Three Common Home Insurance Mistakes New Homeowners Sometimes Make

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Purchasing your new home presents many new responsibilities, and one of those is to insure your house properly. It’s crucial that your new home is protected in case something happens. Here are three common home insurance mistakes new homeowners sometimes make, but you should avoid.

1. Not Securing Coverage Before Closing

Shopping for home insurance doesn’t wait until after closing. You’ll want the home insured when you take ownership of it, and your lender will normally require insurance before closing. You very well might not be able to close unless an adequate home insurance policy is in place.

We at Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. typically recommend that homebuyers in San Diego, CA, contact us a few days to a few weeks before their closing date. We can set up a policy that takes effect on the closing date.

2. Not Securing Enough Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage is what pays to rebuild your house if it’s destroyed in a covered incident, and you’ll want lots of it. In fact, you probably want more dwelling coverage than your home’s value at the time of purchase.

The recent forest fires have shown how much construction costs can increase throughout California, including in San Diego, CA, after a disaster. Getting extra dwelling coverage may make it easier to rebuild if your home is destroyed at a time when construction costs increase.

3. Not Securing Water Damage Coverage

Many homeowners assume water damage is automatically covered, but standard policies don’t always include it. Double-check that your policy includes water pipes, hot water heaters, and other plumbing coverage. (Flood insurance is purchased separately if you need it.)

Insure Your New Home in Southern California

If you’re purchasing a home soon, contact us at Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. to set up a home insurance policy that’ll protect your place well.

My Kids Are Grown. Should I Keep My Life Insurance?

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Life insurance is an essential safety net when raising a family, but once your kids are grown and financially independent, you may wonder if you still need it. If you have an active policy and pass away, your beneficiaries can use the money to cover funeral costs, medical bills, loans, and daily living expenses. The Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. team serving the San Diego, CA area can help you decide based on your individual needs and goals.

What Is Your Current Financial Situation?

Consider the following questions:

  • Outstanding Debt: Do you have a mortgage, personal loans, or other debts that could burden your spouse or children after you’re gone?
  • Income: Does your spouse or family members rely on your income to maintain their lifestyle?
  • Legacy and Estate Planning: Do you want to leave your loved ones an inheritance?
  • Funeral and Final Expenses: Do you want to ensure your funeral expenses are covered?

What Are Your Life Insurance Options?

If you don’t need as much life insurance as you did in the past, based on your policy, you might be able to adjust your coverage. This is where our team of agents can help. We’ll break down the types of coverage and help you decide what is best for you right now. We’ll discuss things like reducing your coverage, selling your policy, or keeping it as is to guarantee your loved ones are financially secure when you pass away.

Contact Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Today

If you have questions about your life insurance, our expert Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. team serving the San Diego, CA area can help. Let’s review your policy and discuss your best options. Contact us today.

What is an auto insurance deductible, and how does it work?

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Whether you’re new to auto insurance or have been a policyholder for some time, understanding auto insurance deductibles can be challenging. At Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. in San Diego, CA, we’re here to help you gain clarity about auto insurance deductibles. This way, you can make an informed decision about your insurance policy and have peace of mind following an auto accident.

Understanding Auto Insurance Deductibles

An auto insurance deductible is a component of your auto policy’s comprehensive and collision coverages. Before your insurance pays out in the event of a comprehensive or collision claim, you must first pay a deductible.

The deductible is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket if you file a claim for a covered incident involving your vehicle. Deductibles on an auto insurance policy typically range from as low as $250 to $1000 or more, depending on the insurance carrier. For example, if you were in an accident and received a $5000 estimate for repairs to your car, and you have a $500 deductible, you would pay the repair shop $500, and your insurance carrier would cover the remaining $4500.

It’s important to note that the deductible you choose impacts your policy premiums. A lower deductible results in higher premium payments, while a higher deductible leads to lower insurance premiums. You may opt for a lower deductible if you frequently get into accidents. If you rarely have accidents, you could save on premiums by choosing a higher deductible and setting aside the savings for potential accidents. The choice of deductibles is a financial decision you’ll need to make, but you don’t have to make it alone.

We’re Here to Help!

At Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. in San Diego, CA, we’re here to answer any questions or concerns you have about auto insurance deductibles, how they work, and how they affect your premiums. Call us today at (858) 798-5450.

Do You Need Business Interruption Insurance?

