Bundle Home And Auto Insurance To Save

Every responsible American owns both auto insurance and homeowners (or renters) insurance. But not everyone knows about the benefits of bundling these policies together with a single insurance provider. Now's the perfect time to learn more about insurance bundles because they can save you time, hassle and money!

With one portfolio, you'll have only one insurance company to deal with, one monthly premium payment and one renewal date. This makes your personal insurance much easier to manage than if you had to pay for and renew each policy individually. But the best part is the savings. Bundling your home and auto insurance together can save you up to 20 percent on your premium payments.

It may sound too good to be true, but many insurance companies offer bundle discounts because it's mutually beneficial. The insurance provider gets more business from you, while you enjoy the savings. In fact, many agents encourage individuals and families to buy all of their insurance policies from a single insurer. The most common bundle for American families includes home, auto and life insurance. However, you can typically throw in disability, long-term care, motorcycle, boat, RV and any other personal insurance policy you wish to purchase.

You can lower your premium even more by minimizing your risks. Insurance providers calculate your premium based on the likelihood that you'll need to file a claim; the higher the risk, the more you'll pay each month. However, if your home is armed with security features and you maintain a clean driving record, you pose less of a risk in the eyes of insurance companies. Stay safe and save today!

Get the coverage you need. Call Silver Coast Insurance at (909) 877-2200 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga auto insurance.

Suing Your Employer vs. Filing a Workers Comp Claim

Worker's compensation is a type of insurance that pays benefits to employees who are injured or fall ill while performing a job. It can cover the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation and lost wages during recovery. But can a worker choose instead to sue his or her employer?

The answer is usually no. Worker's comp essentially acts as a bargain between a business and its employees in which employees forgo the right to a lawsuit in lieu of receiving guaranteed benefits. This is advantageous to both employers, who generally don't have to worry about being sued for an injury, and for workers, who don't have to worry about financially surviving the duration of a lawsuit, in which the outcome may not work in their favor.

However, there are some exceptions in which an employee can sue his or her employer. A lawsuit can come to fruition if an employer assaults a worker, intentionally causes a worker emotional distress, intentionally exposes a worker to a hazardous condition, discriminates against a worker, sexually harasses a worker etc.

States have varying laws in regards to these exceptions, comprised of situations in which an employer intentionally or maliciously injures an employee. While some states will allow a lawsuit under certain circumstances, other states may instead award additional monetary benefits under worker's compensation.

If a worker files for worker's compensation following a work injury and his or her employer retaliates by means of demotion or termination, that worker then has the right to file a lawsuit. Workers who experience one of these exception scenarios should speak with an attorney before actively pressing charges.

Protect your company and its workers today. Call Silver Coast Insurance at (909) 877-2200 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga workers comp insurance.

5 Ways to Save on Home Insurance

Are you one of the two-thirds of American homeowners who are underinsured? The economy has made it more important than ever to cut back on spending, but reducing your homeowners coverage can lead to higher bills down the road if a covered event should happen. Rather, save by using these five tips! 

1. Bundle policies: Bundling your insurance policies together with the same insurer gives that company the business it wants. In turn, you can save up to 15 percent on all of your policies across the board. The most common bundle is home, auto and life, but you can add anything from RVs to boats. This is the simplest way to start saving immediately.
2. Increase your deductible: It’s recommended that you increase your deductible to the highest amount you can afford to pay at any given time. Doing so will lower your monthly premium. For instance, if you increase your deductible from $500 to $1,000, you can save up to 25 percent every month. That gives you cash for the things you need now, as well as allowing you to save more for potential future disasters.
3. Ask for discounts: You may not get a discount unless you ask your agent if you’re eligible for one. Ask about loyalty discounts if you’ve been with the same insurer for a few years, senior discounts if you’re over age 55, home security discounts if your house has built-in safety features and home improvement discounts if you’ve updated your house. Generally, the less risky your home, the more you could potentially save.
4. Review your policy: Before renewing each year, take a moment to review your coverage with an agent. Ensure that any new renovations and major purchases are covered and adjust coverage for any items that you’ve gotten rid of or that have changed in value. For instance, if your $1,500 dollar computer has depreciated in value since you bought it, you should reduce any additional coverage you may own to reflect that lower value.
5. Retain good credit: Don’t be surprised if your agent informs you that your credit score will be used to calculate your premium. Request your free credit report annually to check for any errors that may need your attention and to make sure that your goals are on track. To maintain a good credit score, pay your bills on time and keep your credit balances as low as possible. 

