John Yurconic Agency

Earn Money by Buying Insurance? That’s the Power of your Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber Membership.

2012-01-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

Penn National Insurance and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce have put together an exclusive business insurance program designed to provide chamber members with the comprehensive PA Business Insurance coverages they need at a competitive rate. Plus, depending on the group premium volume and claims experience, you could earn a dividend too!

Plus you get added protection and value through Penn National Insurance:

PennPac® — our enhanced coverages on auto, businessowners, property, workers’compensation, and general liability — giving you added security at no additional cost.
Equipment breakdown coverage automatically included with businessowners and commercial fire policies
Replacement cost auto coverage — not commonly found in commercial auto policies — can be added at a nominal flat rate, giving you a valuable and affordable peace-of-mind coverage
Add special coverages for niche business, such as printers, wholesalers, manufacturers, auto repair, family-style & fine-dining restaurants, and artisan contractors
Information and services to help reduce losses
Outstanding, local claim and customer support service
Convenient Web-delivered Online Insurance Center for access 24/7, including pay online, electronic funds transfer, billing and policy information, and claims reporting

*subject to individual risk characteristics, loss experience and underwriting guidelines

Eligible lines* offered through
this program include:

Businessowners
Commercial auto
Commercial fire and crime
General liability
Inland marine
Workers’ compensation

Dividend earned is based on the total group premium and claims experience of eligible lines.
For example:
If group premium is: $1.2 Million
and group loss ratio is: 16%
Group dividend is: 15%
If member premium is: $20,000
Dividend earned will be: $3,000
Dividend payments are based upon program eligibility and are not guaranteed.

Want to know more? Call the John Yurconic Agency today! 610-770-6600

January is Life Insurance Month at the John Yurconic Agency!

2012-01-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

You could save up to 20% or more on your Life Insurance! (Qualified Applicants)*

Contact Don at 1-877-410-6348 ext 109 for a free Pennsylvania Life Insurance Quote!

10-year Term Life Insurance (Super Preferred non tobacco**) See sample rates table below:

Monthly Premiums for rates in PA.

Age: $250,000 $500,000

35 Male $11.57 $14.69

35 Female $11.13 $13.80

45 Male $18.69 $29.37

45 Female $16.69 $25.37

55 Male $40.27 $72.98

55 Female $31.82 $55.18

*To Qualified Applicants only. Rates are based on a John Yurconic Agency National A+ rated insurance supplier. Rates are guaranteed for 10 years.

**Super preferred non tobacco means no tobacco use of any kind with the last 36 months. Rates are subject to change.

Tips: Fire Safety During the Holidays

2011-12-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

Tips: Fire Safety During the Holidays from our friends at PuroClean

As we get ready to enter this season, it is very important to keep safety in mind.

The National Fire Prevention Association recommends:

Cooking/Kitchen Safety:

Always stay in the kitchen when cooking. If you must leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the stovetop.
No matter how you are cooking, check the food regularly. Use a timer to remind you to check the food.
Wear short, close-fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can easily catch fire.
Never use water to extinguish a cooking fire.
If oil starts to boil, remove it from the heat source. Simply lowering the heat will not reduce the temperature fast enough.
Be careful not to overfill pots with oil. You need room in the pan to add food. Overflowing oil can easily catch fire. If oil catches fire, use an oven mitt to carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the fire.
If oil has overflowed and is burning, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department from outside.
Keep towels, bags, plastic, and food packaging away from flame and heat.
Never cook when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

Candle Safety:

Always keep a burning candle within sight - never leave it unattended.
Never burn a candle near anything that can catch fire.
Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candles and place on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
Make sure a candle is completely extinguished and is no longer glowing before leaving it.
Never use a candle as a night light.

Christmas Decoration Safety:

When decorating, be sure to use only lights rated for indoor use.
Replace any lights that have worn, frayed, or broken cords.
Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
Keep live trees moist by watering daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry.
Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source.
Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles - dried out trees are highly flammable.
Make sure artificial trees are fire retardant.
Place the tree near an outlet to avoid running long extension cords.
Do not burn a Christmas tree in a fireplace. They are practically explosive.

