Is Flood Insurance Required?

Many homeowners and renters have questions about whether flood insurance is required for a home they have purchased or a house or apartment they may be renting.  In the Temecula, CA area home buyers or renters can refer their questions to a qualified professional at Friant Insurance Agency.  

Buyers of homes and businesses located in designated high-risk flood areas with a mortgage provided by a government agency will be required to purchase and maintain flood insurance.  Also, if you live in a high-risk area and have had to receive federal disaster assistance like grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) you will have to continue flood insurance.  The same applies to qualify for disaster loans from the US Small business Administration (SBA).  The maintenance of flood insurance will allow you to receive aid at a future date if you need it.  Federal disaster assistance comes either in the form of a loan which is paid back with interest, or a FEMA disaster grant usually in the amount of $5,000. 

Coverage is not required if you do not own or rent property outside the high-risk area, however, your mortgage company may still require a flood insurance policy.  Another important point to consider:

  • Traditional home and renters’ policies do not usually cover flood damage.
  • Flood insurance will pay claims even if there is no Presidential Disaster Declaration.

The decision whether to purchase flood insurance in addition to your home or renters’ insurance policy is an important discussion to have with an agent at Friant Insurance Group if you live in the Temecula, CA area.  You can visit their website before your visit to gather information on flood coverage and think of any specific questions their friendly professional agents can answer. 

Is Your Condo Ready for Summer?

If you’re planning to receive guests at your condo this summer, now’s a good time to get it ready for the holidays. These tips from Friant Insurance Agency can help make your Temecula, CA condo a safer, more comfortable abode for friends and loved ones.  

Service Your AC

Schedule a checkup to inspect and clean your AC before the heat of summer. Replace worn parts to keep your system working at optimal capacity. If your system has seen its better days, replace it with a new one to avoid breakdowns when you need it most.

Prep Your Interior

Deep clean your Temecula, CA condo so you can welcome guests into a fresh, hygienic environment. Wash your windows, dust your fans, and professionally clean your carpeting. Declutter to increase storage space and reduce your risk of accidents. Spruce up dingy walls with a fresh coat of paint and add indoor plants or fresh flowers to your ambiance to brighten your environment.

Increase Security

Upgrade locks on windows and doors to enhance security and minimize the risk of break-ins during your summer holidays. Adding motion sensor lights to exterior doors can help ward off thieves and reduces your risk of night-time accidents. If you don’t have a security system, consider installing one to protect your family’s valuables.

Spruce Up Balcony or Patio

If your condo has a patio or balcony, spruce it up with comfortable furniture and decorative accessories for holiday events and family gatherings. Your friends will appreciate having a little nook for sitting, snacking or sharing a drink together.

Update Your Condo Insurance Liability Coverage

With more people visiting your condo, there’s always the risk of someone having an accident. Liability insurance protects you against injuries from slip and falls, kitchen accidents, dog bites, and more.

To update your condo insurance liability coverage, contact Friant Insurance Agency today.

How Home Insurance Protects You Financially

The whirlwind surrounding buying a new home and moving in can daunting.  The right home insurance will give you peace of mind.  Protecting the home from fire or severe weather damage is what most homeowners think about when it comes to home insurance.  However, the policy provides many more benefits than that.  At Friant Insurance Agency, our knowledgeable agents work with homeowners throughout the Temecula, CA area. 

Home insurance policies are vital financial protection. Not only do they cover the home itself, but it will also cover the home’s contents, including furniture and electronics.  It also protects items that are stolen or damaged while you are away from home.  For instance, if your laptop is taken while you are working at the local coffee shop, it can be replaced.  Also, the home insurance policy provides liability coverage.  This covers the medical expenses and legal fees if someone is injured on the property due to your negligence.  Without coverage, this would be financially devastating.

The policy also covers any structures on the property.  This can include outbuildings, storage sheds, fences, or pergolas, for example.  While this is a lot of protection, it is important to understand what a home policy does not cover.  While it will cover water damage from a broken pipe, it will not cover water damage from a flood event.  If the home is an area prone to flooding or even has a moderate risk, talk with your agent about adding flood insurance to the policy. 

At Friant Insurance Agency, we work to ensure that our clients in the Temecula, CA area have the best coverage for their homes.  There is general information on our website to get started.  Then take the time to contact one of our agents.  You’ve worked hard for your home.  Now, make sure it’s protected.  Call today!

What does renter’s insurance cover?

Your landlord’s insurance policy does not also safeguard your possessions. You need an insurance plan that protects your furniture and personal keepsakes in the instance of a natural disaster or man-made incident. The agents at Friant Insurance Agency can help you find the renter’s insurance policy that best suits your lifestyle in Temecula, CA. First, it is important to understand how renter’s insurance works. 

