FAQs

You can either call us or even better set up an online account at www.erieinsurance.com and have the answer 24 hours a day.

That depends. Here’s a short breakdown:

• Sole Proprietors & LLCs: In some cases, sole proprietors and LLCs, especially those with no employees or physical storefront, may not need a business license to operate in their area. For these businesses, it might still be possible to get general liability insurance from Warren Weiss Agency.
• State & Local Regulations: However, requirements can vary by state and even locality. It’s always best to check with your local government to see if a business license is needed for the type of business you’re operating.
• Type of Business Insurance: The need for a business license can also depend on the type of business insurance you’re seeking. Certain specialized coverage may have specific licensing requirements.

Here’s how Warren Weiss Agency can help:

• We can guide you on the general requirements for business licenses in Pennsylvania.
• We can help you explore if general liability insurance might be available for your business without a license, depending on your circumstances.
• If a license is required, we can help you navigate the process and find the right insurance options for your business needs with ERIE or other carriers we offer.

We recommend contacting a Warren Weiss Agency specialist to discuss your business and goals.

Evaluating small business health insurance involves considering several factors to find the best fit for your company and employees. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate the process:

1. Budget and Cost.
   • Employer Contribution: Determine how much your business is comfortable contributing towards employee health insurance premiums.
   • Employee Contribution: Decide whether your plan will require employee contributions to offset plan costs, and at what percentage(s).
   • Plan Design: Consider the trade-off between premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Higher premiums often mean lower deductibles and co-pays, reducing employee out-of-pocket costs.
2. Employee Needs.
   • Age & Health Status: Consider the average age and health of your employees to gauge their potential healthcare needs.
   • Dependents: Find out how many employees need coverage for dependents (spouses and children).
   • Plan Preferences: If possible, get some input from employees about their preferred plan features (e.g., network coverage, prescription drug coverage, etc.).
3. Coverage Options.
   • Consider plans offered by Warren Weiss Agency through ERIE or our other carriers that might cater to your specific needs or budget.
4. Additional factors.
   • Network Adequacy: Some insurance plans only cover specific regions, and that’s especially relevant to consider if you have remote employees working from different corners of the keystone state. Make sure the plan offers access to a sufficient network of doctors and hospitals in your employees’ area.
   • Customer Service: Consider the broker or carrier’s reputation for customer service to ensure your business and employees have adequate support. Warren Weiss Agency’s customer service team is local to Quakertown, and is available by phone, email, and walk-in appointment.

Here’s how Warren Weiss Agency can help:

• We can compare plans offered by ERIE and other carriers to find the best fit for your needs.
• We can answer your questions about deductibles, co-pays, and network coverage.

By considering these factors and consulting an expert at Warren Weiss Agency, you can make an informed decision about small business health insurance for your company.

For Pennsylvania small businesses, there are currently no mandatory health insurance requirements, meaning businesses with under 50 full-time employees generally are not obligated to offer health insurance to workers.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t great reasons to consider offering health insurance. Small business health insurance can help you:

• Attract & Retain Talent: Health insurance is a valuable benefit that can make your small business more attractive to potential employees and help retain your current team.
• Gain Tax Advantages: Businesses that offer health insurance may qualify for tax credits to help offset the cost of premiums. Always consult a tax professional before making tax-driven decisions.

We recommend contacting a health insurance specialist at Warren Weiss Agency to discuss your circumstances and find the best course of action for your small business.

No; getting general liability insurance for a small business typically isn’t difficult. Here at Warren Weiss Agency, we can help you navigate the process.

