Miao Insurance Services

What to do if your CA home is damaged by floodwater

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When it comes to protecting your Pleasanton, CA area home, rely on Miao Insurance Services. If you are concerned about possible flood damage occurring in your area, give us a call today. Now is the time to get the right insurance policy in place.

Handling flood water damage to your home 

If you have flood damage in your home, the first step is to call your local insurance agent. They can provide direction on getting the claim process started and provide a list of approved contractors and vendors. It’s important to contact your insurance provider before getting any estimates or having any work started. 

Of course, if your home is not habitable or safe due to the damage, it’s time to set up alternative housing options. Many comprehensive homeowner’s policies provide coverage for alternative housing if your home is rendered uninhabitable due to a covered event. It’s always important to get yourself and your family to safety as quickly as possible.

When it is safe to visit your home, take an inventory of the damage. This will help the adjuster file an accurate claim. If your receipts or records of your belongings were damaged or destroyed in the flood, your agent should be able to give you some tips on how to provide alternative information.

Flood water can be extremely damaging, and remediation of the damage can take a long time. This is especially true if mold develops in your home. Flood insurance can help! 

We are here to help! Call today

Miao Insurance Services is proud to serve the insurance needs of the greater Pleasanton, CA community. If you want to make sure that your home has the insurance protection it needs, call or stop by our office today.

The Risks of Not Having Life Insurance

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Millions of Americans go without life insurance every year, and many don’t realize the risks they are taking. While there are several reasons someone might choose not to have life insurance, the most common one is simply that they don’t think they need it. But the truth is, everyone needs life insurance, no matter their age or health.

Here are just a few of the risks you take by not having life insurance.

1. Risk of Financial Burden on Your Family

If something happens to you and you don’t have life insurance, your family will be left to bear the burden of your funeral costs and any other debts or expenses you leave behind. This can put a serious financial strain on them when they are already grieving.

2. Risk of Losing Your Income

If you are the primary breadwinner for your family, your death could leave them in a very difficult financial situation. Life insurance can replace your income and help ensure that your family is taken care of financially if something happens to you.

3. Risk of Not Having Enough Money for Your Children’s Education

One of the most important things you can do for your children is to make sure they have the opportunity to go to college. If you don’t have life insurance, your children may not be able to go to the school of their dreams or get the education they need to succeed in life.

4. Risk of Straining Your Family’s Relationship

Your family will already be grieving your loss if something happens to you, and the last thing you want to do is add to that stress by leaving them with financial problems. Not having life insurance can strain your family relationships, especially if they are already struggling to make ends meet.

Get Life Insurance in Pleasanton, CA

Miao Insurance Services is here to help you get the life insurance you need to protect your family. We understand that choosing a life insurance policy can be overwhelming, but we can help you find the right policy for your needs. Give Miao Insurance Services in Pleasanton, CA a call today to get a quote.

 

Is condo insurance required in California?

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Housing is very expensive in California. It is often easier to break into the housing market with a condo. This makes condos a popular housing choice in Pleasanton as well as everywhere else. At Miao Insurance Services in Pleasanton, CA, we are independent agents, which means we can provide more choices when it comes to carriers. Since we are locally owned and operated, we understand the local market and what condo insurance is required. 

When it comes to condo insurance, you are not mandated by the state to carry this coverage. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to have it. Your lender, if you have a mortgage, and your HOA may require that you have condo insurance. Given the fact that you share walls with neighbors, it is not surprising that the HOA would want to make sure that your home is protected. 

With a condo, the Association has insurance to cover the exterior of the condos and the shared areas. This can include the parking lot, hallways, elevators, and pool area. They carry the liability as well as property insurance. Not all condo insurance is the same, since it depends on the master policy and how far it goes into the individual units. 

Read your master policy coverage and make sure your insurance agent is also aware of the policy to make sure that you get the right coverage. Much like home insurance, condo insurance usually has four parts; property, content, liability, and loss of us. All of them need to be considered to make sure you have adequate coverage. 

In particular, make sure you have loss of use coverage to provide for you in the event that your unit becomes uninhabitable. You will need a place to stay and having insurance means you won’t have to pay for it. 

Contact Miao Insurance Services in Pleasanton, CA for condo insurance. 

Auto insurance FAQs

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Auto insurance is something you may not think about a lot. It is just there to protect you when you need it. Whether you have full coverage or basic coverage, it needs to be fitted to your lifestyle and the vehicle you drive. At Miao Insurance Services, in Pleasanton, CA, we are independent insurance agents who take their responsibility to provide their customers with reliable and affordable insurance products seriously. 

What coverage does comprehensive insurance provide?

Comprehensive coverage is called non-collision insurance. It covers damage that is not the result of a collision with another vehicle. It will cover your vehicle for theft and vandalism. It also protects against a variety of weather-related damage such as floods, wind, and ice. It is what protects your vehicle from large animals like deer who can cause massive damage. 

