Insurance News

Insurance Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 14:14:00 GMT

Aerial view of a neighborhood by David McBee

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a learning curve, especially when it comes to homeowners insurance. With so many options and coverages to consider, it’s important to understand what you're buying and how to make sure your new investment is properly protected.

Here are a few tips every first-time homebuyer should know when shopping for homeowners insurance.

Know What Your Policy Actually Covers

Many standard homeowners insurance policies include four main types of protection: your home’s structure (the dwelling), personal belongings, liability coverage, and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. However, every policy has exclusions and limitations.

For instance, damage from floods or earthquakes usually requires separate coverage. And your personal property coverage may have sub-limits for high-value items like jewelry, artwork, or electronics. Review the policy in detail and ask questions about what’s included, and what isn’t. Knowing your coverage ahead of time prevents surprises when you file a claim.

Don’t Just Focus on Price

While budget is always a factor, choosing the lowest premium shouldn’t be your only consideration. A cheaper policy may come with higher deductibles, less comprehensive coverage, or lower limits, leaving you vulnerable when it matters most. Instead, you may want to look for a policy that provides replacement cost coverage (not actual cash value), so you’re reimbursed for the full cost to repair or replace items without depreciation.

Ask About Additional Coverage Options

If your home is in a flood zone or earthquake-prone area, you’ll likely need an additional flood insurance policy for that type of coverage. You may also want to consider endorsements or riders (additions to your policy) for things like sewer backup, identity theft protection, or extended replacement cost coverage. Optional add-ons vary by insurer, so it’s worth discussing your home’s unique needs with your agent to ensure you're not leaving gaps in coverage.

Update Your Policy as Your Life Changes

Your homeowners insurance policy should evolve with you. If you make upgrades to your home, like finishing a basement, remodeling a kitchen, or adding a deck, you may need to adjust your dwelling coverage to reflect the increased value.

Likewise, buying new furniture, electronics, or valuables might require increasing your personal property limits. An annual insurance review can help ensure you’re properly insured if something unexpected happens.

We’re Here to Help You Start Off Right

As a first-time homebuyer, understanding your insurance coverage can help you avoid costly gaps in protection. With the right coverage in place, you can enjoy your new home with peace of mind. Contact us today for a personalized home insurance review and get the protection you need as you step into homeownership.

Read the full article at www.piersonandscott.com

4 Water-Saving Tips for Your Garden

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:04:00 GMT

Garden hose spraying water by Karolina Grabowska

Water has been in short supply in many areas of the United States lately. And even if it’s bountiful where you live, you may be paying more for water than you’d like. Here are some tips for using less water and saving money in your garden.

Use Soaker Hoses Instead of Sprinklers

Sprinklers tend to use tons of water, often more than you need to water your garden. It’s the equivalent of taking a bath versus a shower when you just want to get clean quickly.

Try using soaker hoses, which have tiny perforations in them, to water your flower or vegetable beds slowly. It’s healthier for your plants, and you’ll use less water and have less wasted runoff too.

Install a Timer for Your Hose

How many times have you turned on the hose or the sprinkler, only to get distracted and come back hours later to find you’re now watering the asphalt? A timer for your watering system lets you limit water consumption. You can also use a timer to water when you’re not home (including on vacation) or while you’re asleep.

Water at Night or Early in the Morning

The most efficient time to water is at night or early morning. This is because, during the heat of the day, you lose water in the garden to evaporation. It then takes more water to achieve the same level of hydration, and it’s harder on your plants as well.

Recycle Greywater

Some folks who live in areas struggling with water supply recycle greywater, primarily from their laundry. Rather than sending rinse water from the washer to the sewer system or septic tank, they pipe it into the garden or a holding tank for later use.

Never use water that has been used to rinse food scraps or that comes from your toilet, as this can attract vermin. But laundry water, provided you use biodegradable detergent, is perfect for watering the garden.

Landscape With (Less Thirsty) Native Plants

The plants you choose for your garden have a great deal to do with how much water you use. If your water bill is high or if you’re in a drought area, try these tips:

Eliminate or downsize your lawn. Replace it with a rock garden, xeriscaping, or hardscaping.
Select plants that don’t require tons of water and fare well in sun and hot weather. Usually, plants native to your region will do better with less watering and can withstand weather fluctuations.
Plant trees or tall shrubs that can provide shade for other plants.
Garden in containers instead of in the ground or raised beds.
Use soil that absorbs water well and top it with mulch or rocks to retain moisture.

