Four Things to Look For In An Insurance Agent When Shopping for Renters Insurance

Posted on June 28, 2024June 21, 2024 by agentinsure

Your renter’s insurance policy is there for you when you need it. In the event of a covered incident, your policy can assist with payment for repair or replacement of your belongings, thus substantially reducing the stress associated with such situations.

At Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA, your insurance agent is not just a salesperson but a partner in your journey to find the insurance policy that fits within your budget and adequately covers your belongings. We strive to connect our customers with the policy that best suits their needs.

It is important to know what qualities denote an exemplary agent when you’re searching for an insurance agent to help you procure a renters insurance policy. The following are four characteristics of a good insurance agent.

1. Responsive to Questions

As a prospective insured, you will likely have numerous questions concerning your renter’s insurance policy – and rightfully so! The more you ask, the better you equip yourself to make an informed decision when selecting your policy. Hence, it’s crucial to choose an insurance agent who is responsive to your queries. Seek an individual who promptly returns calls and provides comprehensive answers.

2. Collaborates with Several Carriers

The larger the number of carriers your insurance agency coordinates with, the higher the likelihood of them finding a perfect policy for you. Inquire to ascertain the extent of carriers your representative collaborates with.

3. Possesses Industry Knowledge

A good insurance agent exhibits a deep understanding of the insurance industry. Their responses should assure you of their competence in providing precise and complete information.

4. Experienced

Experience can significantly enhance the services an insurance agent can offer you. Thus, seek an insurance agent with an extensive background in the insurance industry.

If you require a helpful, prompt, and experienced insurance agent, don’t hesitate to contact Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA. We are ready to assist you.

Need Extra Coverage? Get Umbrella Insurance

Posted on May 27, 2024May 24, 2024 by agentinsure

If you rent a home or own a car, it’s essential to have a good insurance policy to protect those assets. However, some people may need to be made aware that another option, called umbrella insurance, can provide additional protection. If you live in the Pittsburgh, PA area, you can get information about umbrella insurance – as well as any other insurance questions – answered by our team at Stalwart Insurance. We welcome the opportunity to live up to our company name and to provide you with the insurance solutions you need.

Umbrella Insurance Provides Additional Coverage

Umbrella insurance is additional insurance intended to protect the limits of already-existing policies. These policies are especially suited for people who have valuable assets. Although homeowners or auto owners most frequently purchase umbrella policies, they can also be helpful for special types of lawsuits. An experienced and knowledgeable insurance agent can provide more details about these policies and how they might benefit you.

Umbrella policies will reimburse their holders when their regular policies have already paid their maximum amounts. An example might be if you were in an auto accident, and the other driver’s policy did not fully cover your car’s damages or medical bills. If you had umbrella insurance for your auto policy, that umbrella insurance would be activated, and pay the rest of the expenses incurred during the accident.

Call Us Today for an Appointment

When you make decisions about the types of insurance you need, you’ll want to know that you’re protected to the full extent of your needs. Residents of the Pittsburgh, PA area can find the best possible source of answers to any insurance questions. Call us at Stalwart Insurance today for an appointment to talk with one of our agents about all your insurance needs.

Who Needs Flood Insurance?

Posted on April 26, 2024April 24, 2024 by agentinsure

When you own a home, you need insurance to protect yourself and your investment. One of these is home insurance, which is essential for financial protection in case of a damaging event. However, as a homeowner, you also need to have flood insurance. Every homeowner should have it for a number of reasons. If you don’t have flood insurance for your home, call us at Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA.

Complete Protection

Many people don’t think they need to get flood insurance because they have a home insurance policy. However, floods aren’t covered under home insurance policies. Floods are specifically excluded from the coverage you get from them. To have full protection for your home, you need to have a flood policy in addition to your home policy.

Floods and Flood Zones

Another reason that many people believe they don’t need flood insurance is that they don’t live in a flood zone. Flood zones are designated areas known to flood on a certain schedule, such as every 20 or 50 years. When you live in a flood zone, getting flood insurance is required to mitigate the risk. However, not all floods happen in designated flood zones. When flood claims come in, about one in five are from an area outside of flood zones. That makes it necessary for all homeowners to have flood insurance for financial protection.

Get Your Flood Insurance Policy

It’s vital that you protect your home financially. It’s usually the largest investment that a homeowner has. If a flood happens to your home, it can cause extensive damage. If you only have home insurance, you’d be forced to pay for all the repairs yourself. Call us at Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA to get flood insurance.

Is Your Car Too Old For Comprehensive Coverage?

Posted on March 29, 2024March 19, 2024 by agentinsure

At Stalwart Insurance, we are proud to help Pittsburg, PA, area drivers by insuring various types of vehicles. We can insure new cars and trucks, modified vehicles, and classic and restored cars. We insure luxury vehicles along with daily drivers.

One of the most frequent questions we get involves when an owner should switch from comprehensive insurance to less expensive liability coverage only. Here are some things to consider:

Do You Have a Loan on Your Car?