Here’s a breakdown of that process:

• Obtain Quotes from Carriers: As a broker, Warren Weiss Agency can explore plans from ERIE and other carriers to find coverage that fits your needs and budget.
• Risk Management Tips: We can also provide tips on managing risks in your business, which can potentially lower your premiums over time.
• Application: The application process for general liability insurance is usually straightforward. We’ll ask you questions about your business type, number of employees, and potential risks to get you a quote.
• Underwriting: Once you apply, the carrier’s underwriting team will review your application to assess the risk your business presents. This typically involves verifying information and may include additional steps for certain industries.
• Approval and Quote: Based on the underwriting review, you’ll receive a decision from Warren Weiss Agency on your application. If approved, we’ll present you with a quote outlining the coverage details and premium costs.
• Signing Policy Documents: If you decide to move forward, we’ll guide you through the process of signing the policy documents. This ensures you understand and agree to the terms of your general liability coverage.

Some other factors that might influence the application process include:

• High-Risk Businesses: Businesses in certain industries considered higher risk, like construction or landscaping, might require additional underwriting steps.
• Claims History: If your business has a history of filing claims, it could affect your rates or coverage options.

No matter your situation, Warren Weiss Agency can help:

• Guide you through the application process for general liability insurance.
• Work to find affordable coverage options with ERIE or other carriers.
• Advise on risk management strategies to potentially lower your premiums.

If you have any questions about general liability insurance for your small business, contact a Warren Weiss Agency specialist. We’re here to help you get the coverage you need and protect your business.

The local customer service team at Warren Weiss Agency in Quakertown is your best resource for rate shopping. Here are some key things we’ll help you consider when comparing auto insurance prices:

• Coverage: Make sure you’re comparing quotes that offer the same level of coverage. Compare apples-to-apples coverage types such as collision, comprehensive, liability, and uninsured motorist coverages.
• Deductibles: Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums, but in the event you need to file a claim, you’ll need to be prepared to pay more upfront.
• Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for things like good driving records, taking defensive driving courses, insuring multiple vehicles, or being a safe driver (low mileage, no accidents).
• Financial Strength of the Carrier/Agent: Look for a company with a good reputation and strong financial stability to ensure they can pay your claim if needed. Warren Weiss Agency has operated continuously in Quakertown for nearly a century and continues to run today as a third-generation family business. Our preferred carrier, ERIE, is among the most reputable in the industry.

Incidentally, while price is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor. Consider these additional elements:

• Customer Service: Look for a company with a reputation for excellent customer service, especially claims handling. Warren Weiss Agency, based locally in Quakertown, is just a call, click, or short drive away. ERIE, our preferred carrier, is good at paying claims compared to the average insurance company, according to a 2023 J.D. Power claims satisfaction survey.
• Local Agent vs. Direct Insurer: Having a local agent like Warren Weiss Agency can provide personalized service and advocacy if you need to file a claim.

Warren Weiss Agency can help you compare quotes, understand coverage options, and find the best possible price for your auto insurance needs. Contact us today!

Here’s a breakdown of Pennsylvania’s auto insurance requirements:

• Minimum Liability Coverage: Pennsylvania requires all drivers to have minimum liability insurance coverage. The law says that you must carry insurance that covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. The minimum required limits are:
  • $15,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident.
  • $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident.
  • $5,000 for damage to the property of another person.
• First-Party Benefits (FPB): Pennsylvania also requires drivers to purchase First-Party Benefits (FPB), which covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of fault. The minimum FPB requirement is $5,000.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): While not mandatory, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) is highly recommended. This protects you in case you’re in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance (uninsured) or not enough insurance (underinsured) to cover your damages.

Remember, having the minimum required insurance is just the starting point. At Warren Weiss Agency, we can help you understand your auto insurance options and ensure you meet Pennsylvania’s minimum requirements. We can also explore additional coverage options, like UM/UIM, to fit your specific needs and budget.

• Safety Improvements: Upgrades that reduce the risk of fire, theft, or weather damage are often rewarded by insurance companies. Examples include replacing an old roof, upgrading your electrical wiring or plumbing, or installing a security system.
• Lower Replacement Cost: In some cases, improvements that decrease the cost to rebuild your home in case of a major loss can also lead to lower premiums. For instance, if you replace your roof with a more durable material, it might lower the overall insured value of your home.

