If you’ve recently received a DUI in Pennsylvania, one of the first questions you may have is: How much is my car insurance going to cost now?
The answer depends on several factors, including your driving history, age, vehicle, coverage limits, where you live, and the insurance company. A DUI can significantly increase auto insurance premiums, but that doesn’t mean affordable coverage is impossible to find.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we work with Pennsylvania drivers with a wide range of driving histories, including DUIs, accidents, suspended licenses, and other situations that can make finding affordable insurance more difficult.
Insurance companies determine premiums largely by evaluating risk. A DUI conviction can cause an insurance company to consider you a higher-risk driver, which may result in a substantial premium increase.
The size of that increase varies considerably from one insurance company to another.
This is important because the company that offered you a competitive rate before your DUI may no longer be the best company for you afterward.
Instead of assuming your current insurer is still your best option, it can make sense to compare multiple insurance carriers.
There isn't one standard DUI insurance rate.
Two Pennsylvania drivers with similar vehicles and the same type of DUI can receive very different insurance quotes.
Insurance companies may consider factors such as:
That's why shopping multiple carriers can be especially important after a DUI.
A company that considers your particular driving history extremely high risk may charge substantially more than another carrier willing to insure the same situation.
Depending on your circumstances, Pennsylvania may require you to provide proof of financial responsibility before your driving privileges can be reinstated.
An SR-22 is a certificate filed by an insurance company with the state showing that you carry the required liability insurance.
Despite the common phrase "SR-22 insurance," an SR-22 isn't actually a separate type of insurance policy. It is a filing associated with an insurance policy.
Not every driver's situation is identical, so you should verify the specific requirements associated with your license and case.
If you've been told that you need an SR-22, Locastro Bonini Insurance can help you look for an insurance policy that meets your needs and arrange the required filing when available through the selected carrier.
Yes, there are insurance companies that work with drivers who have DUIs and other violations on their driving records.
The key is finding the right insurance company for your particular situation.
Different insurance companies evaluate high-risk drivers differently. That's one of the advantages of working with an independent insurance agency rather than relying on a quote from only one insurance company.
Locastro Bonini Insurance can compare available options to help identify coverage and pricing appropriate for your circumstances.
A suspended license can make obtaining insurance more complicated, but it doesn't necessarily mean you have no options.
Depending on your situation, you may need insurance or an SR-22 filing as part of the process of restoring your driving privileges.
If you're dealing with both a DUI and a suspended license, tell us exactly what's happening when you request a quote. We can help determine which insurance options may be available based on your circumstances.
Having multiple incidents on your driving record can narrow the number of insurance companies willing to offer competitive coverage, but you should still compare your options.
We regularly help people who don't have perfect driving records.
That can include drivers dealing with:
Your driving history doesn't automatically mean you should accept the first expensive insurance quote you receive.
Don't cancel an existing insurance policy simply because you're worried your rate may increase.
A lapse in coverage can create additional problems and may make obtaining affordable insurance more difficult.
Instead, obtain and compare new quotes first. Once you've selected replacement coverage and confirmed when the new policy becomes effective, you can coordinate cancellation of the previous policy if appropriate.
The goal is to avoid an unintended gap in insurance coverage.
How long a DUI affects your insurance pricing depends on several factors, including the insurance company, its underwriting rules, your driving record, and how long ago the violation occurred.
The impact generally doesn't disappear immediately.
However, your insurance options can change over time. That's another reason it can be worthwhile to periodically compare carriers rather than assuming the company you selected immediately after your DUI will remain your best option indefinitely.
A DUI can make purchasing auto insurance more difficult and more expensive, but you still have options.
Locastro Bonini Insurance helps Pennsylvania drivers compare coverage from insurance companies that may be willing to work with more complicated driving histories.
Whether you're dealing with a DUI, an SR-22 requirement, a suspended license, an accident, multiple violations, or another insurance challenge, we're happy to see what options are available.
Let Locastro Bonini Insurance shop your situation and help you find an affordable option.
Don't assume you're stuck with an extremely high premium—or that nobody will insure you.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free auto insurance quote.
If you've been labeled a "high-risk driver," getting an affordable car insurance quote can feel frustrating.
Maybe you've had a DUI. Maybe you've been in an accident. Your license may have been suspended, you may need an SR-22, or perhaps you simply have several violations on your driving record.
