Tag: homeowners insurance

How to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Premium

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Hi 🙂

You’ve worked hard to get where you are, owning a home is no small feat. Buying a home comes with property taxes, down payments, mortgage payments, closing costs, possible HOA fees and more. There are many steps that come with buying a home, but if there is one step you shouldn’t have to worry about, it’s Homeowners Insurance.

Do you know the difference between your home’s market value and it’s true cost? Read more on that here.

If you are a client of Stromsoe Insurance Agency, you’ve already made one huge step towards the right protection and savings! The beauty of using an independent insurance agency, is that we do the shopping around for you.

For your consideration if you haven’t checked with our total protection team, here are 7 ways you might be able to lower your homeowners insurance premium:

  • Know the difference between your home’s market value and it’s true cost
  • Improve your home’s ability to withstand disaster
  • Remove hazardous items, like trampolines or diving boards, from your property
  • Install or upgrade your home’s security system
  • Know the difference between routine maintenance and the need to file an insurance claim. Always call your independent agent first !
  • Stick to one insurance company, bundling your policies will often lead to discounts, deductible and coverage benefits and more
  • Understand your policy; if you have any questions about your coverage or ways you can lower your risk, ask your local independent agent who works for you first !

Do you know what its time to file a claim on your homeowners insurance? Read more on that here.

Standard homeowners insurance offers protection against a variety of hazards to your house, unattached structures, personal property, loss of the use of your home and personal liability coverage. Whether  a small part of your property is destroyed or your entire house is demolished, coverage on your homeowners policy kicks in to help pay to repair and replacement so you’re made whole again after an unexpected loss.

Questions? Want to learn more?

Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 951-600-5751
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: agency.thebutlerweb.com

PS Here’s a few words from a homeowner that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“Stromsoe team was proficient, knowledgeable, responsive and friendly. They took care of our needs immediately. Very, very pleased with Sarah, this coming from a full time real estate broker of 48 years. I deal with a lot of people and this is a sincere statement about our business experience with Stromsoe Insurance Agency. Please share our sentiments with others. Thank you.

Skip & Holly Davis – Temecula, CA – Client Since 2018

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Below is a link with all of the details:

Complete Satisfaction Guaranteed with Every Policy

5 Types of Insurance a Millennial Should Have

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

When you’re trying to figure out how to budget your life, it seems like a no-brainer to lower or all together leave out insurance in order to save money. However, when push comes to shove, you’ll be glad you’re protected. A monthly payment may seem like a drain to your paycheck, but the alternative is an exorbitant bill down the line!

If you’re concerned about cost, the best money saver is shopping around, and if you are a client of Stromsoe Insurance Agency, you’ve already made one huge step towards savings! The beauty of using an independent insurance agency, is that we do the shopping around for you.

Here are the 5 types of insurance every millennial should have:

#1 Car Insurance

While car insurance is required, the amount of coverage you carry is a great deal up to you. There are 3 types of auto insurance:

  • Liability
  • Collision
  • Comprehensive

Liability is often the minimum insurance you need to be a legally insured driver, but collision and comprehensive are where you have some freedom. Collision involves coverage for repairs to your vehicle that need to be made as a result of a traffic accident, no matter who is at fault as well as property damage and any damage to the vehicle that is a result of collision with trees, buildings, etc. Comprehensive is coverage that includes replacement of the vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by natural disasters. While changing your collision and comprehensive can change your premium dramatically, it can also be the difference in your claims experience after an accident or theft.

Want to read more on how you can lower your car insurance premium? Check it out here.

 

#2 Renters/Homeowners Insurance

In short, tenants need insurance to cover their belongings. You, as a renter, will not own the building in which you live, and you are unlikely to insure that. On the other hand, the belongings inside your rental are likely important to you. One reason to have insurance for the tenants is to have protection for your personal property.

For example, renters could provide coverage in the event of:

  • A kitchen fire. A renters policy could help with the costs to replace items destroyed in the fire. If your place can’t be lived in while repairs are being done, renters insurance may also provide coverage for a place to stay, meals and related expenses.
  • A burglary. Renters insurance could help with the costs to replace the covered stolen items.
  • A guest falls and gets hurt. The personal liability coverage included in a renters policy could help with the payment of medical bills or other expenses related to the accident.

Take a look around before you decide you don’t have enough stuff to get lost in a fire, or what you have isn’t likely to get stolen. You might see more items that are costly to repair than you would expect. A smartphone, designer handbag, professional chef’s knife kit, new laptop are all widely used high-ticket pieces, for example, that you may have in your rental. How about antique china from your grandmother? Even the cost of replacing all of your clothes might cost you quite a dent.

 

#3 Flood Insurance

No home is entirely free from potential flooding. When a single inch of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damage, the difference between recovery and financial ruin can be flood insurance.

 

#4 Umbrella Insurance

Purchasing an umbrella policy is an inexpensive way to protect your financial future or established assets. Personal umbrella insurance kicks in when your base policy limit is not sufficient. It covers you beyond the limits of homeowners insurance, auto insurance, watercraft or other personal insurance policies.

