California sure has a wide variety of weather patterns.  High winds or torrential rains can topple a tree like a toddler knocking down Lego blocks.  What happens when your neighbor’s tree comes crashing down on your roof?  Who pays to have the damage repaired?

Here’s the easy answer.  No matter where the tree came from (whether from your yard or your neighbor’s) your insurance company should cover the damage. 

There is an exception to this rule and that is if the damage is a result of your neighbor’s negligence.  Let’s say your neighbor’s tree was rotting, dead and a risk. If you can prove your neighbor knew it was problematic, then it’s likely the damage becomes your neighbor’s insurance company’s responsibility.

There are a few other things you should know.  If a tree falls into your yard and does not damage anything but results in a huge mess, most of the time, you as a homeowner are responsible for costs associated with clean-up.  If your tree does, in fact, cause property damage covered by your homeowner policy then they will pay for its removal.  Damages to your trees and shrubs are covered due to losses from vandalism, theft and fire but not storm damages.

If your tree or your neighbor’s tree falls on your car, the comprehensive coverage section of your auto policy will typically pay for the repairs.  

The smartest thing that you can do if any of this happens to you is to file a claim with your own insurance company.  They are experts in this area and will know exactly how to deal with it. At Auto Insurance Specialists we can help with all of your California Auto Insurance and Homeowners Insurance needs to ensure that you have the coverage right for you.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Auto insurance policies can be confusing in and of themselves, but add in conjecture and myth and picking a policy can get downright complicated. Read on to separate fact from fiction. We set the record straight on some of the most persistent insurance fabrications.

 Myth: Smokers pay more.

Answer: False. Auto insurance companies don’t even ask whether you smoke or not when putting together a quote.

Myth: One speeding ticket will make my rates skyrocket.

Answer: Also false. Generally, you have to get two tickets to see a bump in your premiums. However, your driving history and the circumstances of the citation may have an impact on your rate. If this is your second or third ticket or you were caught going 20 or more miles per hour over the speed limit, you may be labeled as “high risk.”

Myth: My insurance rates will be similar to my neighbors.

Answer: False. Every insurance policy is individually determined. Factors such as years of driving experience, driving record, vehicle type and marital status are considered. Every person, every situation is unique and rates vary because of this.

Myth: Once you turn 25, your rates drop dramatically.

Answer: It depends. Prop. 103 mandated that years of driving experience be used to determine insurance premiums, not age. That being said, driving experience is just one of many factors insurance companies use to determine a quote. They’ll look at vehicle information, driving record, annual mileage, claims history and the statistics of other customers just like you.

Myth: Car color impacts policy pricing.

Answer: False. If you are worried about picking red or white—don’t be. Insurance companies aren’t likely to ask you the color of your car when they are compiling a quote. They care about the make, model, year and age of your car.

Myth: Crooks like to steal new cars.

Answer: This is false. Sure, any car can be stolen, but older cars are actually easier for thieves to pinch and there’s a huge “chop shop” black market for used car parts. Crooks in California, by the way, tend to favor imports such as Hondas and Toyotas.

Myth: If my car is stolen, my insurance will cover it.

Answer: It depends. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you are not covered. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car that is not the result of an accident, such as; theft, vandalism, fire, weather and if you hit an animal.

Education is the key to getting the right insurance for your needs. Auto Insurance Specialists is available to assist with all your California auto insurance needs.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

In this day and age every dollar makes a difference.  You may be tempted to choose a car insurance company based on who offers you the lowest rate.  That may actually not always be the best idea.

First off, you need to understand that the primary purpose of your auto insurance carrier is to be there when you are in a crisis situation.  Clearly, you’ll want to go with a company you can trust.

The best thing you can do is put in a little extra effort to find a carrier that is affordable and reliable.  Here are a few recommendations to start with: 

• Do a background check.  Take your list of best premium offers and go on the California Department of Insurance’s website.  There you will be able to look at each company’s history (such as how long they’ve been in business) and what kind of complaints they’ve had filed against them.  You’d hate to choose a company, get into an accident, only to find that they drag their feet on issuing you a check for repairs, medical bills or a rental car.
• Test their customer service.  Not all accidents happen between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Make sure the company you are considering has 24 hour service.  You’ll want someone to coach you on what you need to do, to get, and to provide after an accident.  You could also consider calling around to local body shops. They deal with insurance companies all the time and will be able to tell you who is good and who to avoid.
• Are they solid and stable?  If you are in an accident, you’ll want to be covered by a company that can afford to pay the claims.  It’s easy to see if a company is financially fit and solvent by checking the credit rating on A.M. Best or Standard & Poor’s.

If you do a little homework before choosing a carrier, you’ll have peace of mind if you are really put to the test! At Auto Insurance Specialists, we can assist by offering you a variety of quotes to choose from based on the criteria and coverage needs you select. Visit our site today for a free auto insurance quote.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

While no one likes to receive moving violations, getting a traffic citation isn’t necessarily cause for panic over your insurance rates. If this is your only traffic ticket in the last three years, you likely have little to worry about. That’s because most insurance companies only review driving records when you apply for insurance, if you are considered a high risk driver or if you have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).

