Personal Insurance Hot Topics

Leap | Carpenter | Kemps Insurance Agency | Jun 23, 2020 | minute read

Here is the latest information and updates on some of the hot topics relating to your personal insurance needs and interests. It is important to keep up on what is going on in order for you to make educated and informed insurance buying decisions.

Check back here on a regular basis to get the latest on what is going on in the world of insurance.

Insurance Hot Topics

Over 50 Million Americans Own A Business That Is Not Insured.

Man with boxIn a recent study completed by a leading insurer (The Hartford) about 25% of Americans own a side business that is not insured. Many people feel that their business is too small, is covered under their homeowner’s insurance, or think they don’t need insurance. If you own a small business that is run out of your home, it is not covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. We recommend you purchase a business policy to insure your business. Don’t rely solely on the corporate structure to protect your personal assets.

Drivers Rely Too Much On Technology When Driving

All new cars come with many safety features that help you drive and reduce the possibility of accidents.  But many people are relying too much on safety technology when driving. “For example, researchers found that nearly 80% of drivers with blind spot monitoring systems were unaware of limitations or incorrectly believed the system could accurately detect vehicles passing at very high speeds or bicycles and pedestrians. In reality, the technology can only detect when a vehicle is traveling in a driver’s blind spot, and many systems do not reliably detect pedestrians or cyclists.” Source PC360.com

Remember the golden rule of driving: be a defensive driver.

tesla driving technologyCertain Home Renovations Will Impact Your Homeowners Insurance

You may be thinking about updating your home in the next few months. Before you do this, you might check with our office, as some renovations may cause an increase in your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

home renovationHere are few renovations that will impact your premiums:

  • A new addition - If you add more square footage to your home, it will increase your replacement value and should be added to your homeowner insurance policy.
  • Putting in a pool - Most insurers want to know if you have a pool and will charge for the added liability.
  • Kitchen or bath renovations may add value to your home - For example, if you are replacing your builder grade appliances with high-end appliances, it may need to be reflected in your replacement value. Homeowners insurance can offer replacement coverage based on like kind and quality.
  • Adding outdoor kitchens and other amenities - Anytime you add new personal property or attachments to your home, it will be necessary to make adjustments to your homeowner’s insurance.

Do You Know What Most Stolen Vehicles Are?

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has identified the 25 most stolen vehicles in the United States.

  • Honda Civic
  • Dodge Journey
  • Chevrolet Impala
  • Chevrolet Camaro
  • Hyundai Accent
  • Nissan Versa
  • Chevrolet Cruse

What Are The Worst American Cities To Drive In?

worst cities to driving inThe list compiled by Road and Track Magazine identified the worst cities in America to drive in. All of these California cities were in the top 25 according to Road and Track Magazine: Pasadena, Stockton, San Bernardino, San Jose, Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco. 

Remember to update your auto insurance on a regular basis. If your teenager is now licensed, they will need to be added to your auto policy. If you have bought or sold a vehicle call your agent to make sure the new vehicle is covered.

Five Simple Steps To Create A Home Inventory

Having an inventory of your personal property can make a real difference in the event of a severe home fire. We have found that many people don't actually replace all their personal property due to lack of information as to what they had prior to the loss. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Use your smartphone to record to items in your home
  • Upload the video to a web storage site
  • Make sure you identify the more expensive items too
  • Don’t forget jewelry, guns, or other collectibles

 Person sitting at laptopWhat Are Some Of The Common Exclusions In Your Personal Insurance?

Every insurance policy has terms, conditions, and exclusions. Insurance is not designed to cover every loss or accident. It's intended to cover unexpected losses subject to the terms and conditions of your individual policy. Below are some of the more common insurance exclusions. Some of these insurance exclusions can be removed for an additional premium if your individual circumstances require it.

  • Intentional or criminal acts
  • Damage caused by pests
  • Wear and tear
  • Claims from any business operation
  • Loss from renters under a home insurance policy
  • Faulty workmanship
  • Losses outside the United States
  • Uber or similar operations under an auto policy unless added specifically
  • Actions that significantly change your risk
  • Loses that are covered under another policy
  • One insured suing another insured
  • War or nuclear hazards
  • Earthquake and flooding
  • Government actions
  • Vandalism to vacant buildings
  • Theft from a home under construction

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About The Author

LCK Insurance Agency is one of California's most prominent independent insurance agencies. They offer commercial business insurance, employee benefits, life & health insurance, and personal insurance.

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