Landlords, as you continue to accrue property your exposure increases, which in turn increases the chances of you filing a claim.

You are investing in your future and last thing you need is a huge liability claim which can hurt your reputation, but also have a negative financial impact on you. Which can happen if you do not have the proper liability coverage. Do you?

Some things to keep in mind to help you stay protected: 

1. Deed your properties in your LLC. It will separate your personal assets from your business.
2. Make it required your tenants have renters insurance. It provides liability coverage, which can give you a peace of mind. You should not be held responsible for the negligence of others!
3. Invest in a Commercial or Personal Umbrella policy. It provides additional liability atop of what you already have for your properties, vehicles, watercrafts, etc.

A basic Umbrella policy will cover you for bodily injury, personal injury, advertising injury, and property damage.

Do not go without it!

The more money you make the more Protection you need!

​Tenant Responsibilities

• Pay your rent on time. Make sure to get a receipt, particularity if you pay in cash. Keep track of your rent receipts, i.e., cancelled checks.etc.
• Report problems to your Landlord in writing. Allow a reasonable amount of time for repairs to be made. You must give your Landlord access to the property to make repairs if he/she has given you 24 hours notice. In emergencies, your Landlord does not need to give 24 hours notice. If you change the locks, give your Landlord a key.
• Report problems with your rental property to L&I by dialing '311'. Ask for a Service Request Number.
• If you escrow or withhold your rent, you must do the following: Notify your Landlord in writing. Open a separate account; keep your rent current. Give your Landlord a copy of the rent account statement every month.
• If you move out and want your Landlord to return your security deposit, you must send a letter to your Landlord that includes your forwarding address and a request for the return of your security deposit. The Landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move. If the Landlord does not return your security deposit, you can file a complaint in Municipal Court, which is located at 34 South 11th Street, Room 500

Landlord Responsibilities

• ​Landlords must have a valid rental license from L&I before offering property for rent in the City of Philadelphia
• If Landlords do not reside in Phila, they must have a Phila Agent. Give the name, address and phone number of the Agent to the Tenant.
• No matter what the lease states, Landlords are generally responsible for repairs to the property. There is an implied warranty of habitability in every lease, which extends to the Tenant. Landlords may not pass on the cost of maintenance repairs to the Tenant. Landlords must give Tenants 24 hours notice before entering the property except in emergencies.
• If the Tenant stays in the property for more than 12 months, Landlords must return to the Tenant any security deposit in excess of one month. Security deposits must be returned to the Tenant within 30 days after he/she vacates the premises.
• Do not evict or lock your Tenant out of the property without following the legal process. This includes giving the Tenant a written notice to vacate and filling an Eviction complaint in Municipal/Landlord & Tenant Court.

Eviction Court 
Hearing room 3 or 5​
Where do I go? Municipal Court is at 1339 Chestnut St on the 6th Floor (for Philadelphia Residents)​

Hello All! 

We are back after taking a month off. One, because we have been working on our newsletter which comes out monthly since August, and two, we are now offering 2 new products that we are thrilled about, however, getting the word out there can take some time :)

With that being said. We have felt much sympathy for all of the devastation that's been taken place around the world. 

From floods, earthquakes, fires, mudslides; it has truly sadden us. However, it has brought our agency closer to our core value, our passion, of helping and servicing others. Also, educating people about different insurance products, and offering products that may not be sold at other agencies.

For us, to be in insurance sales is to make sure people have good coverage, and if they choose not to, at least we did our part which is educate them about it.

So now on our menu we offer Life, Home, Auto, Commercial, Pet, Firearm Liability & Flood Insurance.

Could you imagine a world without insurance? Who would we transfer the financial impact of a loss onto?

With proper coverage, we can rest assure.

But, what if we run out of coverage to transfer? Then who pays. YOU DO!!

That brings me to my topic of Umbrella Insurance. And the need to have coverage for when it rains, but also, having additional coverage for when it downpours!!

Insurance is there to transfer the risk of loss. And my job as an agent is to make sure you are properly covered.  And that all your insurance needs are satisfied. 

When I speak to my clients about umbrella insurance, they have either never heard of it, or dont have it.

