Tag: earthquake insurance

How do You Prepare for an Earthquake?

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Earthquakes are the release of energy as tectonic plates shift, causing waves through the earth’s crust and resulting in the shaking that we feel. While technology has gotten more advanced, there is not exact way to predict when an Earthquake will hit and how strong it will be. They can happen at anytime, so to protect ourselves and our loved ones, we prepare. Here is how you can prepare your home, your family and your community in case of a quake.

Prepare Your Home

  • Do not hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, near beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit
  • Anchor top-heavy, tall and freestanding furniture such as bookcases or china cabinets to wall studs to keep these from toppling over
  • Check your fire extinguisher and replace it when it is nearing it’s expiration date
  • Call your insurance agent and cover your home with Earthquake Insurance, this is excluded from your Homeowners Insurance, but can be added easily
  • Know how to turn off your gas, water and electricity and keep tools nearby to do so
  • Keep a flashlight, slippers and gloves next to beds

Prepare Your Family

  • Make an Emergency Kit for you home and car
  • Practice drop, cover and hold on with your family members
  • Practice an Evacuation Plan
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full.
  • In case of an evacuation, have a plan for your family pets
  • Make a Pet Emergency Kit
  • Check with your workplace and your children’s schools and day care centers to learn about their earthquake emergency plans
  • Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school (this could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows)

Prepare Your Community

  • Keep a sheet of local shelters and emergency locations and phone numbers you can share with your neighbors in an emergency
  • Get to know your neighbors and gather contact information to stay in communication during or after a natural disaster
  • Get certified in First Aid and CPR so you can help others in your community should they need it

 

 

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877.994.6787
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: agency.thebutlerweb.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trust Stromsoe Insurance Agency:
“I have been dealing with Erica Gates for almost 8 years now. She has helped me with my house insurance, car insurance adding my wedding ring to my home owners insurance and now with my earthquake insurance. Erica does what she says she’s going to do, whether it’s check on something for you or return your phone calls. She has been OUTSTANDING since day one. You just don’t find people like Erica everyday. Her customer service has been above and beyond. A real keeper. Thanks Erica for all that you do.”          Norma Gold – Winchester, CA 92596 – client since 2010

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

Our Flag Day Celebration is LIVE!!!

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Here at Stromsoe Insurance we are proud to be Americans!  Please join us in celebrating our brave men and women who fight for our freedom day in and day out.  As we remember everyday that freedom is not free, we display our flag proudly in as many ways as we can.

Our goal is to provide flags to those who need them, so local businesses and residents can showcase their American spirit.  The spirit doesn’t stop on the fronts of our homes or shops!  If you already have a flag, we want to see it on social media!  Use the hashtag #flagsfromstromsoeins.

From June 1st-June 15th stop in during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00) to pick up your complimentary flag at Stromsoe Insurance.  (while supplies last)

Are You The Next Winner In Our 2018 Referral Rewards Program?

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Can you believe its time to draw the first WINNER in our ALL NEW Inspire Happiness By Making A Difference in 2018 Referral Rewards Program?!  We are so excited!! Mike Stromsoe, The Insurance Doc, and teammate Erica Gates will be drawing our next winner.

Drum Roll Please….

 

You could win a $100 Amazon gift card and a $50 donation to YOUR favorite charity just by referring others to Stromsoe Insurance Agency!! Thank you for all your kind referrals.  We couldn’t be more grateful!  Have them call 951-600-5751 and mention your name today!

What more can we do for you?

Gratefully,

Mike Stromsoe and the Stromsoe Insurance Total Protection Team

What Every Californian Should Know About Earthquake Insurance

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Earthquakes are catastrophic events that can destroy property and leave many injured–here is what you need to know about earthquake insurance.

How earthquakes occur. 

The surface of the earth is made up of giant land masses called tectonic plates which rest on top of the planet’s crust. Due to the convection currents of the mantle, these plates move slowly across the surface and rub up against each other. When two or more plates collide or separate, it creates vast amounts of energy, which propagates through the land. We feel this effect as an earthquake.

What homeowners insurance does not cover. 

Homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake-related damages. If your home is destroyed or damaged by an earthquake and you do not have earthquake insurance, you are likely going to have to pay out-of-pocket.
All policies have exclusions, and earthquake insurance is no exception. It does not cover damage to vehicles, the land around a home, or anything covered by a homeowners insurance policy.

What earthquake insurance covers.

Finding an earthquake insurance that is right for you depends on a few variables. What are these variables? One is the total cost it will take to completely rebuild your home and replace some of your belongings. It can cover things like furniture, musical instruments, clothing, medicine, and food. It also depends on the location of your home, and that region’s risk for earthquake damage.
With the addition of “Loss of Use Coverage,” you may be eligible to receive $100,000 in coverage without paying a deductible.

