Why Would My Need for Flood Insurance Change?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency regularly updates its flood maps and the flood zones in which a home resides. If, in remapping, your Pismo Beach, CA home moves from a zone that doesn’t require flood insurance to one that does, you will need to purchase a policy.

At Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc., we understand how complex flood mapping and flood insurance can seem. If you resided in a home in a flood zone A or V and took out a federally backed mortgage, you must purchase flood insurance.

Your bank typically requires proof of this purchase, just like your home insurance policy. Of course, when remapping occurs, your home that previously did not sit in either zone A or V can move into one.

That’s because flood risk changes over time. An area’s topographical features change, which can alter water flows from creeks, rivers, lakes, etc.

If you rent, your landlord may include a rider in the lease that requires you to obtain renter’s insurance but won’t require flood insurance. That’s because the landlord’s flood policy covers the structure. It won’t cover the contents that belong to you, so you should still obtain a flood policy for contents only if the flood zone for the home changes.

FEMA continually conducts flood map updates, so your flood zone could change at any time. The agency sends the homeowner a notice that the zone has changed.

If you reside in a home that now belongs in zone A or V, you’ll need flood insurance. Contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc., serving Pismo Beach, CA, for more information.

Motorcycle Safety Essentials for New Riders

Once you obtain your motorcycle license in Pismo Beach, CA, you probably want to hit the road. Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. wants you to do so safely. In addition to carrying your motorcycle insurance, we put together this short blog to help you ride more safely.

1. Consider completing a safety course.

Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course boosts your riding skills, road knowledge, bike know-how, and can help you with your insurance qualifications. Some areas offer these courses for free, so enjoy one.

2. Always ride wearing an appropriate helmet.

Sure, your granddad’s war helmet looks cool, but it wasn’t designed to protect you while you ride a motorbike. Only ride while wearing an appropriate motorcycle helmet. These weigh about three pounds and feature a thick polystyrene-foam inner liner. Always use the chin strap to affix the helmet to your head.

3. Conduct a quick bike check before riding.

Know your bike well. Before you hit the road, check your tire inflation, brakes, and look for fluid leaks. If you’re giving a person a ride on the bike, adjust the suspension and tires first to accommodate the added weight on the bike.

4. Sit down fully on the bike seat and hold on to the handlebars with both hands.

The only time you should take your hands off of the handlebars should occur when you signal. Explain safety to any passenger before riding.

5. Obey all traffic laws.

Remain aware of the road and other vehicles. Obey all traffic laws. Ride with at least one car length between you and the vehicle in front of you.

You can stay safer on the road with the proper precautions and motorbike insurance from Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. Contact us for insurance if you reside in the Pismo Beach, CA area.