Mobile home insurance (also known as “manufactured home insurance”) is, in many respects, similar to homeowner’s insurance. But with mobile home insurance, you get a policy that is tailored specifically for mobile homes, giving you a level of protection that fits your needs.

The main purpose of mobile home insurance is to protect your mobile home and its contents (which would include your personal property). The damages specifically covered will vary from policy to policy, but basic coverage usually includes damages from fire, theft, and certain natural disasters. If it’s not included in your basic policy, you may want to add personal liability to your mobile home insurance. This protects you from personal liability in case someone on your property is accidentally harmed or otherwise injured.

Depending on the insurance provider, there can be few ways to receive discounted mobile home insurance. The age of your mobile home can be a factor (a newer home can be insured for less) and so can the presence of security features. Some insurance companies may be willing to discount mobile home insurance if you bundle it with another insurance policy, like auto insurance. To explore your options for mobile home coverage and discounts, contact an AIS representative today.

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.

People often make two unfortunate assumptions when it comes to flood insurance. The first is that they think they already have it via their homeowner’s insurance. While homeowner’s insurance does cover many types of damage to your home, flood damage is usually excluded in policies.

The second assumption is that they will never have to worry about flooding. As a matter of fact, floods are a very common natural disaster in the US, in part because they are the by product of so many other natural events. Flooding can be caused by

• Melting snow and ice
• Storms
• Hurricanes
• Water back-up due to insufficient or blocked drainage systems

You will be hard-pressed to find a home that is protected from all of these situations, and by association, flooding.

Because California has many areas that can be prone to flooding, and because flooding is such a common disaster, many people consider supplementing their homeowner’s insurance with flood insurance to be a sound investment. If you agree that flood insurance would be a valuable addition to your protection contact us today to get started. AIS is here to help you find the right policy at the right price.

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.

Winter is here, and many families are cranking up the thermostats to keep warm indoors. Unfortunately, because of the increased use of heating equipment, the winter season tends to show an increase in house fires nationwide. During these chilly months, follow these tips to stay safe and warm in your home.

Have an escape plan – Hold a family meeting and set routes to escape your house in case of fire. Fire may block areas of your house, so plan at least two escape routes and practice them with your family.

Get your heating unit inspected – Because it has been so long since you last used it, you should have your heating unit inspected to make sure it is working properly. Make sure all vents are clear and that all gas lines are fitted properly with no leaks.

Use heat sources with caution – Space heaters are a leading cause of home fires. Follow all package instructions and make sure to keep in well ventilated areas away from curtains, drapes, or other flammable material. If using a fireplace or wood stove, monitor the fire carefully. 

Install and maintain smoke detectors – a large number of fires start while you are asleep. The warnings from a smoke alarm can make all the difference when it comes to a safe escape, so make sure they are installed throughout your home. Afterward, test them every six months to ensure they are working properly and that their batteries are fully charged.

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.

In many cases, when you can fortify the object of your insurance, it will cost less to insure it. Your home is no exception. Homes are susceptible to many types of damage such as fire, theft, and natural disaster. However, adding these three safety measures to your home may reduce your risk and your premium for homeowner’s insurance.

• Smoke Detectors: These are rather common in millions of homes as a safeguard against fires. However, they must be properly maintained. Make sure your home has the right number of detectors placed in the most ideal locations as recommended by a professional home inspector. Afterwards, make sure they always have fresh batteries and are in working order.

• Security Alarm: Installing an alarm or security system is an excellent way to catch would-be thieves and even stop burglaries before they begin. In addition, these also alert the police or fire department if disaster strikes your home while you are away, which can greatly minimize home damage. As such, insurance companies sometimes offer large discounts for installing a security system.

• Sprinkler System: While smoke detectors are great for allowing homeowners to take swift action against a fire, an indoor sprinkler system can greatly reduce fire damage even when you are not home. Not only is having a sprinkler system a potential discount for your insurance, it can also help reduce your claim if you ever need to file for fire damage.

