Scranton PA

Why Should Companies Get Bonds Insurance?

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Bond insurance in Scranton, PA isn’t legally required for all businesses. However, certain industries, such as notaries and service-based companies, may be mandated to obtain bonds. Even if it’s not needed, bond insurance is a thoughtful consideration for any business.

Protecting Against Employee Dishonesty

There are various types of bond insurance, including fidelity bonds, which are specifically designed to protect businesses from employee dishonesty. These bonds can protect your company against theft, embezzlement, and other types of fraudulent activities. Fidelity bonds are particularly prevalent in the financial sector, where trust and security are of paramount importance.

Building Consumer Trust

Bonds are widely used in service industries such as plumbing and construction. These bonds ensure that projects are completed as promised, providing customers with an added layer of protection. They also cover issues like contractual failures or damages caused by negligence while the company is on the job. By having bond insurance, businesses can build trust and credibility with their clients.

Meeting Local Regulations

Many local governments require contractors to meet specific regulations, including having bond insurance, to bid on projects. Securing bond insurance before seeking new jobs ensures you comply with local requirements and are ready to take on new opportunities. Contact Bartal Insurance to determine which bonds are necessary based on local regulations.

Encouraging Business Growth

Bond insurance can open doors to exciting growth opportunities, such as establishing connections with local government entities. It also fosters business expansion by increasing consumer trust. Simply informing customers that your business is bonded can give you a competitive edge and help your company thrive.

At Bartal Insurance, we help businesses obtain the bond insurance they need for their specific industry. Our knowledgeable customer service representatives are available to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to discover your options. We proudly serve the Scranton, PA area.

Is Flood Insurance Required for My Non-Profit in Scranton PA?

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Operating a non-profit organization allows you to host fundraisers and contribute to individuals, groups, and communities that are important to you. While flood insurance isn’t legally required for non-profits in Scranton, PA, it’s often recommended if you’re located in a flood-prone area. At Bartal Insurance, we’ll collaborate with you to find a flood insurance policy that matches your specific location, industry, and coverage needs.

When is Flood Insurance Required?

Although flood insurance isn’t mandatory for most non-profits in Pennsylvania, it is required if:

  • You have a loan or mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender.
  • Your non-profit organization owns or finances property in a location that’s designated as a Special Flood Hazard Area, or SFHA.

Why Non-Profits in Scranton Should Consider Flood Insurance

Even if you don’t believe you’re in a high-risk location, here’s why it’s advisable to consider flood insurance for your non-profit:

  • If you’re located in one of the many locations throughout Scranton that are prone to flood risks, such as the Lackawanna River.
  • If your non-profit has aging infrastructure or outdated storm drains, even if you’re in a non-coastal zone.

High-risk industries include food pantries, shelters, faith-based centers, health clinics, educational non-profits, and even historic preservation groups. Protecting your investments and time is crucial anytime you’re managing a non-profit, which is why flood insurance is often necessary for total security and tranquility.

Even if you’re not legally required or obliged to obtain flood insurance for your non-profit in Scranton, PA, it’s still advisable to consider a policy. From protecting your location in high-risk flood zones to maintaining tranquility during natural disasters or unexpected water intrusions, a flood insurance policy can help. To discover if a flood insurance policy is right for your non-profit organization, contact Bartal Insurance for your consultation today.

Which businesses or professions need bond insurance?

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Insurance and bonds both provide financial compensation for claims, but they serve different purposes. Insurance safeguards businesses or professionals against damages, while bonds safeguard clients against potential harm. Businesses often obtain various types of bonds or bond insurance as a licensing requirement, a contractual obligation, or to build trust with prospective clients. If you need information about or are interested in acquiring bond insurance, consult with the Bartal Insurance team, serving the Scranton, PA, area.

Understanding Bond Insurance

A bond is a financial tool that compensates clients if a business fails to meet its contractual obligations due to non-performance, employee theft or dishonesty, or other situations resulting in loss. The business pays a third party, known as the surety, to guarantee the bond. If necessary, the surety pays the client and then seeks reimbursement from the business. Ultimately, bonds provide clients with assurance of compensation if the business fails to fulfill a contract.

Who Requires Bond Insurance?

Many businesses and professions, particularly those in construction and skilled trades, require bonds. These are often necessary for licensing, and there are various types of construction bonds related to bids, performance, and supplier payment.

Businesses that deploy employees to customer sites, such as janitorial firms, house cleaning services, and real estate agencies, need bonds to protect clients from potential employee theft. Similarly, information technology firms may need bonds to financially protect clients against potential theft or misuse of their data by the IT firm’s employees.

Most firms seeking contracts with government agencies also require bonds.

Collaborating with Bartal Insurance

The Bartal Insurance team caters to the insurance needs of individuals and businesses in the Scranton, PA, market. Call (570) 344-0211 to schedule an appointment or visit us to discuss your insurance needs.

Can you afford not to have renters insurance?

