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.

When to Get Commercial Insurance for Your Budding Business

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Whether you’re considering starting a business or fresh off the high of launching a new company, determining the best time to buy commercial insurance can be challenging. In Hershey, PA, our team of insurance professionals at Options Insurance Agency understands the difficulties faced by new business owners, including determining the right timing for purchasing commercial coverage. While exploring commercial insurance options as a new business owner can seem overwhelming, we’re here to help you feel comfortable and secure throughout the process, irrespective of your stage of the business journey.

Start Researching Early

Before buying commercial insurance, you need to examine all your options and understand the laws relating to commercial insurance. You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our professional team can guide you through your potential options, even if your business is still in the planning phase or just a dream on the cusp of reality. Starting your commercial insurance research early can make the eventual purchase less stressful.

Protect Your Business from Day One

While deferring a commercial policy might seem tempting, you shouldn’t delay. If your business involves expensive equipment, the last thing you want is to face a hefty bill should anything get stolen. For those with a commercial vehicle or at least one employee, being without commercial insurance could lead to legal trouble, so it’s better not to procrastinate.

If you run a business in Hershey, PA, contact Options Insurance Agency today to learn how we can help protect it.

Insurance Upgrades for Your Residential Property Improvements

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Are you getting ready to make improvements to your home and land? If the answer is yes, you may wish to purchase upgraded insurance products to protect your investments.

Use Value

Consider the use value of the improvements that you will be making. The manner in which you use your property may affect which type of insurance product you need.

For instance, if you are investing in a new pool, it may be in your best interest to purchase liability insurance. This type of protection will cover injuries and damage that occur when the water feature is installed on your property.

Project Analysis

Conduct an analysis of the project you are pursuing. This analysis will help you determine which materials and tools will be needed to complete the improvements you have in mind. Your upgraded home insurance policy should include the additional items that are being used for the project.

Security Measures

Consider ways to preserve the property improvements that will be made. Security equipment will protect loose items from theft and vandalism. Installing fencing and surveillance cameras is another way to safeguard the new items that you have added to your land or home.

Once you have chosen some security measures, it will be your responsibility to ensure that your home insurance policy reflects these measures.

Contact Options Insurance Agency

Contact an agent who serves Hershey, PA, for assistance with upgrading your home insurance policy. During a meeting with an agent representing the Options Insurance Agency, you can outline the property improvements you intend to make. This will guide the agent in recommending insurance upgrades for your existing home insurance policy.

Assess Your Family’s Insurance Coverage Needs

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As the title says, assess your family’s insurance coverage needs. Then, contact an Options Insurance Agency agent. One of our agents will prepare your new automotive insurance documents. Before you contact us, learn a little about what is being assessed.

Driving Experience

Consider the experience of each driver who needs to be insured. A new driver who has little experience may require more insurance coverage than a seasoned driver. Each driver in your family must be equipped with the amount of coverage they need.

Driving Patterns

Examine each family member’s driving patterns. The areas to which a driver will be traveling could influence the type of automotive insurance you seek. For instance, if a loved one plans to drive in busy areas, acquiring a comprehensive insurance policy for them may be beneficial.

Vehicles

Assess the type of vehicle each family member currently owns or plans to purchase. If a family member owns an older vehicle, it may be more practical for them to seek a basic liability policy. More insurance coverage may be needed if a family member owns a newer vehicle.

Policy Types

Compare insurance policy types. Use an online comparison tool to learn what each type of insurance product covers. This step can be conducted from the comfort of your home. Take time to pick out insurance products that are right for you and your family.

Contact Options Insurance Agency

After reviewing automotive insurance requirements and policy types, schedule an appointment with a qualified agent. One of our agents, who represents Hershey, PA, will prepare all the insurance policies you request.

The agent will explain the coverage types to you and outline what to do if you or a family member is involved in an accident.

Can You Insure Your Income From Your Business?

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If you’re a business or commercial property owner in Hershey, PA, it is high time that you understand the immense value commercial insurance offers. This type of insurance can shield you from financial losses triggered by theft, vandalism, fire, storm damage, and many similar mishaps. One of the common queries we at Options Insurance Agency encounter is whether commercial insurance can safeguard your business income. Allow us to clarify.

The Reality of Income Replacement Insurance

Yes, there are business insurance products designed to secure your business income. But, it’s crucial to note that not all situations may warrant income replacement.

What Business Income Insurance Might Not Cover

Unfortunately, if your business suffers a hit owing to an economic downturn or advanced competition, income replacement insurance is unlikely to cover your deficits.

Business Income Replacement Insurance: What Does it Cover?

Typically, business income replacement insurance kicks in following a covered calamity. For instance, if a fire damages your insured business and you’ve signed up for it, this policy will help you stay afloat while your business stabilizes.

A Gentle Reminder

Commercial insurance isn’t a silver bullet for all your business troubles. It offers protection under specific circumstances, and business income replacement insurance is an excellent example.

Take the First Steps Towards Securing Your Business Today

There’s a lot of confusion regarding what business insurance can and can’t do. Let Options Insurance Agency bust those myths and help you identify potential risk areas. Reach out to us today for a comprehensive business insurance review and quote. We’re eager to answer all your queries and assist you in fortifying your business, turning it into a robust, resilient, and risk-proof entity.

Home Insurance: How to File a Claim

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Easing Home Damage Claims With Options Insurance Agency

Home damage can be a significant stressor, but you can ensure fair compensation for your losses with a clear understanding of efficiently filing an insurance claim. Options Insurance Agency in Hershey, PA, is dedicated to simplifying this process and helping homeowners confidently navigate claims.

Mitigating Further Damage

Firstly, upon noticing damage to your home, it’s essential to prevent additional damage from happening. This could mean turning off the water supply in case of a plumbing issue or covering a leaky roof with a tarp to prevent water ingress—different situations call for different mitigations. Always bear in mind that your insurance policy obliges you to mitigate further damage wherever possible.

Reach Out to Your Insurance Agent

Your next step is to contact your insurance agent. They’ll guide you through steps such as documenting damage and submitting a claim online. At Options Insurance Agency, our agents regularly guide clients through these processes.

Documenting the Damage

Accurate documentation of all damage is a critical component of your claim. Take comprehensive photos or videos of all affected areas and items. This visual evidence will help your insurance company quantify the extent of the damage accurately.

Keep All Receipts

Retaining receipts for all damage-related expenses, such as materials for temporary repairs or payments made to professionals for damage prevention, is crucial. Many insurance policies cover these expenses, and having a detailed account will facilitate a smoother reimbursement process.

Filing the Claim

Knowing how to file a home insurance claim correctly can be a lifesaver. If you’re in Hershey, PA, and need help or have queries about your home insurance claim, feel free to contact Options Insurance Agency. We are here to help.