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Can you Save 15% on your Auto Insurance?

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Everyone wants to save money where they can.

If you have a home, condo or apartment insured with Cappuccino Insurance, you could save on both your auto insurance policy and your existing policies by bundling them together.

What are the benefits of bundling? 

1) Save up to 15% on both your home (condo and/or apartment) insurance and your auto insurance.

2 ) Get the convenience of having all your policies under one agency.

3) In the event that there’s a claim on both policies, there may only be one deductible.

It only takes a few minutes to get a quote.

Call us today to get your free quote and get on the road to saving!

 

 

Driving for Uber or Lyft? Learn about Gap Coverage!

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Driving for Uber of Lyft? What you need to know about Gap Coverage

If you or someone on your policy is driving for a Transportation Network Company, like Uber or Lyft, you need to know about gap coverage and transportation network endorsement.

Most insurance companies will not issue a policy for personal insurance coverage when they know that driver works for Uber or Lyft. Upon discovering your employment they can cancel and/or not renew the policy, or even worse, deny a claim.

This could be the first issue you run into if you are thinking about driving or are already a driver for a TNC. Almost all personal auto policies exclude livery.

The second important issue in this industry is the gap period. Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage while the driver has a passenger in the car. But the period while the driver is waiting on passengers or in between passengers has been a point of contention since an Uber driver struck and killed a pedestrian in San Francisco in 2013. Neither the company nor the insurance providers would take responsibility for the claim.

The whole point of having insurance is so you’re covered.

Now there are several companies whom we work with at Cappuccino Insurance that provide both personal car insurance and who will “endorse your policy” for gap coverage.

If you or family members on your policy are driving for Uber or Lyft, talk to your insurance agent to look over any exclusions on your current policy and learn about the best companies for gap coverage. Cappuccino Insurance is here to answer your questions!

 

 

Would You Be Covered For These 3 Auto Insurance Claims?

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Auto insurance will cover a number of strange incidents while on the road.

Auto insurance is one of the most common insurance policies out there. From claims of fender benders to stolen vehicle claims, many people know the basics of what their policy will cover. However, your car insurance policy will also provide coverage for some strange issues. Keep these strange auto insurance claims in mind to see if you have the protection that you deserve.

  1. Three car pile up caused by a mattress – a couple forgot to tie down their mattress to the top of their vehicle before taking off. As they were driving down the freeway, the mattress came loose and landed in the middle of the road, causing a three car pile up. Unfortunately, the three affected drivers did not have uninsured motorist coverage, leaving them to cover the repairs on their own after the mattress owners left the scene.
  2. Hail insurance fail – after a heavy hail storm in the 1990s, one driver made a claim to their car insurance company for hail damage. After looking at the damage, and insurance adjuster found out that the damage was actually caused by a ball-peen hammer. After the claim for hail damage was denied, the owner of the vehicle then made a vandalism claim to their auto insurance policy for the ball-peen hammer damage.
  3. Shotgun rider – one man made a claim to his auto insurance company after his shotgun fell out of his hands and destroyed the entire cab of his truck. He didn’t know if the gun went off when it hit the ground or when his hand slipped while grabbing for the weapon. Luckily, his comprehensive coverage paid for the necessary repairs.

To ensure that you have the right Conejo Valley auto insurance policy to provide coverage for any incident that you may encounter, contact the independent insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California.

Questions for Your Annual Insurance Review

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Determine if your current Westlake Village, CA insurance policies match your life needs.

During day to day life you may forget to update your insurance policies to match your updated lifestyle. Many think that paying your premiums and phoning your carrier when an accident happens keeps you protected, but if you change your lifestyle or value of your item, you will need to alter your insurance. A number of life changes and events should prompt you to call your insurance carrier and adjust your policy to maintain adequate coverage.

Here are five questions to ask yourself at least once a year:

1)    Have I updated my home?
If you added a room for your elderly parent, remodeled after the youngest child moved out, or added a pool in the back garden, your home value will increase. A higher home value will increase the cost of rebuilding the home, therefore your insurance should reflect the new home value and new risks.

2)    Have I bought significant purchases?
Expensive pieces such as a leather-couch, jewelry, and fine art should be covered by a homeowners policy or additional coverage. If the item is lost, damaged, or stolen, you may regret not opting for quality protection of it.

3)    What has changed with my vehicle?
Maybe you are driving a longer distance to work, or the garage finally has room to store the car overnight. Reviewing your auto insurance will ensure that you are not paying for what you are not using.

4)    What about my family?
When someone moves out or wants to be added to your auto policy, discuss it with your insurance agent for suitable coverage.

5)    Am I eligible for any discounts?
Simple steps can qualify you for discounts. This can include installing a burglar alarm for your home insurance, and parking your car in the garage for your auto insurance.

Remember that insurance policies should reflect the life you have now, not when you first signed up with your carrier. When looking for insurance policies in the Conejo Valley, California, visit Cappuccino Insurance Agency. We are located in Westlake Village and ensure that you receive complete coverage.

How To Save During Your Next Road Trip

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Road Trip Tips

Road trips are one of the best ways to see a new part of the country. However, while they may be easier than coordinating flights for the whole family, road trips are much more than just jumping in your car. Keep these planning tips in mind to make sure that your next road trip goes as smooth as possible.

  • Plan out your route – knowing where you are going, and how long it will take you to get there can help to ensure that you do not get lost in an unfamiliar location. When planning your route, you should also let a close family member or friend know your plans in case you do not make it home on time.
  • Save on gas – there are many smartphone apps, such as GasBuddy that can help you save money throughout your trip by pointing you in the direction of the cheapest gas no matter where you are. It can also help you budget for your gas costs when you put in your route.
  • Save on food – instead of eating out at every stop, stock up on food that you can make on your own. Bringing a refillable water bottle can also help you save on drinks when you stop.
  • Consider camping – booking a night at a campground is much less expensive than booking a room at a hotel. Camping will also allow you to fully enjoy each of your stops. If you cannot imagine rolling out a sleeping bag, make sure to use a hotel deal app, such as Priceline to help you save money.

Most importantly, look over your auto insurance policy to make sure that you have the right amount of protection while out on the road. Contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your Conejo Valley car insurance coverage needs.

3 Car Insurance Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

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Auto Insurance Misconceptions

While auto insurance is required in almost every state, there are many misconceptions that are out there about the coverage. If you get caught believing false information about your auto insurance coverage, it can lead to you investing in the wrong policy. Knowing the truth behind these common car insurance myths can help to keep you safe while on the road.

  1. Working directly with the insurance company is cheaper than working with an independent agent – auto insurance companies can only show you specific policies that they offer while independent agents are able to show you policies that are offered by all of their affiliates. Being able to choose from more policies and providers can help to make sure that you pay the right price for your coverage.
  2. You can only start looking for a policy once yours expires – no matter the length of your auto insurance term, you can cancel at any time, you will just be subject to fees. However, if you find a less expensive policy at a better price, paying the cancelation fee may be worth it in the long run.
  3. Your rates will automatically go down when you turn 25 – age is one of the most important factors when determining your premiums, but that does not mean it is the only factor. While people 25 and older are considered to be lower risk, your auto insurance company will look at other factors, such as your driving history. If you are over 25 but have a spotty driving history, your rates will not decrease until your driving record clears up.

Contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your auto insurance coverage needs. We will work with you to make sure that you have the protection that you deserve, all at the right price.

How Much Are You Spending on Auto Insurance?

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Insurance Facts

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average auto insurance expenditure increased from $798 in 2011 to $815 in 2012, and has continued to rise every year since. The average expenditure measures what drivers actually spend for their insurance coverage of each vehicle. It does not equal the sum of collision, liability, and comprehensive expenditures since not all policyholders have all three coverage options.

The amount that people spend on their auto insurance coverage is affected by how much coverage they invest in, as well as many other factors. States that have a healthy economy have more people who are likely to buy a new car. Since new car owners are much more likely to invest in physical damage coverage options with their auto insurance, these states tend to have a higher average expenditure.

The population will also have an effect on auto insurance expenditure. States that have an urban population and a higher traffic density and per capita income will have much higher car insurance premiums. Other factors that have an impact on auto insurance prices include liability coverage requirements, repair costs, and theft rates.

Although California ranks number 22 on the list of most expensive states for auto insurance, there was an increase of 1.3 percent in costs between 2011 and 2012. The average expenditure for auto insurance in 2012 was just under $750, while it was just a few cents over $740 the year before.

When looking for the right auto insurance policy that will best fit your specific needs, contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. As an independent insurance agency, we will work with you to make sure that you have the coverage that you deserve, all at the right price to fit your budget.

Protecting Your Boat and RV This Summer

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RV and Boat Insurance

Even though the official start of summer is still a couple of weeks away, the temperatures are already rising, which means it is the perfect time to start planning for your next vacation. While taking your RV and boat out of storage, it is important to make sure that you are protected from any peril on the road or water with the right insurance policies.

No matter if you have a motorhome or a trailer, your RV needs to be protected with the right insurance policy. Investing in a separate RV insurance policy that will provide the most coverage while you are away from home. If you have a smaller trailer, you may think that you can rely on your auto insurance coverage to protect your trailer while you are away. While you are towing your trailer, your auto insurance will provide coverage for your trailer while it is being towed. However, once the trailer is unhitched, you will not have any coverage. Choosing a separate policy can help to ensure that you have the coverage that you deserve.

If you are headed out on the water with your boat, your boat will need to be covered by a specific boat insurance policy. There are many coverage options to consider with your boat insurance policy, such as personal property coverage that will replace any lost or damaged items in your boat during an accident. Talking with your insurance agent can help to ensure that you invest in the right amount of coverage for your boat this summer.

For all of your Southern California boat and RV insurance needs, contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. We will work with you to make sure that you have the coverage that you deserve, all at the right price.

Can You Qualify for a Good Driver Discount?

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Good Driver Discount

Thanks to Proposition 103, which passed in 1988, all auto insurance providers in California are required to offer discounts to good drivers. This discount will lower your monthly auto insurance premiums by 20 percent as long as you meet specific qualifications.

In order to qualify for the discount, you must have your driver’s license for at least three years. While Proposition 103 only applies to California drivers, it does not mean that you have to have been driving in California for three years. As long as you have held a license for three years anywhere in the United States or Canada, you can qualify for the discount.

During the three years that you are a licensed driver, you must not have received more than one point on your driving record, completed traffic school for more than one traffic violation, or been found at fault for an accident. In order to be found at fault for an accident, you only have to be 51 percent responsible for the accident. If you have a DUI on your driving record, you will have to wait 10 years before you are able to qualify for the good driver discount, even if you meet all the other requirements.

When looking for the right auto insurance policy, your insurance agent is required to tell you about the good driver discount if you qualify, which means that you do not have to worry if you did not ask about it the last time you renewed your policy.

Contact the insurance experts at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your auto insurance coverage needs. As an independent insurance agency, we will work with you to ensure that you have the right amount of protection, all at the right price.

Understanding Your Auto Insurance Coverage

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Auto Insurance Terms

When deciding how much auto insurance coverage you need, it can be a difficult and even confusing decision. With all the special terms in auto insurance policies, it can be hard to make sure that you are getting the coverage that you deserve. To ensure that you choose the right policy, make sure that you know what these confusing car insurance terms mean.

  • Bodily injury liability – as a required coverage in California, bodily injury liability will cover any medical bills if you injure another person during an accident that you are found to be at fault for. Keep in mind that this coverage will not provide any protection for injuries that you or your passengers sustain.
  • Comprehensive coverage – sometimes known as “other than collision coverage,” comprehensive coverage will pay for any damages to your vehicle that occur in an incident other than an accident, such as damage incurred during theft or fire. Keep in mind that any damage that is caused outside of an accident will be your responsibility to pay for if you skip out on comprehensive coverage.
  • Property damage liability – if you hit another person’s car or property, property damage liability will cover the cost of the repairs.
  • Personal injury protection – also known as PIP, this coverage will pay your own medical bills if you are injured during a car accident. PIP will also cover any lost wages and funeral expenses after a car accident. In most cases, it will also provide coverage for any passengers that are injured during the accident.

For all of your auto insurance needs and to ensure that you have the right amount of protection, contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. We will work with you to make sure that you fully understand your auto insurance coverage.