Easter Holiday Hours (2016 Edition)

Back by popular demand is our Easter holiday hours post.  This year here's what we are looking at:

Easter Holiday Office Hours:

Thursday, March 24th      Office will close at 3:00 pm  

Friday, March 25th            Office closed for Good Friday

Monday, March 28th         Regular office hours resumed

 (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)  

 

Emergency calls during the holiday period will be accepted by Pinnacle Insurance at 412-816-1000.  Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable weekend from Pinnacle Insurance and visit us at www.pinnacle4ins.com.

Happy Holidays from all us here at Pinnacle Insurance!

 

 

We'd like to wish everyone a great Holiday Season. Our agency wouldn't exist without our clients and we value and appreciate you choosing us for your insurance needs. We look forward to continuing that partnership in the coming year and have a happy and safe holidays.

 

All the very best to you and your family,  Pinnacle Insurance Group Mark, Kirk, Mike, Ed, Joe, Pam, Lynn, Carol, Linda, Judy & Wendy     Our holidays hours: Thursday December 17th close at 12:30 for office holiday party Thursday December 23rd close at 3pm Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas re-open December 28th at 9am Thursday December 31st close at 3pm Closed New Years Day   for more information visit pinnacle4ins.com or call 412-816-1000

Fall Maintenance Tips

One of our carriers Travelers Insurance has some useful fall maintenance tips we thought we'd pass along:
https://www.travelers.com/prepare-prevent/home/home-maintenance/fall-maintenance-tips.aspx

Feel free to comment below or on our facebook page about others they may not have included!

Labor Day Hours

Here's our Labor Day Holiday Hours:

 

Friday September 4th         Office closes early at 3pm

Monday September 7th      Office closed in honor of the Holiday

Tuesday September 8th      Regular office hours resumed

                         (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)  

 

Call us at 412-816-1000 to discuss any insurance needs and feel free to visit us online at www.pinnacle4ins.com.

 

Our staff at Pinnacle wishes you a wonderful extended weekend.  Enjoy your holiday cookouts and please do be safe on the roads.

4th of July Holidays Hours & A Staff Recommended Recipe

 

 

 

Here's our 4th of July Holiday Hours:

 

Thursday July 2nd              Office will close at 3:00 pm

Friday July 3rd                    Office closed in honor of the Holiday

Monday July 6th                 Regular office hours resumed

                         (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)  

 

Call us at 412-816-1000 to discuss any insurance needs and feel free to visit us online at www.pinnacle4ins.com.

 

If by chance you are looking for a good recipe to throw on the grill this holiday weekend check out our staff recommended pick of Grilled Pork Tenderloin & Peaches: http://communitytable.com/29231/bobbyflay/grilled-pork-tenderloin-peaches

 

Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable 4th of July weekend from all of us here at Pinnacle Insurance.

Easter Hours

Easter Holiday Office Hours:

  

In case you were curious here are our hours for the Easter holiday.  We'd like to thank all of our customers and wish you an excellent holiday weekend with your friends and families.  So without further delay here's those hours...

Thursday, April 2nd         Office will close at 3:00 pm  

Friday, April 3rd              Office closed for Good Friday

Monday, April 6th           Regular office hours resumed

 (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)  

 

Emergency calls during the holiday period will be accepted by Pinnacle Insurance at 412-816-1000.  Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable weekend from Pinnacle Insurance and visit us at www.pinnacle4ins.com

Tips to get you through the winter!

This link has quite a few good tips on getting through the winter that we wanted to pass along...
http://www.iii.org/article/tips-surviving-severe-cold-weather?et_cid=35205256&et_rid=982127576

We hope everyone had an enjoyable holidays and as always give us a call at 412-816-1000 if we can help you with your current policies or look at any additional insurance needs you might have.  www.pinnacle4ins.com

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

Happy Thanksgiving from Pinnacle Insurance

  

 

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday our office hours will be as follows:    Wednesday, November 26th the office will close at 3:00 PM   Thursday, November 27th the office will be closed   Friday, November 28th the office will be closed     We will return to regular office hours (8:30 to 4:30) on Monday, December 1st     Visit our website at www.pinnacle4ins.com

Labor Day Hours

Ever wonder about the history behind Labor Day? Sure it serves as a painful reminder that the summer is pretty much over, the pools are closing, and football is starting, but where did this day off actually come from? 

Well according to Wikipedia, "It is a celebration of the American labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country.