Collect Rainwater

Collecting rainwater to use later can be a smart idea if you live in a rainy area or get monster storms passing through. There are multiple ways to do this, such as setting up a rain barrel beneath the downspout for your rain gutters or adding a catch basin to your landscaping. A catch basin like a dry well can divert water — to prevent ponding in the lawn or damage to your foundation — and send the water where it’s needed elsewhere in your garden. Just be sure to abide by the local regulations on rainwater collection, if there are any.

Your area’s rainfall or drought levels influence more than your garden, including your home’s foundation integrity, fire risk, and potential water damage. To learn more about how this affects your homeowner insurance, call Pierson and Scott Insurance Agency at 412-835-5660, or get in touch online with your questions.

Read the full article at www.piersonandscott.com

How to Choose the Right Contractor for Home Improvement Projects and Avoid Liability Claims

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 19:35:00 GMT

Painting Materials Beside a Ladder by Blue Bird

If you’re planning a home improvement project, you probably have many contractors available to choose from. How do you pick the right one that will get the job done safely and without liability issues? Follow these tips.

Get Word-of-Mouth Recommendations

One of the best ways you can find a contractor is to ask friends and neighbors who have done remodels or additions you like. Ask about things like:

Was the contractor punctual and reliable?
Did the project come in on or under budget?
Would they hire the contractor again?

Read Online Reviews

Online reviews are another great resource today for finding contractors. Read reviews carefully, and look at star ratings. One or two disgruntled customers out of hundreds is probably par for the course, but avoid contractors who have lots of bad reviews. Look for critiques such as:

The contractor started the project, but left in the middle to work on another job, extending the completion date beyond the initial agreement.
The job was not completed satisfactorily.
The project went considerably over budget.
The workers arrived late, made a mess in the home, or were rude to clients.
There were safety issues during the project or after its completion (electrical dangers, chemicals or tools left exposed, tripping hazards, etc.).

Hire Experienced Contractors

In general, you want to hire contractors who are more experienced, as they tend to be able to work faster and deal with any unforeseen problems that arise. That also means you want contractors who have done projects similar to yours in the past. If you have a historic home, for example, it may be better to hire someone who has only been in business for a few years, but specializes in historic renovations, rather than going with a 20-year-old firm that has only worked on contemporary homes.

Make Sure Your Contractor Is Licensed and Insured

Your contractor should be licensed as required by law in your region or state. They should also be insured, especially for liabilities. This protects you if someone in your home is hurt while the project is in progress or if there is a safety issue after the job is done. A reputable contractor will happily provide proof of insurance on request.

The contractor’s insurance should cover injuries or damages for which they’re responsible and pay to fix any remaining problems. That way you don’t have to file an insurance claim with your own home insurance. Most states require contracting businesses with multiple employees to have workers' compensation insurance as well, which is intended to help pay for the care of any contractors injured while on the job.

Finally, you can ask your contractor to take out a bond if engaging in a major renovation for you, like an addition, building a second story, or gutting and rebuilding an old property. This can pay you if they do not reasonably adhere to the timeline in your contract, which can have financial repercussions for you. Bonds usually also hold a contractor to certain standards of execution to avoid sloppy work that creates headaches for you years later.

Don’t forget that your homeowner insurance policy should be updated when doing home improvement projects to cover the added value you’ve given the property. Call Pierson and Scott Insurance Agency at 412-835-5660 to speak with an independent agent about insurance protection for your home in case of storms, fire, vandalism, or theft. Ready to start a policy now? Contact us or request a homeowner insurance quote to tell us how we can help you.

Read the full article at www.piersonandscott.com

Defensive Driving Techniques to Avoid Accidents and Insurance Claims

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:24:00 GMT

Man driving a car by JESHOOTS.com

If you want to reduce your risk of traffic accidents and the insurance claims that accompany them — which could cause your premium to go up — you need to drive defensively. Here are some driving tips to help you avoid crashes and stay safe on the road.