If you are thinking of installing any of these features in your home, contact AIS to see if you are eligible for discounts on your homeowner’s insurance.

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.

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.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, one quarter of all home burglaries take place during the winter months when many of us are traveling for winter vacations.

So before you have all of the joy drained out of your trip, here are a few tips to protect your belongings and home when you’re away.

First off, stand on the street in front of your house and try to think like a crook. Is your garbage full of boxes and packages that will be a tip off on all the expensive gadgets inside?  How about your landscaping? Are there bushes and shrubs that offer perfect hiding places? Are there decorative trellis’ that give access to second story windows? Identify things you can better conceal, or not publically advertise, and remove any easy “ins” to your house.

A burglar is more likely to avoid a house that has neighborhood watch signs, is well lit, or has a loud, barking dog. But if a crook does zero in on your home, he will first look for an easy entry point, for example; an unlocked door, an open window, an easy-to-reach garage roof with access to the second-floor windows, an open garage or flimsy doors with inadequate locks.

Besides the advice you’ve heard over and over again, such as canceling your newspaper and mail service while you are out of town, here’s two more tips to add to your arsenal. First, never leave a note on your door for anyone who is house sitting or coming by to drop something off. You wouldn’t do it when you are home, so why advertise the fact you are gone. Second, don’t hide a key in the yard. Most burglars know this is a common practice and will look for the obvious “fake rocks” or key stuck into a planter / flower pot next to the front door.

Finally, have a trusted friend or neighbor check on your house periodically just to be sure everything looks a-ok.

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.

If you own a condominium, your insurance needs will be different from someone who owns a house. You don’t need homeowner’s insurance, but rather insurance specifically designed for condos. That’s because as a condo owner, you only own your unit, which is part of a larger structure or complex. Through your association dues, you and the other condo owners share ownership in the overall building and responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of common areas. Part of the money each of you pays to the association goes to pay for insurance coverage for these common structures and areas. However, and here’s the important part, that coverage does not protect any of your personal property within the walls of your unit or your liability should someone be injured in your condo.

California condo insurance typically covers your appliances, furniture, wall décor, kitchen and bathroom amenities, your personal possessions and the walls within your own home. Upgrades you’ve made to your place are also covered, such as plush carpet, wood floors, built-in wall units, lighting or ceiling fans. Be sure you have adequate coverage (limit) for those permanently attached items which are your responsibility to insure.  These may be interior walls and attached appliances and cabinetry.

To protect yourself, it is essential that you keep a current inventory of your possessions. The easiest way to do this is to periodically walk through your condo with a video camera. Make sure you store your inventory or video tape in a secure place such as a safe deposit box.

Before you sign up for coverage, you’ll need to check with your association or read through the covenants to see what is and what is not covered.  Ask your agent/representative about “loss assessment coverage” and if the limit provided by your policy is adequate.

You don’t want to fall prey to the common misconception that the insurance that covers your overall building will also cover everything you own. Remember it this way, your association covenants typically cover everything from your wall studs out. The condo insurance you buy will be called upon to cover everything from the wall studs in. And, condominium insurance is usually less expensive than home 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.

Insuring a condominium (condo) is much different than insuring a home.  When insuring a home, you must take into account the structure of the home, contents, lot and any other structures contained therein.  A condo is different because in most cases you do not own the property it is on or in some cases the physical structure.  With most condos, a master policy is set up by your association dues which cover the structures within the community.  Before you decide how much individual coverage you will need, you should review the association’s master policy to see what it covers. There are two main types of master policies.

• Bare walls in. These policies cover all real property from the exterior framing inward, but do not cover fixtures or installations within a condo unit. Features such as countertops, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and flooring are not covered. If your condo association has this kind of master policy, you’ll probably have a greater need for individual coverage.

• All in. These policies cover fixtures, installations or additions within the interior surfaces of the perimeter walls, floors and ceilings of individual units. Condo owners under an all-in plan will probably have a more limited need for individual coverage.

