<![CDATA[Robert Pehnke Corp

<![CDATA[Robert Pehnke Corp - Blog]]>Wed, 06 Mar 2024 02:11:06 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Understanding your Homeowners Insurance Policy]]>Sun, 19 Jan 2020 20:33:31 GMThttps://pehnke.com/blog/understanding-your-homeowners-insurance-policy5930836Endorsements: Service Line Coverage

    The underground utility connections for your Sewer and Water are considered your Service Lines.

     When these pipes enter your house they are covered by your homeowners insurance policy. The City or Town is responsible for these connections from the curb outward.

     This leaves a gap in coverage for any damage that may happen to the buried pipes from your house to curb. If your water pipe bursts or your sewer line collapses under your front lawn, the cost to dig up and repair the service line can cost thousands of dollars. On average the cost is $5,000 to $10,000 to dig up, fix or replace pipes.

     Fortunately you can lessen the cost of repairs by purchasing service line coverage. Coverage is available from service line warranty companies for about $12 a month for service line coverage which can offer expanded coverage including repair of clogs to plumbing inside or outside of the house. NYC DEP has contracted with American Water Resources to offer this coverage to all NYC homeowners and the bills are added to your monthly water payment. Outside of NYC you can obtain coverage directly from American Water Resources or other independent companies.

     Some homeowners insurance companies are also offering Service Line Coverage as an endorsement to their homeowner insurance policy. The average cost for a service line endorsement offered by your insurance company is about $29 for the year. Coverage is limited to exterior service line connections only. There is no coverage for interior plumbing or clogs. Interior covered damages would be covered by the homeowners insurance policy.

     If you are interested in adding this coverage you should contact your insurance agent or company to inquire about the availability and cost.

     Your home is one of your most valuable assets. It is important to review your coverage with your agent to confirm that you are carrying the proper coverages for you and your family.

     For a new homeowners quote or a free policy review you can contact me at Robert Pehnke Corp 718-657-4100.

]]><![CDATA[Understanding your Homeowners Insurance Policy]]>Sat, 05 Oct 2019 16:22:05 GMThttps://pehnke.com/blog/understanding-your-homeowners-insurance-policyDeductibles

What is a deductible?

The deductible is a fixed dollar amount that you have agreed on with your insurance company that you will be responsible for in the case of a covered loss. For instance if you have a $500 deductible you agree to have your claim settlement reduced by $500 in case of a loss. If your claim is for $5,000, the company would pay you $4,500 ($5,000 - $500 deductible = $4,500).

The all policy deductible can be found on the declarations page (dec page) of your homeowners insurance policy. The dec page is the first couple of summary pages of your homeowners insurance policy. It lists the insurance company name, the policy dates, your name and address, the covered property address and description, and the coverages and premium,

There can be several deductibles on your homeowners insurance policy. The most common are as follows:

The policy deductible or All Risk Deductible: This is the deductible that is applied separately against a covered loss occurring to your building, other structures, contents, and loss of use usually listed as coverage A, coverage B, coverage C and Coverage D on your dec page.

It is important to know that the deductible is applied separately to each covered category. For example if you have a storm that damages your building and also your contents you will have 2 deductibles. One for the building and 1 for the contents.

Hurricane Deductible: This a separate deductible that may be applied on certain homeowners insurance policies that are in coastal areas. This deductible is triggered when you have a loss caused by a named hurricane usually defined as a category 1 (cat 1) hurricane. A cat 1 hurricane is a named hurricane with sustained winds of 74-95 MPH.

Hurricane deductibles are usually a fixed percentage of the building value and can be anywhere from 2 to 5%. For example if your policy includes an All Risk deductible of $1,000 and a separate hurricane deductible of 2% and your building coverage is $300,000 then your deductible in event of a hurricane would be $6,000 ($300,000 x .02) rather than $1,000. The hurricane deductible can usually be found on the dec page.

