The Motorcyclist’s Guide to Insurance

Thunderstorms

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:52:25 GMT

What Do Homeowners Need to Know About Severe Convective Storms?

What are convective storms?

Convective storms, or Thunderstorms, form when warm, moist ground air rises rapidly and cools. This process can lead to the development of tall, powerful storm clouds capable of producing severe weather. A convective storm reaches a severe level when it results in large hail (about an inch in diameter or more), very strong wind gusts exceeding 57.5 mph or the formation of a tornado.

Types of convective storms

Single-cell (common) thunderstorms

Single-cell thunderstorms often develop on hot, humid summer afternoons. They are relatively small size, develop quickly and tend to be short-lived.

Multi-cell clusters

They are complex storm systems that move collectively, often traveling in organized formations that can extend for hundreds of miles. Capable of producing hail, flooding, tornadoes and damaging winds, including powerful straight-line winds known as derechos. pronounced similar to "deh-REY-cho."

Supercells

Are the most dangerous type of convective storms. They are characterized by a rotating updraft, or “mesocyclone,” that can be over 10 miles wide and up to 50,000 feet tall. Most large and violent tornadoes originate from supercells.

When and where do severe convective storms occur?

Convective storms can strike in any season and almost anywhere in the U.S. Tornados are most likely to develop in the spring and early summer, when warm, moist air and unstable atmospheric conditions are more common. Research shows that tornado activity has been increasing in parts of the Southeast, Midwest and Northeast. This means that,

the signs of a tornado and the difference between a watch and a warning can help you respond quickly.

What are some risks to your home and property during convective storms?

Convective storms can cause costly damage both inside and outside of your home.

Common risks include:

Damage to roofs, windows and siding from high winds, fallen trees, hail or flying debris.
Flooding inside the home from heavy, wind-driven rain or flash floods, especially in basements and lower levels.
Fire and electrical damage to the home caused by lightning strikes.
Damage to outdoor structures and personal property, such as fences, sheds or patio items, from hail, debris or falling branches.
Power outages and utility disruptions can affect home systems and appliances and can last hours or days.

How homeowners can prepare for severe storms

Consistent year-round home maintenance helps reduce storm damage and costly repairs, making your home more resilient when severe weather strikes.

Inspect the roof for loose or damaged shingles and repair promptly.
Clear out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
Seal gaps around windows and doors to keep out wind-driven rain.
Trim trees and remove dead branches near your home.
Test sump pumps and backup systems to avoid basement flooding.

When severe weather is in the forecast, bring in or anchor outdoor items like furniture, grills and firepits that could become airborne in high winds.

Emergency supplies checklist

Power outages can last for hours or even days. A well-stocked emergency kit containing essentials like food, water, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies can help keep your family safe and comfortable until conditions improve.

Store your emergency kit in an easy-to-access waterproof container and check it periodically to refresh expired items.

Stay safe at home during a convective storm

Remain indoors and away from windows, monitor weather alerts and local updates and instructions, and avoid driving. Roads can flood quickly, visibility may be limited, and debris or downed power lines may block your path. If the power goes out, use flashlights, not candles, to help reduce the risk of fire.

Safety and recovery tips after the storm

Assess post-storm damage - Check for injuries and remain vigilant for hazards such as downed power lines, gas leaks or structural damage. Be sure the area is secure before moving around your home.

Document storm damage - Document property damage, both inside and out. Take photos and videos of any damage to help support insurance claims.

Protect your property - Help prevent further damage to your property by temporarily covering broken windows, damage to the roof or other vulnerable areas using tarps or boards.

Contact your Agent or insurance carrier - If your property has any storm-related damage and a claim is necessary, notify your insurance carrier as soon as possible.

How home, auto and renters’ insurance can cover storm damage

Homeowners insurance coverage

Typical homeowners insurance covers damage caused by wind, hail and falling trees or debris. Roof damage is generally covered under the base policy, although some insurers may limit coverage or offer an endorsement to provide replacement cost protection. Sewer backup coverage can be added to many policies as an optional

endorsement.

Comprehensive auto insurance

Comprehensive auto insurance coverage is essential for protection against the costs of hail, falling branches and other storm-related damage. Without it, you could be responsible for repairs or total loss out of pocket.

Renters insurance

Renters insurance helps cover costs to repair or replace personal belongings that may be damaged due to a storm. It may also provide loss-of-use coverage(think food and shelter) if your rental unit becomes uninhabitable.

Understand flood coverage and policy maintenance

It’s important to note that homeowners and renters policies typically do not cover flooding. Consider a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer, especially in flood-prone areas.

Review and update your home insurance coverage regularly to help ensure that it keeps pace with rising repair costs, property values and risks. Maintain a current home inventory with photos, receipts and serial numbers to make claims easier.

Being prepared can mean peace of mind

Severe convective storms can strike with little warning, making advance planning essential. Taking the time to prepare your home and your family can reduce your risk – Be sure to sign up for local emergency alerts so you’ll know when severe weather is on the way. These steps can make a big difference when time is short.

Dtown Insurance is here to help, we can compare home insurance coverages with our carriers and look to provide you the best coverage availabe for your money! 215-345-1796

E-Bikes and Micromobility!

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:48:22 GMT

E-Bikes and more...Micromobility

Here in Pennsylvania, we are seeing a lot of discussion and visibility of electric

scooters, skateboards, and E-Bikes (Electric Pedalcycle) especially on the streets of

Doylestown, PA. And most of the people we see on these “micromobility” vehicles are

operated by people to young to have a valid drivers license and drive a car. We often

see them without a helmet. Here’s a description of each vehicle:

What is an E-Bike?

These are operated by human power and can be assisted with an electric motor. The

E-Bike must be equipped with operable pedals and can exceed 20 mph when powered

by the motor. The E-Bike must weigh less than 100 pounds, and the motor must be less

than 750 watts. The E-Bike operator must be at least 16 years old.

What is an E- Scooter?

E-Scooter falls under the definition of a vehicle, and are not exempt from registration

and insurance, as set forth by the Commonwealth of PA. However, most electric

scooters do not have the necessary safety equipment (turn signals and mirrors) to

comply with inspection and registration requirements. This effectively makes the E-

scooter illegal to ride on state roads. Operators must be 16 years of age, and have a

valid drivers license.

What is a Motorized Pedalcycle and Scooter?

These are motor or electric powered cycles equipped with or without pedals. There are

no power limits, and they have a maximum design speed under 25 mph. Both the

motorized pedalcyle and the motor scooter require Commonwealth registration,

insurance, and annual inspection. Operators of these vehicles must be 16 years of age,

and have a valid drivers license.

What is an Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD)?

Think of hoverboards and segways. They are often confused with electric scooters.

This vehicle is a self-balancing, two wheel, non-tandem-wheeled device. Designed to

move only one person with electric power. These vehicles are not permitted on

highways, and children under 12 must wear a helmet.

And what about the newly designed golf cart or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles?

These mobility vehicles are growing in use in the suburbs, but they must be equipped

with safety controls; Brakes, speedometer, windshield wiper, horn, and a slow-moving

vehicle decal are required.

Can only be driven on roadways with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less.
May only cross roads (if more than two lanes), at intersections with traffic lights.
Must be registered with the Commonwealth, insured, operated by a licensed driver.

Here is Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation fact sheet on Micromobility vehicles :

Contact Dtown Insurance for your Auto Insurance

Dtown Insurance is here to help, we can compare auto insurance coverages with our carriers and look to save you money on your insurance! Call today!

