Tag: Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc.

How to Collect on Flood Insurance

Posted on by admin

One of California’s greatest perks is its proximity to the coast; ironically, this can also be its biggest downfall. Flooding is an undeniable reality in California. However, as long as you’re insured, situations can be made relatively less dire. You might be able to recover what you’ve lost. If you find yourself and your family safe enough to consider insurance in the aftermath of a flood, here is what you need to do.

Take Stock

Review your policy to understand what’s covered. Flood insurance comprises two parts: building coverage and contents coverage. Building coverage protects the structure of your home and all associated amenities, such as pumps, tanks, and air conditioning systems. Contents coverage shields any personal property you may have within your home.

What to Do Next

Once you’ve made a claim to your insurance company, they will evaluate it and assign an adjuster. This individual can assess the flood damage in person or by means of photographs and other documentation if you prefer. Following this, you and your adjuster can submit documentation for the claim. It’s important to ensure that all required documents have been submitted. Once approved, the claim will yield compensation.

Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., Serving Palo Alto, CA

If you live in the Palo Alto, CA, area and need flood insurance, please contact Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. Our proficient, professional, and prompt agents will do their best to help you find the policy that best suits your needs.

Auto Insurance Coverages That Protect Your Vehicle

Posted on by admin

Several auto insurance coverages may offer protection for your vehicle, safeguarding against various causes of damage. Here are some of the main ones we at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. often recommend that Palo Alto, CA drivers acquire.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage may cover your vehicle’s repair or replacement cost if you are involved in an accident with at least one other vehicle. Whether in a minor accident in the parking lot, hit at a red light at one of Palo Alto, CA’s intersections, or in a multi-vehicle pile-up on the highway, this could cover the damage your car or truck sustains.

Collision coverage may pay for repairs to your vehicle or the vehicle’s value if repairs cost more than the car or truck’s worth.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage can supplement collision coverage by covering non-accident incidents that cause damage to your vehicle. For instance, comprehensive might cover theft, vandalism, fire, animal strikes, hail, and more. The risks in downtown Palo Alto or when traveling into the mountains differ, but comprehensive coverage can provide essential protection in each location.

Comprehensive insurance could pay for repairs like collision if your vehicle sustains damage in a covered incident. It could also pay the full value of your vehicle if it’s totaled.

Securing the Right Coverage

Ensure your auto insurance adequately insures your car or truck against damage. For assistance in reviewing these and other coverage options, contact us at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. We’ve helped many drivers obtain the auto insurance protections they need and are ready to assist you. Secure coverage today in case something happens to your vehicle tomorrow.

When Is It Time to Start Looking into Commercial Insurance for a Business?

Posted on by admin

At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA, we know that the process of starting a business begins well before you get the keys to your commercial property. Protecting your business matters well before the company is a physical reality, as well. As soon as you start contemplating opening a business, looking into the types of commercial insurance that may benefit you can be a good idea. While only you can decide when is the right time to check out commercial insurance, our tips below will help you decide if today is a good time for you.

When to Look at Commercial Policies

Looking at commercial policies differs from choosing one and signing all the necessary paperwork to get it into place for a business. As a result, you can research commercial protection at any time. Even if you’re early in the business planning stages, you’ll want to know what policies are available and which ones are necessary for your industry so you can bake protection from liability, theft, and more into your business plan from the start.

Knowing about worker’s compensation insurance is crucial for those who intend to have one or more employees. Businesses with a company vehicle will want to know about commercial auto policies. As you can see, commercial insurance is about more than protecting businesses with a one-size-fits-all approach, so you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to begin your research. Inquiring about commercial policies early will make you feel confident in making the right choices down the road.

To learn more about how we can help protect your current or future business, call our Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. team in Palo Alto, CA, today!

Insure New Residential Windows and Doors

Posted on by admin

New residential windows and doors will keep your residence secure. These materials will also increase the overall value of your home. Use the tips that follow to acquire insurance coverage for the new additions.

Upgrades

You need to consider whether the changes require more insurance coverage whenever upgrades are made in your home or on your property. Upgrades that are made may keep your residence and property secure. The upgrades may minimize the risk of theft occurring. The new materials may also protect against the weather.

Products

First, consider the overall value of the windows and doors you purchase. The value of these items may greatly affect the amount of insurance coverage you seek.

Some products come with a warranty. If you purchase windows and doors with coverage, review the warranty included with your purchases. Pay attention to the expiration date of the warranty.

In addition, review the warranty terms. Use the information you have read to help you determine how much insurance coverage you need.