It is an added protection that is used once your auto and homeowners liability limits are exhausted.

Being a great product for many who:

• have children
• have assets (home (s) & investments)
• like to entertain at their properties
• are business owners

​Let's talk coverage!

As an independent agent I pride myself on being able to shop around for the best options for my clients. As well as having years of experience.

I sometimes find myself focusing more attention on one product than others. Which sometimes has me reflect on why I became an agent, because I am passionate about serving people and educating.

I believe one of the greatest benefits I provide as an independent agent, is by having many insurance carriers with whom I work with, who offer a variety of products, that accept majority of risks. With that being said...

It is reported that there is an increase of drivers on the road. And the costs of claims are rising, which in turn leads to higher auto rates. It is also true, that the number of uninsured motorists is climbing as well.

That brings my attention to uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage pays for your medical bills if someone hits you who has no insurance, or has insurance but does not meet the state requirement. 

As we shop around for low auto insurance, to evade the increases that may come. Remember, to not compromise on coverage.

I recently had a customer who was specific in the coverage they wanted, and great conversation led into an even better learning lesson.

With auto insurance, there are many options you can add w/o having to compromise, hardly any, on price. Options that provide coverage for disability income, if involved in an accident, to funeral benefits.

Its the little things that can sometimes give us a peace of mind. And having adequate coverage for an affordable price, with a reputable company, is #winning!

​I was young when I got my first shot in the insurance industry, which was at the age of 22. Nonetheless, excited about new beginnings, and was looking forward to being paid well, because I knew it would be based on how hard I worked! (I love this Industry!!)
I was somewhat new to insurance, besides having auto insurance and working briefly for a prior insurance agent while in school.
I was ready to delve into my career and learn all I could about the products I was licensed to sell. 
As my experience and knowledge grew, I began to gain an appreciation and true understanding for the need of Life Insurance.  It was also at that time when I bought my first policy, at the age of 24.
And to buy a whole life policy at that age was reasonably cheap! It made me feel responsible!
Knowing that if something were to happen, that my loved ones would not have to pay the cost.  I also felt like a little investor, a smart one at that. Because I was learning about guaranteed interest, and all the living benefits that came with the policy.
As I got older, I felt it best to get Term Life Insurance.  It does not have the investment benefits as whole life, however, it allowed me to get a larger face amount at a relatively low price.  I felt the need to have this product, due to getting older and the possibility of children in the future, and/or to cover assets.
Nowadays, I find myself expressing to my clients the need for disability and umbrella insurance. 
Disability Insurance gives you an added layer of protection shall something happen and you cannot resume some or all of your work functions.  This product is especially important for those that are self-employed or plan on having kids.
If your employer does not offer disability insurance, it is definitely worth your time to get a quote.  It’s more affordable than you think!
Umbrella Insurance is also a Great product that gives you additional coverage shall you be held liable for something, and you exhaust the liability limits in your auto/homeowners insurance policy. This is especially important to have if you, have kids, have many assets, like to entertain at your homes, or just want a Peace of Mind!

As the second Sunday of May nears, it’s time to think of ways to celebrate mothers - although, of course, that’s a worthy pursuit at any time of year!
 
We thought it would be fun to give you a little of the history behind Mother’s Day, as well as a few ideas to honor the special women in all our lives.
 
Ancient beginnings
According to MothersDayCentral.com, the ancient Egyptians held an annual festival to honor “the mother of the pharaohs” - the goddess Isis. This is one of the earliest historical records of a society celebrating a mother.
 
How Mother’s Day came to be in the U.S.
In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, a social activist and poet (and author of the lyrics for “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”) had became distraught by the toll of the Civil War. She issued a “Mother’s Day Proclamation” that year, calling on mothers to protest the killing and create a day celebrating peace and motherhood.
 
Howe’s proclamation did not result in a national Mother’s Day, but in 1908, Anna Jarvis of West Virginia took up the cause. She wanted to accomplish her mother’s dream of making a celebration of all mothers. By 1909, more than 40 states were holding Mother’s Day services, even though it was not a national holiday.
 
In 1912, according to Wikipedia, West Virginia was the first state to officially observe Mother’s Day. Jarvis continued to promote the day until President Woodrow Wilson made it an official national holiday in 1914.
 
