Umbrella Insurance: Extra Protection for a Small Investment

Insurance coverage protects your valuable assets from financial misfortune. From the car you drive every day to the business it took you years to build, the right combination of insurance coverages can secure your future and ensure your family’s legacy.

However, there are times when your basic coverage isn’t enough. In these instances, an umbrella policy from Armorcrest Insurance Services could be the only thing standing between you and complete financial ruin. How can an umbrella insurance policy protect your El Centro, CA property?

Home Insurance

Whether you live in a condo or own a sprawling estate, residential property insurance pays for loss or damage to your residence and most of its contents. Sometimes, however, big events can cause you to lose everything. When that happens, your limits may not be enough to help you repair your home and replace all of your personal items.

Talk to your agent about adding umbrella insurance to your homeowner’s insurance. For a small monthly fee, you gain peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ll always have the cash to rebuild.

Commercial Policies

Your business needs special protection from a variety of common threats. Commercial property, auto, and general liability are a few of the important ways you can use to protect your enterprise.

Keep in mind, however, that many businesses are vulnerable to public opinion. An injury or accident can ruin your reputation and put your entire business at risk. When your cash flow is compromised due to a covered event, your umbrella insurance gives you extra funds to navigate through the tough times.

Customized Insurance for All of Your Important Assets

Talk to the agents at Armorcrest Insurance Services for personalized guidance on your El Centro, CA insurance needs. Let us show you how an umbrella insurance policy can help you keep your property safe.

Be Sure to Look Out for These Top 4 Condo Insurance Coverages

Purchasing a condominium means you are a homeowner. HOA are homeowners associations you will belong to. There are members of the HOA that manage the insurance to keep common areas and the greater building maintained. There is insurance that covers the buildings. Having your own insurance that will cover individual needs not covered under the HOA is a wise move. Armorcrest Insurance Services serving El Centro, CA, can help you understand your HOA and recommend additional insurance.  

If you own or lease a condo, chances are you have some type of insurance. There are several different kinds of insurance that cover personal property and other unique aspects of condominium ownership. Here are 4 top insurances to consider for your condo.

Master Policy Homeowners

This is typical coverage many people will get. There are usually fees collected by the HOA. There are a few levels of coverage from minimum to maximum and they can cover basic structure and fixtures to full restoration of units.

Standard Liability Insurance

This form of insurance can help if you have guests or residents who have accidents in common areas around the property. It can be helpful if you may ever find yourself in a lawsuit as well.

Personal Property Coverage

Anything in your condo unit that is not a fixture, is personal property. Everything from electronics to household furnishing would be covered under personal property insurance.

Master policy deductible coverage

HOA insurances have seen increases in deductibles. This type of coverage can help reimburse you for high deductibles.

Speak to one of our representatives today at Armorcrest Insurance Services, serving El Centro, CA. There are a variety of options to insure your condo from personal property to particular types of insurance. We will be happy to assist you in finding the right coverage for your condo.

Health Insurance Myths

Health insurance in El Centro, CA can be a confusing insurance product and there are many myths that prevent people from getting the right kind of coverage.

Myth 1: You don’t get services until you pay the deductible.

Home and auto policies will require you to pay your deductible before your claim gets paid out, but this isn’t the case for health insurance. You do have to pay your deductible before an insurer will pay for services, but you can get access to free preventive services even before you meet your deductible. This can include screenings for cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as women’s health services.

Myth 2: Your health insurance won’t cover injuries caused by dangerous hobbies.

Health insurance will cover what is specified in your plan and it won’t matter how you got the injuries. There may be exclusions and some services that aren’t covered. This can relate to certain immunizations or infertility treatments. Exclusions will be listed in your policy so you will know in advance. Ask an agent at Armorcrest Insurance Services if you aren’t sure what is excluded.

Myth 3: You don’t need health insurance if you are young and healthy.

The best time to purchase health insurance is when you are younger and healthy since it can be hard to get insurance with a pre-existing condition. Even if you don’t think you will need health insurance, an accident can happen at any age.

Myth 4: All plans by the same provider are the same.

There will be different plans that are offered at varied price points. Some plans will cover more than others.

Myth 5: Health insurance will cover you no matter where you are.

Most health plans will want you to use medical providers in a network. You may have to pay more for out-of-network providers.

Contact Armorcrest Insurance Services, serving El Centro, CA, to get a quote on health insurance. 

When is flood insurance required?

If you are a property owner in the El Centro, CA area, one of the most important things that you need to do is carry proper home insurance. While a base home insurance policy is normally enough for most people, there are situations in which additional insurance is a requirement. In some situations, carrying additional flood insurance could be required. There are several situations in which having flood insurance could be required by you.

