California Insurance News

Make Sure Your Home is Ready for Winter

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:48:43 GMT

Summer has ended, but there’s no need to fret: Fall brings with it crisp, cool days, wonderful colors — and football season!

It also brings with it a few maintenance tasks that First West recommends to help ensure your home is ready for fall and winter weather in California.

Check out the following information for some general tips from the National Association of Home Builders, and don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions about what your home insurance policy covers.

Exterior maintenance

Gutters: Leaves, pine needles and other material can clog your gutters in the fall, preventing proper drainage and raising the risk of water damage to your walls, foundation, basement or landscaping. Remove all debris from your gutters and consider installing one of the many available gutter guard systems — it could be the last time you have to worry about clogged gutters.
Trees: Weak trees and branches can break and cause damage to your home, car or even someone walking on your property (the latter is a good reason to consider a personal umbrella insurance policy). Watch out for large dead or detached branches, as well as cracks or rotten wood along trunks and major branches. If there are potential hazards, call a professional tree service.
Roof: Damaged or loose shingles, as well as gaps where roofing or siding meets vents and flues, can mean emergency (and expensive) repairs later. Being proactive is the best way to avoid problems — if you see signs of damage, you’ll want to call a professional roofer.
Walls: The exterior walls of your home keep the weather out — so you’ll want to make sure they’re up to the challenge of of a California winter. Look for possible damage or decay on siding and trim, and patch or replace pieces if necessary.

Interior maintenance

Insulation: Check the insulation in your attic, basement and crawl spaces, and insulate pipes in those spaces to protect against freezing.
Pipes: Nobody wants to deal with a frozen pipe, so if you live in a place susceptible to freezing, wrap exposed ones with heating tape every winter and keep your home above 65 degrees. Always check for cracks and leaks. And know where the main water shut-off is in your home so you can act quickly if there is a problem.
Heating: It’s a good idea to have your heating systems (furnace, fireplace, water heater, etc.) serviced every year.

For more information on home maintenance, visit the National Association of Home Builders website at www.nahb.com. A little action on your part now can make fall and winter a lot more enjoyable for you and your family.

For further questions and assistance, please contact our office.

Understanding Identity Theft

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:43:12 GMT

Your identity belongs to you. Here are some suggestions from First West to help you protect it.

One smart and effective way to protect yourself against identity theft is to prevent it. If your identity is stolen, you'll be able to lessen problems by acting quickly, whether you live in California or elsewhere.

Start with Good Habits

Print out a copy of this page and store it in a convenient place
Leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place
Shred papers with personal information
Reduce your credit card accounts, and only carry the cards you need
Write checks with a permanent pen, and mail from a secure place
Photocopy both sides of your credit cards and store safely

Watch Your Accounts Closely

Review balances and transactions often by phone or online
Make sure every transaction on your credit card statements is accurate
Take advantage of free credit reports and watch for unusual activity
Sign up with Experian, Transunion, and Equifax and stagger your requests to get a free credit report every four months or sign up for credit watch services which will report directly to you for a fee

Fill Out the FTC Affidavit Quickly

The FTC Theft Affidavit supplies proof that you didn't authorize any accounts opened or debts run up by the identity thief
New accounts need this FTC affidavit form to investigate the fraud and process your claim
Call your existing accounts for instructions on disputing unauthorized charges as other forms may be needed
Keep originals of the affidavit, as well as all supporting materials such as driver's license or police report. Send copies only.
Send quickly - many creditors request that you send the affidavit within two weeks

Keep This Information Handy:

Federal Trade Commission:
1-877-438-4338
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.ftc.gov

Social Security Administration
Fraud Line: 1-800-269-0271

Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
www.equifax.com

Experian: 1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com

Transunion: 1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com

Identity Theft Plan of Action

Call your credit card companies immediately. Explain what happened, and ask where to send a copy of the police report.
Call and report to the police. Make several copies of the police report.
Complete a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Theft Affidavit and FTC report (see contact information above to request these forms).
Call your bank. They can place an alert on your Driver's License number and Social Security Number, and freeze your account.
Call fraud units of credit report agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

Take the time to educate yourself on identity theft, and please don't hesitate to seek the help of professionals when needed. For more information, contact us today.

Disaster Preparedness, FEMA and More

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:35:41 GMT

If the unthinkable happens, First West understands that your most valuable assets are more than just items on a balance sheet. That information is critical during a time of catastrophe.

Sites to Check Out
The following sites are additional resources to assist with preparing for and recovering from disaster.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross not only provides disaster relief nationally, but is part of a global humanitarian network, responding to those in need.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA is an independent agency of the federal government, which provides preparedness and response and recovery support to the nation.
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NOAA is a federal agency and the primary source of weather data and warnings for the United States.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA is an independent agency of the federal government that aids, counsels, assists and protects the interests of small business concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions about FEMA

What if I don't have enough (or any) insurance?
You may qualify for grants from FEMA, low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration, or the Farm Service Agency, or you may qualify for tax refunds for items that were not covered by insurance.