The proper earthquake insurance policy will ensure that your home is protected against the trembling crust of the earth. Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency for all of your insurance needs today!

How to Prepare for an Earthquake

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Living in southern California comes with the possibility of experiencing an earthquake. Keeping these earthquake safety tips in mind can help make sure that you and your family stay safe in the event of an earthquake.

  • Make sure you have an evacuation plan for your home and that everybody who lives there knows it. Also make sure that you know the evacuation route of any building that you regularly occupy, such as where you work.
  • Keep a flashlight and protective shoes next to everyone’s bed in case of an earthquake at night.
  • Bolt any tall furniture, such as bookcases or china cabinets to the walls.
  • Do not hang any heavy items, such as pictures or mirrors above couches or beds.
  • Install latches or locks on all cabinet doors. Also make sure to store any heavy items in the lowest cabinet possible.
  • Know how to shut off gas and water valves in your home and make sure you have the proper tools to do so.
  • Have an earthquake preparedness emergency kit handy with emergency supplies. Make sure everybody in your household knows where the kit is located.
  • Bolt the water heater and any gas appliances to wall studs to stop them from moving around in an earthquake.
  • Brace all overhead lighting fixtures.
  • Pick safe places in every room of your house. These should be places that are away from windows or tall furniture like bookcases or cabinets that could possibly fall
  • Practice “stop, cover, and hold on” in all the safe places. If there is no sturdy furniture around, brace yourself against an interior wall and cover your head and neck.

To find the perfect earthquake insurance for your home, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. As an independent insurance agency, they will do the research for you to make sure you get the best policy for all your needs.

Earthquake Safety and Preparedness: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Residents of Southern California know that an earthquake can happen at any time. While some locations are more prone to quakes than others are, everyone should be prepared for an earthquake.

Tips for earthquake safety

Make sure that you have enough food and water for yourself and your family. This should include one gallon of water per person, per day. Food should be easy to open and not require heating. Rotate your stored food supply to keep it fresh. Have a first aid kit available and never light matches where there is potential for a broken gas line.

Secure heavy pictures, bookcases and appliances in your residence. Low cost kits are available for this and the kits are easy to install. According to FEMA, most injuries occur from objects falling, glass breaking or walls collapsing. Take shelter under a heavy table or strong doorway. Stay away from windows.

Homeowners and renters insurance policies do not normally include protection from earthquake damage. Southern California residents should have a separate policy. Stromsoe Insurance Agency has professionals ready to help you understand what is covered under an earthquake insurance policy. Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency today and get the lowest rates for the protection you need.

Understanding the Basics of Insurance Deductibles

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

To get the most out of your Homeowners insurance policy, it is important to understand the roles deductibles play. To find the verbiage concerning deductibles, consult the front page of the Homeowners policy. A deductible is the amount deducted from an insured loss. When a damage claim is filed, the deductible is the amount of money a policyholder must pay upfront. It may be a percentage of the policy’s total or a set dollar amount. Larger deductibles are associated with smaller premiums. Deductibles are subtracted from the claim amount. For example, if a person with a $1,000 deductible files a claim for $10,000, that policyholder will receive a check for $9,000. However, if that deductible is calculated using percentages, the amount may differ. With percentages, the variable is calculated from the total claim and then subtracted from the total.

In many areas of the United States, deductibles are increasing. This is especially true in states prone to hurricanes. Property damage deductibles work differently than those for other types of insurance. For example, a deductible applies each time a claim is filed for Auto or Homeowners insurance. However, a deductible applies only once each year for health insurance. There are some exceptions for damage-related insurance products. In some cases, hurricane coverage has a per-season deductible. The following points cover some of the most important deductible information.
Deductibles Do Not Apply to Liability Claims. Although there is no deductible for a liability claim with a Homeowners or Auto policy, there is a deductible for property damage. Deductibles apply to claims made to the comprehensive policy. In Homeowners insurance, deductibles also apply to damaged items inside the insured structure. However, they do not apply if a homeowner is sued or if a medical claim is filed by an injured visitor.

Higher Deductibles May Save Money. One of the easiest ways to cut expenses is to raise deductibles for Homeowners and Auto insurance policies. Increasing an Auto insurance deductible from $200 to $500 reduces collision and comprehensive premium costs up to 30%. Raising the deductible to $1,000 may result in a savings of more than 40%. Remember this is the out-of-pocket amount that must be paid regardless of the amount of the claim.