If this is your second traffic ticket or a violation that is serious enough to garnish extra points on your record, it’s a different story. You will want to take action to try and clear your record.

If possible, take the time to show up for your court date. If the officer does not appear then you can make a motion to dismiss the case. In most California traffic courts, this is automatic. However, some judges will issue a continuance for the officer. If he does show, you can then opt for traffic school to keep your speeding ticket off your record.

If you have a California driver’s license and the ticket you received is in California, you can go to traffic school. In fact, many court jurisdictions now accept California traffic school online. You may take the school once every eighteen months for minor traffic violations (or with the judge’s permission for more serious citations).

By going to traffic school, you will keep the ticket off your record and avoid an increase in your California car insurance rates. A bit of advice though, make sure you check with the court prior to paying the fee and attending school. Not all California counties accept California online traffic schools.

If you have a commercial driver’s license, please note the laws have changed. You can no longer erase a California speeding ticket by attending traffic school. It will still go on your record.

Obviously, safe and responsible driving should always be a priority, but it’s good to know that if you do make a mistake and end up with a traffic citation there are sometimes options for rectifying the situation and avoiding increases in your auto insurance.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

It seems rarely a week goes by that you don’t either get a letter in the mail or hear an ad on TV telling you how much money you can save if you switch auto insurance. How do you know if you should switch and how can you find the best “fit” for you? Auto Insurance Specialists can help you easily and conveniently shop for California auto insurance and find the best price from a variety of carriers. Here are a few things to keep in mind while browsing.

First off, it shouldn’t all come down to money. If you switch, you want to make sure you are getting comparable coverage and service. A few dollars saved might not be worth giving up some of your coverage or great customer service. However, if you’ve had a bad experience with your current insurer and don’t feel your needs are being met, it is time to shop for a better company.

Auto Insurance Specialists can get you a quote from dozens of California auto insurance carriers in minutes either online or on the telephone. With some basic information like your driving record, gender, years of experience, make and model of your car, etc., we can help find the right carrier and rate for you.

Finally, and this is important. If you do switch, do not cancel your current policy until your new one is up and running. You don’t want to take the risk of going without coverage, even for a day! You’ll need to make sure you notify your old company that you are terminating coverage. Don’t assume they’ll get the idea if you fail to send in the next payment. If you fail to pay, especially without any prior notice, you could find yourself facing bad credit, extra fees and a more difficult time in the future when you try and obtain auto insurance from other companies.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Can You Get Auto Insurance Before You’ve Moved To The State?

The short answer to this question is yes.  You can purchase auto insurance before you move to that state.  The caveat is that you must already have a permanent address in the state you are moving to.  If you’ve purchased a home or leased an apartment, you can then buy insurance before you fully move in.  Bear in mind, however, that your insurance company may require you to obtain a California license and California registration for your vehicle shortly after purchasing your policy.

Before you decide on coverage, it is important to shop around.  Many states have regulations that must be met by insurance carriers.  Only these insurance providers will be able to answer state specific questions.  If you are moving to California for instance, you would need to speak with an agency that is knowledgeable of California rules and regulations for insurance.  AIS Insurance offers free quotes for auto insurance and many other insurance products.  When you submit an inquiry for a quote, AIS will shop many different coverage’s to make sure you get the best combination of policy and price.  Many options will be returned to you, so you can pick the policy that works best for you. 

Don’t forget, you can save money by bundling your policies.  AIS offers discounts when you purchase auto, home and others.  If you are moving to California and you need insurance, please contact a representative from AIS Insurance to help you with all of your insurance needs.

Did you know that on average you are ten times more likely to have a major mechanical break-down than you are to get into a car accident? To prepare for just such an event, you’d be smart to look into getting what is known as Mechanical Breakdown Protection (MBP), especially if the warranty on your car is about to or has expired. Statistics show most mechanical failures occur after the expiration of the factory warranty.

Breakdowns rarely come with a warning and car repairs usually can’t wait. So having Mechanical Breakdown Protection will save you from the scramble and pressure of coming up with cash for any costly repairs. And this “peace of mind” costs less than your daily cup of coffee over the life of the plan.

There is a simple formula you can use to determine whether MBP is a good fit. First, take into account the age and miles on your vehicle. Then, consider the cost of replacing some of the bigger systems or parts on your car: the engine, the transmission, the air conditioner or a combination of repairs. Finally, ask yourself if you have the money to pay for these expenses if they were to occur.

Keep in mind, going with a MBP typically saves you more money than purchasing an extended warranty and provides you with more coverage and benefits. Visit our site to find a Mechanical Breakdown Protection policy that fits your needs.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Every 14 seconds someone is injured in a car accident. Unfortunately, that means the chances are pretty high that at some point in your life, you will be involved in a crash. What you do in the minutes following that accident could affect your safety and your wallet.