Whatever the reason, being considered high risk doesn't necessarily mean you're uninsurable.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, helping Pennsylvania drivers with difficult or unusual insurance situations is an important part of what we do.
"High risk" is a general insurance term used to describe drivers who an insurance company believes present a greater likelihood of a future claim.
There isn't one definition used by every insurance company.
A driver may be considered higher risk because of factors involving:
Most importantly, different insurance companies can evaluate the same driver differently.
Insurance companies don't all use identical underwriting and pricing models.
One company may view a particular combination of violations very negatively, while another may be more comfortable insuring that driver.
That's why receiving one extremely expensive quote doesn't necessarily mean every insurance company will charge the same amount.
Shopping multiple carriers can be especially valuable when your driving record isn't perfect.
There isn't one trick that automatically produces cheap insurance, but there are several things worth considering.
First, compare multiple insurance companies.
Second, choose coverage and deductibles appropriate for your situation rather than simply accepting the first policy offered.
Third, try to avoid additional violations and accidents.
Finally, maintain continuous insurance coverage whenever possible. Allowing your policy to lapse may create additional complications when you're shopping for insurance later.
Yes, insurance options may still be available after a DUI.
Your premiums may be higher and some insurance companies may not be interested in providing coverage, but other companies may offer policies for drivers with DUI histories.
The important thing is finding a carrier whose underwriting guidelines fit your situation.
A suspended license can complicate the process, but there may still be insurance options depending on your circumstances.
Some drivers may also need an SR-22 as part of restoring their driving privileges.
If your license is suspended, explain the situation when requesting your quote so appropriate insurance options can be evaluated.
If you're required to provide proof of financial responsibility, an insurance carrier may be able to file an SR-22 on your behalf.
An SR-22 isn't a separate type of insurance. It's a certificate associated with an insurance policy that demonstrates required liability coverage.
Not every driver needs one, so confirm your individual requirements.
Drivers don't always fit into standard situations.
You may have recently moved to Pennsylvania , still have an out-of-state driver's license, or drive using a foreign or international license.
Depending on the circumstances and insurance company's guidelines, coverage options may still be available.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we're accustomed to helping drivers with situations that may require more than a standard online insurance quote.
When you request a quote directly from an insurance company, you're generally seeing what that particular company can offer you.
An independent insurance agency may have access to multiple insurance carriers.
This can be especially valuable for a high-risk driver because one insurance company may decline your situation or quote a very high premium while another may be a much better fit.
People make mistakes. Accidents happen. Licenses get suspended. Insurance policies lapse.
Whatever happened in the past, the important question now is:
What insurance options are available to you today?
That's the question we can help answer.
If other insurance companies have quoted you extremely high rates—or you're having difficulty finding coverage at all—give Locastro Bonini Insurance an opportunity to shop your situation.
We help Pennsylvania drivers with:
DUIs • SR-22s • Suspended Licenses • Accidents • Tickets • High-Risk Driving Records • Out-of-State Licenses • Foreign and International Licenses
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free auto insurance quote and let us help you find an affordable option.
Getting a DUI can have a major impact on your life, and auto insurance is often one of the first financial concerns that follows.
Will your insurance company drop you? How much will your premium increase? Will another company insure you?
The important thing to know is that a DUI does not mean you are out of insurance options.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania drivers compare coverage from multiple insurance companies, including drivers whose records aren't perfect.
Insurance companies use your driving history as one factor when determining your rate.
A DUI can cause an insurance company to consider you a higher-risk driver. That may result in higher premiums, different coverage options, or fewer companies willing to offer coverage.
But here's something many drivers don't realize:
Insurance companies don't all treat a DUI the same way.
One company may quote a very high premium while another may be much more competitive for the same driver.
Your current insurance company may have been a great choice before your DUI.
That doesn't necessarily mean it will remain your best choice afterward.
When your driving record changes significantly, it's worth comparing your policy with other insurance companies.
The difference can sometimes be substantial.
A DUI isn't the only thing an insurance company considers.
Your rate can also depend on:
That's why there isn't one standard "DUI insurance rate" in Pennsylvania.
A license suspension can make finding insurance more complicated.
However, that doesn't mean you should assume you can't obtain coverage.
The available options depend on your individual circumstances and the requirements associated with restoring your driving privileges.
Locastro Bonini Insurance works with drivers facing many different situations and can help determine which insurance options may be available.
If you currently have insurance, don't cancel it simply because you're worried about what will happen after a DUI.
