Get Ready to Take the Road: Three Expert Car Maintenance Tips

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Whether on a road trip or just commuting around San Francisco, CA, it’s essential to have a well-maintained car. Even if you don’t know much about car maintenance, you can take some easy steps to keep your vehicle in good shape.

Here are three expert car maintenance tips from Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. that will help you get ready for the road and keep your car running smoothly.

Change Your Oil Regularly:

Changing your vehicle’s oil is essential for several reasons:

  1. It ensures that the oil in your engine is clean and free of contaminants. This helps to prevent wear and tear on engine components, and it also helps to keep your engine running smoothly.

  2. Regular oil changes help to improve fuel economy and extend the life of your machine.

  3. Regularly changing your oil helps to prevent significant damage from occurring later.

Monitor Tire Pressure and Tire Wear:

Proper tire inflation helps to ensure that your vehicle is operating at maximum efficiency and safety. Underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption, reduce handling and braking ability, and increase the risk of a tire blowout. Monitoring tire wear helps to identify when it is time to replace the tires. Worn-out tires can cause a loss of control while driving and make it more difficult to stop in time to avoid an accident.

Get Regularly Scheduled Maintenance Checks:

Regular professional maintenance checks on your vehicle can help you fix any problems with your car before they become significant issues. This will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. Professional maintenance checks can also help you save money in the long run by improving your car’s fuel economy, reducing wear and tear, and extending its lifespan.

At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc., in San Francisco, CA, we take pride in providing our customers with the highest quality service. Contact us today to get started!

In Case of Fire

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A fire is always tragic. Some things lost in a fire can never be truly replaced. However, the disaster can be mitigated if your home is insured against fire damage. With fire insurance, you at least have a chance to rebuild and start over. If such a disaster happens, stay calm, remind yourself of what you do have (you’re still alive, after all) and do the following. 

Document Your Losses

After you’ve counted your blessings for your mental health, it’s time to get real and take stock of what has been lost. Start taking photos of all the damaged property and belongings. Video documentation works too. This will be proof that the fire happened. Ideally, you will have kept receipts and a contents list with your insurance policy. Once you’ve documented everything, board it up to discourage looters or weather damage. 

Meet With the Adjuster 

Your insurance adjuster will want to have a look at the damaged property. Be there to show them around and point things out. Document everything from policy maximums to deductibles. You may want to ask them about the loss of use coverage and other signed forms that may be necessary. Verify with them your type of coverage and ask for repair estimates. If the damage was so bad you had to leave your home, you may want to ask for an advance on your claim to cover your new expenses. 

Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. Serving San Francisco, CA 

Whether the fire was electrical, a kitchen mishap, or a wildfire out of control, losing a home to a fire can be disastrous. If you plan for a disaster before it happens, it will be easier to get back on your feet. Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. realizes every situation is unique and will do all they can to help you in this difficult time. 

Must-have Commercial Insurance Policies For Your Business

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Every business owner has a story of where they started and are heading. Unfortunately, in all this planning, a disaster can strike and cause a standstill to the smooth progress of your business. As a business owner, you should protect the things that bring success to your business by mitigating unforeseen disasters through commercial insurance. It’s, therefore, paramount to understand the significance of commercial insurance in your risk mitigation strategy.

Tons of commercial insurance policies exist. Finding the ones that suit your business can be challenging. However, Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. narrows down to must-have business insurance policies for your business.  

  • General liability: Unexpected injuries or damage can occur on your premises while running a business. If the accidents result in bodily injuries or damage to a third party, the insurance takes care of the expenses. Additionally, liability coverage covers the legal fees if the injuries result from negligence and the business gets sued.
  • Workers’ compensation: California requires every employer to have employee compensation insurance, even if it’s one employee. If an employee gets injured in the workplace, the policy covers medical or related legal costs if you get sued. The policy also compensates for lost wages if the employee cannot work anymore due to injury or sickness.
  • Property insurance: You could suffer a substantial loss if a disaster strikes and destroys your business building and the items inside. Property insurance pays for the loss of your business assets, reducing your financial burden.
  • Product liability insurance: Product liability insurance is a must-have if your business sells or manufactures products. It protects your business in case of harm caused by your product.

Commercial insurance in San Francisco, CA

Only in a perfect world will commercial insurance not be required. As a responsible business owner, you need to plan ahead of time in case of an unfortunate event. Commercial insurance gives you peace of mind as you focus on your company’s goals. If you live in San Francisco, CA, and want to insure your business, look no further than Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. for all your commercial insurance needs.

Benefits of protecting your San Francisco apartment with a comprehensive renter’s policy

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Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. understands the challenges of living in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding area. If you live in the area, choosing a comprehensive renter’s policy often makes sense. Our team is here to help you find the right policy for your needs. Call or stop by the office today.

