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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!

 

 

Hosting on Airbnb? Get Short-Term Vacation Rental Insurance

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More homeowners are connecting with sites like Airbnb to rent out a room or their entire house for extra income, but before taking the rental plunge, homeowners need be aware of the risks involved and how their homeowner’s insurance is affected in such enterprises.

Renting on sites like Airbnb can bring potential income but can also come with a whole host of problems. According to one Airbnb host, “There’s one risk that’s even more expensive than vacancy: destruction. If your guest trashes your home, you could (theoretically) lose tens of thousands…”

Horror stories abound, like the story of one Californian women who was left holding the bag for thousands of dollars in legal fees when one guest refused to leave and refused to pay. And according to The New York Times, while Airbnb does come with insurance “for hosts with every stay, the policy has numerous exclusions, and Airbnb requires a host to file a claim within 14 days of a guest’s departure, or before a subsequent guest arrives, whichever is sooner.”

It’s not just damages and potential legal fees that homeowners need to mitigate risks for but liability coverage as well.

Homeowner’s insurance comes with personal liability, which is designated for residential, but by renting the home on Airbnb, the home has become a business. Also a regular home insurance policy won’t cover theft or vandalism caused by renters. Perhaps most poignantly, if the insurer discovers that the home is being rented out on Airbnb or a similar service they may drop the policy and claims might be denied.

To mitigate risks, and not get dropped by their homeowner’s policy, people that are renting their homes out on Airbnb need a special policy: short-term vacation rental insurance. At Cappuccino Insurance, we work with several companies that offer short-term vacation rental insurance. Cost varies by size of home and how much coverage you desire. Please contact us to learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Tips and Precautions for a Happy New Year!

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The holidays and New Year’s celebrations are a time of travel and festivities. And while we hope that the holidays are a time of celebration, nothing could be more devastating during this time than a home break-in or an unexpected accident.

Following proactive procedures can help give you peace of mind.

Travel and Home Safety Tips

When traveling CNET recommends the following:

  • Make sure your home doesn’t look “empty.”
  • Forward your mail and ask a neighbor to collect mailers and newspapers that may otherwise accumulate at your front door.
  • Install motion censored lights on the exterior of the house.
  • Put interior lights on timers that light at varied times.
  • Consider installing security cameras near the doors and in various parts of the home to monitor activity.

Holiday Party Tips and Precautions

Entertaining guests at your home for the holidays? As alcohol is typically served at holiday gatherings, Indiana.edu offers a number of helpful suggestions for pacing the drinking at your home soiree.

Most notably, don’t allow intoxicated guests to drive home. In recent years apps like Lyft and Uber have grown in popularity so that they are readily available in major cities (and many suburbs) and are ready for pickup in minutes. On your party invitations and correspondences, suggest that your guests download the app on their smart phones pre-party. Also have the number for the local taxi service on-hand.

A Homeowners Policy and Rental Insurance Offer Peace of Mind

Both a homeowners policy and renters insurance can help you cover your property and possessions if they are damaged or destroyed – or if your valuables are stolen.

Additionally these policies can cover your assets if you are sued for negligence that caused an accident.

At Cappuccino Insurance wish you happy holidays and a happy new year. If you have questions about your coverage, please contact us!

Dog Ownership and Your Homeowner’s Insurance: What You Need to Know

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A dog is known as man’s best friend for a reason, but as dog owners know, owning a dog is accompanied by many expenses and responsibilities. When people pick out their perfect companion they might not have homeowner’s insurance on the mind, but if you own a home, having coverage and being proactive about your liabilities is a priority.

The type of breed you have, your dog’s personal history, and the insurance company who covers you are all factors in what type of coverage you can have, but some dog owners may not be eligible for coverage at all.

Dogs do bite and can cause bodily injury

An average of $32,000 was paid for dog bite claims in 2015 in the US.

In some states the average is higher, like in California where the average dog bite claim is $43,000.

What owning specific breeds means for your homeowner’s policy 

Many policies do not cover specific breeds, like Akitas, Chows, wolves (and wolf mixes), Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, and Pit Bull mixes.

If you have a dog on that list you need to pay more attention to your policy. This list can vary state by state and by insurance company, so it’s best to consult with your agent and pay attention to the language in your policy.

It’s important to stress that if you have one of those breeds and don’t report it to your agent, your insurance will be dropped.

