Which Auto Insurance Extras Are Worth the Most?

Posted on by admin

Living in Pittsburgh, PA, you need your primary vehicle. That’s one of the reasons you pay for auto insurance. But there are many insurance options out there, and it can be challenging to determine which ones are worth the most. To help you with that, Gallina and Sons have this short list of some of the most valuable insurance add-ons.

Loss of Personal Belongings

The things you own inside your car can be damaged or stolen. This insurance is for those things. Sometimes, you might have an option for laptop and mobile device coverage. Other times, that coverage is rolled into personal belongings.

Regardless, smartphones are expensive, and they spend a lot of time in the car. This can be one of the most cost-effective insurance extras if your personal belongings are at risk.

Gap Coverage

Gap insurance is often another policy, but as you can bundle it with auto insurance, it’s an important option. The point here is that your vehicle is almost always worth less than the replacement cost. While comprehensive coverage can help you replace a totaled or stolen car, you’ll still have some significant out-of-pocket expenses. Gap insurance can lower what comes out of your pocket by a lot. If replacing your vehicle would be a financial struggle, gap insurance is probably your most valuable option.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance is a bit different. In terms of dollars, it’s not always the most cost-effective option unless you end up needing multiple tows. Instead, roadside assistance is valuable in non-monetary terms. If you’re stranded with your vehicle, then having reliable help is the most crucial thing in the world. Roadside assistance can help you with a dead battery, running out of gas, or towing the vehicle when it’s completely inoperable.

For your car in Pittsburgh, PA, auto insurance extras often mean more to you than the standard coverage. Work with Gallina and Sons; you can find the perfect fit for your needs and get the best coverage possible.

Why You Need To Add Dwelling Coverage to Your Homeowners Insurance

Posted on by admin

It’s not a big revelation that homeowners must have a good homeowners insurance policy. Homeowners in Pittsburgh, PA have an excellent reason to consider dwelling insurance, which is a bit of extra security against hazards and damage. 

Why You Need Dwelling Coverage

Because of its location, Pittsburgh can experience multiple types of natural disasters that can create a lot of destruction and damage. Pittsburgh homeowners face flooding, forest fires, heavy storm damage, and many other dangers. Nothing can prevent these disasters, of course, but dwelling coverage can make it a lot easier to pick up the pieces.

Dwelling coverage, or dwelling insurance, is an extra addition to a homeowners policy that covers the cost of rebuilding and repair for damage done to buildings. This additional insurance coverage will potentially provide financial support for the damage created by hail, wind, fire, lightning, vandalism, theft, snow, ice, and even falling objects, depending on the parameters of the individual policy.

Multiple types of dwelling coverage provide funds and assistance for various types of damage. Each type of policy covers its own set of damages.

What Dwelling Insurance Covers

Another reason homeowners should consider dwelling insurance is for additional buildings. Dwelling insurance covers damage done to auxiliary buildings on the property, such as a garage, a separate dwelling unit, a storage shed, or any other building that is not the primary dwelling. Sometimes, standard homeowners’ policies do not cover these additional structures.

Contact Gallina and Sons for insurance in Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding areas and find out what type of dwelling insurance you need. Get the policy to keep your property covered and protected against damages.

Three mistakes to avoid when you choose a commercial insurance policy

Posted on by admin

Choosing commercial insurance coverage options requires you to make important decisions about the risks and responsibilities your company faces. At Gallina and Sons, we provide commercial insurance to business owners who are located in Pittsburgh, PA.

You need to avoid mistakes when selecting a commercial insurance policy that could financially put your company at risk. Here are three mistakes to avoid when you choose a commercial insurance policy. 

Neglecting to purchase types of commercial insurance that you need

There are many different types of commercial insurance coverage, like workers’ compensation, general liability, and errors and omissions coverage. 

You need to learn these types of insurance and determine which ones you need for your company. 

Thinking that you don’t need much general liability coverage

Some business owners don’t purchase as much general liability coverage as they should because they assume they won’t get sued. However, liability expenses can come up for any company. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when choosing your policy’s general liability coverage limits. 

Failing to read the fine print so that you know exactly what you’re getting

Too many business owners don’t know exactly what coverage their policy includes because they don’t read the fine print.

Carefully research the details of your policy to make sure that you know what you’re getting. If you have any questions, make sure that you ask a representative from your insurance company so that you fully understand the coverage that you’re investing in. 

Are you in need of commercial insurance in Pittsburgh, PA? We’re here to come to your assistance at Gallina and Sons. We can offer you a quote on an insurance policy that will meet your company’s unique needs. Get in touch with us to learn more!

What does condo association insurance cover? Does it cover the interior of buildings or just the exterior?

Posted on by admin

If you’re a resident of a condo association in Pittsburgh, PA, you may be wondering what is covered under your condo association’s insurance policy. After all, it’s important to know what is and isn’t protected in case of an emergency or disaster. Gallina and Sons look at what types of coverage condo association insurance provides and how it applies to the interior and exterior of buildings. 

