Can You Switch Auto Insurance Carriers Without Losing Coverage?

Virtually everyone in Newport Beach, CA, is trying to save a few dollars these days, including on auto insurance. Yet, you may be reluctant to change policies when your premiums suddenly increase drastically. Shopping around can help you keep your premiums in check. If you do it correctly, you won’t experience a coverage lapse. Murvay Insurance can help you switch your policy and ensure you still have sufficient coverage.

How To Switch Carriers

Your current carrier should give you sufficient notice of premium increases or coverage changes, typically 60 days’. This gives you sufficient time to explore new options if you are not satisfied with what your current carrier has presented. During this time, compare rates and coverage from several companies to ensure you can find another policy that meets your needs. For most people, this process will be easy. However, if you have an open claim with your current carrier, you must continue working with them to ensure the claim is processed correctly, even after you switch policies.

Essential Considerations

Don’t cancel your old policy until you have a new one. Although your current policy may allow midterm switches, be aware that you may have to pay a cancellation fee. And if you have an open claim, be aware that your premium may change once the claim is closed and your new carrier reviews your claims history. Follow this advice closely, as a lapse in coverage could be detrimental to your future insurance coverage.

If you have considered changing your auto insurance coverage in Newport Beach, CA, don’t leave it to chance. Contact the agents at Murvay Insurance to get started on an auto insurance policy tailored to your needs.

Holiday Crowds and Liability: Protecting Newport Beach Businesses with Smart Commercial Insurance

Aah, the holidays! Just like the rest of the country, Newport Beach, CA transforms during the holidays. Streets explode with foot traffic, storefronts glitter late into the night, and the spirit of local business owners like you rides a seasonal high. But the truth is, beneath the sparkle hides a sharp uptick in liability exposure. Panicked holiday shoppers, packed aisles, overstretched staff, impromptu events; each adds a new layer of risk to your business.

For you, that means: more people facing more possibilities for slips, falls or even worse. Slips, trips, and unintended mishaps don’t take a holiday break. That’s why Murvay Insurance helps Newport Beach business owners double-check their commercial insurance before the season kicks into high gear.

When Crowds Surge, So Does Your Liability

Let’s break this down. Everybody loves the additional business the holidays bring, but increased foot traffic isn’t just a dream come true, it’s a liability minefield.

Reality is, trip hazards multiply. Wet floors, stacked displays, tangled cords. And it only takes one misstep for a customer to turn into the end of your business.

And that’s not even all. Seasonal hires create additional exposure. Short-term employees may not be fully trained, yet they’re representing your business during its busiest weeks. 

Still not all. Events, promotions, and pop-ups are all great for marketing. But they can quickly turn into nightmares if your coverage took a holiday break as well.

At Murvay Insurance we work with you to identify these seasonal spikes in risk and ensure your commercial insurance adapts before it’s too late.

What Smart Coverage Looks Like in December

Not all policies stretch are created the same. If you’re running extended hours, hosting events, or hiring temps, your baseline coverage will not cut it. From general liability to event-specific endorsements, flexibility matters.
We don’t believe in off-the-shelf policies. At Murvay Insurance, we help you find coverage that reflects your reality of the season: short-term chaos meets long-term consequences.

Don’t Let a Claim Break You

Your holiday success shouldn’t hinge on pure luck. The right commercial insurance strategy can help you welcome the crowds with confidence, not crossed fingers.

If you’re unsure whether your current policy can handle the holiday rush, reach out to Murvay Insurance today. Let’s make sure your season ends in celebration not litigation.
 

Repairing Your Driveway: Does Home Insurance Have Your Back?

Driveways provide a pathway for vehicles from the street to your home and serve as a convenient parking spot away from the road. When your driveway develops cracks or other damage, homeowner’s insurance may cover repair costs, minus your deductible. However, certain conditions can make this coverage uncertain. The team at Murvay Insurance explains the details.

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Driveway Damage in Newport Beach?

Coverage depends on the cause of the damage. Homeowner’s insurance typically covers driveway damage caused by perils listed in your policy. Common perils include falling objects, theft, vandalism, fire, lightning, hail, windstorms, power surges, pipe bursts, and the weight of ice, snow, or sleet. If the damage is caused by one of these perils, you may be eligible for compensation. However, it’s important to share specific details with Murvay Insurance and file a claim. The most likely causes of driveway damage include falling objects, vandalism, fire, hail, and heavy ice or snow. Damage caused by anything not listed in your policy will not be covered.

Will Any Insurance Cover Driveway Repairs in Newport Beach, CA?

Coverage depends on the type of damage and the insurance policies you have. Homeowner’s insurance may cover earthquake or sinkhole damage to driveways if you have riders for these events attached to your policy at the time of the claim. Some carriers offer separate earthquake or sinkhole insurance policies, which you must purchase to cover driveway repairs. Flood insurance will cover flood-related driveway damage. Additionally, a "difference in conditions" rider can cover landslide or mudslide damage if it is part of your policy. However, home insurance will not cover damage caused by poor maintenance, wear and tear, vehicles, or actions by someone living in the home.