Always Assume Other Motorists Will Make Mistakes

Defensive driving means always anticipating that other vehicles will be careless or worse, break the law. So, when you come to a four-way stop, for example, don’t assume other motorists will know the right-of-way laws. It’s always better to wait a few seconds and let others go first than to risk a crash.

Don’t Drive Distracted or Under the Influence

In most places, it’s illegal to have a mobile phone in your hand while driving, whether you’re talking to someone or checking a text. Stow your device, and use hands-free or voice-activated aids if you need to have a conversation or get directions. Or you can pull over if you must manually use your phone.

Other common distractions that should be addressed include:

Kids fussing or fighting
Unrestrained pets
Eating and drinking
Loose items in the cabin
Loud music

Watch Your Speed

Statistically, many accidents in the United States, including those with fatalities, involve operating over the speed limit. Obey posted speed limits, and be especially vigilant in school zones and pedestrian areas.

You may need to drive under the speed limit if traffic is heavy, the weather is bad, the roads are slippery, or there is road construction nearby. Dawn and dusk are also times when you could experience poor visibility, so slow down if necessary and turn on your headlights.

Use Your Turn Signals

Many drivers ignore their turn signals, weaving in and out of traffic and turning without warning. This also contributes to accidents.

Pick the safest lane if you have options, and try to stay in it as much as possible. For instance, if you are on a highway with at least three lanes in one direction, choose the center lane to avoid passing and merging vehicles. When you do need to change lanes, turn on your turn signal well in advance to alert other drivers of your intentions.

Be Aware of the Most Dangerous Driving Scenarios

There are situations where accidents are more likely to occur than others. These include:

Railroad crossings
Highways
High-speed boulevards with frequent traffic signals
Uncontrolled intersections
Left-hand turns
Parking lots
Winding rural roads
Motorways used by large trucks

Be extra careful in these scenarios. Don’t drive too close to semis; if you must pass one, give yourself plenty of space and avoid driving for too long alongside the truck. If a truck is following too close to your bumper (tailgating is another defensive driving no-no), pull into another lane or off the road to let it pass.

Reminder: Always Carry Proof of Insurance with You

Sometimes, despite practicing defensive driving, you can still get in an accident. You must carry proof of insurance with you for these situations or for when stopped by law enforcement. Most states today allow you to have an electronic version of your insurance ID card on your phone, but it’s good to have a paper copy in your glove box.

Not sure if your auto insurance is giving you the best protection? The independent agents at Pierson and Scott Insurance Agency are happy to help you. Call us at 412-835-5660, or request a quote online today.

Read the full article at www.piersonandscott.com

How to Choose the Right Smart Security Camera

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:58:00 GMT

Security Camera by ipeema

A security camera can help protect your property against intruders or provide evidence in the event of a break-in. But with all the technology available today, it can be tough to figure out which smart security camera is right for you. Here are four points to consider when you shop for a camera for your home.

24-Hour vs. Motion-Activated Recording

Some cameras run continuously, while others are only triggered to turn on when they detect motion nearby. There are pros and cons to each.

A 24/7 camera won't miss anything, since it's always on, but you’ll have to go through all that footage to find one or two moments if you’re looking for a specific event, such as a trespasser in your yard (though some systems have the ability to find notable events automatically). However, an always-on camera will capture even the slightest movement, which a motion-activated security camera might miss.

A motion-activated camera will be triggered by anything that moves, including pets, wild animals, and tree branches. As a result, you may get some false alarms if you’re receiving notifications that your camera has turned on. However, because it only records movement, this type of camera can store data more efficiently, which is a consideration if you’re using local storage (see below).

Battery Powered vs. Wired

Battery-powered cameras run the risk of having their batteries run out just when you need to capture something, which isn't an issue for cameras that gets their power from a wired connection. Therefore, you have be sure to change the batteries whenever they've been used up. But battery-powered cameras can be more portable than hardwired versions, depending on the model you buy, which can be helpful if you want to make small adjustments to their positioning or take them to another property.

Cloud vs. Local Storage

In the old days, you had to store security camera data on a local device like a video cassette, disc, or DVD. Then came microdisks for smaller and easier storage.

