Alta Vista Insurance Spreads Holiday Cheer with Boys & Girls Club of Vista’s “Adopt a Family” Event

Posted on December 20, 2023December 20, 2023 by Seth Arruda

At Alta Vista Insurance, we believe in the power of community and the joy that comes from giving back. This holiday season, we are excited to share our participation in the Boys & Girls Club of Vista’s “Adopt a Family” event – an initiative that brings warmth and happiness to families in need during this festive time.

The Boys & Girls Club of Vista’s “Adopt a Family” project has become our annual tradition, and Alta Vista Insurance is thrilled to be part of this heartwarming initiative. Our commitment involves purchasing gifts for each child – clothing, toys, and gift cards. Additionally, we pledge to provide gifts and a gift card for each adult in the adopted family. For families that may need extra support, we contribute additional gifts to ensure a brighter holiday for everyone involved.

Seth Arruda, a proud member of the Alta Vista Insurance family, emphasized the significance of contributing to the local community during the holidays. “The holiday season is a time for gratitude, reflection, and above all, generosity. At Alta Vista Insurance, we understand the importance of giving back to the community that has supported us throughout the year. The ‘Adopt a Family’ event with the Boys & Girls Club of Vista is a wonderful opportunity for us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.”

To add a touch of warmth to the holiday festivities, we will also be providing a holiday meal gift card for each adopted family. This gesture aims to make their celebrations a bit brighter and more enjoyable during this special time of the year.

As we embark on this holiday community project, we invite our clients and community members to join us in spreading joy and goodwill. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of families in need and create lasting memories during this festive season.

In the spirit of giving, let’s come together and make this holiday season truly special for everyone. At Alta Vista Insurance, we believe that by supporting one another, we can create a community that thrives on compassion, kindness, and the joy of giving.

If you would like to contribute or learn more about our participation in the Boys & Girls Club of Vista’s “Adopt a Family” event, please feel free to reach out to us. Your support is invaluable, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. To learn more about the Boys and Girls Club of Vista visit their website here.

Giving Thanks and Giving Back: Our Annual Solutions for Change Thanksgiving Drive

Posted on November 20, 2023November 20, 2023 by Seth Arruda

As we reflect on the recent holiday season, we’re thrilled to share the heartwarming success of our annual participation in the Solutions for Change Thanksgiving Drive. This initiative holds a special place in our hearts, allowing us to spread warmth and joy to families in need right here in Vista, CA.

This year, we extended a heartfelt invitation to each and every one of you to join us in making a difference. The Solutions for Change Thanksgiving Drive provided us with the opportunity to unite and support local families facing challenges during the holiday season. Our goal was clear: to create a memorable Thanksgiving feast for these families, ensuring they had all the essentials for a warm and comforting celebration.

So, what did we do to be part of this meaningful cause? We collected a list of items that would contribute to the perfect Thanksgiving meal. Think stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetables, mac n’ cheese, cornbread, and of course, pie! To top it all off, we provided a gift card to ensure each family could enjoy the centerpiece of a traditional Thanksgiving meal – a turkey!

Our dedicated agency owners, Morgan and Seth, took it upon themselves to personally deliver the food baskets to Solutions for Change last week. Their commitment to community involvement and giving back was truly inspiring. Seth, reflecting on the experience, shared his thoughts,

“Giving back to our local community is not just a responsibility; it’s a privilege. It’s about creating a positive impact and fostering a sense of togetherness that goes beyond business.”

Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work done by Solutions for Change. This non-profit organization is on a mission to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty through a comprehensive program addressing the root causes of these issues. If you’re curious to learn more about their impactful programs and services, you can check out their website here.

By participating in the Solutions for Change Thanksgiving Drive, we contributed to a larger movement that seeks to build a stronger, more compassionate community. Your support, whether through donations or spreading the word, undoubtedly made a difference in the lives of those who needed it most.

As we reflect on the past Thanksgiving, we’re filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful initiative. Thank you for being part of our journey and for your continued support. Happy Thanksgiving!

Brunch with The Hartford at Beach Break Café

Posted on July 22, 2022September 27, 2022 by Morgan Hege

Lisa and Sandi at Beach Break Cafe — Lisa and Sandi don’t think Morgan is that funny

Tandy Owen, Holly Bishop, George Francis order from the menu — Lisa and Sandi don’t think Morgan is that funny

We were excited to take a little trip to Beach Break Cafe Where we had lunch with Sandi Grigg, our carrier partner representative from The Hartford Insurance. We met to break bread and discuss business!

The food is really good at Beach Break Cafe. The coffee cake is home made, and really a special treat, I highly recommend it with any breakfast or lunch menu item, or just with a good cup of coffee. The portions are too big, even for me. I’m 6’5″ and 280 pounds!

