Category: Home Insurance

Your home is somewhere you expect to feel safe. Yet more injuries and deaths from fire occur in the home than in any other place. Don’t underestimate the danger of fire. Use this home fire safety guide to help you prepare and learn what to do if a fire breaks out in your home.

Cooking Fires

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries. Here are home fire prevention tips you can do to decrease the chance of a cooking fire:

• Never leave the stovetop unattended. 
• Electrical Stoves: Use a burner that is the right size for the pan. A burner that is too large can cause the pan and its contents to heat too quickly, which can lead to boil-overs, scorching and burning.
• Gas Stoves: Keep the flame entirely under the pan. A flame that surrounds the pan can easily ignite a loose-fitting sleeve.
• Keep the stovetop, oven and range hood free of grease and spills that can catch on fire.

 

Electrical Fires

Here’s how you can protect yourself from starting an electrical fire:

• Hire a qualified, licensed electrician to inspect your home and make any necessary repairs.
• Replace fuses or circuit breakers with the correct size.
• Don’t run cords under carpeting, bedding or other combustible materials. Don’t run cords across a frequently traveled area.
• Discard frayed or broken cords and never splice two cords together.
• Use the right wattage for lamps and fixtures.
• Position lamps away from open windows, where strong breezes can blow draperies onto hot light bulbs.

 

Furniture Fires

Furniture can play a large role in how quickly a fire spreads. That’s because the foam and fillers burn rapidly, release tremendous heat, produce toxic gases and consume oxygen rapidly. Here are a few home fire safety tips to be aware of when choosing new furniture for your house:

• Choose fire-resistant furniture: Look for furniture approved by the Upholstered Furniture Action Council or that meets the requirements of the California Bureau of Home Furnishings.
• Replace your old mattress. Mattresses manufactured after 1973 are required to be more resistant to ignition by cigarettes.
• Keep electrical cords, lamps and appliances away from upholstered furniture and mattresses.

 

Home Heating System Fires

Fireplaces, wood or pellet stoves, and other fuel-fired appliances are often used as an alternative way to heat your house. The improper use of these other heating methods is a leading cause of house fires in December, January and February.

If you’re planning to use another method to keep warm in your house, here are home fire safety tips to keep in mind:

• Allow 3 feet of open space on all sides of space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces.
• Refuel a heater only when it is cool. When refueling, make sure it’s away from any open flames, such as candles or lit cigarettes.
• If you’re using a portable heater, choose a model with a “tip switch.” This will automatically shut off the unit if it is tipped over.
• Be sure your wood or pellet stove is properly installed and up to code.
• Have wood stoves, fireplaces and chimneys inspected annually and regularly cleaned.
• Use a fire screen or fireplace doors to contain sparks.
• Clean your fireplace. Never allow more than one inch of buildup of soot or ash.
• Have your chimney inspected every year, even if you have a gas fireplace.
• Have a professional install a safety pilot on gas fireplaces.

 

Home Fire Safety & Prevention Tips

It’s too late to plan what to do when a fire strikes. In 30 seconds, a small flame can quickly grow out of control. To keep you and your home safe, it’s best to prepare, develop a home fire safety plan early and discuss what to do if a fire breaks out in your home.

Smoke Alarms

Be sure to place working smoke alarms in your home. This is a top method for home fire prevention. Install smoke alarms:

• Outside of every bedroom
• Inside of every bedroom with a closed door
• On every story in the house
• In the basement

Home Sprinkler Systems

Ninety percent of fires are contained by the operation of just one sprinkler.

Consider installing sprinklers in high-risk areas such as the kitchen. Home sprinkler systems provide significant protection for your family and property. They are designed so that only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water directly on the fire.

Fire Extinguishers

Having easy access to a fire extinguisher can significantly reduce the chance a fire spreads in your home. Consider putting a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and anywhere else you could easily access it.

 

Safeguard Your Home with Homeowners Insurance

Fire can be incredibly destructive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare yourself. By taking the right steps (which includes having enough homeowners insurance), you can help safeguard yourself, your family and your home.

