This is often something people don’t understand when it comes to homeowner’s insurance.  When a home is purchased, the mortgage company will require that the house carry insurance.  In some cases, they will require that the insurance cover more than the purchase price of the dwelling.  This is where replacement value and market value come into play.  Replacement value is the cost incurred to rebuild the structure if completely destroyed. Market value is the amount you paid, or the approximate value of the home in a certain area. 

For example, a home purchased in a rural area, may have a market value of $120,000. The exact house, located in a different area, may have a market value of $285,000 due to the value of the underlying land; however, the cost to rebuild the house after a loss would be the same in either location. An insurance company is looking to insure the home for the full replacement value, not the current market value. You must remember that if your home is destroyed, the insurance company will pay to rebuild your home in its current location, not buy one down the street for you to live in.

For more information about homeowners insurance, please visit http://www.aisinsurance.com/california-homeowners-insurance. AIS shops many different policies to give you the best coverage at an affordable rate.

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.

Are you planning on taking a trip to Mexico?  Are you planning on driving there?    If you answered yes to these questions, then you will likely need to purchase Mexico automobile insurance.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that their auto insurance covers them even if they are in Mexico.  Unfortunately, this is not the case.  Mexico does not recognize an auto insurance policy unless it is written by a carrier licensed under Mexican law.  If you are stopped by law enforcement and you don’t have Mexico automobile insurance, your vehicle can be impounded or in some instances you can even be jailed.

Also, the government of Mexico strictly regulates the importation of vehicles into the country. If you plan to drive further than the Border Zone or the Sonora Free Trade Zone (including the Baja California Peninsula), you will be expected to obtain a vehicle importation permit, in addition to having Mexico auto insurance.

Obtaining Mexico automobile insurance is easy and there are many options to meet your needs.  AIS offers a variety of polices to choose from.  You can purchase a policy for one day, or longer.  This is perfect for a day trip or a multiple-day vacation over the border.  Perhaps you travel to Mexico for business frequently.  If so, a 6 or 12 month policy may suit you better.  If this is the case, AIS has the coverage you need.  For more information, please see http://www.aisinsurance.com/california-mexico-vehicle-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.

With spring and summer conditions being felt in some parts of the country, the temptation to get the bike out and ride is certainly there.  But if your bike has been stored over the winter months, you should perform some safety checks and routine maintenance before you hit the open road.  Here are a few things that you should do before you go.

•           Check tire pressure.  When not being used, tires can “leak” air making them soft and less responsive.  Fill your tires to the manufacturers recommended level for the best performance and safety.

•           Ensure all electronics and features are working properly.  Check brakes, clutch, lights and turning signals to be sure they are all in working order.

•           Warm up your bike. Before heading out, start your motorcycle and let it run for a few moments.  After it is warm, shut it off and check the oil.  If it is low, add more.

•           After the warm up, check for leaks around seals and hoses.

If you notice any problems, make sure they are addressed before you go for a ride.

The most important aspect of safety before you hit the road is making sure that your motorcycle insurance is up to date.  Many leave their bike uninsured while it is stored, so it is important to renew your policy to make sure you and those around you are protected while you ride.

If you are in need of motorcycle coverage, www.aisinsurance.com can provide you with a policy that fits your needs and budget. For more information please visit, www.aisinsurance.com/california-motorcycle-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.

Just as you should have an emergency kit prepared for a natural disaster, you should also carry an emergency kit with you in your vehicle at all times.  Car accidents occur suddenly without warning, and a lack of proper emergency supplies can lead to unnecessary struggles, injuries or even deaths.

