Do older homes have different insurance needs?

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If you own a home in San Jose, CA or the surrounding area, you can turn to Bayshield Insurance for all of your home insurance needs. We are proud to serve our community and look forward to working with you too. 

Insurance needs for older homes

When it comes to insuring older homes, there are a few factors to consider:

  • Aged infrastructure – if your plumbing and electrical systems haven’t been updated, what would be a small problem in a newer home can become a huge undertaking in an older house. The same is true for roofs, kitchens, and bathrooms.
  • Lack of materials – when you need a replacement part for one of the systems in your home, it can be difficult to find ones that will sync with what is already in your house. This means that you may have to replace parts that are still working in order to repair non-working functions.
  • Historical homes – owning a piece of local history can be very exciting. However, if your home is registered or otherwise listed as a historical property, you may be required to carry specialized insurance depending on the area in which you live.

All in all, older homes carry a lot of charm and make for wonderful family homes. When it comes to selecting your homeowner’s policy, be sure to review your concerns with your insurance agent. You may or may not need specialized insurance, but it’s important to choose the policy that best meets your needs. 

Let us help you find the right protection for your home!

Bayshield Insurance is here to serve all of the insurance needs of the greater San Jose, CA area. We would welcome the opportunity to work with you. Give our office a call today!

What Happens If I Don’t Have Commercial Insurance For My Business?

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In California, businesses with one or more employees – full-time or part-time – must carry workers’ compensation insurance which helps pay for the medical bills associated with workplace injuries and illnesses. Additionally, any vehicle owned by a company must be protected under a commercial auto insurance policy with the following minimum liability requirements:

  • $5,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident

Failure to carry both of these insurances can result in significant penalties. While it can be busy to look for ways to cut your spending, insurance for your small business should never be one that you neglect or fail to pay. Not only does commercial insurance protect your business from employee mishaps, but also most policies include a general liability clause that can protect your livelihood from third party claims such as a vendor slipping and falling on ice in front of your building or failure to take certain safety precautions. If you do not have adequate insurance, there are a myriad of consequences ranging from fines and jail time associated with failure to have workers’ compensation insurance, which is a felony in many states and lack of financial protection for your business if it is facing an emergency like a dissatisfied client. Other ramifications may include clients refusing to work with you, a landlord refusing to rent you a facility or storefront, significant loss of money, and the permanent shut down of your company. 

At Bayshield Insurance in San Jose, CA, we don’t want any of these scenarios to happen to you so we take immense pride in working with our small business owner customers to ensure they have adequate commercial insurance. Give us a call today to learn more about our insurance offerings.

Who needs to have umbrella insurance in San Jose?

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In the San Jose, CA area, having proper personal insurance plans is always a good idea. While these types of coverage can include home and auto insurance, you also need to ensure that you are getting an umbrella insurance plan. This is a valuable type of insurance that will provide you with ample personal liability protection. There are various scenarios in which someone will want to have this coverage. 

Those that Want Protection Against Big Claims

A common situation when someone will want to have an umbrella insurance plan in the San Jose, CA area is when they want to protect against big claims. Being named liable for a major accident could result in damages that exceed coverage in your home or auto plans. If this occurs, your umbrella insurance plan will offer coverage on top of these policies to ensure you have the necessary additional protection.

Those that Want Coverage for More Risks

You should also get an umbrella insurance plan if you want to have coverage for more risks. Most people in this area of California are going to have liability insurance in their home and auto plans. While this is helpful, there are always liability risks that may not be covered by these plans. In these situations, you will want to have umbrella support as it will give coverage against a more blanket mix of risks. 

Once you have determined that umbrella insurance is right for you and your situation, you should call Bayshield Insurance. Those that are in San Jose can quickly find that picking umbrella insurance comes with complexities. Fortunately, the professionals with Bayshield Insurance offer various forms of support that can help you choose a plan that will give you the additional liability coverage that you are looking for. 

What’s not covered by homeowners insurance?

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Typically, homeowners insurance covers damage to both the interior and exterior of a residence. It also covers loss as a result of theft and personal liability in the event that a guest is injured on your property. It also covers damage to the personal belongings of your guest while on your property. Although homeowners’ insurance covers many things, there are things that aren’t covered under a homeowners’ policy.

What’s NOT Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?

Your homeowner’s policy will not cover damage that occurs from natural wear and tear and neglect. This includes rust, rot, and mold, as well as damage from termites, insects, and rodents. Damage as a result of smoke and smog from industrial and agricultural operations is also not covered. Homeowners should also note that they may need to purchase a separate policy to cover artwork, collectibles, and valuable jewelry. Identity theft isn’t covered under a homeowners insurance policy either. Homeowners should consider their unique situations and speak with one of our team members at Bayshield Insurance. Separate coverage may be needed if you have expensive jewelry or art, or you live in an area prone to flooding.  One of our team members can discuss what’s covered under a homeowners policy as well as what items might need to be considered for coverage under a separate policy.

