Why Do I Need Condo Insurance?

A condo in Laguna Hills, CA can be a lovely home or a wonderful investment property. The view of the ocean and the proximity to all the water has drawn people to the area for hundreds of years. You need condo insurance to protect yourself from financial loss. A condo is an investment and insurance safeguards the physical property. Insurance obtained through a reliable and experienced provider like Friant Insurance Agency also protects you from loss of contents like appliances, furniture, and personal items.

Special Reasons for Condo Policies

  • The state of California is subject to earthquakes. The California Earthquake Authority has developed specific insurance policies for condominiums. These policies provide particular protection that helps you recover from earthquake damage. A minor earthquake can cause structural damage that reduces the value of your investment.
  • Many condo owners in Laguna Hills, CA think that their home owner’s association provides them with some insurance protection. The fact is that any insurance that a home owner’s association has protects the owner of the building first. Condo insurance gives you peace of mind.
  • You may even owe the building and the association a huge amount of money if you have leaky pipes that damage another unit or a common area. This is another reason why you need condo insurance that for yourself.
  • A condo on or near the beach is a legacy that you can pass on to generations to come in your family. A condo can be an extra source of income during your working life that pays for itself. You can keep your legacy and your retirement home safe and secure with condo insurance.

Contact Friant Insurance Agency about the right insurance for your condo. Experienced agents from our independent insurance firm can offer you a selection of condo insurance plans from the nation’s most highly respected insurers. Reach out to our agents for a quote.

 

Can You Bundle Home Insurance?

Having the right insurance policies in place is the only way to make sure you are going to be covered should something happen and in many cases, you need to have more than one type of policy to insure that your property is covered. For those that have a home, a car, and other policies, bundling may be a great way to make insurance easier and to cut costs. For those in the Laguna Hills, CA area, the agents with Friant Insurance Agency can help you find the bundle that works for you. Home insurance coverage does not have to be difficult.

You can bundle just about any type of policy given that your insurance agency allows. Most insurance agencies are going to give customers a break if they bundle or hold all their policies with the same agency. This does a few things. For starters, it gets the insurance agency more business which is their ultimate goal. It also simplifies the insurance process for the customer by making it possible to pay all their premiums in one payment and allows an easier process when it comes to calling on the insurance policy to cover their needs. If you have all your policies in one place, it is far simpler to file a claim or multiple claims in the event that something happens and you need to use your insurance coverage.

For those in the Laguna Hills, CA area, the agents with Friant Insurance Agency can help you determine if your insurance company offers bundled deals. Reach out to our agents to get more information on a home insurance policy and try our online rating tool to get a quote.

Lacking Renters Insurance? 5 Things You Need To Know

Did you know that approximately 59% of renters don’t have renters insurance? On the contrary, 95% of homeowners have home insurance coverage according to a study conducted by the Insurance Information Institute. Friant Insurance Agency works with Laguna Hills, CA residents to ensure that renters don’t fall victim to damages for lacking insurance. 

If you don’t have renters insurance in California, here are a few things you must know: 

Personal property is not covered by landlord’s policy 

Landlords carry policies that only include the building structure. Once a tenant moves in, they change the homeowner’s policy to a rental policy transferring covering personal property responsibility to you. If your contents burn down, don’t expect your landlord’s coverage to reimburse you.

Renters insurance may extend beyond personal property 

When buying renters insurance, you realize that it may cover more than your belongings. In most cases, it will safeguard you from lawsuits and medical bills in case of a liable accident. For instance, if you forget to unplug your bathtub and it overflows causing damages in the next apartment. 

Renters Insurance is affordable 

Even though affordability is relative, it cannot be compared to the costs of replacing your personal property in case of an incident. What is the value of all your assets in a rented apartment? Is it lower than your renter’s insurance coverage?

Standard renters’ coverage doesn’t include luxury items 

If you have expensive jewelry or other high-end products, you need to discuss them with your insurance provider. Most insurance companies don’t get coverage for such things in the standard policy but rather in a specially customized one.

Includes borrowed Items 

According to the Insurance Information Institute, renter’s policies protect things “in your possession.” That implies properties you own, rented and borrowed are covered as long as they are in your possession. You should seek clarification from your provider.

If you are looking for renters insurance in Laguna Hills, CA, get in touch with Friant Insurance Agency. Our agents an work with you to get you a quote and get you started with a policy.

Reasons to Have Boat Insurance

In the Laguna Hills, CA area, it is not uncommon for people to own a boat. If you are one of those people who currently own a boat, then it is time to consider getting boat insurance. Here at Friant Insurance Agency, we believe that not only should you have insurance but it is something that you should keep all year long. These are just a few reasons why you should have boat insurance. 

