Buying a home in SoCal? Is your insurance agency dragging its feet?

Posted on April 17, 2018January 12, 2021 by admin

When you buy a home, so many services are needed: home inspection, pest control, escrow, and on and on. Sometimes home owner’s insurance gets pushed to the back of your mind, but it’s necessary in order to mortgage a home. Here in Southern California, home owner’s insurance has become especially tricky; the San Diego wildfires of 2008 have prompted some insurance companies to dramatically increased the premium and even consider some areas uninsurable. Some of the bigger agencies such as State Farm and Allstate are not issuing new policies in certain zip codes. And when you’re on a tight deadline, any delay in getting insurance can be extra costly. But some qualified, well-rated, albeit smaller insurance companies are willing to work in these areas. Alta Vista Insurance Agency has built relationships with mortgage companies, escrow services, and real estate brokers here in our community to help home buyers achieve a successful close of escrow. If you’ve discovered that your insurance provider won’t produce a certificate of insurance in a timely manner, call us–we will get it done. When the timeline is tight and you’re looking to close, we do what it takes to get you what you need. Learn more »

Contents Insurance

Posted on April 17, 2018January 12, 2021 by admin

Many homeowners wonder if their homeowners insurance covers contents. Our answer is yes! As a part of your homeowners insurance, your policy provides protection for all of your personal property and contents. Your Kemper policy also has replacement cost on your contents, which is very important. This insures all of your belongings for full replacement value than the depreciated value of the items. If you have any target items such as jewelry, artwork, antiques, etc. these particular items should be added as scheduled personal property. We can always add coverage to the policy. Contact us if you have any questions!

Offering a variety of solutions for Southern California’s diverse needs

Posted on April 17, 2018January 12, 2021 by admin

At Morgan Hege Insurance, we know Southern California real estate. One of the major concerns here is fire hazards. Most of the regions in the Southern California are in a high or high brush area, and that poses several challenges when it comes to insurance, especially since insurance has recently become a more important part of the real estate transaction than it used to be. Recent changes have made the insurability of a property one of the most important things when it comes to ownership. Agents and insurers must be aware of brush hazards and certain additional hazards in low-lying areas. Morgan Hege Insurance assists agents by providing them with not only our knowledge and expertise in regard to doing specific underwriting—we will work with agents and their clients to provide them with the proper policy they need for the property. We are a full service, independent brokerage. We work with most of the top companies here in Southern California, so we can provide clients with the best coverage and also find them the best rate for their premium dollar. We also have the ability to find the carrier that has the proper coverage to fit areas with very specific challenges, like high brush or mountain hazards. We can accommodate luxury homes and elegant homes, and we also have other specialty markets for properties in farm areas or with prior loss history. Working with Morgan Hege Insurance gives you the advantage of our expertise in real estate transactions. We have the available markets to offer clients a variety of solutions for to cover all types of risks and lifestyles found in Southern California.

Health Insurance Reform and You

Posted on April 17, 2018January 12, 2021 by admin

http://youtu.be/o1iMkH-E4NY

Shopping for health insurance has gotten complicated lately. With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, there are more plans and more choices than ever. There are many things to consider. 1) How much Tax Credit Do I qualify for?

2) What is the Individual mandate?

3) and what are the tax penalties for opting out?

Besides the concerns above, you should also consider whether you should buy a plan through a State Exchange (Covered California)? How do you know what plan is the best plan for you? And biggest of all, how much is health insurance going to cost? Making an informed decision for you and your family’s has never been more important.

I invite you to Download my free special report Health insurance reform and You. “7 secrets to get the most out of Obama Care” You’ll be glad you did.

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.

California Wine Country, WATCH OUT!

Posted on April 13, 2018January 12, 2021 by admin

Earthquakes in California aren’t a big surprise to anyone. Recently, studies have shown a more daunting side to this well known occurrence. San Francisco’s recent quake has shook up geologists everywhere. There are four major faults in this area that could greatly affect the farming world.

Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and San Francisco State University believe Central and Northern California should be preparing for earthquakes anywhere from 6.8-7.1 magnitudes.
Southern California and the farmland of Central Valley rely on the man-made water system that connects to the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, commented James Lienkaemper, the U.S. Geological Survey geologist who was the lead on the story.
All four of these fault segments are extremely vulnerable. Each belonging to the San Andreas fault system, this geological dividing line marks where California’s western and and northwestern shift away from the rest of North America at about 2 inches a year.

With this threat of an earthquake, we can’t predict when the next might occur, but we can do our best to avoid financial disaster. Here are 3 ways to be prepared as a winery or vineyard:

1. Locate your vineyard to a close, reliable water source.

2.Location, location, location! Make sure you do your Geography homework! Research where faults are in the area you are looking to buy/cultivate in. you can NEVER be too careful!