Some cameras still use these tiny discs today, while others have migrated to cloud storage. In general, cloud storage is preferable, as it has fewer size limitations, if any at all, and is more reliable, assuming sending information to the cloud from your camera works properly.

The biggest advantage of cloud storage is you can access the footage anywhere. If you’re on vacation in Europe and want to see your backyard back in the States, you can do so from your mobile phone or tablet.

There are also camera systems that use centralized local storage and allow remote access, but you'll likely pay more for this type of setup.

Price vs. Features

Like other electronics, your security camera will be more expensive the more features it sports. Better image resolution, two-way talk, integrated spotlights, night vision, and smartphone alerts are some of the options that drive up price but may well be worth it to you.

Finally, the cost of a security camera starts rising when you integrate it with other security system components, especially monitoring services from an alarm company. So you may have to crunch the numbers to find your sweet spot between price and features and be willing to sacrifice bells and whistles you don’t really need if budget is the main concern.

Don’t forget to protect your home with the right home insurance policy. Call Pierson and Scott Insurance Agency at 412-835-5660 to explore coverage today. Between homeowners insurance and your security camera, you’ll sleep easier knowing you’re fully protected.

Read the full article at www.piersonandscott.com

Renting vs. Owning a Home: Protect Your Property No Matter Which You Prefer

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:49:00 GMT

Living Room by Emre Can Acer

If you’re on the fence about renting or owning a home, here’s a helpful look at the upsides of each option. Remember to get the right insurance when you make your choice, so your property is fully protected.

The Advantages of Renting

When you rent, you don’t have to commit to a neighborhood or a city. Don’t like your current digs? No problem — you can try somewhere else with a minimum of fuss. If you want to explore your state or experience life in different parts of the US, renting is your best bet. You can experiment with different types of homes too, whether you want a modern high-rise or a little house with a yard.

Securing a rental residence is usually easier than buying a house. While the two may be equally competitive, you don’t have to obtain a loan or go through inspections and closing. Most landlords will check your credit and employment, and that’s about it.

Renters also don’t have to worry about fixing things around the home because those chores are largely the responsibility of the landlord. If the roof needs replacing or the hot water heater fails, you don’t have to shell out any cash. Usually, even the appliances are owned by the landlord, so they have to take care of them.

The Pros of Owning a Home

Owning your home gives you a lot more freedom when it comes to your lifestyle and how you want your home to look. You can paint inside and out, change the landscaping, and put in new appliances, or you can do a whole remodel if you like. You don’t need anyone’s permission to swap out a light fixture or put new hardware on the kitchen cabinets.

It’s much easier to own pets if you are a homeowner too. Other than local laws about the number of animals you can keep, you are free to have several large dogs or multiple cats, as well as other types of pets like birds, reptiles, or even horses.

You usually have more stability as a homeowner. When you rent, there’s the possibility that the landlord could sell the property, forcing you to move elsewhere. But when you own, you can keep the home for decades or even make it your family estate for multiple generations.

One of the biggest reasons people elect to buy a home is that it is usually an investment that increases in value over time. If you can ride out the ups and downs of the real estate market that occur every few years, you can make a profit on the home by selling it, renting it out, or cashing out your equity for other financial needs. If you ultimately pay off your mortgage, you own the home outright, meaning you no longer have to budget for monthly housing costs.

Home and Renters Insurance Is Essential

Whether you decide home ownership or renting is right for you, make certain to protect your property with the right insurance. Home insurance covers your dwelling as well as its interior; renters insurance protects your belongings when someone else owns the building you live in. Both types of policies should also cover your belongings inside your home—we can help find a policy to ensure you're covered.

To learn more about home or renters insurance, call Pierson and Scott Insurance Agency at 412-835-5660. We’ll help you protect your property by finding a policy that meets your unique needs.

Read the full article at www.piersonandscott.com

Save Money With These Smart Home Devices That Make Your Home Safer

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:04:00 GMT

Woman using a smartphone and laptop by Andrea Piacquadio

Homeowners today have never had more ways to save money through technology. Here are five smart home devices that will help you cut down on your bills and improve your home’s safety. Better safety can mean fewer insurance claims and less hassle for you.

