Reasons you may want to add additional liability coverage

Owning a home in Pismo Beach, CA is a dream come true. Making sure the dream doesn’t become a nightmare is the friendly team at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. Having the right home insurance makes all the difference when a covered hazard strikes. As independent insurance agents, we work for our customers and provide a personalized level of service. 

You only have minimum liability coverage.

If you have the basic amount most home insurance policies include, you may find that the amount is insufficient to cover the increased price of medical care. Wages have also significantly improved, and if someone is injured and can’t work, it could be pretty expensive, and judgments are unpredictable. You will also incur legal fees. Keep all of these in mind when choosing the right amount. 

You add a swimming pool or trampoline.

Swimming pools and trampolines are excellent sources of entertainment in your home, but they also significantly increase your potential for liability. Many children are injured in accidents while using a trampoline and also in pools. Having enough insurance to protect yourself is vital. 

You get a dog.

When you add a four-legged friend to your family, it raises your liability. Even a well-behaved dog can get into trouble. It is just the nature of dogs. When dogs run away and get frightened, they may not react as they normally do. 

You have teenagers.

Teenagers can be very social, and when many people visit your home, your risk of being sued for an injury rises. It makes more sense to increase the amount of liability coverage you have rather than to discourage your teens from being social. 

Contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. in Pismo Beach, CA when you need help or advice with your home insurance. 

Is motorcycle insurance a requirement in California?

Not all states in the United States require motorcyclists to carry motorcycle insurance. Here at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc., our team is always eager to answer questions about insurance policies, including motorcycle insurance policies for Pismo Beach, CA residents. The following is a look at some of the most important things to know about motorcycle insurance laws for our state:

California Motorcycle Insurance: Do I need it?

Yes! California law requires that all drivers of any type of motorized vehicle, including those driving motorcycles, meet certain motorcycle insurance minimums. Our insurance company also recommends motorcyclists expand their policy beyond the minimums for optimum protection in the event of an incident.

To meet the minimum liability insurance requirements in the state of California, you will need to have a Pismo Beach, CA insurance policy that includes amounts for:

  • Bodily injury or death per individual harmed in an accident you’re deemed responsible for
  • Bodily injury or death per complete accident in the event multiple people are harmed in an accident, you’re deemed at fault for
  • Total property damage resultant from an accident you’re deemed at fault for

The purpose behind having this minimum mandatory insurance policy is to ensure that others are financially protected in the event of accidents of your causing. Likewise, if you’re injured while riding your motorcycle because of another driver’s negligence, their insurance policy will pay out for your medical costs and property damage. Some people don’t have full coverage or are operating illegally. This is why we also recommend that all motorcyclists carry uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage and full collision coverage so they are always protected in any accident. 

Learn More

For more information about motorcycle insurance and meeting your Pismo Beach, CA insurance needs, contact our friendly team at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc.

Does Renter’s Insurance Cover Mold?

Yes and no. Since flooding isn’t covered under any Pismo Beach, CA insurance, the mold resulting from it wouldn’t be covered. However, water damage from broken pipes, backed-up plumbing, or water damage from putting out a fire causing mold wouldn’t be a problem. Check your Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. policy to see what perils are covered because mold resulting from them would be handled.

When The Answer Is No

Preventing the mold from growing in the first place could be a better solution than seeking compensation. Mold remediation companies will tell renters where the trouble spots are and recommend methods for preventing mold growth. 

Air out dark, damp areas and let the sunshine in to prevent mold growth. Promptly repair leaks. Wipe down suspected moldy areas with vinegar, citrus, baking soda, lemon juice, and tea tree oil. Here’s what else you should know about mold.

What To Do When You See Or Smell Mold In A Rented Structure

If properties have no ventilation in bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, or other damp places, look for another property to rent. This means there’s nothing to dry the room, so mold formation is almost a given. 

Contact the owner or manager of the property at the first sign of mold. It will smell like earth. It will look like water damage on the wall or ceiling paint. The owner is required by California law to repair the damage and get rid of the mold.

Call the local and state inspectors if the owner is responsible and does nothing. The inspector will make sure the owner repairs the problem.

Mold has serious health risks. If the Pismo Beach, CA property you rent has a hint of mold, call the property owner or manager. Check with Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. to see if you have any resources to help.

What does condo insurance cover?

Condominium insurance, also known as HO-6 insurance, is a policy designed to protect condo owners against potential property or liability losses. If you own or are considering buying a condominium in the greater Pismo Beach, CA area, the insurance professionals at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. can help you protect your investment and family.

What Does Condominium Insurance Cover?

While each insurer offers unique coverage options, most include the following in standard policies:

Personal Property

This aspect of the policy reimburses for the repair/replacement of personal belongings should they be damaged/destroyed/stolen due to an event defined by the policy. This typically covers electronics, furniture, appliances, and more.