If you are making payments on your vehicle, your lender is likely to require you to have comprehensive coverage. Switching to liability insurance may not be an option for you at this time.

What Is Your Vehicle Worth?

It can help to monitor your vehicle’s book value. This will give you an idea of the maximum value you will receive should your car be "totaled," minus your deductible.

Does The Difference in Your Premium Make Sense?

Check the difference between the premium for comprehensive coverage and basic liability coverage. Some suggest if the premium is over 10% of the value of your vehicle, you should consider shifting to liability only.

Make a Move That Makes Sense For You

Of course, everyone’s situation is a little different. Base your decision on your financial situation and risks. If you would like to discuss your options, contact us.

Get a Quote Today

An excellent place to start is by comparing coverage and costs. Contact Stalwart Insurance LLC of Pittsburgh, PA, for a no-obligation car insurance review and price quote. Of course, the decision is always yours.

We look forward to assisting you.

I Purchased Life Insurance. Now What?

Posted on February 15, 2024February 14, 2024 by agentinsure

So, you finally did it. You realize you aren’t immortal. You also realized that if you died, that would severely financially inconvenience your family. So, you bought life insurance. For the most part, all you have to do is pay your monthly premiums and not commit suicide for the next two years. There are a few things you may want to tell your beneficiaries so that they can collect when the time comes.

What Your Beneficiary Needs

When the time comes, your beneficiary will need to get a copy of your death certificate. It’s a good idea for them to have a few copies of this. It’s also important that your beneficiary contacts the insurance company as soon as they can. They will need the claim form, too, so they can get to it. If you keep it in a safe, ensure they know the combination or have a copy of the key. (Notice that psychics who claim to talk to the dead never seem to know lock combinations.) Generally, the claim will be paid within 30 days of the insurer receiving the necessary documents. Make sure your beneficiary knows who you’re insured with.

What Is Covered

Your beneficiaries will be compensated in the event of just about any form of death. The only exceptions are suicide within two years of purchase of the policy and homicide at the hands of the beneficiary.

Contact Stalwart Insurance Serving Pittsburgh, PA

If you live in the Pittsburgh, PA, area and are looking into purchasing life insurance, please get in touch with Stalwart Insurance. Our sagacious and courteous agents will do all they can to help you get what you need and help your beneficiaries collect what they deserve.

Tips for making and storing a home inventory

Posted on January 30, 2024January 30, 2024 by agentinsure

A home inventory is one of those things that is vastly underappreciated until you actually need it. If a significant peril hits your home and you suffer severe damage, trying to put together a list of all your content will be a major stressor, especially when you don’t have the items to look at. At Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA, we will be here with you through the good times and the bad to help you in any way we can.

A home inventory lists everything you have and any additional outbuildings. You will need a pad, pen, and your phone or camera. You need to go from room to room, open any closets, drawers, and cabinets, and write down the contents. Give as much detail as possible, write any serial or model numbers, and attach receipts or sales slips. Take pictures of the room from a few different angles.

Do this for every room, and don’t forget to go into the garage, the basement, and the attic. The more information you write down, the better. You will be glad later if you ever need to use it.

Storing your home inventory

How and where you store your home inventory is almost as important as the process of making it. It needs to be somewhere easily accessible and also safe from whatever peril your home has sustained. Keeping it in a safe deposit box is one good option. In addition, a copy should be available in the cloud so you can get to it quickly, no matter where you are.

Our independent insurance agents at Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA are ready to offer any home insurance help. Give us a call today.

The Pizza Guy Tripped Down The Stairs, Now What Do I Do?

Posted on December 29, 2023December 29, 2023 by agentinsure

So you finally moved out of your parents’ house. You found an apartment in your budget. It’s on the second floor of a complex, but it’s private, and you’ve got a front patio with a great view if you like views of parking lots. You have got a job, and you’re paying your own way. Your parents encouraged you to get renters’ insurance, so you did. One evening, you didn’t feel like cooking and ordered pizza. You got your pizza, but immediately afterward, the delivery guy slipped on his way down the stairs. Now what?

Do First Aid

First, put down the pizza and see if the delivery guy’s OK. If he’s unconscious, call 911. Even if he’s unconscious but comes to, call 911. Ask if he’s hurt anywhere. Treat anything that’s obviously bleeding. Fractures must be handled gingerly and only treated by a professional. Don’t let him move around too much, as he may have a spine or neck injury. The 911 operator will give you full instructions based on the situation. Keep him still and breathing. You may need a pillow to keep his head in one place. If he wants to call his employer or family, assist him so he doesn’t move too much. If your landlord is on the premises, you can inform him that an ambulance is coming and why.

Assess the Situation

While the paramedics handle the delivery guy, you can assess what caused the fall. Is anything on the stairwell broken? Too icy? An item carelessly left there? Take pictures. As soon as you can, let your landlord know what happened. Contact your renters’ insurance company. Have your policy number ready, along with other useful documentation. The pizza guy will want workers’ compensation, and if the pizzeria doesn’t have commercial insurance, they’ll try to get money from somewhere else, but you’ll be ready.

