What is an Independent Insurance agent and why should I deal with an Independent Insurance agent as opposed to the company directly or a direct writing agency company?

An independent agent represents many insurance companies to make sure the customer is getting the best coverage the agent has available at the most competitive premium. An independent agent can usually offer a complete insurance portfolio so a customer can rely on his agent for all his insurance coverage's including life, health and disability coverage. The independent agency companies have streamlined their operations the past few years and now offer pricing better than the direct writing companies such as Farmers, State Farm, Allstate, 21th Century and AAA.

What should I do if I have an auto accident?

1. Get help for the injured.
2. Get name, address, phone number, make of vehicle, and license number of other driver(s) and all passengers and witnesses.
3. Carefully examine damage to other vehicle(s) involved.
4. Do not admit fault.
5. Discuss the accident only with police or your insurance agent.
6. Notify your agent immediately.

Are my college student's belongings insured?

Most of a student's personal belongs are covered by their parent's homeowners policy. Typically, homeowners policies cover property away from home up to a limit of 10% of the contents coverage. There are limitations in all homeowners policies. Call or email us for more information.

Is my home business covered by my homeowners policy?

If you operate a business from your home, your homeowners policy may not give you adequate coverage.

Do I need flood insurance?

Flood waters can change a family's fortunes over night. People move to lowland or hillside areas for many reasons, but never imagine the extreme devastation and financial hardship that can hit them if the weather takes an unexpected turn. Homeowners policies issued by private insurance carriers do not apply to surface water runoff. Floods are excluded to keep rates as low as possible for the great majority of policyholders who don't need flood insurance. The solution for persons living on hillsides or in floodable lowlands is special coverage underwritten by the Federal Government. Call us for further information.

Your car is covered against flood damage if you carry comprehensive insurance on your automobile policy.

Should I purchase earthquake coverage for my home?

That is the $64,000 question. Before the 1994 Northridge earthquake insurance companies offered comprehensive earthquake coverage covering your dwelling, pool, fences, contents and additional living expenses. Since 1995 most earthquake coverage offered is of a much more limited basis. Most insurance companies which offer earthquake coverage in conjunction with the homeowners coverage now offer the mini policy. Strictly speaking this covers your home with a 15% deductible, no coverage for your pools and fences, $5,000 of coverage for your contents and $1,500 maximum for additional living expenses. At Tri County Insurance Calabasas we represent one insurance company which insures earthquake the "old" way and one company who offers a more comprehensive policy than the mini policy. Please contact us for more information on these options.

Is the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) a state sponsored earthquake program and are claims guaranteed by the state?

The California legislature enacted the CEA to keep insurance companies from leaving the state. One of the largest insurers threatened to non-renew all their homeowners policies unless their loss potential from a catastrophic earthquake could be reduced. The CEA was formed with insurance companies, the State of California, and investor groups participating. However the State does not guarantee payment in case of a catastrophic earthquake. If the amount of earthquake damage exceeds the assets and insurance of the CEA claim payments can be less than the full amount.

I have the Earthquake Mini Policy. Can I purchase any coverage to protect my contents?

By scheduling your personal property you can protect your valuable and breakable items during an earthquake. Scheduling personal property is relatively inexpensive and depending on the value of each item appraisals might not be necessary. Contact us for more information.

What is building ordinance coverage and do all policies include this coverage?

Building ordinance coverage is an amount necessary to bring your home or building to current building standards. This is a very valuable coverage as building codes have changed significantly in the fast few years and considerable cost can be incurred when fixing your property after a loss. The standard property policy does not include this coverage. Some companies have incorporated limited building code coverage in their policies. You should check to make sure this coverage is included in your policy because for the small amount this coverage costs you can protect yourself for significant out of pocket expenses in case of a loss.

If my neighbor borrows my car and causes an accident whose insurance would cover the other person and my car?