Dtown Insurance Receives 2024 Top Customer Retention Award from CSAA Insurance Group

steve.vinkler@gmail.com (Steve Vinkler) — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 02:11:36 GMT

Dtown Insurance Receives 2024 Top Customer Retention Award from CSAA Insurance Group

Furlong, PA, May 21, 2025 - CSAA Insurance Group, AAA's roadside auto and home insurance carrier, released the 2024 Top Agency Customer Retention Awards for auto and home insurance. Doylestown, PA's AAA insurance agency, Dtown Insurance, placed first with a remarkable 92.90% retention rate. This is the second consecutive year that Dtown Insurance placed first in the Entrepreneurial Agency channel.

Only two agencies qualified for the 2024 Top Agency Retention Award. To qualify, the agency had to achieve a combined (auto/home insurance) retention rate of over 90%. As a point of comparison, the industrywide personal lines insurance client retention rate is 84%.

Steve and Marybeth Vinkler, owners of Dtown Insurance, attribute their success to the excellent support and the complete coverage that the auto and home insurance policies CSAA offers.

Below are the results.

Top Customer Retention Award Agencies in 2024

1st Place: 92.9% - Steve Vinkler – Doylestown, PA

2nd Place: 91.2% - David Matasovsky – Forked River, NJ

"We are truly honored to receive this award," said Steve Vinkler. "This recognition reflects our deep commitment to our clients, highlights our dedication to providing the personalized and responsive service they deserve, and ensures our clients can trust us for all their insurance needs, year after year."

About CSAA Insurance Group

CSAA Insurance Group offers automobile, home, and other personal lines of insurance to AAA Members in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1914, the company has been rated "A" or better by AM Best for more than 90 years and, with over $6 billion in revenue, is one of the top personal lines property casualty insurance groups in the United States. The company has been repeatedly named one of the 50 most community-minded companies in America by Points of Light. More information is available at http://csaa-insurance.aaa.com .

About Dtown Insurance

Dtown Insurance, headquartered in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, provides personalized insurance solutions for the residents of Central Bucks and the surrounding areas. As an independent insurance agency, Dtown Insurance prides itself on its commitment to serving the Pennsylvania and New Jersey communities with unparalleled dedication. Dtown Insurances provides auto, home, life, and business insurance solutions.

Dtown Insurance partners with many insurance carriers such as American Modern, Cabrillo Coastal, CSAA, Encompass, Foremost, Haggerty, National General, OPENLY, Plymouth Rock, Progressive, Safeco, and Travelers. This diverse network allows us to offer our clients competitive rates and customized insurance packages.

Contact Dtown Insurance

Dtown Insurance

3503 York Road, Suite 10

Furlong, PA 18925

Phone: 215-345-1796

Fax: 267-323-4802

Steve Vinkler

Email: svinkler@aca.aaa.com

Five Signs You Might be Underinsured | Dtown Insurance

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:51:07 GMT

5 Signs You Might Be Underinsured

No one really wants to think about life insurance. Getting life insurance does not have to be difficult.

How much life insurance is enough? That question is important one to answer correctly.

You may not have enough insurance if:

1. You only have life insurance from your employer

These plans normally are very limited group plans ( a year’s worth of your salary), and are highly unlikely to meet your family’s long term needs: pay off debts, mortgage, college education. In addition, these policies are contingent on your staying at the same job. It is estimated that most people will have twelve different jobs in their lifetime.

2. You are making more money

A higher income normally changes your lifestyle, think bigger home, nicer car. In addition, if you depart unexpectedly your family will struggle to maintain the same lifestyle without your income.

3. Your stay-at-home spouse does not have any life insurance

Even if they do not make any reportable income that would need to be replaced, they perform valuable services that would need to be paid for if they are no longer in the home.

4. You had a child

Or two! Raising a child is expensive – raising a child costs more than $21,000 per year on average, with our even factoring college or trade education. If you are a new parent, it is a good time to review your life insurance coverages. Think long term for life insurance. You would not want your spouse to have to struggle for food and shelter if you were no longer in the picture.

5. You bought a new home

Paying the mortgage is the biggest financial need for any family and more challenging for a newly widowed spouse. If you bought a home, you will need life insurance to successfully pay off the mortgage. In addition, it is no fun to move, especially after a sudden or tragic loss.

The price of life insurance depends on four main factors: your age, your health, the type of policy and how much coverage you buy. In general, you will pay less the younger and healthier you are. You also typically pay less for a term life policy than a permanent life policy.

Dtown Insurance agents are experienced in all types of life insurance: Term, Whole, or Universal life insurance. We also have access to multiple life insurance companies, like AAA, Banner, AAA, and Pacific Life.

Call us today at 215-345-1796 .

Think you're Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance - Call Today!

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:49:38 GMT

Looking for New Auto Insurance?

10 things you should have handy

1. What is the make, model, year and VIN?

2. What are you current coverages? Do you have Comprehensive, and Collision deductibles? $500 or $1,000?

3. Does the vehicle have safety, or anti-theft devices?

4. Who are the named drivers, and their age?

5. What is the driving history? Any accidents or tickets?

6. How many miles are driven annually?

7. If you have youthful, or teenage, or new drivers, have they completed a drivers training course? Are they A or B students? Is your school aged driver away from home, more than 150 miles away?

8. How will you use the vehicle: Pleasure, Commute, Business use?

9. Where will the car be kept(garaged)? Same as your home address?

10. Will you be using a vehicle for rideshare, uber, or lyft?

Our personal coverage extends throughout Buckingham, Chalfont, Doylestown, Furlong, Jamison, Langhorne, Newtown, New Britain, Montgomeryville, New Hope, Warrington, Warwick, Upper Makefield, Lower Makefield, and all of Bucks, Montgomery counties.

Dtown Insurance

3503 York Road, Suite 10

Furlong, PA 18925

Phone: 215-345-1796

Fax: 267-323-4802

Email: SVinkler@ACA.AAA.com

Dtown Insurance Receives Top Customer Retention Award from CSAA Insurance Group

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:42:29 GMT

Dtown Insurance Receives Top Customer Retention Award from CSAA Insurance Group

Furlong, PA, May 30, 2024 - CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA roadside auto and home insurance carrier, just released the top customer retention awards. Doylestown's AAA insurance office placed first place with a 93.50% customer retention rate. Owners Steve and Marybeth Vinkler take pride in their relationships with their customers, going above and beyond to help their customers.

One of their recent reviews highlighted their commitment to customer service: "Steve Vinkler offers outstanding and professional service. Not only was he able to reduce our insurance rates by half, [but] he has been super helpful in escalating and expediting communication with a recent claim. He made sure [that] we were taken care of and even offered to drive us to the dealership when we bought a new car! Thanks for the 5-star service, Steve!"

Top Customer Retention Award Places

1st place: 93.5% Steve Vinkler – Doylestown, PA

2nd place: 91.7% Cody Link - Edmond, OK

3rd place: 91.4% David Matasovsky – Forked River, NJ

4th place: 90.5% Melissa Wall – Tulsa, OK

About CSAA Insurance Group

CSAA Insurance Group offers automobile, home and other personal lines of insurance to AAA Members in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1914, the company has been rated "A" or better by AM Best for more than 90 years and, with over $6 billion in revenue, is one of the top personal lines property casualty insurance groups in the United States. The company has been repeatedly named one of the 50 most community-minded companies in America by Points of Light. More information is available at http://csaa-insurance.aaa.com and on social media ( Facebook ,  LinkedIn ,  Instagram ,  Tik Tok ,  Threads  and  YouTube ).

About Dtown Insurance

Dtown Insurance partners with various insurance carriers such as American Modern, Cabrillo Coastal, CSAA, Encompass, Farmers, Foremost, Haggerty, Hippo, OPENLY, Plymouth Rock, Progressive, Safeco, and Travelers. This diverse network allows us to offer our clients competitive rates and customized insurance packages.