  • It can help pay for the damage – Even though you may do everything you can do to keep your boat in pristine condition, things can still happen to it that you will need to repair. If you do not have boat insurance, then you will need to pay for these costs out of your own pocket. With boat insurance, you can get help with the repairs and will only have to pay a deductible. 
  • It provides liability coverage if someone is injured on your boat – Another thing to watch out for is if someone were to get injured while on your boat. If this happens, then they can actually turn around and sue you for negligence or something else. You may end up having to pay for those medical bills out of pocket or maybe even more. With the right boat insurance policy, you have liability protection to help protect you from this costly possibility. 

As you can see, there are many reasons and benefits to having boat insurance for your vessel. If you would like to get a free quote or learn more about your options, be sure to contact us here at Friant Insurance Agency, serving Laguna Hills, CA, today. We can help you find the right policy as well as make sure it fits within your budget. 

Why Do You Need Motorhome Insurance

Owning a motorhome can be very thrilling as you enjoy the excitement of the open road in front of you and the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. However, owning a motorhome is a substantial financial commitment. As such, you need the proper motorhome insurance to protect your interest. For the residents of Laguna Hills, CA, Friant Insurance Agency is always available to handle your motorhome insurance needs.

The Necessity of Motorhome Insurance

As unlikely as this may sound, some people with motorhomes never insure their investment. Such an endeavor is risky to your health and your finances as, without the proper coverage, you could end up spending a lot of money you don’t have to fix damages.

This is why it is necessary to have the right motorhome insurance coverage. Purchasing an average policy just won’t cut it, unfortunately. You also need to find a policy that fully covers your needs and belongings. Apart from making sure your coverage is the best available for your needs, you also need to make sure that you get it for the best price possible.

What to Consider

Before you set out to get motorhome insurance, you need to consider a couple of things. The first is where you plan to use the motorhome. Is it within the state, cross country, or are you traveling abroad with it? Make sure you get motorhome insurance that covers all the places you plan to visit.

The second thing worth considering is who will be driving. If you are the sole driver, the insurance will be cheaper than when you list your family members as drivers. Your plan also needs to be able to cover the motorhome if you intend to lend or rent it out to family, friends, or strangers.

Before you sign off on any policy, make sure that you’ve received all the information you need and that you understand everything that is covered by the policy. If you’re looking for a reputable insurance agency in Laguna Hills, CA, then you can contact Friant Insurance Agency for more details and information.

 

RV Insurance Facts

If you are planning to buy a Recreational Vehicle (RV) in the Laguna Hills, CA area, you may not be clear on how RV insurance coverage may be different from other types of insurance. An RV can include camper vans, bus conversions, and a range of motorhomes. We at Friant Insurance Agency want you to understand RV insurance. Here are the basic facts:

  • RV’s fall into different classes – A, B, or C, and the class of RV will play a role in your RV insurance coverage. Class relates to the RV size, with A being the largest model, B the smallest, and C includes fifth wheels and other alternative campers.
  • RV insurance coverage will depend on the class, the amount of use, if it’s a full-time residence, and more.
  • Coverage is much like auto insurance – including collision, comprehensive coverage, and liability. Additional coverage can include protection for personal belongings, equipment, attached accessories like awnings or satellite dishes. It may provide total loss replacement, campsite and vacation coverage, emergency expenses, uninsured, underinsured, and full-time residence coverage needs.
  • RV insurance protects you from financial losses in the event you are found at fault in an accident, and it can limit the amount of out of pocket expense you pay for with a roadside breakdown. It can also help you if you collide with another driver that is underinsured or uninsured.  It can also compensate you if the RV is stolen or damaged.
  • Like other vehicles and trailers, RV insurance is required in every state.  How much you need beyond the minimum required liability can vary depending on your unique situation.

Friant Insurance Agency

We provide insurance to those in the Laguna Hills, CA area and beyond. Contact a professional and friendly Friant insurance agent today to discuss your RV insurance needs.

What Protective Gear to Wear When Riding

Riding your motorcycle down the roads of Laguna Hills, CA is an invigorating feeling. However, no matter how good of a rider you are, accidents happen. You need to protect yourself in the event you get into an accident with another motorized vehicle or even by yourself. At Friant Insurance Agency, serving Laguna Hills, CA and the surrounding area, we have a few suggestions about the protective gear you should wear while riding. 

1. A Helmet

A helmet is an essential piece of protective gear to wear on a motorcycle, as noted by the Motorcycle Safety Association (MSA). The MSA documented research that analyzes 3,600 police reports regarding highway motorcycle crashes. The researchers concluded helmets save lives by preventing head injuries in the event of a crash. Helmets have no adverse effects in terms of reducing a person’s senses when on a motorcycle. In the state of California, you must wear a helmet, or you risk getting a fine. Keep in mind with helmets, you get what you pay for; therefore, it doesn’t pay to opt for a cheaper brand. You’re protecting one of the most vital components of your body–your brain, so spend the extra money and buy a DOT-approved helmet.  

2. Eye Protection

Eye protection can prevent you from getting something in your eye that could potentially cause you to get into an accident. You may want to wear a helmet that has built-in eye protection. 