 

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877-994-6787
Email: insure@siaonline.com
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: www.siaonline.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“SIA has been our trusted partner for more years than I can remember. They take care of everything – our business, rental property and all of our personal policies. They always go the extra step to make sure I am taken care of and are always there when I need assistance. Most importantly – I trust them!”
Stefani Laszko – Mythos Technology – Temecula, CA – Client Since 2007

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to do a project yourself (DIY) or outsource home maintenance tasks. They include:

• Cost
• Safety
• Your skill level
• How much extra time you have

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ll probably choose to do some tasks yourself while hiring a qualified professional for others. With that in mind, here’s our guide to common home maintenance tasks, including when it makes sense to do the task yourself and when it might be best to call in an expert.

Home Maintenance Tasks: DIY or Hire a Pro?

Below is a punch list of routine home maintenance chores.

Home Heating & Cooling

• Changing heating, ventilation and air conditioning filters: It’s important to change your furnace and HVAC filters at least once every three months. If you have allergies or pets or run your system frequently, you might need to do this more often. It’s an easy, quick home maintenance DIY job unless you can’t safely access the filter. For example, call an expert if it’s on the ceiling and you can’t climb a ladder. It’s also best to consult an expert if your cooling or heating system isn’t functioning properly.
• HVAC system inspection: It’s important to hire a pro to inspect and service your heating and cooling system at least once a year. This annual inspection will help to prevent surprises—such as discovering your AC doesn’t work on the first scorching hot day of the summer. It may even be necessary maintenance to keep your warranty in force. A professional HVAC technician will check the airflow, electrical connections, safety controls and other components of your heating and cooling system.

 

Basic Home Upkeep & Repairs

• Fixing toilets: This can be a simple home maintenance DIY job, depending on the problem. Many toilet issues can be solved by replacing a handle or installing a new fill valve or flapper. These parts sit inside the tank and can be purchased at any hardware store. These simple toilet repairs typically don’t require specialized tools, though you may need a hacksaw in some cases. They will involve shutting off the toilet water supply and emptying the tank before you work. A leak around the base of the toilet is a little more complicated. You may want to hire a pro for that issue unless you’re handy or experienced with plumbing.
• Testing carbon dioxide monitors and smoke detectors: Home carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be tested regularly to make sure they’re in good working order. This is an easy DIY job if you can reach the device, or you’re okay with climbing a ladder. It’s important to test smoke detectors once a month by pressing the test button and listening for a loud sound. If the tone sounds weak or your smoke detector begins “chirping,” change the batteries. You can test a carbon monoxide monitor in the same way, but it’s also a good idea to test it once a year with a special carbon monoxide tester spray.

 

Home Exterior & Yard Work

• Roof cleaning and inspection: It’s important to keep your roof free of branches, leaves and ice dams that can damage the structure. If you’re lucky, you have a simple peaked roof that doesn’t accumulate debris. If not, you might be able to DIY leaf or snow removal by using a roof leaf rake or a roof snow rake. But if your roof is too high to reach with one of these tools, hire a pro to clear and inspect your roof as necessary. If you’ve had a storm, you might need to hire a pro to repair shingles.
• Washing home exterior: Cleaning your home exterior at least once a year will keep it looking sharp. The annual cleaning is also a good time to inspect for any areas that may need repair. Most types of siding can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. This can be a home maintenance DIY job. However, as with painting, you might want to hire a pro if your home is tall or has hard-to-reach nooks.

 

How To Hire Home Maintenance Pros

The whole point of hiring someone to help with home maintenance is to make your life easier, so make sure to do your homework to avoid home repair headaches down the road. Hiring the wrong contractor can cost you money, result in damage to your home and even expose you to fraud.

Always vet a contractor thoroughly to make sure they’re legitimate and do quality work. You can find contractors with a good reputation by:

• Asking neighbors and friends for recommendations
• Checking the Better Business Bureau
• Reading online reviews

If applicable, make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. It might cost a little more upfront, but it will offer peace of mind. It could even end up saving you money since shoddy repairs can be expensive to fix.

Get familiar with common contractor scams to decrease your chances of becoming a victim. The AARP offers these five tips for foiling home improvement scammers:

1. Avoid contractors who approach you first.
2. Be wary of lowball bids.
3. Don’t pay cash.
4. Never put down a big deposit.
5. Steer clear of contractors who offer financing.

