Barbecue for Labor Day 2020

Name: Alta Vista Insurance Agency
Address: 2585 Pio Pico Dr Suite 100, Carlsbad, CA, 92008
Telephone: 888-724-2124

Posted on September 10, 2020January 12, 2021 by Morgan Hege

Labor day marks the end of summer and usually the return to school. But here in California it also means the beginning of fire season. Sadly, this year is no exception with over 1.2 million acres burned so far this year nationwide.

Here in San Diego is the Valley Fire near Alpine having burned 17,665 acres as of 9/10/2020. (For more recent updates check the Cal Fire website https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/

What does this mean for insuring my property? Many insurance carriers are on new business binding moratorium. Meaning they have closed zip codes where there are active fires. If you are shopping for home insurance, or in escrow and trying to close, this can mean delays in the transaction process.

How else should I prepare? Consider making sure your policy protection is up to date. Standard homeowners insurance policies cover fire and your contents, but more and more frequently we are seeing the standard carriers declining homes for brush. Luckily there is a program set up through the state called the California Fair Plan. However, California Fair Plan policy only covers the structure for fire, and does not provide liability, loss of use, or contents coverage. For that you will need another policy called a “Difference in Conditions” or DIC policy. With the two policies together, you have similar coverage to a normal homeowners policy.

What Are My Next Steps? To learn more about insuring your home in California start by comparing home insurance quotes on our website. If you would prefer to speak to a licensed insurance guide; book an online appointment with one of our agents.

4 Common Misconceptions about Flood Insurance from Homeowners

Posted on April 13, 2018January 12, 2021 by Morgan Hege

4 Common Misconceptions about Flood Insurance from Homeowners

According to an article from Property Casualty 360, the amount of rain or snow falling from the top 1% of intense storms has increased in every region. Add to that the problem of antiquated infrastructures and sewer systems plus overbuilding and dwindling wet spaces, and the threat of flooding can affect anyone, anywhere. From 2008 to 2012, the average residential flood claim amounted to more than $38,000, according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Yet most consumers don’t know what they can do to protect their homes and belongings against a flood event. Top misconceptions about Flood insurance

“I don’t have to worry about flooding because I don’t live near a body of water.”

Haven’t you been watching in the news about random flooding in places like Arizona and Nevada? Standard NFIP policies cover damage from overflow of inland or tidal water, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, and mid flow.

“I don’t qualify for government flood insurance because my property isn’t located in a flood plain.”

NFIP can provide coverage available to any homeowner, regardless of their location, through two separate client segments: standard and preferred (B, C and X zones), and high-risk locations (A and V zones). Carmody estimates that 25% of all flood claims come from preferred or standard locations.

“I can’t afford flood insurance.”

In NFIP’s standard and preferred areas, annual premiums can start as low as $415 a year for $250,000/$100,000 in coverage.

“I already have homeowners’ insurance, so I’m covered if my house floods.”

In the deluge of claims following Super-storm Sandy, many policyholders did not know that their homeowners’ coverage did not include flood. Let Alta Vista Insurance Agency walk you through the process of how a flood policy works. Although the standard homeowners’ policy does not cover overflow of inland or tidal waters, it does include coverage for damage from cracked pipes or other internal systems failure, he says. Additionally, sewer backup coverage is available by endorsement. See? There aren’t any more excuses to avoid flood insurance. Call us (888)724-2124 and we can work up a quote in minutes.

What is Obamacare? Kirby Thomas has your answers

Posted on March 26, 2013January 12, 2021 by Morgan Hege

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51XATE5hFfM

irby Thomas heads up the Employee Benefits Division at Alta Vista Insurance Agency. This video will help you understand the highly debated healthcare plan: Obamacare. Kirby answers many common questions that you may have on Obamacare and how this healthcare plan will affect you and/or your business. Call him today 888-724-2124.