A lapse in coverage can create additional problems and potentially make obtaining affordable coverage more difficult.
If you're switching companies, make sure your replacement policy is active before canceling your previous coverage.
The biggest mistake may be assuming that the first expensive quote you receive is what you're going to have to pay everywhere.
It isn't.
Different insurance companies have different underwriting guidelines and pricing.
That's exactly why shopping multiple companies becomes even more important after a DUI.
Locastro Bonini Insurance helps Pennsylvania drivers find coverage even when their driving history is complicated.
Whether you've had a DUI, accident, license suspension, multiple tickets, or other driving issues, let us see what options are available.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free auto insurance quote.
You've been in an accident. Now you're wondering what's going to happen to your car insurance.
Will your rate increase? Will your insurance company cancel you? Should you immediately start shopping for another policy?
The answer depends on the accident and your individual insurance situation.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania drivers understand their insurance options and compare coverage from multiple insurance companies.
Not necessarily.
Insurance companies consider many factors when reviewing accidents, including the circumstances surrounding the accident, your driving history, claims history, and their own underwriting and rating guidelines.
The effect can vary significantly between insurance companies.
An at-fault accident can potentially affect your insurance premium.
How much it affects your rate depends on your insurance company and the rest of your driving history.
Someone with an otherwise clean record may be viewed differently from someone who already has several accidents or violations.
Not automatically.
First, find out what your current coverage and pricing will look like.
Then compare it with other available insurance options.
If your current insurance company remains competitive, staying may make sense. If your premium increases substantially, it may be worth seeing what other companies can offer.
Multiple accidents can make finding affordable insurance more difficult, but don't assume nobody will insure you.
Different companies specialize in different types of drivers.
One insurance company may quote a very high rate or decline coverage while another may be willing to insure the same driver.
That's one reason working with an independent insurance agency can be particularly valuable when your driving history becomes complicated.
Be careful about reducing coverage solely to lower your premium.
A cheaper policy isn't necessarily a better policy.
Saving a small amount today may not be worthwhile if you're left inadequately protected after a serious accident.
Instead, review your coverage limits and deductibles and look for a balance between affordability and protection.
You don't have to assume that your current insurance company's new rate is your only option.
If an accident has changed your insurance situation, it may be time to compare.
Locastro Bonini Insurance can help Pennsylvania drivers compare insurance options following an accident, ticket, DUI, license suspension, or other change in driving history.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free auto insurance quote.
Car insurance is a necessary expense, but that doesn't mean you should pay more than necessary.
Insurance rates can vary substantially between companies, and there are several things Pennsylvania drivers can do to potentially reduce their premiums.
Here are 10 places to start.
This may be the most important step.
Insurance companies don't all calculate rates the same way.
The company offering you the best price several years ago may not be the company offering you the best price today.
If you own a home, combining your homeowners and auto insurance with the same company may qualify you for discounts.
Renters may also be able to combine renters and auto insurance.
Increasing certain deductibles may reduce your premium.
Just remember that a higher deductible means you'll be responsible for more money out of pocket if you have a covered claim.
Insurance companies may offer a variety of discounts.
Eligibility varies, so it's worth reviewing which discounts may apply to you.
Allowing your insurance to lapse can create problems.
Maintaining continuous coverage may help keep more insurance options available to you.
Accidents and driving violations can have a major impact on your insurance.
Maintaining a good driving record can help you qualify for more competitive rates over time.
Moved?
Bought a different vehicle?
Added or removed a driver?
Bought a house?
Changed how much you drive?
Major life changes are a good reason to review your insurance.
Staying with the same company for years can be convenient, but convenience doesn't guarantee you're receiving the best rate.
Insurance pricing changes.
Periodically comparing your policy can help determine whether your current company is still competitive.
Two similarly priced vehicles can have very different insurance costs.
Before purchasing a vehicle, consider getting an insurance quote for it.
That gives you a better picture of the vehicle's total monthly cost.
Instead of contacting insurance companies individually, an independent insurance agency can help compare available options.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we work to match Pennsylvania drivers with insurance coverage appropriate for their individual needs.
You won't know until you compare.
Whether you have a perfect driving record or have dealt with accidents, tickets, a DUI, or another issue, it may be worth checking your options.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free Pennsylvania auto insurance quote.
Your home may be the largest investment you'll ever make.
Having the right homeowners insurance isn't simply about satisfying a mortgage company's requirements. It's about protecting your home, your belongings, and your finances when something unexpected happens.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania homeowners evaluate coverage and compare insurance options.
