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H. Dean Allison Insurance

218 Logan Blvd
Altoona, PA 16602

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Does Auto Insurance Cover Damage From Fallen Trees?

A tree falling on your car can create an instant crisis. Drivers in Altoona, PA, may suddenly have no way to get to work or take their kids to school, and the damage costs can be significant. Fortunately, your auto insurance may help cover the situation, depending on the type of coverage you carry.

Liability Coverage

Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. However, liability insurance only pays for the other person’s injuries or property damage when you are at fault in an accident. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle if a tree falls on it. To be protected from this type of loss, you need additional coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage can help pay for damage caused by falling objects, including trees. This coverage may apply even if the tree came from a neighbor’s yard or if the tree fell because it was not removed despite leaning or showing visible signs of damage. An agent at H. Dean Allison Insurance can help explain how comprehensive coverage works and what other options may be available to you.

Deductible

Even if your insurance company pays for repairs or determines your vehicle is a total loss, you are still responsible for paying your deductible. This is the amount listed in your policy that must be paid out of pocket before insurance covers the remaining damage. For example, if your deductible is $500, you must pay the first $500 of repair costs before your insurer contributes.

Understanding how your coverage works is important, especially if there is a chance your vehicle may be totaled. The team at H. Dean Allison Insurance can help you review your policy and answer questions. Contact us today. We proudly serve drivers in the Altoona, PA, area.

Should You Make a Boat Insurance Claim for Minor Weather-Related Damage?

Boat insurance often covers damage caused by weather events like wind, hail, or storms, but coverage depends on your policy details. Deductibles, exclusions, and coverage limits all affect whether a claim makes sense or smaller repairs.

Weighing Repair Costs Against Your Deductible

For minor weather-related damage, the cost to repair may be close to or below your deductible. In those cases, filing a claim may not result in any payout. Getting a repair estimate first can help you decide whether submitting a claim is worthwhile.

How Claims Can Affect Future Premiums

Even small claims can be recorded on your insurance history. Multiple claims over time may lead to higher premiums or difficulty renewing coverage. Reviewing your policy and claim history helps you understand the long-term impact before filing.

When a Claim Might Be the Right Choice

If damage affects safety, structural integrity, or could worsen over time, filing a claim may be the safer option. Water intrusion or damage to key systems can become more expensive if left unaddressed.

Talking to Your Insurance Provider First

You can often discuss the situation with your insurer or agent without formally filing a claim. Asking how coverage applies and what your options are can help you make a more informed decision without triggering a claim record.

Reach Out to H. Dean Allison Insurance, Serving Altoona, PA

At H. Dean Allison Insurance, we’re proud to serve Altoona, PA, and we’re here to help you with all of your boat insurance needs. Whether you’re renewing a policy or looking for a policy for a new watercraft, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our boat insurance policy options.

How To Estimate Proper Coverage for Boat Insurance for Your New Investment

Investing in a boat means summers spent on the water, exploring with ease. While these types of experiences may be dominating your thoughts, you also need to consider protecting yourself from risks. That is where boat insurance can help.

If you are looking for the right level of coverage for your new purchase, including boat insurance, our team at H. Dean Allison Insurance, serving Altoona, PA, can offer the guidance you need.

What Your Boat Insurance Should Cover

Most boat owners require a range of coverage types to protect them from accidents and mishaps. A good starting point is with ample boat liability coverage. It helps to cover claims made against you, such as your boat striking a dock or another person’s recreational vehicle. It can also help if someone claims they were hurt on your boat.

You also need property insurance, a coverage that protects you from costly losses related to fire, storms, and other losses that could happen. Your insurance agent will help you choose the right level of coverage based on the value of your boat, including the equipment onboard, personal contents, and the overall value of the structure. If you have a loan on your boat, you will likely need comprehensive coverage to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your watercraft.

If you own specialized gear or recreational vehicles, you may need additional coverage to protect these assets.

Let Us Make Boat Insurance Easy To Manage

After speaking to your agent, you’ll have a better idea of what value and type of coverage is best for your investment. For boat insurance in and around Altoona, PA, turn to H. Deal Allison Insurance for a comprehensive consultation and an accurate estimate for your boat policy.

Your Home Insurance Can Cover Items You Take With You When You Travel

H. Dean Allison Insurance Offers Insurance for Pennsylvania Homeowners

Your home insurance policy offers many benefits you may not be aware of, such as coverage for personal possessions when you are away from home. Breaking into rental cars and thefts in hotel room are common occurrences that can result in expensive losses during your travel experience. Most homeowners policies offer coverage to a certain limit to defray the cost of these losses. At H. Dean Allison Insurance, serving Altoona, PA, we help clients find the right coverage for all their insurance needs.

Coverage for Possessions When You Are Away From Home

Items that are stolen or damaged while away from home are generally included in the personal possession coverage of your home insurance policy. You should always consult with your insurance agent to determine the extent of the coverage, which may have a certain limit. If needed, you can purchase additional valuable items coverage for important items.