Certain Natural Disasters

A homeowners insurance policy will not cover damage caused by tsunamis, nuclear disasters, earthquakes, and floods. Conversely, homeowners insurance will cover damage caused by explosions, lightning, hail, windstorms, hurricanes,  and cold weather. The coverage falls under three categories that include an actual cash value, replacement cost, as well as extended replacement cost. Our team at Bayshield Insurance is ready, willing, and able to answer all of your questions about homeowners insurance coverage for our San Jose, CA customers. Give us a call.

Common Myths Regarding Umbrella Insurance

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Bayshield Insurance serves the San Jose, CA community and surrounding areas. We help our clients find policies that minimize risks. Emergencies can occur at any time. That’s why it’s important to have insurance coverage that you can rely on during those tough times. We will assess your situation so that you can receive coverage that aligns with your personal goals.

Common Umbrella Insurance Myths

Umbrella insurance offers a layer of protection during serious liability situations. While accidents may inevitable at times, you could still face the consequences. If you accidentally injure someone, and they pursue litigation, your assets could be at risk if you don’t have enough coverage. That’s where umbrella insurance kicks in. The policy takes over once you have reached your liability limits so that you can avoid having to cover the dispute out of pocket. While you’re looking over your policy, avoid these common umbrella insurance myths.

Umbrella Insurance Is Too Complex

Remember that umbrella insurance is a form of supplemental coverage. It doesn’t act as a stand-alone policy. If you are involved in a home or auto liability dispute, umbrella insurance can protect you. If you are the owner of a San Jose, CA business, umbrella insurance can prevent you from losing everything if a customer alleges that your product caused them harm or if you are facing allegations of libel or slander.

I Don’t Have Any Assets

Some people are hesitant to obtain umbrella insurance because they believe it isn’t necessary because they don’t have any assets. Everything that you own has value. Imagine how difficult it would be to replace any assets lost in a liability dispute without insurance. Your entire future could be at risk. Umbrella insurance is an asset for everyone.

Bayshield Insurance Will Help You Cover Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about umbrella insurance.

Should you get life insurance San Jose?

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Those who are in the San Jose, CA area are going to have various personal insurance needs. One form of coverage that all people need to seriously consider is life insurance. This is a unique form of insurance that provides benefits that are unmatched by other forms of coverage. There are various reasons why you should get a life insurance plan when you are here. 

Provide Financial Protection for Dependents

An important reason that you should get life insurance coverage is that it is a good way to provide financial protection for your dependents. If you have people that rely on you for financial support, ensuring this support moving forward is important. A great way that this can be done is with life insurance. With this coverage, you will be able to build a full plan that will provide financial protection to those that you care about. 

Investment Alternative

Today, you can also use life insurance as an investment alternative. Due to recent volatility in the financial markets, finding a way to diversify and have a more secure investment stream can be helpful. A great way to do this is with a whole life plan. This form of coverage will put some of your payment into an account that accumulates interest each month. You can then use this as a source of liquidity in the future. 

If you do live in the San Jose, CA area, you will want to make sure that you speak with the team at Bayshield Insurance about your life insurance needs. As you are looking for a plan in this area, Bayshield Insurance can make the process easier and smoother. They are able to answer any questions that you have and give guidance necessary to build a plan ideal for your situation. 

New Homeowner’s Security Checklist

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Purchasing a new home is a great time to review your security protocols and supplies. The following list includes important considerations for protecting your family in your new home.

Home Security and Monitoring

Current systems are more affordable and accessible to homeowners than ever before. Not only can you keep an eye on your home remotely, record video footage, and lock up while away from home, you may be eligible for a homeowner’s insurance discount for your diligence. 

Create a Home Inventory 

Make sure it is up to date and includes pictures, receipts if available, and serial numbers if relevant. Keep a copy somewhere outside of your home. Cell phones and home inventory apps make this process more accessible than ever. 

Have a Disaster Plan

California is no stranger to natural disasters. Learn the risks in San Jose, CA, and plan accordingly. A few basic things every disaster plan should include: 

  • Your evacuation route.
  • Your family communication plan.
  • Shelter options for fire, flood, or earthquake.
  • Accommodations for your family’s special needs (medical, dietary, cultural considerations, pets, kids, disability)

Have an Emergency Kit

Your kit should fit into one or two easily carried containers and include items like the following:

  • Water – a gallon per person for several days for hydration and sanitation.
  • Food – a three-day non-perishable supply with a can opener if necessary.
  • A radio, hand-crank preferably.
  • Well-stocked first aid kit.
  • Dust masks/COVID masks.
  • A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
  • Maps in case your phone service goes down.
  • Any specialty items your family needs, like prescriptions, formula, essential documents, and assistive devices.

