What First Time Renters Need to Know About Insurance

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Renting your home has a lot of perks. Someone else gets to worry about big home repairs, property taxes and insurance, right? Almost. Although your landlord will have a homeowner’s policy in place to cover their property, renters should still give some thought to insurance. Renters’ insurance is an important way to protect your self while you are renting your home. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. serving San Francisco, CA, we want to help better educate you about your insurance needs. Keep reading to learn more about renters’ insurance.

What is Renters’ Insurance?

Renters’ insurance is a type of insurance product designed to protect individuals who do not own their home, but rather are renting a house, apartment, or condo. Renters’ insurance is different from homeowner’s insurance because it does not cover the actual property. Rather, renters’ insurance is in place to protect you and your belongings. 

What Does Renters’ Insurance Cover?

Renters’ insurance can be customized to suit your particular needs, but in general, renters’ insurance will cover the following areas. 

Personal Property- Your personal property differs from the home’s property. Your personal property includes your possessions which are housed on the property. Should your personal property be damaged or lost due to fire, natural disaster, or burglary, the insurance policy will kick in to have those items repaired or replaced. Without this type of protection, you could be left financially vulnerable following a disaster or burglary. 

Liability- Some renters’ policies will also provide liability protection. This liability protection will kick in if someone is injured at your rental home because of your negligence. This is an important type of coverage to have in place so that you are not left with expensive medical bills or legal fees in the event of an accident in your rental home. 

If you would like to learn more about renters’ insurance, please contact our staff at Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. serving San Francisco, CA. 

Home Liability Coverage: A Must for California Homeowners

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San Francisco, CA is a beautiful and exciting place to call home. If you own a home in the city, you can protect your valuable property and lifestyle with home insurance. Liability coverage is particularly important to protect your assets against liability claims that can deplete your finances. Here’s why liability coverage from Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. is a must for California homeowners.      

Protection against Accidents

Accidents are common occurrences at home, even if you maintain a safe and secure environment. If a visitor is injured in an accident on your property, you could be held responsible. That means you’d have to pay his medical costs. Liability insurance protects you from accidents by paying the cost of accidental injuries or damages that occur on your property.

Serious accidents could deplete your financial assets if you had to cover these expenses on your own. Imagine having to pay thousands or tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of medical expenses, lost wages or disability due to someone having a serious accident in your San Francisco, CA home. You may have to tap into your savings, retirement funds, investment funds or future wages to cover these costs.

Protection against Lawsuits

If you’re found negligent for a serious accident in your home, you could be sued for damages. In addition to paying legal costs, you may have to pay a major settlement of hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, if you lose the lawsuit. Liability insurance protects you against lawsuits by covering legal fees and settlement costs, up to the limits of your policy. Ideally, your liability coverage should be enough to protect your assets against the risk of lawsuits.

For more information about liability insurance or to purchase home liability coverage, see your Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. agent today.

Top 3 Reasons To Consider Renters’ Insurance

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There are so many perks to renting your home. It is a great feeling knowing that someone else can take care of big maintenance jobs, taxes, and homeowner’s insurance. If you rent your home, you should be aware that your landlord’s homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover many aspects of your rental property. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. serving San Francisco, CA and surrounding areas, we love to take the time to educate our clients on these important insurance topics. Keep reading to learn the top 3 reasons you should consider renters’ insurance. 

Damaging Events 

If the property you are renting is damaged due to fire, storms, natural disasters, or other causes, only the physical property itself will be covered under the landlord’s homeowner’s policy. Anything you own in the home or on the property will be lost. The cost of repairing or replacing these items will come out of your pocket. This could leave you financially vulnerable and with no way to start over. 

Burglary

A landlord’s homeowner’s policy does not cover your personal belongings lost during a burglary. If your rental is broken into, you cannot regain the value of your lost items unless you have renters’ insurance in place. This is the number one reason most people consider purchasing renters’ insurance. 

Liability 

If someone is injured in your rental, the liability of their injuries could fall to you. A liability event can be devastating financially if it turns into a legal battle. The best way to protect yourself and your assets is to have a comprehensive renters’ insurance policy in place while you are renting your home. 

If you would like to learn more about renters’ insurance, please call our friendly staff today at Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc serving San Francisco, CA. We would love to answer your insurance questions. 

When Should You Update Your Auto Insurance?

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It’s important to keep your auto insurance policy up to date, so you get the right coverage. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc.in San Francisco, CA, we offer different types of auto insurance to meet your needs. Here are the signs its time to update your existing policy.

