Coronavirus Will Have An Impact In The North Bay

The Centers for Disease Control recently stated that the Coronavirus will have an impact in the United States.

People who contracted the Wuhan virus have reported symptoms that include fever, chills, headaches, difficulty breathing, and a sore throat.  Now is a good time to start thinking about how you might protect yourself and your family from contracting this virus.

The World Health Organization and the CDC recommend that you take the usual precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if your hands are not clean.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Clean surfaces you often touch.
• Stay home from work, school, and public areas if you are sick.
• Check with your doctor if you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and tell your doctor about any recent travels.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or animal organs.
• If you are visiting live markets in areas that have recently had new coronavirus cases, avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched.

Traveling

If you do get sick while traveling, it is important to know the signs of coronavirus and seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have contracted the virus.

Symptoms like illness include fever, cough and shortness of breath. It is important to note, however, that the coronavirus symptoms are common to a number of viruses.

You might be able to pay less for your insurance premium and not even know it. So it pays to connect with us to review your insurance needs. Allen & Furr Insurance, is an Independent Insurance Agency, we represent many of the top insurance companies in the country. This means better coverage, and at a competitive price, including life and health insurance.

At North Bay Insurance Brokers, we know how hard you’ve worked to turn your house into a home. Since your home is one of the most important financial investments of your lifetime, you’ll need proper coverage in order to keep your investment protected and provide your family with the guarantee that they’ll always be safe and sound.

Give us a call so we can provide you with options.

We love It When A Plan Comes Together

A North Bay Personal Insurance Update

As we move into 2019, it is important to take stock of your personal insurance program.  Many different life events can affect your personal insurance.  Having the right kind of personal insurance can make a big difference if, and when, you ever have a claim.  Please call our office for an insurance review.

What Should Be Part of Your 2019 Personal Insurance Planning?

• Should I consider a personal umbrella policy?
• Is my home valued correctly?
• Do I need to add or remove any drivers?
• Have my life insurance needs changed?

Things That Can Affect Your Insurance

• Marital status.
• Children in college.
• Purchase of a new vehicle, ATV, motorcycle, or boat.
• Planned foreign travel.
• Purchased any items of value like art, guns, or jewelry.
• Starting a home-based business.
• Purchasing a vacation home.
• Using your home as rental income.

If you call us, one of our team members will help you find the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service.  Our agents have access to more carriers, and that means that they have more options, including multiple policy discounts and preferred premium pricing.

Remember, knowledge is power.  Therefore, the more information your agent has the better pricing and coverage they will provide for you.  North Bay Insurance Brokers. is your trusted solution for homeowner’s insurance. We offer coverage options that are both flexible and affordable, and will work with you on an individual basis to find a policy that best suits your needs. Our team is dedicated to providing the assurance that your family and your possessions are secure.

 

Online Insurance Can’t Answer These Questions

Whether you are a new homeowner or have owned your home for a longer period, there’s no doubt you have any questions about homeowner’s insurance. You want to protect your home, your possessions, and your family. Below are five of the most frequently asked questions about home owner insurance.

1. As a home owner, am I required to have insurance? Yes, if you have a lender. It’s also wise to look into insurance if you are in the process of constructing a home or renting your home to someone else.
2. What types of coverage does homeowner insurance provide? Property insurance, which covers the home and contents and liability insurance, which insures your liability for bodily injury to a third party.
3. Will the replacement cost be the same as the sale price of my home? No. The replacement cost will cover the amount needed to replace the same structure and/or contents. Replacement cost is usually calculated based on the individual home’s characteristics. We recommend you take photographs of your home and contents.
4. Will homeowner insurance cover damage or theft outside of my home? Generally, yes but policies differ. Be sure to ask about your specific coverage.
5. Are home-based businesses covered under homeowner insurance? No, unless you qualify for an endorsement to your current homeowner insurance policy. Generally, you need a business owners insurance policy. You can void coverage on certain structures as well if they are used in your business.

Of course, homeowners will have more questions about homeowner insurance particular to their own situations (including protection against the elements, possessions that are no longer in the home, contents of vehicles, etc.). When searching for a homeowner insurance policy, be sure to ask about coverage relevant and beneficial to your own situation.

North Bay Insurance Brokers, is your trusted solution for homeowners insurance. We offer coverage options that are both flexible and affordable, and will work with you on an individual basis to find a policy that best suits your needs. Our team is dedicated to providing the assurance that your family and your possessions are secure.

Does An Agent Really Make A Difference?

Personal And Business Insurance

The modern day customer is looking for value, ease of services, and quick responses.  In an era of impersonal internet companies, slick advertising, and “branding,” it can be hard for consumers to determine where to find the best insurance program for their needs.  To provide the best possible combination of coverage, services, and pricing, you need to look no further than your local independent agent.

Our Approach To Insurance Is Different

The best way to get the insurance that is right for you is to develop a relationship with your insurance agent.  The good news is that this process is not complicated or time consuming.