What Does Condo Association Insurance Cover? 

The first thing to understand about condo association insurance is that it covers the common areas—such as hallways, lobbies, and elevators—and any recreational facilities the association provides. This coverage also includes liability for any injuries that occur in these areas and damage caused by events such as fires or storms. Additionally, some policies provide coverage for theft or vandalism of shared property owned by the association. 

Does It Cover the Interior or Exterior of Buildings? 

The second thing to know is that while condo association insurance covers common areas and facilities, it does not cover individual units within the building or their contents. That means if there is an issue with one unit (such as a leaky roof), it’s up to the owner of that particular unit to purchase additional insurance if they want extra protection. Similarly, if something were to happen outside the building (such as damage from a hurricane), it would be up to the individual owners to purchase additional property insurance for their units if they want extra protection from potential disasters. 

If you still have questions about a condo in Pittsburgh, PA, contact Gallina and Sons. One of our agents will be happy to answer all your questions.

Protect Your Business with Commercial Insurance

Posted on by admin

Are you a business owner in Pittsburgh, PA? Does commercial insurance protect your business? Gallina and Sons can provide the commercial insurance your business needs to ensure its security.

The most critical aspect of a business operation is the protection of its assets. Being adequately prepared is very often the difference between sudden financial loss and the ability to stay up and running. A commercial insurance policy is the best investment you can make for your business.

There are many types of commercial insurance. The most common are:

  • Business owners’ policy or BOP
  • Commercial auto insurance
  • Compensation insurance for employees
  • Cyber liability insurance
  • General liability insurance
  • Professional liability insurance

Commercial insurance is typically a one-year contract between an insurance company and a business owner. The insurance company assumes responsibility for a business’ liabilities in exchange for an insurance premium. The amount of money paid is determined based on the amount of property the business has, potential liabilities to which the business could be exposed, and the number of employees.

Business contracts often require a business to have a commercial insurance policy. Landlords, partners, or vendors can impose this requirement. Most policies will have a limit, which is a predetermined amount of money the policy will cover in the event of a loss.

Most insurers also have a per-claim limit as well. In addition, most companies will have a per-policy limit as well. There is usually a $1 million policy limit and smaller limits for each claim filed.

If you have an employee that becomes ill or injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance will help them with medical costs, lost wages, and provide funeral expenses if necessary.

Don’t let your livelihood go unprotected. A commercial insurance policy will provide peace of mind as you continue to grow your business. Contact Gallina and Sons today for a no-obligation quote.

Protect Your Business with Commercial Insurance

Posted on by admin

Are you a business owner in Pittsburgh, PA? Does commercial insurance protect your business? Gallina and Sons can provide the commercial insurance your business needs to ensure its security.

The most critical aspect of a business operation is the protection of its assets. Being adequately prepared is very often the difference between sudden financial loss and the ability to stay up and running. A commercial insurance policy is the best investment you can make for your business.

There are many types of commercial insurance. The most common are:

  • Business owners’ policy or BOP
  • Commercial auto insurance
  • Compensation insurance for employees
  • Cyber liability insurance
  • General liability insurance
  • Professional liability insurance

Commercial insurance is typically a one-year contract between an insurance company and a business owner. The insurance company assumes responsibility for a business’ liabilities in exchange for an insurance premium. The amount of money paid is determined based on the amount of property the business has, potential liabilities to which the business could be exposed, and the number of employees.

Business contracts often require a business to have a commercial insurance policy. Landlords, partners, or vendors can impose this requirement. Most policies will have a limit, which is a predetermined amount of money the policy will cover in the event of a loss.

Most insurers also have a per-claim limit as well. In addition, most companies will have a per-policy limit as well. There is usually a $1 million policy limit and smaller limits for each claim filed.

If you have an employee that becomes ill or injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance will help them with medical costs, lost wages, and provide funeral expenses if necessary.

Don’t let your livelihood go unprotected. A commercial insurance policy will provide peace of mind as you continue to grow your business. Contact Gallina and Sons today for a no-obligation quote.

What Happens if I Have an Accident While in an Uber Vehicle?

Posted on by admin

The company requires Uber drivers in Pittsburgh, PA to carry personal injury protection and liability insurance. Coverage extends to a rider involved in an accident when the Uber driver is logged in on the app and the ride occurs during this time. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning that each driver obtains a policy to cover medical expenses due to personal injury and property damage insurance to cover their costs, regardless of who causes the accident. 

Motorists in Pittsburgh, PA are required by law to purchase auto insurance on any registered vehicle. Still, drivers also have the option to choose either limited tort or full tort coverage plans. Full tort means you opt out of the no-fault system and can sue another driver for damages with no cap and a full jury.

Limited tort restricts when and for what amount you can take someone to court. All residents must have $15,000 to cover bodily injury per individual and $30,000 per wreck, $5,000 liability protection for property damage, and $5,000 in first-party coverage for medical costs. Uber driver passengers can seek redress directly from the company if these provisions are insufficient to pay for lost wages, medical bills, or property damage.