A typical homeowners insurance policy can include several important types of protection.
These generally include coverage for your home itself, other structures on the property, personal belongings, personal liability, and additional living expenses following certain covered losses.
Exactly what is covered depends on your individual policy.
Not necessarily.
The amount someone would pay to purchase your property isn't the same thing as what it could cost to rebuild the structure after a major covered loss.
Land value is one obvious difference.
Construction costs, labor, materials, demolition, and other expenses can also affect rebuilding costs.
That's why proper dwelling coverage is so important.
No.
Homeowners policies contain exclusions and limitations.
For example, certain types of water damage and flooding may require different or additional coverage.
Don't assume something is covered simply because you have a homeowners policy.
Understanding what your policy does—and doesn't—cover is important.
Homeowners insurance generally includes protection for personal property, subject to policy terms and limits.
However, certain high-value items may have special limitations.
If you own valuable jewelry, collectibles, artwork, or other expensive personal property, discuss those items when reviewing your coverage.
Homeowners insurance isn't only about your house.
Personal liability coverage can provide important financial protection if you're legally responsible for certain injuries or property damage involving someone else.
A serious liability claim can potentially involve a significant amount of money, making this an important part of your overall insurance protection.
Bundling can be worth considering.
Many insurance companies offer discounts when you insure both your home and vehicles with them.
However, the bundled price should still be compared with other options. A discount doesn't automatically mean the total package is the best available value.
Consider reviewing your coverage when you:
Your home changes over time. Your insurance should keep up with it.
The cheapest homeowners policy isn't always the best choice.
The goal should be finding appropriate protection at a competitive price.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free homeowners insurance review and quote.
If your homeowners insurance is with one company and your auto insurance is with another, you may be missing an opportunity to save money.
Bundling your home and auto insurance can be one of the simplest ways to potentially reduce your overall insurance costs.
But there's an important catch:
A bundle isn't automatically the best deal.
Here's what Pennsylvania consumers should know.
Bundling simply means purchasing multiple insurance policies from the same insurance company.
A common example is having your homeowners and auto insurance with one carrier.
Depending on your circumstances, other policies may also be part of your overall insurance package.
Insurance companies generally want customers to maintain multiple policies with them.
As an incentive, many companies offer discounts to customers who insure both their home and vehicles.
Depending on the carrier and your individual situation, this can potentially reduce your overall insurance cost.
No.
This is an important point.
A company could offer an attractive bundle discount while still having a higher total premium than another insurance option.
For example, saving money on your homeowners policy doesn't help much if you're substantially overpaying for your auto insurance.
The number that matters is the total cost of your insurance package combined with the coverage you're receiving.
Price matters, but so does protection.
When comparing insurance packages, look at more than the premium.
Consider:
Saving money isn't much of a victory if you discover after a claim that you don't have the protection you expected.
Don't assume bundling won't work because you've had an accident, ticket, DUI, or another driving issue.
The best solution depends on your individual circumstances.
Sometimes keeping policies together may make sense. Other times, using different insurance companies may produce a better overall result.
That's where comparing options becomes valuable.
You don't necessarily need to change insurance companies every year.
But periodically reviewing your coverage and pricing makes sense, particularly after major changes such as:
Your insurance needs change. The insurance marketplace changes too.
Locastro Bonini Insurance helps Pennsylvania families compare insurance coverage from multiple carriers.
Instead of looking only at a discount percentage, we can look at the bigger picture: coverage, protection, and overall cost.
If you currently have your home and auto insurance with different companies—or simply haven't compared your insurance recently—it may be worth taking another look.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free home and auto insurance quote.
“Full coverage” is one of the most common phrases people use when talking about car insurance.
But there is an important thing Pennsylvania drivers should know:
“Full coverage” is not one specific insurance policy.
It is an informal term generally used to describe a combination of coverages that may provide broader protection than liability insurance alone.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania drivers understand what their policies actually cover so they can choose protection that fits their needs and budget.
When people say they have full coverage, they are often referring to a policy that includes liability coverage along with physical damage protection for their own vehicle.
That may include:
The exact combination varies from one driver and insurance company to another.
Liability coverage can help protect you financially if you are legally responsible for causing an accident that injures someone else or damages their property.
Pennsylvania requires drivers to maintain certain minimum levels of auto insurance, but minimum coverage may not provide enough protection for every driver.