And if you look to a relative or neighbor to help with your home maintenance, double-check your homeowners insurance coverage. It pays to be prepared just in case your handy friend falls off a ladder or cuts a finger.

Following these tips can help you keep your home looking great and avoid home repair disasters that can be costly and difficult to fix.

 

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877-994-6787
Email: insure@siaonline.com
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: www.siaonline.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“Sarah & Kati have helped us so much! They’re on top of things and have been a pleasure to work with! Thanks Stromsoe Group!!”
Chrissi McNaughton – Hemet, CA – Client Since 2016

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

What is a Named Perils Policy?

In the insurance industry, a named peril is a term used to describe a particular type of cause of loss that is a covered “named peril” in your policy.  In insurance, what does a named peril mean? Typically, covered causes of loss for named perils are one of  these 16 events:

1. Fire or lightning
2. Windstorm or hail
3. Explosion
4. Riot or civil commotion
5. Aircraft
6. Vehicles
7. Smoke
8. Vandalism
9. Theft
10. Volcanic eruption
11. Falling object
12. Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
13. Accidental water overflow or steam
14. Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning, or bulging of certain household systems
15. Freezing
16. Sudden and accidental damage from artificially generated electrical current

What is an All Risk or Open Peril Policy?

An all risk or open peril policy covers everything except what is specifically excluded in the policy. An all risk or open peril policy is the superior coverage form.

What are Common Exclusions?

Every insurance policy has exclusions. The most important thing you can do is have a conversation with your experienced, local independent insurance agent to determine your specific coverage needs. Below is a list of common exclusions under most property insurance policies.

Earthquake or Flood | Generally, traditional homeowners insurance does not compensate for damage caused directly by either flooding or earthquakes. We would like to assume that these are rare events, but as we have seen, the effect can be financially damaging.

Wear and Tear | Generally, the intent of an insurance policy is to protect against losses that are “sudden and accidental.” Most policies do not provide coverage when an item wears out due to age and simply needs to be replaced.

Again, the most important thing you can do is have a conversation with your experienced, local independent insurance agent to determine your specific coverage needs and to understand your policy exclusions.

 

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877-994-6787
Email: insure@siaonline.com
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: www.siaonline.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“I have been dealing with Erica Gates for almost 8 years now. She has helped me with my house insurance, car insurance adding my wedding ring to my home owners insurance and now with my earthquake insurance. Erica does what she says she’s going to do, whether it’s check on something for you or return your phone calls. She has been “OUTSTANDING” since day one. You just don’t find people like Erica everyday. Her customer service has been above and beyond. A real keeper. Thanks Erica for all that you do.”
Norma Gold – Winchester, CA – Client Since 2010

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

Insuring a manufactured or mobile home doesn’t have to be complicated, whether you live there year-round or seasonally. A manufactured or mobile home insurance policy provides coverage for your home, your personal belongings, and structures on the land you own, lease or rent, for things like fire, windstorm, falling objects, visitor injuries and more.

Mobile Home Insurance versus Homeowners Insurance

In terms of purpose and definition, mobile home insurance is much like standard homeowners insurance. If your manufactured home gets damaged, this insurance coverage offers you protection against financial hardship that may come with having to pay for the repairs or rebuild out of your own pocket.

Typically, a policy for a manufactured or mobile home covers the structure, electronics and appliances, furniture and clothing, a shed or other unattached structures and medical expenses and/or legal fees if someone is injured on your property. Similar to homeowners insurance, you’ll want to get additional coverage if you are concerned about possible damage from earthquake or flood.

Want to keep reading?

• When Should You File a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim?
• How to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Premium
• Is Your Home Insured to its True Value?

What Does Mobile Home Insurance Cover?

Mobile home insurance provides coverage for the dwelling, personal belongings, liability coverage and more.

• Dwelling coverage: This coverage is for the actual manufactured or mobile dwelling as well as other permanent structures on the property. In other words, any damage done to your home or other structures on the property (like a deck, garage or shed) that is a covered peril is covered under your dwelling coverage.
• Personal property coverage: This coverage is for your personal belongings. If the items you own are damaged or stolen, your policy covers you, subject to your policy limitations.
• Liability coverage: This coverage is to protect you in the event someone is injured on your property and you are held liable. Liability protection may cover legal fees and medical costs up to your coverage limit.
• Additional Living Expenses: This coverage applies, up to the policy limits, when there is damage covered by your dwelling coverage that requires you to live somewhere else temporarily. This may include things like rent or hotel costs.

