Motorcycle Insurance: What You Need to Know

At Armorcrest Insurance Services, we understand how much El Centro, CA, residents value their motorbikes. This is why we’re committed to helping them protect their prized possessions with comprehensive motorcycle insurance. It’s important to fully cover your motorcycle, aware that its value may have increased over time due to customizations made after the purchase of original full coverage.

Understanding Motorcycle Customization

You accessorize your bike when you fit it with manufacturer-approved components. On the other hand, when you modify its engine or repaint it at a motorcycle shop, you’re customizing it. Such customizations require a review of your insurance to ensure your bike is still fully covered.

Effect of Customizing Your Motorcycle

Modifications, even minor ones, can significantly enhance the value of your motorcycle. As such, any increase in value after your initial insurance coverage could mean your bike is no longer fully insured. Motorcycle policies use varying valuation methods including actual cash value, stated value, or agreed value.

If, during your policy purchase, you opted for the stated value, you might need to revise your coverage to account for any enhancements made to your bike. This way, you ensure the policy accurately mirrors its full value.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it’s important to update your coverage according to any improvements made on your bike.

For an extensive motorcycle insurance review and update, reach out to Armorcrest Insurance today. Don’t risk riding on El Centro, CA, streets without comprehensively insuring your bike. Let us help you protect your valued possessions and the investments you’ve made in them. Get a quote on motorcycle insurance today!

If your boat was previously involved in an accident, seek ways to keep your boat secure in the future. Review the following security guidelines. Then, consult with an Armorcrest Insurance Services agent. The agent who serves El Centro, CA, will update your existing watercraft insurance policy.

Benefits

Security improvements will keep you safe while you are actively using your watercraft. Improvements will prevent accidents plus will deter theft and vandalism. You could receive a better insurance rate once you have made security improvements.

Modern Lights

New lights will keep your boat visible to other boaters. Improved lighting will make it easier for you to navigate while aboard your boat. Consider the addition of LED lights or solar-powered lights. 

Navigational Aids

Navigational aids will prevent you from getting lost while operating your boat. Review GPS trackers and other navigational aids designed to be used aboard a watercraft. The navigational aid that you purchase should be professionally installed.

Alarms

Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and security alarms will prevent damage or theft. Assess the size and style of your boat. Use your observations to help you select how many alarm products to purchase for your watercraft.

If you cook aboard your boat, consider adding a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in the area where you prepare food.

Updated Storage

Consider how you currently store your boat. If you do not keep your boat covered, you may want to purchase a fitted cover to protect your boat from the elements. Another option is to rent a storage unit for your watercraft.

Insurance Update

Call one of our Armorcrest Insurance Services agents to schedule an appointment. An agent who serves El Centro, CA, will modify your boat insurance policy.

Umbrella insurance is a type of liability insurance that provides additional coverage beyond standard policies’ limits. Policyholders may use it to protect against a range of potential incidents. Here are four that an umbrella policy might cover.

1. Boating Accidents

Boating on one of the lakes near El Centro, CA brings inherent risk. Boating accidents can result in significant injuries or death, and the boat operator is often liable. Umbrella insurance may cover liabilities exceeding the limits of a standard boating insurance policy.

2. Car Accidents

Car accidents can lead to substantial liability claims, particularly if they involve serious injuries or multiple vehicles. While standard auto insurance covers liability up to a certain limit, umbrella insurance may step in when these limits are exceeded.

3. Chaperoning Events

You’re exposed to potential liabilities when you’re chaperoning an event, especially one involving minors. In situations where an accident or injury occurs under your supervision, umbrella insurance might offer coverage if you’re held responsible and the claim exceeds your homeowner’s insurance policy’s liability limits.

4. Incidental Landlord Liabilities

If you own rental property in El Centro, umbrella insurance can be particularly beneficial. It might cover incidents beyond the scope of your landlord insurance, such as a tenant’s injury claim exceeding your policy’s liability limits.

Get Umbrella Insurance with Armorcrest Insurance Services

If you need additional protection for these potential incidents, talk with us at Armorcrest Insurance Services. One of our agents can get you umbrella insurance that’ll give you the protection you need, tailoring the policy for your particular situation.

Renting out your condo to family members is a common scenario, but it comes with insurance considerations that warrant attention. Generally, standard condo insurance policies provide coverage for the unit owner and their personal property. However, when renting to a family, the dynamics can change, and it’s crucial to understand the nuances of your insurance coverage. Here’s information about this topic from Armorcrest Insurance Services serving the greater El Centro, CA region. 

In many cases, family members renting your condo might not be automatically covered under your policy. Condo insurance typically extends coverage to the unit owner and immediate family residing in the unit. When renting to extended family or non-relatives, their personal belongings and liability may not be covered unless explicitly stated in the policy.

To ensure comprehensive protection, consider informing your insurance provider about the rental arrangement. Some insurers offer endorsement options or supplementary policies designed explicitly for rented units. This additional coverage can encompass your family member’s personal property, liability protection, and potential loss of rental income.