If you are in a crash, try to keep calm and stay safe. Evaluate yourself and your passengers for injuries. If there is any question of a serious injury, move as little as possible and call for help. If it is a minor accident, move the cars to the side of the road. The last thing you want to do is be involved in a secondary accident. If you can’t move your car, turn on your hazard lights, and assess whether it is safe to remain in your car (with your seat belt on) or get out and move to a safer location. Be very careful to watch for oncoming traffic.

To prepare for such an event, put together an accident emergency kit and keep it in your car. It should include pen, paper, a card containing information on allergies or medical conditions if applicable and emergency contacts; also a flashlight, a disposable camera (if you do not have one on your cell phone), emergency flares, and a blanket.

In California, police officers will not come to the scene unless there are injuries, drugs or alcohol are involved, the accident is a hit and run, or city property is involved. So it is important that you exchange information: name, address, phone number, auto insurance information, driver’s license and vehicle license plate numbers, a written description of the car including the year, make, model and damages. Do not admit fault or assume liability for the accident.  Take photos of the scene and the vehicles. If no camera is available, diagram the accident scene. If there are any witnesses to the crash, ask for their contact information.

Even if the damage is minor and you decide to handle the repair bills between the drivers without involving your insurance company, you still need to gather the above listed information. Frequently, the other driver will back out on paying for the damages once he sees the estimates. At that point, if you don’t already have the information, it can be much more difficult for the insurance company to start an investigation and piece together details of the accident.  Bear in mind, also, that your insurance policy may require you to report any accident, no matter how small, and offering a settlement on your own may jeopardize your coverage.

• Check all parties for injury
• Summon aid and police if necessary
• If possible move all parties to a safe location
• If possible move vehicles to a safe location
• Exchange information with other drivers
• Obtain names and contact informaiion for witnesses
• Take photos if possible

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

When it comes to auto insurance, many people have had problems.  A claim was denied, renewal was more expensive, or extra options were placed in a policy that you may not have wanted.  Many of these things can be avoided or taken care of quickly if you know what to do next.  Here are a few common problems and what you should to do to fix them.

Insurance Claim Denied – Sometimes a submitted claim will be denied by your insurance company. Some common reasons for a denied claim include:

• Insurance was not purchased for the claim submitted.
• Coverage has lapsed because of a missed payment.
• Damage exceeds the policy limit.

 If you believe that your claim should be paid, here are the steps you can take:

• Write to your insurance company and notify them of their mistake.
• Appeal the decision to your state’s Insurance Commissioner.
• Discuss the problem with an attorney

Another area that you will want to pay close attention to is determining your deductible.    A lower deductible means you pay less out of pocket in the event of a claim, but your insurance premium will be higher as a result.  If you want to lower your premium, carrying a higher deductible will allow you to do this.  Make sure you work this out with your insurance provider, so you get the best price on your policy with the deductible you wish to pay.

The most important tip is to review your policy each time you renew.  If you see anything out of the ordinary or something you don’t understand, contact your insurance provider for further clarification.

If you are in need of California auto insurance, or you have questions, please contact a qualified representative at www.aisinsurance.com.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

It’s that time of year again; the holidays are upon us and everyone is busy planning meals, parties, family activities, shopping lists, and travel arrangements. If you’re driving this year (near or far), be sure you’re prepared for your holiday road trip so you don’t get stuck ill-equipped on the side of the interstate on your way to Grandma’s.

So, somewhere in between picking up the Thanksgiving bird or crossing one more gift off your list, be sure you stock up on the essentials for your car and your family, so you have everything you need while you’re driving. Following is a helpful holiday road trip checklist you can use to make sure you’ve made your list and checked it twice! 

• Up-to-date auto insurance card and paperwork
• Tools for fixing a flat – working, properly inflated, spare tire and jack, can of “fix-a-flat”, etc.
• GPS or maps
• Cell phone charger
• Emergency supplies for your family – first aid kit, snacks and water for the kids, toilet paper, etc.
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Extra Oil, washer fluid, etc.

Make sure your holiday road trip checklist items are well organized and accessible to those who’ll need them; e.g., snacks should be easy for bigger kids to access without the driver having to assist, while tools for flat tires can be safely stowed in the trunk to ensure they’re there when needed, but out of the way of the more often used cargo. Also, your holiday road trip checklist shouldn’t just be comprised of supplies, you may want to get a tune-up and have your tires checked before you embark on any lengthy holiday road trips; and be sure to check and top off fluids and gas before you get on the road. The holidays can be hectic enough as is, don’t cause yourself anymore undue stress by getting caught on the road unaware; use our holiday road trip checklist to ensure you have everything you need.

For more information about auto insurance coverage, please see www.aisinsurance.com or call AIS at 888-772-4247.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.