Interior Structural

Condo insurance will cover the unit’s improvements within the condo’s defined boundaries. An upgraded kitchen or new flooring would be covered should an incident occur. However, the structural elements of the unit – related to the building, will likely be covered by the association’s master insurance policy.

Liability

Condo insurance provides financial protection should the insured be legally responsible for injuring another or damaging someone else’s property within the unit. Liability insurance offers coverage for medical expenses and legal fees for subsequent lawsuits.

Loss of Use

If the unit becomes uninhabitable – as a result of a covered event/loss, this part of the insurance coverage will help reimburse for the cost of living while the insured condo unit is being repaired.

Medical Payments to Others

Should a visitor or work person become injured on the property, this portion of the policy can help cover medical expenses.

For more information on condo insurance in the greater Pismo Beach, CA vicinity, contact the insurance professionals at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. at 805-773-1710 or online.

Is The Flood Risk Disclosed In Your Area?

"But the former owner never told us about flood risk before we bought the house in Pismo Beach, CA!" How many times have you heard that one from friends and family who just bought a house? You might not have heard it if your area isn’t prone to flooding. In that case, as in the 21 states that don’t require flood insurance, you might never hear of it. Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. in Pismo Beach, CA is here to tell you what you need to know about flood insurance and flood risk.

Flood Risk Vulnerability

The Public Policy Institute of California published a paper in 2017 of figures based on 2010 data, all there is to go on. Not only does the paper quote that just over 3 million people live in the southern coast section of the state but that over 230 billion in structures are at flood risk. This is in a 500-year flood plain, in which floods have a two percent chance of happening in any given year. 

What Causes Flood Risk?

Several things are responsible. Climate change means winter storms composed of rain versus snow. High tides and a rising sea level in and near Pismo Beach, CA don’t help.

Obsolete flood management methods discharged the floodwaters into the sea. This was fine, except that residents, as well as the environment, needed the rivers. Modern management of floodwaters integrates the water into general water management. California should allocate funds to modernize its methods. More and better flood insurance and pointing residents toward the National Flood Insurance Program are vital.

Now that you know the facts of flood risk, Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. of Pismo Beach, CA stands ready and able to protect your property and belongings in the case of flooding. Call or drop in today to learn more about it.

How Can Small Businesses Be Protected Against Cyberattacks?

Small businesses have enough to worry about without a hacker opening them to litigation for losing their customers’ personal information. An online presence is the lifeline of a small business, but that presents specific problems. Pismo Beach, CA’s Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. wants small business owners to know about cyber insurance.

For example, what could you do if a hacker locked your computer screens while deleting your files? Backing up your information is vital to your small business’ longevity. Cyber insurance can help. What would happen if you turned on your computers upon opening your business only to find a ransom screen on your monitors? Don’t panic; cyber insurance can help.

Who Needs Cyber Security Insurance?

Rest assured, every business "Big Boys" has such insurance. They have more to lose. If a hacker got hold of their records, small companies could be wiped out, so cyber insurance could be a lifeline. 

You need cyber insurance if you:

    • Store important information on computers, such as customer information and how it pertains to your service or product.

    • Have a substantial customer base.

    • Enjoy high profits from or simply because you have expensive digital resources.

What Kind Of Coverage You Need

Cyber insurance includes first-party coverage, which covers everything pertaining to you. Investigation lost revenues due to business closing and alerting customers while providing them with anti-fraud resources. Liability coverage takes care of court costs and settlements. These are the basics, so ask your insurance carrier for more specific products.

You didn’t go into business for any reason other than selling what you believe in and making a profit so you could take care of your family. Pismo Beach, CA’s Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc will help with cyber insurance when you call or drop by to learn more about it.

Is Your Home Protected Against Smoke or Fog Coming From Another Country?

Americans are somewhat accustomed to wildfires, having seen annually what they do to California. Canada has wildfires of its own. The snag to that is the smoke and haze are affecting the air quality of Americans in such disparate locations as Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Maryland, and Wisconsin. Does the smoke and haze affect your home insurance?

Smoke Damage To A Home

Yes and no. Yes, because smoke damage is covered under most home insurance policies. Fire is a covered peril. Canadian wildfires aren’t new, but the smoke hanging over American cities is. Consulting an agent at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. in Pismo Beach, CA can help you learn more. 

No, because the haze and smoke generally concern those with respiratory problems rather than smoky-smelling walls and draperies. Here’s what else you should know.

What The Insurance Companies Say

Since you live in Pismo Beach, CA, you might have heard about home insurance companies. Many insurers won’t insure California homes anymore due to the terrible cost of wildfires and rebuilding lives following them. 

That said, there’s no research into how the Canadian wildfires’ smoke and haze affect American insurance companies. The affected sector appears to be New England down to North Carolina, the Midwest in Wisconsin, and the areas on the American-Canadian border. Pismo Beach residents probably won’t be affected by Canadian smoke.