Security Features

Assess the security features that came with the windows and doors you purchased. You should report these features when you attempt to upgrade your existing home insurance policy.

The security features may directly affect what type of premium you are responsible for. If the products you purchased did not come with adequate security, consider purchasing security products separately. Have the security products professionally installed?

Reach out to Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc.

Contact an Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. representative. One of our agents serving Palo Alto, CA, will add the new windows and doors to your current home insurance policy.

Collect Classic Cars? Here’s What You Need to Know About Insurance Coverage

Posted on by admin

Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc.: Your Reliable Provider for Classic Car Insurance

At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., located in the heart of Palo Alto, CA, we specialize in offering insurance solutions for classic automobiles. We understand the immense pride and joy represented by your vintage, exotic, or classic auto collection, and we make it our mission to protect them through robust insurance coverage against potential threats like accidents, theft, and other perils.

Key Components of Classic Auto Insurance

Classic car insurance stands distinct with a host of customizable options catering to the make, model, auto type, vehicle age, and usage. An especially critical factor is ensuring your chosen policy offers agreed-value coverage. This feature secures your classic car by guaranteeing the full replacement cost, regardless of devaluations like Blue Book Value estimates. It ensures compensation for incidents like fires, theft, and accidents based on the actual cash value agreed during policy purchase.

Classic car insurance also offers incredibly beneficial add-ons. For instance, spare parts coverage allows for the procurement of parts for restoring vehicles. Further, these policies can also cover damages incurred during the restoration process.

What Coverage Do Classic Autos and Collections Require?

Classic auto coverage differs slightly from standard auto insurance due to a few unique features. The typical mandatory requirements include:

  • Agreed Value Coverage
  • Liability Insurance
  • Collision Coverage
  • Comprehensive Coverage
  • Medical coverage
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist protection

Want Superior Coverage For Your Amazing Collection?

Antique car collection is a significant investment of time and money. It necessitates a policy exceeding traditional insurance options. Converse with one of our Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. agents in Palo Alto, CA, to create coverage that’s immaculately tailored to suit your specific needs. Get a customized quote for your outstanding collection today.

Fill in the Gaps with Umbrella Insurance

Posted on by admin

Does your auto insurance offer all the protection you need? Does your home insurance policy cover all the common and the unexpected "what if" scenarios? The truth is, everyone could probably use a little more insurance to fill in the gaps, and at the Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., we offer umbrella insurance policies to help residents in and around Palo Alto, CA cover those gaps.

Fill in the Gaps with Umbrella Insurance

Your auto insurance policy has set coverage limits, and your home insurance provides coverage for a range of common issues, but what happens when a car accident exceeds those limits or uncommon issues of liability (dog bite, personal injury, etc.) occur? 

Those questions are also what lead to the need for umbrella insurance. Can umbrella insurance better protect your home and family? How do you know?

Do You Need Umbrella Insurance? Here’s How to Find Out

Arguably, the most important question regarding umbrella insurance is if you need it, or in other words, would umbrella insurance benefit you, your family, and your home? To determine that requires evaluating various aspects of your current and future situation and status. 

Do you own dogs? Do you have a swimming pool, children, or rental properties? Do you have a lucrative income? These are a few of the many considerations a good agent will weigh when helping you determine your needs and or how much insurance to get.

Your Umbrella Insurance Expert

If you live in the Palo Alto, CA area and are considering umbrella insurance or have questions regarding how it works, the experienced and professional team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. can offer expertise for all your umbrella insurance questions and needs. Contact us to find out more, and let us show you how umbrella insurance could benefit you today.

Does Flood Insurance Cover Mold?

Posted on by admin

For anyone who owns a house, most of them know flood insurance is a separate part of your ordinary home insurance policy. It sometimes gets confusing trying to figure out what’s covered and what’s not. At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. we help our Palo Alto, CA clients understand exactly what their policy covers.

Understanding Flood Insurance 

This type of coverage becomes necessary for anyone living in areas prone to flooding or extreme weather events. Most people don’t realize that even one inch of water can cause significant damage to your home. You can see the need to purchase a flood insurance policy if you’re in a prone area.

Mold Damage And Flood Insurance

One of the most common questions asked when it comes to flood insurance is whether or not it covers mold damage inside the home. It can depend on the situation. For example, if there was an unexpected storm and your home was flooded as a result, causing mold growth, then flood insurance would typically cover the cost of remediation. However, if there are pre-existing conditions that lead to mold damage, such as poor ventilation or plumbing issues, most policies wouldn’t provide coverage. One important aspect to note is taking immediate action should you have water inside your home from a flood. Homeowners should take steps to prevent mold immediately, if possible, to prevent further damage as necessary.

