Renters insurance FAQs

Renters’ insurance is one of the most misunderstood types of insurance. Knowing that more than half of renters don’t have renters insurance says a lot about how its value is not recognized. At Neff & Associates Insurance Services in Pismo Beach, CA, our experienced team knows the value of renters insurance and how it can make your future more secure. We are happy to share our knowledge and find an insurance product that is a perfect fit. 

If you have any questions about renters insurance, you are not the only one. We hope we will answer some of them for you here. 

Do I have to have renters insurance in California? 

No, renters insurance is not mandated by the state. However, it may be required by your landlord. You need to read your lease carefully to know precisely what is required of you. 

Doesn’t the management company have insurance coverage? 

Yes, undoubtedly they do, but that is not going to help you. It covers their building and what belongs to them. It doesn’t cover any of your property, nor does it give you personal liability protection. 

Does renters insurance have personal property coverage?

Yes, it does. It comes in two varieties; either the current value or the replacement value. The current value is less expensive since it allows for depreciation. This coverage will cover your stuff after a deductible, whether in your rental or with you away from home. 

Does renters insurance include liability coverage?

Yes, it does. If someone is injured while visiting your rental or by a member of your family, this insurance will help cover any medical bills and offer protection if you are sued. It can pay a judgment as well as legal expenses. 

Contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services in Pismo Beach, CA  when you are ready to discuss renters insurance. 

What comes with a full motorcycle insurance plan?

Anyone living in the Pismo Beach, CA area will want to have a convenient way to get around town. As you are looking for new transportation, getting a motorcycle is a good option as they are efficient and practical in the warm California weather. Along with your bike, you also need to select an insurance plan as it offers various forms of coverage. 

Liability Risk Mitigation

One benefit that comes with your motorcycle insurance plan is liability risk mitigation. If you are going to invest in a motorcycle, you will want to ensure you are supported if you cause an accident. With a proper motorcycle insurance policy, you will get this coverage. The liability insurance component of your insurance plan will also ensure you comply with state laws surrounding insurance requirements. 

Protect Motorcycle

It would also be good to get motorcycle insurance to protect your motorcycle. Like any other type of vehicle you can buy, ensuring your investment is covered is very important. When you get a full motorcycle plan with comprehensive support, it will provide the coverage you need if your asset is stolen or damaged. You may also need a full motorcycle plan if you have taken out a loan that holds the motorcycle as collateral. 

Owning a motorcycle continues to be a fun transportation option for those in the Pismo Beach, CA area. As you are looking for ways to cover your motorcycle here, it would be wise to call the professionals with Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. As you are looking for coverage, Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. will offer the proper support you need to build your next policy to protect your motorcycle adequately. 

What is classic car insurance and how does it differ from conventional car insurance?

Classic car insurance is auto insurance designed specifically for older/classic cars. Drivers interested in classic auto insurance must first understand what makes a car eligible for classic car status. What a classic car insurance company deems as "classic" will vary from company to company. However, classic car insurance is designed to protect antique or classic cars like conventional auto insurance. However, there are differences between conventional and classic insurance. Our Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. team is committed to eliminating any confusion for our Pismo Beach, CA residents.

What Makes a Car "Classic"?

Classic cars are typically 25-plus years old. However, the definition of a classic car can vary from one insurance company to the next. Also, classic cars tend to be restored, of historical interest, or collectibles. Typically, a classic car is at least twenty years old but less than forty years old and is also kept to its original design and specifications.

How Does Classic Car Insurance Differ from Conventional Car Insurance?

Modern cars are insured based on their real/true cash value, which depreciates when you buy a car and drive it off the lot. Conversely, classic car insurance is insured based on an agreed-upon cash value. The owner and the insurance company agree on the value of the insured car. Another difference between classic and conventional car insurance is the cost. Classic car insurance tends to be cheaper than conventional insurance because classic cars are typically NOT daily drivers. Classic car insurance companies normally put restrictions or limits on how much you can drive a classic car. Our team at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. is standing by to answer any questions our Pismo Beach, CA residents may have. Give us a call.

Why do businesses in Pismo Beach need insurance?

Anyone that is going to move to the Pismo Beach, CA area will quickly find that it can be a great place to work and live. It also can be an ideal location for starting a business. If you are a business owner here, you will need to get proper insurance. There are various reasons companies will need to carry commercial insurance. 