How do I get assistance?
Information on tax assistance, grants and loans can be obtained at a Disaster Recovery Center, or by calling FEMA at 1-800-462-9029. After your application is reviewed, the damaged property is inspected to verify the loss, and that will determine the type and extent of assistance that will be provided. Audits are done later to ensure that the aid goes only to those who are eligible and that the funds are used for their intended purposes.

What services are available?
FEMA may be able to provide Disaster Housing for up to 18 months, Low Interest Disaster Loans (from the SBA) to cover uninsured property losses, Disaster Grants to earthquake victims who would be unable to repay a loan, and other services such as crises counseling, unemployment assistance, legal aid, and assistance with income tax implications.

When should I apply?
FEMA encourages earthquake victims to apply for aid as soon as possible. The deadline for most individual assistance programs is 60 days following the Presidents major disaster declaration.

What assistance is available from the SBA?
The SBA has a Disaster Loan program that helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations fund rebuilding after a disaster. The loans generally have low interest rates and long repayment terms to make SBA recovery more affordable.

What if I need more information?
More information is available by visiting FEMA's website at www.fema.gov, and by visiting the SBA website at www.sba.gov. Additionally, you can also contact the IRS about tax relief by calling 1-800-829-1040, or visiting www.irs.gov.

For more advice on protecting things that matter to you most through California car insurance, home insurance and more, contact us today.

More Than a Tarp to Keep Your Boat Covered

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:48:05 GMT

Whether you own a Jet Ski, a small ski boat, fishing boat, or a 26 foot cruiser, knowing that you’re covered by the right insurance should give you the peace of mind to relax and enjoy every minute on the water.

What We Insure

We represent insurance companies that insure a full range of recreational boats including:

Bass boats
Fish and ski
Cabin cuisers
Sailboats
Pontoons
Jet boats
Ski boats
Runabouts
Jon boats
Personal watercraft

Why Insure Your Boat or Personal Watercraft?

In tough economic times some boaters are tempted to let their insurance coverages lapse. Should you ever need to use your watercraft insurance, however, it is one of the best investments you could make. Here are some things to consider:

If you’re in an accident or your watercraft is stolen, it costs money, often a lot, to fix or replace it.
If you or any passengers are hurt in an accident, medical costs can be extremely expensive.
If your watercraft is responsible for damage or injury to others, you may be sued for much more than you’re worth.
If you are injured by an uninsured boater, uninsured watercraft coverage will provide coverage for you.

Your Watercraft Insurance Coverage Options

Your watercraft needs protection on the water, and on land, with coverage for you, your guests, and your boat. Thinking of buying a boat? Check with us to see what it will cost to insure it in California.

Get Started

Contact us for help identifying the best combination of coverage, value, and price for you. And we can help make sure your insurance continually meets your changing needs.

Ask Us

Here are a few things to discuss when we talk:

Is my boat or watercraft covered for year-round use?
Can I get discounts for things such as taking safety classes, having multiple policies, and diesel power?
Do I have coverage if I need to have my boat towed in an emergency?

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us or request a boat insurance quote online

Motorcycle Insurance: Ride More, Worry Less.

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:50:28 GMT

Lowering the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in California

Simple steps can lead to savings in your pocket. Spending less money is much easier than perfecting your tight turns at high speeds on a gravel road. Take a look at some simple ways to lower your California motorcycle insurance costs for riders like you.

More expensive motorcycle = more expensive insurance
Before you buy a motorcycle, check with First West to see what it will cost to insure it. Expensive bikes cost more to repair, maintain and insure. The safety equipment you select may also save you money.
Increase your deductible
By raising the amount you pay out-of-pocket for losses, you can save more on your motorcycle insurance policy. Ask one of our agents to explain the trade-offs.
First West + combined policies = lower cost
The more combined policies you have with a single insurance company, your car insurance, home insurance etc., the more substantial your savings will be. Learn more about your motorcycle insurance coverage options, by giving us a call or read about California motorcycle insurance online.
Safety saves
You may be able to save money on your premium if your motorcycle is stored in a garage, if you belong to certain rider groups, or if you’ve taken a safe rider course sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

For more information on lowering the cost of your motorcycle insurance, please contact us. You can also request an online motorcycle quote and we'll provide you with quotes from multiple companies so you can compare and save!

RV & Motorhome Safety Tips

Mon, 02 May 2011 16:08:28 GMT

Avoid any delays and unexpected problems when you take your RV or motorhome out for what should be a relaxing trip.

