Tips to Protect Your Home in Santa Fe Springs, CA while you are away

Taking a Summer Vacation? Tips to Protect Your Home While You’re Away.

Tips to Protect Your Home in Santa Fe Springs, CA while you are awaySummer is here! Whether you are looking forward to be big vacation overseas or local trips around your state, many of us look forward to our summer vacations. Keeping your home safe while you are gone can be simple and it can also offer you peace of mind while you are off enjoying your trip. We share some things to do before you leave for your vacation.

Actions that can decrease your risk for theft while you are gone:

Don’t share your trip plans on social media: we understand that posting on social media in the moment is ideal. However, by posting content while you are on vacation tells many on the internet you are currently away from your home for an extended period which can increase your risk for theft.

Holding your mail: unless you have someone checking your mailbox for you every day, it is best to hold your mail through USPS. Letting your mail collect in your mailbox while you are gone increases your risk for mail theft. You can easily do this online by going to usps.com and setting a mail hold.

Stage your home: Staging your home to look like you are home may lower your risk for a burglary. Here are a few suggestions on how to do this:

  1. Set a light on a timer. Whether it is a lamp or your main room, this shows like someone is home.
  2. Don’t leave garbage or recycle bins out for multiple days in a row. This can be a clear indication you are not home to thieves. If you can, ask a neighbor if he or she can pull your bins off the road or place them back where they belong on your property.

Inform your neighbors: If you’re close with your neighbors, be sure to let them now that you’re going to be away on vacation. They can keep an eye out for suspicious activity at your home.

Invest in a home security camera. This can bring peace of mind knowing any strange activity on your property can be alerted to you via your home security app.

One simple action to prevent a home insurance claim: If you plan to be gone for weeks at a time, it is always best to shut off your water.

Home insurance claims are best avoided by taking simple precautions. If you have questions about your home insurance, please feel free to reach out to our staff. We’re happy to help.

Home insurance terms for your policy in Santa Fe Springs, CA

Home Insurance Terms To Understand

Home insurance terms for your policy in Santa Fe Springs, CAIf you are a homeowner, you have purchased your home insurance through a local insurance agent or directly through an insurance carrier. Home insurance cost and coverage vary due to where you live, how much your home is worth, your credit score and many other insurance factors.

Home insurance can be confusing so we recommend speaking with one of our agents and going through a home insurance review. Even if you have had a home insurance policy with us for years, it is still best practice to review it to ensure you still have adequate coverage. We can break down your insurance coverage details and make sure you have the best protection for your insurance needs.

Here are a few terms we can discuss with you:

Named perils: this part of your home insurance coverage protects your home from named perils that can include damage from wind, hail, fire, fallen objects, lightning, theft, vandalism and more. Home insurance named perils vary so our agents can discuss what’s covered if you have questions.

Actual Cash Value (ACV): this is the cost to replace the damaged item minus depreciation. If you have damage to your home, the insurance carrier would determine how much it was valued before the damage occurred. For example, if your roof was damaged but it was 10 years old, your insurance carrier may factor in how much a 10-year-old roof is worth today. You would receive the valued dollar amount to put towards a new roof.

Replacement cost value insurance: this represents the cost to replace an item of similar quality without factoring depreciation. Replacement cost policies are more expensive than ACV because you are essentially getting a brand new item. After asking you questions, we can help determine if this coverage makes sense for you.

Deductible: if you have to file a claim, your deductible plays a role in how much you have to pay before your insurance carrier pays towards your claim. Deductibles can vary in price and typically the higher your deductible, the lower your home insurance premium. Our agents can help explain your deductible options.

Liability insurance: your home insurance coverage can provide you with liability coverage. For example, if your dog bit someone or if someone slipped and fell on your property, liability coverage could provide you with coverage. Talk to us about liability limits.

Additional insurance policies to consider:

Flood insurance: home insurance typically does not cover you if your home experiences water entering your home. This is typically a separate policy many individuals buy. If your home is susceptible of floods, talk to an agent.