Contact Us

Dtown Insurance

3503 York Road, Suite 10

Furlong, PA 18925

Phone: 215-345-1796

Fax: 267-323-4802

Email: svinkler@aaamidatlantic.com

When Should You Buy Life Insurance?

Thu, 02 May 2024 17:12:24 GMT

When Should You Buy Life Insurance

Many people do not realize it is easier and cheaper to buy life insurance when you are young and healthy!

Life insurance agents recommend getting a policy in your early 20s. While life seems to just be starting at this young age, you can expect things to change as marriage, home ownership, children, and careers start to take prominence.

Additionally, life insurance premiums are much lower when you start at an earlier age, and as you progress through life, you can work with your agent to make changes as needed. Life insurance can be purchased at various ages, but specific milestones exist that life insurance brokers acknowledge as being more important. The best age to buy life insurance is between ages 25 to 30.

When You Have A Family

Life insurance is most often seen as important when you start a family. What would your spouse, son or daughter, do without your income? How long could they maintain their lifestyle? Often times when starting a family you incur larger debt, life insurance can pay off the debts if something tragic happens.

Aging Parents

The cost of care for seniors can be very expensive, depending on their health needs. Whether you are caring for them yourself, or paying for the assistance they need, you want to be sure that the necessary care continues if something were to happen to you.

When Purchasing A Home

As a family grows, the home must accommodate the new little residents. Life insurance provides a safety net when your own a home with a mortgage, helping to make sure that the financial payments are covered in the event of a tragic, or untimely death.

When You Own a Business or Self-Employed

Life insurance agents strongly recommend getting life insurance if you are self-employed, or own a business. In both scenarios your finances and your business’ future can be secured if something were to happen to you, and also allowing you to worry less. Life insurance can provide cash to pay off business debt, expenses incurred, and still owed by your business

Dtown Insurance agents are experienced in all types of life insurance: Term, Whole, or Universal life insurance. We also have access to multiple life insurance companies, like Banner, AAA, and Pacific Life. Call us today at 215-345-1796 .

Six Ways to Lower Home Insurance Premiums

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:59:33 GMT

Six Ways to Lower Home Insurance Premiums

The Pennsylvania and New Jersey auto and home insurance industry is going through a ‘hard’ market, a challenging insurance market that we have never experienced before. A hard market is defined as two or more years of premium increases of 5% or more. This hard market also includes other complex navigational challenges like multiple insurance carrier rate actions, which include numerous new business restrictions, and increased scrutiny around new and existing insurance agency appointments. This market also has insurance carriers being more selective from an underwriting standpoint on both new and in-force business.

A house is most likely the largest investment you will make in your life, so you want your investment to be properly insured in case something unexpected happens. Homeowners insurance can provide you with that safety net for the unexpected. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance can be pricey, here are six ways to lower your home insurance costs:

1. Raise Your Deductible

While raising your deductible may sound counterintuitive, doing so will help you save money every month. Your insurance deductible is the amount you pay towards a covered loss. This deductible is your share of the cost of the claim to repair or replace your home and personal items. If you have a higher deductible, you can save more money in premiums you pay to the insurance company.

2. Secure Your Home

Companies will provide discounts on your home insurance if you have basic security systems in place. A 5% discount is usually given just for having smoke detectors, a burglar alarm, and/or deadbolt locks. In addition, many insurers offer a 15% discount if you have a central monitoring system ( think ADT or SimpliSafe ) that will detect a forced opened door, or smoke odor. This monitoring system will automatically notify the police and firefighters that your house may be in jeopardy. While these systems can be pricey, the investment is worthwhile as this helps protect your house and in turn lower your home insurance costs in the long run.

3. Use the Same Insurance Company for Home and Auto

Almost every insurance company will offer up to a 15% discount if you have more than one insurance policy with them. This includes auto, home, and life insurance. Normally the discounted cost is cheaper than buying two insurance policies from two different insurers. Bundling your insurance is another great way to save on your insurance premiums.

4. Other Potential Discounts

Many insurance carriers have special discounts depending on your individual circumstances; If your home is:

A new purchase
Newly built
Installed a new roof
Upgraded your heating/air conditioning

Ask about Paperless discounts.

This is a great discount and easy to take advantage of. Almost every insurance company has easy to use websites and phone applications to manage your policies.

5. Build Your Credit Score

Having a good credit score comes in handy in almost every financial situation, including the potential to lower the cost of your home insurance. Has your credit score improved significantly recently? The better the credit score, the better, and lower insurance rate. To build your credit score, pay bills on time and keep your credit balances in low.

6. Shop Around

It pays to shop your home and auto insurance every two to three years, not every year. Insurance companies like that you are also loyal to your current insurance carrier.

Through these six steps, hopefully you can lower the cost of your home insurance. While home insurance is essential, you want to take steps to lower the cost while still having adequate coverage. By following the steps listed above, you can make sure you are paying a lower cost for home insurance.

Contact Dtown Insurance for Your Home Insurance Needs

Dtown Insurance agents have many years of experience in selecting good home insurance coverages. Our agents can help guide you through the various Pennsylvania and New Jersey home insurance carriers available to make an informed decision and find the right policy for you and your family.

Auto Insurance Cost Increases Explained

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:04:31 GMT

Auto Insurance Costs are increasing

If you have recently gotten a more expensive car insurance bill, you’re not alone. Nationally, auto insurance costs are up about 15% from last year. In fact, car insurance premiums are expected to continue rising. Major insurance companies, like Allstate, Progressive, and State Farm announced prices increases for 2023. This is due to the worst incurred loss ratio for a first quarter in two decades.

What are the factors that are affecting auto insurance premiums?

The Loss Ratio

(Insurance claims paid) + (expenses)

(total earned premiums)

The loss ratio is a calculation that adds the total claims plus cost to administer the claims, divided by the total premium earned for an insurance company. Simply put, insurance companies need to be profitable, and with a low loss ratio, they are in a better financial position.

The higher costs for new cars, auto repairs, including automotive car parts, and labor costs due to the lack of skilled auto mechanics affect the loss ratio. Another factor is the increased cost for car rentals due to less available vehicles. More drivers are returning to the roadways for leisure and commuting back to the office, increasing the risks of accidents. Many analysts also attribute the higher accident rate to the bad driving habits (speeding, texting while driving) acquired during the pandemic.

Law of Large Numbers

It is also important to understand that you are not the only person your insurance company insures. You are one driver in a large pool of drivers. Insurance is about spreading the costs (car repairs from accidents, medical costs) over a large number of customers. Our Pennsylvania insurance pool is constantly changing and is impacted by the increased costs. Many good drivers are penalized with higher insurance rates have little to do with their driving and lack of accidents.

Social Inflation

Social inflation is how insurers’ claims are increasing above general inflation. This is thought to be due to a trend in increased litigation from people suing and seeking large monetary payouts for their injuries.

Contact Dtown Insurance for your Auto Insurance

Dtown Insurance is here to help, we can compare auto insurance coverages with our carriers and look to save you money on your insurance! Call today!

The Motorcyclist’s Guide to Insurance

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 16:03:34 GMT

The Motorcyclist’s Guide to Insurance

You know spring is here when you start up and hear the rumble of your motorcycle. And then you take your bike out and get the rush of fresh air in your face; The pure joy of riding your motorcycle on bright sunny day!

There’s nothing quite like driving a motorcycle. You never know what is around the next corner, or bend, and the last thing you want is a spill, or accident with your bike. Any good motorcycle owner, or enthusiast, will have good insurance from a great insurance company to protect yourself, your riders, and your bike!