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Living in Scranton, PA, comes with its share of concerns. With nearly 8,900 rentals in the city, you have a variety of living options. While having a reliable landlord is crucial, expecting them to have insurance that protects your personal property is a misconception. Bartal Insurance can provide the rental policy you need and answer your questions about its importance.

Can You Afford to Replace Your Possessions?

As a renter, your rental likely houses most of your possessions. Can you imagine having to replace everything you own all at once? Consider your clothes, kitchen equipment, electronics, and more. It’s likely you own more than you realize, and unless you’re wealthy or have substantial savings, replacing everything could be a significant challenge.

Can You Afford Legal Action Against You?

No one wants to face a lawsuit, but it does happen. The cost of legal representation and paying a judgment against you could deplete your resources. Rental insurance provides liability coverage and this protection for you.

Where Would You Stay if Your Rental Is Damaged?

Where would you go if your rental is so severely damaged that it’s uninhabitable? With the loss of use coverage provided by your rental insurance, you’d be able to stay in temporary lodging and have some meals provided.

In Scranton, PA, Bartal Insurance is an independent insurance agency that provides our customers with the rental insurance and other types of insurance they need. Contact us today.

RV Insurance for A Preowned Recreational Vehicle

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Before purchasing a preowned recreational vehicle (RV), it’s crucial to conduct a thorough inspection. Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the RV, consider obtaining an insurance policy. Insurance will protect your RV both when you drive it and when you park it.

Preexisting Issues

An inspection can help identify any preexisting issues that need to be addressed. While a mechanical issue or cosmetic flaw won’t affect your RV insurance policy, it could influence your decision to purchase a particular RV model.

The Layout

Assess the layout of the RV you’re interested in purchasing. The layout will determine the available space within the RV and may also affect its overall safety. When assessing the layout, consider the type of insurance coverage you’ll need to protect the space. If you plan on moving your own furnishings into the RV, you might decide to insure each of your personal possessions.

Driving Capabilities and Proposed Travel Plans

Evaluate the preowned RV’s driving capabilities. An RV with a motor in pristine condition will be safer to drive than one with preexisting mechanical issues. Also, assess your proposed travel plans. Use this information to help you choose the level of insurance protection that suits your needs.

Comparison of Insurance Products

Compare insurance products that will adequately protect the RV from theft, vandalism, and natural weather events. This step will help you choose the proper coverage.

Contact an Insurance Agent in Scranton, PA

Contact one of our agents at Bartal Insurance. They will schedule an appointment to discuss your insurance coverage needs and prepare your insurance documents.

Buy Bond Insurance Before Your Startup Launches

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Pennsylvania startups may be aware that their new business requires insurance, but if they plan to go public, they’ll need bond insurance before offering investments. Bond insurance protects investors in a corporation or government entity that issues bonds, a common fundraising mechanism. At Bartal Insurance, we offer bond insurance to business owners in Scranton, PA, and can help incorporate it into your commercial insurance package.

Understanding the Need for Bond Insurance

Traditionally, corporations and governments have issued bonds to raise funds for projects. Governments often resort to bonds when they need to finance a war effort or major capital improvement project, especially when raising taxes is not viable. Corporations use bonds to fund business expansion or research and development projects.

Recently, startups have turned to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe for quick capital. While these methods can fund small projects, a startup looking to expand might incorporate and offer a bond to avoid going public. However, offering bonds requires as much paperwork and compliance as an initial public offering (IPO), including the need for bond insurance, which Bartal Insurance can help you secure.

Issuing a Bond in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania legal code outlines the requirements for any business or government agency wishing to offer a bond. Title 67, Section 449.3., covers the state’s advertising, bidding, and bond requirements rules. It also explains the three main types of bond insurance:

  • Bid bond
  • Performance bond
  • Payment bond

This section also details when an organization must purchase any of these types of bond insurance.

Contact Us Today

If you need bond insurance in any of its three forms, let Bartal Insurance help your Scranton, PA business stay compliant. Call or email us today.

Why You Need Liability Protection From Umbrella Insurance

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When you own a home and a car, it’s important to have sufficient protection for them. While you may have a home and auto insurance policies, they might not provide enough coverage. You may think there’s plenty of liability insurance, but the reality is that you might fall short. That’s where umbrella insurance comes in. It can be the difference between being able to pay for an accident and not being able to. When you need umbrella insurance, we can help. Give us a call now at Bartal Insurance in Scranton, PA.

Liability Coverage in Umbrella Policies

When you need to protect your vehicle and home, you have a home and an auto policy. Each of these comes with multiple types of coverage, including liability protection. This protects you financially in case of an accident that happens either in your home or with your vehicle. Often, there isn’t much of this liability coverage in either policy. This can make it difficult for the policy to pay for a serious and expensive accident. With umbrella insurance, however, you get much more liability coverage for both of these policies at the same time.

Using Umbrella Insurance

With much more liability coverage, your umbrella policy can come in when your home or auto policy isn’t able to pay all of the expenses for an accident. These policies can only pay up to their maximum, which may not be enough for an expensive accident. When this happens, your umbrella policy can step in and pay the rest of what’s owed for expenses like car repairs and bodily injuries.

