How much home insurance do you need in California?

The state of California requires all drivers to show proof of auto insurance that pays at least $15,000 per person for bodily injury in an accident ($30,000 per incident) and a minimum $5,000 for property damage. The state also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist protection that pays at least $15,000 per person, or $30,000 per accident, if the at-fault party does not have enough indemnity protection to pay for all damages. Of course, the minimum in California may not be enough, given the high cost of living. In reality, an accident in Burlingame, CA could come with property damage fees that exceed $30,000. You need protection that pays all the bills. 

The agents at Commercial One Insurance Service can help you determine how much auto insurance you need in California. It may be a good idea to consider the following factors when creating your plan. 

Do you own property?

It is not uncommon for a person who lacks enough auto insurance coverage to pay for damages to have a lawsuit filed against them by the victims that demands payment for the remaining expenses. Your home may be at risk of a lien if you lose the suit but lack the cash needed to settle the offense. It may be a good idea, then, to consider an auto insurance policy that covers more than $100,000 in damages if you are a homeowner in California. 

Do you drive often?

Those who commute by public transportation more than they drive to work may find the state minimum acceptable. You may need more insurance if you drive every day or if you use your car for work. Rideshare drivers should discuss their options with a Commercial One Insurance Service agent as incidents that occur while you are transporting passengers and goods may not be covered under a standard insurance policy. 

Drive with confidence in California. Call Commercial One Insurance Service today to get started with a quote for an indemnity policy in Burlingame, CA!

Home Insurance Facts Every Homeowner Should Know

Homeowners insurance helps protect your Burlingame, CA home and all its contents. If you’re new to home ownership, you may need a little help selecting a policy that corresponds with your property. The following home insurance facts from Commercial One Insurance Service can help you make wise home insurance decisions.

Importance of Home Insurance

In general, you need home insurance to protect your home and personal goods from theft, vandalism and the risk of disasters. If your home burns down due to an accidental fire, your dwelling and property insurance will help cover the cost of rebuilding your house and replacing your belongings.

Home insurance also protects you against liability claims if a visitor were to have an accident on your property. Without this coverage, you run the risk of paying your visitor’s medical expenses or property damage out of your own pocket.

What Home Insurance Covers

A standard home insurance policy will protect you against such perils as fire, smoke, hail, wind, lightning, explosions, vandalism, theft and water damage due to faulty pipes. It does NOT, however, cover flooding, damage caused by land movement (earthquakes, mudflows, landslides) or normal wear and tear of your home structure.

Coverage Options

As a homeowner, you decide the type and extent of coverage to obtain for protecting your home and belongings. Most insurers offer homeowners a choice of actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV) coverage.

Replacement cost coverage is more expensive but it will cover the cost of rebuilding your home or replacing your goods if they’re totally destroyed in a disaster. ACV coverage reimburses you for damages after subtracting depreciation (wear and tear), which reduces the value of your home or property.

For quality home insurance coverage to protect your Burlingame, CA home, contact Commercial One Insurance Service.  

Home Insurance Add-Ons to Consider

When it comes to protecting your home you likely already have home owner’s insurance taking care of the basics. However, there are a number of potential holes within your coverage that might leave you open to financial problems and housing damage. That is exactly why if you live in the Burlingame, CA area you need to give Commercial One Insurance Service a call. 

Flood Insurance

Chances are your current home insurance policy does not cover flooding. Flooding can come from a number of potential situations. If the area is hit with substantial rainfall and your property floods, you’ll need flood insurance. It can be from a major storm bringing water in from the ocean. Or flooding can be the result of a water line bursting on your property. Whatever the culprit of the flooding, your standard home insurance policy may leave you exposed. 

Earth Quake Insurance

You live in California so you understand the chances of an earth quake occurring. While most earth quakes are on the minor side, it only takes one to cause serious damage to your property. A damaged foundation may cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair. You can avoid these kinds of costly out-of-pocket expenses by protecting your home with earth quake insurance. Not sure if your property is covered? Now is the time to contact an expert to go over your policy. 

Having the right home owner’s insurance is extremely important. It might be the difference between you having financial coverage for damage to your house and being forced to pay for the damage out of pocket. If you live around Burlingame, CA and have questions regarding your current home owner’s insurance and what you may want to consider adding on, now is the time to give Commercial One Insurance Service a call. 

Does my home insurance cover all my possessions?

If you ever are unfortunate enough to experience a disaster in Burlingame, CA, you want to feel comfort from knowing your possessions were at least covered by insurance. At Commercial One Insurance Service, we try to make sure our clients get the right coverage to suit their personal needs.

That means understanding what kinds of situations and items are excluded from their policies. Everyone has a different situation, so a policy should be individually tailored. 

Exclusions by situation 

A homeowners policy will list the kinds of cases where coverage is available. The most common are disasters like fire or burglary, and may also include tornado or wind damage. 

Water damage is usually not covered. If you feel like you want additional coverage beyond that listed in your policy, talk to your agent. 

What specifically is covered 

Subject to your deductible and policy limits, a wide range of your personal possessions are covered under your homeowner’s insurance. 

  • Large appliances, like your furnace, may be covered by a home warranty instead. Small appliances, like toasters and microwaves, will fall under your homeowner’s policy. Your policy will also cover electronics, including televisions and computers. Furniture is also included. 
  • Personal possessions are included, such as clothing, books, and jewelry. There are probably limits on the value of the jewelry, so if your jewelry is valuable, you may need additional coverage. 
  • Homeowners insurance may cover some items you are storing on your property, like boats during the winter. Again, these are subject to certain limits, so you probably need boat insurance too.

If you have any questions about your coverage in Burlingame, CA, or if you feel like you could use greater protection, please call Commercial One Insurance Service, and we will be happy to help.

Buying a Home? Must Have Home Insurance Coverage

As a first time homeowner, you’ll want to make sure you have adequate home insurance coverage to protect your investment. By discussing home insurance options with an agent from Commercial One Insurance Service in Burlingame, CA, you can get a better idea of the type of coverage you need. A good policy will protect your interests in the following areas:

Dwelling

Dwelling coverage includes your home and any structures attached to it, like your garage. Your policy should protect your dwelling against significant risks where you live. These risks could include fire, rain, windstorms, theft, vandalism, smoke damage, lightning, etc. In addition to your structure, your policy should cover your home’s plumbing, HVAC system, and electrical system. You should get sufficient dwelling coverage to rebuild your California home if it were destroyed in a catastrophe.

Personal Property

This coverage protects your personal goods ranging from clothing to electronics and anything in between. If you get coverage for replacement value, your insurer will pay to have your belongings replaced if they’re stolen or lost, without deducting for depreciation. This could save you thousands of dollars in replacing these items on your own.  

Liability

If you entertain often, you’ll need sufficient liability coverage. This insurance covers the medical expenses of people who get hurt while visiting your property. A friend may slip in the kitchen while helping you cook or trip over a cable and sprain his ankle. Your liability coverage could avert a lawsuit to compensate for injuries accidents can cause.

Loss of Use

A major disaster could force you out of your home while repairs are made. This coverage pays for your living expenses while you’re away. This could include the cost of a hotel, meals out, laundry services, etc.

For information on home insurance policies and costs, contact us at Commercial One Insurance Service in Burlingame, CA.