• We respond quickly.
• Insurance protects what is important to you, and we understand that.
• We gain an understanding of your individual needs.
• We educate rather than sell.
• Finding the right insurance coverage is an important purchase, because everyone’s needs are unique.
• Our professional team is trained and licensed.
• Insurance is too important to be ordered online like a book.
• Don’t wait for an un-insured claim to happen before you look for the right agent and coverage.

Every industry has specific needs when it comes to insurance. Industry-specific risks make it impossible for insurance companies to lump together one insurance plan for every business. At North Bay Insurance Brokers, we understand that being unique is what makes your business successful across the board. That’s why we provide industry-specific insurance options for businesses of all types.

Start The New Year Protected

Now is a good time to review your entire financial plan. You have one right?  If not, here are some thoughts to help you get started, or for you to review the plan you have. Give us a call as we can help you make sure all your insurance needs are covered.

A proper life insurance policy can give you reassurance knowing that your finances and beneficiaries are secure – from temporary to permanent coverage. At North Bay Insurance Brokers, we understand that as things in your life change, so will your financial and insurance needs. That’s why it’s important to review your life insurance options with a specialist you can trust.

1. What does financial security mean to you? Start by asking yourself, “What would happen if our family’s primary breadwinner died prematurely or became disabled?” Most people answer that they would want their loved ones to continue in the lifestyle to which they are accustomed, to have enough money to stay in their home, and to provide for their children’s education through college.

2. Determine needs versus wants. You may want 100% financial security to provide for your spouse for their lifetime, and your kids through college. However, can you afford it?  Most of us don’t have enough savings to achieve this, which is where life insurance comes in. You will want enough money, or death benefit, to replace your missing income.

3. Look at the entire picture. This is not just about life insurance–that is just one piece of the formula. You also need to consider the possibility of loss of income due to a disability, chronic, or critical illness.  Consider transferring this risk by purchasing Disability Insurance and Coverage for Long Term Care.  Look at all your assets such as money in retirement plans, benefits packages, investments, equity in property, and potential social security benefits.  Once you have the numbers you can figure out what the shortfall is–which can be funded with life insurance, or more life insurance than you currently have.

4. Prepare a last will and testament! If you die without leaving a will, the legal consequences can be disastrous, particularly if you have many assets.  In addition, there are negative tax consequences that may arise. Your will guides the court, the person you choose to administer your estate, and your heirs on how to distribute your property and pay off debts.  A will can be completed online for very little cost through a multitude of online sources such as LegalZoom.com, LawDepot.com, and TotalLegal.com.

5. Do not put it off. Far too often, I have had to inform an applicant for life insurance that they are being declined because of their poor condition of health.  Many of us simply are unwilling to accept our own mortality until we are given a grim medical diagnosis by a physician. DO NOT WAIT.  Life and Disability insurance cost much less the younger you are and the healthier you are.  Consider that the cost for a $1,000,000 life insurance policy for a healthy 45-year-old male is approximately $48 per month……about 2 weeks’ worth of coffee from Starbucks!

North Bay Insurance Brokers, Inc. is your trusted solution for homeowner’s insurance. We offer coverage options that are both flexible and affordable, and will work with you on an individual basis to find a policy that best suits your needs. Our team is dedicated to providing the assurance that your family and your possessions are secure.

 

 

 

 

The Crystal Ball Says

When was the last time you reviewed your personal insurance coverage? The New Year is a great time to review your personal insurance. Most of us know that major life events can make it necessary to update our insurance coverage. But did you know that even subtle changes can have an impact on your financial needs and plans?  Call our office today, and we can help you find the right combination of personal insurance coverage and price.

Personal Insurance

• Review my insurance to make sure I have the right coverage
• Take the time to read my insurance policies
• Does my independent agent have all my correct information, including new phone number, address, and newly purchased property?
• Make sure I have identity theft insurance
• Do I have enough life insurance?
• Do I need life insurance for my spouse?

 Other Items To Consider (you may need insurance for some of these)

• Bought a new car or sold a car
• Changed your marital status
• Bought a boat, RV or ATV
• Change of address
• Welcomed a new baby into the family
• Major inheritance
• Have a new teen driver in the family
• Child headed off to college
• Purchased second home
• Plan foreign travel
• Started a home based business
• I now drive my personal car for work

North Bay Insurance Brokers is your trusted solution for homeowner’s insurance. We offer coverage options that are both flexible and affordable, and will work with you on an individual basis to find a policy that best suits your needs. Our team is dedicated to providing the assurance that your family and your possessions are secure.

 

 

2018 Personal Insurance Resolutions

When was the last time you reviewed your personal insurance coverage? The New Year is a great time to review your personal insurance. Most of us know that major life events can make it necessary to update our insurance coverage. But did you know that even subtle changes can have an impact on your financial needs and plans?  Call our office today, and we can help you find the right combination of personal insurance coverage and price.

Personal Insurance

• Review my insurance to make sure I have the right coverage
• Take the time to read my insurance policies
• Does my independent agent have all my correct information, including new phone number, address, and newly purchased property?
• Make sure I have identity theft insurance
• Do I have enough life insurance?
• Do I need life insurance for my spouse?