Benefits of a comprehensive renter’s policy

While a basic policy is better than no insurance, a comprehensive renter’s insurance policy is often the right way. There are many benefits to carrying out such a policy, as they typically provide a wider range of coverage and offer policies with higher limits.

With a comprehensive policy, you can often have protection for higher-priced items like personal electronics. If you are in a work from home situation, your employer may require a certain level of coverage, especially if you have company-owned devices in your home. 

Comprehensive policies also often come with more robust liability protection. This is important coverage for anyone who has others working in their home or who entertains regularly. If someone is injured in your home, you will have protection to shield you from liability. Please find out more about the comprehensive renter insurance policies currently available in our area.

Let us help you with all of your insurance needs.

Renters in the greater San Francisco, CA area can turn to the Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. team for all of their insurance needs. A comprehensive renter’s policy is an effective way to protect your home and your belongings. Give us a call or stop by our office today.

We look forward to working with you!

When Do You Need To Upgrade Your Home Insurance?

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Your home is one of your most important assets. You may not think about it often, but when something happens and you need to claim your homeowner’s insurance, you’ll be glad you have it. So how do you know when it’s time to upgrade your policy? Here are four signs that it might be time for an upgrade.

1. You’ve Made Significant Renovations to Your Home

If you’ve made significant renovations to your home, it may be time to upgrade your insurance policy. These changes can affect both the value of your home and the amount of coverage you need. For example, if you’ve added an addition or finished a basement, your home’s value has likely gone up, which means you’ll need more coverage.

2. You Have Not Reviewed Your Policy in a While

Homeowners’ insurance policies are not one-size-fits-all. As your life changes, your coverage should change with it. If you’ve had the same policy for a few years and haven’t reviewed it recently, it’s a good idea. Your needs may have changed, and you may be able to get a better rate by shopping around.

3. You Bought a Dog

If you’ve recently added a furry friend to your family, you may need to upgrade your home insurance policy. Some policies exclude coverage for dog bites, so it’s important to check with your insurer to see if you’re covered.

4. You Have Installed a Security System

Having a security system can help deter burglars and protect your home. It can also help you get a discount on your homeowner’s insurance. If you’ve recently installed a security system, let your insurer know so they can apply the discount to your policy.

Get Home Insurance in San Francisco, CA

Your home is one of your most important assets, so it’s important to have the right insurance coverage. If you’re unsure if your policy is up to date, contact Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. We’ll be happy to review your policy and ensure you have the coverage you need.

Does My New Car Loan Require Full Auto Insurance Coverage?

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Like most people, you probably have many questions about auto insurance. Do I need it? What kind of coverage do I need? How much will it cost me? Here’s the deal: All drivers must carry liability insurance in San Francisco, CA. But if you have a new car loan, your lender will probably require you to have full coverage insurance.

Liability Vs. Full Coverage

So, what’s the difference between liability and full coverage insurance? Liability insurance covers damage to other people and property if you cause an accident. Full coverage insurance also covers damage to your vehicle, no matter who is at fault.

If you’re financing a new car, your lender will require you to have full coverage insurance until the loan is paid off. That’s because the lender wants to ensure they protect their investment in case of an accident. Your Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. agent can help you find the right full coverage policy to fit your needs and budget.

What Does Full Coverage Include?

Full coverage insurance typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if you hit another car or object or another vehicle hit your car. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, fire, or vandalism.

How Much Does Full Coverage Insurance Cost in San Francisco, CA?

Total coverage insurance costs vary depending on several factors, including your driving record, the type of car you drive, and the amount of coverage you choose. Full coverage insurance costs more than liability insurance. But the extra cost is often worth it, especially if you’re financing a new car.

A Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. representative can help you choose the right insurance coverage for your needs and budget. Call us today to get started.

Reasons Why Renters Insurance Is A Must-Have

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Do you rent your home or apartment in San Francisco, CA? If yes, you need renters insurance.

1. Your Landlord’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover You

Most people renting residential property usually dismiss the idea of getting renter’s insurance because they believe their landlord’s insurance covers them. This isn’t correct, as your landlord’s policy only covers your landlord’s property and liability, not his tenants. You need your own renters’ insurance.

2. Protection for Your Personal Belongings

A renters insurance will cover your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or loss to natural disasters. This includes personal property like furniture, art, electronics, appliances, jewelry, and beddings. Ensure that you take an accurate inventory of your personal belongings when purchasing your renters’ insurance. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc., we advise you to update your personal belongings’ inventory with your insurer whenever you make a big purchase.

3. You Get Your Own Liability Coverage

Purchasing a renters insurance means that you get your own liability coverage if someone gets injured in your home. The insurance policy will cover liability resulting from an accident such as your visitor tripping and falling or injury from a pet. The renter’s insurance will protect your savings, income, and assets from being used to settle a liability for injuries to other people inside your rented home.