Make sure you understand the full scope of what is and isn’t covered before purchasing one of these policies, and that you can afford the full cost of repairs not covered.

Do You Need Mobile Home Insurance?

Mobile home insurance isn’t mandated by law, but before negotiating with you, mortgage companies and mobile home parks can require evidence of insurance. Therefore, mobile home insurance is required for anybody who plans to get a mortgage or establish their home in a mobile home park.

Considering that a new manufactured home in the U.S. costs an average of $70,600, we recommend purchasing mobile home insurance to protect your home and belongings. While policies can be costly, forgoing coverage means putting yourself at risk of a large financial loss.

 

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877-994-6787
Email: insure@siaonline.com
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: www.siaonline.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“Let me start out by saying I have insured our “toys” with Stromsoe for years, and have always been very happy with service, responsiveness, et al. Today though, I called for a quote on a property we are starting escrow on in AZ, needing a quote for the lender for homeowners insurance. In AZ. (Did I mention it’s in Arizona?)
Bobby jumped on it, such a great personality! And because he heard the stress in my voice during our original call, wanted to make sure he had information for me by close of business. (Wow!) And .. well .. my other carrier (shall remain nameless) was more than FIVE TIMES the annual premium than what Bobby quoted me! Done deal. I know who I’m going with, and will stay with. Plus I get birthday cards. 😊 Mike Stromsoe and his entire staff .. just wonderful.”
Adria Poindexter – Murrieta, CA – Client Since 2015

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

Imagine this: It’s Saturday afternoon and you hear a loud noise. Your fence has blown down due to high winds. Should a claim be reported to your insurance company immediately?

This is what you should consider to determine if filing a claim is a good idea:

Reporting Your Claim | The very first thing you’ll want to do when you think you may have a claim on your hands, is to contact our agency immediately to discuss your claim. There are some cases where filing a claim may not be in your best interest. For example, if the amount of work to be done will not exceed your deductible, then the cost will be out-of-pocket and you now have a claim listed on your policy. Once you’ve discussed the situation with your agent, you’ll want to make a record of any damage and be ready to submit photos, videos and documentation of all pertinent facts, including names, phone numbers, witnesses, etc. The last immediate step to take is to prevent any further damage.

If you decide to submit a claim after a conversation with your agent, here are some of the next steps you will experience:

1. Assigning Your Claims Adjuster| An adjuster is assigned to you to assist with all of the steps of your claim. This is the person who will give you information about next steps and help you if you need payment assistance, such as additional living expenses. It’s important to remember, that just because you have been assigned a claims specialist, this doesn’t mean your Stromsoe Insurance Protection Team isn’t here to support you through the process. We’re just a call, text or click away!
2. Evaluation & Inspection | Your claims adjuster will gather information about your case and the level of damage sustained while evaluating your claim. This is when you may be asked to provide documentation of damage, such as photos or an inventory list.    Quick Tip: Keep all of your receipts, make notes of who you talk to along with phone numbers, emails and everything that happens during your claims process! From temporary repairs to additional living expenses and food.
3. Estimating & Determining Coverage | After gathering all of the facts and your documentation of the event, your adjuster will review their findings and your policy and if coverage applies, will prepare and estimate of what they propose to pay for your damages.
4. Payment & Repair | Your claims adjuster can now issue payments based on the terms of your policy! If you have a mortgage, your lender may have the right to be included as a payee.    Quick Tip: If a contractor asked you to sign a “direction to pay” your insurance company may be required to pay the contractor directly. Again, contact your independent insurance agent before signing anything.
5. Resolution | Your claim is now resolved, but we are here to help you keep your investments safe. If you or your contractor discover additional damages, contact us immediately so we can help!

 

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877-994-6787
Email: insure@siaonline.com
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: www.siaonline.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“Stromsoe Insurance is a reliable agency, it has provided fast and excellent service and made the process of finding the best homeowners insurance for our home.”
Betty Harrington – Murrieta, CA – Client Since 2014

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!