• Make sure your water heater is properly secure and strapped.  Securing your water heater is a building code requirement.
• Make sure you have a plan for everyone in the house and don’t panic.
• Keep supplies available for easy access.  (Water, canned foods, blankets, flashlights, a radio, a first aid kit and any other items you might need in an emergency).
• If possible shut off water and gas valves if needed.

After the earthquake

• Don’t smoke or use lighters and matches as there could be a gas leak.
• If you smell gas leave the building and shut off the gas.
• Call 911 if anyone is hurt or trapped.
• Again, stay calm.

So, this post goes out to anyone in California that has insurance questions.  If you have any questions regarding auto, home, motorcycle, life or health insurance don’t hesitate to contact me.  I’m not saying I have all the answers, but I’ll do my best to answer your questions.

Again, my site is here to help the California consumer from the confusing world of insurance.

Contact the Guru for your California insurance questions by email through this site.

So, 24/7 from anywhere you have a computer you can contact the California DMV for services.

• You can register your vehicle or boat
• You can complete driver’s license renewals.
• You can get a notice of release of liability for your vehicle.
• You can complete a change of address.
• and you can order personalized plates.

www.Dmv.ca.gov

It’s convenient, easy and secure.

Save time, go online.

Raise your deductibles.  Doing so can reduce your insurance premium by as much as 40%.

Insure both your home and auto insurance with the same company.  You can save 10 to 25% on both policies when insured together.

Have your agent adjust your annual mileage.  If you drive less, your agent can lower your annual miles,  which will reduce your premium.  (Proof of your miles can be verified with service records on your vehicle).

If your over 55 years take an accident-prevention course.  (This can reduce your premium by 5%).

Also, if your over 50, some insurance companies will give a 5% discount on your home policy.

The discount opportunities above are just a general list of ways to reduce your insurance premiums.  There may be other ways to reduce your policy as everyone has their own special circumstances.  I advise you,  talk to an insurance professional to make the most of your savings when buying auto or home insurance.

If you have any questions or suggestions contact this author or talk to your agent.

This coverage applies only if you have selected it and the other party is at fault and not insured.

If you have any questions, contact your insurance agent.

Have you made changes to your home?  Have you remodeled your home or added to it since your last talk with your agent?

Losses or claims happen, no one wants to think about it.  But, if a loss occurs, do you have the coverage needed to rebuild your home or replace your items?

Talk to your agent and have him or her review your coverage and help you determine if you have the right protection.

Don’t be unprepared!

Industry data shows that nearly 60 percent of homeowners are underinsured by more than 20 percent and building experts say it costs up to 30 percent more to rebuild a house than to build it new. (This data was obtained from Marshall & Swift).

If you have any questions contact your insurance agent.

Now, is a good time to get out your home insurance policy for review.  Talk to your insurance agent and make sure you are covered for replacement cost should your home have a claim.  Many people buy their home insurance policy and never review it.  You should review your policy annually.

If you have made additions  or improvements to your home, your agent needs to be advised.  Your agent should review your policy once a year and call you to discuss any changes that may be needed.

If you have any questions contact your insurance agent or this author.

It only takes a moment to look elsewhere and have an accident.  If you think about it, texting takes your mind off the road and can be a bigger risk than talking.  So, be aware, if your driving don’t text. 

If you need to talk or text someone while driving, pull over to the side of  the road to call or text and be safe…

If you have any questions contact your insurance agent.

You can have a valid license without having car insurance, but in order to take your driving test you would need an insured vehicle.  So, if you don’t own a car,  you would need to borrow an insured vehicle to take your test.

If you have further questions, contact this author or your insurance agent.

Example: Your driving on the highway and you are involved in an accident. 

Your car is damaged and now you have no transportation. 

Car rental expense coverage will reimburse you for the cost of renting a car, regardless of fault.  Insurance companies offer this coverage as an option.  You may choose daily limits of $20, $30 or $45 for a maximum of 30 days until your car is repaired or replaced.   Each company varies on the amounts.

If the other driver is at fault, their insurance will pay for this coverage while your car is being repaired or replaced.

This coverage is not always needed.  If you have 2 vehicles and one is damaged, you can always use your second vehicle and not choose this option.

Everyone’s situation is different.  If you have questions discuss your options with your insurance professional.