A personal umbrella policy is additional liability insurance, above and beyond underlying policies you maintain, that protects your financial assets by complimenting and extending the coverage that is afforded under your personal auto, homeowners and other primary policies. 

Today, nearly everyone should consider personal umbrella coverage.  A personal umbrella policy can provide additional liability coverage when unforeseen circumstances arise due to accidents, negligence and lawsuits. Umbrella policy limits range from $1,000,000 and can go as high as $10,000,000, depending on the carrier. 

Today, ever increasing medical costs and unforeseen lawsuits are driving settlements into the thousands and sometimes millions of dollars. These amounts can easily exceed your primary liability limits afforded under your automobile, homeowner, rental, motorcycle, watercraft and other policies, and if found liable or negligent, the difference could come directly out of your pocket in a court settlement or law suit. 

Discuss with an insurance agent for further details and suggestions to properly cover you and your family in situations that could arise.  An umbrella policy is a cost effective method to protect your assets and future earnings while providing you with peace of mind.

Unfortunately, your homeowners insurance policy won’t cover the damage to your home or property; only flood insurance will cover the losses.

Find out more: Flood Insurance from Erie Insurance

Here are just a few safety and preparation tips to keep in mind during winter months.

• Inspect  Brakes and tires.
• Inspect battery.
• Add lubricant to door locks to prevent freezing.
• Replace windshield wipers and de-icing washer fluid if necessary
• Add antifreeze.
• Wear a seat belt and make sure all passengers have their seat belts fastened.
• Ice forms first on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas. Do not slam on the brakes when driving over ice. Decelerate slowly, holding the car steady.
• Adjust the speed to fit the weather conditions and remain a safe distance behind other cars.
• If the car begins to skid, remove the foot from the gas pedal, but don’t hit the brake. Steer gently in the direction the front of the car should go. As the car straightens out, traction and control will return.
• Keep blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, jumper cables, tire chains, a flashlight, ice scraper and golves in the car. Take a food supply of candy bars or dried fruit.
• Keep the gasoline level as high as possible to prevent water condensation in the tank.

Visit www.nhtsa.gov for more road safety information.

We celebrated our 75 year anniversary with a Customer Appreciation Open House  September 28, 2010.

Marilyn Clark, 2010 Athena Award Recipient (3rd from left, front row) is joined by previous award recipients and committee members.

Each year the Athena Award Committee celebrates Lancaster area women who have displayed professional excellence, actively engaged in community services and provided help and support for other women. This year’s Athena Award winner was Marilyn Clark, of Clark Insurance. The recipient of the award is not announced until the awards banquet and came as a surprise to Marilyn and her family.

Marilyn recognized the support of her three sons, Chip, Brad and Chris, who join Marilyn in the family business. After receiving a well-earned standing ovation, Marilyn spoke about her career and family.

“I would not be here without my three sons. This is truly an honor that I’ll appreciate the rest of my life,” said Marilyn.

Learn more about the Athena Awards and the 2010 Award Presentation from the Lancaster Eagle Gazette.

You’ve probably notice our new name and a new look. Most of you have called us “Clark’s” for years, so we’re really taking your lead with our name. Short and to the point…Clark Insurance.

You’ve already seen our new website and we hope you visit it often. We plan to add to this News & Events section often, sharing news from our community, the insurance industry and local special events.

We value each of our clients, our relationships with you are the reason we remain a leading independent insurance company. Let us know how we can help you and your family.

A recent J.D. Power survey measured policyholders’ satisfaction in five areas: interaction, policy offerings, billing and payment, auto insurance rates and claims. The results were calculated from more than 25,000 responses. Policyholders were contacted in February and March.

Among the companies we represent Erie Insurance Group and Auto-Owners Insurance Group rank #2 and #3 respectively.

For us, it is all about service. That’s been the cornerstone of our business for 75 years, and will be for the next 75!