4. Coverage for Additional Living Expenses

Once in a while, your landlord will need to do massive renovations on the property you are renting, and this means you will have to find somewhere else to live, for the time being, like a hotel. The cost of living in the hotel will likely exceed your typical monthly rent, and you will need to pay for storage space for your personal belongings. Renters’ insurance will take care of these additional living expenses.

Do you need top-class renters insurance in San Francisco, CA? Call Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. today.

Is Commercial Insurance Required in California?

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If you own a small business in California, you’ll want to stay informed on any changes in state law regarding insurance requirements. Currently, California mandates that businesses have two types of insurance at all times – workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance. The first type, workers’ compensation insurance, is required for businesses with any employees and helps pay for the medical bills and lost wages associated with a workplace injury or illness. The second type, commercial auto insurance, is needed for any business-owned vehicle. Additionally, if employees use personal vehicles for work, it is highly recommended that hired and non-owned policies be purchased because most personal auto policies exclude business use. 

While none of the following insurance is required for your business, they are highly recommended as they provide additional coverage should an incident requiring insurance occur. 

  • Cyber Liability Insurance: If your business suffers a cyber-attack, this insurance can be used to cover the cost of notifying impacted customers, regulatory fines, extortion payments, and legal fees.
  • Professional Liability Insurance: Covers the legal costs associated with a breach of contract, negligence, and other similar claims made by a customer.
  • Crime Insurance: If your business is the victim of a theft or robbery, this coverage can help you recover from these losses.
  • Business Income Insurance: Should your business be forced to close, this coverage contributes to paying rent and other bills.
  • Commercial Umbrella Insurance: Provides excess liability coverage beyond your existing policy limits. 

Call Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. in San Francisco, CA for more information on insuring your business. Our friendly and knowledgeable team of insurance professionals are happy to answer all your questions and can help customize a commercial insurance policy that best protects your business. 

 

Do I Need Cyber Liability Insurance For My Business?

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Cyber liability insurance protects businesses of all sizes from financial losses incurred by cyber threat actors, including theft, hacking, ransomware, denial of service, and data breaches. Cyber liability insurance is a must if you store sensitive information in the cloud or on a computer, such as social security numbers, health data, or bank account data. While it may be easy to think that small businesses aren’t going to be the target of cyberattacks, criminals seek opportunities. The reality is that the smaller the business, the more vulnerabilities that exist because many companies do not have the money to invest in robust cyber security defense technology. 

With the number of cyberattacks on the rise, having cyber liability insurance can be the difference between surviving or closing your business after an incident. Generally, most cyber liability insurance policies cover the following:

  • Cost of notifying impacted customers
  • Legal fees and expenses
  • Regulatory fines
  • Costs incurred during the recovery of the compromised data
  • Ransom extortion payments. 

In addition to having cyber liability insurance, there are several low-cost steps a business can take to prepare for a cyber attack. Start by having a cyber attack response plan that outlines when customers will be notified and what teams will assist. Additionally, utilize data encryption technology and require robust security training for all employees that discuss their responsibility in preventing an attack. 

To learn more about cyber liability insurance and how it can help your business, give Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. in San Francisco, CA a call to learn more. We’re happy to schedule a no-obligation consultation with a team member to discuss how we can help protect your business from cyberattacks with a robust commercial insurance policy. 

Things home insurance won’t cover

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Home insurance is your safety net as a homeowner. So many things can damage your home and your assets. Even the best safety net can’t protect you from everything. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. in San Francisco, CA, we don’t believe that one size fits all. Since 1938, we have been customizing home insurance policies to fit each customer’s particular needs. 

All home insurance policies have exclusions. These are things that the policy won’t cover. By knowing what they are, you can make other provisions to make sure that you are not without coverage. 

Flooding

Floods are one of the most common and damaging natural disasters. Even one inch of water in your home can cause thousands of dollars in damage. The scary part is, floods are not covered by traditional home insurance. You can, however, get flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Earth Movement

Earth movement covers several different hazards that are excluded from traditional home insurance. Sinkholes, mudslides, landslides, and earthquakes are all considered earth movement. While your home insurance won’t cover you for these types of earth movement, in California you can get earthquake insurance through the CEA, California Earthquake Authority. 

Sewer Backup

Sewer backup is disgusting and even more disgusting is the fact that your home insurance won’t pay for the cleanup and damage. If you are concerned about this possibility, you can get a sewer backup endorsement for your home policy. 

Owner Neglect

Many things can come under the heading of owner neglect. If you get termite damage, that is owner neglect, you should have your home treated for termites. If your older roof leaks and causes interior damage to your home, you are at fault. You should have replaced your roof. The insurance company expects you to maintain your home. 

Contact Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. in San Francisco, CA when you are ready to have your home insurance customized for you and your home.