Keep in mind, not all improvements qualify:

• Cosmetic Upgrades: Renovations that focus mainly on aesthetics, like remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, generally won’t affect your premium.
• Increased Dwelling Value: While some improvements can lower replacement costs, extensive renovations that significantly increase your home’s value might raise your premiums because the overall coverage amount would increase.

Here’s how Warren Weiss Agency can help:

• Advise on Qualifying Improvements: We can discuss your specific situation and advise you on which home improvements might qualify for discounts on your ERIE or other carrier homeowners insurance policies.
• Get Quotes from Carriers: We recommend getting quotes from Warren Weiss Agency to see how specific improvements might impact your premiums.

It’s always best to check with your insurance provider before making any major renovations to understand how it might affect your coverage and costs. Contact a Warren Weiss Agency specialist today to discuss your options!

In most cases, you’ll need to have homeowners insurance in place before you can close on your new house. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:

• Offer Accepted: Once your offer on a house is accepted, you’ll likely enter into a contract with the seller. This contract will typically outline a closing date, which is the day ownership of the house officially transfers to you.
• Mortgage Lender Requirements: If you’re financing your home purchase with a mortgage, your lender will almost certainly require proof of homeowners insurance as a condition of the loan. This ensures the property is protected in case of unforeseen events.

Here’s what this means for you:

• Start Shopping Early: It’s wise to start shopping for homeowners insurance as soon as your offer is accepted. This gives you time to compare quotes from different insurers and find the best coverage at an affordable price. Local agencies like Warren Weiss Agency can help you explore options with ERIE or other carriers.
• Proof of Insurance by Closing: Typically, you’ll need to provide proof of homeowners insurance to your lender and the closing agent at least a few days before closing. This proof may come in the form of a binder or confirmation from your chosen insurance company.

And finally, here’s how Warren Weiss Agency can help:

• Get a Quote Quickly: We can get you a homeowners’ insurance quote quickly and efficiently, so you can focus on the other aspects of closing your house.
• Find the Right Coverage: We’ll help you understand your coverage options and ensure you have the right protection for your new home.
• Meet Closing Deadlines: We’ll work with you to ensure you have the necessary proof of insurance to meet your closing deadlines.

Remember: Don’t wait until the last minute to get homeowners insurance. By starting the process early, you can avoid any unnecessary stress during the closing process of your new home. Contact a Warren Weiss Agency specialist today to discuss your homeowners insurance needs!

There are several reasons why your homeowners insurance premium might have increased. Here are some of the most common factors:

• Rising Costs of Repair and Replacement: The cost of materials and labor for repairs and replacements has been rising in recent years. Insurance companies factor these increasing costs into their premiums to ensure they have enough money to cover claims.
• More Extreme Weather Events: The frequency and severity of weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires have been increasing. Natural disasters lead to more insurance claims, which can cause insurance companies to raise rates to stay solvent.
• Changes to Your Property: If you’ve made renovations or improvements to your home that increase its value, your insurance coverage amount might need to be adjusted, potentially leading to higher premiums
• Age of Your Home: Older homes may require more maintenance and repairs, which can be reflected in higher premium
• Claims History: If you’ve filed any claims in the past few years, even if they weren’t your fault, it could increase your premiums as you’re now considered a higher risk.
• Inflation: General inflation can also affect insurance premiums over time.

If you’re concerned about your home insurance premium increase, contact a Warren Weiss Agency specialist today. We can help you understand the reasons behind the increase and explore ways to potentially lower your costs. We’ll:

• Review Your Coverage: We can review your current homeowners insurance policy with you and see if there are any ways to adjust your coverage to potentially lower your premium. This might involve increasing your deductible or removing unnecessary coverages.
• Shop Around for Quotes: Even if you’ve been happy with your current insurer, it’s always a good idea to shop around for quotes every year or two. We can help you compare rates from ERIE and other carriers to see if you can find a better deal.
• Identify Discounts: There may be discounts available that you’re not currently receiving. We can help you identify potential discounts you might qualify for, such as those for bundling your home and auto insurance, having a security system, or being claims-free for a certain period.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, pre-existing conditions can’t prevent you from getting health insurance. For life insurance, it might affect the policy type you qualify for, or the premium you’re asked to pay, but Warren Weiss Agency can help you find options with ERIE or other carriers that fit your situation.