For breakfast, if you like mexican food, I like the Huevos Rancheros with corn tortillias or the Chili Verde burrito (with extra verde sauce on the side!) and you won’t be disappointed with true Cali-mex style San Diego beach food.

The Hartford insures restaurants like Beach Break, and has competitive rates for workers compensation, general liability (slip and fall), and commercial property for your businesses building.

Gary and Zell started Beach Break Cafe as a great local go to spot after surfing, fire fighting, or just a great place to meet with your friends and family down by the beach. The Beach Break is now in the 2nd generation of family ownership!

Alta Vista Insurance Was Chosen As One Of The Best Homeowners Insurance Agencies in Vista, California By Expertise.com

Posted on May 14, 2021May 17, 2021 by Seth Arruda

Expertise.com scored 65 agencies in Vista, California and selected the top 8 for 2021!

Recognition as a subject matter expert in homeowners insurance in San Diego, California shows how dedicated we are to helping our clients protect their lifestyles and their most valuable assets, their homes. So, when Alta Vista Insurance was selected as one of the top 8 personal lines insurance agencies in Vista, California for homeowners insurance by expertise.com we were very excited to be recognized for the amazing service we provide to our San Diego community and throughout California.

Our goal is to be an expert in real estate asset protection in San Diego, California. Focusing on property insurance is one of the cornerstones of our clients’ asset portfolios and that’s where we shine. Providing the proper education about the importance of financial protection gives our clients a solid foundation to build wealth and achieve financial freedom. Partner that with a subject matter expert that specializes in personal insurance like homeowners insurance, auto insurance, landlord insurance, flood insurance and earthquake insurance along with commercial property insurance, general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, workers compensation, and cyber liability insurance in California and you have a healthy ecosystem to protect your personal and commercial assets.

“We want to give our clients the personal guidance and advice, so they feel empowered to make educated choices about their insurance. Be the guide in their story. We want to guide our clients through their insurance protection and put a plan together that leads our customers to success, so they can reach new heights. We invite our clients into a story where they have peace of mind and all their assets are properly protected.”

This is another feather in our cap and award to put on our mantel. The last two years, 2019 and 2020 Alta Vista Insurance was selected as Agency For The Future with Safeco Insurance and Liberty Mutual!

“This group includes some of the most innovative agencies in the entire independent agent channel. While they are all unique – each with their own distinct value proposition, customer focus and company culture – what they have most in common is in just how prepared they were to tackle the challenges of 2020 head on. They quickly adapted to the changing market conditions brought about by the pandemic, fully embraced digital to ensure the customer experienced remained strong, and continued to cultivate great corporate cultures to keep their teams engaged.”
-Tyler Asher, President of independent agency distribution for Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance.

The “proof is in the pudding”. I could go on and on and tell you all about the great work we do for our clients but it’s better to hear their stories. Check out some our client testimonials on our Google Business Page.

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As an independent agency here in Vista, California since 1978, we’re no stranger to the neighborhood. Ever since then we’ve focused on personal and commercial property in San Diego, California working with real estate investors, property owners, homeowners, and new home buyers to give them the right plan to protect their lifestyles. We also focus efforts on helping other strategic partners in San Diego, California grow their businesses through our expertise and knowledge as an insurance guide to help them reach new heights in their businesses and provide their clients with a personal risk manager. We form long lasting relationships throughout Vista, California and all of San Diego with real estate agents, commercial real estate agents, property managers, mortgage lenders, bankers, CPA’s and attorneys.

We work strategically with business partners, especially real estate agents, to help those individuals grow their businesses, save time, and save money. One of our main focuses is to help agents close their transactions smoothly and on time and provide their clients with the proper protection they need for their lifestyles so they can live their best life. Insurance is a relationship business. Our goal is to build long lasting relationships with our clients, business partners, and our community.”

Expertise.com based their selections on a number of different criteria. They also looked at our online presence and social proof. They even took the time to test our strengthens with their surprise “mystery shopper” calls to ensure their list of insurance agencies are of the highest quality. Let’s just say, we passed with flying colors! Our staff was friendly, accommodating and answered all questions about bundling personal insurance and available discounts. Their selection criteria consists of five major categories.

1. Availability

Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored.

2. Qualifications

Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards.

3. Reputation

A history of delighted customers and outstanding service.

4. Experience

Masters of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education.

5. Professionalism

Providing service with honesty, reliability, and respect.

