Seattle Homeowner’s Insurance Explained

Many people believe that they have little or no control over their homeowner’s insurance.  Often, people think that premiums are determined by some “secret formula.”  It is true that every company has rates for their homeowner’s premiums, but there are many factors that help make up your homeowner’s premiums.

Factors that help determine your Seattle homeowner’s premiums

•          Location
•          Age of home
•          Age of roof
•          The replacement cost
•          Distance to fire station

Get the best possible homeowner’s premiums

•         Install deadbolt locks.
•          Increase your deductible.
•          Some insurers offer occupational discounts for teachers, police, firefighters, government employees, etc.
•          Install a central station security system.
•          Your agent can help you evaluate the different policies and companies so you can make the choice this is right for you.
•          Ask for other discounts offered by your insurer.
•          Make sure your replacement cost is up to date.
•          Do you have replacement cost (RC) or actual cash value (ACV) coverage?  We recommend replacement cost.
•          Do you need loss of use coverage? Most homeowners and renters do.

Contact an insurance specialist at DeFranco Insurance today to answer any questions about Homeowner’s Insurance or for a free review and insurance quote for Homeowner’s Insurance.

Some products and services may not be available in your area.
Please contact us for more information.

March Madness - DeFranco Insurance Style

A Seattle Insurance Review

March is over and we spent the whole month watching 64 college basketball teams play to the final four, then on to the championship game.  Congratulations to North Carolina! The entire thing reminded us of some insurance madness.  There are some issues that can affect your Seattle business insurance and personal insurance programs, so we want to share with you our “Insurance Madness Final Four.”

Insurance Madness Final Four

1.       Always use an independent agent. Independent agents will search the market for the best possible insurance designed for your family or business.  Independent agents do not work for an insurance company; they represent you and look out after your interests first.

2.       Never buy insurance online. When you buy insurance online you never know if you are getting the best combination of coverage, price, and service.  However, you do find out when you have an uninsured claim.

3.       Always consider deductible options.  A simple way to save money is to consider increasing your deductible on your auto insurance, home insurance, or even your business insurance.

4.       Many people do not consider these coverage’s but they should.

a.       Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States.  Every homeowner should consider identity theft coverage.

b.       A personal umbrella can offer additional protection for those who own a home or have personal assets worth protecting.

c.       Your business might be at risk if you do not have cyber liability or employment practices liability.

All these coverage’s are easy to add to your business insurance program.

Founded in 1953 by Louis F DeFranco in the Seward Park area of Seattle, we are licensed to write insurance in WA, ID, OR, CA, UT and AZ. As an Independent Agent and part of The Advantage Group, LLC. We have access to multiple preferred companies.

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5 Cyber Safety Tips for Kids

Everyone in Washington agrees that cyber safety is important, but what, exactly, does it mean to be "safe" online? And what do parents really need to know? Here are the top five things you can do to teach your kids how to become responsible digital citizens:

1. Teach them about privacy settings: If you have young children, it's best to use parental controls yourself to limit and monitor your kids' online activity. Older children can be taught how to use privacy settings so their photos and messages cannot be seen by just anyone on the web. Whether they're using Facebook, Instagram, or another web-based application, show your kids how to navigate privacy features or help them set up their accounts using appropriate limits. Show them how to disable location on any device or app they are using, so that they cannot be easily found by others. Regardless of your child's age, help them to understand that keeping their information secure is a priority, and to assume what they put on the web is accessible to anyone unless they take steps to protect it.
2. Teach them to post responsibly: Kids should understand that once they put something on an app or website, it cannot be taken back (even if it seems like it can); so they should think carefully before posting comments, photos, or anything else online. Teach your kids not to post anything that they would not say in person, or that they wouldn't want their parents or a college admissions counselor to find later on. Finally, teach kids to respect others' privacy by not posting information or photos of somebody else without permission.
3. Teach them how to interact with others: Just as in real life, children should be taught to recognize inappropriate behavior online and to respond by telling a trusted adult.
Kids should learn to look for these red flags: strangers who ask to meet in person; messages that contain offensive or lewd material or that simply make them uncomfortable; or anyone who asks them for pictures or personal information. Teach them to never give out their address or phone number, and to always ask before purchasing anything online.
4. Teach them that online activity is not anonymous: Kids should learn that just because they are physically alone doesn't mean that their online activity is anonymous, even if they are not using personal information. Most web browsers, email services, social media, and ecommerce sites track online activity and collect data on users constantly. Same as with posting, teach kids to avoid online activities that they wouldn't want their parents or teachers to know about.
5. Teach them to communicate: Cyber safety advocates agree that an ongoing dialogue with young people about their online activity is the best way to promote responsible use and prevent potentially dangerous situations from happening. As a parent, you should know what your kids are doing online, including who they're talking to, sites they visit, and what types of material they are putting out there. In addition to these tips, keep the discussion going to ensure that your children acquire the skills necessary to navigate the always changing cyber-universe.

For any insurance questions, call or contact DeFranco Insurance today.

Wishing You A Happy Holidays and A Fantastic New Year !!!!

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Storm Warnings: Did a storm trash your roof or damage your house?

After your home is damaged by wind, hail, or other natural elements, the storm isn't necessarily over; in fact, it might be just the beginning. Here's what you need to know about the storm-induced insurance process from diagnosing the damage to filing a claim and making repairs so that weathering your home's recovery is as painless as possible.

Know what's covered before the storm hits

Most homeowner's policies cover damage due to tornadoes, wind, hailstorms, severe temperatures, ice, lightning, and fire. In general, homeowner's insurance does not cover flooding; and your policy may have other restrictions based on what exactly caused the damage to your home, even if it happened during a storm. Talk to your insurance agent about additional coverage if you live in a high-risk area.

Exercise caution immediately following a storm

Just because you can't see it doesn't mean your home has not been damaged. If you're unsure, it might even be a good idea to stay somewhere else for a few days. If you decide to temporarily relocate, your insurance policy may help you cover some of those expenses. Finally, consider hiring a professional storm inspector to assess your home if you are not sure if you can do the job safely.

Document potential damage

Common types of damage after a storm include roof, window, and structural damage as well as exterior damage to paint or siding. After the storm passes, treat your home like it's a crime scene: before moving anything, take plenty of photos and/or video, inside and out. Carefully document all damages.

Call your insurance company

Make contact with a claims agent as soon as possible. They will help you to properly assess the damage to your home and understand what's covered by your policy, as well as walk you through the claims process.

Click here to view a list of insurance company claim phone numbers.

Make temporary repairs

After a severe storm, be sure to cover broken windows and exposed areas, and remove glass, tree limbs, and debris where it is safe to do so. Quickly address downed power lines or other electrical hazards by calling 911.

Hire a credible contractor

Did you know that some contractors travel to areas hit by storms to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners? To avoid hiring one of these "storm chasers," do your research. Ask around, make sure they are licensed, and check online reviews before signing on the dotted line. Verify your contractor is local, certified, and has insurance coverage to practice in your state.

Work with your insurance agent to negotiate the claim

Ideally, the contractor you hire will have extensive experience working with an insurance company and will be able to help you navigate the process of getting repairs paid for and completed. Regardless, it's a good idea to get any quotes approved before proceeding with work on your roof or home. Save all receipts, including those from any temporary repairs made to your home.

For more information about storm damage and insurance, call or contact DeFranco Insurance today.

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