3. Climate control! Make sure to have some sort of back up source of energy in case the power goes out.

4.Don’t store your wine up to high! Storing your wine low can help prevent breakage and will help keep your inventory full!

Disaster Preparedness- Keep your property safe!

Posted on April 13, 2018January 12, 2021 by admin

Many people in America don’t consider the occurrence of a disasters happening in their life. Then, when disaster strikes, we are left flabbergasted by the damage done to our property. Here are three tips to help secure your property before disaster strikes:

1. Calculate the value of your belongings! Most people don’t think to add up the cost of all of their clothing and other minor things, but every little bit counts!

2. Note your electronics serial numbers! Televisions, gaming consoles and tablets, amoung other things, are a major target for burglaries today. One in every 36 homes in amaerica will be broken into this year. Record your electronics serial numbers. This way, if they are stolen, the police will be able to find your stolen property.

3. Secure your documents outside the home! Today, digital filing is the way many insurers prefer to store their documents. These files are just as vulnerable as any analog files kept in a home or office. In case of a natural disaster, secure your valuable documents on a flash drive or another storage device like a security deposit box.

4. Photograph all of your belongings! The truth is, we don’t know every little thing that is in our closet, and it is hard to always keep filing the price and brand of shirt or a new piece of jewelry.Along with filing your documents, keep a file on your flash drive and on your computer with pictures of the brand and price tag of each item. This will provide an accurate amount to keep on record in case of disaster.

Do You Hear What I Hear…. The FIRE ALARM!

Posted on April 13, 2018January 12, 2021 by admin

Christmas trees are one of the most iconic staples of the holiday season. As beautiful and festive as they are, they also bring a major safety hazard to your home; fires. To ensure your home stays safe this holiday season, here are some preventative steps to help keep your home safe this season.

1. Picking your tree.

Make sure your tree isn’t dried out!! When selecting your trees make sure the needles are green and not easy to remove when pulled. This will indicate your tree is well watered and not drying out. Also, before selecting your tree, bounce it on the ground. If an overabundance of needles fall to the ground, the tree is drying out, which could cause a fire if placed in your home.

2. Caring for your tree

Don’t leave your tree up for longer than two weeks. After being chopped down, the tree immediately starts to dry out. The longer you leave it up, the more risk there is for a fire to be started. NEVER place your tree near a fireplace, a heating vent, or another heating source. The heat caused by these sources could cause the tree to catch fire. Remember to keep your tree watered AT ALL TIMES!

3. Disposing of your tree

Never use your Christmas trees as firewood!! Pine trees burn like tinder, and ignite in a flash creating HUGE sparks. Just a few embers and a fire is started. Instead, take your tree to a recycling center or hauled away by a pick up service. 240 house fires are caused by Christmas trees each year. These fires could cause injuries and even death. It also causes an estimated $16.7 million in direct property damage. Make sure you have fire insurance and are taking all the necessary precautions to keep your home safe this holiday season.

Green or Scheme?

Posted on April 13, 2018January 12, 2021 by admin

Green construction is becoming increasingly popular. about 35% of construction in 2013 was green, and it is expected to increase 55% by 2016. Although green construction is becoming the new fad, it may not be the choice. Here are a few topics to consider before going green:

Make sure your green contractor has insurance. If he doesn’t, don’t hesitate to hire a new one. If you like your contractor, but he doesn’t have insurance, as part of the contract, require he gets it.
Property damage coverage is not traditional! Although your building may be fully functional, it may not achieve “green status”, or meet LEED standard. If that’s the case, normal liability policies may not cover that issue. It is important to remember that some certified green professionals may be excluded from some liability policies; property damage may not be covered.

So, how can you stay protected? DO YOUR RESEARCH! Go through a company that specifically offers green insurance. This way, if any construction falls into the “gray-green” area, you will be covered.

Insurance and… Hoarding? 3 Things Hoarding Could Affect.

Posted on April 13, 2018January 12, 2021 by admin

Although glamorized by popular T.V. networks, hoarding is very dangerous. Hoarding affects every aspect of your life; even your insurance. Here are three risks hoarding has on your insurance.

1. Home: Although rare, an inspection on your house could occur. If your home has any safety hazards, and you do not fix them, your insurance policy could be cancelled.

2. Health: Cleanliness is important! When there is extra debris build up in your home, it could cause mold and other harmful bacteria’s to grow in your home, which could cause dangerous health problems. If this is found during an inspection, it could cause your insurance rates to climb.

3. Fire: Having too much clutter around a stove, power outlet or even a heating vent, and this is brought up to inspectors, you could be at risk of not only a dangerous fire, but also a higher insurance rate.