Recognition and awards tell a story that we’re doing things right and putting our clients in San Diego, California first and we’re just getting started. Leveraging technology and our systems to create a seamless positive customer experience is a big focus as we look at new ways to meet the needs of our customers in the 21st century. We’re using more video and social media to educate our clients throughout the customer journey. Text messaging alerts and automation to keep clients informed about policy notifications and upcoming renewals has been a great addition to our client experience. During COVID-19 we’re able to reach our customers through virtual meetings using Microsoft Teams and book appointments using our online virtual calendar. If you’re looking for a better insurance experience and a personal guide to keep you informed about how to protect your lifestyle, we’d like to welcome you to Alta Vista Insurance.

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Alta Vista Insurance

Posted on April 22, 2019January 12, 2021 by Seth Arruda

Don’t get caught in the new insurance wave

This post was inspired by the CHUBB video shown here.

It’s how experts in insurance view the potential impact of disruptive businesses giving top priority to price over protection.

Chance. It’s why we wear our seat belt; it’s why we get healthy amounts of insurance.

https://youtu.be/euAXEOTQGd0

You’ve probably heard of the marshmallow experiment. Kids had a choice between getting a lone marshmallow or an entire bag. The catch? They had to wait 15 minutes alone with the single marshmallow unpackaged right before them. Mouths watering, some kids were able to make it through, others were not. Why? Their (and our) natural inclination to think short-term stopped some of them from getting the real, more lasting reward…Enduring those 15 minutes required grit and long-term thinking.

Maybe we need to take notes from those 5-year-olds who made it through, especially when the stakes are higher than missing out on marshmallows, like with, say, your beloved wedding ring, your cozy home, sweet subaru, and all your worldly goods.

For example, mass savings on insurance is a GREAT thing when done correctly, as independent agents are able to do. They can save you thousands of dollars without compromising healthy levels of defense through honest means like shopping around, spending extensive time understanding your unique situation and finding the BEST option out there, bundling, etc.

On the other hand, if savings are achieved without caution or are presented as a gimmick, as some disruptive insurance companies do today, you could be financially hurt or ruined.

Far too often, disruptive insurance companies tout inexpensive prices which favors buyers on price but counts on the unlikelihood of a costly claim affecting their clients. Many have gotten burned by this. Presenting a low price simply to create a hollow but more attractive offer is short-sighted, deceitful, and can bring about headache, heartache, and huge issues.

So how can you tell if an insurance company is honest or not? Glad you asked.

1. Read their customer reviews, and not just the ones on their website or their app. Use sites like Yelp!, Facebook, and Google to find candid opinions about their insurance services

2. Read the terms of your quote.

3. Contact an insurance professional to review what the fine print means and get a second opinion. If you need help, call 8887242124 and one of our team members will be happy to help you sort through the jargon and ensure you have got the coverage you need.

While a disaster is unlikely, it is not improbable enough to bet and thus forfeit your long-term plan, home, and savings.
Cheap but insufficient insurance just won’t cut it in the long term.

At Alta Vista Insurance, an independent agency, a helpful and skilled insurance guide will find you the best prices without compromising quality.
Providing you with insurance that will protect your lifestyle, your future, and your assets since 1978,

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The Restorative Practice of Gratitude

Posted on November 13, 2018January 12, 2021 by Seth Arruda

As a kid and —let’s be honest—often even now, I tend to send out thank you cards later than propriety demands.

Frequently I’ll even write them and never get around to sending them.

…yeesh.

While this is not a good way to maintain friendships, it turns out even just doing that has a salutary effect on one’s mental health.

In “How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain,” written by two Ph.Ds from Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine, they quote a study done on 300 adults receiving mental health counseling at the university. Compared to those who didn’t write at all as part of their health regimen, or those who focused their writing on sorrowful topics, people “who wrote gratitude letters reported significantly better mental health four weeks and 12 weeks after their writing exercise ended.”

Here’s the kicker (and encouraging part for me): even though only 23% of those who wrote thank you letters sent them, both the group of “senders” and “non-senders” still experienced greater positive emotions and longer-term, faster-acting effects on their mental health.

While I don’t advise writing a heartfelt thank-you note and not sending it, it’s noteworthy to recognize that the simple practice of being grateful and expressing it may actually improve health.

Sounds good, right?

Many of us have our parents to thank for teaching us about thank you notes. Unfortunately, because of that, they have the potential–for example, for me–to initially feel like a chore rather than a joy.

However, my response to this internal argument is two fold: they bless another person AND they affect your health positively. Booyah, I’m into it.

Thank you notes are not the only way to get the benefits of practicing gratitude, though. Whether written, verbal, or simply internal, practicing gratitude will likely affect you positively, during a season, which many will admit, is supposed to be all warm and fuzzy but really yields much anxiety and heartache for many.

Care for yourself this season by instituting small moments of gratitude through encouragement of others, in prayer, affirmations, and/or living mindful of things in life you enjoy and appreciate.

…

A new holiday is coming up, too, Giving Tuesday.

Check out the stories and get involved here!

Sources: