What is unique about classic car insurance?

Posted on June 28, 2020June 28, 2020 by agentinsure

For people that live in the Pittsburgh, PA area, owning a car is very common. For car lovers, one dream would be to own their own classic car eventually. If you do purchase a classic car, you should consider getting classic car insurance for it. This is a unique form of auto insurance that has a variety of characteristics that make it ideal for protecting a classic car.

Provides Unique Property Insurance

One of the benefits of a classic car insurance policy is that it will provide you with unique property coverage. A classic car is unique because it can appreciate over time, which is compared to most vehicles that tend to lose value. To ensure that your value and asset is protected, the classic car insurance policy can come with a replacement value that is based on an agreed-upon value between you and the insurance provider.

Liability Protection Reflects Less Driving

Another benefit of classic car insurance is that it can come with liability insurance protection that reflects the reality of your driving situation. When you drive a car daily, you are going to put on a lot of miles. The more miles you drive, the more risk there is with insuring you. With a classic car, you are bound to drive very few miles each year. The classic car insurance policy will be structured to reflect this lower liability risk.

Ultimately, anyone that owns a classic car in the Pittsburgh, PA area should get a classic car insurance policy. When you are looking to insure your classic car, you should call Stalwart Insurance to discuss your needs. The insurance team at Stalwart Insurance can help you understand the benefits of this coverage and get you into a policy that provides the right protection.

How do home renovations affect my home insurance policy?

Posted on May 31, 2020May 31, 2020 by agentinsure

House improvements are always exciting to make as they change the outlook of your home. When it comes to home insurance, these improvements can either boost your home’s value or trigger lower premiums. Therefore, you must think about home insurance before doing any renovations for your Pittsburgh, PA home. At Stalwart Insurance, we recommend informing your insurance provider about your renovation plans to ensure that your policy is up to date and also revise some perils that you may expect to be covered but are not there.

Renovations raise the value of your home.

A home insurance policy is designed to cover repairs and replacement costs of your home in case of damage from a fire or other accidents. Anything that will impact the repair or replacement costs of your home significantly affects your insurance premiums and the overall cost of insurance. Notify your insurance company before making significant upgrades and keep a record of receipts or videos of the same for future reference.

Some extensive renovations can completely change your entire home insurance policy.

If you intend to make vast home improvements like changing the roof or exterior wall, such changes may alter your home insurance policy to a property under construction. That means that the policy covers your possessions in that home. However, if the roof or the wall being constructed affects the condition or damages the contents of your home, your insurance provider may not reimburse you for these damages or losses.

You are liable for any injuries on your property.

If you hired several workers to work on your renovations, you are solely responsible for any injuries that may result from the work they will be doing or any damages relating to those injuries. Therefore, enquire about workers’ insurance or have your liability coverage reviewed.

Are you looking to make a few renovations for your home? Stalwart Insurance can help you do this without overcomplicating your home insurance policy. Visit us in Pittsburgh, PA for more information.

3 risks associated with liability coverage on auto insurance

Posted on April 29, 2020April 29, 2020 by agentinsure

Shopping for auto insurance for the first time can be daunting, especially when you are not familiar with the terms used. Terms such as ‘liability coverage” are prevalent in the insurance industry. If you are not sure what it means, you may end up making the wrong choices. Seeking help from an insurance expert at Stalwart Insurance serving Pittsburgh, PA is a prudent idea.

We will help you understand everything about insurance and find coverage that best fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. The following three risks will help you understand how liability is related to your auto insurance.

1. It puts your vehicle at risk

Liability coverage is an insurance policy that only covers the damage or bodily injury of another driver when you are involved in an accident. That means that you and your vehicle are not in the picture. If you are injured or your vehicle is damaged in the same accident, and you were at fault, your liability insurance may not help.

2. Your financial security is not safe either

Liability touches the most critical part of insurance–finance. Even if you are the best driver in Pittsburgh, PA, you can still be involved in an accident where you are at fault. In such a case, you will most likely need thousands of dollars to pay for your medical bills as well as make significant repairs-resulting to financial jeopardy.

3. Your health is in danger

When you get liability coverage, it is critical to have in mind that it is not for you but for other road users whom you may hurt in an accident. If you are seriously injured in an accident where you were at fault, liability coverage may not help you.

To learn more about your safety on the roads with auto insurance, visit Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA today!

What’s Covered by Renter’s Insurance?

Posted on March 30, 2020March 30, 2020 by agentinsure

You don’t have to own a home to get insurance protection for your belongings. If you’re renting a house, apartment, or condo, you can protect your valuables with renters insurance. A renter’s policy from Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA will protect your assets from theft or damage in the event of an unexpected disaster. It only takes one catastrophe to destroy everything you own, leaving you to pick up the pieces afterward. With renters insurance, you’ll have the financial help you need to recover from a disaster. Here’s what a renter’s policy has to offer:

Protection of Personal Goods

Renter’s property insurance compensates you for the damage or loss of your personal belongings to include your wardrobe, furniture, electronics, sports gear, and more. If you’re wondering whether this protection is necessary, imagine replacing everything you own out-of-pocket if a fire were to destroy your rental home or condo. Property coverage protects you against unforeseen events that can cause financial hardship.