Carrying an emergency kit with you in your car is something that used to be more commonly seen years ago.  Today, people rely heavily on cell phones and other communication devices to reach someone when in need of assistance.  However, these types of communication devices can’t be relied on all of the time.  If your car breaks down, you end up with a flat tire, or are involved in an accident, it may take a while for someone to get to your location depending on where the incident occurred.  Your phone may also end up damaged after an accident and become unusable. For your safety, protect yourself by carrying an appropriate car emergency kit.  Below are items that should be included:

•           Cell phone car charger

•           First-aid kit

•           Fire extinguisher

•           Warning lights, hazard triangles or flares

•           Tire gauge

•           Usable spare tire

•           Jumper cables

•           Flashlight

•           Disposable flash camera

•           Roadside-assistance number and other important family member phone numbers

•           Basic tool kit

•           Pen and paper

•           Ice scraper during winter months

•           Blanket to stay warm during winter months

•           Water and non-perishable food

While making sure that you have the above items in your car, review your insurance policy to be certain that you have the necessary coverage. Carry documentation of this with you as well.   If you have questions, contact your 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.

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.

Homeowners insurance exists to protect your home and your possessions from events such as fires, hurricanes, severe storms and tornados. Homeowners insurance also exists to protect you as the homeowner in the event of an accident occurring on your property through what is known as liability coverage. Liability coverage protects a homeowner when someone is injured while on their property.

Why is liability coverage such an important component of a homeowners insurance policy?  Well, quite plainly because accidents happen.  Often an accident is not one person’s fault; however, if an accident does occur on your property, you may have to assume responsibility for it.  Consider, for example, if your neighbor slipped and fell on an uneven step entering your home and was injured.  Or, if your son is playing baseball in the backyard and hits the ball into a neighbor’s window?  These types of events are most likely where your liability coverage will come into play.  Liability may coverage also protects you when damage or injury is caused by your pet, such as your pet biting someone delivering a package to your door. This coverage can also travel with you, so if your dog bites someone away from your home, that may be covered as well.

For many, the liability coverage included in their homeowner insurance policy is sufficient, but others may choose to purchase additional coverage.  Below are some reasons why you may want to look into expanding your existing coverage:

-  You own a swimming pool

-  Social gatherings are held frequently at your home

-  You have lots of pets.  (If you have a dog that is considered to be an aggressive breed, you will want to pay close attention to whether or not you will be covered if your dog bites or injures someone.)

As with all types of insurance policies, there are exceptions to liability coverages.  All the limits and exclusions are specified in your policy and it is recommended you to review your policy to make sure that you have the coverage you need.

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.

Selling your home can be an exciting time, especially if you are moving for a new opportunity, or upgrading to a larger home.  During a move, you will want to make sure that you are staying up to date with your insurance policy and the regulations that are in effect during this period.  If you are planning to live in your house until the closing date, your homeowner insurance policy should still be sufficient. 

However, if your home is for sale and you leave it vacant, this can pose some problems such as a higher probability of fire, theft, vandalism and other damages to your property.  Dwelling Fire policies may be your solution.  This type of insurance policy generally has liberal guidelines in regards to residency requirements.  In addition, they offer protection for your dwelling, other structures on your property and give you the flexibility to endorse additional coverage that you may need.   For more information about Dwelling Fire policies, please contact www.aisinsurance.com.

Many people confuse having a person removed from a policy and getting what is called an excluded driver endorsement.  When someone is removed from a policy it is usually because they have left the household and no longer have access to the policy vehicles.  An excluded driver endorsement is a little bit different.  When an individual gets this endorsement, they are telling their insurance company that in no way should this person be covered if there is damage to the vehicle.   This endorsement is available as a cost-saving measure to avoid having to pay for a household member who will not be driving the insured vehicle(s). 

Why would you need an excluded driver endorsement?  A policy owner may wish to apply this endorsement on a named driver because of some of the following issues related to the driver:

• They have a suspended license.
• They have a DUI conviction.
• They are problematic drivers.

Other than a driver with a problematic history in the home, a policy owner may wish to exclude all drivers other than the primary driver(s) to reduce their premium.  While this may save the policy owner money, they will have to consider that if there is an emergency need for the car and the policy holder is not able to drive, and the excluded driver has to do so, they still will not be covered in the event of an accident.

