Why You Should Purchase Home Insurance on Properties That You Are Renting Out

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Home insurance is not only for the homes in which we live primarily. For some homeowners, they own several properties that are rented out to tenants and their families. If you own multiple properties in the San Francisco, CA area, be responsible and purchase home insurance on these properties today. Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. has a policy that will fit your needs and protect your property.

Fire Damage

Often, there are unforeseen accidents that can happen in a home, whether you are living in it or renting it out. In the event that one of your homes has fire damage, that structure may be covered under your home insurance policy. Any building on your property, as well as home damages, will be covered. 

Vandalism

Unfortunately, damage can occur to the exterior of your home if you live in a high traffic area. Expect coverage from your home insurance policy if one of your homes falls victim to vandalism. Damages to broken windows, graffiti, and other exterior damages can be costly without an insurance policy. 

Personal Property

While the personal property of a tenant will not be covered by a landlord’s policy, any personal property that you have inside will be included in the policy when damaged by fire or theft. Any appliances, furniture, or equipment that belongs to you as the owner is covered in your policy. If a landlord provides appliances in the rental agreement with tenants, as a landlord, you will need to make sure that you can include them via insurance should tragedy strike. 

Cover Your Properties 

If you do not have home insurance on your multiple properties, let Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. provide you with the coverage you need today. Our agents serve homeowners in the San Francisco, CA area and surrounding communities. 

 

 

What To Do When Your Car Gets Destroyed By A Hail Storm

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You get the alert on your phone that hail is impending and you know there’s no way to get your car to safety in time. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc., we know that hail is always a possibility in San Francisco, CA. When there’s nothing you can do to stop the damage, we’re here to help you pick up the pieces.

What to do when the hail has stopped

The first thing you should do is look over your car yourself to see if the hail actually caused any damage. Be very careful doing this, especially if you find cracked or broken windows. Sometimes hail can only cause cosmetic damage, and sometimes it can be enough to total a car. By looking it over yourself first, you might get an idea of what you’re in for.

You can’t rely on your own observations though, even if you think there is little to no damage. Be sure to contact your insurance agent and start the process of getting your car checked out. It’s possible that there is more damage than you think, or that there is damage present that you didn’t even notice.

Once you have the damage assessed, depending on the condition, you’ll have a few options on how to proceed. If the car needs to be repaired because the hail caused structural damage, then you will obviously need to repair the car. If your car is damaged but still drivable, then you can make the decision on whether you want to repair it or not. You even have the option of finding a new car if yours is totaled. 

No matter what you decide, you need to talk to your insurance agent about how to proceed after hail damage. Serving San Francisco, CA, Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. can answer your car insurance questions and help you out in the event of hail damage.

Is Renter’s Insurance Mandatory?

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Renting a home or apartment can be a thrilling experience, but not having coverage in the event of a disaster can be truly devastating. For those in the San Francisco, CA area, the helpful agents of Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. can assist you in finding the renters policy that works best for you.

So, when renting a home or an apartment, it is not mandatory in any state unless specifically stated in your rental agreement, that you have any sort of renter policy in place. Your landlord may require that you take out a renter policy to protect their investment and to help you to replace items if the property should be destroyed. If you are renting and your landlord requires a renter policy, you should take the time to talk with an insurance agent to find a coverage option that works for you.

Most landlords will have their own insurance policy to help protect their property if something happens to the home. Renter’s policies cover a broad range of things. For starters, they cover the replacement of contents and property should your rental property become damaged in a fire, break-in, theft, or even storm damage. A landlord has no responsibility to pay you for items that are destroyed or stolen, so having a rental policy in place is a great way to protect your interests.

It is important to remember that when your rental home is destroyed or when there is a fire, likely your items are going to need to be replaced. Since it is not the responsibility of the landlord to replace items that are damaged or stolen, it is important that you protect your own property. For those that live in the San Francisco, CA area, the resourceful agents with Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. can assist you.

Must Have Auto Coverage for New Drivers

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As a new driver, you should have adequate car insurance coverage to protect yourself and others in an accident. Knowing your options makes it easier to get the protection you need. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc., we can help you understand the various types of coverage so you can make good decisions when choosing a policy. Here are some essential facts you should know about auto insurance coverage.  

Minimum Liability Coverage

Most states require that you have minimum liability coverage to help pay for injuries or property damage to others in case you cause an accident. As a new driver, you may want more than the bare minimum as your lack of driving experience puts you at greater risk of causing an accident. If you cause an accident with extensive damages, you could end up paying most of the damages out of pocket.