What is renter’s insurance?

A renter’s insurance policy is an indemnity plan designed to protect those who rent apartments or single-family homes from significant financial loss. Your insurance plan works similarly to home insurance in that you may claim up to your policy’s limits when an incident occurs. 

What does renter’s insurance cover?

Renter’s insurance does not always provide coverage for structural damage. You are solely responsible if your guest breaks a window or punches a hole through a wall during a visit. You can, however, depend on renter’s insurance to pay for flooding due to a broken pipe. A good policy also pays for losses due to theft. 

How much renter’s insurance do you need in Temecula, CA?

The amount of renter’s insurance that you need depends on a number of things. Centrally, you should consider how much insurance you can afford. 

The cost of your premium is determined by a number of factors, which include the age of the building as well as the size of the apartment. You may pay less for renter’s insurance if you have a studio apartment. The value of the items for which you need coverage is also a significant factor. 

The agents at Friant Insurance Agency can help you find the renter’s insurance policy that is right for your home. Call them today to get started with a quote for coverage!

Review Your Boat Insurance Now Before the Busy Summer Season

Boat owners in the greater Temecula, CA area are looking forward to boat season, and it will be here before we know it! If you are a boat owner who hasn’t reviewed their boat insurance policy lately, it’s time to get in touch with the helpful team at Friant Insurance Agency. Many boaters simply renew their policies year after year without taking a close look to ensure that they still meet their needs. Don’t find out that you don’t have the coverage you need after it’s too late, call us today!

What to Look for During Your Boat Policy Review

Your insurance needs can change from year to year, and it’s important that your boat insurance policy keeps pace with these changes. Many boaters like to add more robust liability coverage to their basic policies, while others discover that they don’t have the injury protection that they want. If you tow your boat each weekend, you will want specific insurance to cover your vessel and trailer when you go from land to water. Another option is enhanced protection for any theft or damage that occurs when your boat is in port. Boaters that store their vessels can benefit by increasing their coverage options to include dry dock damage or theft. Loss can occur both in and out of the water, at sea or in port, and a full review of your current boat policy will help you determine that you have the coverage you want and need!

Let’s make sure that you have everything in place before the busy boat season gets started in Temecula, CA. Contact the team at Friant Insurance Agency today and find out more about the many comprehensive boat insurance options that are available in California. 

Condo Insurance Basics

What is Condo Insurance?

Condo insurance is similar to homeowners insurance. It helps cover the cost of fixing or replacing items such as:

  • Personal property including clothing, furniture, and electronics
  • Interior walls
  • Liability in the event you are responsible for injury to someone elsewhere
  • Additional living expenses if your condo is uninhabitable due to an event that is covered by your policy

While the exact coverage you have depends on your specific policies, some common perils condo insurance typically covers are:

  • Vandalism and theft
  • Fire or lightning
  • Smoke
  • Falling objects
  • Wind or hail

There are many perils that you can have your policy cover according to what is available and your particular needs. If you are in the Temecula, CA area, give Friant Insurance Agency a call to discuss the various coverage options available.

Is Condo Insurance Required?

Condo insurance is not required by law. However, your mortgage company or homeowners association may require you to carry it. This will be expressly stated in your contracts.

What If My HOA Already Has Insurance?

HOA’s usually carry insurance, but it most likely only covers the common areas of the property. They typically do not cover the individual units, meaning you will be responsible for insuring your own property. Ask your HOA for clarification on what is already covered before you purchase your own insurance so you do not obtain too little or more than you need.

If you have any questions, need help to understand the coverage you need, or need help to insure your condo, give Friant Insurance Agency a call or stop by today. We look forward to helping Temecula, CA residents protect their homes and their investment.

 

3 Questions You Should Ask About Home Insurance

When it comes time to shop for home insurance in Temecula, CA, there are a few basic questions that need to be asked. Friant Insurance Agency is here to help. The qualified insurance agents that are on hand will be able to answer all of your queries in a timely and efficient manner. 

Here are three of the questions that must be asked before a home insurance policy is obtained:

1. What Are The Costs of a Total Rebuild?

This is a question that should be asked as early as possible. A quality home insurance policy will provide the necessary coverage and offer a homeowner the funding for a full scale rebuild. The best insurance agents are going to have the proper knowledge of the home, neighborhood and the cost of building materials. In general, these policies are typically designed to cover against any number of disasters.

2. How Much Liability Protection Is Necessary?

Any property damage or bodily injury that takes place on the property is the sole responsibility of the homeowner. A home insurance policy covers against these damages, as well as the damages that are caused by their pets. The home insurance policy must also cover the costs of court proceedings and hiring the proper legal representatives. 