General Fire Safety:

Install smoke alarms and test them once a month (pick a day, such as the first of each month).
Change the batteries regularly - many experts recommend changing your smoke alarm batteries twice a year - when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time, and back.
Have a dry or foam fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Check the expiration date to be sure it is current.
Have an evacuation plan in case of a fire. Practice the plan.

By knowing and using good safety practices, we can help to ensure that everyone has a joyous and safety holiday season. Whether you need Allentown Insurance, Easton Insurance or Northampton Insurance, call the John Yurconic Agency where our clients are treated like family!

Your Policy is Only as Effective as Your Pennsylvania Insurance Agent

2011-09-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

The John Yurconic Agency Blog

When it comes to purchasing insurance, whether it is auto, home, business, or life, it can be overwhelming, which is why choosing a Pennsylvania Insurance Agent is a crucial part of the process. You should think of your agent as more of a friend, someone you can talk to, voice your questions and concerns to and, most importantly, someone you can trust. Remember that when shopping for insurance, your insurance agent is part of the package. Your insurance policy is only as effective as the Pennsylvania Insurance Agent that sold it to you.

At the John Yurconic Agency, we pride ourselves in the fact that we provide clients the perfect balance of knowledgeable Pennsylvania Insurance Agents with a personal touch. So what criteria should you use to decide who will be the best match for you?

Here are the 3 R’s (Research, Referrals, and Reassure) that will help you find the perfect Pennsylvania Insurance Agent:

Research:

Check for confirmation of licenses and certifications.
Determine which types of insurance they offer, even if it may not be what you’re looking for now, you always want to think of the future.

Referrals:

State or national trade associations often have referral lists.
Speak to other members of the community: friends, family, etc. for personal referrals from active customers.

Reassure:

Meet with your agent to be sure this is a good fit for your need.
Local networking groups, such as your chamber of commerce, provide social opportunities for you to meet agents and determine if you can work with them.
Confirm how often he or she will be handling your account and how flexible his or her schedule is.

Finding your Pennsylvania Insurance Agent is one of the most important pieces to your insurance puzzle. Always use the 3 R’s as a guide to finding a trustworthy, reliable and knowledgeable agent and soon-to-be friend!

Whether you need Easton insurance, Northampton insurance, or insurance in Reading and Allentown, Pa, The John Yurconic Agency has the solution for you!

2011-09-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

You can save up to 20% or more on your Pennsylvania Auto Insurance! Qualified drivers have saved up to 40%! Play should be fun. Work should be worry-free. But when the fruits of a lifetime of labor can be lost in an instant, it’s important to have our insurance professionals watching your back.

As a Pennsylvania Insurance Agent and a Keystone Insurers Group partner, the John Yurconic Agency has access to dozens of competitive insurance companies offering superior claims service. We do the research to find the policy that provides excellent coverage and value for your auto, home, motorcycle and recreational vehicles.

For some people especially those who have accumulated substantial assets, a need exists for increased Home Insurance in PA protections. We can offer personal umbrella policies to extend the liability limits available to protect your financial assets. Ask us about our special programs for preferred drivers, drivers with antique or collectible cars as well as those with accidents or violations.

How much can you save? Call us at 1-877-410-6348 for your PA Car Insurance Quote.

Did we give you 5 Star Service?

2011-08-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

The John Yurconic Agency of Allentown, Pennsylvania aims to please! If we have delighted you with our service and savings we want the world to know. You can help us by clicking below and leaving feed back with Google.

For Pennsylvania Auto Insurance, Pennsylvania Home Insurance, and PA Business Insurance Reviews http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=John+Yurconic+Agency,+allentown&hl=en&cid=7904388830921185152

For Pennsylvania Drivers License and Vehicle Registration Reviews http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=John+Yurconic+Agency,+allentown&hl=en&cid=5071713422823638519

Thank you and we appreciate your business!

Pennsylvania’s John Yurconic Agency Launches an Interactive Alternative to Purchasing Insurance Coverage

2011-05-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

Pennsylvania’s John Yurconic Agency Launches an Interactive Alternative to Purchasing Insurance Coverage

Why Wedding Insurance?

2011-04-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Ever had a sleepless night, worrying about what could go wrong?

