Northeastern PA offers a broad array of business opportunities. Whether you operate as a contractor, restaurant, club, campground, municipality; or are a lawyer, physician, engineer, or funeral director, we develop insurance programs specific to your business and professional needs. From property, liability, automobile, and workers compensation coverage; to professional, umbrella, and cyber liability coverages, we have access to the leading insurance carriers in the country. Let us manage your risk so you can manage your business!

 

How can you reduce the risk of damage to your home and dodge a home insurance claim?  The best way to minimize risk is to understand and know what steps you can take to avoid a loss.

Prevent Fires

• Install smoke alarms.
• Turn off & unplug all small appliances when not in use.
• Maintain & clean all working fireplaces.
• Do not overload or connect one power strip to another.
• Clean out your lint trap in the dryer after every use.
• Replace any plastic vents with metal vents.
• Maintain your furnace with annual inspections.

Avoid Water Damage

• Know where the main water shut off is for your home.
• Maintain your water heater.
• Keep water from pooling near your foundation.
• Replace plastic and aluminum washing machine hoses with copper or stainless steel.

Deter Theft in Your Home

• Keep all personal information like passports and financial information in a locked fireproof safe or safety deposit box.
• Keep garage doors closed and locked, if the garage doors have windows, put the garage door release cord away from those windows.
• Replace worn keypad entry devices. After extensive use, the combination of letters and number could be worn and visible to potential criminals.
• Make sure the home’s address is visible for responding police, fire or paramedics.
• Secure a wireless network at home. Computer access could allow criminals easy access to confidential information.
• Don’t talk about family vacation plans in public or post about being away from your home on social media.
• Secure sliding glass doors and windows.
• Be a good neighbor, neighbors play a key role in preventing home thefts. Close neighbors are more likely to call the police if they see someone suspicious poking around your property.

An Umbrella policy can offer you peace of mind.  Your liability limits for your home and auto may not be enough to cover a large court judgement against you.  An Umbrella policy protects you and your assets in the event you find yourself responsible for damages that exceed your auto, home, renters, boat or cycle liability limits.   It’s time to contact Welch Insurance to learn more about how an Umbrella Policy can benefit you.

An example of how an Umbrella Policy can work for you:        

You are a driver determined to be responsible for an accident that resulted in serious injuries to another driver.  You are sued and the lawsuit results in a $1,000,000 dollar judgement against you.  Your auto policy has coverage up to $500,000.  You now have a $500,000 gap in coverage.  Your personal assets – car, home, money in the bank, investments etc. are now at risk.  If you have a $1,000,000 Umbrella Policy, that will help avoid that gap in coverage and pay the additional $500,000 owed.

If you are still unsure as to whether or not you need an Umbrella policy, call us at Welch Insurance or request a quote.  We will review you current coverages and assets and recommend a policy that protects you and is easy on your budget.

Is someone using your personal information to open accounts, file taxes, or make purchases?

Identity theft has affected millions of Americans and it continues to be the fastest growing crime in America.  Identity Theft & Identity Fraud are terms that refer to all types of crimes where someone unlawfully obtains & uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.^*

How can I protect myself from Identity Theft?

• Stop oversharing on Social Networking Websites!
• Maintain anti-virus & anti-malware software.
• Handle financial documents with care. If you are discarding them, shred them.
• Create STRONG passwords, be Cr3@t1ve.
• Be careful when you are using a public Wi-Fi. Do not make any purchases or share any personal information while on an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
• Don’t become victimized by fake emails. Scammers are continually sending out more convincing emails; don’t give out any financial information to someone who solicits it from you.  Read emails very carefully before clicking on any links or attachments they may contain a virus.
• Monitor credit & bank accounts closely

What Can You Do if You Become a Victim of Identity Theft?

• Notify the companies where you know the fraud occurred.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and get copies.
• Report the theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov

What Does Identity Theft Have To Do With My Personal Insurance?

Identity theft coverage is an optional coverage on most Homeowner & Tenant policies.  Coverages vary depending on the carrier but it can include lost wages, expenses for replacing government issued identification, travel expenses and even attorney fees.  Call Welch Insurance today to review your Home policy and get Identity Theft Coverage.

*The United States Department of Justice

If you drive, chances are, you will eventually be involved in a motor vehicle accident.  This guide will help you take the necessary steps in the event of an accident.

• Move out of the way of traffic, and turn on your hazard lights.
• Call the police, even in a minor accident. If someone is injured, request medical assistance.  If fire is involved, request fire department aid.
• Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than the police or a claim representative from your insurance provider.
• If possible, take photos of the accident scene and the auto damage.
• Exchange the necessary information with the other driver(s). This information includes:
  • Driver & passenger names
  • License plate numbers
  • Insurance information
  • Year, Make & Model of all vehicles involved
  • Contact information for any witnesses
  • Location of accident
  • The name and badge number of any responding police officers
  • The report number if a report is submitted.

 

Remember to pay attention and drive safe.

For more information on personal auto insurance call Welch Associates Insurance at 570-836-3165 today!