Smart Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat means you don’t have to manually turn your heat or air conditioning on and off. Instead, you set up a schedule on the thermostat, and everything happens automatically. This lets you set your heat to come on right before you get up in the morning, for example.

Even better, a smart programmable thermostat can be controlled via your mobile phone from anywhere. If you forgot to turn down your air conditioning before leaving for a weekend out of town, you can do it from afar. Need to stay late at work? You can change your thermostat to raise the heat a little later and save money on your utility bills.

Smart Irrigation System

If you use an irrigation system to water your lawn and garden, a smart system can save you a lot of headaches. Like a smart thermostat, a smart sprinkler system can be controlled from anywhere via a mobile device. The best ones also monitor weather reports and outside temperatures to make decisions about when to water, so you’re not watering during a rainy period or parching your grass during a drought.

Water Leak Detector

A water leak detector is one of the best investments you can make for your home’s plumbing system. It notices changes in water flow or pressure to alert you if a pipe or a valve breaks. This can prevent massive water damage to your home if, for instance, your clothes washer fails to stop filling or a pipe bursts. It can also help you find hidden pipe leaks before they become an emergency and waste large amounts of water. Your plumber can install a water leak detector system for you.

Smart Locks and Garage Door Openers

Your home’s security is paramount both to keep your household safe and to prevent theft. Installing smart locks and smart garage door openers is an easy way to improve security.

Smart garage door openers can be programmed to close your doors automatically after opening them for a certain period of time. They can also be closed on demand from anywhere using your mobile device if you forget to shut a door when leaving in a hurry.

Smart locks don’t use a traditional key to gain entry into the home. Instead, you enter a numerical password on a keypad at the door. The password can be changed anytime, meaning you don’t have to worry if you change house cleaning services or your babysitter loses a key.

Also, you can open and lock your doors remotely via your mobile phone. This is handy if you don’t want to give someone the key code or only want to grant a one-time entry to your home. Many people pair smart locks with doorbell cameras, so they can see who is coming and going from the home for added security.

Smart Plugs and Motion Sensor Switches

There are many new types of plugs and switches available today that help you save on electricity and reduce the risk of electrical fires. WiFi-enabled smart plugs, which are controlled via an app on your mobile device, can shut off power to appliances when they’re not needed. You can also use them to turn on lamps when you’re not home to give the appearance someone is present and deter break-ins. Many can be voice-activated to turn on lights and music when you come home.

You’ve probably seen motion sensor switches in public restrooms and other commercial buildings to reduce electricity consumption. Now people are using them in their homes to automatically turn on and off lights. They’re ideal if you get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom or if you have someone in the household who typically forgets to turn the lights off when leaving a room.

In addition to using these devices, the best way to protect your home is with the right home insurance policy. Our independent agents at Pierson and Scott Insurance Agency can help you determine the right amount of coverage and make sure you avoid insurance gaps that leave you vulnerable. Call us at 412-835-5660 or request a quote to enjoy stellar personalized service from experienced professionals.

Read the full article at www.piersonandscott.com

Top Home Improvement Projects That Can Increase Your Home Value

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 18:27:00 GMT

Modern Kitchen by Mark

When you tackle home improvement projects, it’s wise to prioritize those that add the most to your property’s value, especially if you might put your home on the market in the next few years. Here are the renovations that give you the biggest return on your investment.

Kitchen Remodels

If you’re like most folks, you probably spend a fair amount of time in your kitchen, even when you have guests. For this reason, making over your kitchen will usually let you recoup your investment in equity or a higher sale price. Common remodeling elements include:

Replacing appliances
Installing new counters
Refinishing cabinets
Changing fixtures and hardware
Building an island or bar
Adding luxury extras

Bathroom Upgrades

You might be surprised to learn that the most cost-effective upgrade to your bathroom isn’t necessarily a complete renovation. Doing a remodel can yield more than a 100 percent return.

Don’t worry about knocking out walls or replumbing. Instead, focus on cosmetic improvements like replacing old tile, swapping out faucets, and painting. Other relatively small upgrades include adding more storage, putting in a nicer shower surround, and replacing outdated flooring.