Liability insurance protects other drivers, not you. To protect your vehicle, you’ll need a collision and comprehensive coverage.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance would pay for damages to your car if you were to accidentally crash into another vehicle while driving around San Francisco, CA or run into a tree. If you own a new car and drive extensively, you should consider collision coverage to protect your investment. If you own a second-hand vehicle, however, (as many new drivers do) you may want to forgo this coverage to save money on your premium.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance protects you against theft, vandalism, and damage to your vehicle caused by the elements. This coverage is essential for new car owners more so than those who drive second-hand vehicles. Consider where you live, your driving habits, and the value of your vehicle when deciding if comprehensive coverage is for you.

For more information on car insurance coverage and costs, contact Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. in San Francisco, CA.

What Commercial Insurance Options Are Right For You

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When you run a business, it is important to consider all the different ways insurance may protect the company. Now, there are a number of different commercial insurance options out there. You just need some help finding what is right for you and your San Francisco, CA business. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc., that is exactly what you’ll receive. 

Window Insurance

Do you have many windows on the property? Do you own the property? If you answered yes to both of those questions, you might want window insurance. Replacing windows, regardless of the reason, is expensive and an undesirable added expense. With window insurance, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for this. 

Property Insurance

You don’t need to own the property to take advantage of property insurance. Chances are, you have machines and other equipment on hand you use for your business. If these items are tampered with, destroyed, or stolen it can shut down your business until a replacement is brought in. Instead of paying for replacement equipment out of pocket, property insurance helps protect you. 

Vehicle Insurance

If you drive at all for work, you need commercial vehicle insurance. It doesn’t matter if you have regular auto insurance as this insurance will not cover you when driving for work. So from using your own vehicle to bringing in a specific commercial vehicle, it is a good idea to invest in commercial vehicle insurance. It protects your driver and your business in the event of an accident. 

When it comes to finding the right commercial insurance coverage for your business, look no further than the team at Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. Our San Francisco, CA agency can help you better protect your business. All you need to do is give our team a call. 

Home Insurance and Refinancing

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When you refinance your home it means that you are adjusting the amount of money that you are paying for your home and that you may be able to have less home insurance coverage. It is important that if you are working to refinance your home, you also reevaluate how much home coverage you need. For those that live in the San Francisco, CA area, the agents with Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. can help you find the perfect policy for your refinanced home.

Refinancing means that you are going to take out a smaller loan or that you are changing the terms of your financing for your home. When you refinance your home, you may also need less home coverage and you need to take the time to make sure your coverage is properly aligned. You may need more or less coverage depending on how much you finance along with other factors. Taking the time to look at your home coverage after you refinance may mean that you can take out a smaller policy and therefore have lower premiums.

This is not always the case. However, you may still want to have a broad policy to cover the cost of replacing the home rather than just taking out an insurance policy for the cost of your mortgage or the loan that you have financed. At the least, your loan amount and your coverage should be in line with one another and should reflect one another to make sure that if your home is damaged, you have the funds to pay off your loan and start over. You can talk with your agent about what needs to be done to adjust your insurance policy properly.

For those in the San Francisco, CA area, the agents with Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. can help. Reach out to our offices to find out more about refinancing and home insurance policies for your residence.

Why Auto Insurance is Mandatory in Most States

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Ever wondered what it would be like without auto insurance? While a few might celebrate the financial freedom and jump at the chance to save a few hundred dollars a year, most of us would live in constant fear. Auto insurance with Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. is meant to protect you (the driver), your passengers, and your car by covering the risk of financial liability. Drivers in San Francisco, CA and several other states must carry auto insurance. Failure to provide proof of insurance could lead to legal consequences, and you could lose big if you ever got into an accident. So, why do most states require drivers to carry auto insurance?

To Reduce Lawsuits

The use of automobiles has become more widespread, hence increasing the rate of accidents. Allocating time and space in courts to solve lawsuits over damages and injuries caused in accidents can become more difficult. Compulsory auto insurance laws help to handle such problems.

To Ensure Financial Responsibility

People are less motivated to buy auto insurance since it mostly protects other people who are involved in a car accident with you, together with their property. The state laws ensure victims of such accidents are well compensated.

