Page 10 - AAA Schuylkill County – AAA Now! – January/February 2017

INSURANCE SERVICES
How to Get the Best Insurance Deal
AAA Suggests Questions to Always Ask Your Agent
Being a smart shopper isn’t just for buying vegetables and ground beef. When purchasing insurance, AAA Schuylkill County suggests you do some homework in advance. That way, you can get the best value for your money.
“Insurance can be complicated, and many people don’t want to deal with the details,” said AAA Schuylkill County spokesperson Sue Smyrl. “However, taking the time to look over your policy and asking the right questions may help save you money on your insurance bill.”
AUTO INSURANCE QUESTIONS
What are the discounts your offer? There may be an array of ways you can save money, ranging from safe driving and senior discounts to those for good students.
What will I get paid if my car is totaled? This is important to know because, if you have an older car with a low market value, collision insurance may not be the best fit for you.
If I have an accident can my rates go up, even if it’s not my fault? Each person’s policy is different,
so it’s good to ask under what circumstances your premium would be impacted.
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE QUESTIONS
If my home is destroyed in a disaster, what
will my insurance policy cover? Standard homeowners insurance will pay replacement value to help policy holders rebuild their home. In some areas, policyholders can purchase increased coverage through an optional endorsement.
Will my homeowenrs insurance cover all disasters likely to happen in my area? Standard homeowner insurance covers disasters such as fire, lightning, theft, vandalism, or damage from smoke, water or wind. It does NOT cover damage caused by a flood or an earthquake. Flood and earthquake insurance coverage can be purchased separately.
What are the coverage limits on items like jewelry, art, or other expensive items, if they’re stolen or lost? There are limits on certain types of personal items that normally occur in insurance policies. Ask your agent to walk through the Special Limits of Liability for Personal Property for the
policy they recommend and consider purchasing additional coverage through endorsements, if needed.
What is the maximum amount of liability my homeowners policy will cover, and what is the limit for medical expenses? There is a range of liability limits to suit most needs. Factors you may want to consider are your net worth, the activities you and your family engage in, and the amount of protection you want, should you be pursued in a lawsuit.
Will my possessions be covered if they’re lost
or stolen outside of my home? Most policies will cover things like jewelry or other expensive items (up to a certain monetary limit) that are stolen from your car of stolen or lost while traveling. Your policy may also cover your children’s belongings if they live in a dormitory during their college years.
To find out more about home, condo, renters or auto insurance, call your AAA agent or
(570) 622-4991 or (570) 668-1003 to see what discounts you may be eligible for and what type of coverage you might need.
Protect Your Pipes from the Deep Freeze
AAA Offers Tips On Protecting Your Plumbing When the Mercury Drops
10
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
With the onset of cold weather, pipes are at risk of freezing due to sudden temperature drops, poor insulation, or incorrect thermostat settings. This winter, AAA Schuylkill County offers suggestions that can help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting, which can cause significant damage
and expense.
“Freezing temperatures put your pipes at risk,
and recovery can be difficult and costly,” said Sue Smyrl, who leads the insurance division of AAA Schuylkill County. “Both plastic and copper pipes can burst, and a 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water per day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the
potential for mold.”
PREVENTING FROZEN PIPES:
• Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how it works.
• Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic, even if you live in an area where freezing temperatures are unlikely.
• Seal leaks around pipes that allow cold air inside. You should also look for air leaks around electrical wiring, clothes dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
• Disconnect garden hoses. If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance that pipes inside the house will freeze.
• If a freeze is expected, consider allowing warm water to drip slightly overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall. Even a slight trickle may keep your pipes from freezing.
• When there is the possibility of a freeze, don’t turn down the thermostat at bedtime, and instead maintain the same setting day and night.
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