Labor Day was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, who organized the first parade in New York City. After the Haymarket Massacre, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886, U.S. President Grover Cleveland feared that commemorating Labor Day on May 1 could become an opportunity to commemorate the affair. Thus, in 1887, it was established as an official holiday in September to support the Labor Day that the Knights favored.^[1]"

So basically long story short it's an excuse for a day off & here are our holiday hours:

Friday August 29th:            Office will close at 3:00 pm

 

Monday September 1st:      Office closed in honor of the Holiday

 

Tuesday, September 2nd:   Regular office hours resumed

                          (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

 

Best wishes on a wonderful holiday weekend and if we can be of any service please call us at 412-816-1000 or visit us online at www.pinnacle4ins.com.

 

Grilling Tips

Cooking out on the grill & the summer months go hand in hand.  With that said it seems like the perfect time for us at Pinnacle Insurance to pass along some safety tips to ensure a summer of grilling that doesn't include a trip to the emergency room.  Here are some do's and don'ts we found online at the National Fire Protection Association when it comes to grilling:

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors. (rather obvious but hey you never know)

The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.

Never leave your grill unattended.

Charcoal grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Propane grills

Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.  Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose.  A propane leak will release bubbles.  If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill.  If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.  If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.  If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.  Do not move the grill. 

Overall

We wish everyone a great summer and hope you enjoy vacations, picnics and plenty of meals on the grill.  Feel free to share your summer recipes in the comment section too.

Give us a call at 412-816-1000 or visit us online at www.pinnacle4ins.com for any insurance needs we can assist you with.

4th of July Holiday Hours

 

 

4th of July Office Hours:

  

Thursday, July 3rd:       Office will close at 3:00 pm

 

Friday, July 4th:            Office closed in honor of the Holiday

 

Monday, July 6th:         Regular office hours resumed

                   (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

 

Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable 4th of July weekend from Pinnacle Insurance.  Give us a call at 412-816-1000 or visit us online at www.pinnacle4ins.com for any insurance needs we can assist you with.

Memorial Day Hours

 

 

Memorial Day Office Hours:

  

Friday, May 23rd           Office will close at 3:00 pm

 

Monday, May 26th         Office closed in honor of the Holiday

 

Tuesday, May 27th        Regular office hours resumed

                   (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

 

Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend from Pinnacle Insurance.  Give us a call at 412-816-1000 or visit us online at www.pinnacle4ins.com for any insurance needs we can assist you with.

 

Easter Holiday Office Hours

Easter Holiday Office Hours:

  

Thursday, April 17th         Office will close at 3:00 pm  

Friday, April 18th              Office closed for Good Friday

Monday, April 21st            Regular office hours resumed

 (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)  

 

Emergency calls during the holiday period will be accepted by Pinnacle Insurance at 412-816-1000.  Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable weekend from Pinnacle Insurance and visit us at www.pinnacle4ins.com

Recognition Award!

Pinnacle is proud to have recently received a recognition award from Donegal Insurance Company.  Thanks to all of our customers and staff that helped make it possible.

Seen these cars? Heard of ride sharing? Here's the insurance side of things...

 

 

 

Ridesharing companies use mobile apps to connect passengers with drivers using their personal cars to compete with taxi cab companies.  These companies have begun negotiations with the city to offer their services in Pittsburgh.  Uber and Lfyt are two of the more popular ones on the road thus far and both have launced their respective services just recently.  It turns out those mustaches on the front bumpers of cars around the area are more than just a fad gone wrong.

Unfortunately, the way that personal auto insurance policies are currently written, coverage may be voided for most of the drivers hired by theses services.  Following is the exclusion found in most personal automobile insurance policies:

 Any insured's liability arising out of the ownership or operation of a vehicle while it is being used as public or livery conveyance.  This exclusion (A.5.) does not apply to a share-the-expense car pool.

For a ridesharing driver to be covered properly, a commercial auto policy would need to be purchased due to the large liability exposure.  Please note that a commercial policy would be extremely expensive and not readily available in Pittsburgh's insurance marketplace.

Most major ridesharing services carry their own commercial auto insurance which offers limited liability coverage to passengers, other vehicles & pedestrians.  The ridesharing company's policy is intended to respond when drivers are en route to pick up a ridesharing client or have one in the car.  This policy would not cover the drivers when they are in between fares.  It is not clear if the ridesharing company's policy would cover damage to one of their driver's cars.  Potentially, there could be a lot of uninsured drivers on the road.  Even if you don't use one of these services you might want to call our office and check on your un and underinsured limits in the case you get into an accident with a ride sharing vehicle.

