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TWFG CALIFORNIA BLOG

The Best in Fremont!

6/14/2016

 
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Fremont Voted, We Won!

The Best of Fremont is a project of Fremont's very own Argus newspaper. Each year for the past 8 years the Argus has been gathering the votes of their readers to compile a list of those companies, merchants and shops that go above and beyond to satisfy their customers. We were honored to be chosen this year by the people of Fremont as the best Insurance Agency in Fremont.  Here at TWFG California we strive to treat each of our customers like family, because at
​TWFG Insurance Services ​Our Policy is Caring. 

THANK YOU FREMONT! 

Staged Auto Accidents

4/13/2016

 

Staged Auto Accidents:

How to spot them & How to avoid them

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What is a Staged Auto Accident?
A staged auto accident is when a person, or persons plan a car crash for insurance money. This often means involving an unsuspecting driver whose insurance company ends up paying out large sums.  According to the FBI, these kinds of accidents cost the insurance industry up to $20 billion per year. 
Some Common Staged Accidents:
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The Drive Down: You’re attempting to merge when another driver waves you  forward. Instead of letting you in, he slams into your car. The driver will deny ever motioning you. 

The Swoop and Squat: The first car “swoops” in while another “squats” in front of you. After the “accident,” passengers will file bogus injury claims with your insurance company.

The T-Bone: You’re crossing an intersection when a car coming from a side street accelerates and hits your car. When the police arrive, the driver and several planted “witnesses” claim that you ran a red light or stop sign.
Some Tips to Keep You Safe:
  • If you’re in an accident, call the police immediately. 
  • Report accident claims immediately. ​
  • Don’t settle on-site with cash. 
  • Be careful with your personal information—be mindful of identity theft. 
  • If you can, photograph the car and passengers and write down names, addresses and phone numbers. 
  • Use medical, car repair and legal professionals you know and trust. ​
  •  Drive defensively...don’t tailgate!
Did You Know?
Our office has a 24/7 "warm" line?  You can call our office number at any time to be forwarded to the after hours cell-phone. If someone doesn't answer right away, we will get back to you as soon as possible. 
When an Accident Happens, Document Everything!
The best way to protect yourself after an accident occurs is to take detailed notes.The more you have, the more equipped you are to fight a fraudulent claim. Your notes should include (when possible): the driver’s license number, the VIN, the car insurance information, the name, address and phone number of the driver and the number of passengers (and their general height and weight). Additionally, be sure to take pictures of the involved vehicles from every angle that you can.

If you're in an accident, remember that we are here for you.
​510-573-4745

Meet the Team: Get to know TJ Brown

3/4/2016

 
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What got you interested in the Insurance Business?
I was deciding on a career to pursue when my now brother-in-law Taylor told me about how great the insurance industry is. I inquired about a career in insurance right when Flack-Bartlett Insurance Agency happened to be hiring. Before I became a licensed insurance agent, I did not fully understand the importance of being properly insured, but now I have the opportunity to help others protect their assets by understanding the importance of insurance.

What is your role in the office?
I am a currently a customer service representative training to specialize in commercial lines insurance. I handle all of the commercial certificate of insurance requests and also all of the evidence of insurance requests from lenders.

What's your favorite part about being at TWFG in Fremont?
My favorite part of being at TWFG is the support and challenge I receive from my coworkers. Each day they challenge me to learn something new and to do my absolute best, yet they are understanding and supportive whenever I have questions or do not yet know how to do something.

What is something that you want your customers to know about you?
I enjoy being able to take the time to get to know each customer as an individual and the circumstances surrounding their unique insurance needs.

What are your Hobbies?
I love hiking, camping, fishing and many other outdoor activities where I can spend time with my wife.

Email TJ

Uber, Lyft, and Your Personal Auto Insurance

2/19/2016

 

Mercury Insurance:
​Covering Insurance Gaps for Uber, Lyft and other TNC Drivers

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Driving without adequate coverage

It's almost 2am and you're driving around downtown waiting for the bar hopping crowd to turn to their smartphones to hail a ride home. The car in front of you stops suddenly and you are unable to stop in time, resulting in a fender bender with damage to both of your bumpers. The ridesharing company's insurance won't cover the damage to your car, and neither will your insurance. You're left paying for that new bumper out of pocket. 
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How does this happen?
​
Most personal lines auto policies stop covering you as soon as you turn on your ride-sharing app.
Additionally, many Transportation Network Companies (TNC) only cover you after you have accepted a fare, or they only have limited coverage for the time when your app is on before you’ve accepted a fare.
This leaves many drivers at risk for accidents or fender benders that might happen before they pick up a fare with no personal insurance or company insurance to cover them. 

Getting you covered

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To make up for the gaps in coverage
Mercury Insurance has developed a new coverage for ride-share drivers called their Ride-Hailing coverage.
This coverage will help to close any coverage gaps for "Period 1" driving when your app is on, but you haven't gotten any ride requests yet.

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Mercury's Ride-Hailing Coverage

This coverage extends drivers’ personal auto policies, allowing drivers to obtain coverage not provided by their ride-hailing companies. 

For example:
  • Excess Liability
  • Comprehensive and Collision
  • Uninsured Motorist*
  • Medical Payments
To add ride-hailing coverage onto your policy, call or email us today!

Drone Safety

1/19/2016

 

Your Home, Your Privacy, Your Insurance and Drones.
What you should know

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Drone Safety

Drones, also referred to as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), are usually thought of as toys or hobbyist aircraft. However, they can also constitute a substantial risk to your family, home and privacy.
Even though most drones only weigh a few pounds, a crash can still cause significant damage to a person or property. Additionally, many drones are equipped with cameras and other technology that can violate your family’s privacy. Whether or not you own a drone, it’s important that you’re aware of regulations and safety tips regarding their use. 

Federal Regulations 

Tips for Safe Drone Use
Even drones that are used only for recreation are legally considered aircraft, and must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Here are the basic guidelines for registering recreational drones:
  • Drones that weigh between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds must be registered online.
  • Once registered, the drone’s operator will receive a registration number that must be placed on all applicable drones.
  • The registration is valid for three years. Failing to register a drone may result in regulatory and criminal penalties.
Since the FAA legally considers drones the equivalent of manned aircraft, any attempt to damage or destroy one can result in federal penalties. These include up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. Even incidental damage could expose you and your family to federal penalties and expenses for any resulting damage.

If you’re concerned with a drone that’s operating in your area, call your local police department. 
You could be financially responsible for any damage a drone causes to a person or property. Here are some basic tips to safely operate a drone:
  •  Check your local laws and ordinances to ensure that drones can be operated in your area.
  • Make sure that the drone’s operator is comfortable with the controls, and that he or she is aware of all safety guidelines.
  • Don’t fly the drone above 400 feet, and always remain below any surrounding obstacles.
  • Keep the drone in sight at all times, and have an observer assist the operator if needed.
  • Remain clear of all manned aircraft. The FAA requires all drones to stay at least 5 miles away from airports.
  • Don’t operate the drone when it’s windy, or in other inclement weather.
  • Don’t operate the drone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
  • Keep the drone away from all pedestrians, roads and open-air stadiums. ​

Drones & Privacy

Researchers have shown that drones equipped with smartphones can access data from an insecure computer network and other electronic devices. Since drones can access areas that a normal person couldn’t, such as a second story window or a fenced-in backyard, they could potentially access your family’s private information and violate your privacy. ​
Though most homeowners policies cover damage caused by aircraft, others may exclude this coverage option. Contact us to check your home’s coverage, and for more drone safety information. 
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