Making a Claim For a Loss That Occurs When You Travel

If you experience a theft during your trip, a call to your insurance company will allow you to begin the process of recovering the cost of your stolen item. Generally, you will need your home insurance policy number, proof of purchase of the item and a copy of the police report supporting your claim.

Make H. Dean Allison Insurance Your Agent For Home Insurance

If you travel frequently with electronics, jewelry or other expensive items, the theft coverage of your home insurance policy could be an important factor in preventing a financial loss. Our experienced agents can answer your questions about coverage you might need for personal possessions when you are away from home. Contact H. Dean Allison Insurance, serving Altoona, PA and surrounding areas, today for a no-obligation quote on insurance that will cover your possessions when you travel.

Does Your Fifth-Wheel RV Require Separate Insurance in Pennsylvania?

Owning a recreational vehicle in Altoona, PA, provides endless hours and miles of adventure. Whichever type of RV you own, you want the right insurance in place before you go on your next journey. Your RV model will determine the type of insurance necessary. At H. Dean Allison Insurance, we will get you on the road with the protection you need.

Recreational Vehicle Insurance

In Altoona, PA, a separate policy is required for motorized RVs, which include Class A, B, and C models. With a non-motorized recreational vehicle, such as the fifth-wheel, the insurance policy covering the vehicle towing the RV typically provides liability coverage. 

For other protection not covered by the towing vehicle’s policy, you would need a separate RV policy. The following are coverages to consider.

Comprehensive

The coverage is for damages resulting from incidents you have no control over, such as theft and severe weather.

Collision

Collision insurance covers your fifth-wheel if it is damaged due to colliding with an object or another vehicle, or the RV is involved in an accident resulting in a rollover.

Liability

Liability covers damage or injuries that you cause to another person or their property.

Medical Payments

The coverage is for medical expenses resulting from an accident. It protects you as well as the passengers in your RV.

Personal Belongings

You may also want to insure the personal effects inside your RV. Options also include total loss replacement and roadside assistance.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist

This coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t have enough.

Contact Us

At H. Dean Allison Insurance, we make it easy to insure your fifth-wheel before heading out to destinations near and far. Call us for more information. We’re currently serving the Altoona, PA, area.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Include Roadside Assistance?

Motorcycle insurance in Altoona, PA, can help protect your assets if you’re involved in an accident. It can also ensure that your medical bills are covered or that your motorcycle is repaired. But does it include roadside assistance? The answer depends on a few factors.

Legal Requirements

Legally, you’re only required to have a liability policy. This type of policy covers the other person’s medical bills and property damage if you’re found at fault in an accident. However, it won’t cover your personal belongings or property damage.

Most liability policies also include uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. This means that if the other person is at fault but doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for damages, your insurance will step in to help.

If you choose a policy that only meets the minimum legal requirements, roadside assistance will not be included.

Additional Coverage

Some comprehensive and collision coverage levels automatically include roadside assistance, but this varies by insurance company. Be sure to ask an agent at H. Dean Allison Insurance whether roadside assistance is included in different levels of coverage.

Insurance Add-Ons

Many insurance companies allow you to purchase additional coverage, often referred to as add-ons. These add-ons can include roadside assistance. You can also purchase coverage that pays for a rental vehicle if your motorcycle is totaled.

Additionally, many companies offer options to upgrade your bodily injury or property damage limits. You may also be able to purchase coverage for motorcycle accessories.

Agents at H. Dean Allison Insurance will work with you to ensure your policy includes everything you need, including roadside assistance. Contact us today to learn more about purchasing additional coverage. We proudly serve the Altoona, PA, area.

Driving Infractions You May Be Unaware Of

When most of us think about driving infractions, we picture the obvious ones: speeding, running red lights, or texting while driving. However, at H. Dean Allison Insurance, serving Altoona, PA, we are aware of several lesser-known violations that can still affect your driving record and, consequently, your auto insurance rates.

Rolling Through Stop Signs

You might not think twice about slowing down at a stop sign without coming to a complete stop, especially when no one else is around. However, "rolling stops" are a common infraction and can lead to a ticket. Pennsylvania law requires a full stop at every stop sign, even in quiet neighborhoods.

Driving With Snow on Your Car

It might be tempting to brush off just enough snow to see out of your windshield on a frosty morning, but did you know that failing to clear snow or ice from your car can result in a fine? If flying debris causes an accident or obstructs another driver’s view, you could be held responsible.

Obstructing Your License Plate

That custom license plate frame might look sharp, but if it blocks any part of the plate, especially the state name or registration stickers, you could be cited for an infraction. Law enforcement needs to be able to see your license plate clearly, and any obstruction is considered a violation.

Keep Your Record and Your Rates Clean

These infractions might seem minor, but they can add up quickly and affect your driving record. As your record changes, so can your insurance premiums. The good news is that staying informed can help you avoid unnecessary surprises.