Moving

Moving is a daunting experience, and updating your car insurance can seem low on the priority list. However, not updating your address can void your policy. Obviously, if you move to another state you’ll have to update your address. However, even if you are moving across town, you’ll need to contact your insurer and give them the correct address. 

Aftermarket Upgrades

Some companies will cover aftermarket parts up to a certain amount. Many companies also offer an option to insure the vehicle for an agreed-upon value, which can be higher than the book value. This allows you to cover the upgrades to your vehicle without a problem. If you want the company to cover your car customization, it’s best to discuss it before you modify your vehicle. 

Change in Drivers

If you had other drivers insured on your policy that are no longer driving your vehicle, you could save money by having them removed. If there’s a new driver in the household, you’ll need to add them to your policy. 

Change in Driving Record or Status

You should also update your policy if your driving record has changed, particularly in your favor. If you have an accident or speeding ticket that has recently been removed from your record, it could lower your rate. An improved credit score, getting married, and getting older can also lower your premiums.

Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc.has been serving San Francisco, CA residents for more than eighty years. We believe in providing individuals with policies that suit their needs. Contact us today to learn more.  

Is Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Enough?

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With such a large population, San Francisco, CA has some of the most congested roads in the country in one of the most populated states in the nation. There are well over 3,000 motor vehicle accident deaths a year in the Golden State and tens of thousands of more accidents that result in property, physical and emotional damages. Even if you are a good driver with a clean record, you need auto insurance. 

And as you probably already know, you are required by the state to have valid insurance in order to register a vehicle and drive on public roads. State law also requires you to meet certain coverage minimums, specifically in the areas of Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability. And unlike some states, California also requires you to carry Uninsured Motorist coverage with both Bodily Injury and Property Damage minimums.

At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc., we offer a range of auto insurance policies and get frequent requests for the lowest minimum coverage amounts. However, the truth is that this is hardly the best way to go. Even minor traffic accidents can rack up damages that exceed minimum coverage, causing you to face hefty out-of-pocket costs. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the state-required minimums are focused on covering damages you may inflict to others, not your own. 

So for most drivers in San Francisco, CA, and all of California for that matter, minimum auto insurance coverage just isn’t sufficient. This is especially true if you have a newer vehicle with pricey customizations or even a classic car that requires specialty parts for repairs. Even cars from a decade or more ago can experience more serious damage in an auto accident, thanks to the lack of advanced safety standards and structure. 

To learn more, contact the experts at Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. We will evaluate your driving habits and specific needs in order to determine what kind of auto coverage may be best for you.

Does Commercial Insurance Protect A Business That Caters To Family Activities?

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Commercial insurance is a broad term for any type of policy that is meant to protect a company or business endeavor. There are many different variations for commercial insurance that is designed to help protect a specific type of business to prevent liability and losses. One special type of commercial insurance is family activity center insurance.

Family Activity Center Insurance 

Those who choose to open a business that caters to family-related activities, such as arcades, recreational vehicles, and even water parks need family activity center insurance. This coverage is tailored with liability and special scenarios only present with a family geared business. In order to find out if this type of insurance is right for your business, consult with an insurance agent who has experience with this type of policy. They can help arrive at a solid insurance coverage figure and advise on other options that can provide additional blankest of protection.

Work With An Experienced Agent

One of the best ways to protect a business from liability and other claims is to work with an agent who has plenty of experience with commercial insurance policies. They will be able to sit down with the client to find out what type of coverage fits their situation without leaving gaps in coverage. Those who have a business in or near the San Francisco, CA area should consult with Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. to find out what policies work best and how to learn more about what is covered.

Anyone who is interested in family activity insurance for their business should call or stop by Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. proudly serving San Francisco, CA,  to find out more about coverage options.

Should I Bundle My Home Insurance With Other Insurance Policies?

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You hear of bundling insurance often, especially home and auto. You get advice about it and see commercials about it, but you are still not sure if it is the best choice for you. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc., we want you to understand the benefits of bundling insurance so you can make the best decision for you. 

Discounts

One of the most significant benefits of bundling is that most companies offer a discount if you bundle with them. Many people bundle their phone and the internet or their internet and cable because they receive a discount when they do. Bundling your insurance works similarly.

One Bill and Agent

Paying bills is bad enough, but paying multiple ones is even worse. You can save yourself some time and trouble of getting around San Francisco, CA by bundling since you pay all of your insurance at once. Additionally, when you do business with only one agency, you have a better opportunity of building a relationship with that agent.