 

#5 Life Insurance

Life insurance is about protecting the living and buys time and options when an income earner passes. If you have any dependents, life insurance will allow them to avoid making dramatic decisions while they may not be emotionally ready to do so effectively. Life insurance policies can be very affordable and give financial security to your loved ones should you no longer be around to provide it.

Are You The Grand Prize WINNER ?

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Mike Stromsoe, The Insurance Doc, and teammate Maritza Ganime are ready to draw the Grand Prize WINNER in the 2017 Inspiring Happiness Referral Rewards Program…

Drum Roll please…..

We are so very grateful for all of your kind referrals to our team in 2017!  Thank YOU!!!

We are putting the final touches on the 2018 Referral Rewards Program… Watch for the details coming your way soon!

If you have any questions or comments, please just let us know.  You can reach our friendly team at 951-600-5751 or email [email protected].

What more can we do for you?

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe holiday weekend!

Gratefully,

Mike Stromsoe and the Stromsoe Insurance Total Protection Team

JULY 2017 ISSUE OF THE PROTECTION COACH

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The July 2017 update of Mike Stromsoe’s The Protection Coach® has arrived.  This issue is jam-packed with all the latest news and tips for clients and friends of Stromsoe Insurance Agency.

The Protection Coach® – July 2017 (Click Here to Download)

Inside this edition..

  • Welcome Our Newest Team Members—TWINS!!
  • Camper Trailer Tips
  • Want To Save Money? Check It Out!
  • Quick Tips: 4th of July Safety Tips
  • Our Client Of The Month for July is David & Christine Ripka of Ripka’s Equipment Repair.  Thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to serve and protect everything you work so hard for.

Signs That Your Roof Might Need to Be Replaced

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

A roof protects you and your family from the elements of nature, but it doesn’t last forever.

Your roof offers protection from nature: things like rain, strong winds, beaming sun, hail, snow, and everything else in between. But sometimes a roof can reach the end of its life without experiencing much stress. Replacing an old roof is necessary to avoid any potential dangers that may arise from ignoring the calls from your roof. Here are a few signs from your roof telling you that you need to replace it.

Signs You Need a New Roof

  • Roof Age – Most roofs last only 20 to 25 years. Many roofs today are built for durability, but there are many factors that can expedite the expiration date. Such factors include poor ventilation.
  • Warped Shingles – Shingles need to be straight and filled with granules. If there are any cracked or curling shingles, you may want to consider replacing your roof – at the very least, those damaged shingles.
  • Neighbors Replacing Roofs – Many homes in the same neighborhood were built around the same time. If you see your neighbors replacing their roofs, it may be a sign that yours requires a replacement as well.
  • Moss – Moss can grow on your roof in those sections that don’t get much sunlight, especially in moist climates. Moss can be more than a cosmetic issue, however. Moss holds moisture and can, over time, cause damage to the shingles and the foundation on which your roof was installed. Moss can be brushed away, but it requires a roofing professional to permanently seal off its access to moisture.

Make sure that you see your roof’s signs and get your roof replaced if need be. Home insurance may not cover your roof for natural wear and tear, but it’s still important to have one to protect you in case it does get damaged by a covered peril. Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency for all of your insurance needs today!

How to Review Your Homeowners Insurance at Renewal

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Don’t assume that your current homeowners insurance will cover you at renewal because there may have been some life changes that require an update on your policy. 

Home insurance is a confusing policy to own. This is because policies are molded to fit the needs of the individual, so coverage can vary as widely, like the ravines of the Grand Canyon. If you have never read the entirety of your policy, it is time you do. Within this policy you will know everything you need to know. What happens if a meteor crashes into your home? What about a broken pipe and water damage?  Here are a few things you need to look at when it comes to reviewing your policy at renewal.

Contents – Content coverage is generally placed between 50 and 70 percent of your home’s value and helps pay to replace or repair your damaged belongings if they are affected by the covered damage. That means if you’re home’s value is $100,000, for example, coverage will range from $50,000 – $70,000.

Structure – How much would it cost to completely rebuild your home if it were utterly destroyed. When reviewing your policy ask yourself if you made any new renovations to the house. If you did, you should talk to your agent to update your policy to reflect your home’s new value.

Liability – Medical bills are costly and if someone injures themselves on your property, you will be liable. In order to be completely covered, you need to be transparent with your provider. Do you have a dog? What about a tree house or trampoline? These are all things your insurer needs to know in order to provide adequate liability insurance.

A properly reviewed home insurance policy will ensure that your home is protected against new covered damages. Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency for all of your insurance needs today!

Your Guide to Spring Cleaning

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Spring marks a time in which most people get serious about cleaning for one day and participate in spring cleaning. 