For as little as $160, your wedding insurance policy can cover a variety of situations.

Unfortunately, some of what you've imagined can happen. A bride's most common "nightmare" is usually dress-related…it's damaged or defective, or the bridal salon goes out of business. Severe weather can wash out your big day. These are just some of the risks for one of the biggest investments you'll ever make (the average U.S. wedding is $27,000*). You would protect your car, why not your wedding?

The Wedding Protector Plan from Travelers can help ensure your day goes right.

No Dress

You can get repair or replacement cost if the bride's wedding gown or groom's tuxedo is lost or damaged.

Lost Deposits

We can reimburse your deposit if a vendor goes out of business, declares bankruptcy before your wedding, or simply fails to show up.

Lost Rings

You can receive repair or replacement cost if the bride's or groom's wedding band is lost or damaged.

Severe Weather

If severe weather (such as a hurricane) forces you to postpone your wedding, we can provide reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses.

Ruined Photos

If your photographer's film is defective, or negatives are lost or damaged, we can help reconvene your wedding party to take new photos or video.

Damaged Gifts

You can get repair or replacement cost if your wedding gifts are damaged.

Sudden Illness

If the wedding needs to be postponed because sudden illness prevents the bride, groom or their parents from attending, you can receive reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses.

Venue Requires Insurance

As an additional option to your policy, you can add liability coverage to protect yourself in case a guest is injured or causes damage to property.

Contact us for a free, no obligation quote: (610) 770-6600

This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy. For an actual description of all coverage’s, terms and conditions, refer to the insurance policy. view a sample wedding protector plan policy. Coverage is subject to individual insured meeting our underwriting qualifications and to state availability.

April is National Donate Life Month

2011-03-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

April iS National Donate Life Month

As demand for organ donors continues, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to

consider registering as organ and tissue donors

April 1, 2011 John Yurconic Agency has partnered with Donate Life Pennsylvania to encourage Driver’s License & Vehicle Registration customers to sign up as organ and tissue donors. John Yurconic Agency has 11 offices that serve Lehigh, Berks, Northampton, Schuylkill & Carbon Counties. We are here for all your insurance, Vehicle Registration and Driver Licensing needs. www.Yurconic.com

With more than 8,000 people in the commonwealth awaiting an organ transplant, and thousands of others waiting for tissue transplants, there is a critical need for Pennsylvanians to register as designated organ and tissue donors.

“In April, during National Donate Life Month, we honor donors who have provided others with a second chance for a healthy life and encourage more Pennsylvanians to share this precious gift,” says Susan Stuart, President and CEO, Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) based in Pittsburgh. “Although we know there is public support for organ and tissue donation, we need more individuals to take that next step and register to become a donor.”

“By saying ‘yes’ to organ and tissue donation, one person can save or enhance the lives of more than 50 people. Organ and tissue donation can free people from dialysis treatments, give the gift of sight, repair joints, save limbs or help burn victims heal,” says Howard M. Nathan, President and CEO, Gift of Life Donor Program. “Each day, 18 people on the national organ waiting list die because an appropriate match wasn’t found in time. The likelihood of finding a match increases with more registered donors.”

Pennsylvania driver’s license and identification card holders can take action immediately by going to PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website and saying “yes” to organ donation. Individuals who register as donors will receive a designation card to carry with them until it’s time to renew their driver’s license or identification card. More than 4,000 Pennsylvanians have used the online registration service since its inception in 2006, but many more donors are needed.

More than 85 percent of the American population supports organ donation but those numbers aren’t translating into action in Pennsylvania. In the commonwealth, which ranks 30th out of 50 states, fewer than 50 percent of eligible donors place the organ donor designation on their driver’s license or state identification card. To see the statistics for Pennsylvania by county go to http://www.donatelife-pa.org/map.asp

Donor eligibility is not impacted by age or race. However, there are just a few health conditions, including HIV and fast-spreading cancers, which would make individuals ineligible to donate.

The gift of organ donation is also supported by all major religions. Because some conditions and blood types are more common in certain ethnic and racial populations, the federal Department of Health and Human Services especially encourages minorities to consider donation.

