Many residential homeowners insurance policies cover what is known as ALE, or additional living expenses. This permits homeowners to maintain their normal standard of living by covering the increased living expenses incurred as a result of damage caused by the fire or a mandatory evacuation. ALE coverage typically includes extra food costs, increased housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage costs, telephone installation and extra transportation costs to and from school or work, after the deductible is reached.
A free home inventory guide is available on the Department of Insurance website at www.insurance.ca.gov, or by calling the CDI Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP.
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Homeowners insurance is a package policy consisting of different types of coverage for the house, its contents, additional living expenses, personal liability claims against the policyholder and other members of the household, and medical payments to others. The policyholder pays a single premium amount for the combination of these coverages.
When you purchase insurance, it is important to remember to shop for insurance in the same way that you shop for any other consumer product. Make sure to compare prices, features, and reputation. Also, don't ask for "the best coverage." Someone may give you what they think you need, rather than what you actually need. It is always wise to compare coverages on your own to determine the best product for you.
List of Department of Insurances by State
Find resources by each state, see tips and resources by each state and learn more about your rights, how to find the right insurance company and how to research licenses and file a complaint.
NAIC National Association of Insurance Commisions
Another resource NAIC assists state insurance regulators, individually and collectively, in serving the public interest and achieving the following fundamental insurance regulatory goals in a responsive, efficient and cost effective manner.
InsureKidsNow.GOV
The federal government and the states together offer health insurance coverage for children through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Check this resource for programs that serve families who are not able to afford health insurance coverage in the private market or do not have coverage available to them. Every state’s program is unique and has individual income eligibility rules and benefits covered, but in general, children in families with incomes up to $44,500 per year (for a family of four) are likely to be eligible for coverage
FLU.GOV
This resource will inform you with everything you need to know about the FLU and how to protect yourself. Also you can find out where you can get Flu vaccination.l
US Dept. of Health and Human Services
This resource the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
JD Power Automobile Insurance Ratings
A resource to global marketing firm that conducts independent and unbiased surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality and buyer behavior.
California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program
California Law requires that all drivers be insured. However, too many low-income drivers remain uninsured because the costs of standard insurance premiums are beyond their financial reach. Check this resource for a program that provides affordable liability only auto insurance that meets the state's financial responsibility laws.
California Insurance Code
This resource provides you with information regarding California laws about insurance
Mirabilia.net
Another resource dedicated to consumer information, personal finance. insurance, credit and income taxes. Filled with articles and links to credit bureaus, insurance companies, government sources.
1. Take your time and shop around it will pay off, you can probably find the best for yourself. Ask your friends, contact your state insurance department. National Association of Insurance Commissioners provides information to help you select an insurer in your state. Check the financial stability of the insurance companies with rating companies such as A.M. Best or Standard & Poor’s.
2. Raise Your Deductibles. Most consumers select a deductible of at least $500 in order to save money. If you can afford to raise your deductible to $1,000, you may save as much as 25 percent.
3. Don’t include the price of land in your estimate, remember in case of disaster you are not going to rebuild the land just the house.
4. Use the same company for your homeowners insurance as well as your car and you could save money.
5. Take steps to improve your home security, you can install burglar alarms, fire detectors. Check to see what discounts would be available to you if you Improve your home security.
7. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly
9. Stay with the same insurer If you've kept your coverage with a company for several years.
10. Review the limits in your policy. and the value of your possessions at least once a year You don't want to spend money for coverage you don't need.