Speak with one of our agents about your driveway. We’ll compare your situation with your carrier’s policy to determine if you qualify for coverage for driveway damage. Contact us for more information on home insurance.

How to decide if basic auto insurance is right for you

Basic auto insurance is the minimum coverage mandated by the state of California, and it’s the least amount of insurance you can carry to drive your vehicle legally. At Murvay Insurance in Newport Beach, CA, we are independent insurance agents who work for our customers. Our job is to personalize your auto insurance to meet your specific needs.

In California, basic insurance is liability-only and follows the 30/60/15 rule. This means you must have at least $30,000 in liability coverage for one person injured in an auto accident you’re responsible for, $60,000 for all persons injured in the accident, and $15,000 in property damage. This coverage protects other people from you but does not provide any protection for you or your vehicle.

What Type of Vehicle Do You Have?

Do you have a newer vehicle? Do you have a car loan, or are you leasing the vehicle? In these cases, you’ll likely need collision and comprehensive coverage. Leasing companies or loan providers typically require these types of coverage. You may also want to consider Gap coverage, which pays the difference between what you owe on the vehicle and what your insurance will pay in the event of a total loss.

Can You Afford to Replace Your Vehicle?

If your vehicle is damaged or destroyed in an accident and you’re held responsible, you’ll need to pay for repairs or replacement out of pocket if you don’t have collision insurance. For example, if a stone cracks or chips your windshield, or if a tree branch falls on your vehicle, you’ll be responsible for the repair costs. If this were a financial burden, having the right coverage is essential.

Contact our office at Murvay Insurance in Newport Beach, CA, to discuss your auto insurance needs. We’re here to help you find the coverage that works best for you.

Notifying Your Employees About Workers’ Compensation

As a business owner, you are responsible for purchasing commercial insurance to protect your business assets and employees. Many business owners have questions about their commercial insurance options. If your business is located near Newport Beach, CA, our team at Murvay Insurance would love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your insurance needs. We’ve been working with companies like yours since 2018.

Employers’ Posting Requirements for Workers’ Compensation

Your company must carry workers’ compensation insurance. This type of policy covers medical expenses and compensates employees for lost income due to workplace injuries. According to the California State Department of Industrial Relations, part of your corporate responsibility regarding workers’ compensation insurance is to post information that informs employees about the availability of this program. This information must be displayed in a location visible to all employees.

When you hire new employees, you are required to provide information about your workers’ compensation program during orientation. According to the California State Department of Industrial Relations, this information should be presented in the form of a pamphlet or handout. Failure to comply with these posting requirements is considered a misdemeanor and can result in a $7,000 fine.

Call Us Today for Your Appointment

Every business is unique, and your business has specific insurance needs. Our team at Murvay Insurance can present you with a wide variety of insurance options, ensuring you have the best possible choices for your policy. Companies in the Newport Beach, CA area have learned that our team offers excellent customer support and service. Call us today to schedule an appointment, and let’s work together to create the best insurance portfolio for your company’s needs.

Natural Disasters and Your Home Insurance: Are You Really Covered?

A strong home insurance policy is essential for protecting your home and belongings while ensuring you and your family have a safe and comfortable place to live. If you’re in the Newport Beach, CA area and need coverage or want to update or adjust your current policy, Murvay Insurance is here to help. Our trusted agents make it easy and convenient to get the quality coverage you need, including protection from natural disasters.

Insurance Might Not Cover What You Expect

Many homeowners assume their insurance policy covers everything that could happen to their home. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case, which can lead to devastating issues if a natural disaster strikes. For example, standard home insurance policies typically don’t cover flooding, and they may have limited provisions for wildfires, earthquakes, and other events. Working with one of our dedicated agents ensures you know exactly what your policy covers and where additional protection may be needed.

Additional Policies May Be Needed for Certain Events

Flood coverage requires a separate policy, and you’ll want to ensure that other severe disasters are covered through additional policies or riders (addendums) if they’re not included in your original homeowners coverage. These extra layers of protection not only safeguard your home from risks but also provide peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your home without worry.

We Can Help You Achieve Peace of Mind

If you’re in the Newport Beach, CA area and looking for home insurance, contact us at Murvay Insurance today. Our agents can provide you with multiple quotes, answer your questions, and help ensure you’re fully protected from natural disasters. With the right coverage, you can focus on spending time with loved ones and enjoying all the area has to offer, knowing your home is secure.

Does My Insurance Cover Stolen Items When My Car is Broken Into?

Imagine returning to your parked car in Newport Beach, CA, only to find a window smashed and several items missing from the back seat. Will your auto insurance cover the damage and theft? The policies that provide protection might surprise you. The agents at Murvay Insurance can explain how to ensure your car and its contents are fully covered.

Standard Auto Policies Don’t Cover Content Theft

You might assume that the comprehensive part of your policy will cover theft of items left inside your car, but this isn’t the case. Your auto insurance policy will cover vandalism to your car. Comprehensive coverage includes theft, but only the theft of the vehicle itself. So, how do you protect items inside your vehicle?