This can come from the PIP provided by Uber or by taking the company to court, usually after PIP limits are maxed. Your Gallina and Sons representatives can go over details specific to your situation. Additionally, Uber carries underinsured or uninsured motorist protection, so you may file a claim even if the other at-fault party lacks these protections. You may also seek compensation from the other driver if they were at fault and are carrying liability insurance, or you may be able to sue.  

Gallina and Sons faithfully serve Pittsburgh, PA residents, fulfilling their insurance needs. Reach out to us online, via phone, or by stopping by in person to discuss how we can help you. 

Benefits of comprehensive commercial insurance for Pittsburgh business owners

Posted on by admin

If you are a business owner in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area and have questions about commercial insurance, the team at Gallina and Sons is here to help. We can help you find the right policy for your company’s unique needs. Call our office today and set up a consultation.  

Benefits of comprehensive commercial insurance policies

One of the main benefits of a comprehensive commercial policy is that it can provide additional features than a primary policy. These features can include protection for business interruption, key person coverage, and a higher level of liability protection. Many Pittsburgh business owners find that as their business grows, the primary policy they started with no longer fits their needs.

Upgrading to a more comprehensive policy is often the right move to make. Additional protection for a growing business provides the coverage necessary to keep a thriving business on the right track. If a loss occurs, having a comprehensive policy in place can significantly affect how quickly the company can bounce back.

No one wants an unforeseen catastrophe to occur and render their business inoperable for a substantial period. With a robust policy in place, it could be much less stressful to recover from an incident that takes a company offline. Now is a great time to ensure that your policy has the protection you need. 

We look forward to working with you!

The Gallina and Sons team is proud to serve the greater Pittsburgh, PA area’s business community with their commercial insurance needs. If you have questions about your current commercial policy or are getting ready to launch a business, we are here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. 

When Should I Update my Home Insurance Policy?

Posted on by admin

Home insurance is an incredible investment to protect your building structure and safeguard yourself and your family from liability claims. While home insurance is an excellent investment, you should review it regularly to ensure it covers your current insurance needs.

So, when should you review your home insurance? At Gallina and Sons in Pittsburgh, PA, we advise our clients to update their home insurance policies yearly. However, in the following instances, you don’t have to wait for one year to review your home insurance policy:

  • Significant renovations: Have you renovated your kitchen? Replaced your entire roof? Significant renovations affect the value of your home; hence you need to review your policy. This way, you will be assured you won’t incur unexpected out-of-pocket expenses when filing claims.
  • Welcoming a dangerous pet: You should review your liability coverage if you have brought a dangerous pet into your home. Since a pet such as a dog can bite other people, this increases the chances of liability claims, hence the need to check your liability coverage.
  • Changes in local building costs: Inflation is one of the leading reasons why local building costs may rise. That being said, update the value of your home to reflect the amount it would cost to rebuild it today.
  • Adding a swimming pool or trampoline: These facilities increase the risk of liability claims since people can be injured when using them. While the injuries may be unintentional, you could be held responsible, hence the need to increase your liability coverage.

Still not sure when you should update your home insurance? You are in the right place. At Gallina and Sons, we always like to educate our clients to make informed decisions. If you want to establish the right amount of home insurance, please contact us today.

Four Night Driving Tips to Stay Safe

Posted on by admin

Night driving in Pittsburgh, PA is riskier than driving during the day. There are more hazards to be aware of. If you want to discuss auto insurance, contact Gallina and Sons right away. In the meantime, consider the following four night driving tips to stay safe.

1. Keep Windshield Clean

Before heading out, run your wipers with the cleaning fluid spraying on the windshield. When oncoming headlights hit a dirty windshield, it can severely impede your vision. And remember, dust can build up on the inside of your windshield, too. So make sure to give the inside a wipe with a clean cloth.

2. Ensure that Headlights are Clear

In Pittsburgh PA, it’s not uncommon to get wet snow that accumulates on headlights. If it snowed overnight, be sure to wipe the headlights clear of snow as well as the rest of your car. A layer of spicy snow on your headlights diminishes their brightness, making it harder for other vehicles to see you.

3. Avoid Looking Into Oncoming Lights

Don’t stare at oncoming lights. When cars are approaching, look ahead and not at the oncoming vehicle. Also avoid staring at the street lights. Both of these tips will help prevent temporary night blindness.

4. Increase Distance

At night, it’s more important than ever to avoid tailgating the car in front of you. For one thing, you don’t want to blind the driver with your headlights in their rear view mirror. For another, it’s harder to anticipate last-minute stops at night. Stay behind at least one and a half car’s length to minimize the risks.

Gallina and Sons is more than happy to help you with auto insurance claims for nighttime driving accidents. But hopefully with these tips, you can avoid problems altogether. Contact us today to learn more.