Category: Home Insurance

2 Thief Deterrents That Work (and 2 to Avoid)

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Do the best you can to stop thieves from targeting and breaking into your home with these 4 helpful hints.

Approximately every 15 seconds a home burglary occurs somewhere in the U.S. That means that in the 5 minutes it will take you to read this post, there will be 40 homes that will have been victims to burglars. That’s a rather startling statistic and should be a sign to take immediate steps to fortify your home. Think of your home as an ogre, or better yet, an onion: there should be many layers, each one a different enough to make a thief cry. To keep your home safe, here are two thief deterrents you should consider, and two that you’ll want to avoid.

The ones that work.

  1. Locks

Don’t be frugal when it comes to your locks because they are the first things the burglars will try out. If they are weak, then you have basically invited the thieves in. A locksmith can recommend the strongest, best locks for your home.

  1. Alarm

A home security alarm is one of the best ways to stop burglars from targeting your home. Several different systems are available at various prices, so choose the one that’s right for you.

The ones that don’t.

  1. Posting Alarm Signs

Why would you give the burglars information about your security system? This may provide them with enough information to bypass your system if they are the tech savvy sort of burglars.

  1. Hiding Your Valuables in the Bedroom

This is the oldest cliché in the book. Thieves aren’t likely to say, “Hey wait; that’s the master bedroom, we can’t go in there!” and will most exclusively be looking in your bedroom.

For all of your home insurance coverage needs to keep your home safe this summer and beyond, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We will work with you to ensure you have the coverage that you deserve, all at the right price to fit your budget.

What Kind of Insurance Do I Need If I’m Going to Install a Pool?

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If you plan to purchase a pool, it’s a good idea to know what kind of insurance you’ll need.

From Kiddy pools to extravagant in-ground aquatic wonderlands, all pose threats to lives and property and must be insured to ensure you’re not caught off guard. According to the CDC, over 3,200 people drown each year. And among children aged 1-4, most drowned in residential areas and had been out of sight for less than 5 minutes and were in the care of both parents at the time. When it comes to your pool—no matter the size—you should know what kind of insurance you need to protect yourself and your property.

Call Your Insurance Agent

Let your insurance company know that you have a pool, since it will increase your liability risk. Pools are known as an “attractive nuisance” because they’re things that are attractive for nearly everyone and everyone wants one, but can be and are extremely dangerous. Pool owners may want to bump their average homeowners insurance liability from $100,000 to $300,000-$500,000.

Umbrella insurance policies are also an extra option that you may want to consider. It covers you for those things that aren’t covered by your homeowners insurance, and are only about $200-$300 more a year. You’ll get $1 million in liability protection—which could come in handy if a you’re dealt a major lawsuit.

If this pool is expensive, or an in-ground extravaganza, you should have enough coverage to replace it in the event it is destroyed  by a storm or some other natural disaster.

For all of your insurance coverage needs to keep your pool safe this summer, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We will work with you to ensure you have the coverage that you deserve, all at the right price to fit your budget.

The Truth Behind Common Flood Insurance Myths

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Don’t believe these flood insurance myths to ensure you are able to get the right amount of coverage.

Do you know if you are covered in case of a flood? With the current El Nino conditions throughout California, it is more important than ever to ensure your home and personal property are covered from rising waters. Knowing the truth behind these flood insurance myths can help you find the right amount of protection.

You have to live in a flood plain to get coverage.

If you live in a high-risk flood plain you may be required to get flood insurance, but the coverage is available to all homeowners. If you are thinking of skipping out on coverage, if your lender doesn’t require it, think again. Even if you live in a low-risk area you are at risk of dealing with a flood, making coverage essential.

Flood insurance will cover all damages and destruction.

Just like all other insurance policies, there are limitations to the coverage that comes with flood insurance. Talk with your insurance agent to ensure that the limits of your policy meet your needs.  The more your house is worth and the more personal property you have to cover, the more coverage you will need.

My homeowners insurance will cover flood damage.

Flood insurance policies specifically exclude damage that is done during a flood. The only way to get protection in case of a flood is a specific flood insurance policy. Keep in mind that flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before the coverage kicks in, the sooner you choose a policy, the sooner you will be able to get the peace of mind you deserve.

For all of your flood insurance needs, contact the insurance professionals at Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We will help you find the right amount of coverage to meet your needs, all at the right price to fit your budget.

Insurance Discounts for Going Green

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These discounts will help you save green while going green.

Going green has quickly become a way of life. From reusable bags at the grocery store to hybrid vehicles, you can be more environmentally friendly in almost every aspect of your life. Not only can going green help the planet, but it can also help you save money. Consider these green insurance policies that can help you start saving some green.