Until personal automobile insurance carriers begin to offer policies that address new exposures such as ridesharing, be extremely guarded when considering ridesharing as an occupation.  This may not be a good way to earn a second income.  Pizza delivery drivers face a similar issue.  There is a hidden exclusion in a delivery person’s personal auto insurance policy that states, "all coverage is excluded for any insured using vehicle while employed in the pickup or delivery of newspapers or magazines, food or any products for the purpose of compensation".  At a time of loss an insurance adjuster has the ability to deny coverage due to this exclusion in the policy. The same type of thing could be a possibility for ride sharing drivers so you want to check with your auto insurance carrier and the company you are thinking of being a part of before becoming a driver.  

As this is an ever changing new marketplace its best to keep up to date on how these companies are covered and know what risks you might be taking as an individual by being a passenger or a driver.  It's an exciting service that brings what seems to be a need for more cab service to the area, we just want you to be fully aware that there may be gaps in coverage from an insurance standpoint. 

 

Please feel free to call us at Pinnacle Insurance at 412-816-1000 if you have questions or feel we can be of service.  www.pinnacle4ins.com

 

 

 

Insuring Jewelry & Other Valuables

With Valentine's Day just around the corner now is the perfect time of year to make sure any new jewelry you buy for your loved ones (or already have) is properly insured.  Unfortunately, most people aren’t aware that homeowners and renters insurance policies have sub limits (limited coverage) for Jewelry, Cameras, Guns, Silverware, Furs, Fine Arts, Coin & Stamp Collectables, Musical Instruments, Sporting Equipment, Computer & Electronic Equipment. The coverage limits can range from $ 1,000 to $ 2,500. This means in many cases you are underinsured for these items. 

In order to properly insure these items they need to be scheduled on your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Normally, an appraisal or sales receipt is required to add items on to you homeowners policy. By scheduling your jewelry (or other valuables) you can rest assured that your most important and treasured items are covered for their actual value in the case of a loss or mysterious disappearance . As always, if you have questions or feel we can be of service, call Pinnacle Insurance at 412-816-1000.  www.pinnacle4ins.com

Happy Holidays!!!

 

From: Pinnacle Insurance

 

 

Wishing you health and happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. We value our customer relationships and thank you for being our customer. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the coming year.

 

All the best to you and your family,  Pinnacle Insurance Group Mark, Kirk, Mike, Ed, Joe, Pam, Lynn, Carol, Linda, Judy & Wendy     Our holidays hours: Monday December 23rd 9am to 3pm Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas re-open December 26th at 9am Tuesday December 31st close at 3pm Closed New Years Day   for more information visit pinnacle4ins.com or call 412-816-1000

Thanksgiving Week Office Hours

Happy Thanksgiving from Pinnacle Insurance

 

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday our office hours will be as follows:    Wednesday, November 27th the office will close at 3:00 PM   Thursday, November 28th the office will be closed   Friday, November 29th the office will be closed     We will return to regular office hours (8:30 to 4:30) on Monday, December 2nd     Visit our website at www.pinnacle4ins.com

Fall back this weekend!

 

 

 

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday November 3rd at 2:01 AM; don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour.

 

 This is also a good time to:

 

   *  Check your fire extinguishers

   *  Change the batteries in your smoke   

       & carbon monoxide detectors

   *  Update your virus protection on your computers

   *  Schedule annual inspection for your furnace

 

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep this weekend.  As always, if you have questions or feel we can be of service, call Pinnacle Insurance at 412-816-1000 or visit us on the web at www.pinnacle4ins.com.

 

 

 

Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) Enrollment Starts TODAY!

The enrollment period for healthcare coverage is set to begin today under the new Affordable Care Act (Obama Care). There is a great deal of confusion about the program itself as well as the enrollment process due to the amount of detailed information currently available. The initial enrollment period for individual and family coverage will run from October 1st, 2013 to March 31st 2014.


Some of the things we currently know:

• In 2014 all eligible Americans will be required to carry health insurance or be subject to a fine.
• Tax incentives will be offered to offset premiums and out of pocket expenses based upon income levels tied to the federal minimum poverty level.  
• No one can be excluded or charged a higher premium for pre-existing health conditions.
• Qualified Health Plans will be available through Marketplaces (previously called exchanges) for individuals and families who do not have access to affordable employer-sponsored plans.
• The marketplaces for each state will provide a place to compare coverage options and to purchase health insurance. The selection of a plan that works best for you may be determined with the assistance of a certified agent or broker.