Earthquake insurance: just like flood insurance, earthquake insurance is also a separate policy. If your home is damaged from an earthquake, you would most likely need an earthquake insurance policy to have coverage for any damage.

Other structure coverage: if you have a detached garage, barn, swimming pool, greenhouse, or other structure, be sure to tell your agent. This needs to be included in your policy and may require additional coverage.

Water sewer coverage: claims occur when heavy rain or floodwaters overrun your sewer system or your sump pump. Debris from rainstorms or natural disasters can also clog your system causing damage to your home when the water backs up into your house’s plumbing. Many home insurance policies do not cover this and water sewer coverage is needed to pay for the damage. Talk to us about this coverage.

Umbrella insurance: if you file a home or auto insurance claim and the damage exceeds your policy limits, an umbrella insurance policy can give you thousands of additional dollars in protection. There are limitations on what umbrella insurance covers so discuss this with an agent in our office.

Vacant home insurance: if you own a home that is vacant, you still want to protect it. Talk to us about your situation and we can explain your coverage options.

Ready to shop home insurance? Give our agency a call or email us for a quote. We can help you find great coverage.

Boat and Motorcycle Safety Tips for Owners in Santa Fe Springs, CA

Enjoy Your Boat & Motorcycle Safely This Summer

Boat and Motorcycle Safety Tips for Owners in Santa Fe Springs, CASummer season can be the best time of year to enjoy your boat or motorcycle. Whether you enjoy the long days, warm weather, or enjoy using your ride to relax, being a boat or motorcycle owner has its perks. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to safety this season.

Consider Taking a Safety Class

Whether you are a seasoned vet or brand new boat or motorcycle owner, taking a safety class can always improve your skill set and help you understand the risks associated with riding or driving. Even if you are consider yourself to be experienced, taking a class can provide you with additional advanced techniques (for motorcycle riders). All boat owners should understand the rules while operating on the water and be familiar with their state’s boating laws.

Check your Equipment

If you are a motorcycle rider, take some time to review your gear. Shoes with good traction, protective textile or leather jackets, pants and gloves & owning a good helmet are all things that can protect you on the road. If you are a boat owner, look over your life jackets. Does each jacket fit correctly for each individual on the boat? Are they approved by the U.S. Coast Guard? Do you have a pre-departure checklist you can review before going out your boat?

Always be a Defensive Driver

This goes for both boat and motorcycle owners. When you practice being aware of your surroundings at all times you are on the road or water, you are doing everything in your control be a safe driver or rider.

Have a Routine Checkup Before Leaving Your Home

Both boat and motorcycle owners should have a routine checklist before hitting the road or water. For motorcycle riders this could be inspecting your tire pressure, lights, turn signals as well as your chain, belt and brakes.

For boat owners, this could be checking the weather, ensuring you have a life jacket for every person who will be on the boat, locating your floatation aids, orange signal flags, whistle/horn/bell, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, proper documentation, making sure you have sunscreen, water and more.

Need to Review Your Insurance Policy?

Talk to our agency if it is time to review your boat or motorcycle insurance policy. We can have a discussion about any updates you have made to your ride, requote you with other carriers if you are not happy with your current rate, and ensure you are fully covered in the event you have to file an insurance claim.

Insurance for your swimming pool in Santa Fe Springs, CA

Insurance Coverage for Your Swimming Pool & Safety Tips

Insurance for your swimming pool in Santa Fe Springs, CAIf you are looking to add a swimming pool to your property, you may be curious how it impacts your home insurance policy.

First of all, you will need to alert your agent of the swimming pool addition. If you do not alert your insurance carrier of your pool addition, you may not be covered for any claims. Your homeowners insurance can provide coverage for any damage that occurs to the pool such as a fallen object or fire. Our agents can help you determine what type of coverage you need for your pool. It can be considered personal property coverage or other structure coverage on your home insurance policy.

Swimming pools also increase your liability risk. If a guest had an injury at your pool, liability coverage can provide you with coverage for bodily injury, medical bills, or even legal fees. Talk to your agent about your current liability insurance coverage and if it is beneficial to increase your limits. We can review your personal umbrella policy with you.