Stalwart Insurance Serving Pittsburgh, PA

If you need renters insurance and are in the Pittsburgh, PA area, don’t hesitate to contact Stalwart Insurance. We’re here to help.

Umbrella Insurance for Renters: An Often-Overlooked Coverage Option

Posted on November 29, 2023November 29, 2023 by agentinsure

Regarding insurance, renters often focus on the basics, such as renter’s insurance, which covers personal property and liability within their rental property. While this is essential, umbrella insurance is another valuable coverage option that many renters often overlook.

Umbrella insurance acts as a backup plan, offering an extra layer of security beyond the standard renter’s insurance policy. It’s there to shield renters during those unfortunate situations when a liability claim surpasses the limits of the primary coverage. Here are some compelling reasons why renters should consider adding umbrella insurance to our protection plan:

Stronger Liability Protection: Umbrella insurance provides additional coverage to safeguard one’s assets and any future earnings.
A Peace of Mind: This added protection doesn’t break the bank. With a reasonable premium, one can relax knowing that financial security is set in place in case of a major crisis event.
Global Coverage: It’s not just limited to your rental property; umbrella insurance also extends the liability coverage. Whether you’re at home or traveling, you’re protected.
Prepare for Life’s Surprises: Life can be unpredictable, and accidents can happen at the least fortunate time frame. Umbrella insurance ensures you’re prepared for unexpected events that might lead to costly endeavors.
Protecting Assets: If you have savings, investments, or future earnings you’d like to protect, an umbrella policy will help secure your financial well-being in case of a significant liability claim.

Don’t delay taking the next step toward securing your financial future.

This small investment can offer substantial protection when life throws a curveball. Contact Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA, and serving the surrounding areas today. Your financial peace of mind is worth this additional layer of security. Reach out today.

Is it a good idea to get a flood insurance in Pittsburgh?

Posted on October 30, 2023October 30, 2023 by agentinsure

Real estate can be an excellent investment if you are in the Pittsburgh, PA area. When you are in this part of the state, it is essential that you always have the right insurance for your property. In many cases, this can include having a full flood insurance plan. There are many reasons why it is a good idea to get a proper flood insurance policy when in this part of Pennsylvania.

Offset Potential Flood Damage

A reason to have flood insurance when you are in this area is to offset the risk of flood damage. If you have ever had a home damaged by floodwaters, you will know how serious of an issue it can be. In many cases, you will not have protection for this risk through a normal home insurance policy. However, if you do have flood coverage, it will provide the support you need to make repairs following flood damage.

Comply with Lender Requirements

You may also want to have a flood insurance plan so you can comply with various lender requirements. If your lender determines that your home is in a high-risk flood zone, the lender will likely require that you carry insurance. This coverage will ensure that you have support to cover flood damage, which will help the lender protect their collateral. In many situations, you will need to have these payments escrowed each month.

A flood insurance policy is a good form of coverage if you are in the Pittsburgh, PA area. When you are looking for this type of insurance here, you can begin your search by calling our team with Stalwart Insurance. Our insurance professionals at Stalwart Insurance know the value of this coverage and can help you build the right policy that protects you and your home.

Vintage Cars and Auto Shows: Insurance Tips for Displaying Your Classics

Posted on September 29, 2023September 29, 2023 by agentinsure

Whether attending an auto show, participating in a car parade, or simply displaying your classic pride and joy, protecting your investment with the right insurance is crucial in the Pittsburgh, PA area.

Specialized Classic Car Insurance

When insuring vintage cars, a standard auto insurance policy may not provide the coverage necessary to protect these unique vehicles adequately. Consider obtaining specialized classic car insurance tailored to the needs of vintage and antique automobiles.

Agreed Value Coverage

This insurance offers a value that is agreed upon by both parties, the insurance company and the owner. The classic car’s value is agreed upon upfront before the underwriting takes place, considering factors like the car’s rarity, condition, and modifications.

Usage Restrictions

Classic car insurance comes with usage restrictions. These policies are designed for vehicles that are not used as daily drivers. Some insurances only allow the usage on Sundays or the weekends.

Storage and Security

Keeping your vintage car safe is crucial. Most classic car insurance policies require that your vehicle be stored in a secure, climate-controlled environment when unused. Additionally, having security measures like alarms, tracking devices, and secure storage can often lead to lower insurance premiums.

Coverage for Auto Shows and Events

If you plan to display your vintage car at auto shows, parades, or events, ensure your insurance covers these activities. Some classic car insurance policies offer event-specific coverage to protect your vehicle during transit and display.

Documentation and Appraisals

Maintain thorough documentation of your vintage car’s condition, modifications, and restoration work. Recent appraisals and photographs can help substantiate your car’s value and condition for insurance purposes.

Stalwart Insurance Can Help You with Classic Car Insurance

At Stalwart Insurance, we can help answer questions concerning classic car insurance. We serve the Pittsburgh, PA area. Contact us today.

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