The earth has come to a point in its orbit where the days get longer and warmer, and for many people across the nation, that means it’s time to clean! Spring cleaning is a day in which millions of Americans put on their latex gloves, cleaning apron, and an old shirt they got at a work event which is now dedicated to getting dirty, and meticulously clean their home. Here is your guide to spring cleaning.

  1. Ceiling fixtures. 
    Fixtures such as ceiling fans or lights collect dust and we normally forget to check these overhead. Take this time to dust these fixtures with a cloth or a vacuum with a brush nozzle.
  2. Walls.
    You may think that dust only covers horizontal surfaces, but you’d be wrong. A close look at a wall and we see that they are not perfectly smooth, they have ridges and crevices to which dust can attach. Dust also carries a charge and can stick statically to walls. Wash away the dust with a sponge and some dish soap.
  3. Floors.
    You can protect your floors from another year of wear and tear with the proper finishing. Use a floor cleaner that both cleans and shines to give your floor the preservation it needs.
  4. Fridge.
    Food spoils and leaves behind a foul odor. Take the time to remove everything in your fridge and give it a good wipe-down with soap and water. (You don’t want to use any tough cleaning chemicals as you run the risk of contaminating your food.)

A proper home insurance policy will ensure that your home is protected against covered damages. Contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency for all of your insurance needs today!

Does Your “Precious” Have Enough Jewelry Coverage?

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Your jewelry needs to be insured to deal with the risk of everyday life, and while homeowners insurance may cover your precious items, you may require more.

If only Smeagol would have had enough jewelry coverage, perhaps he could have spent his time doing something more productive rather than following a pair of hobbits all the way to Mordor to steal back his “precious.” While your reason to insure your jewelry may not be as extreme, you need to know if all of your jewelry is going to be covered in case of an accident. Here are a few things everyone should know when it comes to their jewelry and jewelry coverage.

  1. How much does your homeowners insurance cover?
    Your homeowners insurance covers your jewelry, that much is not up for debate. What is up for debate is the amount of coverage and the damage to which your pieces of jewelry may fall victim. Insurance covers regular things like fire, theft, vandalism, and other things, but it will not cover stone.
  2. What is the monetary value of your jewelry collection?
    Hire a professional to appraise your collection in order to get an idea of how much coverage you need.
  3. Do any additional pieces need extra coverage?
    Only once you know your monetary amount, can you purchase the correct coverage. If some of your expensive pieces go above your coverage, you can extend the policy to these pieces to ensure you are covered.

Your jewelry may only have sentimental value, thus, no price tag in your eyes. But that doesn’t go double for burglars or the curve balls of life. For all of your home insurance coverage needs to keep your jewelry and your home safe from covered dangers, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We will work with you to ensure you have the right coverage that you deserve, all at the right price to fit your budget.

Is it Time to Update Your Home Insurance?

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Your home is one of the most important investments you can make, so it is important that you update your home insurance should these changes arise.

When it comes to maintaining good care of your home, you have enough to worry about. What with mortgage payments, upgrades, repairs, cleaning the gutters and the basement and everything in between–they are probably all on top of your to-do list. All the while your home insurance policy may not have seen the light of day since you have purchased your home. This is actually dangerous because you need to know about any discounts or glaring in your coverage. Here are a few instances in which you should review and update your home insurance policy.

  1. Remodeling – Your home is insured for what is in your home at the time of purchase. If you have remodeled your kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc., your home’s market value may have risen. If there’s an accident that damages your home, it will likely not cover any post-remodel expenses. Update your policy to match your home.
  2. Expensive Items – You have limited coverage, and while you may think that it is a lot of money, one expensive item may put your claim above that limit. If you purchase a big-ticket item, like art or jewelry, make sure it reflects on your policy.
  3. Lifestyle Changes – Have you retired? Have you quit smoking? These, and more, are lifestyle changes that may land you some big discounts when it comes to your premium

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

Annual Home Maintenance Tips

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Winter may be upon us, but do you know of these annual home maintenance tips every homeowner needs?

The winter can be a punishing season to our homes. The fluctuation in temperature, the rain, and all the other forces of nature that seem like they’re out to get us during the winter can wear on your home’s exterior. Here are some home maintenance tips that you should practice in your home at least once a year.

Annual Home Maintenace Tips

Roof Shingles – As is the case with all matter in the universe, the more you heat an object up, the more it expands. As you it cools, contraction occurs. These changes in size are microscopic, but it affects the structure of that object. Roof shingles are no exception. Make sure that your roof shingles are neither peeling nor clawing.

Check the Gutters – Your gutters serve as a way to expel rainwater and snowmelt away from the foundation of your home. Make sure that your gutters are free from any clutter which can clog your gutters and render them useless.

Examine the Chimney – The winter may have lead you to light your fireplace. Fire creates soot and creosote which can build up in your chimney vent. This is particularly bad because if enough soot builds up, it will not allow smoke to flow and send it back inside your home, which can cause carbon monoxide and dioxide poisoning.

The Portals – By portals, we mean windows and doors. Make sure that they have proper sealing to keep your home energy efficient.

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