FHA Mortgage Requirement

One situation in which you will need to have flood insurance is if you have an FHA loan and are located in a flood zone. FEMA is a federal agency that updates a flood zone map on a regular basis. If you are in certain flood zones and have an FHA mortgage, you will be required by law to carry flood insurance. In many situations, the lender will also require that you have this escrowed on a monthly basis.

Other Lender Requirements

If you have a loan from a private bank, they still may require that you carry flood insurance. Mortgage lenders will underwrite each loan and property individually. If they determine that you are in a flood zone, or live in an area with heightened risk, they could require you to have additional flood insurance as well. This will protect their collateral and may need to be included as part of your escrow payment as well.

If you would like to learn more about your flood insurance needs or requirements, you should speak with the team at Armorcrest Insurance Services. The professionals at Armorcrest Insurance Services can help El Centro, CA area homeowners better understand their requirements when it comes to flood insurance. They can then help you get into a flood insurance policy that will properly protect your home and ensure you stay in compliance with all requirements. 

Do You Really Need Flood Insurance?

When it comes to home insurance add ons, there are a number of options you need to consider. However, one of the most important additions to your current policy may be flood insurance. Flood insurance has the ability to protect your property in ways other forms of insurance cannot. So if you live in or around El Centro, CA, Armorcrest Insurance Services is here to help educate you on whether you need flood insurance. 

Protecting You Where Traditional Insurance Doesn’t

As the name suggestions, flood insurance covers you in the event of a flood. So if there is a major storm, if there is an earthquake off the coast and tidal waves surge into the state, or if there is an earthquake which makes cause other waterway issues, flood insurance covers these issues. 

However, flood insurance covers more than just a natural disaster. It also covers you in the event of a water line bursting. It’s possible a water line might break within your property and flood not only inside of your home but the exterior of your property as well. Regular home owner’s insurance usually does not cover this. Thankfully, flood insurance does. This way, you can go about replacing the damage without draining your bank account. 

There are a number of available insurance options you need to consider with regards to your property. One of these options is flood insurance. Flood insurance doesn’t just protect you during a flood. It also protects you should your water line break or if you have other water damage problems as your current property insurance may not cover it. If you live in or around the greater El Centro, CA area, now is the time to contact Armorcrest Insurance Services today to find out more. 

My Condo Association Has An Insurance Policy — So, Why Do I Need Insurance, Too?

When you buy a condominium in El Centro, CA, you’ll join a homeowners association (HOA), which is a group of similar property owners your shared-space environment. HOA members set rules for your condo complex and handle the upkeep of common areas and buildings. The HOA has insurance coverage paid by HOA member fees that cover risks to those buildings. However, you should also have your own insurance to cover items like personal property and risks to your own condo that the HOA insurance doesn’t cover. Armorcrest Insurance Services has compiled a list of HOA questions you should ask to ensure you are properly protected. 

What Kind Of Insurance Does Your HOA Have? 

Most HOAs have a condo master policy that covers everything outside of your unit, leaving you to cover everything inside, such as your possessions, and structural elements such as floors, walls, cabinets, and fixtures. However, some HOAs have all-in coverage, meaning that common areas and buildings, and the structural elements in your unit are covered, too. In that case, you would only need coverage for personal property such as clothing, electronics, appliances, etc. 

Does the HOA Insurance Cover Liability? 

Most condo master policies cover guest injuries that occur in common areas like the gym, tennis court, or pool, but not guest injuries that occur in your unit, or a tennis court. Most condo owners need the extra protection of personal liability coverage.  

Have You Read The HOA Insurance Policy? 

Ask your HOA for a copy of their master insurance policy and read it carefully. This will help ensure that you won’t be in for any unpleasant surprises if an incident occurs in your unit. It will also help you determine what condo coverage you need to protect yourself.

For more information about how to find the best insurance protection for you and your El Centro, CA condominium, call the insurance experts at Armorcrest Insurance Services today.

Should I Invest in Commercial Insurance?

If you are a small business owner, there are many different ways that you can spend your business capital. One way that you should look to invest would be by getting a quality commercial insurance policy. When you invest in a quality commercial insurance policy, you will be providing varieties of different types of coverage to your organization. This simple investment can help to improve the stability of your company and increase its likelihood of longevity.

Protects Against Liability

When you run a business, you need to make sure that you are covered for any potential liability that you have. Since you are taking on risk whenever you serve a customer, having a full liability insurance policy in place will give you the protection that you need. The insurance company will not only provide you with financial protection but will also provide services when it comes to fighting and negotiating any lawsuit.