Follow some of our suggestions below, and consider investing in some maintenance and safety classes to help ensure happy travels across California and beyond.

Take Care of Your Tires

When you're not traveling to the lake, or some other destination, keep your RV/motorhome tires covered to protect them from the sun and weather.
Make sure you check your tire pressure before setting out on the road especially when your tires are cold.
Consult the owner's manual for proper inflation, and never exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the tire's sidewalls for your vehicle.

Weigh Your RV and Tow Vehicle

To know if weight is properly distributed and that you are within the legal weight, find a certified platform scale in California and get weighed. Have the vehicle fully loaded with passengers, cargo, fuel, personal belongings, fresh water and propane tanks to get an accurate weight.

Understand Propane and Gas Systems

Have the propane and gas systems inspected every spring for leaks and proper appliance operating pressure before you head out on vacation. Be sure you know how your RV alerts you to leaks, and know what to do in case one occurs.

Here are some easy things to do if you smell gas/propane:

Extinguish any open flames and pilot lights.
Do not touch electrical switches.
Shut off the gas supply at the tank valve(s) or gas supply connection.
Open the doors and windows and leave until the smell clears.
Have the gas system checked and repaired by a qualified technician before using again.

Use the Onboard Generator Sparingly

The onboard generator gives you extra power when there's no shore power available, but be wary of carbon monoxide.

Never sleep with the generator running, and before you start the generator, inspect the exhaust system.
Test the carbon monoxide detector, and know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning so you can watch out for it.

Contact Us!

Looking to review your RV insurance? Make sure you're not overpaying - request an RV insurance quote online.

For further questions and assistance, please contact us.

Car Insurance Myths Debunked

Progressive — Sun, 01 May 2011 23:49:00 GMT

Do red cars really cost more to insure? Is Comprehensive coverage really comprehensive? Should you and your neighbor be paying the same amount for car insurance?

Leading car insurer Progressive debunks a few of the more widely held myths:

Myth: Red cars cost more to insure.

Reality: Vehicle color is not a factor used to calculate car insurance rates. Factors that do matter are the year, make, model, body type, engine size and age of your car, as well as information about the drivers on your policy.

Myth: I only need the state-required, minimum amount of car insurance.

Reality: Many states have minimum car insurance requirements, but the required liability-only insurance may not cover all your costs. If you cause an accident, your insurance might not cover all the damages. Consult with your local independent agent to select the coverages and sufficient limits that meet your needs so that a fender bender doesn’t cost you big bucks.

Myth: Comprehensive coverage protects drivers in all situations.

Reality: Comprehensive coverage is one type of protection available on an auto insurance policy (others being Collision, Uninsured Motorist, etc.). Comprehensive coverage pays only for damage caused by an event other than a collision, including fire, theft, vandalism, weather and more.

Myth: My car insurance rates will be similar to my neighbor’s rates.

Reality: Car insurance rates are individually determined, so factors such as age, driving record, type of vehicle, and marital status are considered. Each person’s situation is unique and car insurance rates will vary because of this.

Myth: If I buy a new car, my auto insurance company automatically knows and my new car is covered.

Reality: No. Most insurance companies require that you notify them or your agent within a specified number of days. Generally, you have 30 days to add the new vehicle to your policy.

For more information, talk to your independent insurance agent or visit www.progressiveagent.com.

Living on Shaky Ground in Huntington Beach

Phil Shearer — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 19:06:00 GMT

Every state in the U.S. has some degree of risk from earthquakes, especially California. If you live in an area susceptible to earthquakes, make sure you speak with us. We can advise you on the different kinds of earthquake insurance policies that are available to protect your home. Homeowners insurance policies in California usually do not provide earthquake coverage. A separate policy must be purchased to have this coveage.

We'll Explain What Earthquake Insurance Covers and How Much You May Need

Deductibles and the amount of coverage for earthquake damage can vary.
Your earthquake policy may not cover the entire cost of rebuilding.
Exterior buildings, decks and landscaping are generally not covered.
Coverage for your personal property and loss of use may be limited.

Take Action to Reduce Earthquake Damage

To reduce damage inside, think “heads up.” Look at your ceiling and walls to see what might fall.

Anchor bookcases and filing cabinets to walls.
Secure ceiling lights, suspended ceilings and other hanging items to the building structure.
Anchor water heaters and large appliances to walls using safety cables or straps, and lock the rollers of all appliances and furniture.
Fit all gas appliances with flexible connections and breakaway gas shut-off devices or install a main gas shut-off device.
Consider working with a registered design professional or licensed building contractor to reduce potential damage to the structure of your home or business.
Add anchor bolts or steel plates between your home’s structure and foundation.
Brace the inside of your home’s cripple wall with sheathing.
Brace unreinforced chimneys, masonry, concrete walls and foundations.