Support and Protect Organization

A primary reason to get a commercial insurance plan is so you can protect and support the organization. There are various risks faced by businesses daily. These can include the risk of being named in a liability lawsuit or having commercial assets damaged or stolen. If you obtain the appropriate insurance, you will be able to mitigate both of these risks. 

Ensures Compliance with Requirements

It is also a good idea for you to get a commercial plan to ensure you are in good standing with any requirements that you have. Any business in this part of California is bound to have insurance requirements. Those that have taken out a business loan, leased a place of business, or have raised outside equity will need to carry insurance. If you do get one of these plans, it will help keep you in compliance with any of these obligations. 

If you start a business in the Pismo Beach, CA area, you will need proper coverage for it. As you are evaluating your options for commercial insurance, it would be wise for you to speak with Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. There are many choices to make when getting commercial coverage, and Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc can offer the support needed to evaluate your needs and options. 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

The simple truth is that a flood can be devastating to a family. Not only can it ruin the contents of your home, a bad flood can lead to foundation problems. The cost can be astronomical. For that reason, you should consider getting flood insurance if you live in a flood zone or even just a place where damaging storms roll through the area. Your homeowners’ insurance will not cover damage due to flooding. You will need to purchase additional insurance in order to be protected. 

If you get flood insurance, you may be wondering what it covers. Here are some things that flood insurance covers. 

It covers any damage that occurs due to partial or complete flooding over normally dry land. 

It will also cover damage due to mudslides due to flooding. 

There are two policies when it comes to flood insurance. One covers your home, while the other type covers your personal property that is inside your home. 

Your flood insurance should cover any mold that may occur. If you do everything that you can to prevent mold after flooding, and it still happens, your flood insurance will cover the damage. 

One good thing about flood insurance is that you don’t have to wait for a disaster to be federally declared in order to get your claims paid. If you are dealing with flood damage, you can submit your claim. It is also important to know that you won’t have to pay back your claims. Unlike federal aid, you won’t have to repay the money that you get from your claim.   

If you are unsure about whether you need flood insurance, you should contact us at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc in Pismo Beach, CA. 

Why condo insurance is so important

Pismo Beach, CA residents can count on Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc for all of their insurance needs. If you are looking at purchasing a condo, don’t forget to find the right condo policy too! Our team is here to answer any questions that you may have.

The importance of condo insurance

When it comes to protecting your home, the same rules apply whether you are living in a home or a condo. There are some unique factors that you may have to consider for either option, but having the right policy in place is always a great idea, no matter what type of home you choose.

A comprehensive condo policy can provide the coverage that you need. It is important to have the right policy in place because your condo board’s insurance policy will not cover your unit. Any damage or loss that occurs within your until will be your sole responsibility. 

While a condo board may have a policy that protects the overall structure and building and damage that occurs in the common areas, that will not cover all of your needs. Make sure that you review all of your needs and then choose the policy that is right for you.

Condo insurance covers all of the basics, including theft, liability, and other similar situations. A basic policy may meet some of your needs, but it is worth the time to take a careful look at all of your available options. 

Learn more about condo insurance today!

If you are a condo owner in the greater Pismo Beach, CA area, give Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc a call to learn more. There are a number of fantastic condo insurance policy options available in our area. Call or stop by today!

How does umbrella insurance protect my business?

Every business in Pismo Beach, CA that plans on remaining competitive in any industry needs to have umbrella insurance. The policy offers extra protection from liabilities that could threaten the stability of your business. The policy extends over other policies such as general liability, professional liability, commercial auto insurance, etc. If you’re wondering whether you need to buy umbrella insurance for your business, Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc will answer all the questions you might have.

Commercial property

While any business can benefit from umbrella insurance, businesses that run on commercial properties can benefit more from umbrella insurance. Commercial property means inviting other people into the business property. If someone gets injured on this property, you risk getting sued for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering by the victim. Your general liability might not be adequate to cover all the medical expenses, and that’s where commercial umbrella insurance comes in.

Employees

If you or your employees work on people’s property, such as renovating homes or businesses, your business is at risk of getting sued for accidental property damage or injuries. Without adequate liability coverage, you might be forced to pay the funds out of pocket.

Government contracts

If you’re a contractor in Pismo Beach, CA, you might miss out on some government contracts if you do not have umbrella insurance. This policy helps provide assurance to your clients that you will be responsible for any damages or injuries that might result from your business operations.