Additionally, encourage your family members to obtain renters insurance. While it might not cover the structure, renters insurance can protect their personal belongings and provide liability coverage. It’s a cost-effective way for them to secure their possessions and mitigate potential liability risks.

Open communication with your insurance provider is key. Clearly outlining the rental arrangement and understanding policy limitations will help you make informed decisions about additional coverage. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your condo insurance protects your property and renting family members. If you need a new condo insurance policy, reach out to us at Armorcrest Insurance Services, serving El Centro, CA, today.

You’ve won the bid to work on a large construction project with many different companies supplying services to a general contractor. Since it’s a multi-million dollar project, many assume that insurance for the company sponsoring it will cover you and your workers in the El Centro, CA, area. That’s not necessarily true. Armorcrest Insurance Services can help explain why you need subcontractor insurance.

You Could Be Held Liable

Corporate and construction law does not require companies to insure the actions of their subcontractors, so most do not. If you’re working on a big construction project with many other subcontractors, you could be sued by someone injured or feels wronged, even if you were not at fault. The appropriate type of subcontractor insurance will help protect you and your company from unexpected lawsuits.

Types of Subcontractor Policies

The type of policy you should buy depends on your industry. Recommended policies depend on your work, your clients, and your exposure to risk. Every company should carry general liability and worker’s compensation insurance policies. Yet, it would be best to consider other types of policies to cover the scope of your work. Other policies that you may want to consider include:

• Heavy equipment and tools insurance
• Commercial vehicle
• Excess liability
• Environmental
• Errors and omissions
• Surety bonds
• Professional liability

Benefits of Subcontractor Insurance Policies

The main benefit of any insurance type is to protect the policyholder from financial loss, but maintaining additional subcontractor policies can help you comply with law and contract requirements while protecting your employees and professional reputation.

If you are wondering what type of additional insurance you may need, don’t worry. Contact the professionals at Armorcrest Insurance Services to help you find the best subcontractor policies for your El Centro, CA business.

If you rent an apartment or house, you may think getting renters insurance is unnecessary. However, it is one of the most important types of insurance, the purpose of which is to protect your personal belongings. Whether you are a long-term renter or rent for a short period, renters insurance offers a wide range of benefits. If you are thinking of getting a renters insurance policy, here are the things you should know:

Things To Know When Shopping For Renters Insurance

You should always take into consideration the following things when looking for renters insurance: 

• Your personal belongings determine how much coverage you need. For example, if you have many expensive and valuable items, including furniture, electronics, and other things, you may want to consider a higher personal property minimum. If you have jewelry, artifacts, or artwork pieces, you may need additional coverage for them. 
• You should know what is not covered. For instance, not all renters’ insurance policies cover flood and earthquake damage. If you live in a flood-prone zone, you may want to consider getting additional coverage. 
• You can bundle your renters insurance with other insurance types. If you want to save some money, a good option might be to bundle your renters insurance with other policies you have. In some cases, you can save 10%-20% by doing that. 

Armorcrest Insurance Services – Reliable Insurance Company Serving Clients in El Centro, CA

Are you looking for renters insurance? Not sure what policy type you need? Don’t worry – reach out to Armorcrest Insurance Services, a trustworthy and reliable insurance company specializing in different types of insurance, including renters’ insurance. We work with clients in El Centro, CA, and other surrounding locations in California. Please contact us for more information.

When you drive a motorcycle in California, the DMV offers three different types of licenses depending on your vehicle type. You will have to have insurance to register and take the motorcycle skills test in California.

Armorcrest Insurance Services in El Centro, CA has motorcycle insurance that meets the state requirement and can offer you more coverage if you choose. When an accident happens, motorcycle insurance covers damage to your bike and injury to yourself and others. You can be fined $200 for operating a motorcycle without insurance. 

Types of Motorcycle Licenses in California

An M1 license is the standard license used for operating a motorcycle in California. This license lets you drive two and three-wheeled motorcycles with 150 cc engines, motor-driven cycles with smaller engines, mopeds, and motorized scooters. Only these licenses allow you to drive all these different vehicles. An M2 license only allows you to drive mopeds, motorized bikes, and scooters. That is the difference between the two licenses. 

When you have a Class C Driver’s license, you do not have to get an additional license. You will still have to meet the requirements and be tested to be sure you can drive the motorcycle safely. You will be given a written test and a driving test. 

Requirement For Applicants Under 21

Those under age 21 are required to take the California Motorcycle Safety Program, which includes 5 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of driving. Those over 21 do not have to take the course but are encouraged to do so. Those who want extra training can enroll in the Premier Course.

Taking the course can get you a waiver from taking the driving test, and insurance companies like to see drivers care about safety. Those under 21 must obtain a six-month permit before applying for a motorcycle license. 

Motorcycle Skills Test

On the motorcycle skills test, drivers will be asked to identify motorcycle parts like the starter, throttle, brakes, and turn light. You will be tested on riding within the lines, weaving, circling, riding slowly, and shifting gears. A test is required to prove you can operate the motorcycle safely. 

