Do You Really Need Liability in Your Renter’s Insurance? Yes!

When you’re a renter, it’s crucial to have insurance protection. Since you aren’t the owner, you don’t need home insurance. You don’t have to insure the home itself, but you do need to insure everything inside it. This is an essential way that renter’s insurance protects you. However, it isn’t the only way. Renter’s policies also come with a type of insurance that many people don’t think much about – liability coverage. Contact us at Armorcrest Insurance Services in El Centro, CA, to learn more. 

Liability and Renters

Many renters assume that if there’s an accident on the property, the property owner would be responsible for it. However, if you’re renting it, what happens there is your responsibility. It may seem like having liability insurance isn’t something that isn’t worth it, but it is. There is always a way for someone to have an accident in your rented home. Anyone could fall and get hurt, and you’d be liable. The accident costs would be yours to pay without the renter’s insurance. 

The Costs of Accidents

It can be costly when someone comes over and has an accident. The medical costs can be very high even if the injuries are relatively mild. A serious accident could be so expensive that it could wreck your finances. There may also be other costs that the renter’s insurance liability coverage could cover. These can include any legal fees the injured party has, the wages they lost because of the accident, and more. All of these can add up to a lot, so it’s never a good idea to go without this coverage that could make such a big difference in your finances someday.

Get Renter’s Insurance in El Centro, CA

When you need renter’s insurance, we’re here to help. Call Armorcrest Insurance Services in El Centro, CA. 

Protect Your Motorcycle with Insurance Solutions for You and Your Ride

The open roads. The scenic and majestic views. The perfect climate. For many motorcyclists, it might seem like California was made for riders, and they might have a fair argument. However, riding without the right coverage and protection isn’t fair or safe. Of course, that means your protective gear, but it also means the right insurance for you and your bike. That is why so many motorcycle owners in and around the beautiful El Centro, CA area rely on the friendly and professional team of agents at Armorcrest Insurance Services for all their motorcycle insurance needs.

Insurance for Your Motorcycle and Your Ride

Motorcyclists typically have three primary concerns: their own safety, the safety of their bikes, and what other drivers are doing. The good news is that with the right motorcycle insurance solutions, motorcycle owners can rest assured knowing that at least their own needs and those of their motorcycle are covered.

As far as those other drivers are concerned, motorcyclists are always looking for drivers who aren’t looking out for motorcycles, but there are no guarantees on the road. That is also why there is insurance: so motorcyclists can enjoy their ride without worrying about accidents. Motorcycle insurance is for your bike and for peace of mind to enjoy your ride.

Motorcycle Insurance in El Centro, CA

Do you love the open roads and beautiful weather of California? Are you a motorcycle owner in or around the El Centro, CA area? If you have questions about motorcycle insurance or need coverage, our experienced and helpful team at Armorcrest Insurance Services is here for all your motorcycle insurance questions and, more importantly, all the insurance coverage solutions you need. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment today.

Three Ways To Secure Your Boat While Docked

Owning a boat or any other type of watercraft comes with responsibility, especially when keeping your boat docked. If you want to ensure its security so it doesn’t float away or get stolen, here are three ways to keep it secure.

1. Use a Bowline Knot

One of the most secure knots for your boat is the bowline knot. This knot keeps the boat from slipping away while it’s docked. This is a particularly good option if you have your boat docked at a busy marina, where other boats may be coming in and out or there is a high level of traffic. Your knot needs to be secure so that it cannot be easily undone by a person or environmental conditions like rain and wind that could apply pressure and force.

2. Install an Alarm System

You can install an alarm system on your boat to prevent theft. These alarms can be controlled with an app on your phone and will emit a loud alert if someone opens a locked door on your boat or motion is detected. Some of these alarm systems will also notify authorities so that they can investigate the vessel if someone doesn’t have a code to disarm the alarm.

3. Choose a Secure Marina

Some marinas have their own security systems, with plenty of lighting and guards monitoring the docked vessels. Visitors will need a code to access their boat and provide proof of ownership, especially if they are new to the dock and haven’t met the security guards. Well-maintained and secure Marinas are your best options for protecting your boat while it’s docked.

If you’re in the El Centro, CA area and looking for a boat/watercraft insurance quote, contact our agents at Armorcrest Insurance Services today.

Why Umbrella Insurance Plans Could Become More Popular in the Years Ahead

Many individuals and families are now adopting umbrella insurance plans to increase coverage for various events. It’s wise to take an in-depth look at your situation and potential risks. Then, you can work with an insurance agent to consider different umbrella insurance policies that could provide peace of mind and improve your overall financial security. If you live in or near El Centro, CA, and want to speak with knowledgeable insurance agents serving the area, contact Armorcrest Insurance Services.