Protection against Liability Claims

With spring close at hand, you may be planning special events in your home or condo. Inviting visitors to your home increases your risk of accidents. If someone gets injured while attending a dinner party, you could be held liable for their medical costs. Liability insurance covers these expenses to safeguard your assets. If a severe injury leads to your getting sued, liability insurance covers your legal costs.

Additional Living Expenses

If a disaster causes so much damage to your rental home that you have to live somewhere else temporarily, additional living expenses helps pay for your hotel, food, fuel, and other expenses until you can return to your home safely. This saves you from dipping into your savings to recover from a disaster.

To learn more about the protection that renters insurance has to offer, call or visit Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA.

How Umbrella Insurance Works

Posted on February 29, 2020February 29, 2020 by agentinsure

Are you aware of umbrella insurance and how it works? Even if you have insurance, you may not have realized that there are hidden areas of consideration that make it necessary to have additional insurance coverage. An agent like the ones at Stalwart Insurance of the Pittsburgh, PA area can help you understand it better.

What is umbrella insurance?

If you need a supplement to your primary insurance policy, including homeowner’s, renter’s, or auto insurance, that’s when you’d get umbrella insurance. This liability policy will cover a higher limit, and it handles a broader range of claims that relate to your automobile or home.

What is an umbrella policy good for?

The main reason you’d get such a policy is to protect assets in the instance there is an unforeseen event like an accident that you are responsible for for causing. If the other individual were to file a legal claim, umbrella insurance pays for any damages up to the limit set in your policy. It provides you with protection in the form of excess liability when it comes to libel, slander, legal fees, and false arrest fees.

When does umbrella insurance kick in?

You’d only use umbrella insurance after your primary policy limits have been surpassed, or it’s outside of your basic liability coverage. It doesn’t matter if you end up being found not to be responsible at the end. Your umbrella insurance will cover any amounts you owe over your regular insurance policy.

Want to know more about how umbrella insurance can fit your situation? Talk to an expert and set up your policy at Stalwart Insurance of the greater Pittsburg, PA area. You’re sure to be happy with the results.

How can I find out if I need flood insurance

Posted on January 29, 2020January 29, 2020 by agentinsure

Floods can be a complicated reality of living near water or in valleys, and the potential damage to your home and belongings can be devastating. Having flood insurance can help with the cost in the unfortunate case of these kinds of emergencies, but how do you know if it’s right for you and your home? Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has some tips for how to find out.

Flood Zones

Some areas are at higher risk for a flood than others. These areas are known as flood zones. There are three kinds of flood zones, which are differentiated by the risk factor for that area: Special flood hazard areas, Moderate flood hazard areas, and areas of minimal flood hazard. Knowing which area you live in, and how high your chances are of experiencing flooding, can help you determine what kind of flood insurance you need. Some areas are at such a high risk of flood that federal law requires property owners to have flood insurance for those areas, so it’s essential to understand whether your property falls in one of those locations.

What makes a flood zone?

A variety of factors can make an area high-risk for floods: heavy rains, nearby rivers which can overflow, broken dams or urban drainage basins, unexpected storm surges, and melting snow and ice. Some areas are more at risk than others because of these factors. Living in a valley at the bottom of a mountain, for example, can mean that melting snow in the spring can cause flooding in or around your home. Similarly, a house on a river might be at risk during times of heavy rainfall, or living downstream from a dam might put you in danger if the dam were to break. Being aware of these factors and how they affect your need for flood insurance is the best way to be prepared in case of this kind of emergency.

There are many factors to consider when deciding what kind of insurance is best for you, and where flood insurance is concerned, there are even more things to keep in mind. For help deciding if flood insurance is right for you, talk to an insurance representative from Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to find a reliable policy.

Stalwart Insurance: Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Posted on December 31, 2019January 1, 2020 by agentinsure

From the snow-covered mountains to the quaint small towns nestled in the hills with snow-covered rooftops, the winters in the most Eastern states can be gorgeous, but the snow can also cause some treacherous road conditions. Here are some tips from Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA for safe winter driving in this beautiful state.

Before You Hit the Road

Before heading out on snow or ice-covered roads, be sure to let someone know where you will be traveling and take your cell phone with you. Be sure to fully charge your phone before you take off and stop at a nearby gas station to fill your tank, just in case you do get stranded. Throwing a blanket in the back of your vehicle is a good idea, also, in case your heater does not work, and you need to keep warm until help arrives.