Pennsylvanians can register to become an organ and tissue donor by visiting www.donatelife-pa.org or by saying “YES” when renewing their driver’s license or state identification cards at any PennDOT Driver’s License and Photo Center or John Yurconic Agency location.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Additional Info:

About CORE

CORE, Center for Organ Recovery and Education, is a regional not-for-profit agency that is the primary call center and intermediary for the organ recovery and allocation process that serves 155 hospitals and more than six million people in western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Chemung County in New York. CORE has helped to pioneer organ procurement allocation and recovery for this region since it was founded in 1977 as the Pittsburgh Transplant Foundation. For more information visit www.core.org.

About Gift of Life Donor Program

Since 1974, Gift of Life Donor Program has served as the link between donors and patients awaiting life-saving transplants in the eastern half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. In that tenure, Gift of Life has coordinated more than 30,000 life-saving organ transplants and hundreds of thousand tissue transplants. For more information, visit www.donors1.org.

Life Begins with You Campaign

The Life Begins with You campaign is a collaborative initiative between Gift of Life Donor Program (GOL), the Center for Organ & Recovery Education (CORE) – the two organ procurement organizations serving Pennsylvania – and the Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Transportation. It is funded by state residents through voluntary contributions included with driver’s license renewals, vehicle registrations and state income tax filings. All contributions are used by the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund to educate residents, build awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation, and increase the number of people who sign up to become donors on their driver's license or state identification card.

One Extraordinary Way to Say “Love Life.”

When you choose to become an organ and tissue donor, you have the power to give the most precious gift – life. Join the nearly four million Pennsylvanians who have said "yes" to organ and tissue donation by adding the donor designation to your driver’s license, learner's permit or state identification card. Sign up to be an organ and tissue donor today by visiting www.donatelife-pa.org because Life Begins with You.

How to Grow your Business

2010-12-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

How to Grow your Business

1) Measure and Analyze- Hit the books! Get a good snapshot of where you are and where you would like to be this time next year.

2) Create a plan on getting to the next level.

· What do you need to change to succeed?

· Cost cutting measures

· Hire new staff

· Training, training & more training!

· Set the expectations and make staff accountable

· YOU set the tone for the staff- Positive Reinforcement

· Consider customer surveys to understand how your customers really see you

· Revisit plan and make adjustments to your recipe for growth

3) Improve Technology

· Purchase up-to-date computers

· Improve your phone system

· Create Social Network pages (i.e., MySpace, Facebook, Twitter etc.)

· Search Engine Optimization- Google yourself and see how you rank. Are you searchable on the internet?

· Create an intranet for your staff (procedure manuals, HR forms, company handbook etc.)

4) Create a Happy Workforce/ A happy work environment is a productive one!

· Hire happy, positive, charismatic, creative, energetic people!

· Get rid of dead weight!

· Add fun to the workplace!

5) Know your Product and Service

· Never stop learning!

· What is your competitor doing?

· Who is your customer?

· Is your product/merchandise appealing?

· Improve your sales presentation

· Improve your service- Are your staff members friendly or hum-drum?

· Sell your product on the web or create a catalog.

Health Care Reform Update

2010-10-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Dependent Age Limits for Group Health Care Coverage:

Dependent children of insured group health care plan members may remain on the parent’s plan until attainment of age 26. According to the Health Care Reform any group whose health care plan has ended coverage for non-student dependent children due to attaining age 19, will have the opportunity to re-enroll those children effective with the group’s next renewal date, post Sept. 23, 2010.

However, if the “aged dependents” were dropped from coverage, the plan will not pick up payment for any claims incurred while the individuals were off the plan.

Lifetime Benefit Caps and Waiting Period for Newly Eligible:

Lifetime benefit caps end on all plans upon first policy renewal date after 9/23/2010. Additionally, an employer may no longer stipulate a new-hire enrollment waiting period longer than 90 days.

