Do You Need Umbrella Insurance in Napa, CA?

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Insurance is your protection for your financial security. Auto insurance covers automobile accidents. Flood insurance covers your home for flood damage should you experience a flood. Wine Valley Insurance Services, serving Napa, CA, and the surrounding areas can point you to the right umbrella insurance based on your situation.

What is umbrella insurance? 

As its name implies, umbrella insurance is there when you have unexpected "rainy days." Some examples of that rainy day are:

  • Negligence cases against you in your business or home
  • Gaps in your current auto or other types of insurance
  • Fire insurance that may not cover all of your possessions in your home
  • Extra coverage for business insurance 
  • Auto accidents where injuries or damage to others is more than the limits of your auto insurance policy

How Much Does it Cover?

Policies always vary in the amount they cover, so make sure you read the fine print. But most umbrella policies tend to cover around $1 million initially for one case and up to $2 million total coverage. This is an amount that most insurers believe would cover the average negligence or liability case where the insurance you have in place will not cover the totals. 

Why Have it?

Umbrella insurance is the last type of insurance people usually think about. But it is needed if you have a risk to your business, property, or physical assets that cannot be replaced with the normal limits of insurance. Say someone falls on your property coming out of your business and you had no warning sign up that there was a slick place on the sidewalk. This might be considered negligence if it meets the legal standards of negligence.

Umbrellas insurance can kick in where your other business insurance leaves off, saving you thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlements and court costs. 

More Information 

If you are confused about whether to get umbrella insurance, turn to the professionals at Wine Valley Insurance Services in Napa, CA. They can show you how it could help you get added peace of mind to protect your property and assets while being secure in the fact that they are there when your other insurance is just not enough. 

Protecting Your Home From Pet Damage With Home Insurance

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If you have bought a home insurance policy for your house in Napa, CA, it is fundamental to know the liabilities it covers. Your home may get damaged under various circumstances — the home insurance policy covers you, but it may not include the destruction of property by your pets. Wine Valley Insurance Services is the best option for pet damage insurance. Here are some guidelines to help you understand the best approach. 

Is It Necessary to Buy Pet Insurance?

If you keep pets under your roof, the damage that they can cause is unpredictable. That said, purchasing pet insurance is a wise idea. The policy covers injuries sustained from a pet attack or any accident. If your pet damages your property, the insurance compensates you as long as it’s up-to-date. 

Basics About Pet Damage Home Insurance

Some situations are accidental and may cause significant damage to your equipment. Without insurance cover, replacing or fixing damaged valuables can be an expensive process. Fortunately, your pet damage insurance comes in when such unfortunate events happen, compensating you for the losses you may incur.

Is My Standard Insurance Helpful When My Pet Causes Destruction?

Since your standard home policy does not protect you from property destruction caused by your pet, it makes sense to pay extra for such benefits. The primary coverage will likely cover some valuables, which may include electronics appliances. Inquire with your insurer to know what the policy covers and what it cannot compensate.

Your pet’s conduct may not be predictable, and that complicates the insurance process. Some pets have special training, while others have none. That way, the insurer may lack appropriate parameters to assess the level of damage they may cause in your home. All in all, you can buy a policy designed to compensate for any property destruction that your pets may cause in the neighborhood. Accidental damage pet cover pays any repair cost to the damaged valuables.

Visit our website today to reach Wine Valley Insurance Services and get all the answers concerning your pet insurance cover in Napa, CA.

Are pets covered under renters’ insurance?

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Getting renters’ insurance helps cover the renter’s personal property and offers liability coverage should something in the unit become accidentally damaged. However, does renters’ insurance cover those who have pets? For example, does the insurance policy cover damage caused by pets, or does it protect the owner should the animal bite someone? Renters’ who are also pet owners need to know the answers to these questions and will find them by speaking to an agent at Wine Valley Insurance Services in Napa, CA. 