Windstorm or Hail Deductible: This deductible can be listed as a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the building coverage. This deductible is triggered by a windstorm or hail loss and does not have to be a named or Cat 1 storm. The windstorm deductible can usually be found on the dec page.

Earthquake Deductible: Like the hurricane deductible, this is usually a percentage of the building coverage. Since earthquake coverage is usually added on to your homeowners policy as an endorsement, the deductible amount is usually stated in the attached endorsement pages to your homeowners policy.

Other Endorsement Deductibles: The standard homeowners policy can be modified by adding endorsements. If your policy includes endorsements or floaters for Equipment Breakdown Coverage, Service Line Coverage, Valuable Articles, Jewelry, Fine Arts, Fur or Refrigerated Products these may have separate deductibles than the All Risk deductible.

Flood Deductible: Flood Insurance is usually a separate policy from your homeowners insurance and will have its own deductibles.

What is the correct deductible to carry?

Standard policy deductibles range from $250 to $15,000. There is a trade off in deductibles and policy price. If you agree to carry a higher deductible the insurance company will reduce the price of your policy. You can reduce your annual premium hundreds of dollars by increasing your deductible by $500 or $1,000. The correct amount depends on what you are comfortable in absorbing in case of a loss.

It is important to review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure that you are carrying the correct coverages and deductibles that you want. There are new coverages being offered each year by homeowners insurance companies. If you have an older policy, it may be time to make some changes. You should contact your insurance agent annually to review your policy and answer any questions about policy coverages and make suggestions to increase coverages or decrease premium. It is too late to say “I wish I knew that" after a loss has occurred.

For a free policy review you can contact Robert Pehnke Corp at 718-657-4100 or email us at Info@Pehnke.Com.

]]><![CDATA[Homeowners Inventory]]>Thu, 20 Oct 2016 19:29:58 GMThttps://pehnke.com/blog/homeowners-inventoryThere’s a popular saying that goes like this: “Home is where the heart is.”

That saying rings true for many who find “home” a safe haven and a place to cherish, convene with family and friends, raise children, cook meals, rest, retire and celebrate.

Most will agree a home is not just a pile of bricks and mortar. Rather, a true “home” comprises much more, including everything inside it.

Some of the things inside your house that helps make it your home include your furniture and appliances, clothing, sports equipment, and electronic goods. These items are considered personal property – and it’s really important to protect it all.

How do I protect what really makes my house a home?

Protecting the important stuff inside your home begins with an understanding what you have. If you’re like many people, you may find your home contains much more personal property than you realize.

To understand how much stuff you have, develop a careful inventory of your personal property following these tips.

Use a video camera to record and audibly describe items as you move through your home. If you don’t have access to a video camera, use a standard camera or phone camera.
Whether you use still photos or video to develop your inventory, include brand names and descriptions where possible, especially on high-cost items.
Keep any and all receipts on high-dollar purchases. Keep these receipts filed together with any instruction booklets, warranties, etc. that accompany the items.
Store your video or photo inventory offsite or back it up with an additional drive.
When you make new purchases, be sure to add them to your inventory.

If you have high-value items, be sure to check with us at Robert Pehnke Corp so we can review your homeowners coverage to make sure you’re properly protected. We understand that your home is not just a house, and we are here to help ensure that everything important to you is protected—both outside and inside your home.

Contact Us!

At Robert Pehnke Corp, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 718-657-4100 or send us a note at info@Pehnke.Com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!

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Content provided by Safeco Insurance

]]><![CDATA[Taxes and ID Theft]]>Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:38:32 GMThttps://pehnke.com/blog/taxes-and-id-theft4 Things to Know About Taxes and Identity Theft

In 2014, almost 18 million people in the U.S. were victims of identity theft. Two-thirds of them said they suffered a direct financial loss because of it, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS).