Attic and Basement Conversions

In many cases, converting an attic or basement lets you add another room to your home. You can gain a bedroom, playroom, office, workshop, or rec room by making over what is often unused space in the home.

To really make the conversions worthwhile, be sure you explore things like emergency egress and HVAC to meet building codes and make the space fully usable. If you plan to sell the home soon, aim for a conversion that could work for multiple purposes, as potential buyers may be looking for something different.

Deck and Porch Additions

Adding a deck, patio, or porch lets you expand your living space outside in nice weather. The warmer the climate where you live, the more you want to have some comfy outdoor space for al fresco meals, grilling, and relaxing.

You don’t have to spend a ton to get a big bang for your buck with outdoor spaces. You can enhance any outside area with nice furniture, potted plants, and fencing to make the spot more private.

Curb Appeal Improvements

Curb appeal makeovers are always popular, and they’re great whether you plan to stay in the home for years or put it on the market. Some popular ways to make your home look beautiful when approached from the street include:

Adding or replacing a front walk
Building a small front porch or covered entryway
Landscaping for four-season beauty
Painting the front door and window trim
Resurfacing the driveway
Replacing the garage door

Energy-Efficient Updates

Some curb appeal improvements overlap with making the home more energy efficient too. If you’re not happy with your home’s entrance, consider replacing the door with one that offers better protection from the outdoors or installing a storm door with screens.

Other updates that offer a good ROI include:

Installing thermal windows
Replacing an old roof
Adding a better furnace or hot water heater
Using insulated garage doors
Insulating the attic or other chilly spaces
Placing solar panels on the roof

Even small upgrades like installing a programmable thermostat or ceiling fans can bring you energy savings year after year.

Don’t forget to contact your insurance agent to review your home insurance coverage when you add to your home or perform major renovations. Need help with home coverage? Call Pierson and Scott Insurance Agency at 412-835-5660 today for a quote, or reach out online to let us know how we can help.

Read the full article at www.piersonandscott.com

Preparing Your Teen Driver for Different Road Conditions and Situations

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:04:00 GMT

Teenage Driver by why kei

If you have a young driver in your home, you may be fearful about them driving on their own, especially in bad weather or road construction. Here are some tips to share with them to improve safety by adapting their driving to current conditions.

Rain, Snow and Ice

It’s not always possible to stay put in inclement weather, although that should be your teen’s first choice in a storm or freezing weather. If your child must venture out, here’s what they should know:

Understand that posted speed limits are for ideal conditions; driving well below the speed limit is almost always required in poor weather. If they feel they are going slower than other vehicles, that’s okay. Put on the hazard lights (“flashers”) to alert other motorists.
If heavy rain hits, pull over in a safe area and let the worst pass before continuing.
Never drive in flooded areas or where they don’t know how deep ponded water is.
If the vehicle has four-wheel drive or low gear, they should know how to use that to allow the car to help them get better traction.
Watch out for "black ice" in freezing temperatures.
Know what to do if the car begins to skid. Fight the urge to jerk the steering wheel in the opposite direction, and instead, turn into the skid trying to slowly come to a stop.
If driving outside the immediate neighborhood in winter, always carry emergency gear in case they get stuck, like blankets, a shovel, food, water, and an extra cell phone charger. If they have to stay put in the vehicle for a long stretch, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of obstructions and the windows are cracked before running the engine for warmth.

Low Visibility at Dawn and Dusk

Early morning and sunset are times of reduced visibility and therefore more accidents. Use headlights, reduce speed if necessary, and watch out for animals, like deer, on the road.

Road Construction

Construction zones always have lower speed zones to protect workers, so your teen should prepare to drive considerably slower. Pay attention to changing road surfaces, detours, merging where lanes discontinue, and workers manually directing traffic with signs and hand semaphores.

If two lanes narrow to one, never compete with other vehicles to be first through the merge. Rather, follow the patterns of every other car weaving into the new lane or simply let other traffic go ahead until the way is clear.

Rural Roadways

Country roads have unique hazards such as:

Winding roads with reduced views into the distance
Farm vehicles
Animal crossings
Little to no shoulder
Minimal passing areas
More motorcycles and bicycles

Driving on these roads requires more patience and extra vigilance. Turn down the radio, put away the snacks, and focus on the driving conditions.