Inadequate Financial Responsibility

All states have financial liability laws that require drivers to prove that they have enough assets to cover any damages they may cause in an accident. However, these laws are inadequate when it comes to remedying the risks of at-fault, non-paying drivers.

For Personal Protection

If auto insurance were optional, there would be a disparity on the road, making it difficult to handle claims. While a few drivers prepare to gamble, your auto insurance policy enables you to protect yourself, your car, and your passengers.

At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc, we offer affordable and reliable auto insurance to the residents of San Francisco, CA and its surrounding towns. For a worry-free driving experience, contact us today.

When Can You Claim Your Renters Insurance?

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Renters insurance offers financial coverage against loss or damage of personal property or injuries to other people that may happen inside your rented home. It covers legal costs in case the person files a liability claim and pays for medical expenses. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc., we help our clients in San Francisco, CA find the renter’s insurance coverage that best suits them. However, making unnecessary claims can have negative effects on your premiums.

The following are some of the appropriate reasons to make a claim:

When The Damage Is Not Your Fault

If the damage is a result of your own negligence, the insurance company will not pay your claim. In fact, they may raise your rates. Be sure that the damage is not your fault before making a claim for your renter’s insurance

When The Cause Of Damage Is Covered

It is important to note that your renter’s insurance policy does not cover everything. You should study your policy to understand what is covered. Do not claim a peril that is not covered. Apart from the fact that it will be disallowed, it may put you in a position of disadvantage with your insurance company.

When The Amount Is More Than The Deductible

Make sure that the cash value of a claim is more than your deductible before filing a claim. If it does not, you won’t get any benefits and your premiums may be raised just because you had an event happen.

At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc., we help our clients prepare themselves for accidents. We write quotes for renters and other insurance policies. We service California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Nevada. Visit our office in San Francisco, CA or contact us at 415-586-7200 to discuss a new quote.

Auto Insurance: Where to Save, Where to Spend

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Car insurance: it’s required, but it can get expensive.

When you’re getting ready to cruise the streets of San Francisco, CA, stop by Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. to get a great deal on car insurance. Before you decide on which policy to purchase, consider the following ways to save some money. 

  • Raise your deductible – While a high deductible may sound scary at first, if you’re a safe driver, it’s likely to pay off in the long run. A higher deductible will lower your monthly premium. It’s a great idea to stow away the money you save each month into an emergency fund, in case you would be required to pay your deductible because of an accident. 
  • Maintain good credit – Research shows that when people effectively manage their credit, they’re not as likely to make a car insurance claim. Insurance companies use this information to come to a decision on policy cost for new customers. Paying your bills on time and staying well below your credit limits on your credit cards will help ensure that your credit score helps you get a good deal on car insurance. 
  • Take a drivers’ education course – Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a drivers’ education course. Talk with your agent at Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. in San Francisco, CA to learn more about how taking a drivers’ education course can save you money. 

When it comes to car insurance, remember that it’s important to look at all aspects of the policies you consider, not just cost. Don’t be afraid to ask your agent questions- remember; you’re the customer!

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Copyright Infringement?

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Commercial insurance is required by California law but only in certain situations. Sonoma and San Francisco, CA residents must have coverage to provide unemployment benefits to staff, workers compensation if you have a certain amount of laborers, and disability insurance for employees. Certain professions may require you to obtain a professional liability policy, and your agent can discuss these conditions in greater detail with you. 

Is Copyright Infringement Covered?

In today’s world, we simply cannot get around the fact that content is king. As such, the need to produce marketing materials, blog posts, and other sorts of advertising means that we must deal with creators of artwork and marketing. This can put companies at risk if a contractor or other employee uses ideas that were sourced from someone else without their knowledge. If a business displays a logo that another person is claiming ownership of, it can expose that firm to the danger of lawsuits and demands that damages be paid. 

Your general liability insurance policy should protect you in cases where you are held liable for copyright infringement, and depending on your field, you’ll need to determine how much coverage you will need. If you feel your indemnification limits could leave you responsible for an outstanding balance, you can add a commercial insurance umbrella policy that will have higher caps, giving you greater protection. 

Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. Is Here for You 

Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. is experienced in providing Sonoma and San Francisco, CA residents with premium insurance products to fill their everyday needs. We can answer any questions you may have regarding commercial insurance and its protections against copyright infringement issues, and we look forward to hearing from you. You can reach us online, by telephone, or you can stop in to our office to speak to one of our friendly agents today!