Will my auto insurance cover the damage from the tree that fell on my car?

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Fortunately, auto insurance covers many situations and circumstances ranging from personal injuries and damage to other people’s property, as well as damage to your own property. Although most states require drivers to carry auto liability insurance, there are other forms of auto insurance that cover a wide range of other circumstances and situations.

Our Bay Area, CA team at Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. is committed to helping California drivers get the insurance coverage they need.

Will my auto insurance cover the damage from the tree that fell on my car?

As a California driver, you are required by law to carry the state minimum auto liability insurance coverage. However, this coverage only covers damage or personal injuries you may cause to others. It doesn’t cover any damage to your vehicle, your injuries, or any non-moving incidents that may cause damage to your vehicle.

However, there are other forms of auto insurance that cover all of these situations. Any damage your vehicle may receive as a result of poor weather conditions, falling branches or limbs, or any number of non-moving situations or accidents is covered by comprehensive auto insurance. This is the only kind of auto insurance that will cover any incident that involves damage as a result of a natural disaster, vandalism, or theft.

Other Forms of Coverage

Comprehensive insurance coverage provides protection from accidents and damage caused by non-moving accidents and circumstances, meaning incidents that happen while your vehicle isn’t being driven. Collision coverage covers the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged in a car accident. 

Looking for Insurance in Bay Area, CA?

If you have more questions regarding auto insurance and what’s covered, call us at Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. We’d be happy to help you explore your options and answer all of your questions. 

The Top 4 Risks Your Business Needs Commercial Insurance Coverage For

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Our team at Wai Cheng Insurance Inc understands that running a business in the Bay Area, CA is hard enough – the last thing you need to worry about are potential risks. That’s why commercial insurance coverage is essential for protecting your business from unexpected and costly damages, losses, or lawsuits. 

Let’s take a look at the top four risks your business needs commercial insurance coverage for: 

Risk #1: Property Damage and Losses 

From natural disasters like wildfires and floods to theft or vandalism, property damage can be devastating for any business. A comprehensive commercial policy will cover physical assets such as buildings, furniture, inventory, and equipment in the event of an accident or disaster. Without it, your company could be left to shoulder the entire cost of repairs or replacements. 

Risk #2: Liability Claims and Lawsuits 

Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere – and if someone is injured on your property, you will be liable for medical costs, damages, or other expenses. A commercial insurance policy provides the financial protection needed to cover these claims and lawsuits, so you won’t have to worry about a costly legal battle. 

Risk #3: Business Interruption and Loss of Income 

If an accident or disaster forces your business to close its doors temporarily, income will be put on hold while you rebuild. Thankfully, some commercial policies provide coverage for lost income during this downtime period, allowing companies to get back on their feet faster after difficult times.  

Risk #4: Cyber Attacks and Data Breaches 

Given the rise of cyber attacks, data breaches are becoming more and more common. This means that sensitive information like customer records, financial data, or employee information can be exposed to malicious actors who use it for their own purposes. A commercial policy with cybersecurity coverage will help protect your business by providing funds for recovery efforts in the event of a breach. 

We Can Help!

At Wai Cheng Insurance Inc, serving the Bay Area, CA, we understand how important it is to have protection against potential risks. Our experienced insurance agents will work with you to find a commercial policy that fits your business needs. With our help, you can rest easy knowing that your company is covered in case of any unexpected damages, losses, or lawsuits. Contact us today to get started! 

How Home Insurance Protects You

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Everyone who owns a home should have home insurance from the first day that they own the home. That policy should stay in effect until the day they sell their home. A homeowner should never be without these policies so that they are always well protected. To get a policy for your home, call us at Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. in Bay Area, CA. 

Why Home Insurance

Protection for Your Home

Your home is your most important asset, and you need to protect it with a home insurance policy. These policies offer protection against a number of risk types from accidents to specific disasters. When an event happens that damages your home, you could be out many thousands of dollars in repair costs. The policy will pay for those repairs so it won’t all be up to you to come up with the funds. 

Protection for Your Liability

Another type of home protection offered by this insurance is the liability coverage it includes. When someone from outside your household comes in and has an injury in your home, you would be liable for all of their costs. This may include the legal costs, lost wages, and any medical bills that stem from the accident. 

Protection for Your Possessions

When you have home insurance, it also protects all of the possessions that you have inside your home. A damaging incident like a natural disaster can ruin your possessions or completely destroy them. When this happens, the policy will be there to pay for you to get the items you need to replace what you lost. Your possessions add up to a lot of value, and they need protection just like your home does. 

Protect Yourself With Home Insurance

If you own a home and need insurance for it, call us at Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. in Bay Area, CA.

6 Times You Should Review Your Auto Insurance Coverage

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When you buy auto insurance at Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. serving Bay Area, CA, you should know that you also need to review your auto insurance coverage when certain life events occur.