To Read more about the Affordable Care Act, see below:

• Consumers can use agents and brokers to help guide them through the process of enrolling and selecting their health insurance plan without additional cost.  We are here to help.
• Insurance carriers can not limit or exclude coverage for pre-existing health conditions.  This provision is called guaranteed issue.  Insurers must also offer to renew or continue all in force coverage at the option of the policyholder, which is called guaranteed renewability.
• Insurance carriers are limited to basing premium variations to age, family composition, geographic area and tobacco use.  Tobacco use premium surcharge is limited to 1.5 times the non-tobacco users rate.
• Premium rates can very by age for enrollees between the ages of 21 and 63 on each birthday until age 63.  Older enrollees can not be charged more than 3 times the amount that younger enrollees are charged.
• Health plans must make coverage available to children up to the age of 26.  Young adults can join or remain on parents insurance coverage even if they are married (coverage does not extend to married child’s spouse), not living in Parent’s household, not attending school, not financially dependent or even if they are eligible to enroll in their own employer’s plan.
• All plans must include 10 Essential Health Benefits (EHB): Doctors Visits, Hospitalizations, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Rehabilitative Services & Devices, Laboratory Services, Emergency Services, Maternity & Newborn Care, Prescription Drugs, Preventive & Wellness Management and Pediatric Services.
• Lifetime and annual coverage limits are eliminated on all plans under the Affordable Care Act.
• Out of pocket expenses (deductibles & coinsurance) are capped for 2014 at $6,350 for an individual and $12,700 for families enrolled in individual market plans.
• The plans available in the Individual Marketplace (Exchanges) will be: Catastrophic – offers least amount of coverage but must comply with above maximum out of pocket limits, Bronze – 60% of cost paid by insurer, Silver – 70% paid by insurer, Gold 80% paid by insurer, Platinum – 90% paid by insurer up to out of pocket limits above.
• When the application process begins on October 1st 2013, an individual must live in the United States, be a resident in the state where enrolling.  Also they must be a United States citizen or national (or a lawfully present non-citizen), not be incarcerated, other than incarceration pending the disposition of charges.
• To apply for coverage you will need to visit your states Marketplace website and complete one application.  By completing a single, web-based application, you will receive health insurance coverage options, eligibility guidelines for premium tax credits and cost sharing reductions.
• When completing the application your information will be verified through various government agencies.  If there are inconsistencies you will need to resolve them in order to continue the process.
• Premium Tax Credits is a new income tax provision that helps individuals and families afford health insurance coverage through the Marketplace.  You may choose to apply all or some of your tax credit towards the premium cost on an advanced basis which will be paid directly to the insurance company.  At the end of each year your account will be reconciled.  You also have the option of taking the tax credit on your tax return.
• Cost sharing is also available to some, which is a tax credit applied deductibles and coinsurance.  Premium tax credits and cost sharing eligibility are based on income requirements.
• In order to qualify for premium tax credit your income must be between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.  The federal poverty level for 2013 is $ 11,490 for an individual and $ 23,550 for a family of four.
• To be eligible for cost sharing programs you must have an annual household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level and also be enrolled in a silver level plan through a Marketplace.
• In order to receive premium tax credits and cost sharing, you must select the Silver (70% co-insured) plan through the Marketplace.
• There will be open enrollment periods annually with special enrollment periods for certain triggering events such as: becoming or gaining a dependent, becoming a citizen, loss of Medicaid eligibility, loss of affordable employer sponsored coverage, permanent move to another state or other exceptional circumstances as identified by the Marketplace.
• You will have 60 days to enroll for new births, adoptions and marriage.  If the Individual Marketplace is notified before the last day of the month that the marriage occurred, coverage will begin the 1st of the following month.
• Under the Affordable Care Act you may have an agent or broker assist you through the process.  There is no additional cost to you by having an agent or broker assist you!

Pinnacle Insurance is here to help you. As your agent, we can assist you in correctly identifying program eligibility, including potential options for financial assistance, as well as completion of the Affordable Care Act application to avoid enrollment delays due to application errors.

Affordable Health Care Reform is here and it will change the manner in which many people make coverage selections and buy health care coverage. Are you ready? We are here to make sure you don't take chances with your health.
Please feel free to call if you have questions or feel we can be of service, call Pinnacle Insurance at 412-816-1000 or visit our website www.pinnacle4ins.com.