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Does Flood Insurance Cover Mold?

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For anyone who owns a house, most of them know flood insurance is a separate part of your ordinary home insurance policy. It sometimes gets confusing trying to figure out what’s covered and what’s not. At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. we help our Palo Alto, CA clients understand exactly what their policy covers.

Understanding Flood Insurance 

This type of coverage becomes necessary for anyone living in areas prone to flooding or extreme weather events. Most people don’t realize that even one inch of water can cause significant damage to your home. You can see the need to purchase a flood insurance policy if you’re in a prone area.

Mold Damage And Flood Insurance

One of the most common questions asked when it comes to flood insurance is whether or not it covers mold damage inside the home. It can depend on the situation. For example, if there was an unexpected storm and your home was flooded as a result, causing mold growth, then flood insurance would typically cover the cost of remediation. However, if there are pre-existing conditions that lead to mold damage, such as poor ventilation or plumbing issues, most policies wouldn’t provide coverage. One important aspect to note is taking immediate action should you have water inside your home from a flood. Homeowners should take steps to prevent mold immediately, if possible, to prevent further damage as necessary.

Understand Your Flood Insurance Policy In Palo Alto, CA

At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., we make it easy to answer any questions you have about flood insurance and much more. Let us help you get started with a free quote, and we’ll be glad to help in any way we can.

Changes to Make to Your Insurance after Paying off Your Car

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If you live in Palo Alto, CA or a nearby community, you can count on the team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. We provide our clients with the information they need to determine which auto policy is right for their needs. Our team can help you with any changes that you want to make after paying off the financing on your car. We look forward to working with you!

Changes to Consider Making Once You Pay Off Your Car

Congratulations on paying off your car! This is a huge step toward financial independence, and you should feel proud of the accomplishment. There are a few changes that many auto policyholders make once they own their vehicles outright. One of these is making adjustments to their deductible, dropping gap coverage, and upgrading to comprehensive coverage.

If you’re not sure what changes are right for your personal situation, it makes sense to speak to a local agent. We can answer any questions that you have and help you determine if making changes to your policy makes sense. In some scenarios, no changes need to be made, but everyone’s situation can differ. Now’s an ideal time to schedule a visit or give one of our agents a call to find out more. 

We’re here to answer any questions you have!

Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. is proud to serve the greater Palo Alto, CA area. We’re here to provide the answers to any insurance-related questions that you might have. Give us a call, reach out on our website, or stop by today to learn more about our friendly and knowledgeable services. We look forward to seeing you soon!

When Should a Home Business Operator Consider Buying Commercial Insurance?

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Operating a home-based business offers flexibility and convenience, but it also comes with unique risks. While your homeowners’ insurance may provide some coverage, there are circumstances where it’s essential to consider purchasing commercial insurance for your home-based business. At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., providing commercial insurance in the greater Palo Alto, CA area, we want to help educate home business operators about when they should explore commercial insurance options.

Client-Facing Business Activities Key Consideration

If your home business involves regular interactions with clients or customers on your premises, commercial insurance becomes crucial. It can protect you in case of client injuries or property damage during business-related visits.

Specialized Equipment or Inventory Key Consideration

If your home-based business requires specialized equipment or you maintain a significant inventory, commercial insurance can provide coverage in case of theft, damage, or loss. Your homeowners’ policy may have limitations in this regard.

Business Liability Key Consideration

Commercial insurance offers valuable liability coverage. If your business activities result in a lawsuit or claims for negligence, commercial insurance can protect your personal assets, which may not be the case with homeowners insurance.

Schedule A Consultation Today

Home-based business operators should consider purchasing commercial insurance when their business activities involve client interactions, specialized equipment, or inventory or when they want to safeguard their personal assets from business-related liability issues. Commercial insurance tailored to your home-based business can provide peace of mind and financial protection, allowing you to focus on growing your enterprise with confidence.

Many home business operators can benefit from commercial insurance. Let the team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc., serving the greater Palo Alto, CA area, help you find the best commercial insurance products for your visit. Reach out to us today to discuss your business needs. 

Things home insurance won’t cover

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When you have home insurance, you may feel that you are covered against anything that might happen to your home. But you are wrong; like most insurance policies, home insurance has exclusions.  At Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA, we encourage our customers to read their home insurance policy so that they are informed about the exclusions that are included with their policy. 

Home Insurance Exclusions

Earth movement

Earth movement covers several different natural disasters, it can be an earthquake, a sinkhole, a landslide, or a mudslide. None of these are covered by a home insurance policy. You can however add the coverage with an additional policy. 