Protect Yourself If the Ground Starts to Shake.

If you're inside

If you’re indoors, stay there.
Move away from windows, skylights, doors and things that could fall.
Duck, cover and hold until the shaking stops.

If you're outside:

Move quickly into the open, away from electrical lines, trees and buildings.
Drop to the ground and wait for the shaking to stop.

If you're driving:

Slowly bring your vehicle to a stop at the side of the road.
Don’t stop on or under bridges, under power lines or near roadway signs.
After the shaking has stopped, continue driving, but watch out for damage to the road.

Used Car Buying Tips

Progressive — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 01:10:00 GMT

In today’s unstable economy, you might be in the market for a used car instead of a new one.

But used car shopping isn’t easy — it requires a keen eye and an inquisitive nature. Before you buy a used vehicle, here are a few tips from leading car insurer Progressive to make sure you're getting your money's worth:

Ask about previous damage. Has the vehicle ever been in an accident or a flood? Get details on the extent of damage if it has. And inspect the vehicle closely, looking for these “red flags”:

Mismatched vehicle identification numbers (VIN) numbers on the vehicle title, dashboard, driver door panel, hood or trunk
Mismatched paint on exterior body parts, or paint-over spray on interior parts like door edges and the engine compartment
Missing bolts or uneven welding in major areas, such as the front-end core support or the trunk

Ask for routine maintenance records. The owner should be able to provide information about what service work has been done.

Buy a vehicle history report. Get the vehicle’s VIN, then go to www.carfax.com or www.autocheck.com and purchase a vehicle history report. The history will show past owners of and damage to the car, as well as mileage and title history. Some state motor vehicle departments may also provide some of this information.

Check out the seller. Some unscrupulous sellers may try to sell a poorly repaired salvage vehicle, which means it's been totaled before and they've rebuilt it. If you're buying from a car dealer, check with the Better Business Bureau. If the seller is an individual, look through the classifieds for other vehicle ads with the same phone number — this is a sign of an unlicensed broker who sells used vehicles by posing as the owner.

Ask a professional to inspect the vehicle. Take the vehicle to a mechanic or body shop you trust. Have them inspect the vehicle inside and out for previous repairs and the quality of any repair work they discover.

Research insurance costs. Before you buy, ask your local independent agent or broker how much your car will cost to insure. And while you’re there, make sure you have the right coverages for your vehicle. For example, if you’re buying an older or more inexpensive car, you might want to consider dropping Comprehensive and Collision coverages.

Following these tips can help you avoid any unwelcome surprises from your new (used) car.

Estimate Your Home Value to Match Coverage Limits in Huntington Beach, California

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:26:00 GMT

Your home may be worth as much or more than your retirement account. As a result, it makes sense to track your home insurance as carefully as you do your 401k.

Getting Started with First West Insurance

If you haven’t checked in recently, you might consider contacting us to schedule an annual review of your home’s value and contents.

We want you to be relieved, knowing you’ve made informed decisions about the amount of home insurance needed to help you recover in the event of a loss. Check out the tips provided below, to make sure you are prepared for the worst case scenario.

Know Your Limits

With home improvement being a national pastime and construction costs rising, it’s a good idea to check your policy limits once a year with us.

Planning to remodel your home? If you have recently added a new deck, a garage or increased the square footage of your home, it’s time to review your limits with us.

Rebuilding Is Different Than Buying

When you review your policy with us, remember that the cost to buy and the cost to rebuild are different. Consequently, you can’t rely on your home’s market value to set your insurance limits. An appropriate amount of insurance coverage will permit you to rebuild your home in the event of a total loss. That replacement value depends on the physical characteristics of your home, as well as the price of labor and materials in your area. In most areas, these costs increase with time.

We Can Ballpark Your Coverage Needs

We can estimate the typical cost of rebuilding your home based on the average costs of materials and labor in California. However, this number won’t reflect major upgrades made to your home or the cost of replacing your home’s unique features, unless you specifically inform us or a customer care professional about major upgrades.

Be Proactive in Selecting Your Coverage Limits

If your home is truly unique or custom built, or if you would like the additional peace of mind knowing you have selected the right amount of coverage you could consider hiring a local general contractor, who for a modest fee, would give you a more precise estimate of the cost of rebuilding your home.

Don’t Forget to Do a Home Inventory

We recommend doing a thorough inventory of your home’s contents. Compare the value of your belongings to the “contents,” or personal property limit listed in your policy, and make sure these match up.

Using a video camera is the easiest way to do inventory of your home. That way, you can record and describe items as you walk through your house. A regular camera and a home inventory checklist works well, too. Share the completed list with us to review and make sure your belongings are fully covered. Store your video or photo inventory off-site, so you won’t lose it if your house is damaged.

Call us or request a quote online today!