Is it time to add an umbrella policy to your commercial insurance?

Wine Valley Insurance Services provides business owners in the Napa, CA area with commercial insurance to protect their businesses. If you would like to learn more about umbrella insurance and how it can help protect your interests, give us a call today. 

Adding an umbrella policy to your commercial insurance

It can be challenging to determine what you need and when you need it to protect your business. For owners of small businesses, it can be even more confusing. Often, budget considerations also weigh on these decisions. But, we all know that the future can hold some unexpected scenarios that we need to prepare for!

It may be time for you to seriously consider adding an umbrella policy to your current commercial insurance holdings. If you want to make sure that you have the insurance you need, come what may, your primary policy alone may not be sufficient. When you have an umbrella policy in place, it can step into play if your primary policy is ever exhausted.

We all know just how much hard work and dedication it takes to operate and maintain a successful business in our area. That’s all the more reason why it’s important to have the right insurance in place. Owning a long-running business requires an intelligent insurance plan that will provide protection now and well into the future. Come and find out more today.

Find out more today!

Napa, CA area business operators and owners can rely on Wine Valley Insurance Services for their commercial insurance needs. If you want to make sure that you have the coverage you need, call us today and schedule a consultation.

Is Home Insurance Mandatory in California?

Your home may be one of the most significant investments you will ever have in life. And as much as home insurance is not mandatory here in California, it doesn’t mean it’s less critical, especially with the investment you’ve put in your home. We at Wine Valley Insurance Services believe that home insurance is a safety net you ought to have, mainly due to many unforeseen circumstances that may happen. Your home is vulnerable to occurrences such as theft, natural disaster and much more. As such, home insurance becomes a must-have for all homeowners. That said, let’s explore some of the many reasons you should have home insurance in place.

  • It offers liability protection: Someone can be injured in your compound, maybe through pet bites or slips. If you get sued for such injuries, they could cost you thousands of dollars. But if you have liability coverage in your home insurance, it protects you from such claims.
  • It protects your assets: Your home is a massive investment that needs optimal protection. With home insurance, you not only protect the main structure but the sheds, garage, decks, and much more. If a disaster strikes, rest assured your coverage will protect you.
  • It protects your personal belongings: Things like appliances, furniture, and clothing don’t come cheap either. You want to ensure your policy covers these personal belongings in case of anything.
  • It covers temporary living expenses: Your home may become uninhabitable due to a disaster. As such, your policy can put you in a temporary place to live as repairs are ongoing.
  • For peace of mind: Home insurance is one of the things that give you a satisfying feeling of carrying on with your life with absolute peace of mind. If a disaster strikes, you can rest assured your insurance policy will step in.

Home insurance in Napa, CA

We can’t exhaust the benefits of having home insurance in place. If you are looking for home insurance in Napa, CA and its surrounding communities, look no further than Wine Valley Insurance Services. Contact us today for an affordable quote.

8 Questions you need to ask before buying auto insurance in Napa, CA

If you are shopping for an auto insurance policy in Napa, CA, you need to know the right questions to ask to get a good deal and proper coverage for your car. Most insurance agents are unwilling to give you in-depth information about the coverage options and only provide you with the basics. It is up to you to ask a lot of questions to know the plans available for you. 

Wine Valley Insurance Services in Napa, CA have customer-centric agents ready to respond truthfully to all your questions and provide you with a suitable auto insurance policy. Here are eight questions you should discuss with our insurance agents before signing your policy forms.

8 Questions you need to ask before buying auto insurance in Napa, CA

What types of coverage options are available for my vehicle?

In Napa CA, vehicles are required to have liability insurance which covers the cost of injuries in case of an accident or death plus the damage caused to the car. It also covers third-party property damage and legal fees.

Who is covered by the policy to drive my car?

This is an essential question that is often overlooked. Seek clarity on who is covered by the policy, especially if you will not use the vehicle.

What will my car premiums be?

It is essential that you only agree to premiums that you can afford to pay to avoid instances where your vehicle insurance claims are not repaired due to unpaid premiums.

