After a number of fast-moving Southern California fires threatened and destroyed homes earlier this month, a Santa Clarita insurance agent is reminding homeowners of the importance of knowing your coverage.
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For instance, many people don’t realize that there are three different kinds of coverage that would be vital in the case that their home burns down: the house itself, the house’s contents and what’s called “loss of use,” which covers things like hotel stays during rebuilding.
“The client, or the insured, they should really understand exactly what they are getting,” said Gregg Goodman of Farmers Insurance. “You have to make sure that you are adequately covered for all of that, and your insurance agent should be there to explain all those coverages to you.”
Related: Santa Clarita Insurance Agent Gregg Goodman Of Farmers Talks Coverage
The No. 1 priority coverage is for the replacement cost of the house itself, which is based on things like the square footage, the year it was built, how many stories it is, etc., according to Goodman.
“In the Santa Clarita Valley, we’re talking about $200 a square foot to $250 a square foot, depending on what type of house it is,” he said.
Next most important is coverage for personal property, or the contents of the house, which ranges from items like televisions and furniture to carpeting and appliances.
“Not every policy has that, so you should review with your agent to make sure you have that coverage,” Goodman cautioned.
The last type of coverage Goodman recommends making sure you have is loss of use, which covers a variety of things during rebuilding, often including hotel stays, and even food.
In the wake of the Southern California fires this month, and with the constant possibility of major earthquakes or other natural disasters, Goodman recommends making it a routine to check in with your insurance agent once or twice a year.
“You go to the dentist once or twice a year, you go to the doctor once or twice a year — why not go to your insurance agent once or twice a year to do the same exact (thing)?” he said. “It’s a one-hour check-up.”
Ed. Note: This article is a KHTS Community Spotlight based on a recent radio interview with Farmers Insurance Agent Gregg Goodman.Santa Clarita insurance agent Gregg Goodman has more than 20 years of experience as a Farmers Insurance agent. Goodman can help local residents identify the insurance coverage that best fits their needs, and strives to keep the process straightforward and personalized. Whether individuals are in need of auto insurance, home insurance, renters insurance, business insurance and more, Goodman’s goal as an insurance agent in Santa Clarita is to help his customers make smarter choices about their insurance options.
Gregg Goodman, Farmers Insurance
Gregg L. Goodman Insurance Agency, Inc.
25030 Avenue Stanford Ste 50
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 254-6739