The short answer to “Are pets covered under renters’ insurance?” is “Yes.” Renters’ insurance will cover some types of pet damage and other liability incidents associated with the pet. However, it is not blanket coverage, and you must refer to your policy for specifics as to what is covered and what is not. 

Property Damage

Your insurance company will cover the costs associated with property damage that is not yours. For example, if your dog gets into a neighbor’s yard and starts tearing it up, the insurance company would cover the costs of the repairs. If you were found liable for the damage, it would be covered. 

Liabilities

Your renter’s insurance policy should your pet injure someone by biting or scratching them. The insurance coverage would include settling any claims against your insurance and court costs and related fees should you be sued. 

Coverage Limits

Renters’ insurance policies have recovery and coverage limits. Know these limits to understand how much will be covered should your pet cause damage or bite someone. If costs are more than the policy limits, you would be responsible for the excess. 

In addition to coverage limits, verify with your insurance company about available coverage for your type of pet. Some dog breeds or dogs with a history of aggressive behavior are not covered under renters’ insurance. Additionally, exotic pets are generally not covered either. 

Pet owners in Napa, CA, with questions about pet coverage under their renters’ insurance policy, should call an insurance agent. Do you still have questions or need renters’ insurance coverage? Call Wine Valley Insurance Services or visit their website today for assistance understanding pet-related coverage under a renters’ insurance policy. 

Is basic auto coverage ever enough?

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California has almost 400,000 miles of roads. If you love to drive and see the scenic coastline, you can certainly get your fill in the Golden State. Before you hit the road, you must have the right auto insurance to make sure you are protected. At Wine Valley Insurance Services in Napa, CA, we have been providing service to residents for more than nine years and our team has a decade of experience. Our duty to our customers is to make sure you have the right coverage for you and your vehicle.

California requires drivers to show financial responsibility in the event of an accident. Most choose to do that with auto insurance. In California, basic auto insurance is pretty basic. The mandate is 15/30/5. What that means is if you have an accident and are responsible, your insurance will pay $15,000 for injuries to the first person with a total for the entire accident of $30,000. Since an emergency room visit can cost upwards of $10.000, you can see how inadequate that amount is. The property damage coverage is $5,000. With the average cost of a car $38,000, you can see this could leave you paying for thousands of dollars out of pocket. 

Additionally, basic coverage does not take your car into account. If you need your car to get to work or just to run errands you will be left to pay for any repairs by yourself. Most people are not financially equipped to pay thousands of dollars of auto repairs. If you have collision insurance it will pay for the repair minus a deductible. For other damage, comprehensive coverage can be a lifesaver. If you need a car, basic insurance just isn’t enough. 

When you are looking for auto insurance, Wine Valley Insurance Services in Napa, CA is here for you, at our office or on the phone.

Facts every new policyholder should know about umbrella insurance

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Facts every new policyholder should know about umbrella insurance

Every day, we are looking for ways to safeguard our homes, family, and everything that matters to us.  We end up buying insurance policies for everything we own and forget about ourselves. Luckily, umbrella insurance is designed to protect you—the policyholder. It is a personal policy that protects you financially wherever you go.  If this policy is new to you, our insurance experts at Wine valley insurance Services can help you with the information you need to get your own policy. Here are a few facts every Napa, CA resident should know about umbrella insurance.

Umbrella insurance is not self-sufficient

Did you know that you cannot rely on umbrella insurance alone? One of the qualifications when applying for umbrella insurance is having a home and auto insurance policy. If you don’t have, you would need to buy them first before purchasing umbrella insurance which is only used as an extension to your current coverage.

Umbrella insurance is for everyone

Many people tend to assume that umbrella insurance is an expensive policy that can only be purchased by wealthy individuals. An umbrella policy is relatively affordable for anyone who wants extra coverage. We live in a litigious society where you can be sued for minor things. No one is above the law, and lawsuits can be quite expensive and messy.

