Miao Insurance Services

Commonly Asked Questions About Earthquake Insurance

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If you live in California, you know that earthquakes are an inescapable event. Planning for earthquakes is just a normal part of life. One of the ways that you can plan for earthquakes is to get earthquake insurance. This type of insurance is important for recovering after a significant earthquake.

Having this type of insurance can save you thousands of dollars in the event that your home is seriously damaged or destroyed during a covered event. At Miao Insurance Services, servicing Pleasanton, CA, we’re happy to help you learn more about earthquake insurance.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. What is earthquake insurance?

Earthquake insurance is a specific type of insurance that covers direct physical loss to property due to an earthquake. 

2. Who should get earthquake insurance?

Just about anyone who owns property or rents property in an area where earthquakes are common should consider getting earthquake insurance for their home. Earthquake insurance is often low-cost and can save you thousands of dollars if a covered event occurs. 

3. Are earthquakes covered by homeowners insurance or renters insurance?

Earthquakes are not covered by a typical homeowners or renters insurance policy. You can find out more about what is covered by your renters or homeowners insurance policy by speaking to your insurance agent. 

4. How can I get earthquake insurance?

If you’re interested in getting earthquake insurance in Pleasanton, CA and the surrounding area, contact us at Miao Insurance Services. We offer earthquake insurance and a range of other policy types to help you cover your possessions. Insurance can help protect you financially when certain events occur, so don’t wait – call today to find out more. 

The History of Homeowners Insurance

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Everyone is aware that if you’re a homeowner with a mortgage on your home, homeowners’ insurance is required. It’s also known that once your mortgage is paid off, it’s not required to maintain your homeowner’s insurance, but it’s recommended that you do. No one can ever predict when an issue might arise that requires you to file a claim. Homeowners’ insurance can provide homeowners with peace of mind in case an unfortunate event occurs. However, what did homeowners do before the invention of homeowners’ insurance? 

The History of Homeowners’ Insurance

Even though many people never think about it, homeowners insurance wasn’t always as comprehensive as it is now, even though it existed in some form during ancient times. It wasn’t until the 1700s that homeowners’ insurance really began to become popular. Charleston, SC is the city where the first homeowners’ insurance policy that covered fire was created. Many homes during those times were made of wood, and fires were prevalent since wood is such a combustible material. Prior to the introduction of homeowners’ insurance, many homeowners experienced financial disasters after losing their homes following fires. This is why the introduction of the insurance company was so well-appreciated. 

 After its origination, insurance companies continued to make valuable changes to how homeowners’ insurance policies worked, and it was improved over the years. Without these improvements, current homeowners would pay separately for lighting, fire, and more. Now, all of these coverages are combined and included under one plan. 

Reach Out To Us

If you’re looking for a new company that provides homeowners insurance, you might want to consider our company, Miao Insurance Services. Covering the Pleasanton, CA area, Miao Insurance Services is a great company that offers affordable rates and great service. If you’re a Pleasanton, CA resident, and you’re interested in switching, give us a call today. 

Classic Car Insurance: What You Need To Know

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Do you drive a classic car in Pleasanton, CA? Your Porsche 911, Dodge Charger, or Jaguar e-series may require more coverage than offered by regular car insurance alone. With the right policy, your historical or antique car will have all the coverage you need, including storage, roadside assistance, and other specialty coverage. At Miao Insurance Services, our agents can help you understand how the make, model, and condition of your car may affect your policy.

What Does Classic Car Insurance Include?

Protect your Ford Mustang or Chevy Corvette with classic car insurance. You’ll need liability and bodily injury coverage required by the state, but you should also consider adding comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorists, and other coverage. If you store your car away from home, our agents can explain the benefits of additional coverage for unforeseen damages. 

If you have a kit car or replica, work with your agent to determine the value and discuss your best coverage options.

Does Regular Car Insurance Cover Your Classic Car?

Don’t leave coverage of your treasured classic car up to your regular car insurance policy. Standard insurance considers depreciation, age, and mileage when determining how much you can recover.  However, that may represent a fraction of your vehicle’s true value, as classic cars often appreciate in value rather than depreciate. 

How Does Classic Car Insurance Work?

Classic car insurance covers exotic, antique, or historic makes and models. There are many benefits to investing in classic car insurance through Miao Insurance Services. The definition of a classic car varies among insurance companies. That’s why it’s important to work with an agent who understands both the insurance industry and the classic vehicle market.

Consult With Us

If you have an older car that collectors value, stop in to learn more about your insurance option. Contact Miao Insurance Services in Pleasanton, CA to make an appointment for a free quote today!

Does Renters Insurance Cover Things Outside the Home?

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Renters insurance in Pleasanton, CA covers a lot more than what people are generally aware of. At Miao Insurance Services, we want you to understand some of the nuances that come along with renters insurance. One of those nuances has to do with whether a renters insurance policy will cover things that aren’t specifically inside your home.

What Are Personal Belongings Outside the Home?

