Paupack Insurance News

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Ann Cosgrove — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:42:27 GMT

We'd love to hear from you, so like us on Facebook and share a story. We have two pages, Paupack Insurance AND Varcoe Insurance.

Our homepage has a link to make it quick and easy! We're mobile, too!

Safety Tips for Your Boat Trailer

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:27:47 GMT

When purchasing a trailer in Pennsylvania or elsewhere, stay within recommended capacity guidelines. When determining capacity, remember to include the weight of fuel and accessories in addition to the weight of the craft.

Trailers come with closed or open frames. Closed frames help protect the wiring, but problems can be more difficult to locate and repair. Open frames leave the wiring exposed, but make it easier to spot and repair potential problems. Open frames also drain water more easily and efficiently, so keep in mind that when you dip that trailer into lakes, or elsewhere.

Consider the method of personal watercraft (PWC) support, the frame strength and construction, whether lights and wiring are approved for marine use, whether rollers and bunks are properly positioned and attached to the main frame for proper suspension, and the durability of the finish. (Powder-coated or galvanized finishes are more durable than baked-on enamel.)

Purchase good quality tie-downs with the right hooks to attach to your trailer. Before each use of your trailer, check:

Tires for wear and inflation
Hitch and safety chain for signs of wear or stress
Braking system to make sure you can stop with a load
Electrical system for improper connections, corroded terminals, damaged wires, burned out bulbs, etc.
Wheel bearings are properly packed with a good bearing grease
Lug nuts and main nuts are tight
Stops, rollers and bunks for wear or cracks
Coupler and ball are compatible in size and are properly secured. Check for wear or stress
Both bow and stern of your PWC are secured to the trailer. Use extra tie-downs in case one should fail
Emergency supplies; carry basic tools, spare bulbs, bearings, grease, mounted tire and highway flares

Drive carefully. Give other drivers plenty of warning for any maneuvers. Allow for the extra length of the car and trailer when turning and passing, and allow extra time for stopping.

Pull off the road periodically to check the rig. Examine the tires and wheel bearings for signs of overheating, check the lights and test the tie-downs.

Before Leaving Shore

At the Launch Ramp:

It helps to have someone in the car, and someone at the water.
Prepare your PWC as much as possible before taking your turn in line. Remove the craft cover. Remove the seat for a few minutes to allow gas fumes to vent. Undo the stern (not bow) tie-downs. Unplug the trailer lights. Make sure the PWC drain plugs are in place. Visually inspect your PWC from bow to stern.
Be courteous. Wait your turn at the ramp. Don’t rush, but don’t linger longer than necessary.
Make sure the way is clear before launching. Look for other boats, debris, etc.
Be prepared to ride clear of the launch area immediately and to secure the PWC out of the way of others.
Never leave the trailer unattended on the ramp with only the parking brake set.

Contact Us!

Be Safe on Your Motorcycle

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:12:53 GMT

To stay safe on Hawley streets, you need the right skills to control your ride, and the best safety equipment for just-in-case. Maple City Insurance Associates cares about your safety – so keep these helpful tips in mind when you ride:

When You Ride, Be Prepared and Protected

Update your Policy when You Update Your Equipment
Make sure each piece of equipment is listed on your motorcycle insurance policy. Any time you buy new leathers or safety equipment or customize your bike, contact us and let our team make sure your coverage is current before you head out on the streets.
Training Saves Lives
Smart riders are safe riders – that’s why many states encourage riders to take classes and improve their riding skills. Riders who attend safe riding courses may also qualify for insurance discounts – contact us to find out more!
Helmets Are For Every Pennsylvania Rider
A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is 40% more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than a rider without a helmet.* Buy a full-face helmet for the best protection for your head and eyes. Wear other protective gear as well: heavy leather or synthetic gloves, long pants and jacket, and over-the-ankle leather boots. Want to know what safety equipment is required in Pennsylvania? Contact us today!
Be Visible – In a Crash, the SUV Wins
When cars and motorcycles collide, it’s usually because the driver of the car never saw the motorcyclist. With more and bigger cars on the road, you need to take extra steps to become more visible. Use your headlamps – both night and day – and wear yellow, red or orange jackets to make yourself easy to see. Make a point of positioning yourself in your lane for visibility when out on the streets.
Ride sober!
Driving impaired is more deadly for cyclists than other drivers. In fact, more than half of all motorcycle deaths occur when the rider has been drinking.*

* Source: NHSA's Traffic Safety report on Motorcycles.

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us or call us at 570-226-8494.

Mine Subsidence Coverage

Ann Cosgrove — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:53:47 GMT

We now offer Mine Subsidence coverage in Pennsylvania if you live near or over an abandoned coal or clay mining area.