What is gap insurance?

Gap insurance is something anyone with a car loan and a relatively new vehicle should consider. If your vehicle is a total loss, it will make sure you don’t end up owing more than you collect from the insurance company. 

What auto insurance do I need to have in California?

In California, the required auto insurance is liability coverage of 15/30/5. This insurance provides $15,000 for the first injured person in an accident, with a total for all injured people of $30,000. The $5,000 is for property damage. As you can see, this is a really basic requirement and most people would do well to consider getting better coverage, 

How much of a deductible should I have? 

Only you can answer that. How much are you willing to pay if you need to get your car repaired? $500 is a pretty routine amount. 

Contact Miao Insurance Services in Pleasanton, CA for all your insurance needs. Let us do the work to find the personalized coverage you deserve. 

Why Every Commercial Insurance Policy Is a Custom Policy

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Why Every Commercial Insurance Policy Is a Custom Policy

Miao Insurance Services serving Pleasanton, CA wants your business to carry the right commercial insurance coverage, and with more than 20 types of business insurance, you need a consultation to choose the right type.

Miao Insurance Services can help you with that. Our insurance agents will help you build the custom policy that best protects your business. What options does commercial insurance offer?

Your options vary from glass insurance for ballet studios and storefronts with lots of mirrors or plate glass to replace in the event of a peril occurring to malpractice insurance that covers medical practitioners. There’s commercial auto coverage, errors and omissions, boiler insurance, business interruption insurance, etc.

You won’t need every kind of commercial insurance for any type of business, but you will need the right kinds. For example, a doctor who makes medical apparatuses needs error and omissions coverage and malpractice insurance, but a pediatrician only needs malpractice out of the two types.

A caterer with only one driver needs a different commercial auto policy than a pizza delivery restaurant with ten drivers. A long-haul truck driver needs a different type of commercial auto coverage, tailored to its trip lengths and truck size.

Most businesses begin with a business owners policy (BOP), a package deal for the business that provides the four major types of coverage – liability, property damage, perils, and business interruption. The package costs less than the four policies would separately.

The BOP provides the foundation for a commercial policy. The business can add other types of coverage to it, from commercial auto to malpractice. It provides the essential coverage for less.

Contact Miao Insurance Services serving Pleasanton, CA today to learn about your commercial insurance coverage options. Let us help you obtain the insurance coverage that protects your financial investment in your company.

Why Your New Business Needs Commercial Insurance

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There are a number of challenges and obstacles that a new business may face, and if a financial challenge is large enough, it could be enough to cause them to have to close their doors indefinitely. This is why it is recommended to get business insurance through a company like Miao Insurance Services. Regardless of how long your Pleasanton, CA business has been in operation, commercial insurance ensures you’re protected and can continue in the event of a disaster.

Commercial Insurance Covers You and Your Employees

Business insurance typically covers liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Liability covers you in the event someone on the premises sustains an injury and wishes to pursue legal action against you. Workers’ comp provides protection for your employees if they are hurt while working. In fact, depending on the state where you live, it is required by law to have.

Commercial Insurance Covers Natural Disasters

Natural disasters like earthquakes, fires, and floods can quickly wipe out your entire business, but an insurance policy can cover most of your losses in a terrible situation like this. While your business is being prepared, your insurance plan may cover being set up in a temporary space, lost income while your doors are shut, and/or the money necessary to get back up and running again.

Commercial Insurance Covers Theft

Depending on the severity, theft can bring a business to its knees. Regardless of whether it is computer equipment or inventory, without insurance, you will be left to handle the replacement bill. With insurance, you will receive a payment that’s equal to the value of the lost items. Depending on your plan, you may even receive compensation for lost revenue as you recover.

Don’t let your Pleasanton, CA business get caught uncovered in the event of a disaster. Contact Miao Insurance Services to discuss your options and level of coverage.

Five Good Ways To Maker Your Home Safer

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Keeping the house safe is a priority for most homeowners, especially those with children. Taking the proper precautions to keep your home safe can not only give you more peace of mind, but it can also help with homeowner’s insurance. At Miao Insurance Services, serving Pleasanton, CA, we would like to help you get started with these five tips to keep your home as safe as possible.

1. Always Lock All Doors

Home invasions can happen easily by forgetting to leave a door or window open. If you have a sliding glass door for the entryway into the backyard, don’t forget to lock that as well. You might also want to consider heavy-duty bolts for extra protection.

2. Use Your Alarm System

Alarms work, but only if you use them properly. Systems available in 2021 are far more advanced, picking up any exterior movements, alerting authorities instantly for suspicious activities, and even the presence of carbon monoxide.

3. Use Exterior Lights

Exterior lighting is an affordable and effective way to keep intruders out. Sensor lighting can easily be installed should an unwelcome guest stray toward the home. 