A renters insurance policy covers personal belongings. When you rent, your personal belongings aren’t always necessarily inside your home. You may have a bike or something sitting outside, an item you keep in the backyard, and a device you frequently travel with or leave at the office on occasion.

Consider what happens when you bring your laptop with you, and it’s stolen from your car. Renters insurance can potentially kick in to cover the property in your vehicle or the property in other locations outside your home. This can also apply to situations involving your belongings under another’s possession for a period of time. For example, if you’re traveling and the airline loses your luggage.

Does Your Renters Insurance Cover Your Outside Property?

The extension of coverage can give you real peace of mind. However, outside general protection of belongings inside your home, not all renters insurance offers the same types of protection. If you’re not sure if your renters insurance covers your outside property, then take a moment to go over your policy terms or ask your insurance agent.

If your coverage doesn’t extend in quite this way, you can ask your insurer if they offer such extensions. In most cases, the options likely exist. If you want to know more about renters insurance and its ability to cover your property against perils outside the home in Pleasanton, CA, contact us at Miao Insurance Services. We will gladly help you figure out renters insurance that can work for your specific needs.

Cruising Through Pleasanton: The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Insurance

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When you’re cruising through the picturesque Pleasanton, CA streets on your motorcycle, the last thing you’re thinking about is how much motorcycle insurance coverage you have — motorcycle insurance agents at Miao Insurance Services can help! We can help you get motorcycle insurance coverage to ensure adequate coverage for an accident, theft, or damage. 

Our insurance team specializes in providing clients with motorcycle insurance coverages for liability, collision, uninsured motorist, and comprehensive coverages that protect riders against non-collision-related accidents. 

California Motorcycle Insurance 

Liability insurance coverage acts as the foundation of motorcycle insurance policies. It helps provide financial protection for bodily injury or property damages in an accident. Motorcycle insurance is a legal requirement in California.

Talk to one of our insurance experts to learn about factors affecting your coverage options. 

  • Collision coverage is designed to help drivers repair or replace damaged bikes regardless of which driver was at fault in a motorcycle accident. 
  • Comprehensive coverage adds another layer of protection that can help offset the costs of damages caused by non-collision-related events like natural disasters, wildfires, or earthquakes. 
  • A trusted insurance agent at Miao Insurance Services in Pleasanton CA can help you navigate the complexities of uninsured and underinsured coverage that shields drivers from damages when they are in an accident with someone without adequate insurance. 

Insurance rating systems consider the following when determining what kind of motorcycle insurance you’re eligible for. 

  • Driver’s Age
  • Riding Experience
  • Number of Years Licensed
  • Type of Motorcycle
  • Where You Ride Your Bike 

We Are Here To Help

Learn about more requirements for California motorcycle insurance coverage by talking to trusted insurance professionals at Miao Insurance Services. Our Pleasanton, CA team of motorcycle insurance experts can talk to you about your options for coverage and provide you with a free quote! 

Protect Your Company from Frivolous Lawsuits With Umbrella Insurance

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Miao Insurance Services is the agency that business owners and operators in the greater Pleasanton, CA area turn to for all of their commercial insurance needs. Contact us today if you want to protect your company’s viability and future success. 

Protect Your Company With an Umbrella Policy

Frivolous lawsuits are, unfortunately, a part of doing business in our litigious society. There’s always a risk of a frivolous lawsuit taking down an otherwise thriving business. When you have an umbrella policy in place, you’ll have a backup ready to go in the event that your primary liability policy is exhausted. When your main liability policy reaches the policy maximums, it will no longer pay out against any damages or other liabilities. This means that either your umbrella policy comes into play or the company or owners become liable.

Depending on how your company’s ownership is set up, you and any other owners could become financially responsible on a personal level. This means that any amount of liability that exceeds the company’s primary policy becomes the financial obligation of the company’s owners. This is why it’s so important to carry a sufficient amount of umbrella insurance. Don’t let a frivolous lawsuit wipe out all the hard work and dedication you’ve put into your company. Every business deserves to thrive, and with the right protection in place, it’s possible for your company. Protect your future and the firm’s ability to continue growing.

We can help your company with all of its insurance needs!

There’s a lot to know when it comes to insurance and protecting your company’s interests. Give us a call today to find out more about the reliable services provided by Miao Insurance Services for Pleasanton, CA and the area’s business community.

Risks Business Should be Aware Of

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Many people want to be their own boss, and plenty of businesses find success. Yet day in and day out, businesses face many risks. Beyond competitors and market forces, there are many other risks, like severe weather, that are easy to overlook. We’ll cover some risks businesses should be aware of. If you’d like to explore commercial insurance options, contact Miao Insurance Services, serving the greater Pleasanton, CA community. We can help you select insurance policies that can mitigate risks for your business.

Property Crimes are Common

Did you know that nearly 1 in 10 small businesses will suffer a break-in or theft in any given year? Further, some businesses likely end up robbed but don’t even realize it. The right commercial insurance plans can provide coverage and help business owners get back on their feet after a break-in.