Floods

Floods are one of the most damaging of all natural disasters and only an inch of water in your home can cause thousands of dollars in damage. They also are not covered by traditional home insurance. If you live in a flood plain, your lender will require that you have flood insurance, and if there is any danger you could flood it is worth having this essential coverage. 

Sewer backup

A sewer backup is quite disgusting and can cause a terrible mess, and if that all wasn’t enough, it isn’t covered by your home insurance. A rider can be added to your policy to cover it. 

Owner neglect

Your home insurance carrier expects you to maintain your home. That means getting a termite bond if you suspect there are termites in your neighborhood. It means replacing your roof before it leaks and damages the interior of your home. Wear and tear is not something that is covered by your home insurance policy. If you don’t maintain your home, the damage that results is considered your problem no the insurance company. 

We Are Here To Help

When you are ready to discuss your home insurance, call our office at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA. 

Yes, Your Classic Car Needs Special Insurance

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If you’re a classic car enthusiast living in Palo Alto, CA or the surrounding area, you can count on the team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. We’re proud to serve our community’s insurance needs and look forward to working with you too!

Insure Your Classic Car With a Special Policy

Classic cars require a different type of insurance coverage than a typical auto insurance policy. Regardless of how often you drive it, whether it’s a vintage or kit car, any type of car that’s considered a collector’s item requires special insurance. There are other factors that will impact the type and level of insurance you need.

One of the main ones is how often and how far you drive the vehicle. If you take it out for a Sunday drive, your insurance needs will be different from the driver who regularly attends car shows and drives their classic car almost daily. Where and how you store your car will also have an effect on your insurance. 

If you have an off-site temperature-controlled and secure storage unit where you keep your classic car, your insurance needs will be different from someone who keeps their classic car outside their home. Your local insurance agent will be able to review the way you use your vehicle with you to determine your insurance needs. Now’s an ideal time to review your current policy and make sure that you have the protection you need for your classic car.

Give us a call today to learn more!

Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. is proud to serve the greater community of Palo Alto, CA. If you need insurance to protect your classic car, give us a call to schedule an appointment to review the policies available in our area.

How Does Umbrella Insurance Work?

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Getting enough coverage is important, and many people discover that they aren’t as well-insurance as they thought they were. When people have an auto policy and a home policy, there may not be as much coverage in them as is needed. If you have these two policies, you can get more coverage by adding an umbrella policy These policies are an extra blanket of insurance protection so that you’re well-covered. To get your umbrella policy, call us at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA.

Extra Liability Insurance

Your auto and home policies each have different coverage types, and one of those is liability coverage. For a home policy, this pays for an accident in which someone from outside the household has an accident and has medical bills. Your auto policy has the same in case someone is injured in a car accident. The problem comes from these policies having too little coverage to pay for a serious accident. These policies often have little liability coverage, and that could leave you on the hook for paying for the high cost of medical bills. 

Covering an Accident

Once an accident with injuries has happened, your auto or home policy will be the first one to come in and pay for the medical bills. If you don’t have umbrella insurance, this may pay only a small amount and leave you with everything that’s left over. This can be a large amount with the high cost of medical treatment. When you have umbrella insurance, it comes in after your home or auto to pay what’s left after that policy has maxed out. This covers your overages so you don’t have to. 

Get Umbrella Coverage Today

When you want better coverage, you need umbrella insurance. Call us at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA.

Is it a good idea to have flood insurance for my home?

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For those that are living in the Palo Alto, CA area, owning a home can be a good long-term housing option. When you are going to buy a home here, you need to get the right insurance for it. This can include getting flood insurance in some situations. There are various reasons why it can be a good idea to get a flood insurance plan here. 

Meet Obligations

A reason that a lot of property owners in Palo Alto will need flood coverage is to meet their obligations. As property values are very high in this region, it is often a necessity to take out a mortgage when buying a home. Any mortgage lender will require you to carry insurance on your property. If you are living in a flood zone, this will include requiring you to have flood insurance. With a policy in place, you can comply with this obligation.

Reduce Flood Damage Impact

It can also be a good idea to get flood insurance to reduce the impact that can come with flood damage. If your home is damaged by a flood, the costs to make repairs can be extremely high. If you do not have flood insurance, you may have no insurance support through home coverage. With a flood plan, you will know that you are covered. 

