Reviewing your home insurance is important to ensure you’re getting all the coverage you need to protect your home and belongings. If you’re located in the San Jose, CA area, Bayshield Insurance can help you with a review of your current coverage. Then, you can make any needed updates to provide additional protection and peace of mind. There’s no reason to worry about your home’s policy when you have professionals who can help you improve it.

Contacting our agents is the first step toward getting a great review of your home’s level of security and protection. At least once per year, it’s a great idea to let an agent take a look and give you advice. You might need more coverage than you currently have, or maybe it’s time to add on a particular kind of coverage you don’t have right now. That’s especially true if you’ve made significant home improvements or any big changes to the property.

A yearly review is a great way to catch needed updates. However, if you’ve recently renovated or otherwise changed your home, having a review at that time is also a good choice. You don’t have to wait for a specific period or until a certain date to adjust your coverage. Even if you’re unsure if any policy updates are needed, asking an agent can give you important answers.

If you’re in or near San Jose, CA, contact us today at Bayshield Insurance. We’re here to help you get a home insurance review, update your policy, or find a new one that fits your needs. Working with an agent is the right choice to help you get all the knowledge you’re looking for. Then, you can have an insurance policy you’re confident about.

Your home is a major investment, which is why it’s smart to ensure that your homeowners’ insurance policy always stays current, even once you pay off your mortgage. Homeowners insurance provides coverage in many different instances, including theft, fires, and more. What happens if your insurance policy lapses and then a burglary occurs? Bayshield Insurance is here to assist. Here is an overview of what to expect if such an incident happens to you in San Jose, CA.

You Will Be Required to Pay Out of Pocket

If your home is burglarized during an insurance lapse, then the situation will be treated as if you never had insurance. Most insurance companies will not approve a claim on a policy that has lapsed, even at Bayshield Insurance. Therefore, you will be required to pay for any losses out of pocket. This could end up causing a financial crisis, depending on the costs, which is why you must ensure that your homeowners’ insurance policy is always current. 

You Might Pay Higher Rates in the Future

To make matters worse, after paying out of pocket for any losses from the burglary, you can also expect to pay higher rates for homeowners insurance in the future. This is because when your insurance lapses, your insurance company will report this, and all other insurance providers will have access to this information. You will be viewed as a risk, which is why your rates may increase. 

We Are Here To Help

We at Bayshield Insurance pride ourselves on providing top-quality homeowners insurance coverage. If you need a new provider, we cover the San Jose, CA area, in addition to other areas, so give us a call. One of our insurance agents will be happy to assist you by answering any questions you may have and providing you with a quote if needed. 

Making your San Jose, CA area home more energy efficient doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With some simple changes, you can make your home more efficient and save money in the process. Here are some tips from us at Bayshield Insurance to help get you started.

Tips to make your house more energy efficient

1. Change Your Light Bulbs

 Incandescent bulbs use more energy than their LED or CFL counterparts, so switching out old bulbs for new, energy-efficient ones can save you money in the long run. 

2. Adjust Your Thermostat

You can also save on your energy bill by setting your thermostat at a lower temperature when you’re away from home. Even small adjustments can make a big difference over time.

3. Install Solar Panels

Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular way to reduce energy costs, and they don’t take up much space either! If you’re interested in investing in solar energy, it may be worth talking to a professional about how it could benefit your home and budget. 

4. Unplug Electronics

This is an often overlooked tip but unplugging electronics when not in use saves electricity and adds up over time! 

5. Insulate Your Home

Make sure that any areas that are prone to drafts are properly insulated to keep warm air from leaking out of your house in the wintertime and cool air from escaping during the summer months. 

We Are Here To Help

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of energy used by your home and start saving money right away! For more tips, give us at Bayshield Insurance a call today. We are proud to serve the San Jose, CA area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and your budget. 

At Bayshield Insurance in San Jose, CA, we’re here to help you make exciting changes in the place where you and your family live by making sure you have the right coverage for your needs.

When Your Home Becomes a Construction Site Due to Renovations

When you’re renovating all or part of your home, from an insurance point of view, there are many things that change. The activities aren’t just your usual family fun and relaxation, and you may have equipment and materials on site that have significant value.

These are just a couple of the many considerations that may require specialized coverage obtained by you or your contractor in order to be fully protected during the renovation timeframe.

Specific Concerns to Talk with Us About Before Your Renovation

If your renovations are being performed by a third party, some of these concerns may be their responsibility. It’s important to be sure, and we can help you make a checklist. In particular, make sure you check their insurance certificates as appropriate. You’ll likely want to have specific insurance that covers materials that might get damaged or stolen before installation.

If you’ve moved out during renovation, coverage for your vacant home is important and often overlooked. If you are acting as your own general contractor, there may be liability coverage concerns as well. Let’s talk about your project, and make sure you’re covered properly until it’s finished and habitable!

Reach Out To Us

Renovations can create significant disruptions in your family’s life on the way to a more enjoyable home. At Bayshield Insurance in San Jose, CA, we’re glad to help you make sure that you’re covered during this time of change, so you’ll confidently move ahead toward the day of celebration! Give us a call today.

Home safety is a major concern no matter who you are and where you live. Making your home soft means protecting it from dangers both outside and inside the home. At Bayshield Insurance in San Jose, CA we make your home a safer place by making sure you have the home insurance you need to protect your assets and your physical home. 

Home Safety Tips

Install a home security system

These days, installing a home security system is a DIY project that just about any homeowner can manage on their own. The prices are affordable and there is a wide selection of types and options. You can be monitored 24/7 or connected easily to the local authorities. You can control your system with your phone and check on your home no matter where you are. It’s all good. 

Use door and window locks

It is surprising how many people don’t lock their doors and windows. They are your first line of defense against outside intruders. They have a lock on them for a reason, and it is vital for your safety that you use them every single day. 

Have motion detector lights

Motion detector lights will turn on when something crosses the line of the light. You can focus the lights so that anyone entering your property will be greeted by bright lights, which is a good safety feature as well as a security option. 

Safety tips inside the home

• Check fire detectors regularly
• Keep stairs and hallways clear
• Place medicine out of reach of children
• Store poison under lock and key
• Be on the lookout for trip hazards
• Keep firearms in a locked safe out of the reach of children

Get Coverage For Your Home

Contact Bayshield Insurance in San Jose, CA when you have questions about home insurance or are ready to get a new home insurance policy. 

When you are the owner of a home, you need to be able to protect it with an insurance policy. If you don’t have home insurance, you will leave yourself open to financial ruin should a serious event happen to or in your home. It’s important to always keep a home insurance policy the entire time that you own your home. If you own a home and don’t have a home policy, give us a call now at Bayshield Insurance in San Jose, CA to get started.

Why Homeowners Need Home Insurance

It Protects Your Home

There are several different kinds of coverage that come in a standard home insurance policy, and one of the most important is coverage for the dwelling. This covers your home against a broad range of disasters, accidents, and other damaging incidents. When one of these covered events happens to your home, your home policy will pay for the necessary repairs to be performed on your home. This can save you many thousands of dollars in expensive repairs. 

It Covers Your Belongings

When you have home insurance, it doesn’t just protect your home. It also protects everything that is inside it. With home insurance, you have protection in case of a damaging event that destroys or damages what you own. When you add together the value of everything inside your home, it adds up to a significant amount. It’s important to keep it all protected with home insurance. Without this insurance, you could be left with nothing and have to start all over again by replacing everything yourself. With home insurance, the policy pays for replacing those items. 

Protect Yourself Financially

It’s important to have this insurance to keep yourself protected financially. If you own a home and don’t have home insurance, don’t wait. Call us at Bayshield Insurance in San Jose, CA.

If you own a home in San Jose, CA or the surrounding area, you can turn to Bayshield Insurance for all of your home insurance needs. We are proud to serve our community and look forward to working with you too. 

Insurance needs for older homes

When it comes to insuring older homes, there are a few factors to consider:

• Aged infrastructure – if your plumbing and electrical systems haven’t been updated, what would be a small problem in a newer home can become a huge undertaking in an older house. The same is true for roofs, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• Lack of materials – when you need a replacement part for one of the systems in your home, it can be difficult to find ones that will sync with what is already in your house. This means that you may have to replace parts that are still working in order to repair non-working functions.
• Historical homes – owning a piece of local history can be very exciting. However, if your home is registered or otherwise listed as a historical property, you may be required to carry specialized insurance depending on the area in which you live.

All in all, older homes carry a lot of charm and make for wonderful family homes. When it comes to selecting your homeowner’s policy, be sure to review your concerns with your insurance agent. You may or may not need specialized insurance, but it’s important to choose the policy that best meets your needs. 

Let us help you find the right protection for your home!

Bayshield Insurance is here to serve all of the insurance needs of the greater San Jose, CA area. We would welcome the opportunity to work with you. Give our office a call today!