Ask us how you can save today. Call Silver Coast Insurance at (909) 877-2200 for more information on affordable Rancho Cucamonga home insurance.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Car

Long car rides and road trips with your furry friend require pre-planning, but they can be fun and cheaper than boarding your pet while you’re away. Whether you’re traveling with a dog or cat, your travel buddy should wear a collar with tags that display your pet’s name, your name, your cell phone number and proof of rabies shots. It’s also smart to get your pet microchipped (if your pet already has a microchip, be sure to call the company and update the information).

Just like you pack for yourself, you must also pack for your pet. Bring a supply of your pet’s food, bottles of water, spill-proof water bowl, medications and some favorite toys. For dogs, choose toys that will keep them occupied, such as bones or hollow toys that can be filled with treats. For cats, choose toys filled with catnip, along with a portable litter box (which can be found at most pet stores).

You may need to plan a week or two in advance if you pet suffers from car-related anxiety. If you have an anxious dog, you should adjust your dog to being in the car before leaving. Bring your dog into the car and sit in the driveway. Once that’s tolerable, slowly build up to short rides that end someplace fun, like a park. Feeding your dog a meal in the car can help associate the car with good things, as well. If you have an anxious cat, pick up some products from the pet store that promote feelings of calm and comfort, such as pheromone-infused products and catnip-filled toys.

You may enjoy letting your pet ride on your lap, but it’s a very dangerous habit. The safest place for your pet is in a crate that’s strapped down in the backseat. Being secured prevents your pet from distracting you while behind the wheel; not to mention, a pet with free range of the car can become seriously injured or die in the event of an accident. Use a crate that’s well-ventilated and large enough for your pet to comfortably stand, turn and lie down. If your pet has a squeamish bladder, line the crate with absorbent padding, such as a wee pad, underneath your pet’s cushion.

Whether nervous or excited, you pet will need constant access to water while in the car. You may prefer to make frequent stops for potty breaks and rehydration, but if you’d rather keep moving, freeze a bowl of water that your pet can lick to stay cool and hydrated. Never leave a pet unattended in a car; it’s not safe in any weather conditions.

Review your coverage before a big road trip. Call Silver Coast Insurance at 909-877-2200 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga auto insurance.

Workplace Party Etiquette

The major holidays may be over, but workplace parties can happen all throughout the year. Whether it is a retirement party, baby shower, anniversary party, or a get together for a job well done, it is important to maintain professional etiquette. As an employer, it’s a time when you can recognize the hard work of your employees and treat them to a nice meal as a thank you.

Throwing an office party during work hours is becoming increasingly popular. A catered lunch in or a nice lunch out may be the perfect way to show your appreciation and boost employee morale. If you do throw an evening party, schedule it for a weeknight so employees don’t feel obligated to give up their weekend to work. Some companies now throw their holiday parties in October or January to avoid any further stress on employee’s busy holiday schedules. Once the party is planned, inform employees if spouses and/or children are allowed to attend.

Remember, even though a party is festive and fun, it’s still a work function and professional etiquette is a must. Limit employee drinking by offering two drink tickets per person; you may even want to limit the alcohol to beer and wine. Ensure that employees are aware of the dress code. Just one employee who shows up in inappropriate dress and gets embarrassingly drunk can ruin the party for everyone. But since everyone is gathered at a social event, mingle and network among your employees. Branch out from your usual work buddies and get to know other individuals who you’re not as familiar with.

Some employees may be shy or uncomfortable hanging out with co-workers. Entertainment helps break the ice, whether you hire a band or plan games. Many companies participate in gift exchanges during holiday parties, which is a great way for employees to learn more about each. However, some people are strapped for cash, so set a low maximum budget for gifts, such as $10 to $20.

The biggest measure of success for a workplace office party is attendance. Encourage your employees to join the festivities, but don’t put too much pressure on them. The more people feel comfortable around their co-workers and supervisors, the more will come to celebrate the occasion.

 Boosting employee morale is only one way to improve the security of your business. Call Silver Coast Insurance at (909) 877-2200 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga business insurance.

Keeping Your Child Safe In the Car

In 2010, over 1,200 children under age 14 died in car accidents, and approximately 171,000 were injured. However, the proper use of car seats and seat belts save lives. That same year, buckling up saved the lives of over 300 children under age 4.

Still not convinced of the importance of child safety seats? You may be interested to know that car seats reduce the risk of death resulting from car accidents by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. Similarly, booster seats reduce the risk for serious injury by 45 percent for children ages 4 to 8.