Reach Out To Us

If you own a property in Palo Alto, CA, it’s crucial to obtain flood insurance. Cover your home today by reaching out to our dedicated team at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. We know the importance of this coverage and will assist you in selecting the ideal plan for your specific needs. You can count on our personalized approach to obtain the appropriate protection for your unique situation. Contact our team with Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. today to learn more.

The Truth About Auto Insurance in California

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Are you wondering about buying auto insurance in California? If you’re new to the world of California insurance or have questions that you need to be answered, contact our insurance experts at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. in Palo Alto, CA! 

The Truth About Auto Insurance for California Drivers 

Like most states in the US, California is one of the many that requires all drivers operating motor vehicles on public roads to have adequate auto insurance in the case of a motor vehicle accident that leads to financial damages or personal injury. 

All Drivers Must Have Minimum Coverage

Since having auto insurance in California is mandatory, this means that all drivers operating vehicles on public roads must have insurance that meets the state minimum insurance coverage in the form of liability insurance. 

California liability insurance covers state minimum coverage for bodily injury and property damage. A licensed insurance agent can discuss the best auto insurance coverage options for your family’s needs and budget. 

Extended Insurance Coverage is Available for Most Drivers

California drivers can add comprehensive and collision coverage to their policy to increase the amount of covered damage and add protection for the vehicle and its contents to the policy. 

Proactive drivers can take their coverage one step further and add specialty auto insurance coverages like emergency roadside assistance services, including lockout, towing services, and gas delivery. 

Finding Affordable Auto Insurance

Getting caught driving without auto insurance in California can be costly. Avoid paying hefty fines, court costs, and damages with the right auto insurance policy. An insurance agent can educate you about your coverage. 

Contact our knowledgeable agents at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc serving the greater Palo Alto, CA area. Get a free California auto insurance quote to protect your vehicle and finances today! 

Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cover Personal Errands?

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If you’re a business owner in the Palo Alto, CA area and use your car for business purposes, you may wonder if commercial insurance covers your personal errands. The answer is that it depends on the type of policy you have. Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. explains the different types of commercial car insurance policies available and how they can cover personal errands. 

What Is Commercial Car Insurance? 

Commercial car insurance is a type of policy designed to protect vehicles used for business purposes. This type of coverage typically includes liability, collision, comprehensive coverage, and other options like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. The cost of these policies varies depending on what kind of coverage is chosen and how many cars are being covered. 

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Personal Errands? 

The answer to this question depends on what type of commercial insurance policy you have. Commercial auto policies do not provide coverage for personal errands or pleasure trips, but some offer limited coverage for such activities. It’s important to speak with one of our experienced agents to ensure you get the right coverage for your needs. 

If you need coverage for personal errands or pleasure trips, there are additional options available through some insurers. You can purchase an endorsement package to add additional protection, such as rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance, or choose a full-coverage policy that provides more extensive protection against accidents and other risks associated with driving a vehicle for business purposes. 

Reach Out To Us

Contact an experienced agent at Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc. about purchasing additional endorsements or a full-coverage policy that provides more comprehensive protection against risks associated with using a vehicle for business purposes in Palo Alto, CA. 

Home Insurance and Frozen Pipes: What You Need to Know

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When the temperature drops, it can trouble homeowners in Palo Alto, CA. One of the most common winter problems is frozen pipes, which can cause costly damage to your home. So, if you’re a homeowner in Palo Alto, Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc wants you to understand what your home insurance coverage covers.

What Your Home Insurance Policy Covers 

Your home insurance policy covers losses caused by frozen pipes as long as they are considered “sudden and accidental” by your insurer. This means that if a pipe freezes and bursts due to an unexpected event—such as an unusually cold weather front—your policy will cover the cost of any repairs resulting from the water damage. But if freezing temperatures were forecasted for days or weeks in advance and you failed to take proper precautions, you may not be covered. 

It’s also important to regularly check these areas of your home throughout the wintertime for signs of frozen pipes—including reduced water pressure or discolored water coming out of faucets—and contact a plumber immediately if something doesn’t seem right. Taking these precautions now can prevent busted water pipes later on.

Protecting your home from potential damage caused by frozen pipes should be one of your primary concerns during cold weather months in Palo Alto, CA. Fortunately, Allied Brokers Insurance Agency Inc provides comprehensive coverage for any sudden and accidental damage resulting from this issue! Plus, taking simple measures such as keeping cabinets open and insulating exposed pipes is an easy way to further prevent unnecessary repair costs due to frozen piping. With these tips in mind, you can rest assured knowing that both you and your home are well-prepared for whatever winter may bring!