Flood Insurance Deductibles Vary. Since flooding is not covered in standard Homeowners policies, it is sold by the NFIP and private insurance companies. There are several different choices of deductible amounts for these policies. Keep in mind that some mortgage companies require homeowners to keep their deductibles under a specific dollar amount. Flood coverage for vehicles can be obtained with an optional comprehensive plan.

Various States & Companies Affect Deductible Amounts. Insurance is a state-regulated product, and insurers are required to follow their state’s rules. The laws affect how deductibles are worded in policies and how they are implemented. Since there are a wide range of deductibles found in each state, it is best to compare policies. Keep in mind that doubling the deductible may save more than 20% on the cost of a policy.

Percentage Deductibles Apply to Hurricanes, Hail & Earthquakes. Earthquake deductibles may be much less than 10% or as high as 20% of the structure’s replacement value. Insurance rates are higher in states such as Nevada, Utah and Washington. Consumers in these states may choose higher deductibles to save money. There are special earthquake policies for California residents. To learn more about areas prone to earthquakes, discuss them with one of our agents.

There are two separate types of wind damage deductibles. The first is a hurricane deductible, which applies to wind damage sustained from hurricanes. The second type is a windstorm deductible, which applies to damages sustained from any other type of windstorm. Hurricane deductibles depend on specific triggers. These are usually designated by the National Weather Service, individual states and insurers. The triggers apply when a storm is officially deemed a tropical storm or hurricane. To learn more about how these triggers work, discuss them with us. Some states allow set deductibles. However, communities in high-risk coastal areas may have mandatory percentage deductibles.

We hope this helps keep you safe. If you ever have any questions, please contact the Total Protection Team at 877-994-6787 or visit agency.thebutlerweb.com, we are happy to help. Have a great day!

Why Earthquake Insurance Is Important Everywhere

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

When most people think about earthquakes in the United States, California and Alaska are the two states that come to mind. However, earthquakes can happen in any part of the country. Many people move out of areas that are prone to earthquakes after experiencing one to escape the possibility of a repeat experience. The truth is that there is no place that is completely safe from earthquakes. They are a very real threat that everyone must consider and plan for. One of the most vital aspects of proper preparedness is having ample insurance coverage.

Earthquake damage isn’t covered in the majority of Homeowners policies. This is also true for business policies. Both types of policies specify that damage from earth movement is not covered. Although actual damage from a quake might not be covered, property insurance might provide coverage for fires and other incidents that occur as a result of it. Policyholders should scour their policies to understand the specific exclusions. If the policy seems difficult to read, it’s important to contact an agent with any questions.

Many people think they won’t experience a major earthquake during their lifetime. This is especially true for those who live in areas where earthquakes happen every 100 years or less. Although many people might not experience a strong earthquake like the recent Virginia incident, there are over 5,000 incidents recorded each year by the USGS. Damage from earthquakes has been recorded in all 50 states in history. There have been reports of damage in 39 states alone since 1900. This proves that although some people might not live in areas that commonly experience earthquakes; they’re still not immune to the threat.

Earthquake insurance is available as a rider, which is added to a business or personal property policy. People who have one of these types of coverage should contact their insurer to find out what coverage options are available. Since they’re unpredictable and happen suddenly, it’s best to be prepared for all types of disasters. Earthquake insurance is so important that it can’t be stressed enough. Although the majority of people assume all California homeowners have this type of coverage, research indicates that about 12% actually have this type of insurance. The nation’s average is less than 12%.

Earthquake insurance costs vary by location, building type and the age of the building. It’s much more expensive to insure older buildings. In addition to this, brick structures are more expensive to insure. Buildings with wood frames withstand the force of earthquakes better, so it’s cheaper to insure them.

To offer an example, a home with a wood frame in Washington might cost between $1 and $3 per $1,000 of coverage. The same home might be less than $.50 per $1,000 insured on the East Coast. However, a brick home might cost between $3 and $15 per $1,000 in the Pacific Northwest. In most East Coast locations, the same home might only be between $.60 and $.90 per $1,000.

Every earthquake policy also has a deductible. This means that homeowners must pay upfront for a portion of the damages before the insurer pays the remaining amount. The deductible might be up to 20% of the structure’s replacement value. The percentage depends on the insurer and the location of the structure.

There are also options for renters. There are coverage policies that protect personal property. In addition to this, they usually cover living expenses if the building becomes uninhabitable after an earthquake. It’s important for renters to keep a list of belongings and their values. Major appliances, furniture, electronics and other expensive items must all be documented properly. A new way of creating a record of belongings is making a narrated video tour of the home and focusing on belongings. Call our Total Protection Team at 877-994-6787 to learn more about earthquake insurance coverage today.