There are also variations of the two types. These details should be spelled out in a condominium association’s bylaws.

Once you determine the master policy coverage’s, you are ready to figure out how much coverage to purchase.  To determine how much coverage to buy, you will need to figure out the replacement value of structures and fixtures (if not covered by the master policy) and the replacement value of your belongings.  In some cases you may need to determine if you want the cash value or the replacement cost of an item.  Cash value will pay you the current value of the item minus the depreciation costs.  Replacement value will pay you the amount it costs to replace the item.

Other coverage’s you may need to purchase additional to your condo insurance could be wind, flood and earthquake policies, depending on what area of the country you reside in.

For more information about condo insurance coverage, please contact AIS Insurance for a free quote.

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 you shop for homeowners insurance, you want to be sure that you are getting the best coverage at the most affordable rate.  When shopping, sometimes people make mistakes that can cost them.  Saving money by reducing your coverage could end up costing you more in the long run, if something disastrous were to happen to your property.  Here are a few tips that you can use when shopping for insurance so you can avoid some of the most common pitfalls.

Purchase enough coverage to replace your home and belongings – If you have too little coverage, you will not be able to rebuild your home or re-purchase the necessities in life.  If you do not know what the best coverage is to purchase, discussing it with your insurance agent can help. 

• Read the fine print and purchase additional coverage – Flood and earthquake insurance is not usually included in a basic homeowners insurance policy.  If you live in an area prone to these types of disasters, extra coverage is required.  Liability coverage offered on your homeowner insurance policy protects you and your resident relative on and away from your property.  Make sure you have sufficient coverage to protect you and your assets from an potential liability claims.

• Consolidate your policies with one company – If you have different providers for homeowners, car or life insurance, you could be paying too much.  When you consolidate your polices, many insurance companies will give you a discount on a total package.

• Consider the deductible vs. the premium – When you carry a high deductible, your premium price will be lower.  However, keep in mind, if you happen to have many claims in one year, having a higher deductible can be more expensive.  Weigh the options before deciding on a very high deductible.

While it is not an insurance specific tip, it is also important that homeowners take the necessary steps to protect their home.  Installing security systems, performing regular maintenance and having protective items such as smoke alarms, can help you to prevent disasters, so you can minimize the costs that you have to incur.  In some cases, installing burglar alarms, smoke detectors and other devices can help you to qualify for discounts as well.  Please contact AIS Insurance for more information and other insurance products.

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 you own a home and purchase homeowners insurance, your policy will cover damage to the home and it will also protect your family if anyone is injured on your property or if you or your family happen to accidentally injure or damage other people or their property. But what if you decide to rent out your home, or perhaps you have purchased a rental property as an investment?  Will your homeowner’s policy cover these two situations?  Chances are your policy will not cover all of these situations.

Homeowners insurance typically covers owner-occupied structures, other structures, all your personal property, your personal liability and medical, higher limits. When you rent out a home, the risk exposure to your home changes. Most owners who rent out their home will have minimal personal property left in the home, usually general appliances such as kitchen appliances, maybe a washer and dryer.  Minimal furnishings mean minimal coverage needed.  Therefore, coverage on your homeowner policy will offer more then what you may want to carry when you rent your home.  

When you rent out your property, you will need to purchase a dwelling fire insurance policy.  A dwelling fire insurance policy typically covers your rental unit (the dwelling), other structures on the property such as sheds, the owner’s possessions (but not the tenant’s possessions), lost rental income if the house is damaged and uninhabitable, and some liability protection for the owner in case of injury or a lawsuit. This is a more broad policy to suit your needs as your main interest as a landlord would be to ensure that you are covering your actual home and liability as the owner of the property.

When purchasing a dwelling fire insurance policy, it is important to read all the fine print, as coverage will vary.  To get more information about a dwelling fire insurance policy and other renters insurance coverage, please call 888-772-4247. To get a quote on renters insurance, visit http://www.aisinsurance.com/california-renters-insurance.

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.