The safest place in a car for children of any age is in the back seat, buckled up according to their age, weight and height recommendations. Let’s take a look at what those are:

• Up to age 2: Infants should be buckled into a rear-facing car seat in the backseat of the car. Infants should remain in this seat until they outgrow the weight and height limits of the particular car seat, as stated in the instruction manual.
• Ages 2 to 5: Toddlers should be buckled into a forward-facing car seat in the backseat of the car. Just as with the infant seat, toddlers should remain in this seat until they outgrow the weight and height limits of the particular car seat.
• Ages 5 to 9: Young children should be buckled into a booster seat in the backseat of the car. This type of seat positions the seat belt to better fit the small bodies of children. Children should remain in this seat until they can rest their back against the seat and their knees can bend comfortably over the seat’s edge; this usually occurs between ages 8 and 12, or once your child reaches 4 feet 9 inches.
• Ages 9 and up: Older children should buckle their seat belts, preferably in the backseat until exceeding age 13. Seat belts should be used once they fit children properly; this occurs when lap and shoulder belts fit comfortably without digging into the neck. Do not allow children to tuck the shoulder strap behind their backs. If your car has shoulder belt height adjusters, the fit can be customized for optimal comfort.

Child safety seats only work if they’re properly installed and the child is buckled up according to the instruction manual. Make sure you read all directions before hitting the road. Once your child is old enough to use the car’s seat belt, make a rule that you don’t start the car until everyone is buckled up. This will teach your children to put safety first with each car ride.

Protect your car for the continued safety of you and your family. Call Silver Coast Auto Insurance at 855-323-3600 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga auto insurance.

Should You Buy Renters Insurance?

Yes, if you would like to protect your belongings

You and your apartment manager/landlord share a goal: To ensure the safety of the things you each own. Your landlord is concerned about the structure of the apartment or rental house and you are concerned about the safety of your bed, jewelry, couch and other possessions. When you sign a lease, you are required to give a security deposit. This security deposit is a way for your landlord to be able to cover any damages you may cause or if you choose to break the lease before it is completed. Basically, it is a form of insurance for him from you. However, if no damages are sustained during your lease and you follow all the terms of the lease, the deposit will more than likely be returned to you.

So, as the renter, how can you protect your valuables? Renters' insurance. If you live in an apartment, you likely find flyers on your door or in your mailbox advertising renters insurance. And if you're like many renters, you probably disregard them. However, renters insurance is something you should consider.

Some apartments require renters insurance from all of their residents. But, even if you are not required to buy renters insurance, you should look at getting it. Some people argue that they don’t have a pet, are not going to cause any damage to the apartment or that it is just too expensive to pay for something like that. But remember, you are not just protecting your stuff from something you might cause, but you are protecting your stuff from other renters or disasters. Fires, floods, tornadoes and other disasters can destroy an apartment and everything in it. Also, other tenants could cause a flood that damages your apartment, a thief could break-in or some form of vandalism could occur. Your landlord’s insurance only covers the repair of the structure, not your possessions in it.

Most renters insurance policies provide coverage for the following renters' issues:

• Personal liability if you ever are sued over accidental injury to others that are in your apartment or rental house
• Living expenses if you are unable to live in your home and have to stay somewhere else for a length of time
• Accidental damage to property of others in your care
• Damage to personal property from a natural disaster like fire or wind

There are many other potentials for disaster that renters insurance covers, such as:

• An electric surge that fries your electronics
• While visiting your next door neighbor, you fall over his grill and start a fire
• Your friend accidentally falls in your apartment and breaks their arm
• and the list continues.

And of course, as we all know, we can never discount those crazy-sounding possibilities. You know, the things that seem to only happen if and only if you’re not ready (or covered) for them. Renters Insurance will cover those things too.

It is important to keep in mind that each state can have different requirements for renters insurance policies. Be sure to check with your independent insurance agent about different insurance companies, the requirements for a California renters insurance policy, what the policy does/does not cover, limits and deductibles for the policy. If your apartment complex requires renters insurance, they may require a minimum limit. Also, if you have a job or hobby like a graphic designer who has several expensive computers or a golfer with many expensive golf clubs, you will want to make sure your renters insurance policy has the necessary limits to cover these things. Your independent insurance agent will be able to help you find the policy that best fits your needs. Give Silver Coast Insurance a call at 855-323-3600. We look forward to helping you set up Rancho Cucamonga renters insurance.