At Dtown Insurance , we have access to great motorcycle carriers like: American Modern, Encompass, Foremost, Progressive, and Hagerty for the classic motorcycle collector.

Our Guide to Motorcycle Insurance

Types of Motorcycles That Can Be Covered

You took great care in selecting the perfect ride, right? Whether you ride a touring bike, sport bike, cruiser or standard, the proper insurance coverage can make sure you’re protected no matter what ride you choose. What is the right ride for you?

Cruiser: Cruiser motorcycles mimic the style of earlier American motorcycles from the 1930s to the early 1960s, such as those made by Harley-Davidson and Indian. Although cruisers have benefited from advances in technology and metallurgy, the basic design is still very similar to early motorcycles, and they offer an easy ride.

Off-Road : Off-road motorcycles generally are light weight with small displacement engines. The suspension travel is longer than a typical motorcycle, with higher ground clearance. Their construction is rugged, simple and without bodywork and fairings.

Standard: Standard motorcycles are, as the name implies, more basic. Riding positions typically are upright and similar to that of a cruiser, but with foot pegs placed farther rearward. The riding position, coupled with better ground clearance than a cruiser, gives standard motorcycles better handling characteristics. Engine displacements are smaller than those for cruisers.

Sport: Sport class motorcycles are light and powerful. These bikes benefit from advances in design and technology intended for racing; however, they are not considered racing specification machines. Some of the best bikes in this class are the Suzuki GSX-R1000 and the Kawasaki ZX-10R.

Touring: Touring motorcycles are among the longest and heaviest motorcycles, often weighing more than 800 pounds. Touring motorcycles offer wind protection for the rider, high-capacity fuel tanks, the ability to carry luggage and an upright riding position that is comfortable for long distances. Think BMW GS or the Honda Gold Wing.

Trike (Reverse Trike): Trikes are typically cruiser or touring two-wheel motorcycles that are converted to three-wheel units. Also in the class are factory made bikes with two wheels in the front. The Can-Am and the Polaris are two great rides in this category.

I nsurance Coverages

Your insurance coverage should be as personalized as your bike. Do you just want to protect yourself and your passengers? What about the bike itself? Do you want roadside assistance also?

Property Damage Liability and Bodily Injury: Coverage protects you if someone is injured as a result of an accident or covers damage to the property of others by your motorcycle.

Comprehensive: Coverage pays for damage to your personal motorcycle due to something other than a collision, such as a fire, theft, hail or vandalism.

Collision: Pays for damage to your motorcycle resulting from a covered accident.

Medical Payments: Coverage pays the cost of medical care you receive as a result of a motorcycle accident and can be used regardless of who is at fault.

Uninsured and Underinsured: Protects you and your passengers from bodily injury caused by other drivers without adequate auto insurance . This is a must have today!

Discounts

Most insurance carriers offer a discount for bundling your motorcycle insurance with another insurance policy with them, like auto or home insurance. It is always better to bundle your motorcycle insurance with auto and/or home insurance. This provides a one stop shopping experience with one premium and one carrier.

Many carriers offer a discount if you complete a safe rider training course and also a discount for “winter layup,” for the winter season when you store your bike in the garage. Another suggestion is to reduce, or lower, your limits of liability when your bike is in storage during the winter months.

Tip:

The best time to buy, or upgrade, a motorcycle is the month of February. February has shorter days(think sales and demo rides), and also the dealerships are getting ready for the rush of new and returning riders as the weather starts warming up.

Contact Dtown Insurance for your Motorcycle Insurance

When you get back from your first spring ride on your motorcycle, and you are sitting on the porch, take a minute and look at your current insurance coverage; When is the last time you shopped your motorcycle insurance?

Dtown Insurance is here to help, we can compare coverages with our carriers and look to save you money on your insurance! Contact us today.

How to Protect your Collectible Car Investment

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 20:37:56 GMT

A Classic, Custom, or Restomod: We can insure you!

A classic, custom, collectible, or antique car requires insurance that reflects your vehicle’s uniqueness and value. The baby boomer generation fueled the demand for these cars. They fell in love with the Ford Mustang, Corvette Stingray, and other classic 70’s cars. Along with restoring them, they added new modern features and created a new segment of collectible cars. This collectible car segment is known as Restomods.

Whether you are thinking of buying one of these cars, or currently have one, you should have the right protection for your ride.

What types of vehicles need special insurance?

A classic, collectible, or antique car is no ordinary everyday car—and regular auto insurance is not sufficient to protect such a vehicle against damage or loss.

There is no uniform definition of a classic car. The real determining factor is if the car’s value exceeds its original selling price, then it should be considered collectible and a candidate for specialized classic car insurance. In general, vehicles that might warrant classic car auto insurance include:

Antique and classic cars, usually at least 25 to 30 years old
Restomods, hotrods and modified vehicles
Exotic and luxury autos—think Alfa Romeo or Porsche
Muscle cars
Classic trucks

You might also need specialized insurance for vintage military vehicles, classic motorcycles and antique tractors.

Qualifying for collectible or classic car coverage

A car's age is not enough to qualify for specialized classic car insurance. While requirements differ from company to company, most cars need to meet the following criteria to qualify:

Limited use – Your classic car cannot be used for everyday commuting or errands, and your policy may include mileage limitations and proof the car is being properly garaged.
Car shows and meet-ups – The limited use provision of a classic car policy allows for travel to car shows and auto club meetups.
Secure storage – When not in use, your special vehicle must be stored in a locked, enclosed, private structure, such as a residential garage or storage unit.

Not every vehicle, however special, will meet the qualifications of every insurer. For instance, some insurers may not cover vintage off-road vehicles. Insurers may also decline to insure vehicles that are in poor condition or have unrepaired damages. You will also need to provide pictures of the front, back, side of the car, the engine, and the inside of the car.

What you should know about classic car policies

Your classic car policy will include provisions found in standard auto insurance policies, notably property damage and bodily injury liability coverage.

But there are some differences, as well:

Agreed value – Because each car's condition is unique, there is no set "book value" for specific makes and models. The first step in insuring your classic car is for you and one of our carriers Hagerty or American Modern to agree on the value of your classic car. This value will be specified in your policy and your car will be covered up to that value without depreciation.

Unlike everyday vehicles that depreciate over time as you add miles to them, classic cars usually gain value. At Dtown Insurance we’ll check with you every year to make sure we have the correct value of your auto as it appreciate s.

Specialized repair or restoration – Your policy should provide you the flexibility to bring your vintage muscle car or restomod to the right mechanic or body shop—even if the rates may be twice, or three times, the cost of a typical car repair at a traditional auto body shop.

Special towing and spare parts – Coverage for towing is commensurate with the special demands of transporting a classic car. Spare parts coverage, too, needs to be aligned with the cost of replacing valuable and perhaps hard-to-find original vehicle components, such as wheels, transmissions, and engine parts.

Dtown Insurance is here to help you get the right coverage at the right price for your investment or Restomod. Contact us today!

Equipment Breakdown Endorsement for your home

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 13:59:51 GMT

What is Equipment Breakdown Coverage?

Pennsylvania and New Jersey homeowners insurance policies cover fire, wind damage, and water damage from plumbing leaks. Today’s household appliances, heaters, and air conditioning equipment gets more costly to repair, and most likely the big repairs will not be covered by homeowners insurance. Off-the-shelf policies exclude flooding and breakdown of systems and appliances. Many home insurance carriers now offer an added coverage - Equipment Breakdown Endorsement.

You can add this endorsement for around $50 per year.

What Does the Equipment Breakdown Endorsement Cover?