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In today’s unpredictable world, events beyond your control can disrupt your business operations. Severe weather events and other natural disasters can prevent your company from operating normally for an extended period, often leading to complete business failure. Business interruption insurance is designed to provide funds to get your business back on track. At Rancho del Sur Insurance Services Inc. in San Diego, CA, we help clients acquire commercial coverage for all their business needs.

Potential Disruptions to Your Business Operations

Events such as fires, explosions, cyber-hacking, breakdowns of critical machinery, theft, and damage from wind or lightning can disrupt your operations. After these events, interruption insurance can cover important expenses such as mortgage or lease payments, loan payments, employee payroll, and relocation costs, if necessary.

Understanding the Benefits of Business Interruption Insurance

The cost of this type of insurance is usually based on your business industry, the number of employees you have, the amount of coverage you choose, and whether you have had any prior claims. Your insurance agent can provide detailed information about business interruption insurance and how it can protect your company.

Choose Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. for Your Commercial Coverage

Our agents can help you determine the right level of coverage for your needs. We offer many types of insurance for our clients, including auto, home, condo, life, health, and watercraft. Contact Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. in San Diego, CA, today for a no-obligation quote on business interruption insurance that can support your operations in an emergency.

Making your home a safer place to live

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Your home is your sanctuary, and ensuring its safety is one of your primary goals as a homeowner. Home safety means many things, but it all begins with ensuring that you are safe from dangers to the exterior of your home. Our team at Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. in San Diego, CA, ensures that your home insurance coverage protects you from as many dangers as possible.

Install a home alarm system.

Having a home alarm system has never been more accessible or more affordable. Many of them are easy to install yourself and monitor with your cellphone. It can be as simple as a doorbell camera or alarms that connect you to the police station or a monitoring company.

Have motion detector lights on the exterior of your home

Exterior lighting is essential for the safety of your home. Making them motion detectors allows you to control them without having to do anything. When anything or anyone crosses into the area that the lights focus on, the lights turn on. This allows you to see the front, back, and sides of your home.

Use window and door locks.

Doors and windows have locks, but they don’t do much good if you don’t use them. Most people think about door locks, but window locks can easily be forgotten and left unlocked.

Cut back tall shrubs near your home.

It is essential to home security that no one can hide in the shrubs close to your home. Keep plants close to your home short enough to prevent them from hiding anything, and trim them.

For all your home insurance needs, contact our team at Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. in San Diego, CA.

Term vs. Whole Life Insurance: Which is Better for San Diego Residents?

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Choosing between term and whole life insurance while living in San Diego is an important decision that comes with age and/or retirement. Understanding the distinct benefits that both types of policies provide can help you determine which route is best for you based on your individual needs and financial goals.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance provides coverage for individuals for a specific period. In most cases, term life insurance policy periods may range from 10 and 20 years to 30 years. Term life insurance is often more affordable for individuals than whole life insurance, which can be more appealing to those who are budget-conscious or younger, healthy people. For San Diego residents who face higher costs of living, term life insurance can help secure significant coverage during crucial years as they age.

Whole Life Insurance

Another option to consider is whole life insurance, which provides lifelong coverage in addition to a savings component known as "cash value" (which can grow over a set period of time). Whole life insurance premiums are typically higher than term life insurance costs, but they guarantee a cash death benefit payout regardless of when the policyholder passes away. Whole life insurance is ideal for residents of San Diego, CA, who are interested in lifelong protection, wealth-building, and estate planning in advance.

Choosing between term and whole life insurance will greatly depend on your age, health, and specific financial goals (along with your current budget). If you’re interested in learning more about term and whole life insurance as a resident near San Diego, CA, Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. is here to help. For your quote and to compare your options when it comes to term and whole life insurance in San Diego, contact Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. today.

The Difference Between Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

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As you shop for auto insurance in San Diego, CA, you’ll come across comprehensive and collision coverage terms. While they may sound similar, it’s crucial to understand their differences to determine the best policy fit for your needs. At Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc., we aim to clarify these terms and guide you through the process.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance deals with vehicle damages stemming from non-collision incidents. These can include theft, fire, damages from falling trees, animals, or weather-related events like hail. Given the lower-risk nature of the covered incidents, comprehensive coverage typically costs less than collision coverage. The value of your car and your chosen deductible influence your coverage limits.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage, on the other hand, manages damages to your vehicle resulting from crashes. Collision coverage offers protection, whether it’s another vehicle, a building, a light pole, a tree, or even a pothole. It even encompasses damages from vehicle rollovers.