For your home:

  • If your home meets the stringent standards for sustainability and efficiency laid out by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, or LEED, you can benefit from home insurance premium discounts.
  • Homeowners who generate their own solar, geothermal, or wind power and sell their excess power back to the local power grid can get their utility charges covered.
  • Replacing certain systems or materials with eco-friendly options can lead to a discount on your home insurance policy. You may also get a discount if you replace your old, outdated appliances with new, Energy Star rated models.

For your vehicle:

  • If you drive a car that uses an alternative fuel, such as electricity, biodiesel, natural gas, ethanol, or hydrogen, you may be able to start enjoying a discount.
  • Hybrid vehicle owners can benefit from a discount of up to 10 percent on their auto insurance rates. These discounts may even apply to your hybrid-electric boat.
  • Pay as you drive (PAYD) programs are offered by various insurance companies and will track your speed and the number of miles that you drive each day. That information will then be used to help determine your auto insurance costs and any possible discounts. If you’re going green by biking or walking, this can help you save!

For all of your insurance coverage needs, whether you are ready to make the jump to being more eco-friendly or not, contact the insurance professionals at Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We can help you find the right California insurance policies, all at the right price.

Stop Water Damage Expense Before It Starts With This Guide & Homeowners Insurance

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Use these tips and your CA homeowners insurance to avoid water damage expense.

Water damage can be a serious hassle. Even a small leak can spike your water bill and have you reaching for the mop. More water damage is even more problematic – and expensive. Just an inch of water in your home can easily do tens of thousands of dollars of damage. Are you ready to handle the cost of replacing your flooring and personal belongings and drying out your walls? You won’t have to be with this water damage prevention guide and your CA homeowners insurance!

  • Look for hidden leaks. While you may not be able to spot them right away, you can get tipped off to them by keeping an eye on your water bill. If you see your bill start to climb or are suddenly hit with a higher-than-usual total, odds are you’ve got a leak.
  • Clean out your gutters! It’s simple, but having cleared gutters makes it possible for rain to run off your home through the right channels, instead of down your walls and into your foundation.
  • Watch where you plant certain things. Weeping willows are a great example of a tree of which you should be wary. Their invasive roots an infamous for growing straight through pipes, sprinkler systems, and even septic tanks. Do your homework before planting to make sure you avoid this kind of issue.
  • Take care of your pipes. Stay away from drain unclogging chemicals, which can damage them, and instead choose to use a drain snake. Also, avoid pouring grease down your sink at all costs!

The good news? Even if you do experience water damage, your homeowners insurance could cover it! To figure out exactly how much water damage your policy offers – and if it’s enough – contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. As California homeowners insurance experts, we can protect you against water damage costs and other unforeseen financial burdens!

El Niño & Your California Flood Insurance Needs

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Why El Niño makes flood insurance especially important for your home.

All of sudden, it’s fall in Southern California. While we enjoyed (or didn’t enjoy – depending on your weather preference) unseasonably warm weather into November, the weather’s taken a turn.

No, it’s not just the usual weather patterns. Actually, experts are saying El Niño could be to blame for the sudden cold. They’re also predicting this weather pattern will bring serious storms our way.

If you can remember back to 1997’s El Niño, it caused millions of dollars of damage and cost over a dozen lives. According to people in the know, today’s climate models look a whole lot like they did in ’97. In other words, we need to be prepared for a very wet winter here in Southern California.

One of the best ways to be prepared is to buy flood insurance.  Don’t assume your homeowners insurance will protect you because, quite frankly, it won’t. Standard home insurance policies don’t include coverage against flooding, so you need a separate policy to be protected against rising waters this winter.

Also, don’t assume you can just wait until a major storm is rolling in to buy coverage! Flood insurance policies require a 30-day waiting period before they can take effect, so you need to buy your coverage now to be prepared against the seasonal surprises El Niño is projected to bring to Southern California.

Would you like more information about how to pair flood insurance with your existing homeowners insurance or renter insurance policy to be fully protected this winter? To talk to an expert who will evaluate your specific insurance needs and help you get covered, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We’re dedicated to helping California renters and homeowners have the insurance policies they need to matter what our seasons bring our way!

Does Your Home Insurance Include Additional Living Expenses?

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You may need additional living expenses coverage in your home insurance policy.

If a natural disaster were to destroy your home structure, you may be forced to move out of your home until it’s repaired. When you cannot live in your home because of a loss covered by your home insurance policy, such as a hurricane or tornado, your insurer is able to reimburse you for certain expenses that you occur while you’re living away from home. This is called additional living expenses coverage.

What does this coverage include?
The additional living expenses coverage in your home insurance is designed to cover the costs associated with loss of use of your home, including those of a hotel room, restaurant meals, and transportation.

How am I reimbursed?
You must file a claim with your home insurance company as soon as possible. Generally, this coverage will pay for the gap between pre- and post- disaster housing and food. For example, if you usually spend $500 a month for food, but you now spend $750 because you have lost use of your kitchen and must eat out, your insurer will may pay for the $250 difference.