The insurance companies we work with have variations on what is covered and what is NOT covered. Nevertheless, most cover the cost to repair or replace items hit by mechanical or electrical failure. Think air conditioning, heating

systems, appliances, electronics, smart devices and more.

Some examples

Your dishwasher breaks down when the motor burns out.
A central air conditioner compressor fails.
The back-up generator or water heater break.
Your smart home monitoring system stops working.

What is the Coverage Limit on Homeowners Equipment Breakdown?

Insurance company coverage varies, but many have a $100,000 limit for claims. This is enough to cover almost any system in Pennsylvania and New Jersey homes.

Does a Deductible Apply to Equipment Breakdown?

Yes. Usually it is different than your regular homeowners policy deductible. $500 is a common deductible on homeowners Equipment Breakdown Endorsements.

What’s Not Covered by Equipment Breakdown?

Wear and tear or gradual deterioration are never covered. Everything eventually fails. Do not expect insurance to pay for items past their useful life. For example, if your 30-year old air conditioning compressor dies. The insurance company will likely deny your claim. Other exclusions apply to all homeowners policies. Examples include intentional damage; flood; or seepage through a foundation.

Homeowners Equipment Breakdown Coverage vs. Home Warranty

Many new homebuyers buy a home warranty when they invest in a home. Home warranties help guard against big expenses in the first few years of ownership. They pay the cost of repairing or replacing major appliances or equipment.

Unlike Equipment Breakdown insurance, home warranties usually pay for wear and tear. That is why home warranty coverage is much more expensive than equipment breakdown coverage. Equipment breakdown often costs less than $50 a year. Home warranties can cost $50 or more per month.

Should I Buy Homeowners Equipment Breakdown Coverage?

You might purchase breakdown coverage on your homeowners if:

Your home or most of its equipment is newer.
The coverage is inexpensive.

You might NOT want to buy homeowners Equipment Breakdown coverage if:

You already have a home warranty
Your home’s equipment is older and you’re worried about breakdown due to wear and tear.

When was the last time your reviewed your home insurance coverages ? Has your home insurance cost

increased dramatically? Dtown Insurance is here to help! Contact us today and we will review your coverages!

Farm and Ranch Policy for Bucks and Montgomery Hobby Farmers

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 18:34:42 GMT

Do you need a Farm and Ranch Policy?

What Is Farm and Ranch Owners Insurance?

Whether you are a Bucks or Montgomery Pennsylvania farmer who grows corn or soybeans, or a family with a small acreage hobby farm, the land is your livelihood. Farming and ranching is more than what you do, it is who you are. At Dtown Insurance , we can find you the right coverage that protects everything you work hard for each day.

Farm and ranch owners insurance is dual coverage that protects your farm operations and the home that you live in. With it, you will have a custom blend of homeowners coverage and business insurance with additional options to best fit the specific needs of your farm or ranch.

Family Farm and Ranch Insurance Coverage

In addition, to keep a successful business running, you need the right protection for your property, farm tractors, barns, and sheds on your property. That is why a Farm and Ranch policy will help safeguard your farm or ranch with customizable coverages that lets you build a single, reliable policy.

Parts of a Farm and Ranch Insurance Policy

Dwelling coverage

Offers protection for your farm home and all your stuff in your home against fire, lightning, windstorms, hail and most accidental losses, including vandalism and theft.

Farm personal property coverage

This provides protection for personal items in your farmhouse: clothes, furniture, and tvs.

Additional living expenses coverage

Pays for increases in living expenses if you have to move out of your home due to a covered loss. This coverage will pay for food and rent while your home is being repaired.

Additional Private Structures

Most Bucks and Montgomery County hobby farms have detached garages or other private structures that are designed solely for your personal use.

Includes private garages, utility buildings, boat slips and docks in same location as your house.
Other structures covered include gazebos, tennis courts, children's playhouses, structures for hot tubs, in-ground outdoor swimming pools and above-ground swimming pools and pool houses and outdoor kitchens.

In addition, if you are renting out a space to tenants to board a horse on your farm, and that space incurs a covered loss that causes the space to become unusable, you will have coverage that can help pay the rental value of that horse stall.

This added coverage can make a big difference to your bottom line.

Farm building coverage

This coverage helps protect your pole barns, machine sheds, detached garages or other outbuildings.

Farm liability coverage

Delivers protection for the unexpected — including accidents, bodily injury, medical expenses or farm property damage.

Optional Farm and Ranch Insurance Coverages

Optional coverages help you customize your policy to your specific farm and ranch needs. Consider it added protection for extra peace of mind.

Farm equipment breakdown coverages

This covers a direct physical loss to your tractors, and other equipment due to an accident.

Additional farm and ranch property coverages

Optional coverage that offers extra protection, including increased limits on borrowed tractors and machinery, additional livestock hazards and more.

Supplementary coverages

Extra protection built into your policy for fire department service charges, private power and light poles, debris removal, clean up and more.

If you have a small farm, or a hobby farm, in Bucks County Pa contact us at Dtown Insurance . We're here to help you get the coverage you need for your farm or ranch.

Telematics: How to Save Money on Auto Insurance

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:11:23 GMT

What is Telematics?

In Pennsylvania and New Jersey you are required to have auto insurance before you get behind the wheel of your car. Every insurance carrier has a set of factors that are used to determine the price you pay for car insurance.

What if you could get a lower cost insurance based on how safely you drive?

Telematics

Telematics in simple terms is a method of monitoring a vehicles movement with GPS technology via devices, or easy to install applications, on your iPhone or Android, to help improve driving habits and reduce accidents. This new technology provides us another opportunity to help you save money on your auto insurance premiums, and help raise awareness of your driving behaviors.

Here are the main factors used to evaluate your driving:

Time of day : When you drive can be as important as how you drive.
Speed : Keep your speed in check so you have more time to react.
Acceleration: Smooth acceleration is good for your score.
Braking: Drivers who anticipate situations have fewer hard brakes.

Four reasons you may want to consider Telematics:

1. Savings - With our current economic conditions, every family likes to be able to save money. Many carriers offer a discount for enrolling and signing up. Often this discount is applied on you policy as long as your remain a customer. This can add up over time, potentially generating considerable savings, depending on your insurance carrier.

2. Good Habits – With a telematics-based program your driving habits, good or bad, are monitored, and will help you and the family raise awareness of driving behaviors. If you are a parent of a new teenage driver, a program like this may have added appeal to help coach your teenage driver. In general, you can use telematics to have more control over and potentially reduce your auto insurance expenses.

3. Ease of use – The adoption of mobile phones has helped grow the evolution of telematics-based programs. All you have to do is download an app on your personal cell phone. Each insurance company will have its own manner of enrolling you. We see these programs are simple to join and do not usually require you to do much more than sign up.

4. Safer Drivers – The collective impact. When more drivers develop better driving habits, this increases the larger community of safe drivers and increasing the safety of our roads, and reduces the potential for auto accidents.

Here is a partial list of carriers that offer telematics:

CSAA Insurance Group – SMARTtrek
Plymouth Rock – Road Rewards
Progressive - Snapshot
Safeco – RightTrack
STATE AUTO – Safety 360
Travelers – IntelliDrive

Remember, price is not everything, good support and service from Dtown Insurance tops any online insurance and 800 number!

Are you buying an Electric Vehicle (EV)? Time to shop your insurance!

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 14:56:57 GMT

Tesla, Chevy Bolt, or a Nissan Leaf?

Are you buying an electric vehicle (EV)?

There are a few things a new electric vehicle (EV) owners needs to consider.