If you have a dog on that list, you may still be insured by some companies, but those incidents aren’t covered, yet some companies may not insure you at all. It’s best to consult with your agent and review the language in your policy.

 Key Points for Dog Owners:

  • When signing up for homeowner’s insurance, your insurance agent has to ask if you have a dog and document the breed. Be honest.
  • When adding a new dog to your household, keep your agent abreast of what kind of breed it is.
  • The insurance agency will send out an inspector to your property to verify the breed.
  • Make sure your policy provides coverage for that dog breed.
  • Pay attention to the language in the policy.
  • If your dog has a personal history of biting and/or a bite claim, then no company will insure you.

In terms of dog ownership and pet ownership, honesty is the best policy. Also is being proactive about your pet ownership.

  • Be aware of the dog that you’re buying and/or adopting.
  • Take your dog to training and make sure it is well behaved

August 26th is National Dog Day, so we hope you celebrate with your pooch!

To review your existing policy or to create a new one contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency for a consultation.

 

 

Going On Vacation? You Need To Know These Tips

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Fully enjoy your holiday vacation with these home security tips.

The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year. No matter if you are headed to visit friends and family, or escaping all of the holiday madness on a tropical beach, leaving your house empty while you are gone can be very dangerous. Keep these holiday home security tips in mind to keep your house protected.

While you are getting ready:

  • Load your luggage in your garage if possible so any potential burglars don’t see that you are leaving. If your garage is not an option, load your luggage into your vehicle as fast as possible.
  • Let your neighbors know that you are leaving and how long you will be gone. Ask them to keep an eye on your house and call the authorities about any suspicious activity.

Make your home look occupied:

  • Install a few timers on lights in your house to go off at different times of the night. You may also want to install a timer on a radio or TV so that your house sounds occupied.
  • Keep your blinds and curtains at their normal positions. If you keep your blinds open, make sure there are not valuables that are visible through your windows.

Don’t be a target for thieves:

  • Do not post on social media how long you will be gone or when you are leaving. Thieves regularly look on social media sites and will know just how much time they have to break into your house.
  • Bring any hidden keys inside or give them to a trusted neighbor to check on your house while you are away.

Having the right homeowners insurance policy will help to keep your home protected while you are away. Contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your Conejo Valley home insurance needs.

Protect Your Home When The Earth Starts Quaking

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Earthquake Insurance Basics

California is one of the most sought after places to make a home. However, those who already live in California know that the beautiful coastline and warm weather also come with the danger of experiencing an earthquake. Investing in a specific earthquake insurance policy is the best way to ensure that you and your family stay safe in case of an earthquake.

While your homeowner’s insurance policy will provide coverage for many perils, it will not provide any coverage for damage that is done during an earthquake, only an earthquake insurance policy will. Typical earthquake insurance policies will provide coverage for any type of earth movement, which can include sinkholes, mudslides, and mudflows. It is important to keep in mind that an earthquake insurance policy will not provide any coverage for a fire that is started due to an earthquake. However, your home insurance will kick in and cover any damages caused by the fire.

Earthquake insurance can be bought as a stand-alone policy, or can be added onto your home insurance as an endorsement. No matter which way you choose to protect your home, there are two parts to the policy. The first part will provide coverage for the structure of your home and the second part will provide coverage for your personal property. When looking for the right amount of coverage, make sure to take into consideration the value of your belongings. Using your home inventory can be a great way to ensure that you invest in the right amount of protection in case of an earthquake.

Contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your Conejo Valley earthquake insurance needs. We will work with you to ensure that you have the protection that you deserve when the ground starts to quake.

Smart Homes Are Closer Than Ever

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New Home Technologies

Smart homes may seem like something straight out of a science fiction movie. However, they are closer than ever before. With all the new home technology trends that are emerging, life at home is becoming easier than ever. Make sure to look out for these 2015 home technology trends to help bring your home into the future.

  • Nest Thermostat – programmable thermostats have been around for many years and can help you save hundreds of dollars on your energy bill each year. The Nest Thermostat has taken it a step further by learning your preferences, and then programming itself to follow them. You can also control the Nest Thermostat with your smartphone, ensuring that you always come home to a house that is the perfect temperature.
  • Keen Vent – along with thermostats, vents are now smarter than ever. The Keen Vent replace the existing vents in your house, and will open and close on their own to help reduce the amount of hot or cold spots throughout your house. As an added bonus, the vents come in a variety to beautifully designed vents.
  • Aros Smart Window Air Conditioner – window air conditioners may seem outdated, but they are making huge leaps into the future. The Aros system will learn your location and schedule by connecting to your smartphone, and will turn on the air right before you arrive at home to ensure that you do not walk into a hot house.
  • The Echo – much like Siri on iPhone, Amazon’s new personal assistance technology uses a voice recognition system that allows you to ask her questions from anywhere in your house, such as the weather for the day. It also has the ability to play music throughout your whole house.