A serious accident can involve expenses well beyond minimum policy limits.
Collision coverage generally helps pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from a covered collision, subject to the terms of your policy and your deductible.
For example, it may apply if you collide with another vehicle or certain objects.
If you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender or leasing company may require collision coverage.
Comprehensive coverage generally protects against certain types of vehicle damage not caused by a collision.
Depending on the policy, this can include losses involving:
As with collision coverage, a deductible may apply.
It depends.
As a vehicle gets older and decreases in value, there may come a point when carrying collision and comprehensive coverage is no longer worth the additional premium.
However, there is no single age at which everyone should drop those coverages.
Consider the value of the vehicle, the cost of the coverage, your deductible, and whether you could afford to replace the vehicle yourself after a major loss.
No.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about auto insurance.
Every insurance policy has limits, exclusions, deductibles, and conditions.
Even a policy commonly described as “full coverage” does not mean every possible loss is covered.
That is why understanding your specific policy is more important than relying on the phrase itself.
Not necessarily.
Two policies can have very different prices because they offer different limits, deductibles, optional coverages, and protections.
A lower premium may be attractive, but make sure you understand what you are giving up before choosing a policy based only on price.
The answer depends on your financial situation, vehicle, driving habits, assets, budget, and tolerance for risk.
A driver with significant assets may want substantially higher liability limits than the minimum required coverage.
Someone financing a newer vehicle may have very different needs than someone driving an older vehicle they own outright.
You don't have to figure it out by yourself.
Locastro Bonini Insurance can help you compare available policies, understand your coverage options, and find a balance between affordability and protection.
Whether you're insuring your first car, replacing an existing policy, adding a vehicle, or simply wondering whether you're paying too much, we're happy to help.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free Pennsylvania auto insurance quote.
Auto insurance can seem simple until something goes wrong.
Many drivers choose a policy, pay the premium, and rarely think about it again. Unfortunately, that can lead to expensive surprises later.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania drivers review their coverage and avoid common insurance mistakes before they become problems.
Here are seven mistakes worth watching for.
Everyone wants an affordable premium.
But the cheapest policy isn't necessarily the best value.
Before choosing a policy, compare the coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and optional protections along with the price.
Saving a few dollars each month may not be worth it if you are significantly underinsured when a serious accident occurs.
Pennsylvania requires minimum auto insurance coverage, but the legal minimum and the amount of protection you actually need are not necessarily the same thing.
A serious accident involving injuries or significant property damage can become expensive very quickly.
Drivers should consider their assets and financial situation when selecting liability limits.
A lapse in auto insurance can create several problems.
In addition to legal and registration-related consequences that may apply, a lapse can make obtaining affordable insurance more difficult later.
If you are changing insurance companies, make sure your new policy has taken effect before canceling the old one.
Your insurance should reflect your current situation.
You should review your policy after major changes such as:
Failing to update your insurance can lead to incorrect coverage or missed opportunities for savings.
Insurance rates change over time.
So do your circumstances.
The company that offered you the best rate three years ago may not be your best option today.
Periodically comparing your coverage with other carriers can help determine whether you're still receiving competitive pricing.
Higher deductibles can sometimes reduce your insurance premium.
But remember what a deductible means.
If you have a covered claim, you may need to pay that amount before insurance pays the remaining covered cost.
Don't choose a deductible solely because it lowers your monthly premium. Make sure you could reasonably afford it if you had a loss tomorrow.
Many people don't look closely at their auto insurance until after an accident.
That's the worst time to discover that your coverage doesn't work the way you thought it did.
Take some time to understand:
If something isn't clear, ask.
If you can't remember, it may be time.
A quick insurance review can help identify gaps in coverage, outdated information, potential savings, or opportunities to improve your protection.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania drivers compare coverage from multiple insurance companies and find policies suited to their individual circumstances.
Whether you have a clean driving history or have dealt with accidents, tickets, a DUI, a suspended license, or another insurance challenge, we're happy to look at your options.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free Pennsylvania auto insurance review and quote.
Many Pennsylvania homeowners assume they don’t need flood insurance because their property is not located in a high-risk flood zone.
That can be a costly mistake.
According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, flooding is the Commonwealth’s most common natural disaster, and more than 40% of flood insurance claims occur outside high-risk flood areas. Standard homeowners and renters insurance also generally does not cover damage caused by flooding.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we can now help Pennsylvania homeowners, renters, and property owners obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Yes.