Risky business

 You need umbrella insurance more if you run a risky business. Almost all businesses carry a form of risk unless it is a home-based sole proprietorship without direct contact with clients, employees, or subcontractors.  Even if this is your case, you can still be sued by your clients, and professional liability or general liability may not always be adequate to cover the legal fees.

To learn more about commercial umbrella insurance, contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc, and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Preparing Your Motorcycle for the Off Season

Although Pismo Beach, CA is usually warm, it gets cold enough in the winter that riding a motorcycle can be too chilly for some. If you’re not going to be riding, Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc recommends winterizing your motorcycle with these steps.

Change out Your Oil

Older oil collects contaminants that corrode the interior of a vehicle. Frequent oil changes should be a part of any vehicle’s maintenance, but doing it as part of winterizing keeps your motorcycle from sitting in as many corrosives.

Fill the Gas Tank

Many of the active elements of gas will evaporate in just a month or two. This leaves behind gas that doesn’t do its job and a residue that clogs the interior. Filling up the tank and adding a fuel stabilizer prevents that from happening, plus you don’t have to stop by the gas station in the spring.

Remove and Charge the Battery

Even though it’s extra work, charging your battery over the winter will improve its performance and lifespan.

Give Your Bike a Thorough Cleaning

Before you stick your motorcycle in the garage, treat it to a wash. Dirt and other inconspicuous residues can damage paint, tarnish chrome, and cause rusting. Once you’ve got the motorcycle clean and in its resting location, cover it up to preserve your work.

Check Your Insurance

When you don’t plan on driving your motorcycle, you don’t need the same level of insurance. Check with your insurance to make sure you have a reduced rate and to see if they have a lay-up policy that covers hazards like fire and theft without temporarily unneeded road coverage. Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc in Pismo Beach, CA is happy to help our customers with any questions about their policy or help new customers find one that works for them.

California Flood Insurance: Maintenance Tips to Help Flood Proof Your Home

When you live in California, flooding can be on your mind. Flood insurance is a good way to ease some of that pain.  You can also take some measures to floodproof your home so that you won’t have to make a claim.

At Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc., we want Pismo Beach, CA residents to manage their homes so that when floods arrive, the crisis isn’t as big as it looks.

Use these tips to floodproof your home.

Elevate Your Boiler

When you have boilers and air-conditioning units in lower levels of your home, invest in ways to elevate them. These are areas that flood damage will find first. Build a platform or bring the elements higher so that risk is minimal with flood damage. 

Install a Sewage Water Backup System

A sewage water backup system will prevent a major and costly disaster. This will prevent any sewage damage from entering your basement. When a basement floor backs up, this device could save you. This will often get you some reductions on your home insurance premium as well.

Exterior Changes

You can add swales and depressions to runoff areas outside your home in order to prevent floods and backup. A contractor that is experienced in exterior flood protection can help you, and this investment will be worth the cost. This is an investment that only needs to be made once, with maintenance every year, and it will pay for itself in time.

Get a Quote

When you have a home in California, flood risks are on your mind. Flood insurance can help you in this crisis when home maintenance tips can not. At Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc., we want Pismo Beach, CA residents to have the coverage they need in order to feel more secure in these crises. 

Condo Insurance & Water Damage

If you live in a condo, there is always the chance that you could experience water damage at no fault of your own. When your home is connected to other homes, this is simply a fact of life. You can plan for these potentialities by getting the appropriate condo insurance.

Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. serves the area of Pismo Beach, CA by providing a variety of insurance options. If you are concerned about water damage, here’s what you need to know.

Condo Insurance Helps Owners

When you own a condo, you need to know that your property has the most protection possible. This includes protection against water damage. While coverage may help you with a variety of damage types, it is important to know that most condo insurance policies do not include flood damage.

Burst Pipes

If a pipe bursts in your condo, your policy can provide financial protection for the items destroyed in the process. Your policy may also help you with the repair and replacement costs for the damage itself so that you can prevent this problem from happening again in the future.

Water Flowing From Common Areas

Living in a condo means dealing with common areas that may experience damage of their own. While the building owner may cover the damage to common areas, water could seep into your condo. Fortunately, insurance may cover this damage.

No Two Policies Are Exactly the Same

Keep in mind that all policies are different. Make sure to read the condo insurance documents you received to ensure you have adequate protection for your home.

Get Condo Insurance Today

Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc., which helps residents of Pismo Beach, CA, can help you get the insurance you need. Contact an insurance agent to learn more about your condo insurance options.