Get Umbrella Insurance

It’s a good idea to have this coverage just in case you need it. If you don’t have an umbrella policy and need more liability coverage, call Bartal Insurance in Scranton, PA.

Preparing for a Flood: Essential Steps for Homeowners

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When it comes to protecting your home from the unexpected, Bartal Insurance in Scranton, PA, is here to help you navigate the essentials. Flooding can be a daunting prospect, but with the proper preparation, you can safeguard your property and peace of mind.

Assessing Your Flood Risk

First, assess your home’s flood risk. Check flood maps and consider the history of flooding in your area. Knowing your risk level can guide you in taking appropriate measures. It’s crucial to understand that even low-risk areas can experience flooding.

Securing the Right Flood Coverage

It’s a common misconception that standard homeowners’ insurance covers flood damage. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. This is why having a dedicated flood insurance policy is crucial. At Bartal Insurance in Scranton, PA, we can guide you in selecting coverage that fits your specific needs, ensuring you’re protected when it matters most.

Preparing Your Home for Potential Flooding

Simple preventive steps can make a big difference. Elevate electrical appliances and consider installing sump pumps or backwater valves. Keep gutters clear to ensure proper drainage. These measures can minimize potential damage and reduce repair costs.

Creating an Emergency Flood Plan

Develop a flood emergency plan for your household. Identify evacuation routes and establish a communication plan. Make sure all family members know where to find emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, and first aid kits.

Staying Informed During Flood Season

During flood season, monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to act quickly. Local alerts can provide critical information and timely warnings. Staying informed allows you to respond effectively to any changes.

Contact Us Today for a Flood Insurance Quote in Scranton

For more personalized advice on flood preparation and insurance options, contact Bartal Insurance in Scranton, PA, today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Legal Requirements for Bond Insurance in PA

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When reaching out to Bartal Insurance in Scranton, PA, for your business insurance needs, bond insurance may not immediately spring to your mind. However, in the state of Pennsylvania, certain industries are legally required to have bond insurance.

Industries That Require Bond Insurance

A diverse array of individuals, companies, and municipalities that need to meet legal requirements buy bond insurance in Pennsylvania. The mining industry tops the list as one of the best-known industries in the state that needs bond insurance. That said, it’s not the only one. Title insurance agents and insurance holding companies need bond insurance too. Whether you work as an independent construction contractor or run a construction company with employees, you will need bond insurance in Pennsylvania. Each industry requires a different amount of bond insurance. For instance, a title insurance agent must buy a minimum of $100,000 bond insurance.

How do you know if you need bond insurance?

To ascertain whether you require bond insurance, consult the Pennsylvania Insurance Department website. As the government entity supervising insurance in the state, it provides the state legal codes pertinent to bond insurance and other types of business insurance. State-level offices of industry registration where professionals must register also provide this information. For instance, when a plumber’s apprentice is ready for their state certification, the office of registration gives them a list of requirements to complete their license application.

Contact our Insurance Agency in Scranton, PA Today

Make sure your business in Scranton, PA, has the proper insurance to operate legally. Reach out to Bartal Insurance today to obtain your state-required bond insurance.

How Does a Car Become Eligible for Classic Car insurance

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The Value of Classic Car Insurance: How to Determine Eligibility

For car enthusiasts, vintage automobiles are a treasure, and securing one adds significant value to their collection. However, safeguarding a classic car from damage or theft can pose unique challenges. At Bartal Insurance in Scranton, PA, we offer insights into the process of qualifying a vehicle for classic car insurance.

The Need for Classic Car Insurance

Investing in classic car insurance is indeed worthwhile as it protects your valuable asset from potential disasters. Even if your primary use of the vehicle is limited to an occasional parade, maintaining some form of insurance coverage is prudent. Classic car owners typically opt for policies providing minimal liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. Documented insurance protection often serves to maintain or even increase your car’s value over time.

Qualifying for Classic Car Insurance

To qualify for classic car insurance, a vehicle must meet several requirements. Firstly, the car must maintain its original design and conform to factory specifications. This implies that all restoration work carried out on the vehicle must reflect the car’s original factory condition. Modern additions to the car can result in its declassification as a classic.

Insurance providers often stipulate that your classic car needs to be stored in a private, enclosed garage or storage unit, providing protection from the elements. An insurance representative may inspect the proposed storage site before approving your classic car insurance policy.

Classic cars should not be used for daily commuting. In support of eligibility for classic car insurance, you might need to provide evidence of separate auto insurance coverage for a different vehicle used for daily transportation.

Finally, it’s vital to agree on a market value price for your vintage car with your insurance provider. Most classic cars appreciate in value over time, and reaching an agreed value typically follows a professional appraisal. This ensures all parties have documented proof of the car’s worth in the current market.

Thinking of Insuring Your Vintage Car? Contact Bartal Insurance in Scranton, PA.

If you own a vintage vehicle and are considering classic car insurance, Bartal Insurance in Scranton, PA, can help you determine your vehicle’s eligibility for coverage. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about protecting your treasured classic car.