Damage due to mine subsidence or mine water breakouts is usually not covered by your homeowner's insurance policy. Subsidences can occur suddenly and without warning or slowly over a period of time. Either way, you'll want to make sure you're covered before a problem arises.

Repairs and replacement can be expensive compared to the minimal cost of a policy and coverage is easy to obtain. Just contact our office, we'll check the maps for your area and provide a quick estimate.

Don't risk potential loss to one of your most valuable assets: YOUR HOUSE along with appurtenances such as fencing, retaining walls, patios, paved driveways and inground pools. Coverage is also available for garage structures on a separate policy.

CONTACT OUR OFFICE TODAY FOR FULL DETAILS: (570) 226-8494 PAUPACK INSURANCE AGENCY at Lake Wallenpaupack, U.S. ROUTE 6, HAWLEY, PA. "Insuring what you have around the lake".

Snapshot discount works - Try it out

Ann Cosgrove — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:13:16 GMT

Congratulations to our co-worker, Karen D., a PA Progressive auto customer and happy Snapshot discount recipient!

Karen recently decided to give the Snapshot program a try and was pleasantly surprised to receive a 25% discount on one of her vehicles.

With discounts of up to 30% available, it's well worth trying! The program tracks driving habits, such as braking, average time of day driving and mileage. For more information on this program, please contact one of our offices for a FREE QUOTE, a Snapshot brochure, and the potential to earn up to 30% off each vehicle on your account.

Spring is Coming!

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:18:47 GMT

With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, we're starting to think about spring. (Or at least hoping that springtime is coming, anyway.) And whether spring arrives on time, we’ve got you covered with tips to get you ready for the season.

Get Ready for Spring

Although everyone thinks of cleaning when it comes to spring, there are a number of things you should do to make sure your home is ready when the weather in Pennsylvania changes. Below is a selection of maintenance tasks from the National Center for Healthy Housing (see the full list)

Check to make sure your roof’s shingles are in good condition (stay safe doing that!), and check your attic for any possible roof leaks that should be repaired.
Look for peeling paint and repair/touch up as needed.
Check for signs of leaks at window and door sills and use caulking or weather stripping to seal.
Clean your dryer vent and make sure exhaust ducts are clear.
Make sure there are no puddles or wet spots in your basement or crawlspace.
Look for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc. Call an exterminator if you suspect an infestation.
Clean your gutters and downspouts.
Clean air conditioner coils and drain pans.
Check/replace the batteries your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Replace filters in your air conditioner and dehumidifier.
Store winter heaters, ensuring that liquid-fuel heaters are completely emptied. These should be stored outside, if possible.

Beat the Wintertime Blues

Well, you can take solace in the fact that spring will be here eventually. In the meantime, here are some quick tips from Johns Hopkins University to avoid the “winter blues” and get through those long weeks of waiting before spring.

Keep active. Exercise releases endorphins that will elevate your mood.
Eat well. High-sugar foods and large amounts of caffeine can feed depression and actually decrease your energy level. Foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and lean meats can help your immune system.
Go to the light. Bring as much light into your life as possible, by spending time outdoors, opening your shades so your home receives more natural light, or even get help from a “light box.”
Get your rest. Go to bed around the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning. You’ll have more energy during the day.
Of course, if you have strong feelings of depression, please seek assistance from friends, family or a trusted health-care provider. There are people ready to help, whatever the season.

Contact Us !

If an annual insurance review wasn’t included in your New Year’s resolutions, why not get it done while you’re in the cleaning and organizing mood this spring? Your life changes over the course of a year – sometimes in monumental ways. That means your insurance needs can change, too.

At Maple City Insurance Associates we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time utilizing all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just contact us or give us a call at 570-226-8494. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

SPAGHETTI DINNER

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:57:28 GMT

Come on out to the spaghetti dinner benefit to help Martha Birtel and family fight breast cancer.

The Hawley Diner is sponsoring this benefit on Sunday, March 25th, 2012 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

There will be Baskets, Raffles and Prizes. 100% of proceeds goes to the family. Take outs available and tickets are $10.00 in advance or $11.00 at the door.

Buy a ticket at The Hawley Diner on Main Avenue, Hawley or at Paupack Insurance Agency at 2555 Route 6, Hawley. Donations will be accepted and are greatly appreciated.

Hawley PA Gas Tracker is Back!

Ann Cosgrove — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:08:16 GMT

Nearly a year ago, we provided some updates on the rising gas prices that seemed to be soaring by the day at that time.

Fast forward to 2012 and prices are nearly 30 cents higher per gallon, on average, over last year around this time and are expected to continue rising sharply over the next few months. These estimated prices are for informational purposes only, are not guaranteed accurate and are based on the advertised signage at the station next door to our office on Route 6 at Lake Wallenpaupack, Hawley, Pa., U.S.A.