4. Avoid Posting On Social Media When Not At Home

Announcing to the world that you’re on a ten-day vacation isn’t the best idea, as it lets thieves know your home is an easy target. Only let trusted family members and friends know where you are. Consider having a friend or neighbor check the house.

5. Think About The Garage

The garage is a forgotten place of entry for burglars. Your garage door opener is better kept inside the house rather than inside the car.

Miao Insurance Services would like to discuss your next home insurance policy. Contact us today for a free estimate in Pleasanton, CA. 

Why You Should Consider Purchasing Earthquake Insurance

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Many Pleasanton, CA homeowners find it difficult to determine the amount of homeowner’s insurance they need. With the cost of living so high, no one wants to be out more money than they need to, but at the same time, you don’t want to find yourself insufficiently insured when the time comes.

One thing that homeowners fail to consider is the additional types of protection that is offered on top of standard home insurance, such as earthquake insurance. This is an additional expense that should be taken very seriously when you live in an area where earthquakes are common. Here are a few things you should consider when purchasing earthquake insurance. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our team at Miao Insurance Services.

What Type of Damage Tends to Be Caused by Earthquakes?

There is the obvious risk of complete destruction with earthquakes, but this natural disaster can also bring an assortment of threats to your dwelling. Your standard home insurance policy offers protection against structural damage, explosions, fires, gas leaks, etc. However, an earthquake can cause far more damage to your home than any of these threats, and if you do not have sufficient coverage, you will need to pay for the repair/replacement out of your pocket.

What Coverage Does Earthquake Insurance Provide?

Earthquake insurance coverage will vary from one company and policy to the next. However, as a general rule, you will obtain coverage for your home and any replacement costs for your personal belongings. Usually, the policy will offer coverage for additional living expenses in the event you are unable to live in your home due to the extent of damage. Of course, earthquake insurance policies do have coverage limits just like typical homeowner’s policies.

Just like home insurance policies, earthquake insurance endorsements do come in a one-size-fits-all policy. Therefore, it’s important to ensure you’re getting the right coverage for your Pleasanton, CA home. If you need help, contact Miao Insurance Services to speak to an insurance agent.

Insure Your Dream Car With Classic Car Insurance

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Classic cars are like no other vehicles. They are classics in the truest sense, and they are beloved by car enthusiasts all over the world. If you have a classic car, you may need to get classic car insurance to cover it. This is a policy type that is written with just classic cars in mind. If you’re interested in this type of policy, call us at Miao Insurance Services in Pleasanton, CA.

Covering Your Classic Car

In California, there are two types of auto insurance that are required, so these two coverage types must be in your classic car policy. These are bodily injury liability and property damage liability. In addition to these requirements, there are several optional types of coverage that you can add to your policy. These include collision coverage, comprehensive coverage and more. These can more fully protect you against accidents and damage to your classic car. 

What Is a Classic Car?

Many people wonder how you know whether your car is a classic one or not. To make it even more complicated, there is no one definition for a classic car. That’s why each insurer has its own policies and requirements for classic cars. One may require it to be 10+ years old and culturally significant while another may require it to be 25 years old.

Classic Car Insurance Costs

A classic car often goes up in value instead of down like other vehicles. With these insurance policies, you and the insurance company have to agree about what it is worth and cap the insurance at that number. The amount of coverage largely determines the cost of the insurance, but it is also affected by your age, your driving record and whether you have another vehicle or not. Insurers generally require that classic cars not be your only car and that the classic is driven only occasionally. 

Cover Your Classic Car

To get classic car insurance, call us at Miao Insurance Services in Pleasanton, CA.

Why Every Renter Needs Renters’ Insurance

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When you rent your home, whether it’s a duplex, house, apartment or anything else, you need to have a renters’ policy in place. This protects you in a number of ways, as it includes several different types of renters’ coverage. Usually, it is required by landlords that renters must have these policies. To get your rental policy, contact us today at Miao Insurance Services in Pleasanton, CA. 

Coverage for Your Possessions

With renters’ insurance, you get coverage for your belongings that are in your rented home. This coverage protects you if something happens that destroys or damages your possessions. As a renter, if your items were to be badly damaged and you didn’t have renters’ insurance, you would have to come up with all of the money needed to replace your items yourself. 

Protection Against Liability

When you have anyone else inside your rented home, it’s always possible that they could have an accident there and injure themselves. As the one renting the property, you might be held liable for the medical bills and lost wages that result from that accident. With renters’ insurance, this kind of situation is covered. Instead of you being sued for the medical bills, your renters’ policy can pay them. 

Living Well

If something serious happened to your rental and it was rendered uninhabitable, your renters’ insurance policy will help you to move somewhere else and to live elsewhere while the rental is being fixed. Without this coverage, you might not be able to afford to move elsewhere for the duration. 

Your Renters’ Policy

If you don’t yet have a renters’ insurance policy, call us right now at Miao Insurance Services in Pleasanton, CA. We can help you to find out more about renters’ policies and to choose the right policy for your specific needs.