Gives Protection to Employees

If you have employees in the state of California, you likely will be required to carry workers compensation insurance at all times. This is a unique type of insurance that will provide coverage to your staff if they happen to be injured. Since your employees are very valuable resources, providing them with this type of insurance coverage is a great investment in the future of your company.

When you own a business in the El Centro, CA area, it is important to speak to an expert about commercial insurance. The team at Armorcrest Insurance Services will be able to help you better understand all of your commercial insurance needs and options. This will ensure that you are able to pick the best commercial insurance policy possible and that your business is properly covered for the risks it takes on. 

What is Umbrella Insurance and Does Your Company Need It?

Umbrella Insurance is "extra" insurance to cover more than your basic package. An umbrella policy may increase your liability limits to a higher number that better suits your possible needs, or it may cover more specific things that are either unique to your company or recommended due to various circumstances.  At Armorcrest Insurance Services, we can sit down and discuss with your companies additional insurance needs and come up with a policy that perfectly fits your situation and the needs of your El Centro, CA business. 

The insurance needs of each business are unique, this is why an umbrella insurance policy is typically a good idea. It is also why there is not a yes or no answer as to whether you need one or not. Chances are the answer is yes, umbrella insurance can protect you in liability circumstances that are unique to your business and it can increase the amount of financial coverage for little additional cost on your end. 

In California, if a business has a commercial umbrella insurance policy, it means that loss experienced in a lawsuit, for example, that goes above the basic policy can be covered by an umbrella policy. It is literally an extra piece of financial security, an umbrella for a rainy day. This policy may allow you to focus on what matters, and not think about the what ifs. The "what ifs" are our job, and after you purchase an umbrella policy, you can leave it to us. 

Contact us at Armorcrest Insurance Services to upgrade your company’s insurance policy or to discuss your needs. We proudly serve El Centro, CA and the surrounding areas. Call today with any questions about your current policy coverage or to upgrade for more specific umbrella coverage. 

Why You Need to Purchase Condo Insurance

If you live in a condo unit in San Diego, CA, contact Armorcrest Insurance Services to get reliable quotes for your needs. It protects the structures of your unit, any improvements you make, and your personal property. Even though it is not a legal requirement to have condo insurance, it may help you prevent financial losses in case of unforeseen circumstances. Even though your condominium building may already have insurance, it is wise to have insurance for your own unit.

To Protect Your Property

Condo insurance protects the contents of your unit from insured risks such as theft, and fires. It helps you pay for their repair or replacement costs up to the limit of your policy. Your property may include furniture, clothing, jewelry, and electronic devices. If you have made any improvements to your condo unit, your improvements and betterments protection coverage ensures that you are compensated for the full value of your property in case of a loss.

To Compensate You For Additional Living Expenses

In case your condo becomes unfit for habitation after damage by insured risks, you may have to find alternative accommodation. That means you will incur additional expenses in hotel bills and transportation. If you have condo insurance, you may not have to pay for these expenses. Additional living expenses coverage may compensate you for the extra charges for the period while your condo is under repair.

To Protect You From Liability

Condo insurance covers you from liability if third parties are injured in your condo unit or if their property is damaged. It helps you pay for the costs of pair or replacement of their property, their medical charges, and legal fees if they sue you.

Contact Armorcrest Insurance Services in San Diego, CA to discuss your new quote for condo insurance. If you have a policy, contact us to review it and get advice.

Why Solid Fuel Burning Appliances are Risks

Solid fuel burning appliances, otherwise known in the insurance inspection industry as SFBAs, are considered risky by most insurance companies, especially in the commercial insurance industry. Learn why these appliances are risks for homeowners and business owners from Armorcrest Insurance Services in El Centro, CA.

What is an SFBA?

An SFBA is an appliance which burns a solid fuel. Solid fuel includes wood logs and wood pellets usually. These are the types of wood burning stoves that you usually associate with cabins or smokers. Often they are cast iron or potbelly styles. 

What to Look for

You always want to make sure there is a Utility Laboratories (UL) tag on the still. You also want to make sure that the flue is properly installed and secured safely where the metal stove pipe comes up through the ceiling and into the back of the stove. There should also not be any flammable material within at least a few feet of the appliance.

Why are SFBAs a risk?

Solid fuel burners can be considered a hazard because they have been attributed to structure fires. The slightest bit of negligence or oversight can cause a disaster which is a cost to the insurance company. Space heaters can also be risky though. This includes any electrical power device that produces heat in a living space in the home or business. If you are trying to save money and create more efficiency in your heating, then consider a central oil burning heat device. The problem with solid fuel burners is the amount of heat and the way it circulates. 

Beware of the risks associated with solid fuel burners and ask Armorcrest Insurance Services in El Centro, CA if something is questionable and may affect your insurance.