Other Items To Consider (you may need insurance for some of these)

• Bought a new car or sold a car
• Changed your marital status
• Bought a boat, RV or ATV
• Change of address
• Welcomed a new baby into the family
• Major inheritance
• Have a new teen driver in the family
• Child headed off to college
• Purchased second home
• Plan foreign travel
• Started a home based business
• I now drive my personal car for work

North Bay Insurance Brokers is your trusted solution for homeowner’s insurance. We offer coverage options that are both flexible and affordable, and will work with you on an individual basis to find a policy that best suits your needs. Our team is dedicated to providing the assurance that your family and your possessions are secure.

Does Santa Claus Need Insurance?

Imagine that your entire business was focused on just one day out of the whole year?  You have to spend 364 days preparing for one single product distribution.  Do you think there might be just a little bit of stress—say around December 20?  If we attempted to present Santa with a business insurance proposal, he might say, “Who would sue Santa?”  If Santa were concerned about being sued, he might stop delivering gifts to attorney’s homes!

You might get that special gift this year, it could be a new car, art, jewelry, or even an ATV. If so, Santa suggests you call us to make sure it gets insured. Your homeowner’s insurance can be updated to reflects any new purchases.

Santa might be advised to consider an accident policy and a good health plan.  Here are some interesting facts about Christmas that you may not have known.

• All letters addressed to Santa in the United States go to Santa Claus, Indiana.
• It is estimated that the song “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin is the bestselling single in history with over 100 million copies sold.
• Each year more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the U.S. alone.
• $447 billion and 12.9 billion hours…Money and Time Americans are expected to spend shopping, wrapping and returning gifts.
• During the Christmas season, nearly 28 sets of LEGO are sold every second.
• All the gifts in the Twelve Days of Christmas would equal 364 gifts.
• Christmas trees have been sold in the U.S. since the year 1850.
• There are approximately 21,000 Christmas tree farms in the United States.

If you have the right kind of homeowner’s insurance, a loss like this should be covered.  However, we always recommend you call our team to have a review of your personal insurance program.

At North Bay Insurance Brokers, we know how hard you’ve worked to turn your house into a home. Since your home is one of the most important financial investments of your lifetime, you’ll need proper coverage in order to keep your investment protected and provide your family with the guarantee that they’ll always be safe and sound.

I have No Control Over My Life… Think Again

Many people believe that they have little or no control over their homeowner’s insurance.  Often, people think that premiums are determined by some “secret formula.”  It is true that every company has rates for their homeowner’s insurance premiums, but there are many factors that help make up your homeowner’s premiums.

Factors that help determine your homeowner’s premiums

• Location
• Age of home
• Age of roof
• The replacement cost
• Distance to fire station

Get the best possible homeowner’s premiums

• Install deadbolt locks.
• Increase your deductible.
• Some insurers offer occupational discounts for teachers, police, firefighters, government employees, etc.
• Install a central station security system.
• Your agent can help you evaluate the different policies and companies so you can make the choice this is right for you.
• Ask for other discounts offered by your insurer.
• Make sure your replacement cost is up to date.
• Do you have replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV) coverage? We recommend replacement cost.
• Do you need loss of use coverage? Most homeowners and renters do.

 

At North Bay Insurance Brokers, we know how hard you’ve worked to turn your house into a home. Since your home is one of the most important financial investments of your lifetime, you’ll need proper coverage in order to keep your investment protected and provide your family with the guarantee that they’ll always be safe and sound.

 

North Bay Insurance Brokers Looks Into Their Crystal Ball

Insurance Trends For 2017

2017 is here and insurance companies are changing how they manage your policies.  This means that pricing and services for business insurance and personal insurance is changing, mostly for the better. We have compiled a list of trends that you may find interesting.  These trends will also influence how claims are handled, what kind of coverage is offered, and how the insurer services your account.

Trends That Will Impact Business and Personal Insurance

• Use of Drones – Drones may be used to collect information on your building and will be used to collect real time information on large losses.
• Google and Zillow – Underwriters will use information on these sites to verify information on personal lines applications.
• Social Media — Social media data provides real-time information about claims severity and localization and helps prevent fraud.
• Homeowner’s Insurance – Coastal claims will continue to add pressure to increase rates in many areas.
• Real Time Sensors — Factory and home sensors and telematics systems on cars and trucks will increase and add value to the underwriting process. This will give the better risks more discounts. For example, having vehicle sensors will allow personal lines insurers to offer discounts to drivers who follow traffic laws.
• Digital Engagement – There will be greater opportunity to manage your business insurance or personal insurance online 24/7.

North Bay Insurance Brokers, Inc. provides insurance to businesses in Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, American Canyon, and surrounding areas. No matter what business you’re in, each workday is dedicated to doing your job well and providing your customers with the best service possible. North Bay Insurance Brokers, Inc. would like to return the favor by giving you the coverage you need to ensure the security of your business.