She later regretted creating the holiday, believing that it had become too commercialized.
 
Enough with the history – where are the gift ideas?
Like us, we know you might have more urgent concerns on your mind, like last-minute shopping, so here are the most popular Mother’s Day gifts, according to MothersDayCentral.com.
Flowers
Gift baskets
Personalized gifts
Jewelry
Perfume
Spa gifts
Magazines
 
Of course, perhaps the best gift of all is getting in touch and letting the moms in your life know just how much they mean to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

Are you ready? I mean, is your HOUSE ready??
 
Although everyone thinks of cleaning when it comes to spring, there are a number of things you should do to make sure your home is ready when the weather in Philadelphia changes. Below is a selection of maintenance tasks from the National Center for Healthy Housing (you can see the full list at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=DOC_12334.pdf).
 

• Check to make sure your roof’s shingles are in good condition, and check your attic for any possible roof leaks that should be repaired.
• Look for peeling paint and repair/touch up as needed.
• Check for signs of leaks at window and door sills and use caulking or weather stripping to seal.
• Clean your dryer vent and make sure exhaust ducts are clear.
• Make sure there are no puddles or wet spots in your basement or crawlspace.
• Look for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc. Call an exterminator if you suspect an infestation.
• Clean your gutters and downspouts.
• Clean air conditioner coils and drain pans.
• Check/replace the batteries your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Replace filters in your air conditioner and dehumidifier.
• Store winter heaters, ensuring that liquid-fuel heaters are completely emptied. These should be stored outside, if possible.

 
 
HAPPY SPRING!!

If you reside on the Northeast like I do. Then you woke up to snow today! WooHoo to the “No Work-Day”, for most of us.
​And thank you, to those essential workers who NEEDED to report to work today because your job is so vital!
I awoke at Exactly 7:12 this morning, in beautiful Philadelphia~I moved my drapes to look outside and to my surprise, the meteorologist was correct! It snowed!!
And let me just say_ walking longer than 2 minutes in snow, is a work out! Im ashamed
However, I couldn’t help but think of all the flat roofs in the city (there are many), and you add heaving snow = a bad mix, especially if you have not had any recent updates to your roof! Which is an important part of your house, let me just say.
-And unfortunately for my relative, her car shed fell today! But don’t worry! The CAR is unharmed.
But these things remind you that it’s better to be PREPARED then wait to the last minute when things happens, and not know if you have coverage.
Make SURE you are COVERED***

​ALL your life you have been told you have to spend money wisely and protect and have Good Credit.  
As you gotten older, you realize there is something else you must protect and have- a Good Insurance Score.
And what is an Insurance Score you ask?
          -It is how insurers rate you
 
How your insurance Score is impacted
Most insurers look at your claim history, going back 3 -5 years. And just like a credit score, after so many years, losses (debt) fall off and no longer taken into account.
The more claims you file, the more your insurance score is impacted.
Let’s be clear, insurance companies do not want you to NOT file claims, they just want you to be responsible and do your part to reduce the risk as much as in your control, so therefore you reduce the severity and frequency of it.
Is it MAKING SENSE?
Insurance is there when you need it, and its purpose is to help reduce RISK as well as to indemnify you to the financial position you were in prior to the loss.
But, insurers also take into account that they cannot be 100% financially responsible when a loss occurs.
That is why you have deductibles because YOU also have to take accountability, and by doing so, you share into the cost.
As much as we try to avoid risks, as well as paying out deductibles; we find ways to reduce it!
We drive slower, and are more careful on the road. We shovel the snow on our property to reduce the chance of someone falling and getting hurt. And we protect our business and equipment with a business owner policy (BOP). And we also eat healthier.
Taking ACCOUNTABILITY
It is important you find ways to reduce risk, therefore reducing your chance of filing an insurance claim.
Insurance is great to have! And if we could afford it, we would insure everything that has value to us.
Why?
Because it gives you PEACE OF MIND,  and what a Great feeling that is to have.
It is important you have a knowledgeable insurance agent working for you, who can explain your insurance policy to you. Because sh*% Does HAPPEN!