Does the insurance company offer discounts?

If you qualify for a discount that the insurance company offers, go for it!

What are my premium payment options?

Enquire from the agents from Wine Valley Insurance Services in Napa CA, about all possible payment options, including whether you can pay the entire annual bill at once.

How will you determine the value of my car?

The value of your car heavily impacts your premiums. Ensure your vehicle is not undervalued or overvalued since this will negatively impact in case of an accident.

Do you have a 24-hour claim service?

Having a 24-hour claim service assures you that you will get the required services in an accident.

Will I receive the original manufacturer’s parts if my vehicle has an accident?

Not all insurance companies will have your vehicle’s damaged parts replaced with the original manufacturer’s parts.

Do you have more questions? Please speak to our Wine Valley Insurance Services agents in Napa, CA or visit our website and chat with us.

What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover for Your Business Needs?

Umbrella insurance is designed to help protect you when your liability coverage runs out for your company. But what exactly does it cover? At Wine Valley Insurance Services, let us show you how umbrella policies protect Napa, CA businesses like yours from serious liability issues.

What is Covered With your Policy 

Typically, umbrella insurance covers a broad range of liability issues that may occur on your business property. These include things like bodily injury expenses that go beyond your traditional coverage, harm caused by any animals on your property, and accidents by your delivery drivers. 

Importantly, these policies can protect against data loss, hacking, product failure, and other types of lawsuit situations. However, there are a few situations in which your policy may not cover you. Let’s break down a few of these possible scenarios to enhance your understanding.

What is Not Covered 

While your umbrella insurance will cover a vast majority of liability situations, a handful may not. These typically center around deliberate actions that you’ve taken that may counteract your claims. Even your traditional liability insurance won’t cover:

  • Personal injuries you may suffer on your business site 
  • Criminal action done deliberately by you or other workers 
  • Any assumed liability created via your contract 

This last element can be of benefit to you. For example, if your customers create a contract with you in which they assume liability, you may not need insurance protection at all. That said, some people may attempt to take you to court anyway, causing frustration and legal annoyance.

Take Control of Your Business Needs 

As you can see, there are many unique situations in which you might need high-quality umbrella insurance. We at Wine Valley Insurance Services can hook Napa, CA businesses with the most appropriate options for their needs. So please work with us to get the help you need to stay safe.

What is Umbrella Insurance, and What Does it Cover?

An umbrella doesn’t protect you from rain only. Umbrella insurance from Wine Valley Insurance Services in Napa, CA, gives you extra liability protection when facing significant claims. You may have a boat, home, or car insurance, but these coverages may fall short when significant lawsuits come calling.

What is umbrella insurance?

Like we mentioned, umbrella insurance kicks in when your conventional liability coverages are depleted. For instance, if you are involved in an auto accident, your car insurance first kicks in, and then umbrella insurance takes over when the car insurance coverage limit is exhausted.

It’s worth noting that umbrella insurance doesn’t exist on its own. It rides on prevailing coverages like auto, home and boat insurance. Besides, umbrella insurance is liability coverage, meaning that it doesn’t cover you or your property.

What does umbrella insurance cover?

Umbrella insurance covers you when other people accuse you of causing bodily injury and property damage. Besides, umbrella insurance covers you when you are accused of the below:

  • Slander
  • Malicious prosecution
  • Libel
  • False arrest
  • Wrongful eviction

Besides, umbrella insurance covers legal costs, including lawyers fees and settlement claims. If you are a landlord, you also need umbrella insurance to protect you from tenants’ actions.

Why do I need umbrella insurance?

Every day we participate in activities that put us at the risk of being sued. For instance, if you drive, go boating, or skiing, you can be sued for causing bodily injury or property damage to others. Given the ubiquitous nature of lawsuits, you need to safeguard your assets with umbrella insurance.

Buy umbrella insurance today!

Would you like to boost your boat, home, or auto insurance policy in Napa, CA? Please get in touch with Wine Valley Insurance Services for an affordable umbrella insurance policy.

Do I Need Home Insurance in Napa, CA?

Napa, CA — the home of wineries, stunning sights and views, and some of the most gorgeous homes in the state of California. If you’re a homeowner in Napa, you know how fortunate you are to live and play in California! At Wine Valley Insurance Services, we’re here to help you select the best home insurance for your home in wine country. 

In California, most mortgage lenders require homeowners to maintain a home insurance policy in order to get approved for a loan. While this is often the reason people invest in home insurance, it’s one of the best common-sense decisions you can make for your family’s peace of mind. 

What does home insurance provide me?

Homeowner’s insurance can protect you from a variety of unfortunate situations — from someone becoming injured on your property, your home being a victim of theft, a natural disaster destroying or damaging your home, or a fire destroying your personal belongings. These are just a few of the scenarios that home insurance can protect your home from. 

Your dream home in Napa, CA is probably something you worked hard for, pinching pennies and making sacrifices to be able to afford it. Don’t throw it all away by not bothering with home insurance because you don’t think you’ll ever need it. 

As one of the most valuable investments you’ll ever make, your home deserves to be insured and protected as such. Although you can’t predict what could potentially happen to your home, California has unpredictable weather patterns and it’s important to plan for anything to happen. 

If you’re interested in evaluating your current policy or want to build a new policy with updated coverage, contact Wine Valley Insurance Services. We’re here to help! 

Who Needs Renters Insurance in Napa, CA?

Who likes to spend money unnecessarily? No one. So, given this reality, it’s natural for someone to ask: do I really need renters insurance? Is it worth it? The fact is that you don’t need it unless something terrible happens! And like you know, bad things are part of life, and that’s why we need insurance anyway.

Have you rented a home or an apartment in Napa, CA? Do you doubt whether you need renters insurance? Here is who needs renters insurance, according to Wine Valley Insurance Services.

If your landlord requires it

While renters insurance isn’t a mandatory requirement in California, some landlords may require it. Why? Renters insurance cushions your landlord against liabilities that may arise from the tenant’s actions. For instance, one tenant causing bodily injury to another. 

If you own a dog

It might surprise you that even the most well-natured dogs can become aggressive at times. Unfortunately, dog bites can be expensive. According to Insurance Information Institute, it costs about $45,000 to settle an average dog bite claim! Thankfully, if you have renters insurance, it can take up much of this liability. 

However, keep in mind that renter’s insurance excludes certain breeds of pets.

If you have numerous personal properties

Don’t get me wrong — you still need renters insurance if you own modest properties. After all, it cost you money to accumulate the assets you have. However, if you feel like loss or damage to your properties would take up much of your savings to replace, that’s a good motivator for you to invest in renter’s insurance.

If you value peace of mind

When you have invested in a renter’s insurance policy, you don’t have to spend sleepless nights worrying about damage or loss of your property. Similarly, you can sleep soundly even when a covered peril destroys your rented dwelling. In all these cases, renters insurance got you covered.

Are you looking for renter’s insurance coverage in Napa, CA? Your search has ended. Would you please partner with Wine Valley Insurance Services for all your renter’s insurance needs?

5 Common Types of Auto Insurance

If you are on the market for auto insurance, you must understand the different policies. Auto insurance helps protect you and your passengers in case you get into an accident. Auto insurance is a legal state requirement, and it’s important to get the right one to save you from financial devastation from damages, injuries, and medical expenses. Wine Valley Insurance Services, Inc. provides auto insurance services to residents of Napa, CA.

Types of Car Insurance

Personal Injury Protection

This insurance may cover some medical expenses and income loss following a covered accident. Personal injury protection policies have limits, depending on which it covers a large percentage of expenses stemming from a covered accident to up to 80%.

Liability Insurance

Liability coverage is a legal requirement in most states, and drivers must buy at least the least amount of liability coverage as per the law. Liability coverage provides property damage and bodily injury liability in case of an accident.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage comes in when accidents involve a vehicle collision with another vehicle or with things like fences. This coverage helps cater for repair costs and replacements to the car’s actual cash value minus deductibles.