Potentially Lower Deductible

There is a possibility that you will have a lower overall deductible to meet as your two policies are joined.

Consumers must do their due diligence. At times, though it is rare, bundling may not provide a discount. There is also a chance that bundling two insurance types may affect the coverage you receive. This is why it is vital that you do your research before signing any contracts. You want to be sure you are getting the best deal, that the agency you choose can answer any questions you may have, and that they are transparent with the quality of the coverage you will receive through bundling.

If you reside in San Francisco, CA, and have any questions about bundling your insurance policies, give Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. a call. You can count on us to help you make the best choice for you and your family.

 

Why your business needs Commercial Insurance

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At times, the difference between the wise and not-so-wise often comes down to a single decision. As a business owner, one such choice for you is whether to get commercial insurance or not. This is even more critical for new companies as their trajectory can be unstable. A commercial license will mitigate the risk of a sudden loss of finances and might be the only thing that would save the company from going under. As a start, you must understand the significance and importance of commercial insurance.

Commercial losses, such as theft, employee injury, property damage, liabilities, etc. are common. If you have reliable policy coverage, you might be less affected by such events compared to not having any protection. Another growing area of concern is data breach damage with an increasing number of cyberattacks. Financial losses to such types of attacks can be considered in specific policies. A great benefit of commercial insurance is you receive tax deductions provided the company serves a business purpose.

At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services in San Francisco, CA, you have the expertise of the commercial insurance market and the sound understanding of local rules and regulations. A commercial license can be more complicated than individual policies, which makes for a great reason for you to consult an expert in the matter. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, agents are trained to understand your specific situation and then guide you on the best-matched policy for your needs. This could easily be the best investment you make in your business, giving you the support, security, and peace of mind that is needed in a successful business. Visit the Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services office in San Francisco, CA, or contact us by phone to get started without risking any delay.

Why a home inventory is a good idea

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Owning a home in San Francisco, CA is a dream come true. When you own a home, you probably have a mortgage and your lender will require that you protect their investment by carrying home insurance. Home insurance also protects you since it provides coverage for not only the physical building itself but also your personal belongings. Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. offers its clients and future clients the benefit of their years of experience when it comes to choosing the right home insurance. 

If your home is damaged or destroyed by a covered hazard, you can lose all or part of your personal possessions. Imagine having to reconstruct from memory your entire home and what you have in every single room, drawer, closet, and cupboard. It is a daunting prospect. This is why creating a home inventory is a good idea. With a home inventory, you will have all the proof that you need to verify the things that you owned prior to the hazard that caused the damage. 

To create a home inventory, go through your home room by room and write down all the things in the room. Be as specific as possible. For example, saying a sofa is not enough.  You will need to describe the sofa. If you have proof of the money spent on items, include that with the inventory. Take photos to go along with the inventory. For higher-priced items like electronics, be sure to note the brand and model. The inventory should then be stored in a safe place, preferably off-site but at the very least in a fire and water-resistant box. 

Your home is your castle, and in San Francisco, CA, Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. understands that. Why not give our office a call or stop by to discuss the value of a home inventory and any other insurance needs you may have. 

 

I Got a DUI Now What?

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So you made a mistake and drove under the influence. You’ve gone to court and had a hearing with the DMV, and you’re probably wondering what happens now. A DUI conviction can have adverse effects on your insurance rates and driving privileges. After a DUI, there may be additional requirements for you to drive again. Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. serving San Francisco, CA may be able to help.

Your Rates Will Increase

A DUI conviction leaves a mark on your driving record that lasts for ten years. That mark can lead to increased insurance rates. However, your rate probably won’t immediately jump, because state law prohibits insurance companies from raising your rates before your renewal period. But, you should be prepared to see an increase when it’s time to renew.

You’ll Need an SR-22

Your license was probably suspended following your DUI conviction, so you’ll likely be required to obtain an SR-22 to reinstate your driving privilege. An SR-22 is a form that provides proof that you have the state-required liability insurance to drive. The DMV requires drivers convicted of DUI have one on-file, typically for three years. 

If you own a car or have one registered in your name, you’ll have to have an SR-22 on file with the DMV. If you don’t own a car, but will drive at any point during the designated timeframe, you’ll have to obtain a nonowners SR-22. 

You must request a form from an auto insurance company. They will either send it to you, or they’ll send it directly to the DMV once it’s completed.

The time following a DUI can be stressful. Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. serving San Francisco, CA can help you get back on the road. Contact us today to learn more about your insurance options.