It is important to note that many insurance carriers will require you to build a fence around your pool in order to provide coverage. We are here to help provide coverage details so you fully understand your policy.

Pool Safety Tips –

Swimming pools bring several exposures to injury. To limit your exposure, setting strict guidelines around the swimming pool for security can considerably lower the chances of injury occurring. Adhere to these safety tips when in and around a pool:

  • Supervision– kids should never be left unattended around a swimming pool. If your children or friends intend to make use of the pool always call for grown-up supervision. If your children’s pals are wanting to use the swimming pool and you’re unable to supervise, ask another parent to supervise.
  • Call for walking– Water and concrete are unsafe. Lower the opportunities of a slip and fall injury by making certain everyone around the swimming pool walks and does not run.
  • No Glass Around Pool Policy– Glass can fall into the pool or around the deck and create an unsafe situation.
  • Routinely Examine– check the items used around a pool like the diving board, slide or flotation equipment.
  • Fencing & Lock the Pool– Most insurance providers will certainly need fencing of at the very least 4 feet to exist around a swimming pool.
  • Mount an alarm– You can set up an alarm that spots when somebody enters the swimming pool.
  • Safeguard your pet dogs– Animals are attracted to water, specifically on a warm day. Keep your pool area secured from animals when you’re not using it to ensure they don’t fall in.

By following appropriate safety precautions you can have plenty of terrific memories and also your kids can have a lot of fun! Enjoy your swimming pools properly. If you have inquiries on swimming pool requirements for insurance purposes, we have answers. Our qualified representatives can help ensure your residential property is insurable and that you are effectively covered in case you have a claim.

Auto Insurance Agency Santa Fe Springs, CA

Auto Insurance Terms – Part 2

Auto Insurance Agency Santa Fe Springs, CARecently, we discussed the importance of understanding four basic auto insurance coverages; liability including bodily injury and property damage, and comprehensive and collision coverage. Almost all states require liability coverage for auto insurance.

In Part 2, we will explain additional coverages you can add to your auto insurance policy. Not only will this give you more coverage in the event you have a claim, but it could only be a small increase in price to have potentially thousands of dollars in coverage in the event you have to file an insurance claim. Let’s discuss what could be considered full coverage auto insurance.

Full coverage auto insurance typically means you have liability coverage (bodily and property damage), collision coverage, comprehensive coverage plus additional coverages such as PIP and uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This coverage can be broken out into four parts; uninsured motorist bodily injury, uninsured motorist property damage, underinsured motorist bodily injury, and underinsured motorist property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can pay for damage up to your policy limits in the event you get into an accident and the other driver has little to no auto insurance coverage.

This policy can provide you with coverage if you experience a hit-and-run too.

Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments is another form of coverage many individuals invest in when it comes to purchasing an auto insurance policy. PIP can help pay towards medical bills for you or your passengers after getting into a car accident. It can also pay towards medical supplies, care, lost wages, prescriptions, or other services you may need. Every insurance carrier and state is different so it is best to talk to your insurance agent about the details of this coverage for your policy.

More coverages to consider for your auto insurance policy:

Roadside assistance: If your vehicle breaks down, this coverage can provide you with several services such as towing services, flat tire changes, fuel delivery (not including the cost of the fuel), lock-out service, and more. Talk to your agent about the details of your policy as each insurance carrier may be slightly different in how they can offer roadside assistance.

Custom parts and equipment: does your vehicle have custom parts or equipment? This could be an upgraded stereo, custom wheels, navigation system, custom paint, and more. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, this coverage can pay up to your policy limits to repair or replace it.

Windshield repairs: Are you prone to glass chips in your windshield?

Ask your agent if you have an option for a “no deductible” glass replacement. This can be an inexpensive coverage that can save you from having to pay your typical comprehensive insurance deductible.

If you are interested in purchasing full coverage car insurance, call our agency. We can shop with our top insurance carriers to help you find the best policy for your needs. Once we have determined your insurance carrier and policy, we can explain and then look at extra coverage options for your auto insurance.