It protects you and your family

Umbrella insurance is an all-around policy that protects you, your spouse, children, relatives, and anyone named on your policy. If you run a business, you can buy commercial umbrella insurance to protect you, your clients, and your employees.

Extends to your recreational vehicles

Umbrella insurance doesn’t stop at providing an extra layer of protection to your home and auto policies—it extends even to recreational vehicles and other toys. For instance, the umbrella policy extends liability over motorcycles, boats, and snowmobiles.

Looking to buy or need more information about umbrella insurance in Napa, CA?  Contact Wine Valley Insurance Services to learn more on how you can get a customized policy.

Common myths about home insurance in Napa, CA

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Common myths about home insurance in Napa, CA

It can be costly to discover that you may lose your home even when you have home insurance. Many homeowners in Napa, CA, still haven’t mastered their policy and, unfortunately, learn this after the damage has been done. That’s why Wine Valley Insurance Services recommends studying your policy carefully; learning what is covered, the limit, and how to file a claim successfully.  It is also important to learn a few myths and to get the facts. Here are a few myths we thought you should know.

Home insurance covers all water damage

While home insurance policies tend to cover water damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards, Flooding is not covered. Despite being a common disaster in Napa, CA, residents have to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to protect their homes from floods.

All your valuables are covered

Home insurance protects your personal property like electronics, clothes, appliances, and furniture but does not cover priceless or extremely expensive items like jewelry, guns, and artwork. Your insurer may request you to buy a separate policy for such items.

Your injuries are covered

As sad as it may sound, your home insurance doesn’t cover your injuries or your family’s injuries. That’s why it is “home” insurance, not “you” insurance. The liability coverage in your policy is designed to compensate other people who may get injured in your home, like a friend’s child drowning in your pool. With that said, you will need to utilize your health insurance to cover your medical costs if you are injured at home.

Older homes are cheaper to insure

In most cases, it’s the exact opposite. Older homes have more faults, which can turn out more expensive to replace and repair. Insurance companies have to be extra careful when inspecting older homes, and some may refuse to cover such houses.

Your home insurance policy will always have exceptions, and different insurance companies have different rules and coverages. Always ask and follow up to learn what your policy covers. For more information about home insurance, please contact Wine valley insurance Services.

Auto insurance needs for a teen driver in Napa, CA

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Auto insurance needs for a teen driver in Napa, CA

Purchasing an auto insurance policy for your teen driver is a requirement by California law. Like any other car driver, your teen will be required to carry minimum liability coverage of bodily injury and property damage liability. Finding a policy that suits their needs can be a challenge, but Wine Valley Insurance Services can help you keep your teen safe on the roads. So, which policies should you focus on, and how do you ensure you are not overcharged just because your teen is a new driver. Here are a few expert tips to take home.

Involve your teen in insurance talks

From the very beginning, it’s essential to talk to your child about their responsibilities as drivers. They need to understand that auto insurance is not cheap and reinforce safe driving tips. You should also explain to them the process of purchasing auto insurance and the consequences of reckless driving. Let them know that increased claims can lead to costly premiums, license revocation, and even jail terms.

Add them to your policy

Most insurance companies in Napa, CA allow policyholders to add their children into their policy. It’s typically less expensive to add your teen to your own policy than buying separate coverage. Remember, young or new drivers pay higher premiums than other drivers. However, there are serious consequences associated with this practice. If your teen is not a good driver, they can raise your premiums, but the good part is that you can always remove them.

Buy more liability coverage

You might want to focus on liability coverage whether your teen is an experienced driver or not. Apart from the required minimum, you can add the coverage to a reasonable limit to protect yourself and your teen from financial losses in case they cause an accident.

Experience the peace of mind you need whenever your teen hits the Napa, CA roads.  At Wine Valley Insurance services, we are all about caring for what matters to you most. Call us to get a customized auto insurance policy for your teen.

How does umbrella insurance protect someone in Napa?