A Quick Look at Umbrella Insurance and Why So Many Take-Out Policies

Umbrella insurance is often used to either expand or increase coverage. Let’s say a home insurance policy provides coverage for $100,000 for personal injuries that occur on your property. With how expensive medical care is, that’s actually not that much. So, you could take out an umbrella insurance plan to increase coverage from $100,000 to $200,000.

The personal injury coverage might also be limited. The policy might not cover damage caused by one of your pets, such as a dog. So, you may also be able to find an umbrella insurance policy that would expand coverage to cover dog bites.

The above examples are only for illustrative purposes, and it’s crucial to examine individual policies closely. However, rising overall costs, including property and medical care, make umbrella insurance more attractive. Local conditions, such as increasingly unpredictable and severe weather events, can also make such policies more attractive. Various other localized factors could be in play, so working with local insurance agents is smart.

Want to explore umbrella insurance policies? If you’d like to speak with insurance agents serving El Centro, CA, contact Armorcrest Insurance Services.

Do I Need Extra Liability Insurance for My Condo?

The state doesn’t require you to have condo insurance for your El Centro, CA unit, but your condo homeowners’ association may require it. The same goes for specific policy provisions. Liability is a significant part of condo insurance policies that you may need before moving into your home. However, when do you need excess liability coverage? Armorcrest Insurance Services can help determine if buying extra liability coverage is a smart move for you.

Doesn’t the Condo Building’s Master Policy Cover Liability?

Yes, it does, but only to a certain extent. The master policy covers injuries and mishaps in the complex’s common areas, such as hallways, parking garages, clubhouses, etc. That’s true even if the individual injured is your guest. Yet, you are still responsible for any injuries that may happen to your guests that occur within your unit. Most condo liability coverage provides $100,000 to $500,000 in liability coverage.  Coverage typically includes:

  • Damage caused by pets
  • Damage you may cause to others’ property
  • Medical payments to those injured
  • Legal representation if you are sued

Some policies also provide protection if your association issues a special assessment if someone is injured in a common area.

Are My Policy Limits High Enough?

Condo owners who live in luxury buildings, are public figures, or have frequent parties inside their residences may want to consider higher liability limits. It’s important to consider the potential risks that these situations can pose. You may want to include a special provision covering injuries caused by your dog, even if you think your puppy is perfect. If you believe your limit needs to be higher, consider adding an umbrella liability policy.

Armorcrest Insurance Services, which serves El Centro, CA residents, can help condo owners determine when they need additional liability insurance. Contact our office today to discuss your needs.

Does Your Business Qualify for a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)?

Many small businesses in California qualify for Business Owner’s Policies (BOPs). This commercial insurance package provides the four most essential types of coverage for a lower premium than purchasing each policy separately. Armorcrest Insurance Services can help you find out if your El Centro, CA, business qualifies for a money-saving commercial insurance package.

BOP Qualifications

Only small and mid-sized businesses qualify for a BOP. Although the eligibility criteria vary between insurance companies, each firm considers the class of business, the business’ location and size, and its annual revenue. Only low-risk industries can obtain a BOP, and the firm can only do business on-premises, such as a retail store or café. Let’s consider the specific criteria used:

  • Employs less than 100 individuals
  • Maintains an on-premises business
  • Generates revenue of less than $1 million annually.

Some carriers limit the purchase of a BOP to those businesses needing 12 months or less of business interruption coverage.

Why Choose a BOP?

When you find a business, tight budgeting can help you afford more business essentials. Buying a BOP enables you to afford more necessary commercial insurance to protect your fledgling firm because the policy package provides the four most commonly purchased insurance policies at a lower premium than you would pay if you purchased them separately.

Contact Us Today to Build Your Policy

Call Armorcrest Insurance Services serving El Centro, CA to set up your Business Owner’s Policy. Protect your business against liability and damage to property and equipment. Also, it can provide for your employees and your salary in the event of a business interruption, such as those caused by a natural hazard. 

Renters Insurance Considerations for Your Home

Armorcrest Insurance Services can help El Centro, CA residents find high-quality insurance policies that make sense, including renter’s insurance policies. This extra protection is critical for your home and can ensure you get the help you need for your belongings.

How Renter’s Insurance Helps You 

Renter’s insurance is designed to provide renters with extra protection for their belongings. It will cover things in your rented home and anything you might add to it, such as decorations. It also provides various types of coverage for behavioral issues that impact you.

What Renter’s Insurance Covers 

Before buying a renters insurance policy, knowing precisely what is covered and what isn’t is important. These policies are pretty comprehensive but do have some things that don’t get covered. The following items are just a few examples of what your policy protects:

  • Personal property
  • Theft
  • Smoke damage
  • Vandalism
  • Explosions
  • Fire
  • Lightning
  • Falling objects
  • Loss of usage
  • Living expenses after loss of use
  • Liability protection
  • Medical payments (for someone injured on your property)
  • Replacement cost coverage
  • Scheduled personal property (high-value items)
  • Water backup damage 
  • Pet damage problems
  • Identity theft issues

Things Renter’s Insurance May Not Cover

Your renter’s insurance typically does not cover flood damage unless it is a standard part of your policy (rare). It also doesn’t cover earthquake damage, insect/mouse/termite/pest infestations, or your roommate’s belongings. They’ll need their own policy here.