3. Are Separate Policies Needed?

A home insurance policy does not always provide coverage for every issue that crops up in Temecula, CA. For example, the homeowner may need to purchase a separate policy to protect themselves from damages caused by earthquakes and floods. These are the types of perils that are often excluded from the typical home insurance policy. That’s why this topic must be covered during the initial consultation. 

If you have any additional questions about your current or future home insurance policy, be sure to visit the Friant Insurance Agency website as soon as possible. 

At what point does Boat insurance become a requirement?

For the people of Temecula, CA, the water is a popular place for gathering and engaging in fun activities. People buy or lease boats to enjoy the water. Friant Insurance Agency can help you determine what is best for your boat.

In most states including California, boat insurance is not a requirement by the law as it can be adequately covered by homeowner’s insurance.

If you are buying the watercraft through the bank

There are a few exceptions where boaters may be required to have some form of protection. For instance, if your bank is financing the purchase of your watercraft, you may require insurance. The bank will require proof of insurance for the boat and the policy will primarily need to cover the full cost of the watercraft.

Marinas and ports

Ports and marinas may request you to have your boat insurance before using their facilities. For example if need to moor your boat, you may need to carry a policy with  certain amount of value. 

If you do not have home insurance

Depending on the size, value, and make of the watercraft, most small boats can be covered under home insurance policy.  You can buy insurance for non motorized small boats like kayaks and canoes but if it is under home insurance, the policy can cover the boat if it is damaged around the home property. If it is in the water, it is not covered.

The use of the boat

If you are using the boat for commercial purposes like carrying goods or people, you may be required to have boat insurance to protect your passengers. It is also essential to point that commercial watercraft will also require commercial insurance.

Looking to buy boat insurance? Friant Insurance Agency can help you with that.  Visit us at Temecula, CA today.

What Coverage Do I Need With My Motor Home Insurance

Motor home insurance comes with many of the same requirements as automobile insurance. The coverage that is required for a Laguna Hills, CA resident is going to be determined by the class of motor home that they currently own. Class A coverage is going to differ from Class B coverage and Class C coverage differs from each of these. 

Class A models include the luxury motor homes that you will often see on the roadways, including converted buses and luxury coaches. Class B models include the smaller recreational vehicles. Meanwhile, Class C vehicles include fifth wheel vehicles and standard cargo vans.

So how much coverage does a motor home owner in Laguna Hills, CA need when they meet with Friant Insurance Agency? Their responsibilities are much the same as any automobile owner. Liability coverage, comprehensive coverage and collision are all needed. Additional protection should also be obtained by any motor home owner who is looking to safeguard the possessions that they currently have on board.

Depending on the amount of coverage that the motor home owner needs, they may have to consider a wide range of options. Total loss replacement coverage, underinsured motorists coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, emergency expenses and towing and roadside coverage are just a few of the policies that have to be considered at times like these.

If a motor home collides with another motorist and they are not insured, motor home insurance will cover the damages. A liability policy offers coverage to those who are at fault for an accident. When the motor home is disabled and needs to be towed, coverage ensures that these costs are covered.

In order to learn more about the ins and outs of motor home insurance coverage, a client must take the time to visit the Friant Insurance Agency website. The answers to all of your most important questions are just one click away. 

RV Safety Tips

Driving an RV in Laguna Hills, CA is becoming a popular way to travel. However, there are some safety tips you need to follow.

Learn How to Drive the RV You Plan to Use

If you are driving an RV out on the road for the first time in Laguna Hills, CA, learn how to drive it ahead of time. Driving an RV has more in common with driving a commercial big rig truck. Make sure you get some practice backing your RV up to fit in spaces.

Know the Weather

You can’t do much to change the weather but you can adapt to it. By knowing the weather forecast, you can be sure to avoid problems.

Pay Attention to the Electrical Load

You will want to plug in all your electrical devices while on the road but unlike homes, RVs aren’t wired to have them plugged in all at once. Most RVs are only wired for only 30 to 50 amps. For example, a toaster uses 14 amps.

Have Proper Weight Distribution

Weight distribution is important for these larger vehicles. You will need to decide how much water and fuel you should carry in order to stay under the weight limits for your RV. Fully loaded rigs will take longer for you to stop and have slower acceleration.

Have the Right RV Insurance

Your RV insurance should cover every aspect of your trip. An agent at Friant Insurance Agency can make sure you are covered so you aren’t just leaving your possessions in a trailer on the side of the road.

Maintain the Vehicle

A well-maintained vehicle is safe. Keep up with preventative maintenance and have regular inspections of the systems. Do an inspection of belts, headlights, hoses, towing equipment, and tires before you get behind the wheel. Tire blowouts contribute to the most RV accidents so double-check your tires.

Contact Friant Insurance Agency to get a quote on RV insurance.