For more information please see www.aisinsurance.com.

In many cases, when someone buys a vehicle, they will leave it as is.  But, for those who do customize their car, or buy one that has already been modified,  they need added protection for their investments into the vehicle.  Aftermarket parts for cars are becoming more popular, especially in the electronics department.  When people travel long distances, they like to have entertainment along the way.  For example, a custom stereo system with built in TV’s in the headrests so that everyone has some additional entertainment during their ride.  Systems such as these typically cost at minimum $1000 up to several thousand of dollars.

When you purchase comprehension or collision coverage, up to $1000 of added parts to your vehicle is sometimes  covered by the standard policy.  Anything above $1000 is generally not covered, and coverage for some items is specifically excluded.  So if you plan to add parts or features to your car, you should consider adding special equipment coverage if you want to recover the cost should you be involved in an accident or there is a theft.  If you don’t add this special coverage and your car is totaled, you will not be reimbursed for the added equipment.

Below is list of items that can often be covered under special equipment coverage:

• Custom paint work.
• Anti-theft systems not installed by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Special tires and wheels.
• Custom interior modifications (leather seats or racing seats, not installed by the auto manufacturer.
• TV’s, radios and other electronic devices that are permanently installed in the vehicle.

Here is a list of items that typically will not be covered under special equipment coverage:

• Radar detectors.
• TV’s, radios and other electronics that are not permanently installed in the vehicle.
• CD’s, tapes and the cases that are used as storage.

For more information about special equipment coverage please contact and AIS representative today or see www.aisinsurance.com.

In many cases after an auto accident, the person involved will file a claim immediately to cover the damage of the car.  But in some cases people will try to settle without getting their insurance company involved.  This may not always be the best decision.   Perhaps someone doesn’t pay when they say they will, or you find that there are medical complications due to the accident that weren’t immediately apparent.  When this happens, many people will then turn to their insurance agency to be compensated.  The question then comes up, “How long do I have after an accident to file a claim?”  For medical issues, the state of California requires that your claim be made within 2 years of the incident.  If you are trying to be compensated for damage to your vehicle, you have 3 years (for more information, click here). 

While this is the case in the state of California, you should always review your insurance policy to be certain.  This information is usually contained in a section titled “Duties After an Accident or Loss”.  For example, if your vehicle is stolen you typically have a duty to file a police report immediately and contact your insurance company within 30 days.

To make filing a claim a bit less stressful, it is a good idea to gather information just after the accident.  Make notes and take pictures if possible.  Also, if there are medical complications, it is important to save all of the documentation.

For more information please see 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.

For many people, 2010 marks the time when they will be buying their first home.  A federal tax credit of up to $8,000 for first time home buyers has made it a little bit easier to buy a home.  Buying a home is a big financial decision, one in which if made appropriately, can lead to personal and financial benefit over time.

With this decision comes more responsibility.  This responsibility in part relates to homeowners insurance.  Many buying a home for the first time will have just come from a rental situation where if they had insurance, all they had to do was have insurance to cover the contents.  With a home purchase, the owner is now responsible for insuring the structure as well as the grounds the structure is on.

It is important for first time homeowners to consider insurance before buying a home.  Premiums very based on a number of factors.  Older homes may be more susceptible to fire, while newer homes have more modern materials making them more fire proof.  Also, the difference between living in the country or the city can have an effect on the price of insurance.  Homes in rural areas can be more expensive to insure because they can be farther away from fire protection services.

While these are just a few things to consider before buying your first home, more research should be done by the purchaser to determine what insurance hazards there are with a prospective home.  If you are considering a home, you should talk to a qualified insurance representative to help ask the right questions to make sure you are getting the best insurance advice.

For more information about California Homeowners insurance, please see www.aisinsurance.com/california-homeowners-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.