If you have questions about how your driving record might be affecting your insurance, contact H. Dean Allison Insurance, serving Altoona, PA, today. We’re here to help you stay protected and informed.

How Boat Insurance Helps After a Dock Accident

Learning how to operate a boat can be an exciting experience, but it comes with a learning curve. One critical skill is safely maneuvering your boat into and out of the marina, including navigating the dock. In the event of an accident, boat insurance can provide the protection you need in several ways.

At H. Dean Allison Insurance, our team is here to help you select boat insurance in Altoona, PA that offers comprehensive coverage, even in the case of an accident.

Boat Insurance and Dock Accidents

Boat insurance typically includes several types of coverage, which can protect you in a variety of situations depending on the specifics of the incident.

Liability insurance is a key component of boat insurance. It provides coverage if you or your boat causes damage to another person’s property, such as a dock. For example, if you lose control of your boat and it damages someone else’s dock, the liability insurance portion of your policy may cover the repair costs. Liability insurance also covers expenses related to injuries that occur in such situations.

If you own the dock, your property insurance can help cover losses resulting from an accident that occurs on or near it. For instance, if someone falls on your dock due to unsafe conditions, your property insurance may cover their medical expenses. If a marina or another party owns the dock, their insurance policy would typically cover structural damages in such events.

Getting the Coverage You Need in Altoona

At H. Dean Allison Insurance, we can help you find the right coverage tailored to your specific needs. For boat insurance in Altoona, PA that minimizes your risks, contact our team for a quote today. With the right policy, you can worry less about potential boat accidents.

Pennsylvania Homes: The Hidden Insurance Gap You Missed!

Living in Altoona, PA, can feel like a dream come true, with its natural beauty and the comfort of a home you love. However, hidden insurance gaps often lurk within the fine print of your home insurance policy, leaving your property insufficiently covered. At H. Dean Allison Insurance, we’re here to ensure you don’t miss anything when it comes to protecting your home.

What Your Home Insurance Covers

Home insurance typically covers the basics: your property, personal belongings, and liability. It also provides coverage for living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable during repairs.

While this sounds comprehensive, there are often gaps in coverage that only become apparent when you read the fine print—or worse, when you file a claim.

The Gaps That May Exist

Many Pennsylvania homeowners are unaware of the exclusions and gaps in their policies until they need to file a claim. Common gaps include:

  • Exclusions: Certain scenarios, such as a slow pipe leak that goes unnoticed for months, may require add-on coverage.
  • Valuable Items: Expensive artwork, classic cars, or other high-value items may not be fully covered under a standard policy.

Insurance agents are trained to identify these gaps and can help ensure your policy provides the coverage you need.

Work with a Professional Agent

You’ve worked hard to enjoy the home you own in Altoona, PA. Just as you wouldn’t cut corners when building or maintaining your home, you shouldn’t take shortcuts with your insurance coverage.

The cheapest premiums aren’t always the best option. At H. Dean Allison Insurance, we’re committed to helping you find the right policy and eliminating any insurance gaps. Contact us today to start reviewing your existing policy and ensure your home is fully protected.

Does RV Insurance Cover Appliances?

A recreational vehicle can be equipped with almost any appliance you might find in a conventional home, including refrigerators, microwave ovens, stoves, and even dishwashers. You can also wash and dry your clothes in a well-equipped RV. These appliances make motorhomes more convenient and versatile, but does RV insurance cover them?

Insurance Coverage

Recreational vehicle owners in Altoona, PA, will be pleased to know that RV insurance often covers appliances and other contents of a motorhome. However, you’ll likely need to opt for personal effects/property coverage to have this type of protection. In addition to appliances, it frequently covers electronics, apparel, and similar items.

Keep in mind that RV insurance will only cover appliance damage caused by a covered event. These events vary depending on the specific type of policy you have. Collision coverage primarily covers damage caused by crashes involving objects or vehicles. Comprehensive RV insurance expands coverage to include fire, vandalism, animal strikes, and various kinds of extreme weather.

What’s Not Covered

Recreational vehicle insurance won’t cover a mechanical failure or manufacturing defect in an appliance. If you want this type of coverage, you’ll need to opt for an extended warranty. Insurance generally covers unexpected sudden losses that aren’t associated with wear and tear, routine maintenance, or the replacement of equipment at the end of its normal lifespan.

If you’re looking for a policy that will cover your RV and its appliances, H. Dean Allison Insurance can assist. Our local agency has over 45 years of experience and partners with several top insurance carriers to provide excellent coverage. To request a quote and get detailed answers to your questions, call 814-941-0675 to reach H. Dean Allison Insurance in Altoona, PA.

Our Partners

  • Agency Insurance Company
  • AllState
  • Bedford Grange
  • Encompass
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Markel
  • Nationwide
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • The Farmers Fire