Tag: Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc.

When Is Flood Insurance Necessary for Your Property?

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Many property owners are unaware that their standard home insurance does not cover damage caused by flooding. Depending on where you live, you may need additional coverage to protect against flood risk. Knowing when you need flood insurance can be challenging, but we’re here to help.

To obtain flood insurance in Palo Alto, CA, reach out to the team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. to learn about your options.

There Are Times When Flood Coverage Is Mandatory

If you buy a home in an area considered a flood zone, maintaining a flood insurance policy is essential. If you carry a mortgage on your property, your lender may require flood insurance. Typically, this applies to individuals living in high-risk zones. To determine if this applies to your home, view the FEMA flood maps to determine if your home is in a designated flood zone.

In addition to this, you may be required to maintain flood insurance if you have had flood damage in the past and received federal disaster assistance for it.

Other Times to Get Coverage

There are many other situations where flood insurance is an important investment. Even if you live in a low-risk area, it can still be beneficial to protect against such risks, as flooding can occur anywhere, and it often does. Flash rain can quickly saturate the ground and overwhelm storm drains, forcing water to travel into your home.

Call Us to Protect Your Property

If you’re unsure whether you need flood insurance for your home in Palo Alto, CA, let us help. Turn to Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. for a quote and to discuss your options.

How Do You File a Claim Against a Driver Without Insurance?

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Getting involved in any kind of auto accident can be a troubling development, but getting involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist can bring on extra anxiety. How exactly do you handle filing a claim when the other person doesn’t have insurance? What steps do you need to take in order to navigate such a situation? Here’s what you need to know about filing a claim when the driver on the other end of the accident doesn’t have auto insurance. You can make sure you have the right auto insurance for any potential accident with the help of the team here at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency, Inc., serving Palo Alto, CA and surrounding areas. 

You’ve Been Hit by an Uninsured Driver: What’s Next?

You will still need to engage in the same practices you would if you were hit by an insured driver. Make sure that you and everyone in your car, as well as the other car, are okay (and immediately call for help if anyone is injured), call the police so that you can officially file a report and make sure the accident is recorded, and take the time to gather any evidence that may be needed in the future. Then, file a claim with your insurance. You’ll need to have uninsured motorist coverage to cover the damages that you’ve experienced. If damages exceed what your auto insurance is able to cover, then you may need to take legal action against the other driver to be reimbursed for medical expenses, lost wages, and beyond. 

Get the Right Auto Insurance Coverage With Allied Brokers Insurance Agency, Inc. 

You can always trust us here at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency, Inc., serving Palo Alto, CA, to help you find auto insurance that fits your needs. Reach out to us today!

Are Your Company’s Vehicles Properly Insured?

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If you’re a California business owner and you have company cars, one of your responsibilities is to protect those assets. If your company is in the Palo Alto, CA, area, our team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. can help. Learn how commercial auto insurance works and meet with one of our experienced agents to understand your options. 

Are Your Company’s Vehicles Properly Insured?

Just as an individual must have auto insurance to drive safely, companies are required to insure all vehicles owned by the company and used for business purposes. California’s liability requirements have increased as of January 2025. This is in part due to an increase in increase in the cost of vehicle repairs and medical care. Talk to one of our agents to choose the coverage level that is best for your company’s needs.

Call Us for an Appointment

California businesses require several types of commercial coverage, including auto. Our team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. will meet with you to ensure you have all the coverage you need. Call us for an appointment. We’re currently serving the Palo Alto, CA, area. 

Insurance Coverage for Residential Security Upgrades

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Have you recently installed surveillance equipment, residential locking systems, or other security devices on your property? If so, your home insurance needs may have changed. Review the upgrades you’ve made, and then revise your home insurance policy accordingly.

Residential Security Upgrades

Assess the security upgrades and the materials they are made of. Consider both the use value and monetary value of each new security device or feature.

During your assessment, think about the possibility of a security aid being damaged, stolen, or vandalized. The placement of a particular item could affect whether it is especially prone to being compromised in the future.

Coverage Against Criminal Acts

If your surveillance equipment or another type of security aid is damaged by an intruder, you’ll need to decide whether to replace the item. Without adequate insurance to protect each security aid, you’ll be responsible for covering the costs yourself.

Adding coverage to protect your security devices can be beneficial in the long run. This type of coverage allows you to repair or replace items if they are damaged due to vandalism or theft.

Coverage Against Natural Events

Security devices can also be damaged during natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, ice storms, or other severe weather events.

Seeking insurance coverage that protects against specific natural disasters is a smart idea. If any of the items you’ve invested in are severely compromised, your policy can provide a viable way to have them repaired or replaced.

Residential Insurance Modifications

Are you ready to list your surveillance equipment in your home insurance policy? If so, reach out to one of our insurance agents at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. An agent serving the Palo Alto, CA, region can assist you in updating your policy to ensure your security devices are adequately protected.

Flood Insurance for your Bayside Property

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Bayside property sounds like a dream—walking distance to the beach, a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge, full sunshine, and the chance to imagine yourself as an extra on Full House. However, the real-life risk of flood damage can quickly turn that dream into a nightmare. Protecting your home with flood insurance is essential to ensure that a natural disaster doesn’t lead to financial ruin. Before disaster strikes, it’s essential to understand your coverage options and select the proper limits.

Understanding Flood Insurance Coverage

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you are in a high-risk zone for flooding. Contrary to popular belief, it does rain in Southern California, and flooding can happen anywhere. Unfortunately, flooding is typically not covered by standard homeowners’ insurance or business property insurance policies, so it must be purchased separately. Flood insurance consists of two main components: building coverage and contents coverage.

Building coverage protects structural elements, including floors, walls, plumbing, foundations, and electrical systems. Contents coverage, on the other hand, safeguards personal belongings, such as furniture and electronics. You can obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurance provider. Private providers may offer higher coverage limits, replacement cost coverage, and additional benefits such as living expenses if you need to vacate your home. For businesses, private flood insurance may also include business interruption coverage, which provides compensation for temporary closures resulting from flooding.

Contact Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA

If you’re in the Palo Alto, CA area and need flood insurance, contact Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. We’re here to help you find the right coverage to protect your property and peace of mind.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Really Needed?

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While some states mandate uninsured motorist coverage in their auto insurance policies, it isn’t required by law in California. However, that doesn’t mean that you should go without it. It’s a crucial type of auto coverage that should be included in every policy. If you don’t have your auto insurance yet, or you want to change your policy to a new one, give us a call at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA.

Uninsured Motorists

While it’s the law that all drivers must have auto insurance, not everyone obeys the law. There are plenty of people who skip insurance in an attempt to save money. If one of those people hits you and causes an accident, they are unlikely to have the money to pay for the damages done to you and your vehicle. This could leave you in a difficult situation if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage. With this coverage, the policy can pay for your damages even when the accident was the other party’s fault.

The Financial Burden

Without uninsured motorist coverage, all of the bills would be yours to pay if you’re hit by an uninsured motorist who can’t afford to pay for them. In these cases, suing is of no use, as the money isn’t available. The only way to ensure these bills are paid is to add this coverage to your auto insurance policy.

Get Auto Insurance in Palo Alto

If you don’t already have auto insurance for a vehicle, are buying a new one, or want to switch your auto insurance, we can help. To get started with an auto policy, or to find out more about them or about uninsured motorist coverage, give us a call at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA.

Does My New Business Need Commercial Insurance?

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Just like individuals, businesses need insurance. If you’re starting a new business, it’s essential to get insurance that provides coverage for unexpected events.

At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., serving Palo Alto, CA, we can help your business get the right commercial insurance. We offer a variety of commercial insurance options and work with multiple insurance carriers, so you have choices. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance is a category of insurance that provides coverage to businesses. There are several types of commercial insurance. Most businesses need a selection of commercial insurance types. Some of the types of commercial insurance include:

  • General liability insurance
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Business income coverage
  • Commercial property insurance
  • Workers compensation insurance
  • Commercial auto insurance
  • Data breach insurance
  • …and others

Not All Types of Insurance Are Right For Your Business

New businesses often don’t have employees, and thus may not need insurance that protects employees, like workers’ compensation insurance. In addition, a new business that doesn’t have any vehicles may not require commercial auto insurance.

In other words, your business may not need all types of commercial auto insurance. Have a conversation with your insurance agent to find out what types of insurance are right for your business.

Need Help Choosing Insurance? Call Today

If you need help choosing the right insurance for your business, the professionals at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., servicing Palo Alto, CA, can help. We provide our customers with information to help them find the right insurance for their needs.

We also work with several insurance carriers so that we can provide quotes from multiple carriers. This will help you find the right type of insurance for your needs. Want more information? Call today to learn more.

From Restoration to Accident Protection Classic Car Insurance Stands the Test of Time

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There are vehicles, and then there are classic cars, and there is a world of difference between the two. Classic cars are special from the look and feel to the sound and mystique these historical vehicles possess. That is also why classic car owners in and around the Palo Alto, CA, area rely on the proven and helpful team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. for all their classic car insurance questions and needs.

From Restoration to Accident Protection, Classic Car Insurance Stands the Test of Time

The time, effort, and expense of restoring a classic car can be considerable. Along with benefits like accident protection, classic car insurance can also help protect your classic ride during the restoration process. It seems that everyone loves classic cars, but few people know and can appreciate the work it requires to maintain, restore, and repair these beautiful and historic time capsules on wheels.

The good news is that classic car owners can manage those expenses and protect their classics with solutions like classic car insurance that stand the test of time – like the vintage vehicles they protect. At the Allied Brokers Insurance Agency, we provide insurance solutions for classic cars, their owners, and the history they keep.

Classic Car Insurance for Palo Alto, CA Area Classic Car Owners

Do you own a classic car and live in or around the Palo Alto area? Would you like to learn more about insurance options for your treasured classic? We can help. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment with our experienced and professional team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. for the classic car insurance solutions you need and deserve for your vintage vehicle today.

How Umbrella Insurance Protects Young and Established Families in Palo Alto, CA

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Protecting your investments and your young family is crucial while living in Palo Alto, CA, especially with the rising costs of living and the risks of natural disasters. Even if you have standard auto and home insurance, there’s a risk of experiencing liability limitations when faced with a serious or rare lawsuit. Understanding how umbrella insurance can protect young and established families is possible by working together with Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc.

Protect Against Excessive Liability Claims

Young and established families can quickly become financially devastated with high-cost liability claims. Umbrella insurance can help provide protection even if your child causes significant damage to the property next door. This helps safeguard your home and surroundings even when you do not control those in your household.

Future Income and Asset Protection

Umbrella insurance ensures long-term financial stability by providing medical and legal expense coverage to avoid disruptions to existing savings goals. This can help shield the wealth you and your family are building anytime you experience or encounter an unexpected lawsuit or claim.

Benefits of Umbrella Insurance for Young and Established Families

  • High Coverage: Umbrella insurance policies are affordable and offer high coverage options.
  • Broader Protection: Go beyond the limitations of standard general liability insurance with umbrella insurance policies.
  • International Protection: Umbrella insurance is optimal for young families who travel to work or abroad internationally on vacation.

The more familiar you are with umbrella insurance policies, the easier it will be for you to craft a policy that provides peace of mind for your young and established family. To learn more about umbrella insurance policies and determine if one is right for you, visit Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA. Contact Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. directly today for your consultation and quote.

Do I Have to Get Flood Insurance to Buy a House?

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You may be required to get insurance when buying a house. The type of insurance you need and whether you’re required to get it depend on various factors.

If you need to get flood insurance, the Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. professionals servicing Palo Alto, CA, can assist you. We offer a range of insurance types, including flood insurance. Here’s what you need to know.

Defining Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is a specific type of insurance that aids recovery after a flood. It’s separate from your home insurance policy, as standard home insurance policies do not cover flood-related damages. Flood insurance is provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Do Mortgage Lenders require Flood Insurance?

Mortgage lenders may require flood insurance if you buy a home in a high-risk flood area. These high-risk flood areas are designated on flood maps made available online through FEMA.

If your lender requires flood insurance, start shopping for a policy early in the home-buying process. If you can’t find an affordable policy by the time your loan is ready to fund, your lender won’t provide the money to buy the house.

What to Expect When Getting Flood Insurance

Although FEMA provides flood insurance, you can obtain your flood insurance policy from Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., servicing Palo Alto, CA. At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., we offer excellent customer service and can answer your questions to help you find a policy suitable for your new home. Call us today.