The electrical parts needed to fix electric vehicles (EVs) are expensive, and as a result, most auto insurance companies have to pay more out of pocket to get the vehicle repaired and back on the road. Complicating things further is the fact that there are not many well-trained EV auto mechanics and they are not well versed in how the electric drive trains work. EV car owners should take their EV to a specialty shop for repairs, and these shops have higher labor costs then traditionally trained auto mechanics. Because of this, insurance carriers charge owners of electric vehicles higher premium rates, but not on all the coverages of a typical auto insurance policy.

Collision and comprehensive coverage

Collision and comprehensive coverage are the two main coverages that protects the policyholder's owner’s vehicle if it is damaged due to an at-fault accident, a collision with a deer, a fallen tree, weather damage, and more. We now see owners of Evs have higher costs/premiums for collision and comprehensive insurance protection. New Electric vehicle owners can raise their deductibles ($1000) to lower their insurance premiums. This will result in larger out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim. We might even suggest new EV owners setup an emergency fund to help offset the higher deductibles.

Liability to Others

Liability protection, which is what is required by state law, pays for medical costs and repairs for other people and their property if the auto policyholder causes the accident. Auto liability protection has nothing to do with the policyholder's own vehicle; the cost of this coverage is not normally affected by owning an electric vehicle.

Factors that affect EV insurance price

The type of car a driver (Electric vs. traditional gas-powered) has is only one of many factors that affects their auto insurance premiums. Auto insurance carriers also look at a driver's accident history, where you live according to the USPS ZIP code, how long you have been with your current insurance carrier, your education level, and your marital status, to assess the probability of a chargeable auto accident. Each insurance company weighs all these factors a little differently.

As electric vehicles become more common, the cost of insuring these vehicles will come down and the number of trained mechanics comfortable working and repairing the vehicles will increase. Once we get economies of scale, electric vehicles will not be as expensive to insure.

This is why you need to shop your auto insurance every a few years, especially if you are purchasing a new EV.

At Dtown Insurance we can help you review your auto coverages and premiums. Our team is available to help you compare auto insurance quotes from several insurance carriers to see which offers the best deal.

Remember, price is not everything, good support and service from Dtown Insurance tops any online insurance and 800 number! Contact us for help with your auto and home insurance!

5 Little Known Things That Home Insurance Covers

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 16:41:14 GMT

Do you know all your home insurance coverages?

5 Little Known Things That Home Insurance Covers

Home insurance covers most perils to your home and personal property. A covered peril is an event that your insurance will cover. Covered perils — such as a lightning strike, fire, theft, vandalism, wind, or hail damage. However, home insurance offers more coverage than the covered perils. Here are five little-known coverages that home insurance protects you from.

1. Identity Theft

Victims of identity theft must spend a lot of time and money to undo the damages. Some insurance carriers include coverage to help pay for any expenses while recovering your identity. In addition, home insurance can help with legal fees and lost wages so that you can recover quicker!

2. Injuries Caused by Animals

While pets are great to have, animals are ultimately unpredictable, sometimes resulting in injury to people outside your home. Injuries can occur to you, from dog bites to being knocked over by a pet. If this were to happen, home insurance can help cover your liability when dealing with an unexpected injury.

3. Loss of Use – Food and Hotel Expenses

If your home is damaged and you need to seek shelter in a hotel, home insurance covers the costs of your meals and shelter. Most home insurance policies offer coverage, providing a financial relief during the stressful situation of dealing with a damaged home.

4. Lawsuits

If a visitor falls and needs medical attention on your property they can sue for thier medical expenses. With home insurance liability coverage will pay for the injured person's medical bills. When accidents do happen, you need to have home insurance to cover you and your family in situations like this.

5. Falling Objects

Falling objects—including satellites, asteroids, meteors and space debris—are covered under standard homeowners. This would cover the damage that the falling object causes to the the home or other structures on the property as well as the personal property that are also damaged or destroyed as a result.

Contact Dtown Insurance for Your Home Insurance Needs

When purchasing home insurance, check to see what your policy covers and know that home insurance covers more than rebuilding your home. Dtown Insurance is here to help, whether with a fire, a lawsuit, or even a meteorite!

8 Factors that Determine Your Life Insurance Premium

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 21:19:04 GMT

Life Insurance Basics

8 Factors that Determine Your Life Insurance Premium

Life insurance is an essential investment for you and your family. Numerous factors determine how much you will pay for life insurance premiums. Let’s look at the major factors that determine life insurance premiums in Doylestown, PA.

1. Age

Age is most likely the number one factor in the cost of life insurance premiums . As you age, the cost of insurance will increase. This is because younger applicants are more healthy, less risky for insurance carriers. In addition, the likelihood that you will outlive a current policy or make payments on a new policy is when you are young. As a result, the premiums for life insurance are cheaper if you buy a policy when you are young. Also, as you continue through life, health conditions will arise, thus increasing the cost of a policy.

2. Medical History – Paramedical exam

Your medical history is the second most significant factor impacting the cost of life insurance. If your history shows that you have had a handful of medical complications, your premium will be lower. However, your rates will be higher if you have health issues or a chronic illness. Additionally, most insurance carriers may require a medical examination (with blood and urine samples) to review for health factors that could lead to future medical problems. The dollar value of the life insurance policy also determines if you will need to get a paramed exam, provide specimens, and/or provide an APS (Attending Physician Statement).

3. Family Health History

Due to certain medical conditions traveling through genetics, a look into your family’s health history will most likely be conducted by an insurer. For example, suppose your family has a history of heart disease or cancer. In that case, insurers will consider this a potential aspect of your future, thus raising your life insurance premium costs.

4. Gender

Your gender can determine your life insurance premiums. For example, since women tend to live longer than men, women typically pay less for their life insurance. However, some states are removing gender biases in state policies.

5. Tobacco & Marijuana use

If you currently smoke, chew, vape tobacco or marijuana your premium will cost more due to the health risks that come with these activities. However, if you quit smoking, then you may be able to apply for a lower rate. Smoking includes the weekend cigar on the golf course. Most insurance companies will lower your rates only after a waiting period. Whether you say you use marijuana recreationally or for medical reasons probably won’t matter in terms of the resulting life insurance rates based on use. For medicinal marijuana users, a life insurance company will want to know about the underlying medical condition that led to the marijuana use. And that medical condition can also affect life insurance options. Many people say the marijuana use is for pain management and that’s not enough of a response, that’s way too general. Insurance carriers want to know what causing the pain. Is it a mental issue (depression) or physical issue (cancer)? How often is the use?

6. Activities

If you regularly partake in high-risk hobbies, you may not be a good candidate for life insurance.

Motor vehicle racing and sky diving are examples of high-risk activities. Do you have plans to travel outside of the United States in the next year? Have you been convicted of a felony, or on probation? These activities may preclude you from qualifying for life insurance with some carriers.

7. Occupation

If your job puts you at regular risk, your life insurance will cost more. For example, if you are either potentially in danger every day through your job or if your job might have long-term health effects (such as working in a mine or power plant), and may increase your life insurance premium.

8. Driving Record

Depending on your age and the face value of the insurance coverage insurance carriers will review your driving record and can affect your life insurance premium. If you are a risky driver with numerous tickets, prices for life insurance will be more expensive. If you are a safe driver, you will qualify for a lower life insurance premium.

Contact Dtown Insurance for Your Life Insurance Needs

Dtown Insurance agents have many years of experience in life insurance. Our agents can help guide you through the various Pennsylvania life insurance carriers and policies available to make an informed decision and find the right policy for you and your family. Contact us today to learn how we can help simplify the process of life insurance for everyday families.