Motorcycle insurance is required by state law and protects you in the event of accidents. Call us at Armorcrest Insurance Services El Centro, CA, or fill out the online form to learn more about the motorcycle insurance that is right for you. 

When insuring your boat in the El Centro, CA area, it’s essential to understand the different policy options available. Two common types of boat insurance policies are agreed value and actual cash value. Each policy type offers different benefits to consider. 

Agreed Value Policy 

An agreed value policy establishes the boat’s value upfront between the owner and the insurance provider. In the event of a total loss or irreparable damage, the insurer agrees to pay the predetermined amount. This value is typically based on factors such as the boat’s age, condition, and market value when the policy is written.

Benefits of Agreed Value Policies 

Agreed value policies offer several advantages. First, they provide a clear and settled value for the boat, eliminating uncertainties and potential disputes during the claims process. Second, owners of older or unique boats benefit from the financial certainty provided by agreed-value policies. The predetermined value ensures they are adequately compensated, regardless of market fluctuations. 

Actual Cash Value Policy 

An actual cash value policy determines the payout based on the boat’s depreciated value at the time of the loss or damage. This value considers age, wear and tear, and market value.

Benefits of Actual Cash Value Policies 

Actual cash value policies offer lower premiums compared to agreed value policies. The lower premiums are attributed to the fact that the insurer pays out based on the depreciated value of the boat. This makes actual cash value policies more suitable for older boats with a lower market value.

How Armorcrest Insurance Services Can Help You

At Armorcrest Insurance Services, we can answer all your questions concerning boat insurance coverage and discuss if the agreed value or the actual cash value policy is your best choice. We assist the El Centro, CA region. Contact us today.

Why do insurance agents offer you umbrella policies consistently after you’ve reached the age of 40? AtArmorcrest Insurance Services, we want you to protect your financial future and understand that an accident in which you incur liability could wipe out your savings without umbrella coverage.

Accident Liability Example

Accident liability doesn’t just refer to auto accidents that you cause in El Centro, CA. It also refers to when an individual or group gets injured at your home or while using your equipment. If you libel someone, you incur liability for the damage you did to their reputation.

For example, if a child drowned at your swimming pool party in your backyard, you would be liable for their medical bills and funeral if they died, as about 5,400 US residents do yearly. You’d pay for their medical bills and recovery therapy if they survived. This medical emergency could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Existing Liability Coverage

Typical homeowners insurance policies include a small liability component equal to between 10 and 20 percent of the home’s value. If your home value at the time of insuring was $250,000, your policy includes between $25,000 and $50,000. Here’s some scary math; one night’s stay in a hospital costs about $8,000. You can see how your home liability coverage would quickly pay out its full amount.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses Can Decimate Your Savings

The remainder you must pay out of pocket. The injured can take you to court to force an immediate payment. If you have yet to reach the age of 40 years, you have enough time to replace the money you use from savings and investment or retirement accounts by working more.

Once you reach the age of 40, you’ve surpassed the point that you can easily replace those funds. Those past 50 years of age would need to replace 30 years of savings and investment in 15 years. It wouldn’t be impossible, but it wouldn’t be fun either.

Contact Armorcrest Insurance Services Today

Once you reach 40, your insurance agent offers you umbrella insurance to help protect you against this happening. Umbrella policies offer additional liability coverage that only costs a few dollars per month. Once the main policy – the home policy in the drowning example – pays out, the umbrella policy automatically kicks in and pays for the rest of the bills up to its policy cap.

Umbrella policies typically provide $1 million of coverage or more, so the chance of going over the cap remains slim. Contact Armorcrest Insurance Services today to protect your liability in El Centro, CA, and abroad.

Making your El Centro, CA area condo energy efficient can be an effective way to help lower your monthly utility bills and increase the sustainability of your home. Here are some ideas from us at Armorcrest Insurance Services you can use to make your condo more energy efficient:

1. Switch out outdated appliances for more efficient models – Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and dryers account for up to 20% of your annual energy use. Investing in newer, Energy Star-rated models will help you save money in the long run. 

2. Install smart thermostats – Smart thermostats are designed to keep track of when you’re at home and when you’re away, so they can automatically adjust the temperature when needed. This leads to significant energy savings over time. 

3. Change all lightbulbs to LED bulbs – LED bulbs are much more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer! It’s a simple swap that can yield significant savings over time. 

4. Insulate windows and doors – Sealing off any drafts around your windows and doors is vital for keeping air from escaping outside and wasting energy. 

5. Unplug unnecessary electronics – Electronics such as microwaves, TVs, computers, chargers, etc., all draw phantom power even when turned off but still plugged into an outlet. Unplugging these devices when not in use can add up over time! 

By following these steps, you can help make your condo more energy efficient while saving money in the process! For more tips, give us at Armorcrest Insurance Services a call today. We proudly serve the El Centro, CA area and would happily help you find a policy that suits your needs.