Flood zones are used to help estimate flood risk, but they do not mean that properties outside designated high-risk areas cannot flood.
Flooding can result from:
Pennsylvania has experienced destructive flooding in all 67 counties.
That means flood insurance may be worth considering even if your lender does not require it.
Usually not.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have about their insurance.
A standard homeowners policy generally does not cover damage caused by flooding.
If rising or accumulating water enters your home and damages your floors, walls, furnace, electrical system, appliances, or belongings, your homeowners insurance may not provide coverage for that flood loss.
Flood insurance is typically purchased separately.
The National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP, is a federal flood insurance program administered by FEMA.
The program provides flood insurance coverage to eligible homeowners, renters, and businesses in participating communities.
Locastro Bonini Insurance can now help customers obtain flood insurance through the NFIP.
No.
You can purchase flood insurance even if your property is not located in a designated high-risk flood area.
In fact, people outside high-risk areas can still experience serious flood losses.
Your mortgage company may not require flood insurance if your home is outside certain high-risk zones, but that does not mean the property has zero flood risk.
There is an important difference between:
“My mortgage company does not require flood insurance.”
and
“My home cannot flood.”
Those are not the same thing.
More than many homeowners expect.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania notes that even one inch of floodwater can cause as much as $25,000 in damage.
Water can affect flooring, drywall, insulation, electrical systems, HVAC equipment, furniture, appliances, personal belongings, and other parts of your home.
Even a relatively shallow flood can become an expensive loss.
Flood insurance coverage depends on the policy you purchase.
NFIP coverage can generally include protection for the building itself, contents inside the building, or both.
Building coverage may help protect certain parts of the home and permanently installed equipment.
Contents coverage may help protect eligible personal belongings.
It is important to review both because building coverage does not necessarily mean all of your personal belongings are automatically protected.
We can help explain the available options when you request a quote.
Basements deserve special attention.
Flood insurance coverage for property located below ground level can be more limited than coverage elsewhere in the home.
That is another reason to understand exactly what a flood policy does and does not cover before you need to file a claim.
If your Pennsylvania home has a basement, ask us specifically about how flood coverage applies to it.
Not for every property.
However, lenders may require flood insurance when a mortgaged property is located in certain high-risk flood areas.
Even when insurance is not required by your lender, you may still choose to purchase it.
Your decision should be based on the financial risk to your property—not simply whether a bank requires coverage.
Flood insurance is different from some other types of insurance because coverage may not begin immediately.
NFIP policies generally have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, although certain exceptions apply.
That means waiting until a major storm is approaching may be too late.
Flood insurance works best as something you put in place before you think you'll need it.
FEMA maintains flood maps that can help homeowners understand the flood risk associated with their property.
But remember: being outside a high-risk area does not mean you have no risk.
Flood maps should be one part of your decision—not the only factor.
Flood insurance is worth considering if you:
And you do not necessarily need to be located in a high-risk FEMA flood zone to purchase coverage.
For most families, their home is one of their largest financial assets.
A major flood loss without insurance could mean paying tens of thousands of dollars—or considerably more—out of pocket.
Homeowners insurance protects against many risks.
Flooding generally requires separate protection.
That is why Pennsylvania homeowners should at least understand their flood risk and find out what flood insurance would cost before deciding they don't need it.
Locastro Bonini Insurance can now help Pennsylvania homeowners, renters, and property owners obtain flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program.
Even if you are not in a high-risk flood zone, it may be worth seeing what coverage is available and what it would cost.
Don't wait until heavy rain or a major storm is already in the forecast.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a flood insurance quote and let us help you protect your property before the water rises.
If heavy rain sends water into your home, will your homeowners insurance pay for the damage?
Many Pennsylvania homeowners assume the answer is yes.
Unfortunately, standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage caused by flooding.
That distinction can become extremely important after a major storm, flash flood, overflowing creek, or other flooding event.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we can now help Pennsylvania homeowners obtain separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA.
Homeowners insurance protects against many different types of losses, but it doesn't cover every possible way your home can be damaged.
Flooding is generally excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies and requires separate flood insurance.
This means you could have a good homeowners policy and still face a major uninsured loss if rising or accumulating floodwater damages your property.
Not every type of water damage is treated the same way by an insurance policy.
For insurance purposes, flooding generally involves water covering normally dry land and affecting multiple properties or a sufficient area of land.