For all of your homeowners insurance needs throughout the Conejo Valley to ensure that your home has the right amount of protection now and when smart homes are a reality, contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California.

Different Types of Homeowners Insurance

Choosing The Right Policy To Protect Your Investment

When looking for the right homeowners insurance policy, you may be surprised to find that there are many different types of policies available, especially if you are looking for a policy for your first home. Knowing the differences between the various policies can help to ensure that you invest in the right policy that will provide enough protection for your new home. Keep these home insurance basics in mind to ensure that you choose the right policy.

  • HO-1 and HO-2 home insurance policies will only provide coverage for damages that are specifically listed on the policy. They will not provide any coverage for damage that is done to personal property within the home.
  • HO-3 home insurance policies are the most common type of home insurance and will provide coverage for all types of disasters except what is specifically excluded on the policy. It will also provide protection for personal property that is damaged, but only for specific types of damages that are listed.
  • HO-5 home insurance policies will provide the same amount of coverage as HO-3 policies but with expanded personal property coverage. Some insurance companies will not write HO-5 policies, but will offer a rider that can be added to an HO-3 policy to provide additional personal property coverage.
  • HO-4 and HO-6 home insurance policies will only provide coverage for personal property, and only for the specific damages that are listed on the policy. HO-4 and HO-6 policies are not traditional policies and are typically used to cover renter’s and condo owners.

For all your homeowners insurance needs throughout the Conejo Valley, contact the insurance experts at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California.

It’s Time For Your Insurance Review!

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Annual Insurance Review

As the first month of 2015 comes to an end, it is the perfect time to plan for all that you want to accomplish throughout the year. It is also the best time to look over all of your insurance policies to ensure that you are protected from any unfortunate situation that may arise. There are many benefits of reviewing all of your insurance policies early in the year, including:

  • You may find more discounts – there are many different discounts that are available that will help to lower the cost of all of your insurance policies. Make sure to talk with your insurance agent to see if there are any discounts that you can qualify for that you are not already taking advantage of.
  • You may not have enough coverage – if you had any major life changes in the past year, you may not have enough protection of your new lifestyle. If you welcomed a new member to your family, you will want to increase your life insurance policy to make sure that all of your dependents will be protected when you are gone. If you made any renovations to your home to make it more comfortable for your expanding family, make sure that your homeowner’s insurance policy will provide coverage for the increased value of your home.
  • You may have too much coverage – when looking over your insurance policies, you may find that you have too much coverage, which means wasted money every month. Check to see if you can decrease any of your insurance policies to help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars each year.

For all of your insurance coverage needs after reviewing your insurance policies, contact the insurance experts at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. We will work with you to ensure that you have the right amount of protection, all at the right price.

Football Party Safety Tips and Delicious Recipe

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Your Guide To The Perfect Super Bowl Party

The last of the football playoff games are here, which means the Super Bowl is just a few days away. While you are routing for your favorite team, keep these safety tips and delicious recipe in mind to ensure that you and all of your friends can thoroughly enjoy the game.

Safety Tips

  • Never allow any of your friends to drink and drive home after the game. Make sure everyone has a sober ride home. Encourage all of your friends to stay after the game for a while to sober up.
  • Make sure to serve plenty of food throughout the game. Eating is one of the best ways to slow down intoxication. Also, make sure to serve non-alcoholic beverages to give your guests more choices when they are looking for something to drink.
  • If you are not sure if your food is contaminated from sitting out, throw it away. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes food poisoning.

While keeping everyone at your party safe, try this delicious popcorn nachos recipe to keep everyone full and satisfied!

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 gallon popped popcorn
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the crushed red pepper, butter, paprika, and cumin.
  2. Put the popcorn in a large bowl and sprinkle it with the butter mixture and cheddar cheese. Toss well and enjoy!

Having the right homeowners insurance is the best way to ensure that you are protected in case of any unfortunate incident during your football party. Contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your Conejo Valley home insurance needs.