What You Can Do

Consult with Pismo Beach, CA’s Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. While we can’t find much research right now, things change daily. There could be reassuring news for Pismo Beach residents tomorrow. An important note is that Pismo Beach is in the middle of the state. It might not be immune to California’s wildfires, but it might not run afoul of them. In any case, call or drop into our offices to find out the latest news.

Umbrella Insurance Laws in California

Umbrella insurance is a unique type of plan in California that can help work as additional coverage for various policies, including home and auto insurance. If you find a quality plan, you may even be able to take advantage of coverage that is not included in standard liability policies. If you’re looking for umbrella insurance in Pismo Beach, CA, be sure to contact us at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc to learn more. 

Currently, California does not require you to obtain umbrella insurance. As a result, the only laws applicable to this kind of insurance in the state apply to most individual insurance policies. 

When looking for an umbrella insurance policy in California, you’ll want to consider the following factors:

  • Minimums: Most California insurance companies require you to attain a minimum amount of coverage in an umbrella policy. For example, you may need a minimum of $400,000 for home insurance or $250,000 for auto insurance. It all depends on your California location and the plan type you want to complement.
  • Coverage: Umbrella insurance policies usually provide broad coverage. This generally includes property damage, lawsuits, and personal liability in California. 
  • Limits: In California, umbrella coverage can go above $5 million in coverage. Just remember that the limits you want will directly impact the cost of your policy.  
  • Global Coverage: Most California policies offer limited coverage for accidents that happen outside of the United States. 

Remember, even though it may not be required by California law, having an umbrella insurance policy could offer a great deal of protection against claims or lawsuits. And remember, if you’re looking for umbrella insurance in Pismo Beach, CA, contact us at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc today!

The Importance of Comprehensive Auto Insurance: What You Need to Know

There are several types of auto insurance coverage, including liability, comprehensive, and collision. It’s essential to understand which kinds of coverage you have and which ones are required so you don’t end up putting yourself or your vehicle at risk. If you’re in the Pismo Beach, CA area, Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc can help you find the right coverage today.

Understand Your Auto Coverage

Most people understand that they need liability coverage and that it’s required by law. They may also be aware that having a lienholder on the vehicle means they need to have collision coverage. But what is comprehensive, and what does it protect you from? This coverage is often called "fire, theft, and glass breakage." It’s a step up from the standard liability but doesn’t include the protection that collision insurance offers.

To decide if you need or want this coverage on your vehicle, working with an insurance agent can help. That way, you can get the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision about protecting your vehicle. You don’t want to be without the required coverage, and in most cases, there is value in having additional protective measures on an essential asset like your car, truck, or SUV. There are also different deductible and level options to choose from.

If you’re unsure whether comprehensive auto insurance is something you should have, let Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc talk you through everything this coverage level offers and what you can expect from it. We want vehicle owners throughout the Pismo Beach, CA area to be protected and feel confident they’re taking good care of their vehicles. Reach out to us today for the vehicle insurance information you need.

Four Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Renters Insurance

Whether you rent a house or an apartment, you should protect yourself from financial losses that may result if something terrible happens to your personal property or persons within your rental unit. One sure way to achieve that is by buying renters insurance. Here are four mistakes to avoid when purchasing renters insurance.

1. Not Buying Renters Insurance

Renters insurance protects your personal property from loss, damage, and destruction from fire, burglaries, and natural catastrophes. It can also cover your liabilities if someone is injured within your rented property and you are held liable.

Failure to buy the policy would mean replacing your possessions and paying for your liabilities from your pocket, which can be very costly.

2. Not Getting Sufficient Coverage

When purchasing renters insurance, you want to ensure that your insurer provides enough coverage for your possessions, liabilities, and additional living expenses.

In this case, personal possessions coverage will help you recover expensive items you may lose due to an insured cause.

Liability coverage, however, will protect you from third-party claims for injuries or property damage from your family or pets.

Finally, the coverage for the additional living expenses will reimburse you for additional living expenses you may incur if you relocate from your home after it is declared inhabitable due to an insured problem.

3. Not Comparing Different Insurance Companies

Some insurers are known for their outstanding services, while others are popular for their poor services. It would be best if you compared multiple insurers to ensure you get the best. One way to achieve that is by checking their customer reviews to pick the one with overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Alternatively, you can contact insurance experts in Pismo Beach, CA, at Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. to help you find a reliable insurance company.

4. Not Bundling Policies Together

Getting two or more insurance policies from one insurer can help you lower premium rates. Suppose you have an auto insurance policy and buy renters insurance from the same company. In that case, you may pay lower premiums than you would have if you purchased the policies from different insurers.

Contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc.

If you need renters insurance in Pismo Beach, CA, contact Neff & Associates Insurance Services Inc. for quick assistance. We are proud to help you find reliable coverage at a reasonable price.