Optional Coverage

It’s important to note that California doesn’t require drivers to purchase collision or comprehensive insurance unless the vehicle is being financed. However, to fully protect your investment, including both provisions in your policy is highly recommended. Your deductible for both provisions typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 and must be paid upfront before the insurer begins to cover damage. Although neither provision outweighs the other in importance, both offer vital protections in different situations.

If full coverage auto insurance is your goal, Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. can help you find a suitable policy tailored to your budget. Serving San Diego, CA residents, we’re ready to help you explore your options. Contact us today to learn more.

Types of Liability Coverage Your Business May Need

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When you own a business, dangers are lurking everywhere. Every business faces a wide range of risks, and you need to protect yourself and your business against them. There are various types of commercial liability insurance that you might need, depending on the way your company does business. When you need liability coverage for your business, call us at Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. in San Diego, CA, to learn more. 

Premises Liability 

If you have physical premises, you may open it to the public or customers. When they have access to your premises, it’s always possible for them to be injured. Injuries can cost an extreme amount, even if the injuries aren’t severe. When you have the right premises liability coverage, it can pay for the medical bills and other costs associated with an injury that happens at your business. 

Worker’s Compensation

This is vital insurance to have if you have employees. When an employee has an accident at work or gets an illness related to work, your company is responsible for all the bills. Workers’ comp insurance can pay those bills so that your business isn’t burdened with them. 

Product Liability 

If you sell a product, no matter what, it could be used improperly and cause an accident or other incident. Your product can injure someone, so you need to be ready. This policy can pay for damages caused by the customer’s use of the item or any flaws in the item that cause harm.

Get Your Commercial Liability Insurance 

To protect your business against accidents and other incidents, call us at Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. in San Diego, CA, to get started.

Things every new homeowner needs to know about home insurance

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Understanding Home Insurance with Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services, San Diego, CA

Getting home insurance can provide peace of mind, especially for new homeowners. However, understanding what to look for in a home insurance policy can be difficult. As an independent insurance agency, Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services offers multiple options at the best rates. We are the go-to company for personalized service in San Diego, CA.

Home Insurance Doesn’t Cover Everything

Home insurance offers a sense of security, but it has limitations. Reading your home insurance policy comprehensively will give you an idea of the exclusions and limits you may not be aware of.

Some Dog Breeds May Not Be Covered

Certain breeds of dogs are considered high-risk, and insurance companies may not provide coverage for them. If you own a pet dog, it is better to get informed.

You Choose Your Insurance Deductible

The amount you choose as your deductible must be paid each time you file a claim. It’s not a yearly deductible but a per-occurrence deductible. While a higher deductible can result in lower premiums, remember that you will need to pay this amount to have repairs done on your home.

You Have Choices for Personal Content Coverage

Regarding personal content coverage, a percentage of the property coverage is usually allotted. That said, you can choose coverage based on either the current value of your possessions or the cost to replace these items at present-day prices. Although the latter option may be more expensive, the choice is yours.

Contact Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services in San Diego, CA to discuss your home insurance needs with one of our team members.

Life insurance FAQs

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Having the right type of life insurance and the correct amount is important to the financial security of your family in the event something happens to you. In San Diego, CA, you can count on our team of independent insurance agents at Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. 

Do I need life insurance if I don’t have dependents?

There is not a definitive answer to this question. The simple answer would be no, but if you own a home or have debt that would need to be paid in the event of your death, maybe. What you typically want to do is to make sure that your passing is not a burden to anyone. You need to have the savings to pay for your final expenses and any debt that you have. 

Can my life insurance be canceled?

Yes, your life insurance can be canceled. The most common cause of cancelation is nonpayment of the premium. If you are having financial difficulties, call your carrier or agent to see if there is anything short of cancelation that can be arranged. However, if you lie on your application and the lie is discovered, your policy will be canceled. 

Do I need more than employee-provided life insurance?

Yes, you do. Your work policy should be a nice addition to the coverage you already have. The possibility that you may change employment or your company could go bust exists, and where would that leave you? Your family’s security is too important to take a chance with. 

How much life insurance is enough?

Every person has a different need. You should discuss your long-term goals with your insurance agent. 

Contact Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. in San Diego, CA, for all your life insurance needs. 

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