.

Older Vehicles Lack Some Safety Features

Advancements in technology have made cars more comfortable, convenient, and safe. A visit to a new car dealer may be an eye-opener as to what is available.

Even Older Cars Are Required to Be Insured

Even if your car is older and may not be worth much, you are still required to carry car insurance to meet state minimum levels.

We Can Help with Pennsylvania Auto Insurance

No matter what you drive, we can help ensure it is sufficiently covered. Contact Options Insurance Agency, serving the Hershey, PA, area. We will answer your questions, review your policy, and provide a price quote.

It can be easy to overpay on car insurance when you have an older car. Options Insurance Agency can help prevent this. Contact us.

We look forward to assisting you.

Protecting Belongings From Smash and Grabs

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Smash and grabs are a more common occurrence than you may think. They fall under the "crime of convenience" category since they’re rarely planned in advance. Typically, the perpetrator will spontaneously commit a smash and grab if they sense an opportunity. For this reason, smash and grabs are highly preventable. Even though your auto insurance may cover loss and damage from a smash and grab, it’s to your benefit to do your best to prevent it from happening in the first place.

What is a Smash and Grab?

A smash and grab is when a perpetrator smashes a vehicle’s window to steal something from the inside of the vehicle. It may be anything of value or interest, even things that you may not think a thief would dare steal, such as:

  • Car stereo
  • Purse
  • Laptop/laptop bag
  • Shopping bags
  • Pet
  • Expensive looking coat
  • Etc.

Protecting Belongings From Smash and Grabs

Your insurance representative at Options Insurance Agency serving Hershey, PA wants you to be able to protect your possessions. Here are eight tips:

  1. Whenever possible, bring expensive items with you while you run errands.
  2. Hide shopping bags or luxury items in the trunk.
  3. Cover anything you can’t bring with you under a dark towel or blanket.
  4. Park in well-lit areas or near the front doors of shops.
  5. Avoid leaving pets in vehicles for long periods.
  6. Don’t leave possessions overnight in unattended vehicles.
  7. Avoid parking in neighborhoods where crime is rampant.
  8. Don’t leave a pricey cell phone in the holder while you step out of the vehicle.

These tips won’t guarantee that you’ll never be a smash-and-grab victim, but they will reduce your chances. For help with all of your auto insurance needs, contact the Options Insurance Agency serving Hershey, PA.

What is Parametric Insurance – Do You Need It?

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As a business owner, it’s essential to safeguard your company’s assets, including your employees and property, and protect yourself against liability claims. If you’re doing business in Hershey, PA, we welcome you to consult with our team of agents at Options Insurance Agency, where we live up to our name by providing you with a range of insurance options.

Parametric Insurance

The insurance industry is continually evolving, with new payment methods emerging regularly. One of the latest trends is parametric insurance. These nontraditional insurance policies offer a predetermined payout upon a specific event or "trigger," such as a certain wind speed, accumulated rainfall, or business parameters like foot traffic. As per Insurance Business Mag, the exact measurement that triggers a payout is outlined in the insurance policy.

Traditional insurance compensation usually follows a disaster or auto accident, with an insurance agency determining the payout amount after assessing the loss. One of the agency’s employees would inspect the damage to verify eligibility for payment. Alternatively, as Wikipedia explains, a parametric policy stipulates a list of circumstances that would initiate a payment, instead of reimbursing a loss. These policies enable quicker payouts given the clear trigger; once it’s hit, a payout is made.

Schedule Your Appointment

While parametric insurance might not be the right fit for every business, securing the appropriate insurance policies for your company’s specific needs is crucial. Business owners in Hershey, PA, can comfortably discuss all their insurance options with an agent at Options Insurance Agency. We’ve been offering insurance solutions to clients in this area since 2015. Call us today to schedule an appointment and explore your insurance options.

What Disasters are Covered by Home Insurance? Options Insurance Agency

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When the unexpected happens to our homes, the last thing we want to worry about is whether home insurance will cover the damage. From hurricanes to floods, vandalism, and theft, it’s important to understand your insurance policy. At Options Insurance Agency in Hershey, PA, we have helped our clients secure affordable and comprehensive coverage for their homes. 

What Disasters Are Covered by Home Insurance?

While many homeowners assume that their policy covers all types of disasters, the reality is more nuanced. Standard policies generally provide coverage against perils like fire, theft, and vandalism but may fall short when it comes to natural calamities such as floods or earthquakes. These exclusions can leave property owners vulnerable unless they seek specialized additional coverage.

Beyond the obvious risks, home insurance can also offer protection from lesser-known threats like falling objects, riots, or even damage caused by the weight of ice and snow on structures. This highlights the importance of reviewing your policy thoroughly and understanding the specific regional risks. By engaging with an experienced agent from Options Insurance Agency, we can tailor your home insurance plan thoughtfully. You safeguard against common perils and fortify yourself against unexpected challenges that life might throw your way.

Contact Options Insurance Agency in Hershey, PA for a Home Insurance Quote

At Options Insurance Agency, we believe in supporting and providing our clients with all their insurance options. Our professional agents are here to help you find a home insurance plan that works for you and your family. We look forward to serving you and helping you secure homeowners insurance. 

What’s Gap Coverage in an Auto Insurance Policy?

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Drivers in Hershey, PA, are obligated to carry certain auto insurance liability coverages as prescribed by state law. Moreover, when you finance or lease a vehicle, lenders may dictate their own coverage prerequisites. Gap coverage is a common type of insurance required by lenders.

What is Gap Coverage?

"Gap" is an acronym for "guaranteed asset protection," a term that aptly describes the function of this coverage. Gap coverage serves to bridge the financial discrepancy between your comprehensive or collision coverage and the remaining liability on your loan or lease. Essentially, it ensures that the asset used as collateral, your vehicle, is financially protected against damage.

If you have any questions about gap coverage, our agents at Options Insurance Agency would be happy to explain it in more detail.

When Do You Need Gap Coverage?

Gap coverage is typically mandated when a vehicle is financed or leased. The absence of such coverage can result in a financial gap, for which you might be liable if the vehicle is totaled. Comprehensive and collision coverages offer protection against vehicle damage but generally only insure up to your vehicle’s fair market value. This can be less than your loan balance as vehicles typically depreciate significantly faster than auto loans are paid off. A similar scenario may arise if your leased vehicle is totaled; you could be held fully financially responsible for the damaged vehicle.

Without gap coverage, you may find yourself financially underwater on a loan or lease. You could still owe on your loan or lease but no longer possess a functioning vehicle, which poses a problem for both the driver and the lender.

How to Get Gap Coverage

If you’re financing or leasing a vehicle, ensure you have gap coverage in place to protect yourself against potential financial risks. We at Options Insurance Agency are here to help you set up this protection. We’ve assisted many Hershey, PA drivers in finding the right auto insurance, and we’re ready to guide you as well.