Here’s some general guidance on life insurance, depending on your age:

• 25 years old: Life insurance is a great way to get started on financial planning, especially if you have dependents or are planning a family. Younger people tend to be healthier and are generally offered higher benefit amounts at low premium rates. At Warren Weiss Agency, we can help you explore affordable options with ERIE or other carriers to get started.
• 45 years old: There’s an old saying: “The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The second-best time is today.” If you’re not covered by a life insurance plan, it’s still not too late to discover how life insurance can help provide financial security for your loved ones. If you already have a life insurance policy, we can also review your existing coverage to ensure the needs of you, and your loved ones, are being and will be met.
• 65 years old: Certain life insurance products remain available, and can both ensure your final wishes are met and ease financial burdens on your loved ones that may be created after your passing. We can explore these options, including guaranteed acceptance and final expense life insurance, to fit your situation.

If you have any questions or are considering life insurance, contact the Quakertown-based team at Warren Weiss Agency, and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.

Yes, as a 1099 / independent contractor, you can get health insurance, but it typically won’t be offered by your clients. That means that when you enroll, you won’t be part of a group plan, so there will likely be some differences between the coverage you obtain and the coverage your W2 friends and colleagues carry. Here at Warren Weiss Agency, we can help you explore alternative health insurance coverage options and benefits:

• Individual plans: Rather than rolling the dice on the Healthcare.gov Marketplace, a local, independent health insurance broker, like Quakertown-based Warren Weiss Insurance Agency, can conduct a thorough assessment of both your needs and your options, helping to predict the total cost of coverage in different scenarios.
• Tax advantages: The good news is, as a self-employed individual, you may be able to deduct some of your health insurance premiums on your tax return. However, there are some exceptions, so it’s always best to consult a tax advisor about your specific situation.

Yes, part-time employees can get health insurance, but the type available depends on their employer.

• Employer-sponsored health insurance: In Pennsylvania, employers aren’t required to offer health insurance to part-time workers. We at Warren Weiss Agency can’t advise on specific employer plans, but we can help you with other options if your employer doesn’t offer coverage.
• Individual plans: If your employer doesn’t offer insurance, you can purchase your own plan. Rather than rolling the dice on the Healthcare.gov Marketplace, a local, independent health insurance broker, like Quakertown-based Warren Weiss Insurance Agency, can conduct a thorough assessment of both your needs and your options, helping to predict the total cost of coverage in different scenarios.

Yes, part-time employees can get health insurance, but the type available depends on their employer.

• Employer-sponsored health insurance: In Pennsylvania, employers aren’t required to offer health insurance to part-time workers. We at Warren Weiss Agency can’t advise on specific employer plans, but we can help you with other options if your employer doesn’t offer coverage.
• Individual plans: If your employer doesn’t offer insurance, you can purchase your own plan. Rather than rolling the dice on the Healthcare.gov Marketplace, a local, independent health insurance broker, like Quakertown-based Warren Weiss Insurance Agency, can conduct a thorough assessment of both your needs and your options, helping to predict the total cost of coverage in different scenarios.

Domestic partner health insurance depends on a few factors:

• Employer benefits: In Pennsylvania, employers aren’t mandated to offer health insurance to domestic partners. We recommend checking with your HR department to see whether your employer’s plan extends coverage.
• ERIE coverage: If your employer offers a health insurance plan by ERIE, one of Warren Weiss Agency’s preferred carriers, then domestic partner coverage may be available if your employer has opted to offer it.
• Other carriers: The local customer service team at Quakertown-based Warren Weiss Agency can explore options with other carriers that may offer domestic partner coverage to fit your exact family needs.