These include:

1. When You Move to a New Location

Your residence determines in part how much your insurance premium is. It also needs to be documented in your policy. Whenever you move, notify your insurance representative so they can make any necessary adjustments, even if you only move across town.

2. When Your Commute Changes

If you get a new job and your commute changes, let your insurance rep know. The change in the distance you travel for work may mean that your premium also changes.

3. When You Divorce or Marry

Your relationship status factors into how much you pay in premiums. A quick call or email to your insurance representative is all it takes, but be sure to let them know.

4. When Your Child Turns 18

If you have a child who’s on your auto insurance policy and has turned 18, be sure to let your auto insurance rep know so they can make any adjustments necessary to your policy.

5. When You Buy a Home

If you buy a home, you’ll likely need home- and auto insurance. Bundling these two products—and possibly with life insurance as well—can save you money on your insurance. Contact your representative to discuss your options in this situation.

6. When Your Credit Score Improves Significantly

Your credit score is a factor that is considered when your premium is calculated. If you have a significant increase in your credit score, you may want to talk to your insurance rep for a possible adjustment.

Get The Right Coverage For Your Needs

Contact Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. serving Bay Area, CA whenever any of these events occur in your life. We will make sure you have the right auto insurance policy for your needs. 

When you buy a house do you need home insurance at closing?

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When you buy a home in the Bay Area, CA, you’ll need to purchase home insurance to cover it against loss. At Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. we understand that if you have never purchased a home before, you might not know that you’ll need to obtain your insurance policy before you close on your home.

When to purchase home insurance

That might sound strange, but you must purchase home insurance before you own the home. Most mortgage lenders require proof of purchase of home insurance at the closing. The term closing refers to a meeting at which you sign all of the paperwork and finalize the home’s purchase. Your bank or credit union requires certain paperwork at this meeting to show that you’re ready to take possession of the home.

A home insurance policy that meets the requirements of the mortgage lender tops the list of needs. Home insurance provides the bank with assurance that if something happens to the home to reduce its value, such as a fire or tornado causing damage, the bank won’t lose its investment. That’s called risk reduction.

When a lender provides you with a mortgage to purchase a home, until you pay the mortgage, the bank actually owns the home. Each payment you make on the mortgage earns you equity in the home. Once your equity equals 100 percent, you own the home.

When you buy a home policy to close on a home, the policy uses an insurance binder, a temporary agreement between the insurance company, in this case, Wai Cheng Insurance Inc., and you. The policy becomes permanent when you close on the Bay Area, CA house.

Preventing Slip and Falls at Your Business

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At Wai Cheng Insurance Inc., we serve Bay Area, CA companies with commercial insurance to fit their needs. We also take pride in helping businesses maintain lower rates by assisting them in managing risks. One of the significant risks businesses face is liability claims from slips and falls.

Here are some tips for preventing slips and falls at your business:

Addressing Known Issues is Key

It is important to note that businesses are more likely to be found liable for injuries sustained in a slip and fall if it can be shown they were aware of the cause of the slip and fall and failed to respond by addressing it promptly. This is why it is critical to fix a potential area of danger when it is noticed.

Have Appropriate Materials to Address Leaks

Make sure you have signage to identify areas that may become temporarily wet. These can include mini-sandwich boards, bright-colored pylons, and caution tape.

Highlight Level Changes

Use yellow paint to identify curbs and step edges. Stripes can help identify ramps. This makes these hazards easier to see for vision-impaired visitors.

Train Staff

Make sure your staff knows the significance of slips and falls, and knows how to address potential issues. They also should note if they also should note whether the fall occurred in a restricted area, if the person was running, or wearing inappropriate footwear.

As a business owner, it is your responsibility to provide a safe environment for visitors and customers. Preventing slips and falls is a good place to start.

Get Insurance Coverage To Protect Your Business

Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. offers Bay Area, CA businesses property and liability insurance to protect their investment. Business and commercial insurance can protect income, vehicles, real estate, inventory, and more. Contact us for your commercial insurance review and price quote today.

Don’t Be Left Out In The Rain Without Umbrella Insurance For Your Business.

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If you already have a commercial insurance policy you may assume that you are protected from anything that can come your way. However, commercial insurance is only for specific instances and while important, it is also more generic than some businesses need.  Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. serves the Bay Area, CA with quality insurance services. We can provide the exact umbrella policy for your unique needs. 

Why Should You Consider an Umbrella Policy for Your Business?

Umbrella insurance can provide specialty coverage for businesses that have unique assets or risks that are not covered under broader insurance policies. For example, a general use would be if your current policy covers X amount of loss, but you know your product is worth more than that. The umbrella could make up the number difference and reduce your risk if something goes wrong. 

Another example of umbrella insurance is to cover a specific risk that may not be covered in your current policy. If you work in a field that has high public interaction then a level of coverage for lawsuits is wise. If you run a finical business then an umbrella policy to insure the large amounts of money that moves with risk is a good idea. 

Contact Us Today

Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. serves the Bay Area, CA and the surrounding community with quality insurance services. If you worry that your current commercial policy does not cover all the aspects of your business or is not enough then give us a call, and we will be happy to answer any questions you have about umbrella insurance for your company. 

What Does Home Owner Insurance Cover?

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Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. in Bay Area, CA is happy to help the area residents with all their insurance needs. When you go to buy a home, you also need to get homeowner’s insurance. However, you may be overwhelmed by all of the choices that you may have. There are different prices because some cover more than others. 

That being said, a standard homeowner’s insurance will cover basically the same things.

These include: 

Repair and replacement. Most standard insurance policies will cover the cost to repair and replace your home (and everything in it) if there is damage. This may be due to fire, smoke, or even storm damage. Most also cover damage due to theft and vandalism. 

Outbuildings. Most policies will cover the repair or replacement of outbuildings that are on your property, such as garages and barns. If you have a swimming pool, swing set, or fence, that may also be covered. 

Alternative lodging. If your home is severely damaged, and you need to live elsewhere, your expenses may also be paid by your insurance company. 

Liability. Liability will protect you if someone gets injured on your property. It will pay for their medical expenses. If you are sued, it will help to cover your legal fees.

Though you may want to save some money, the truth is that you need to have homeowners insurance. It will cover the expense of fixing your home, as well as any outbuildings that you may have. It also covers liability, which will protect you in case someone is seriously injured at your home. 

Get Home Insurance Today

If you want to make sure that your home is protected in the Bay Area, CA, don’t hesitate to contact us today at Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. 

How to Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit

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Any time is a great time to start thinking about emergency preparedness. For those who live in disaster-prone areas like Bay Area, CA, it is essential to have an emergency kit on hand. 

Here are some tips from Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. on what to include in your emergency preparedness kit.

Why You Need an Emergency Supplies Kit

Regardless of your location or climate, you can be affected by natural disasters. Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods are all possible threats in any part of the world.

In an emergency, it is essential to have a kit of supplies that will last you and your family for at least 72 hours. Preparing a kit of supplies in advance will help you weather any emergency.

What to Include in Your Emergency Supplies Kit

When assembling your emergency supplies kit, make sure to include the following:

  • A three-day supply of non-perishable food and water

  • A first-aid kit

  • A flashlight

  • A battery-operated radio

  • Extra batteries

  • A map of the area

  • A whistle

  • A dust mask

  • Moist towelettes

  • Garbage bags

  • A can opener

  • A wrench or pliers

  • An emergency flare

  • A multi-purpose tool

  • A charged cell phone

How to Assemble and Maintain Your Emergency Supplies Kit

Your emergency kits can be assembled into new, clean backpacks, plastic bins, or other easy-to-move storage containers. Store the kits in a cool, dry place, preferably close to whichever room you will shelter in. Check your supplies at least once a year, swapping out expired items as needed.

When disaster strikes, the last thing you want to worry about is your home insurance coverage. Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. is a Bay Area, CA based insurance company that offers dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and liability coverage. Reach out to us today to learn more.

What is basic auto insurance and why it may not be the right choice?

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You may wonder if you can get away with having the least possible auto insurance. Basic insurance is what is mandated by the state of California. At Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. in Bay Area, CA, we have more than 20 years of experience, and we will work hard to make sure we find the best policy at the best price to meet your needs. 

Auto Insurance: What You Need To Know

Basic insurance in California is liability coverage, and you are required to carry 15/30/5. This means $15,000 for one person injured in an accident and $30,000 for all injuries. Additionally, you must have $5,000 for property damage. It doesn’t take much knowledge to realize this really is very basic. With the average price of a used vehicle at more than $30,000, you can see that $5,000 won’t go very far when it comes to replacing a vehicle. 

If you have a car loan or are leasing a vehicle, you will not be able to have basic insurance. The loan holder or leasing company will require you to have complete coverage, which includes collision, and comprehensive. If you count on your vehicle every day, you may want to protect your vehicle. 

If you have a vehicle that is old and has little value, then basic auto insurance is just fine for you, but if you have a vehicle that you would be hard-pressed to replace financially in the event it was totaled, then having more than basic coverage is a good idea. If you have a considerable amount of assets, a home, savings, etc., you may want to carry more than basic liability coverage to protect those assets from the results of an accident where there are significant injuries and damage. 

Give Us A Call

Contact Wai Cheng Insurance Inc. in Bay Area, CA to discuss whether or not basic auto insurance is the right choice for you. 

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