Car Insurance Agency Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 14:52:45 GMT

Dtown Insurance Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

The old saying goes, "April Showers bring May Flowers," but rain also brings an increased risk of car crashes. In fact, according to the Department of Transportation, over 20% of car collisions are due to poor weather. Our insurance agents have some common car insurance agency safety tips to keep in mind when the rain comes pouring down.

7 Safety Tips for Rainy Weather

At Dtown Insurance, we care about our customer and neighbors’ safety. Below are 7 tips for driving safely in the rain.

1. Slow Down

Wet roads impair the traction on tires, thus making control of vehicles more difficult and important. To lessen your chances of losing control and to keep as much traction as possible, slow down! Of course, you should always be going the speed limit, but this is especially important during inclement weather. Reducing your speed to the posted speed limit or a little below helps you stay in control of your car.

2. Turn on Your Lights

Rain and foggy weather impair vision, so you should be sure to turn your car's lights on when the first drizzle begins. You also want to make sure that other drivers can see you.

Another reason to turn on your headlights is that Pennsylvania state law requires that headlights must also be on anytime windshield wipers are turned on.

3. Keep Your Hands on the Steering Wheel

While your hands should always be on the steering wheel, this advice is most important during bad weather. Once the rain begins, put down anything you are holding (like food or your phone), and hold the steering wheel at positions 9 and 3, like a clock. Keeping both hands on the steering wheel will optimize your control of the vehicle and allow you to drive as safely as possible. Also, removing any distractions makes focusing on the road a lot easier. Do not text while driving, and make sure your phone is connected via handsfree Bluetooth.

4. Increase Following Distance

Make sure you leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Reduced visibility, wet roads, and wet brakes can make coming to a timely stop tricky. The recommended amount of room is at least 5 cars worth of distance. With ample space between you and other cars, you can ensure more safety.

5. Use Your Defogger

The rain already makes seeing everything around you difficult, and fog is another issue compounding poor visibility. If you find your windshield fogging up, turn the defogger on immediately. Both the front and rear windows usually have defoggers, so make sure to use both to see as clearly as possible in front and behind you.

6. Turn off Cruise Control

Using cruise control during rainy weather increases your chances of hydroplaning. Once rain starts, make sure you are out of the cruise control setting. If you find yourself hydroplaning, avoid braking or abruptly turning the wheel. Instead, you should take your foot slowly off the gas and keep your car heading in a straight line. While hydroplaning is scary, try to remain calm and follow this advice.

7. Avoid Standing Water on the Road

Driving through standing water could cause you to hydroplane and lose control. You will also impair your vision and the visibility of other drivers. Additionally, standing water could be hiding a pothole or other debris, and hitting any of these could cause damage to your car and put you in danger.

Contact Dtown Insurance for Your Auto Insurance Needs

In addition to these guidelines, a general rule of advice for any time you get in your car is to make sure your registration and insurance are up to date. Any drive, regardless of weather, could result in a collision, so making sure you have the necessary documents and coverage to protect yourself is crucial. Investing in car insurance and following these car insurance agency safety tips are steps you can take to better guarantee protection for yourself and your family.

Dtown Insurance agents have many years of experience in auto insurance. Our agents prioritize getting you the right coverage for the best price available. Some of the insurance carriers we work with include CSAA, Farmers, Foremost, Grange, Plymouth Rock, Progressive, STATE Auto and Travelers.

Dtown Discusses Mistakes People Make When Choosing Car Insurance

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 04:31:01 GMT

Five Mistakes People Make When Choosing Car Insurance

If you own a car in Pennsylvania, you need auto insurance. Dtown Insurance explores five of the top mistakes people make when choosing car insurance.

Getting the Wrong Coverage

Different types of car insurance exist, and every customer has a unique situation. With a little guidance the insurance agent could help them if they just asked the right questions. For example, if a customer asks for the best rate on car insurance, but the customer neglects to mention that they will be adding a teen driver in the next few months, they may miss the insurance carrier that offers the best rates for multiple family members or specifically young drivers. There are other factors that influence the type of coverage you will need:

Vehicle make and model
Vehicle price and amount financed
Driving experience
How many miles you drive annually

Getting the Minimum Coverage

You may feel that you can only afford the cheapest minimum coverage, but if an accident occurs, your minimal insurance will likely be inadequate, especially if someone gets hurt and has to go to the hospital. In addition, if you only get liability coverage and you have an accident that is your fault, you will receive no compensation to repair your vehicle and the repairs or a replacement money will come out of pocket. This could be more than the cost for a higher coverage level.

Choosing the Wrong Deductible

When choosing auto insurance, buyers may be tempted to get a high deductible policy to get lower premiums. However, in some cases, this can be a costly mistake. Especially when the policy has young drivers. Beginner drivers are more likely to have an accident, even a minor one, and the cost to repair the vehicle may have a larger out of the pocket cost. Other factors could affect the decision as well, but your insurance agent can help you make the right choice.

Not Asking About Available Discounts

Some people just pay the online premium at the insurance company they choose, but they could be missing lots of savings. For example, AAA Insuraaance offers discounts for membership, multiple policies, good student status, having a theft recovery device and more! Did you know you could get a discount for good grades? Our agents at Dtown Insurance will find the best policy with the best available discounts. Having a dedicated agent shop your auto insurance policy with the most discounts is better than shopping online!

Going Online

One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing car insurance is going online, lured by a little green mascot, and applying for auto insurance without talking to an agent. It pays to have an agent available to help explain coverages, options, and help reduce risk. For example, if you know you will need a rental in case of an accident, ask if this feature is included and what the price per day and total available days for a rental car will be.

Trust Dtown Insurance in Central Bucks for Your Insurance Needs

Dtown Insurance agents are experienced at all types of insurance, whether you need auto insurance, life insurance, home insurance, or all of the above! Our agents know the common mistakes people make when choosing car insurance, and we care about getting our clients the right coverage for the best price available. We work with great insurance carriers like Grange, Metlife, Plymouth, Rock Progressive, Travelers and AAA Insurance. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

New Year - New InsurAAAnce?

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 02:04:09 GMT

3 Reasons AAA InsurAAAnce May Be Right For You and Your Family

Dtown Insurance works with many insurance carriers, including American Modern, CSAA, Foremost, Grange, MetLife, Plymouth Rock, Progressive & State Auto to name a few.

We look at every client’s individual situation and help them choose the right coverage and the right carrier for their needs and budget.

You have probably heard the phrase, “ Goodbye Insurance, hello InsurAAAnce! ”

Today, we are discussing when AAA InsurAAAnce may be the right fit for you.

Benefits of AAA InsurAAAnce

OVER 110 YEARS OF LEGENDARY DEPENDABILITY

With InsurAAAnce, you are more than a policy number; you are a member of the family.

We do not answer to shareholders. We answer to you. Putting the needs of our AAA members first is why 9 out of 10 customers would recommend AAA Insurance to a friend..

Customer Service

AAA customer service representatives are committed to helping members when they run into trouble. Consumer Affairs has over 2500 ratings for AAA with a strong 4.0 average rating. In addition, AAA InsurAAAnce claims are settled an average of 11 days faster than other insurance carriers are. When you have an accident and need to find a new vehicle for work and family concerns, this is an important statistic.

Discounts

AAA offers a variety of discounts that drivers can qualify for, including:

· Anti-theft device discount
· Multiple-car discount
· Multiple-policy discount (Auto, Home, Renters, Dwelling and Life)
· Loyalty discount
· Safe driver discount
· Good student discount
· Student away from home discount
· Discount for paying premium in full
· Discount for paying electronically
· Discount for setting up automatic payments
· Early shopping discount

Comprehensiveness

AAA offers many insurance products, so you can get all your coverage in one place and get a discount on multiple policies. In addition to auto , home, and life insurance , you can also get GAP insurance (Guaranteed Asset Protection) . GAP insurance provides more coverage for your vehicle. This is important when you owe more on your vehicle than the car is worth. If you were to have an accident and the vehicle is damaged beyond repair., the GAP insurance would cover the difference between what the value of your vehicle is and the amount of the loan/lease you still owe on the car.