Take Care of Your Rented Home 

With the help of our team at Armorcrest Insurance Services, you can protect your rented home in El Centro, CA, and avoid serious loss. Taking this risk seriously is important, so call us today to learn more about your options. We’ll do what we can to help you out.

Increasing Your Motorcycle Coverage After Customizing Your Bike

Motorcycle Insurance: What You Need to Know

At Armorcrest Insurance Services, we understand how much El Centro, CA, residents value their motorbikes. This is why we’re committed to helping them protect their prized possessions with comprehensive motorcycle insurance. It’s important to fully cover your motorcycle, aware that its value may have increased over time due to customizations made after the purchase of original full coverage.

Understanding Motorcycle Customization

You accessorize your bike when you fit it with manufacturer-approved components. On the other hand, when you modify its engine or repaint it at a motorcycle shop, you’re customizing it. Such customizations require a review of your insurance to ensure your bike is still fully covered.

Effect of Customizing Your Motorcycle

Modifications, even minor ones, can significantly enhance the value of your motorcycle. As such, any increase in value after your initial insurance coverage could mean your bike is no longer fully insured. Motorcycle policies use varying valuation methods including actual cash value, stated value, or agreed value.

If, during your policy purchase, you opted for the stated value, you might need to revise your coverage to account for any enhancements made to your bike. This way, you ensure the policy accurately mirrors its full value.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it’s important to update your coverage according to any improvements made on your bike.

For an extensive motorcycle insurance review and update, reach out to Armorcrest Insurance today. Don’t risk riding on El Centro, CA, streets without comprehensively insuring your bike. Let us help you protect your valued possessions and the investments you’ve made in them. Get a quote on motorcycle insurance today!

Security Improvements For Your Watercraft

If your boat was previously involved in an accident, seek ways to keep your boat secure in the future. Review the following security guidelines. Then, consult with an Armorcrest Insurance Services agent. The agent who serves El Centro, CA, will update your existing watercraft insurance policy.

Benefits

Security improvements will keep you safe while you are actively using your watercraft. Improvements will prevent accidents plus will deter theft and vandalism. You could receive a better insurance rate once you have made security improvements.

Modern Lights

New lights will keep your boat visible to other boaters. Improved lighting will make it easier for you to navigate while aboard your boat. Consider the addition of LED lights or solar-powered lights. 

Navigational Aids

Navigational aids will prevent you from getting lost while operating your boat. Review GPS trackers and other navigational aids designed to be used aboard a watercraft. The navigational aid that you purchase should be professionally installed.

Alarms

Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and security alarms will prevent damage or theft. Assess the size and style of your boat. Use your observations to help you select how many alarm products to purchase for your watercraft.

If you cook aboard your boat, consider adding a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in the area where you prepare food.

Updated Storage

Consider how you currently store your boat. If you do not keep your boat covered, you may want to purchase a fitted cover to protect your boat from the elements. Another option is to rent a storage unit for your watercraft.

Insurance Update

Call one of our Armorcrest Insurance Services agents to schedule an appointment. An agent who serves El Centro, CA, will modify your boat insurance policy.

Four Incidents Umbrella Insurance Might Cover

Umbrella insurance is a type of liability insurance that provides additional coverage beyond standard policies’ limits. Policyholders may use it to protect against a range of potential incidents. Here are four that an umbrella policy might cover.

1. Boating Accidents

Boating on one of the lakes near El Centro, CA brings inherent risk. Boating accidents can result in significant injuries or death, and the boat operator is often liable. Umbrella insurance may cover liabilities exceeding the limits of a standard boating insurance policy.

2. Car Accidents

Car accidents can lead to substantial liability claims, particularly if they involve serious injuries or multiple vehicles. While standard auto insurance covers liability up to a certain limit, umbrella insurance may step in when these limits are exceeded.

3. Chaperoning Events

You’re exposed to potential liabilities when you’re chaperoning an event, especially one involving minors. In situations where an accident or injury occurs under your supervision, umbrella insurance might offer coverage if you’re held responsible and the claim exceeds your homeowner’s insurance policy’s liability limits.

4. Incidental Landlord Liabilities

If you own rental property in El Centro, umbrella insurance can be particularly beneficial. It might cover incidents beyond the scope of your landlord insurance, such as a tenant’s injury claim exceeding your policy’s liability limits.

Get Umbrella Insurance with Armorcrest Insurance Services

If you need additional protection for these potential incidents, talk with us at Armorcrest Insurance Services. One of our agents can get you umbrella insurance that’ll give you the protection you need, tailoring the policy for your particular situation.