Last updated 10 months ago
Are you currently in search of your first home? If so, then it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of homeowners insurance and whether or not you will be required to obtain it.
Learn more about homeowners insurance in the following and consider calling one of our team members with any further questions that arise as you read.
Lender Requirements
Unlike car insurance, homeowners insurance is not typically required by state law. Homeowners insurance is, however, a requirement of most lenders who grant home loans. These lenders will typically specify a minimum amount of coverage in their mortgage contracts as a means of protecting their investment. Often that minimum amount falls to around 80% of the home’s value.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
If a mortgage is not needed, then it is still recommended that homeowners protect their own investment by purchasing insurance. Without it, they may be subject to costs and legal fees they cannot afford. Determining exactly how much coverage you need can be tricky and involves establishing an estimate of your home’s worth combined with the collective value of your assets, as well as assessing the risk of potential damage to or personal injury within your property. Hiring an insurance agent can be highly beneficial in this process.
Am I getting all the discounts I’m entitled to?
Finally, finding all the discounts can be daunting and often like trying to get the best airfare. We have a whole section on Finding out how I can lower my Homeowers rates which will help you save money on Home insurance, save money on auto insurance, and arm you with the knowledge and the right questions you need to talk with your agent.
If you think you may need help in determining what kind of homeowners insurance policy is best for you, then call Insurance Center Associates at (310) 817-6413! We can also speak with you in person at 3220 Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, or at our nearby San Pedro offices, both of which serve the South Bay area of Los Angeles. But that’s not the limit of our service area. We are also equipped to handle your home insurance needs in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Georgia, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Washington, and we’re growing more and more each year.
Last updated 10 months ago
Would you throw water on an oil fire? How about sugar? Or flour? Did you know that a wet dishcloth can be a one size fits all lid to cover a fire in a pan? Watch this video to learn a little bit about kitchen fires, and how you can better protect yourself and your family. Throwing water onto an oil fire can create an explosive force and throw fireballs towards the ceiling. Water and oil don’t mix. The water simply sinks to the bottom of the pan and instantly becomes superheated. Remember to not toss sugar or flour on a grease fire either. Just one cup of either can create the equivalent explosive force of 2 sticks of dynamite.
If you’d like to learn more about kitchen fires and how you can protect yourself and your belongings, then contact Insurance Center Associates—we can be reached at (310) 817-6413. Insurance Center Associates has convenient office locations in San Pedro and Torrance, California, serving the South Bay area of Los Angeles. We’re also able to handle your insurance needs in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Georgia, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
Last updated 10 months ago
The California Department of Motor Vehicles website has a new look! The revamped site, www.dmv.ca.gov, makes it easier for users to navigate and take advantage of the convenient online services offered by the DMV.
When first logging on to the new DMV website, customers will see bold and streamlined content that highlights the DMV's expanded online services - including making an advance appointment. The appointment feature is just another way the DMV is assisting customers to save time by skipping the lines at the DMV. All features are conveniently placed at the top of the page, making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for.
Under the "How Do I..." drop down menu, toward the center of the homepage is a list of the most common DMV-related questions, such as how to find information on auto insurance, teen driving, name changes and what to do as a new California resident. If you have a question, the answer will most likely be in this guide.
Conveniently located at the bottom of the homepage, customers will find various ways to connect with the DMV. For the latest updates and information, they can "like" the DMV on Facebook, follow the DMV on Twitter and subscribe to the DMV YouTube Channel. The DMV has also developed an informative video - titled "Check Us Out!" - an action-packed 48 seconds that showcases everything that DMV has to offer.
A very important feature of the DMV's new website is the ability to create an online account. Registering online will allow customers to have the benefit of being a certified user on the DMV website. Certified users have greater access to DMV's online services, including the ability to renew a driver license, order driving record history or change an address. Customers may also take advantage of having a personalized "Area of Interest" webpage through the DMV. Each "Area of Interest" webpage provides customers with information on their topics of choice that have been gathered and placed into one convenient location just for you. You must go through the registration process to become a certified user with DMV. To do this, follow the link located on the right hand side of the homepage under the header "Identity Management Portal." Fill out the blank form with basic information and when certified, the DMV will validate your identity, ensuring your information is private and secure. After the form has been processed, customers will receive a confirmation email to begin using your new account.
The DMV is always striving to simplify the lives of its customers. Utilizing cutting edge technology is just one more way it continues to work to achieve this goal. Be sure to visit the Department's new website, www.dmv.ca.gov. Remember, skip the lines! Save time. Go online!
Last updated 10 months ago
Mike Randles and Insurance Center Associates staff are thrilled and honored to have received this award from Insurance Journal.
“Working with Insurance Center Associates is like having a second family,” says one employee. “Everyone here has a great personality and a positive attitude for business and life.”
“My employer is the most generous employer I’ve ever had,” says another employee. “He really cares about his staff, and shares his wealth with his employees.”
Nice words that echo the values and environment that Randles has promoted and practiced with all 12 people in the organization. Part of that reason is how Randles treats his people. “We treat them with respect, we value their opinions, and in the end, we share. If we are able to make our bonuses, we share that with our staff, including incentives and trips, to show that we really do value them.”
Read the full article here at InsuranceJournal.com
Last updated 10 months ago
Insurance Center Associates is one of two agencies who were awarded the Gold Level Customer Champion Award by Mercury Insurance Company, for achieving and providing the highest level of customer service excellence. Become a customer and find out why!