Understand Your Flood Insurance Policy In Palo Alto, CA

At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., we make it easy to answer any questions you have about flood insurance and much more. Let us help you get started with a free quote, and we’ll be glad to help in any way we can.

Changes to Make to Your Insurance after Paying off Your Car

Posted on by admin

If you live in Palo Alto, CA or a nearby community, you can count on the team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. We provide our clients with the information they need to determine which auto policy is right for their needs. Our team can help you with any changes that you want to make after paying off the financing on your car. We look forward to working with you!

Changes to Consider Making Once You Pay Off Your Car

Congratulations on paying off your car! This is a huge step toward financial independence, and you should feel proud of the accomplishment. There are a few changes that many auto policyholders make once they own their vehicles outright. One of these is making adjustments to their deductible, dropping gap coverage, and upgrading to comprehensive coverage.

If you’re not sure what changes are right for your personal situation, it makes sense to speak to a local agent. We can answer any questions that you have and help you determine if making changes to your policy makes sense. In some scenarios, no changes need to be made, but everyone’s situation can differ. Now’s an ideal time to schedule a visit or give one of our agents a call to find out more. 

We’re here to answer any questions you have!

Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. is proud to serve the greater Palo Alto, CA area. We’re here to provide the answers to any insurance-related questions that you might have. Give us a call, reach out on our website, or stop by today to learn more about our friendly and knowledgeable services. We look forward to seeing you soon!

When Should a Home Business Operator Consider Buying Commercial Insurance?

Posted on by admin

Operating a home-based business offers flexibility and convenience, but it also comes with unique risks. While your homeowners’ insurance may provide some coverage, there are circumstances where it’s essential to consider purchasing commercial insurance for your home-based business. At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., providing commercial insurance in the greater Palo Alto, CA area, we want to help educate home business operators about when they should explore commercial insurance options.

Client-Facing Business Activities Key Consideration

If your home business involves regular interactions with clients or customers on your premises, commercial insurance becomes crucial. It can protect you in case of client injuries or property damage during business-related visits.

Specialized Equipment or Inventory Key Consideration

If your home-based business requires specialized equipment or you maintain a significant inventory, commercial insurance can provide coverage in case of theft, damage, or loss. Your homeowners’ policy may have limitations in this regard.

Business Liability Key Consideration

Commercial insurance offers valuable liability coverage. If your business activities result in a lawsuit or claims for negligence, commercial insurance can protect your personal assets, which may not be the case with homeowners insurance.

Schedule A Consultation Today

Home-based business operators should consider purchasing commercial insurance when their business activities involve client interactions, specialized equipment, or inventory or when they want to safeguard their personal assets from business-related liability issues. Commercial insurance tailored to your home-based business can provide peace of mind and financial protection, allowing you to focus on growing your enterprise with confidence.

Many home business operators can benefit from commercial insurance. Let the team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., serving the greater Palo Alto, CA area, help you find the best commercial insurance products for your visit. Reach out to us today to discuss your business needs. 

Things home insurance won’t cover

Posted on by admin

When you have home insurance, you may feel that you are covered against anything that might happen to your home. But you are wrong; like most insurance policies, home insurance has exclusions.  At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA, we encourage our customers to read their home insurance policy so that they are informed about the exclusions that are included with their policy. 

Home Insurance Exclusions

Earth movement

Earth movement covers several different natural disasters, it can be an earthquake, a sinkhole, a landslide, or a mudslide. None of these are covered by a home insurance policy. You can however add the coverage with an additional policy. 

Floods

Floods are one of the most damaging of all natural disasters and only an inch of water in your home can cause thousands of dollars in damage. They also are not covered by traditional home insurance. If you live in a flood plain, your lender will require that you have flood insurance, and if there is any danger you could flood it is worth having this essential coverage. 

Sewer backup

A sewer backup is quite disgusting and can cause a terrible mess, and if that all wasn’t enough, it isn’t covered by your home insurance. A rider can be added to your policy to cover it. 

Owner neglect

Your home insurance carrier expects you to maintain your home. That means getting a termite bond if you suspect there are termites in your neighborhood. It means replacing your roof before it leaks and damages the interior of your home. Wear and tear is not something that is covered by your home insurance policy. If you don’t maintain your home, the damage that results is considered your problem no the insurance company. 

We Are Here To Help

When you are ready to discuss your home insurance, call our office at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA.