Farmers Insurance Agent in Port Hueneme, CA

After the large fires in California the past few years, there are areas where some Insurance Companies are no longer going to insure homes. This becomes a problem if you purchase a home in one of these areas or if the company you currently insure with decides to non-renew the policies they have in these same areas. ​ This can create some anxiety but I want to tell you that you can still get coverage. Depending on your home’s location you might even have some options. So if you are facing non-renewal or the home you have fallen in love with and would like to buy sits in one of the high Fire Line areas, give me a call at (805)985-5488 and we can discuss your options.

In these crazy times most everyone is looking to save some money, and generally most of us are doing less driving. Since the State of California determined some years ago that auto insurance rates could not be based on your zip code, annual miles driven is one of the major factors in determining auto rates. ​If you think you are currently driving less these days give me a call, 805-985-5488, or send me an email, joliver@farmersagent.com, so we can look at the numbers. Maybe you will save some money!

This blog is about something that we don’t want to think about even though it is important to think about when planning for your family’s financial future. It is about Life Insurance. I lost my kid brother a few months ago. He was 57 years old. His life was running along great; perfect family; been a Ventura County Fireman for 20+ years; looking forward to retirement. A few years back during a routine physical he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Last month it got the best of him and it has been tough for his wife, kids, grandkids, and his extended family as we have all been close. It is difficult to see any bright spots in these circumstances but something I am thankful for is that my brother bought life insurance 20+ years ago. He thought ahead and made sure that in the event the unthinkable happened, those he loved and cared for did not have to scramble around to figure out what to do. The family home is still in the family. The bills still get paid. So please take some time to look at how you have prepared for your family in the event of your death. If you think you may have some holes in your plan or you have no plan at all, please give me a call, 805-985-5488 and we can help you figure out what works best for you and your circumstances. Of all the claims I get involved in, none give me greater satisfaction than giving the family who has lost someone they love, the life insurance proceeds to help them financially carry on with their lives. PWS 302288.2 08/19

This past year has opened the door for more people to work from their homes. And while there may be some benefits, ie, less miles driven on your car, less money on a professional wardrobe, this has created some potential GAPS in your insurance coverage. One is regarding your Homeowner’s or Renter’s insurance. In the event of a liability or property damage loss from your home office, you won’t necessarily have coverage. You need to have this activity endorsed onto your policy, and the good news is, in some cases it won’t cost you more than you are currently paying. If you have found yourself working from your home these days and have questions about your individual circumstances, give me a call at (805)985-5488 or shoot me an email at joliver@farmersagent.com ​ Jim

When it comes to having repairs done around the house these days, there can be both a shortage of materials as well as tradesmen that know how to make the repairs. With this circumstance, I have seen many cases where tradesmen with experience have taken on jobs referred to them by friends. This is fine, but often these become side jobs and the tradesman might not have a contractor’s license nor insurance to cover his work or helpers they employ. If you choose to take this route, you should be aware of two potential problems: 1. If the job is not done correctly, you might have little recourse against the tradesman to make things right. 2. If someone working on this job gets hurt, they might come after you for their medical bills or lost wages. To protect yourself, it is best to hire State licensed contractors. Once you agree on the scope of work and a price, you should request a Certificate of Insurance which will show they have coverage. Occasionally you might have someone come and clean your house or do some landscaping work and you don’t think to ask them about insurance. For these type of circumstances, you should have Personal Injury Endorsed onto your Homeowner’s policy. It is an inexpensive coverage but someday might save you from a big headache. ​ For more answers to your questions, call me at (805) 985-5488 or email me at joliver@farmersagent.com