During tax season, your personal information is particularly vulnerable. After all, your Social Security number (SSN) is on W-2 forms, your tax return and other financial documents being sent through the mail, transported to accountants and otherwise used to complete your annual IRS ritual. So it’s a good time of the year to be especially vigilant.

To help, here are four things you should know about identity theft — from what thieves can do to how you can help protect yourself — from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Federal Trade Commission:

Thieves won’t just open new accounts — they can (and will) file “your” taxes. Someone with access to your data could file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund under your name. You may not know until you go to file your own return and it comes back rejected. If it happens, call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
Scammers will try to reel you in. Ever get a call or email from someone asking you to verify your account information or SSN? Legitimate organizations, especially the IRS, won’t do that. If there’s a problem with your tax return, the IRS will contact you by mail.
Technology can help. If you send tax forms or other sensitive documents via email, password-protect them. Furthermore, security software can help keep your data safe, and password generators will help ensure your various login credentials aren’t easy for a thief to figure out. As for analog documents, such as tax records, store them in a locked desk or filing cabinet and don’t send them through the mail unless it’s certified.
Reporting the crime is a must. Ninety percent of identity-theft victims don’t alert the police, says BJS. But you should. A police report can help prove to financial institutions and businesses that someone stole your identity. It also allows you to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report, get inaccurate information removed, stop debt collectors from reporting fraudulent accounts and more. Because once criminals have your information, they may use it to perpetuate many types of fraud.

Protecting your identity is, of course, something to be mindful of all year round – not just during tax season. For more tips, visit IdentityTheft.gov. And, to discuss adding identity protection coverage to your home insurance policy, contact us at Robert Pehnke Corp today.

]]><![CDATA[Solar Panels]]>Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:34:34 GMThttps://pehnke.com/blog/solar-panelsWhat to Know Before You Go Solar

Solar panels can be economically and environmentally sound, and they’re more accessible than ever. According to one research firm, U.S. homes and businesses installed a new system every four minutes in 2013.

But, is solar power right for you here in Queens, NY? To help you address the question, here are five things to think about before making the switch:

The different options for installing a solar system. Oftentimes you don’t have to foot the full cost of going solar yourself. Instead, you may be able to lease a system from a company that installs and maintains it, or enter into an agreement where a third party actually owns the system and bills you (likely at a reduced rate) for electricity. Just keep in mind that installing and owning your own system may provide the best long-term return, and tax credits or rebates may help to lower upfront costs.
Your current energy costs — and your future needs. Depending on your situation, you could have relatively low energy bills now and not be as motivated to pursue solar as someone with higher costs. But what does the future look like? If your family is growing, your energy costs are probably about to grow, too, and investing in solar might be worth your while.
The power a system would generate. Have a reputable solar company measure the amount of sun your home gets, taking into account things such as shade, trees, etc., so you can make an informed decision about expected savings.
What your homeowners policy says. With any improvement that increases the value of your home, you need to make sure your insurance policy reflects the change. Give us a call to see if your policy already covers solar panels. If it doesn’t, we can help you amend it.
Your goals. Are you mainly looking to save money? Help the environment? Both? Knowing your goals will help you determine whether solar is the right choice for you, as well as which option makes the most sense. No matter what you choose, even considering solar means you’re thinking about energy a little differently. And that’s a good thing.

Renewable power – it can help protect your from rising energy costs and even power outages, not to mention the good it does for the environment. Just be sure to consider your options and all the costs involved before making the leap.

]]><![CDATA[Non Owner Policy]]>Sat, 05 Mar 2016 21:08:09 GMThttps://pehnke.com/blog/non-owner-policy

Named Non Owner Insurance Policy

     A non owner policy is an auto insurance policy that covers your liability as a non owner of a vehicle.

     It can be purchased as a business use policy or a private use policy.

     An example of a non owner policy for business use policy would be if you are a valet parker and would like to make sure you have sufficient coverage when operating a vehicle you do not own.

     One of the common uses of a non owner policy for personal use is to comply with financial responsibility requirements for a ticket or accident received out of state. For this type of New York policy your insurance company would issue an SR-22 filing to the state that you request. An SR-22 is a financial responsibility certification frequently required by the state when an individual without liability insurance is involved in an accident or is otherwise found to be without legally required coverage. Your insurance company will provide the state with advance notice before canceling your coverage

     Another use of a personal non owner policy would be to obtain coverage for a licensed household resident who that you would wish to exclude from your personal auto policy. Most companies would exclude that driver from your rating if they have their own policy.

     If you no longer own a car but plan on obtaining a vehicle in the future a non owner policy is an inexpensive way to give you continuous insurance coverage until you are ready for a new vehicle. This is important because most companies will surcharge you if you have had more than a 30 day lapse in insurance.

     If you require a non owners policy or have any questions in regard to a non owners policy you can you can contact Robert Pehnke Corp at 718-657-4100 or stop by our office at 137-34 Jamaica Avenue; Jamaica, NY 11435. We have been providing Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, Commercial Insurance and bonds to Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau residents since 1953 and have offered motor vehicle bureau plate and registration services since 2000.

]]><![CDATA[Title Bonding Procedure]]>Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:26:39 GMThttps://pehnke.com/blog/title-bonding-procedure

     Did you purchase a vehicle in New York and when you went down to the Department Of Motor Vehicles you were told that the title was void or the ownership trail was incorrect or lost or damaged the title before going to the DMV? Well you still may be able to obtain a title and register the vehicle using a motor vehicle bureau bonding procedure.

1) You must try to obtain a replacement title from the previous owner. If the owner is no longer available you must send a certified letter, restricted delivery, return receipt requested to the owners last known address. In the letter you must ask for a duplicate title for the vehicle you purchased. Make sure you give a description of vehicle Year, Make, Model, and VIN (vehicle identification number). This letter should be returned to you by the post office as undeliverable.

2) Complete a Notarized Affidavit of Facts. This is a written affidavit completed by you stating the name address of buyer and seller, a full description of the vehicle and how you purchased the vehicle. Include copies of any bills of sales, canceled checks, copies of registration or title and any other documents that pertain to the transfer.

3) Take a VIN Tracing or photo of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) located on dashboard on drivers side of auto

4) Bring the unopened letter, notarized affidavit of facts, and VIN photo or tracing to DMV and complete an MV-82 (vehicle registration/title app) and a DTF-802 (sales tax form). You will pay a $50 title fee and sales tax at DMV.

     Motor vehicle bureau will then submit this paperwork to Title Bureau in Albany at which time they will either issue you a title or request that you take out a title bond before they issue you a title. The New York vehicle title bond must be in an amount equal to one and one-half times the value of the vehicle as determined by the commissioner and conditioned to indemnify any prior owner and lienholder and any subsequent purchaser against any expense, loss or damage by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title of the vehicle or on account of any defect in or undisclosed security interest in the same. The cost of a bond is usually fairly inexpensive and averages about $15 per thousand dollar value of a vehicle (ex. a $10,000 vehicle title bond would cost about $150).

     It should take about 3-4 weeks after substituting paperwork for a title to be issued to you .

     If you have any questions in regards to the bonding procedure or require help in preparing the paperwork or require notary service or a bond you can contact Robert Pehnke Corp at 718-657-4100 or stop by our office at 137-34 Jamaica Avenue; Jamaica, NY 11435. We have been providing Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, Commercial Insurance and bonds to Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau residents since 1953 and have offered motor vehicle bureau plate and registration services since 2000

]]><![CDATA[Road Trip Tips]]>Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:05:50 GMThttps://pehnke.com/blog/road-trip-tipsEight Tips For The Road Ahead
Be Safe, Be Smart On A Long-Distance Road Trip

Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile. If traveling down the “holiday road” is in your plans, take the time to prepare for your trip. You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips, courtesy of Robert Pehnke Corp

1) Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.

2) Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.

3) Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip.

4) Take precaution with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.

5) Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.

6) Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices.

7) If you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately.

8) Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence.

To learn more about what an independent insurance agency offers you, visit progressiveagent.com or contact Robert Pehnke Corp at 718-657-4100 or stop by our office at 137-34 Jamaica Avenue; Jamaica, NY 11435 for any questions about Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance or Commercial Insurance.

]]><![CDATA[Seven Commercial Vehicle Insurance Myths Debunked]]>Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:56:24 GMThttps://pehnke.com/blog/seven-commercial-vehicle-insurance-myths-debunkedSeven Commercial Vehicle Insurance Myths Debunked

By Ryan Furmick, business auto product manager, Progressive Commercial

Your vehicles are the backbone that keeps your business up and running. But when it comes to the insurance for those vehicles, there may be some misconceptions floating around out there. For example, you might have been told that it’s okay to cancel your vehicle insurance in the off-season, or that all of your drivers are automatically covered by your policy.

To help you get to the facts about commercial auto insurance, we’ve collected some of the more widely-held misconceptions and uncovered the truth about them--along with some tips on how to make sure you have the right coverages for your business.

Myth: It's cheaper to cancel your insurance if you have a seasonal business.

Fact: Not necessarily. If you cancel your insurance policy, your stored vehicles won’t be protected. A Comprehensive-only policy provides coverage for a business that doesn’t need liability coverage during certain months, but needs basic protection against incidents, such as vandalism, theft, falling tree branches, hail, etc. This is ideal for vehicles that sit for long periods during off-season.

Plus, a Comprehensive-only policy provides continuous insurance which may save you money in the long-run. If you drop your insurance completely, you may pay significantly more to purchase a new policy when your peak season rolls around because most insurance companies ask for proof of continuous coverage to get you the best rate.

Myth: All commercial vehicle insurance companies use their own claims adjusters.

Fact: Most companies use part-time or contract adjusters to handle commercial vehicle claims, which can slow down the time it takes to get your vehicle back on the road and in business. Progressive handles 100 percent of its commercial vehicle insurance claims with its own staff of in-house commercial insurance experts, making sure claims are processed faster than other insurers that outsource this work.

Myth: You must pay your insurance premium in full up-front.

Fact: This isn't always the case. Some insurance companies offer payment plans that allow your insurance premium to be paid in installments, with very little initial payment. Keep in mind that you might qualify for a discount if you pay your policy premium in full up-front; however, your carrier or agent may also have other bill plan options available to help you manage your cash flow. Progressive, for example, offers several bill plans, including low initial payments and no interest financing

Myth: Your employees are covered when they drive your business vehicles.

Fact: Some vehicle insurance companies will only extend coverage to drivers who are specifically named on the policy. Make sure your insurer allows "permissive use," which means that all of your drivers are covered as long as they have your permission to operate the vehicle.

Myth: It’s cheaper to buy all of your business insurance products from the same company.

Fact: You need a wide range of coverages to protect your business, from commercial vehicle insurance and general liability to workers’ compensation. While it might be easier to buy all of these products from the same company, you could save big bucks by buying your policies from separate providers. Shop around to find the best deal, or ask your local agent for quotes from several different companies.

Myth: All insurance companies offer 24/7 service.

Fact: Many insurance companies are only available during regular office hours, which can make filing a claim, adding a vehicle to your policy, and paying bills inconvenient. Before you buy, check with your insurance company to make sure they’re available when you need them.

Myth or Fact

Wonder if one of your perceptions about vehicle insurance is myth or fact? Talk to a local agent. They can provide answers and help you determine which coverages are right for your business.

Ryan Furmick is a business auto product manager for Progressive Commercial. Progressive, in business since 1937, is a market leader in commercial auto insurance. For more information on Progressive’s coverages or to find a local independent agent, go to http://www.progressivecommercial.com.

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