Examples can include flooding caused by:
The exact cause of the water damage matters when determining which insurance coverage may apply.
This is where homeowners can get confused.
A homeowners policy may cover certain sudden and accidental water losses even though it excludes flooding.
For example, depending on your policy and circumstances, damage resulting from a sudden plumbing problem may be treated differently from water entering your house because a nearby creek overflowed.
The fact that both losses involve water doesn't mean they're treated the same way by insurance.
That's why it's important to understand the difference between water damage covered by homeowners insurance and flooding that requires separate flood insurance.
Basements are particularly important for Pennsylvania homeowners.
If heavy rain or rising surface water floods your basement, you shouldn't assume your homeowners insurance will pay for the damage simply because the water is inside your house.
Flood insurance can provide protection for certain property and building components located in basements, but NFIP coverage below ground level has important limitations.
If you have a finished basement, furnace, water heater, electrical equipment, appliances, or other valuable property downstairs, it's worth understanding those limitations before a flood occurs.
You may.
One of the biggest misconceptions about flood insurance is that only people living in designated high-risk flood zones need it.
Flood risk exists outside those areas as well.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department reports that more than 40% of flood insurance claims occur outside high-risk flood areas.
A FEMA flood map can help you understand your property's risk, but being outside a high-risk area does not mean your property cannot flood.
No.
A lender's decision about whether flood insurance is required and your decision about whether flood insurance is financially worthwhile are two different things.
Your lender may not require a flood policy because your property isn't located in a particular high-risk flood area.
That does not mean FEMA is guaranteeing that your property won't flood.
The question homeowners should ask isn't simply:
“Am I required to have flood insurance?”
A better question is:
“If my house floods tomorrow, can I afford to pay for the damage myself?”
Flood damage can become expensive very quickly.
According to Pennsylvania's Insurance Department, just one inch of floodwater can cause as much as $25,000 in damage.
Water can damage:
A major flood can obviously cause considerably more damage.
Without flood insurance, those expenses may have to come directly out of your pocket.
Flood insurance is separate from homeowners insurance and is specifically designed to protect against covered flood losses.
NFIP policies can provide two primary types of protection:
Building coverage helps protect eligible parts of the structure and certain permanently installed equipment.
Contents coverage helps protect eligible belongings inside the property.
These are important distinctions because purchasing building coverage doesn't necessarily mean all of your personal belongings are covered.
We can help explain the available options when preparing your flood insurance quote.
Yes.
Renters should pay attention to flood risk too.
Your landlord's insurance does not generally insure your personal belongings.
And standard renters insurance generally doesn't cover flood damage either.
NFIP contents coverage may be available to help renters protect eligible personal property against covered flood losses.
Flooding isn't only a residential insurance concern.
A flood can damage a commercial building, equipment, inventory, furnishings, and other business property.
Business owners should not assume their standard commercial property insurance automatically includes flood protection.
If you own commercial property or operate a Pennsylvania business in an area that could experience flooding, it's worth reviewing your exposure.
This is especially important.
You generally cannot watch the weather forecast, see a major storm approaching, and expect to purchase NFIP flood insurance that becomes effective immediately.
NFIP flood insurance generally has a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, although certain exceptions apply.
The best time to think about flood insurance is before you need it.
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Pennsylvania, and destructive flooding has occurred in all 67 counties.
You don't need to live directly beside a river to experience a flood.
Heavy rainfall, overflowing streams, flash flooding, runoff, and other conditions can put properties at risk.
And when flooding occurs, your regular homeowners policy generally isn't the policy designed to cover that loss.
You insure your home against fire, theft, liability, storms, and many other risks.
It makes sense to understand one of the biggest potential gaps in that protection.
Flood damage generally requires separate flood insurance.
Even if you've never flooded before, aren't located in a high-risk flood zone, and aren't required by your mortgage company to carry flood insurance, it's worth finding out what coverage would cost.
Locastro Bonini Insurance can now help Pennsylvania homeowners, renters, landlords, and business owners obtain flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program.
Don't assume your homeowners insurance will protect you from a flood.
And don't wait until the next major storm is already approaching.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a flood insurance quote and find out what it would cost to protect your property.
If you're considering flood insurance for your Pennsylvania home, one of your first questions is probably:
How much is flood insurance going to cost me?
There isn't one standard price for flood insurance. The cost depends on your individual property, its flood risk, the amount and type of coverage you choose, and other factors used to determine the premium.