Tax Changes to HSAs, FSAs, MSAs and HRAs

Spending accounts have enabled employers to empower their employees with the tools they need to take charge of their health and assume greater responsibility for their own health care spending decisions. For employers who have implemented these products, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) includes provisions that affect Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). These changes include:

The following categories of medications and products are affected:
• Digestive aids		• Motion sickness remedies
• Allergy and sinus		• Anti-parasitic treatments
• Antibiotic		• Pain relief
• Anti-diarrheas		• Respiratory treatments
• Hemorrhoid preparations		• Sleep aids and sedatives
• Anti-gas		• Cold sore remedies
• Laxatives		• Stomach remedies
• Anti-itch and insect bite		• Cough, cold and flu

Over-the-counter drugs - Starting January 1, 2011, over-the-counter drugs will no longer be treated as non-taxable medical expenses unless they are prescribed. See what over-the-counter medications and products are affected at right. A distribution from an HSA, FSA or HRA will be treated as a non-taxable medical expense only for a medicine or drug that is prescribed by a physician or for insulin. Funds from an HSA, FSA or HRA can continue to be used for eligible out-of-pocket expenses, including prescription drugs, medical plan copayments, lab work, deductibles, coinsurance, and vision and dental expenses.

Tax on HSA distributions - Distributions from HSAs made after December 31, 2010, that are not used for qualified medical expenses will be subject to a 20 percent tax penalty, increased from the current 10%. The tax penalty does not apply to distributions due to death, disability or after the HSA account holder reaches age 65.

New FSA contribution limits - Beginning January 1, 2013, annual FSA contributions will be limited to

$2,500. This dollar amount will be adjusted for inflation starting after 2013. Employers with FSA plans that allow health care maximums in excess of $2,500 per year must amend their plans to abide by the new regulation.

For more information, please visit http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=227301,00.html

New Reporting/Disclosure Requirements for Employers

TAX REPORTING CHANGES

What are the new FormW-2 requirements?

Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010, employers will be required to calculate and report the aggregate cost of employer-sponsored health coverage on each employee’s annual Form W-2. The W-2 reporting is a way to track coverage values for an excise tax (effective in 2018) on the cost of employer- based medical coverage that exceeds certain thresholds (the so-called “Cadillac” tax). The aggregate cost of an employee’s health benefits will not be included in the employee’s taxable income. This requirement applies to both insured and self-insured plans, beginning with the 2011 W-2 issued in January 2012.

What costs must be reported on the Form W-2?

Generally, some of the coverage costs that must be reported include medical plans, prescription drug plans, employee assistance programs, and dental and vision plans that are not “stand-alone” plans but that are integral to the medical coverage. Generally, the value of health care coverage is the aggregate premium calculated under the COBRA continuation coverage rules.

UNIFORM EXPLANATION OF COVERAGE DOCUMENTS AND STANDARDIZED DEFINITIONS REQUIREMENT

Not later than March 23, 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will develop standards that all plans can use to provide a summary that describes a plan’s benefits and coverage. This is in addition to current Summary Plan Description requirements.

Not later than March 23, 2012, health issuers or, in the case of a self-insured group health plan, the plan sponsor or designated administrator must provide a summary of benefits and coverage in the following:

• To an applicant at the time of application

• To an enrollee prior to the time of enrollment or reenrollment.

• To a policyholder or certificate holder at the time the

policy is issued or the certificate is delivered.

HHS will provide guidelines for the summary as well as a listing of those items that must be included.

** Reminder** Small business tax credits

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provides a tax credit for eligible businesses, worth up to 35% of a small business’ premium cost in 2010. To qualify, firms must cover at least 50% of the cost of health care coverage for some of its workers, based on the single rate. The firm must have less than the equivalent of 25 full-time workers and pay annual wages below $50,000 per employee. Both for-profit and tax exempt firms qualify.

For more information please visit http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=223666,00.html

Health Insurance Premium Rebates

To ensure health insurance plan premium dollars are spent primarily on health care, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has set benchmark percentage levels for all premium dollars collected by insurance companies compared to the money amounts spent on benefits and quality improvement. If insurance companies do not meet these goals because their administrative costs or profits are too high, they must provide rebates to consumers. Group employers should be alert for insurance company solicitations regarding number of employees enrolled, number eligible, etc. The insurers are gathering information to begin calculations of rebates to employer groups.

For more information please visit http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Columns/2010/August/082510Jost.aspx