City Driving

City roads also have their own risks. Your teen should watch out for:

Weaving and turning traffic.
Frequent stoplights.
Pedestrians and bicycles.
Garbage trucks and delivery vehicles.
People in parked cars opening their doors into traffic.

Rarely can drivers travel the speed limit in dense urban areas. Remind your teen to allow as much stopping distance as possible at crossings and when following other vehicles. They should use their directional signals whenever turning but not assume other motorists will be as courteous.

If your teen will be driving frequently in city traffic, they should become adept at parallel parking by practicing in a low-stress environment until it becomes second nature.

Navigating Highways

Highway driving requires its own skill set, which your child should practice with an experienced driver during low-traffic times before attempting it on their own. Here are a few final suggestions for safe highway driving:

When given the chance, pick the middle of three or more lanes to avoid merging vehicles on the right and passing vehicles on the left.
Give semi trucks a wide berth, and remember they have blind spots where they can’t see small cars. Allow plenty of room to pass a semi, and do it quickly so as not to sit too long next to the truck.
Use directional signals and do a shoulder check before changing lanes or exiting.
There’s no need to drive as fast as some people go on the highway. Stay at the speed limit, even if it means being passed.
Watch out for debris on the road, like shredded tires and pieces of metal. If everyone in front of your teen driver is suddenly veering out of the lane, it’s likely because of debris or a stalled vehicle.

Car Insurance

Do you have a teen driver in your household that needs to be added to your auto insurance policy? Consider increasing your liability coverage at the same time to make certain you have adequate protection in case of an accident. Our independent agents at Pierson and Scott Insurance Agency can help you find the best policy for your needs. Call us at 412-835-5660 with your questions, or start a policy online any time at your convenience.

Read the full article at www.piersonandscott.com

The Importance of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:18:00 GMT

Couple in a convertible by monkeybusinessimages

Your auto insurance is one of the most important elements of your personal insurance portfolio. But some people purchase only the minimum required liability coverage, not realizing they may be leaving themselves open to huge bills for damage to their own vehicles after an accident. Here’s how you can better protect yourself with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

How Claims Usually Work After an Accident

Most states in the U.S. require some type of auto liability insurance to register a vehicle and drive legally. This type of auto insurance can help pay for medical care and damage if another motorist is hurt or their property is damaged.

The insurance of the person at fault in an accident typically covers liability for the other party. Say you miss a stop sign and hit another car. The person in the other vehicle has a minor injuries and significant damage to the side of their minivan. A claim is filed with your insurance carrier, which checks the police report and, after determining that you were indeed at fault, writes a check to the other party in the accident.

Likewise, if another party hits you, and they are at fault, their insurance typically pays for your medical bills, doctors’ appointments, lost work days, and repairs to your vehicle.

What Happens If Someone Without Insurance Hits You?

Insurance works well, like in the scenarios above, when everyone has at least the minimum liability coverage required by their state. However, each state sets its own requirements for mandatory liability coverage, some being higher than others.

If someone without insurance or with a low state requirement hits you and is at fault in an accident, what happens then? Maybe they have no auto insurance at all. Or perhaps they have $25,000 in property damage coverage, but your new $60,000 car is totaled in the accident. How do you make up the difference?

In some cases, you could go to court to sue the other driver for damages. But those cases can go on for months or even years, with no guarantee of a win. If the person you’re suing doesn’t have the money — maybe they’re unemployed, which is why they were driving without insurance — how would they pay a court judgment that awards money to you? How would you cover the replacement of your vehicle, which you need to get to work every day and are still making payments on to your auto lender?

How to Better Protect Yourself with Extra Coverage

There is a solution: uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. While a few states make this mandatory, many make it optional. We suggest it should be an essential part of your auto insurance coverage, precisely for the hypothetical situation described above. Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance can help protect you when the other party has no auto insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your injuries or damages.

Our independent agents at Pierson and Scott Insurance Agency will work with you to make sure you have the right protection, between liability insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Call us at 412-835-5660 today, or request a quote online, and be sure to ask about protection if you’re hit by someone without insurance.

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