Driving Uphill

Be sure to keep going as you drive uphill on snow or ice-covered roads and to keep your vehicle in high gear. That means, do not stop because if you do, you take a chance on you and your vehicle sliding back down the hill.

Downhill Driving

When traveling down a hill, keep your vehicle in a low gear to decrease your overall speed, and you will not have to use your brakes as often. Braking can cause sliding, which you will want to avoid.

Studded Tires

Studded tires will help keep you and your vehicle on the road and will assist you in climbing steep roads that head uphill.

Stay in Control

Do not use your vehicle’s cruise control feature when navigating snowy roads. If you do, you will not have as much control over the acceleration and deceleration of your vehicle, which you need when traveling on treacherous roads.

Use these tips to stay safe while enjoying your drive through beautiful landscapes. For more tips and to ensure you have proper insurance coverage, visit Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA in person, or contact us online.

What Are the Differences Between Term, Whole and Universal Life Insurance?

Posted on November 29, 2019December 1, 2019 by agentinsure

It’s understandable why people don’t want to think about it, but everyone needs life insurance. It’s usually better to bite the bullet and get a plan, so you don’t have to worry about it. When you’re shopping, you’re going to find a lot of options. The only hope of picking the best policy is to understand the main classifications of life insurance. That’s why Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA made you this quick guide to differentiate between term, whole, and universal life insurance.

Term

This is probably the most common policy you might get from an employer. The name says it. The insurance policy covers a preset term or time. The period is usually 10 to 30 years (it will be fixed when the policy is chosen). You pay a fixed monthly payment, and there is a predetermined payout. Once the term expires, a new one has to be negotiated.

Whole Life

Like the name implies, these policies cover your entire life. The premiums are usually higher because these policies are guaranteed to eventually mature. The premiums for whole life are typically fixed, but the money you put into the account can appreciate, and it is tax-deferred. This allows the policy to grow beyond your contributions, and the final payout can be much bigger than what you might get for a comparable term policy.

Universal

This is also a permanent insurance plan, but it differs from whole life in several ways. First, universal policies typically have flexible premiums. These accounts are more directly tied to investment performance. The money you put into the policy is invested by the insurer, and the idea is for it to grow over the course of your life. Because of the flexible premiums and reliance on investment performance, the payouts of universal policies are less predictable.

This should be enough to get you started, but you ultimately want a customized insurance solution. A quick chat with your Stalwart Insurance representative in Pittsburgh, PA can ensure that you know what you’re getting into, and that it’s the right fit.

Tips to Prevent Residential Break-Ins

Posted on October 31, 2019October 31, 2019 by agentinsure

Burglaries can be financially as well as emotionally draining. Unfortunately, they can happen anywhere and at any time, no matter what neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA you may live. Burglaries are an ongoing threat, and it’s difficult for the police to track down the criminals after the break-in has occurred. The good news is there are some things you can do to help prevent break-ins from happening to you and your family. Here are a few tips that Stalwart Insurance recommends to help prevent your family from being the victim of a break-in.

Don’t Advertise an Unoccupied House

Burglaries are most like to happen when your home is unoccupied, especially for long periods. Although many people assume that burglaries occur at night, the truth is they are more likely to occur during the daytime when people are at work and school. It’s essential to create the illusion that someone is always at home. When you leave for work, leave the television or radio on and leave a light on or use a timer for lights. When going on vacation, be sure to have mail and newspaper deliveries held until you return and use a timer on various lights throughout the house that is set with different activation times.

Install Secure Windows, Doors, and Screens

A burglar can enter through either doors or windows, so it’s essential that you ensure all entry points are secure. Screens should be free from damage and fit securely in the window frame, and all windows should have operating locks. Some entry points, such as sliding glass doors, especially older styles, are sometimes easy to breech. To help reduce the risk of a burglar getting in through a sliding door, use a security bar, which is placed at the bottom of the door to prevent it from being slid open should the lock be breached. Make sure all windows and doors, including garage doors, are installed correctly and secure.

Burglar Proof Landscaping

Thieves search for homes that allow them to get in and get out without being noticed. Overgrown shrubs, trees, and bushes are the perfect hiding place for a burglar, so make sure to keep all plants trimmed and well-manicured, especially the ones that are in front of windows. Tree branches should be pruned because they can be used as a support for climbing onto the roof or into second-story windows. Make sure to use lighting on walkways, the driveway, and near entry doors.

Burglaries often survey potential victims before they break-in. They will look for habits, such as the time you leave for and return home from work. They also pay attention to what types of expensive items you are buying by looking through your trash, so instead of placing boxes from valuable items, such as television sets, outside with the trash, break down all boxes and put them inside the trash containers. If you notice any unusual people lurking around the neighborhood, be sure to contact the police right away.

To learn more information about or to purchase homeowners’ insurance, residents of Pittsburgh, PA should contact Stalwart Insurance.

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