FEBRUARY 21, 2012

Regular: $3.65

FEBRUARY 22, 2012

Regular: $3.75

Diesel: $4.15

FEBRUARY 27, 2012

Regular: $3.79 (still $3.75 at station on Main Ave as of 2/28/12)

Diesel: $4.19 (it's still $4.15 at Main Ave station as of 2/28/12)

March 2, 2012

Regular is still at $3.79

Diesel: $4.24 (downtown, too)

MARCH 5TH, 2012 Slight Decrease Alert!! Regular: $3.77 Diesel: still $4.24 (lower than the Honesdale area, though!!)

MARCH 7, 2012 Regular : $3.75

MARCH 13, 2012 Regular: $3.79

MARCH 15, 2012 Regular: $3.85 Diesel: $4.29

March 29th, 2012 Diesel: $4.27

APRIL 3, 2012 Regular: $3.89

APRIL 4TH, 2012 Regular: $3.95 (one day increase??)

APRIL 5, 2012 Regular: $3.89 Diesel: $4.27

May 3rd Regular: $3.79 Diesel: $4.19

CINCO DE MAYO Diesel: $4.13

MAY 7TH, 2012 Regular: $3.73

MAY 10TH, 2012: Regular: $3.73 & Diesel: $4.09

MAY 16, 2012: Regular $3.69

MAY 18, 2012: Regular: $3.65 Diesel: $3.99 (wow -down from $4.09 just like that!)

Looking to buy real estate at Lake Wallenpaupack?

Ann Cosgrove — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:06:41 GMT

Insurance programs are available if you're buying real estate at Lake Wallenpaupack in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Maple City Insurance Associates has two office locations serving all of Pike and Wayne Counties and surrounding areas. Our agents can quote a price for primary homes, secondary/vacation properties, investment purchases to include long term rentals, weekly summer rental homes on the "Big Lake" and holiday weekend rentals. We even have rates for fix and re-sell properties, vacant homes, vacant land, commercial buildings and Flood Insurance, too!

Call us before you close on that new purchase for some of the most competitive rates available. We can also quote a price for all types of recreational vehicles such as Boat, ATV, Motorcycle, Classic Collector Cars, Snowmobile and Golfcarts.

Live here year 'round? Great! We have excellent packages for home/auto/umbrella and some companies allow for combined billing onto one, convenient account! Call now for your personalized comparison quote:

PAUPACK INSURANCE AGENCY, Route 6, Hawley: (570)226-8494 pins@ptd.net

VARCOE INSURANCE AGENCY, Belmont Street, Waymart: (570)488-6533 varcoein@socantel.net

Prepare for Driving In Bad Weather Before You Hit the Road

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:08:40 GMT

Rain, fog, sleet, snow, ice and wind… bad weather is the enemy of every driver in Pennsylvania. Maple City Insurance Associates wants you and your employees to be safe. Even if you are satisfied that your vehicle and all of its components are in good operating condition, bad weather demands that you take a few more precautions before hitting the road. At regular intervals, especially during the winter months, check the following items.

Abrasive Material: A bag of kitty litter or similar material will help you get moving under snowy or icy conditions

Battery: Does it need to be charged or replaced? Cold weather puts extra strain on a battery. Always keep jumper cables in your vehicle.

Brakes: Are they properly adjusted? Should they be replaced? Good brakes are more important than ever during the winter months. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), make sure it is working.

Chains: Do you carry them? They can be a real help on ice or snow.

Cooling system: Be sure the cooling system is free from leaks. Does it need more anti-freeze? Should it be flushed and refilled?

Defroster: Are the defroster and heater working properly? Make sure they can keep the interior from fogging and the windshield free from ice.

Engine: Have you had a recent tune-up? This is a must in cold weather to prevent slow starts and stalling.

Exhaust System: Check to make sure the muffler and exhaust pipe are free from leaks. Carbon monoxide from a faulty exhaust system can threaten your life.

Lights: Keep all lights clean and working properly (high and low-beam headlights, taillights, brake lights, directional signals).

Restraints: Keep lap and shoulder belts clean and accessible, and be sure to use them. Restraints can keep you behind the wheel and in control if the vehicle suddenly skids.

Tires: Are they properly inflated? Are treads in good condition and wheels aligned and balanced? Consider changing to snow tires.

Windshield Wipers and Washer: Keep wiper blades in good condition and be sure they are set at the proper pressure to sweep snow off the windshield. Keep plenty of windshield washer anti-freeze handy.

Maple City Insurance Associates can provide you with tools for fleet driving training and additional information to help reduce crashes in everyday driving. Just give us a call at 570-226-8494 or contact us today!