Review your Homeowners Policy

A new home is an excellent time to assess your insurance needs and ensure you are adequately protected. Your local agent is the best tool you have to ensure you are getting the most for your premium dollars. Stop by or call Bayshield Insurance today to discuss your options. 

What Kind of Liability Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?

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Are you on the fence about umbrella insurance for your San Jose, CA business? We at Bayshield Insurance think it’s a good idea for you to seriously consider this option. Doing so will help to make sure that you get the high-quality help needed to manage any liability problems. 

Excessive Defense Costs 

Is your trial going to cost you a lot of money to pursue? Are you likely to lose and pay a lot of cash? Never worry: your umbrella insurance policy can help. It will pay for these costs, up to your coverage limits, to ensure that you don’t end up spending a lot of money paying your legal fees in this situation.

Severe Personal Injuries 

Did your business end up injuring somebody severely, and you’re worried about paying their medical bills? Umbrella insurance will pay a higher portion of their costs after your liability is exhausted. In this way, you won’t have to pay nearly as much as you would otherwise. 

Product Failure Liability 

If you sell products, and they end up failing heavily, your consumers could suffer injuries and other issues. Thankfully, high-quality umbrella policies can minimize the amount of money that you have to pay by covering a majority of your overall costs. 

Other Types of Liability 

Depending on your umbrella policy, it might pay for things like delivery crashes, intoxication at the workplace, attacks by workers at your facility, criminal prosecution costs, and much more. In this way, you should be protected by creating a comprehensive liability protection level. 

Keep Yourself Safe

If you’re concerned that your liability coverage just isn’t enough to keep you safe, don’t hesitate to talk to us at Bayshield Insurance right away to learn more. Our team serves the San Jose, CA, area and will do what they can to give you the help needed to avoid serious long-term complications. 

Life Insurance FAQ

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Bayshield Insurance serving San Jose, CA would like to talk to you about some of the common life insurance questions you may have.

What is Life Insurance?

It is an insurance policy that you take out and pay a monthly premium for. In the event of your death, money is paid out to your beneficiaries to take care of them after you are gone. It affords your loved ones additional financial protection or may be used to pay off a mortgage after your death.

How many types of Life Insurance Policies are there?

There are two main types – term life and whole life. Term life insurance is when you take out a life insurance policy for a particular time frame. If you die during that period, then your death benefit is paid out. If you do not, then you may renew it depending on the policy wording. A whole life insurance policy is a policy that you pay for from the time you take it out until the time that you pass away. The death benefit is paid to your beneficiaries

What is a Beneficiary?

A beneficiary is a person or persons that you have nominated to receive the benefit (or money) from the life insurance policy after your death.

Are Life Insurance Policies expensive?

This depends on several factors including, the amount you wish to insure, your health, the type of life insurance policy you want, and your age. Term life insurance policies are more cost-effective in the beginning but eventually get more expensive. Whole life insurance policies are more expensive in the beginning and flatten out as you age.

There are many benefits to purchasing a life insurance policy. Contact Bayshield Insurance serving San Jose, CA today and let them guide you.

Why Do Insurance Companies Investigate All Claims?

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At Bayshield Insurance, we understand that our San Jose, CA area customers get confused or even upset when we investigate their claims. And some might even become angry if we deny their claims for any reason.

So why do we check into all of these claims so heavily? Understanding this process should help you make it easier for you to get the coverage you want for your needs as a buyer and minimize any confusion or frustration.

Why We Investigate Policies 

Our investigations are designed to help both you and us by providing the most possible insight into your claim. Doing so helps to improve your chances of getting approved, not decrease them. That’s because we’ll verify every element of your claim to ensure that it is as accurate as possible.

And we only deny claims if there are problems with your paperwork or if there is a lack of information proving your need for coverage. So by appealing to us and providing more details, it is more likely that you’ll get your claim approved and get the payment that you need for your life.

You can make this process simpler for everyone involved by gathering information about the situation, testimony from people who may have seen it develop, and much more. Then, our professionals will sit down with you and come up with a solution that makes sense and improves your investigation speed. In this way, your claim is more likely to succeed.

What You Can Do to Help 

Beyond gathering information that helps improve our investigation speed, you can work with our agents at Bayshield Insurance to provide detailed and accurate records. Doing so should help decrease your investigation time and ensure that your San Jose, CA area claims get approved.