What is not included?
Items that are not considered additional living expenses are belongings such as toiletries, clothing, temporary repairs to your home, entertainment expenses (unfortunately, going to the movies because you’ve lost use of your TV doesn’t count!), and your normal mortgage bills.

Can I obtain coverage if my home was damaged by a flood?
The damages caused by floods are not covered at all in home insurance policies, and most separate flood insurance policies do not provide additional living expenses coverage. Talk to a trusted insurance agent for advice on obtaining coverage.

So that your additional living expenses are covered by your California home insurance in the event of a disaster, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency.

Halloween Horrors Covered by Your Homeowners Insurance

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Your homeowners insurance will protect you from Halloween home mishaps.

Halloween is one of the best nights of the year for children! Unfortunately, this playful, mischievous manner could turn into mayhem when a trick-or-treater trips or your jack-o’-lantern is knocked over.

Fortunately, you can cackle your way through this night as most homeowners insurance policies cover these nightmare situations!

  • Tricksters damage your home: Standard homeowners policies cover vandalism when repair costs exceed your deductible.
  • Candles cause a fire: Fires caused by a jack-o’-lantern candle or a string of ghost lights will be covered. If you are unable to live in your home because of damages, your homeowners insurance will also pay for your additional living expenses.
  • Trick-or-treating trauma: Injuries caused to children or their parents are covered by the homeowner liability portion of your policy.
  • Car crash: If you crash your car by to avoid hitting a trick-or-treater (it happens more than you think!), the accident would be covered by the collision portion of your auto insurance. If anyone is hurt, your liability protection will take care of that.

Luckily, with proper insurance, you will have coverage throughout all Halloween misfortunes! That being said, you can reduce the likelihood of an accident by ensuring all paths to the house are clear, double-checking that there is sufficient lighting, and not lighting any open flames.

Visit Stromsoe Insurance Agency to put the necessary insurance in California in place before Halloween night. We promise no tricks in our insurance policies!

The Many Risks Of Being Uninsured

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The True Cost Of Being Uninsured

If you are looking for ways to save money, you may be thinking of slashing your insurance coverage. You could pocket the money you are currently putting towards your premiums, right? Possibly, but that is only assuming you never get into a car accident, get sick, face a house fire, or find yourself in another expensive unexpected situation. While you know the cost of your insurance coverage, have you considered the cost of being uninsured? Here is a look at the many risks of being uninsured.

  • Financial: We alluded to it above, but by foregoing insurance you put yourself in the path of serious money troubles. Say, for example, that a major storm sweeps through your area and significantly damages your home. Without homeowners insurance, you have to figure out how to not just pay to rebuild your home, but also how to replace all of the personal property you had stored inside, including expensive electronics, art, and jewelry. Are you ready for that kind of expense?
  • Health: Without health insurance, you are not just breaking the law, you are also putting your health at risk. Without health coverage, you are not nearly as likely to go in for a standard check up, and will be missing out on potentially lifesaving preventative care.
  • Friends & Family: If you find yourself facing a financial burden you cannot bear, it could trickle over to your loved ones. Beyond putting your immediate family in dire financial straits, going uninsured can leave everyone close to you feeling stressed for you.

If you want to save money, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency instead of dropping your coverage all together. As California insurance experts, we can help tailor your coverage to meet your exact needs – including your budget. For the best coverage at the best price, call us today!

 

Protect Your Home: Theft Prevention & Homeowners Insurance

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Your Guide To Deterring Thieves

Property crimes are unfortunately common. Even though we see our homes as places of safety, ideally protecting us, our families, and personal belongings from the dangers of the world around us, they can be compromised by burglars if we do not take steps to avoid this. To help you keep your home, your family, and your belongings safe, here are a few theft prevention tips to employ.

  • Check Your Locks: If you do not have locks on every single door and window in your home (yes, even those on the second or third story), install them right away. Thieves have been known to grab the ladder from your backyard—or even your neighbor’s—to access upper stories of the home. Make sure all of your existing locks are sturdy and that everyone in your family uses them.
  • Trim Your Yard: The more overhanging tree limbs and overgrown bushes you have in your yard, the more opportunities you are offering burglars to hide in the shadows as they check out your house. Keep your landscaping tight to ensure you are not offering any extra opportunities to thieves.
  • Light Your House: Similarly, by installing lights along your home’s walkways, on your porch, and throughout your yard, you make your home look less enticing to potential robbers. Inexpensive, solar-powered lights are a great solution to your property’s dark areas.

Of course, even with all of these efforts a clever thief could make it into your home. To make sure he or she does not make away with your quality of life, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We are here to help you put the right California homeowners insurance in place to protect all of your personal property. Call us today to get a policy that will thwart any thief!