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!

Tips for Spring Home Maintenance

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Your homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover damage done to your home that is caused by a lack of maintenance. As such, at Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc., serving the greater San Francisco, CA area, we make it a point to let our clients know how important routine home maintenance is. Not only does it help protect your home and its value, but it helps to ensure homeowners insurance claims are not denied because of maintenance issues or problems. Spring is almost upon us, which means that certain home maintenance is needed.

Here are a few of the tips for spring home maintenance. 

Trim Your Trees Back

Winter can be brutal on your trees. Strong winds can damage limbs, cold temperatures can cause damage, and heavy rains can cause the roots to be exposed. When it begins to warm up, you should have your trees inspected by an arborist if there are any signs of damage. Additionally, the tree should be trimmed to remove dead growth and make way for new life. 

Check Your Roofs and Gutters

Spring is the rainy season. If your roofs and gutters are not ready for the rain, leaks and damage can occur. As such, at the end of winter or beginning of spring, you want to take the time to have your roofs and gutters inspected. If any damage is noted, repairs should be made quickly to prevent further rain damage. 

Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer

Lastly, spring is the perfect time to have your air conditioner inspected and tuned up. This helps to ensure that when temperatures increase, your unit will be working correctly to keep your home cool. 

Maintaining your home is important, and just as important is having a homeowners insurance policy that fully covers your home and the problems it may face. If you are in the market for a new homeowners insurance policy in the greater San Francisco, CA area, turn to Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. Call us now for a free quote. 

What Should I Do if I’m in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist?

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Driving a car on a daily basis is a necessity for many people. While driving a car is generally a safe activity, there are situations in which you will get into an accident.  While all drivers are required by law in California to carry liability auto insurance, some drivers do not obey this law or requirement. San Francisco, CA residents that are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist should follow a few steps to ensure they are as protected as possible. 

Contact Police

If you are involved in an accident in which an uninsured motorist is at fault, the first thing that you should do is call the police. While many minor accidents can be handled without police presence, if the other driver in the accident does not have insurance you will want to have a detailed and official record of the accident. 

Contact Insurance Company

After you have contacted the police, the next step would be to contact your insurance company. Depending on whether or not you have collision and comprehensive insurance coverage in place, you may receive full coverage from your insurance company. Furthermore, your insurance company will attempt to collect the damage costs directly from the other party and will pursue legal remedies if it is necessary.

Since being involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist is always a risk, having the right coverage in place to protect yourself is very important. One insurance company in the San Francisco, CA area that could help to ensure you have the right insurance coverage for this risk is Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. will be able to help you better understand your insurance needs and make sure you have the right policy for your situation. 

 

Can Renter’s Insurance Help Lower Your Rent?

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Renting is a great way to save up money for a home of your own or to just avoid having to pay high mortgages and other expenses associated with a house. For those that rent, you are not required to have a homeowners or renters policy but a renters policy is highly suggested. Renter’s insurance can help in the case of a fire or a break-in. Though renter’s insurance is not necessarily mandatory in all apartments or rental spaces, it is highly beneficial. For those in the San Francisco, CA area, the agents with Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. can help you find the right policy for you.

For the most part, renter’s insurance is optional, some landlords, however, will offer a break on their rents if you do have renter’s insurance in place. This is because it will help you to recover your items if something happens which means that you are less likely to come back to the landlord or the rental property itself. Renter’s insurance is mandatory in some rental areas however to protect the rental property and the landlord.

You should find out if your rental agreement offers any sort of breaks for renter’s insurance or if it is mandatory in order to enter into a rental agreement with that particular landlord. Renter’s insurance can help you recover if your possessions if they are damaged, stolen or otherwise destroyed and can even help to rebuild the unit so that you are not liable to help rebuild or to pay your damage deposit. For those that do have renter’s insurance, you can be sure that you are going to benefit from having this type of policy in place.

For those in the San Francisco, CA area, the agents with Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. can help you find the perfect policy.

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements for the State of California

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California drivers are required to carry auto insurance so they can cover any financial losses that can come from an accident, and they must carry proof that they have an active policy inside their vehicle at all times. California drivers are also required to present the necessary documentation in the following circumstances:

  • When it’s being requested by a law enforcement officer
  • When renewing their vehicle’s registration
  • When they’re involved in an automobile accident

California insurance companies are required to file electronic reports on any covered vehicles that are for “private use,” and law enforcement officers and court officials have access to this information.

Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements

If you live in the state of California and drive a vehicle, you must have the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:

  • $15,000 that covers the injury or death of one person
  • $30,000 that covers the injury or death of more than one person
  • $5,000 in property damage coverage

Liability insurance is meant to compensate for any related financial losses for which you are responsible, and it will cover either bodily injury or property damage. However, comprehensive or collision coverage will not meet the state requirements for liability coverage.

Finding the Best Auto Policy in San Francisco, CA

If you live in San Francisco, CA and want to find a reliable automobile policy that will meet state requirements, Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. has a team of agents who will gladly help you. We have been serving the people of San Francisco, CA for a long time, and we can help you find a policy that will meet your needs and fit your budget.

Be sure to contact the office of Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. to find out how we can help you get the coverage you need!