Typically, homeowners insurance covers damage to both the interior and exterior of a residence. It also covers loss as a result of theft and personal liability in the event that a guest is injured on your property. It also covers damage to the personal belongings of your guest while on your property. Although homeowners’ insurance covers many things, there are things that aren’t covered under a homeowners’ policy.

What’s NOT Covered Under a Homeowners Policy?

Your homeowner’s policy will not cover damage that occurs from natural wear and tear and neglect. This includes rust, rot, and mold, as well as damage from termites, insects, and rodents. Damage as a result of smoke and smog from industrial and agricultural operations is also not covered. Homeowners should also note that they may need to purchase a separate policy to cover artwork, collectibles, and valuable jewelry. Identity theft isn’t covered under a homeowners insurance policy either. Homeowners should consider their unique situations and speak with one of our team members at Bayshield Insurance. Separate coverage may be needed if you have expensive jewelry or art, or you live in an area prone to flooding.  One of our team members can discuss what’s covered under a homeowners policy as well as what items might need to be considered for coverage under a separate policy.

Certain Natural Disasters

A homeowners insurance policy will not cover damage caused by tsunamis, nuclear disasters, earthquakes, and floods. Conversely, homeowners insurance will cover damage caused by explosions, lightning, hail, windstorms, hurricanes,  and cold weather. The coverage falls under three categories that include an actual cash value, replacement cost, as well as extended replacement cost. Our team at Bayshield Insurance is ready, willing, and able to answer all of your questions about homeowners insurance coverage for our San Jose, CA customers. Give us a call.

Purchasing a new home is a great time to review your security protocols and supplies. The following list includes important considerations for protecting your family in your new home.

Home Security and Monitoring

Current systems are more affordable and accessible to homeowners than ever before. Not only can you keep an eye on your home remotely, record video footage, and lock up while away from home, you may be eligible for a homeowner’s insurance discount for your diligence. 

Create a Home Inventory 

Make sure it is up to date and includes pictures, receipts if available, and serial numbers if relevant. Keep a copy somewhere outside of your home. Cell phones and home inventory apps make this process more accessible than ever. 

Have a Disaster Plan

California is no stranger to natural disasters. Learn the risks in San Jose, CA, and plan accordingly. A few basic things every disaster plan should include: 

• Your evacuation route.
• Your family communication plan.
• Shelter options for fire, flood, or earthquake.
• Accommodations for your family’s special needs (medical, dietary, cultural considerations, pets, kids, disability)

Have an Emergency Kit

Your kit should fit into one or two easily carried containers and include items like the following:

• Water – a gallon per person for several days for hydration and sanitation.
• Food – a three-day non-perishable supply with a can opener if necessary.
• A radio, hand-crank preferably.
• Well-stocked first aid kit.
• Dust masks/COVID masks.
• A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Maps in case your phone service goes down.
• Any specialty items your family needs, like prescriptions, formula, essential documents, and assistive devices.

Review your Homeowners Policy

A new home is an excellent time to assess your insurance needs and ensure you are adequately protected. Your local agent is the best tool you have to ensure you are getting the most for your premium dollars. Stop by or call Bayshield Insurance today to discuss your options. 

Protecting your home is one of the most important things you can do for your financial security. Homes are one of the largest investments most people make, and it provides a home and a way to increase your wealth. Having the right insurance, one that offers enough coverage to protect your assets, is vital. Your trusted independent insurance agent can make sure you are correctly insured. In San Jose, CA, Bayshield Insurance is committed to making sure our clients have the right insurance products for their needs and that we are there to answer any questions they have.

Owner neglect

When you own a home, it comes with a lot of work. It would be best if you made sure the exterior and interior are maintained, you do safety checks, and you make sure any pests that may damage your home are dealt with. Your insurance company has the expectation you will do all of these things. If you don’t, and you file a claim, you will be disappointed. 

Sewer backup

What could be more disgusting than a sewer backup? Not much! Imagine your insurance rejects your claim, and that is even more disgusting. This can be solved simply by adding a sewer backup rider to your policy. 

Flooding

Flooding is one of the most damaging natural disasters, and it happens all over the country. According to FEMA, even one inch of water in your home can cause more than $20,000 in damage. The bad news is, home insurance does not cover flooding. The good news is you can buy a flood insurance policy to protect both your home and your contents. 

Earth movement

This includes earthquakes, mudslides, and sinkholes, and none of them are covered. Again, you can buy a separate policy to cover this hazard. 

Contact Bayshield Insurance in San Jose, CA for all your home insurance needs.