3. Long Pants

Far too often, bikers forget to protect their legs and wear a regular pair of sweatpants or shorts. However, you need more than standard pants to protect your legs if you should get into an accident. Find true riding pants. You don’t have to worry about looking silly either because today’s styles for riders are much more stylish. 

4. Boots

Your ankles and legs are susceptible to injury. Wear a pair of boots that cover your ankles and part of your shins. 

Protection while riding doesn’t just consist of your gear. Get protection from Friant Insurance Agency, serving Laguna Hills, CA and the surrounding area, that covers your bike, you, other drivers, and bikers alike. Contact us today for a quote by calling 800-486-5108 or visiting our office. 

 

5 Reasons You Need Umbrella Insurance

You’d be surprised by the reasons our Laguna Hills, CA customers find they need umbrella coverage. Simply put, an umbrella policy is a supplement to your standard home or auto insurance. It helps protect your assets when a liability claim exhausts the coverage of your basic insurance. The kinds of things you could be sued over aren’t always obvious like a personal injury! Friant Insurance Agency has put together a list of some surprising risk factors that you could need an umbrella policy to cover!

Recreational Equipment and Activities

Did you know that your home’s pool, decorative ponds, or even the kid’s trampoline are all considered liability risks? What’s more surprising is that a good deal of injuries that stem from these recreational activities might not be covered by your standard policy!

Vacant Land

If someone is injured on property you own, you could be held liable even if that property is considered vacant. Even if the person was not permitted to be on that land, was trespassing, or was a guest of someone renting the property, you could still be found at fault.

Home Renovations

Construction is exciting, but it also increases the chance of injury at home, especially during long projects. Consider an umbrella policy specifically tailored for risks during home renovation and construction!

Hosting Parties

The more people that are at your home or other properties you own, the more chance there is for something to go wrong. An umbrella policy is a good idea if you do a lot of entertaining, or plan to host major social events such as weddings. 

Social Media

Getting sued over something you said on social media is a very real risk these days. Basic insurance typically doesn’t protect your assets in cases of slander or libel, but an umbrella policy can!

There are plenty more situations where an umbrella policy can feel like your financial safety net. Friant Insurance Agency encourages all of our Laguna Hills, CA customers to contact us today to discover more surprising benefits of umbrella coverage today!

What is Federal Flood Insurance?

In 1968, the federal government introduced an innovative concept to the real estate and insurance marketplaces – The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP was designed to mitigate a flood’s impact. 


The National Flood Insurance Program meets their objectives by:

  • Delivering reasonably priced flood insurance policies
  • Encouraging communities to enforce floodplain regulations set forth by FEMA

So, how did this begin?

National Flood Insurance Act

A year before the Woodstock Festival, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program to provide needed insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners; provided their community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. When participating, communities agree, they must enforce the floodplain ordinances that meet/exceed the FEMA’s standards.

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (Firms)

FEMA’s Risk Mapping, Assessment, and planning tool (MAP), identifies flood risks, flood hazards, and works in unison with communities to provide accurate risk data as guidance for future mitigation efforts and planning. Flood hazard mapping creates the database upon which the NFIP regulations are formed.

FEMA maintains flood map data throughout their proprietary database – Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). A FIRM includes statistical data gathered regarding tides, rainfall, and hydraulic analyses. 

Each Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM,) provides data identifying:

  • Major roadways, secondary street and tertiary roads, rivers, waterfront property and mass transit, like railroads
  • Special Flood Hazard Areas
  • Base Flood Elevation or depths
  • Flood Insurance risk zones
  • Areas subject to inundation by a ‘500-year’ flood

If you live in and around the Laguna Hills, CA, contact the experienced agents at the Friant Insurance Agency. They are available to help with all of your insurance needs.

Is Condo Living Right for You?

If you’re considering purchasing a condominium in the Laguna Hills, CA area, you may want to consider if condo living will suit you. There are benefits to condo living, such as an instant social life due to close neighbors. 

Some items can be a benefit or a problem depending on your perception, such as the condominium bylaws designed to govern the residents. Financially, purchasing a condo can be a good investment, or it can be a financial strain, depending on your situation. Here are some things to consider if condo living is the right choice for you.

Considering a Condo

If this is your first property purchase, you want to keep in mind the condo association fees and homeowner’s insurance. The condo association fees go towards the condo insurance for the entire property, not just your condo, and helps to pay for fixing things in the community like a broken parking garage gate. Be aware that these fees do not cover your personal property from theft or damage. You will need a homeowner’s policy for your coverage.

Because condos are part of a complex, it brings with it close neighbors and a natural social setting for the person living there. It’s important to find out what type of community there is in the condo complex to know if you will fit in. For example, some have more young people that enjoy parties, and some have more retirees that enjoy peace and quiet. Introduce yourself to few residents as a potential buyer before you make the leap. Not only can you find out what the neighbors are like, but if they enjoy living in the complex. 

Contact Friant Insurance Agency

Contact the Friant Insurance Agency to explore your condo insurance policy options in the Laguna Hills, CA area today. Our agents can help answer questions or start a policy.