Comprehensive Insurance

This coverage is helpful for when your car is damaged in a covered peril such as vandalism, theft, hail, or fires. Comprehensive insurance helps with repair costs and the replacement of cars where needed. It pays for car damages due to vandalism, accidents with animals, and certain weather events.

Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage

Accidents are unexpected, and you could get hit by a driver with no insurance or one who’s underinsured. In such cases, your auto insurance helps cater for medical expenses and car repairs in some states.

No matter how careful a driver you are, accidents happen, and when they do, they cause a lot of financial and emotional stress. Having the right auto insurance helps protect drivers on the road. If you are shopping for a car insurance policy in Napa, CA, contact Wine Valley Insurance Services.

Do You Need Umbrella Insurance in Napa, CA?

Insurance is your protection for your financial security. Auto insurance covers automobile accidents. Flood insurance covers your home for flood damage should you experience a flood. Wine Valley Insurance Services, serving Napa, CA, and the surrounding areas can point you to the right umbrella insurance based on your situation.

What is umbrella insurance? 

As its name implies, umbrella insurance is there when you have unexpected "rainy days." Some examples of that rainy day are:

  • Negligence cases against you in your business or home
  • Gaps in your current auto or other types of insurance
  • Fire insurance that may not cover all of your possessions in your home
  • Extra coverage for business insurance 
  • Auto accidents where injuries or damage to others is more than the limits of your auto insurance policy

How Much Does it Cover?

Policies always vary in the amount they cover, so make sure you read the fine print. But most umbrella policies tend to cover around $1 million initially for one case and up to $2 million total coverage. This is an amount that most insurers believe would cover the average negligence or liability case where the insurance you have in place will not cover the totals. 

Why Have it?

Umbrella insurance is the last type of insurance people usually think about. But it is needed if you have a risk to your business, property, or physical assets that cannot be replaced with the normal limits of insurance. Say someone falls on your property coming out of your business and you had no warning sign up that there was a slick place on the sidewalk. This might be considered negligence if it meets the legal standards of negligence.

Umbrellas insurance can kick in where your other business insurance leaves off, saving you thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlements and court costs. 

More Information 

If you are confused about whether to get umbrella insurance, turn to the professionals at Wine Valley Insurance Services in Napa, CA. They can show you how it could help you get added peace of mind to protect your property and assets while being secure in the fact that they are there when your other insurance is just not enough. 

Protecting Your Home From Pet Damage With Home Insurance

If you have bought a home insurance policy for your house in Napa, CA, it is fundamental to know the liabilities it covers. Your home may get damaged under various circumstances — the home insurance policy covers you, but it may not include the destruction of property by your pets. Wine Valley Insurance Services is the best option for pet damage insurance. Here are some guidelines to help you understand the best approach. 

Is It Necessary to Buy Pet Insurance?

If you keep pets under your roof, the damage that they can cause is unpredictable. That said, purchasing pet insurance is a wise idea. The policy covers injuries sustained from a pet attack or any accident. If your pet damages your property, the insurance compensates you as long as it’s up-to-date. 

Basics About Pet Damage Home Insurance

Some situations are accidental and may cause significant damage to your equipment. Without insurance cover, replacing or fixing damaged valuables can be an expensive process. Fortunately, your pet damage insurance comes in when such unfortunate events happen, compensating you for the losses you may incur.

Is My Standard Insurance Helpful When My Pet Causes Destruction?

Since your standard home policy does not protect you from property destruction caused by your pet, it makes sense to pay extra for such benefits. The primary coverage will likely cover some valuables, which may include electronics appliances. Inquire with your insurer to know what the policy covers and what it cannot compensate.

Your pet’s conduct may not be predictable, and that complicates the insurance process. Some pets have special training, while others have none. That way, the insurer may lack appropriate parameters to assess the level of damage they may cause in your home. All in all, you can buy a policy designed to compensate for any property destruction that your pets may cause in the neighborhood. Accidental damage pet cover pays any repair cost to the damaged valuables.

Visit our website today to reach Wine Valley Insurance Services and get all the answers concerning your pet insurance cover in Napa, CA.