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance

Check your homeowner’s or renter’s policy that covers your personal items. These policies usually include a provision for items stolen from your personal vehicles. So, if you leave your laptop in your car and someone steals it, you can file a claim under one of these policies. Electronic device insurance may cover items like cell phones and computers.

Special Provisions in Auto Insurance

Some special items, such as an expensive stereo system or a bike rack, may be covered under an auto insurance policy if stolen. However, you should review your policy to see if you have such a provision. If you don’t, your carrier may offer custom parts and equipment coverage to protect vehicle upgrades. Some carriers may also allow you to add a provision to protect items you regularly keep in your car.

Protect your vehicles and their contents with various policies available through Murvay Insurance, serving Newport Beach, CA. Contact our office to get started on your policies.

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Earthquake Damage in California?

Newport Beach, CA, is renowned for its breathtaking coastline, luxurious beaches, and upscale lifestyle that residents adore. However, this luxury haven is also situated in a seismically active region prone to strong earthquakes, which can result in expensive property damage and prolonged business interruptions.

Discover if commercial insurance covers earthquake damage from the insurance experts at Murvay Insurance in the guide below.

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Earthquake Damage?

Most commercial insurance policies in Newport Beach are designed to keep businesses operational and cover extensive damages caused by wildfires, smoke, wind, hail, and workplace accidents. Some policies even include provisions for covering damages caused by natural disasters like hurricanes, dust storms, and hailstorms.

Your commercial insurance policy may or may not cover damage to property, supplies, inventory, and staff caused by earthquakes. Local business owners may need to invest in earthquake insurance to obtain comprehensive coverage for damages caused by severe quakes.

Contact a trusted local insurance provider to understand the coverage and limits of your current commercial insurance policy and whether your business is protected from earthquakes.

An experienced local insurance agent can help you review the limits and provisions of your current policies to understand where your coverage begins and ends.

Consult a Local Insurance Professional About Commercial Insurance Coverage

The high costs of property damages and repairs in Newport Beach necessitate that local business owners ensure they have adequate insurance protection to cover a wide variety of common and uncommon perils. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to secure coverage and protect your business from devastating financial fallout.

Contact the professionals at Murvay Insurance to learn about your existing coverage and how to obtain coverage for earthquakes in Newport Beach.

Insuring a Vacation Home

Understanding the Importance of Insuring Your Vacation Home

If you love the beach so much that you bought a house close to one, you’ve made a great choice. However, if your job means you can’t live there full-time, having a place you can call your own while on vacation is still beneficial. It beats having to pay for a hotel room and living by their rules. Plus, real estate can be a good investment if it is adequately insured. Even if you only live in a residence part-time, it just makes sense to get it insured.

Insuring Your Vacation Home

The cost of insuring a vacation home in California is moderate. While California is a popular vacation spot, there are earthquakes, fires, and floods to insure a house against. Many policies will have flood or earthquake insurance sold separately, so review it carefully. If you plan to rent the residence out when you’re not using it, you may be subject to special insurance considerations. As with any home insurance, you want to be covered for dwelling, other structures, liability, personal property, and loss of use. Granted, that last one may only come into play if, for some reason, you can’t go to your primary place of residence. Make sure to consider whether your policy covers actual cost value or replacement cost value. Be sure to shop around and get multiple quotes so you’ll know if you’re getting the best deal. Bundling your insurance may be a good idea if possible. If you install a security system, you may qualify for a discount. Look into everything and get all the details you can.

Murvay Insurance: Serving Newport Beach, CA

Whether you live in Newport Beach, CA, or have a vacation home there, Murvay Insurance will gladly help you with your insurance needs.

How Auto Insurance Supports Drivers After Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can strike with little warning, leaving behind a trail of damage and uncertainty. This was very evident during the recent Southern California fires. The aftermath of a hurricane, wildfire, or flood can be overwhelming for drivers, especially when their vehicles are affected. At Murvay Insurance, serving the greater Newport Beach, CA area, we understand how crucial it is to have reliable auto insurance that helps you recover quickly when a disaster strikes.

Comprehensive Coverage: Your Safety Net

Comprehensive coverage is one of the most important aspects of auto insurance during a natural disaster. Unlike basic liability or collision insurance, comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision-related incidents, including floods, wildfires, hailstorms, and falling debris. If your car is damaged or even totaled due to a natural disaster, this coverage can help pay for repairs or replacement, easing the financial burden.

Rental Reimbursement and Temporary Transportation

Access to transportation is essential after a disaster. Suppose your vehicle is being repaired or deemed a total loss. In that case, some auto insurance policies include rental reimbursement coverage, ensuring you have a temporary vehicle while you decide on your next steps. This can be a lifesaver when getting back to work or handling other urgent matters following a catastrophe.

Filing a Claim and Getting Back on the Road

Navigating the claims process after a natural disaster can feel overwhelming, but having a trusted insurance provider makes all the difference. Quick response times and clear guidance ensure you get the support you need without unnecessary delays.

If you want to ensure your auto insurance is ready for the unexpected, Murvay Insurance in Newport Beach, CA, is here to help. Contact us today to review your policy and ensure you’re protected when it matters most.