The automotive roadside assistance program offered by AAA provides many benefits as well, including towing, battery, and lockout services. Members also get free trip-planning tools, financial services, identity theft monitoring, and thousands of discounts on shopping, entertainment, travel, dining and events.

Contact Dtown Insurance in Central Bucks for Auto and Home quotes from AAA InsurAAAnce.

Dtown Insurance agents are knowledgeable about all types of insurance and are committed to getting our clients the right coverage for the best price available. Insurance should be personalized rather than one size fits all and with Dtown, that is what each client will get. In addition to AAA InsurAAAnce, we work with many other insurance companies so we can find the right coverage for you.

Why You Should Have An Umbrella Policy | Dtown Insurance

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 12:34:44 GMT

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance (also known as excess liability insurance) is a type of coverage designed to cover potential gaps left by other insurance policies you may already have in place. If you needed to pay for expenses relating to claims that exceeded the coverage provided by existing insurance, umbrella insurance could help cover those costs.

A good way to think about umbrella insurance is as an extra layer of protection in order to help you avoid financial hardship should a major accident or unexpected event happen. It is like a fail-safe to completely protect your personal savings and assets.

What Umbrella Insurance Covers and How It Works

If you were sued for damages that exceed the liability limits of your car insurance, homeowners insurance or other coverages, an umbrella policy would step in to help you pay what you owe.

While this might sound like something that would never happen, it’s more common than you might think.

You might have heard of Georgia’s infamous 2014 Snowmageddon event, where forecasts that called for unusually significant snowfall midweek were largely ignored. When snow began to fall fast and thick around lunchtime, there was a mass exodus of folks trying to commute home from work and school. Combine Atlanta’s existing traffic and congestion problems with untreated roads, bad winter weather and residents with no experience navigating such conditions, and it quickly turned chaotic on the roads.

Now, imagine you were one of those drivers that day. As you tried to get home, your car spun out of control on a snowy hill. You totaled the car next to you — and even worse, several people were badly injured.

The totaled car cost $80,000 to replace. Treatment of injuries cost a combined $800,000. In this situation, you would be responsible for $880,000 in damages … and you carry $300,000 in liability coverage through your car insurance.

The remaining $580,000 would have to come out of your pocket. That’s a major hit — and a good reason to think carefully about purchasing umbrella coverage, which in this case would have stepped in and paid what your car insurance did not cover.

Umbrella Insurance Costs

Coverage limits on umbrella policies typically start at $1 million, and in most cases, go as high as $5 million. Policies can cost between $150 to $400 per year.

Keep in mind that your umbrella insurance may only cover a claim if you maintain the minimum coverage amounts required by your home and auto.

Call or e-mail us today to review your coverages - We're here for you!

September is Life Insurance Month

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 21:46:36 GMT

Five reasons you should consider life insurance when you are young

1. Buying life insurance has never been easier!

The advancement of technology has made buying things much easier, including life insurance. Most insurers now utilize and accept electronic signatures and leverage software tools to submit an application. The need to print an application, sign, and then mail via the USPS is no longer necessary. Also, the need to have a face-to-face meeting with your boring captive agent is gone. Purchasing life insurance from an independent Agent like us at Dtown Insurance is easy. All we need is a few pieces of information: Your age, gender, address, desired coverage (what you can afford) and policy length.

2. You can lock in lower rates while young and healthy

Buying a life insurance policy when you are young and healthy with less health issues will help you qualify for better, lower rates, and can help save money later. Sorry to say, no one knows what our health will be in six months, one year, or even further out as you age.

3. Start planning for your future

Are you getting married and planning on starting a family, having children in the near future? Almost all family budgets and lifestyles (think home, car, vacations) depend on the dual income from a husband and wife. A life insurance policy can help with income replacement if something unforeseen would happen to you or your spouse.

4. Are you buying a home?

Millennials (even those without children) now buying homes should also consider buying life insurance with the policy’s cash value at least equal to the home's value.

5. Your employer's group life insurance will not travel

Many employers include life insurance as a benefit, but because it is job-dependent, you could lose this benefit if you switch jobs. Most likely this is a group insurance policy, and you can’t move the policy when you leave your job. And it’s highly unlikely this is your first, or second, job or will be your forever job. It’s always better to have individual life insurance outside of work, so you always have coverage in place – even if you change your job.

Twenty-two percent of insured Americans (29 million) believe they need more life insurance. For those without coverage, 59% say they need life insurance, which represents 73 million Americans. What coverage do you have in place today?

We are only a phone call away. We will do all the work to get you fast accurate life insurance quotes.

Call us today 215-345-1796

2021 Philadelphia Flower Show

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 18:46:48 GMT

AAA offers discounts for the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show

It's going to be a fabulous show this year.

For the first time in the Show’s 193-year history, it will be presented outdoors. Designers will take advantage and inspiration from South Philadelphia’s FDR Park – a registered historical district.

Here are some excellent links to help you navigate the event.

https://www.fdrparkphilly.org/

https://aca.memberdeals.com/packages.php?sub=packages&action=view&id=2493

https://phsonline.org/the-flower-show/ticket-info/policies

https://phsonline.org/the-flower-show/plan-your-visit/transportation-and-parking

AAA members take advantage of the discount. and enjoy the show!

National Life Insurance Day

Mon, 03 May 2021 21:39:16 GMT

National Insurance Day

National Life Insurance Day each year on May 2nd marks the anniversary of the first day that life insurance became available in the United States. Besides your employer term policy, what else do you have in place?

In Doylestown we can offer great options for life insurance. We have more that one carrier to find you the coverage you need. Term, Whole, or Universal Life Insurance - You have some great options!

The sale of life insurance in the U.S. began in the late 1760s. The Presbyterian Synods in Philadelphia and New York City created the Corporation for Relief of Poor and Distressed Widows and Children of Presbyterian Ministers in 1759.

On May 2, 1759, the charter recorded for the Corporation for Relief of Poor and Distressed Widows and Children of Presbyterian Ministers. Episcopalian priests created a comparable relief fund in 1769. Between 1787 and 1837, more than two dozen life insurance companies were started, but fewer than half a dozen survived.

Life insurance can do some great and amazing things for families.

It can buy loved one’s time to grieve. It can also pay off debts and loans, providing surviving family members with the chance to move on with a clean slate. Life insurance allows families to stay in their home, fund a child's college or technical education. Life insurance also provides cash flow for a family to survive.

Call or email us today - We will help you get the protection you need.

InsurAAAnce

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 21:26:38 GMT

Call us - Let's review your current coverages!

Happy New Year

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 02:29:41 GMT

Here at Dtown Insurance we are extremely happy to turn the calendar to 2021!

We have so much to be happy for:

We are now an independent insurance agency

We have a beautiful new office in Doylestown Furlong

We are here to serve our family, friends, and loyal customers in the Central Bucks area.

Independent Agent vs. Captive Agent

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 17:24:55 GMT

It is essential to understand the difference between independent and captive insurance agents.

The independent agent is indeed working on your behalf. We use an unbiased opinion when it comes to selecting insurance. Independent agents can offer dozens of carrier and rate options saving you money and time.

A captive agent is one who works with one particular insurance company. They only offer products from one carrier and do not have your best interests at the fore front. Furthermore, most larger/captive insurance carriers spend a ton of money on advertising and this in turn increases your costs!