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When you live in the Napa, CA area, you are going to have access to many great local amenities. While Napa is a great place for anyone to live, those that are in this area do need to make sure they have the proper insurance to protect against a variety of risks. One type of insurance people here should get is umbrella insurance, which provides several forms of coverage. 

Umbrella Insurance Covers Significant Claims

A reason that people in the Napa area should get umbrella insurance is that it will cover significant claims. If you are ever found at fault for an accident that occurs in your home or while you are driving, you will have some coverage through your home or auto policies. However, if you are ever involved in an accident with significant damages, it is possible that the claims could exceed your policy limit. When you have an umbrella insurance policy, it will give coverage on top of your base insurance. 

Umbrella Insurance is Broad

While there are some risks that you can mitigate with insurance, there are other liability claim risks that are a lot harder to predict. When you get an umbrella insurance policy, it will include a much broader set of risks. This can include many risks that are not easily predictable or expected. Due to this, you should get an umbrella insurance policy as it will provide comfort that you are prepared for the unexpected. 

Those that are in the Napa, CA area should make sure they get proper insurance coverage. One type of insurance that you should get is umbrella insurance. When looking for insurance here, you should speak with Wine Valley Insurance Services. The insurance professionals with Wine Valley Insurance Services can help you get into a policy that provides ample protection and peace of mind. 

Home Insurance Variables To Consider During The Winter

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Wine Valley Insurance Services assists the Napa, CA community through offering a wide variety of insurance coverage. We are committed to helping our clients find policies that will protect them in the event of a loss. Providing quality customer service is our top priority.

Home Insurance Variables During The Winter

Home insurance helps you protect one of your most valuable assets. The policy covers any damages to your home or personal items. You are also covered if a potential liability issue arises due to someone getting injured on your property. You can amend your policy to cover your temporary lodging somewhere else if a natural disaster causes serious damage to your home. As you prepare for winter in Napa CA, here are a few variables to consider.

You have to consider the threat of fire. As you are heating up your home, an accident may occur. Depending on how severe the fire is, your home may suffer substantial damages. If a disaster arises, you can have a piece of mind knowing that your home insurance policy will cover you.

Another potential danger is frozen pipes. Cold temperatures may cause your pipes to freeze overnight. This could potentially cause some serious problems. Make sure that you keep a proper temperature inside of your home so that your pipes won’t freeze up. You can amend your policy to cover you if the pipes burst and your home suffers flood damage.

Winter also brings the increased likelihood of a windstorm or a similar type of natural disaster. Windstorms have the potential to cause serious damages to your roof. If the storm damages your roof, water and possibly snow may leak into your home. Home insurance will cover you if this situation arises.

Consult With Wine Valley Insurance Services

Visit our website today to learn more information on home insurance.

How does renters insurance protect someone?

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The Napa, CA area is a great place for anyone to live. There are many different recreational amenities in the area that could provide you with a lot of fun experiences. If you are going to move here, you should consider renting your property. If you do rent, you should get a renters insurance policy as it could protect you in several ways. 

Protects Renter’s Assets

One way that you can be protected by a renter’s insurance policy is by receiving coverage for your personal assets. While you may not own the home when you rent, you will still have a lot of personal belongings kept in your home. If there is ever a fire, theft, or other forms of loss, the financial loss could be significant. Fortunately, with a renters insurance policy, you will have the coverage that is needed to replace these items. 

Gives Liability Coverage

Another reason that you should get a renters insurance policy is that it can offer you liability coverage. When you are looking to rent a home, it is important to remember that you are responsible for people that come into your property. If someone is injured in your unit as a result of an accident or negligence, you could be held responsible and will need to pay for damages. Also, you could be responsible if you accidentally cause damage to your property or another unit in the same building. A renters insurance policy will include a provision for liability coverage.

Choosing a new renters insurance policy in the Napa, CA area is always a big decision. Due to this, you should call Wine Valley Insurance Services when you are looking for a new policy. When you call Wine Valley Insurance Services, the team can answer any of your questions and help you choose a quality policy.