We recommend contacting Warren Weiss Agency to discuss your specific situation and explore all available options.

There are actually two main enrollment periods to consider for health insurance:

• Open Enrollment Period: This is the annual period when anyone can sign up for health insurance via the Marketplace, also known as Pennie in Pennsylvania, regardless of their health status. In Pennsylvania, the Open Enrollment Period typically runs from November 1st to January 15th. This is the best time to get coverage if you don’t currently have health insurance or want to switch plans.
• Special Enrollment Periods: These are times outside the Open Enrollment Period when you may qualify for health insurance due to a qualifying life event, such as job loss, marriage, or having a baby. You can find more information about Special Enrollment Periods at https://www.insurance.pa.gov/Coverage/Pages/Health-Insurance.aspx.

Warren Weiss Agency can assist you with navigating both Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment Periods for health insurance.

Yes, unlike primary health insurance plans that typically have set enrollment periods, you can get supplemental health insurance anytime throughout the year in most cases. There are a few things to keep in mind:

• Pre-existing conditions: While you can apply for supplemental health insurance anytime, some supplemental plans, especially Medicare supplements (Medigap) may consider your health status when approving you or setting your premium. However, you typically have guaranteed access to a Medigap plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (usually up to 6 months after you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B).
• Plan availability: Although you can apply anytime, specific supplemental plans might not always be available depending on the carrier and your location.

For the best options and guaranteed rates, contact Warren Weiss Agency to discuss your situation and explore supplemental health insurance plans that fit your needs.

However, having health insurance is still essential to protect yourself from unexpected medical costs. If you have questions about enrolling in a plan, Warren Weiss Agency’s Quakertown office can help you explore your options with ERIE or other carriers.

IRS rules for health insurance reimbursement depend on the specific situation. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Employer-sponsored health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs): These plans allow employers to reimburse employees for qualified medical expenses, often including health insurance premiums, with tax-free dollars. However, there are specific IRS regulations around HRAs, such as requiring employees to have minimum essential coverage (MEC) for tax-free reimbursements. Always consult a tax professional before making tax-driven decisions.
• Individual health insurance: If you pay for your own health insurance, generally, you cannot deduct the premiums on your taxes. However, there may be exceptions depending on your specific circumstances. Again, it’s always best to consult a tax advisor for personalized advice.

For specific questions about health insurance reimbursement and how it might apply to you, it’s best to consult a tax professional. However, Warren Weiss Agency can help you explore health insurance options with ERIE or other carriers that may fit your needs.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a breakdown to help you decide between employer-sponsored health insurance and an individual plan:

Employer-sponsored plan:

• Pros: Typically lower premiums due to employer contribution, convenient payroll deduction, etc. Often covers dependents.
• Cons: Limited plan options, may not cover all your needs. May change depending on your employer’s decisions or circumstances.

Individual plan:

• Pros: More choice and flexibility in plans and coverage. Potentially lower premiums if you’re young and healthy. May be portable if you change jobs.
• Cons: Typically higher premiums as you pay the full cost. May not cover dependents. More administrative work required on the part of the covered individual.

Here are some factors to consider:

• Your health status: If you have pre-existing conditions, an employer plan often guarantees more or better coverage.
• Your budget: Consider the total cost of the employer plan (e.g., premiums, deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pocket maximums, etc.) vs. an individual plan.
• Your needs: Do you need a plan that covers your dependents? Do you want a wider variety of plan options? Do you have a lot of prescriptions? Do you prefer a plan with special benefits, e.g. gym membership reimbursement, etc.?

Warren Weiss Agency can help you:

• Understand the details of your employer’s plan (if applicable).
• Shop for individual plans on the Marketplace or with other carriers.
• Find a plan that fits your budget and needs.

We recommend talking to a Warren Weiss Agent to compare your options and make the best decision for your situation.