The easiest way to find out what flood insurance would cost for your property is to get an actual quote.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we can now help Pennsylvania homeowners, renters, landlords, and business owners obtain flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Flood insurance pricing is based on a number of factors related to the property and its flood risk.
Depending on the property and policy, factors can include:
This is why two homes in the same Pennsylvania community can have different flood insurance premiums.
Your flood zone is important, but it isn't the only factor used to determine NFIP pricing.
FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 methodology evaluates flood risk using additional property-specific information rather than relying solely on the flood zone printed on a map.
That allows pricing to more closely reflect the flood risk associated with an individual property.
Not necessarily.
This is one reason we encourage Pennsylvania property owners to actually request a quote rather than assuming flood insurance will be expensive.
If your lender doesn't require flood insurance, you may have never investigated what coverage would cost.
Getting a quote gives you an actual number.
Then you can decide whether transferring some of your flood risk to an insurance policy makes sense for your budget.
Flood insurance can still be worth considering.
Your mortgage company determines whether it requires flood insurance based on applicable lending requirements and the property's circumstances.
But “not required” does not mean “no flood risk.”
Pennsylvania's Insurance Department reports that more than 40% of flood insurance claims occur outside high-risk flood areas.
Properties outside designated high-risk areas can still flood.
Generally, no.
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage caused by flooding.
That's one of the most important things Pennsylvania homeowners should understand.
You can have excellent homeowners insurance and still have a major gap in protection when it comes to flooding.
Flood insurance is designed specifically to address that risk.
NFIP coverage limits depend on the type of property and coverage being purchased.
For a typical one-to-four-family residential property, NFIP coverage can generally provide up to $250,000 of building coverage and up to $100,000 of contents coverage, subject to program rules and policy terms.
Coverage options differ for certain other residential and non-residential properties.
When requesting a quote, we can help explain which limits and options are available for your particular property.
It's important to understand the difference.
Building coverage is designed to protect eligible portions of the physical structure and certain permanently installed equipment.
Contents coverage is designed to protect eligible personal belongings.
If you own the home and want protection for both the structure and your belongings, you should understand how both coverages apply.
Renters may be particularly interested in contents coverage because they don't own the building but may still have thousands of dollars worth of personal property at risk.
Pennsylvania has a lot of homes with basements, so this deserves special attention.
NFIP flood coverage has limitations for property located in basements and other areas below the lowest elevated floor.
Certain building equipment may be covered, while many basement improvements and personal belongings may have limited or no coverage.
Don't assume that purchasing flood insurance means everything in a finished basement is automatically insured.
Ask us about basement coverage when getting your quote.
Think about the potential loss you're protecting against.
According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, just one inch of floodwater can cause as much as $25,000 in damage.
A serious flood can cause considerably more.
Floodwater can damage flooring, drywall, insulation, electrical systems, heating equipment, appliances, furniture, personal belongings, and other parts of a property.
Without applicable flood insurance, you may be responsible for those costs yourself.
That's why it can make sense to compare the annual cost of flood insurance with the financial risk you're retaining without it.
Past experience doesn't guarantee what will happen in the future.
A property may go decades without experiencing a flood and then be affected by an unusually severe storm, flash flooding, runoff, overflowing waterways, or other conditions.
Flooding has occurred throughout Pennsylvania, including areas that homeowners may not traditionally think of as high risk.
Insurance is designed to be purchased before the unexpected happens.
Usually, that's not a good strategy.
NFIP flood insurance generally has a 30-day waiting period before coverage becomes effective, although certain exceptions apply.
That means you shouldn't wait until several days of heavy rain or a major storm is approaching before deciding you want flood protection.
By then, it may be too late to have a new policy in effect for that event.
The simplest answer is:
Get a quote.
You don't have to guess whether flood insurance costs $300, $800, $2,000, or some other amount for your property.
And you don't have to buy a policy simply because you requested a quote.
Find out what coverage is available, see the actual premium, understand your property's flood risk, and then decide whether the protection makes sense for you.
Locastro Bonini Insurance can now help Pennsylvania property owners obtain flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program.
Whether you're in a high-risk flood area or you've never thought about flood insurance before, we can help you determine what coverage is available and what it would cost.
Your homeowners insurance generally doesn't cover flooding—and waiting until a storm is coming can be too late.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a Pennsylvania flood insurance quote.
You may be surprised by how affordable protecting your property from flooding can be.