Quick, easy, inexpensive – whoever thought those adjectives could apply to home improvement projects here in southeastern Pennsylvania? But they can! To spruce up your home on a budget, check out these five ideas for projects that yield maximum results with minimal effort and cost: Paint: All you need is a can of paint to … Read More
Do You Need Rental Car Insurance?
Maybe you’ve been here before. You’ve just come off the plane, picked up your baggage, and gone to the rental car counter. You’re tired from the flight. You’re about to begin an ambitious vacation or a challenging business project. And, this is the point at which you’re asked, “Do you want insurance with that?” Most … Read More
What to Know Before You Go Solar
Solar panels can be economically and environmentally sound. According to Energy Saver, solar energy is sustainable, renewable, and plentiful. Benefits of solar for residents include cost savings, increased home value, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. They’ve become more accessible than ever. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy reports that the cost … Read More
4 Tips About Taxes and Identity Theft
In 2020, there were 1.4 million complaints about identity theft, up from 651,000 in 2019, according to the Insurance Information Institute. During tax season, your personal information is particularly vulnerable. After all, your Social Security number (SSN) is on W-2 forms, your tax return, and other financial documents. Those documents are being sent through the … Read More
8 Tips to Improve Your Finances During Financial Literacy Month
April is tax season. It’s a time many people are thinking about their finances. But if you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking in the short term. What’s my refund going to be—or how much do I owe? And what is that going to do to my monthly budget? It’s good to be thinking about … Read More
Is Your Jewelry Covered by Insurance? Maybe!
Are you or someone you know getting engaged this Valentine’s Day? Are you giving your Valentine a watch or necklace to tell them how much they mean to you? Every reason why you treasure a piece of fine jewelry is a reason you should insure it. However, calling it “jewelry insurance” may be a stretch. … Read More
The Christmas Tree Conundrum: Real or Fake?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), every year between 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees at the cost of $10 million in direct property damage. Homeowners’ Insurance helps protect your home from the damage these fires can cause; however, it can’t prevent … Read More
Be Careful When You Play With Fire, Even in the Backyard
It’s that time of year here in southeastern Pennsylvania! The leaves are turning brilliant shades of yellows, reds, and oranges, days are getting shorter, and the evenings are getting colder. It’s the perfect time to sit around a fire pit with friends and family and enjoy the changing season – unless, of course, that fire … Read More
Should You Be Worried About Your Appliance Hoses?
There’s a ticking bomb in your right now, waiting to strike when you least expect it. In fact, there might even be more than one. And each can cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage. We here at Berkshire Insurance Services are talking about faulty appliance hoses, of course. Consider your humble washing machine: … Read More
5 Ways to Beat the Heat — and Your Air Conditioning Bill — This Summer
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 87% of homes in the U.S. use air-conditioning equipment at a cost ranging from $60 to $525 annually. That’s about 12% of a family’s total home energy expenditures. That might not be such a surprise if you’re the one who writes the check for your household energy bill … Read More