Weather Damage and Wildfires are a Serious Risk

A powerful storm can destroy entire communities. The same is true for wildfires, which are now very common in California. In 2016, the Soberanes Fire caused over $200 million in damage. The 2021 wildfire season may have cost California more than $250 billion, and many businesses were affected. The right commercial insurance plans can provide protection against various weather events and wildfires. That said, it’s important to understand individual commercial insurance policies and what’s covered.

Civil Litigation is Common

A business might end up facing a lawsuit for myriad reasons. In many cases, the business may have done nothing wrong. A customer might trip over their own feet while on your premises, for example. Yet regardless, businesses could face a variety of legal headaches.

In some cases, commercial insurance will help with litigation and payouts or settlements. Of course, it’s important to understand what your insurance policy does and doesn’t cover. Contact Miao Insurance Services, serving Pleasanton, CA and surrounding communities, to learn more about commercial insurance.

 

What is and is not covered by earthquake insurance?

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Your home is often among your most significant investments, so protecting it with earthquake insurance is critical when you reside in Pleasanton, CA, which averages more than one earthquake per day. Though most earthquakes are minor, the Bay Area has experienced its share of severe earthquakes, so insuring against their financial consequences is common sense.

Still, you have many choices when buying earthquake insurance, and the Miao Insurance Services team stands ready to help you make a wise choice based on your situation and needs.

Earthquake Insurance Coverage

Policies written under the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) cover the following:

  • Dwelling: covers your home and attached structures up to the value of your homeowner’s policy (not required for condo owners and renters)
  • Personal Property: electronics, appliances, clothing, and other belongings
  • Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Temporary living expenses during evacuation and repair

Earthquake insurance excludes certain types of damages because other policies cover them:

  • Fire: homeowner’s policy
  • Vehicles: auto policy

In addition, while other elements of our home, land, and belongings are not covered by basic earthquake insurance, they are insurable as options or through separate policies. These include:

  • Land: sinkholes and erosion
  • Flood: drain backup, flood, or tsunami
  • Building Code Upgrade: retrofitting a home to current building codes
  • Emergency Repairs: short-term repairs to limit further damage, such as boarding up broken windows
  • Breakables: glassware, pottery, and similar
  • Exterior Masonry Veneer: stucco and other nonstructural facings

Working with Miao Insurance Services

Miao Insurance Services covers the earthquake insurance needs of many in the Pleasanton, CA area. We will work with you to recommend the policy that best meets your unique situation, as we likely have with your neighbors. So, call us today for your earthquake and other insurance needs.

What is the advantage of having a home insurance plan in California?

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Owning a home in the Pleasanton, CA area has continued to be a great idea and investment. When you do own a property here, it will provide you with a stable place to live and will offer various long-term financial benefits. For those that are looking to buy a property here, getting insurance for it needs to be a top priority.

There are a lot of advantages that come when you have a home insurance plan in this state:

Cover Dwelling

A top advantage of having a home insurance plan for your California property is that it can help to cover your dwelling. If you are going to buy a home, you will want to know that your investment is covered. When you get a home insurance policy, it will give you the support you need to make repairs or replacements. The plan can also provide coverage for personal items if you incur a loss due to theft or another covered risk. 

Meet Obligations

You also should get a home plan in California to meet your obligations. If you have taken out a loan to buy a house or live in a home association, you likely have obligations regarding insurance coverage. When you have the right plan, you can stay in good standing with the requirements. 

Give Us A Call

There are a lot of great reasons to purchase a home insurance plan when you own your own home in the Pleasanton, CA area. If you are looking to get this coverage here, it can be ideal to start your search by calling Miao Insurance Services. As you are shopping for a new plan, our team with Miao Insurance Services can help you create a policy that will provide the right support for you and your home. 

Keep Your Classic Cars Insured

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While some people enjoy driving around in modern cars, others simply can’t get enough of cruising down the street in a classic vehicle. A few individuals pride themselves on collecting older models from around the world. Whether you take them out for a spin in Pleasanton, CA or simply collect them for fun, it’s important to keep these vehicles insured with Miao Insurance Services.

What Does Classic Car Insurance Cover?

Classic car insurance covers everything normal car insurance does, including physical damage and roadside assistance. The big difference is the pricing. Classic car insurance costs less because most people either collect or rarely drive these vehicles.

The Older, The Better

The average car owner would believe cars from the 1950s and 1960s would only be applicable for classic car insurance. Fortunately, that’s not the case with our company. A car has to be at least 25 years old to be eligible for classic car insurance. 

How Much Insurance Can You Get?

The amount of insurance you can receive depends on multiple things. The car’s age as well as the model plays a big part in this decision. Rarer models can fetch a higher number than common models. Another factor is where you place your vehicle. Having your car placed in a garage instead of on the street can aid in grabbing more insurance. As expected, the mileage can also have a noticeable impact, too. On average, classic car insurance allows classic car owners to ride their vehicles up to 5,000 miles per year.

Give Us A Call

If you’re looking for classic car insurance in Pleasanton, CA, Miao Insurance Services is here to help. Contact us for more information on how to insure your classic car today.