Whether it’s a heat dome, atmospheric river or interface fire, they are terms that were relatively unknown a generation ago but very much a part of everyday conversations in 2024.
And in Richmond, there are even more specific threats: rising ocean levels and earthquake vulnerability.
The team at Richmond’s Central Agencies Ltd. know these realities better than most.
This is a company with a rich history spanning more than 30 years, with a team full of local knowledge, expertise and tips on how to adapt to the climate realities of the 21st century.
“We provide peace of mind,” says branch manager Raj Chauhan. “So should something happen, we make sure clients are fully covered so we can protect their investments, whether that’s residential properties, commercial businesses, or automobile insurance.”
Central Agencies has been serving Richmond for 35 years and serves more markets than any of its competitors. This means that Central Agencies can place any risk, and are able to get multiple quotes for said risk – it’s a value-added proposition that others simply can not offer
So as spring turns to summer, Chauhan is offering tips to Richmond residents on how to best equip and protect their most valuable assets, namely their homes.
Step one is to assess the home from the outside – ensure that the eaves and gutters are clean. If not, now is the ideal time to get it done given the ideal weather.
Beyond those two precautions, Chauhan recommends ensuring your insulation is up to date and able to withstand both wind and rodents. Enhancing insulation in walls, attics, and roofs helps regulate indoor temperature better, while installing energy-efficient windows and doors minimizes energy loss.
“You need to be thinking about how you’re managing the health of your property, because for most people, this is their biggest investment,” Chauhan says.
For those planning five to 10 years into the future, Chauhan reminds clients that hot water tanks need to be replaced every 12 to 13 years, while electrical systems and wiring should also be assessed if your house is over 25 years old.
“If you want to stay competitive, you need to invest in your property and then when renewal comes up, you’ll get better terms and better rates,” he says.
And when looking through a longer, historic lens, Chauhan notes that two major issues face Richmond that are almost unique to the Garden City: rising ocean levels and a soft soil base that could be catastrophic in the event of a major earthquake.
“Clients definitely need to look at overland water because water seepage is the number one concern in Richmond – it’s like the forest fire risk in other areas,” Chauhan says. “And because Richmond is sitting on subsoil, which is very soft, you definitely need to look at the avenues in which you cover yourself. You can’t rely on the state to fund that coverage, you definitely need to make sure you are covering yourself from those two perils.”
Congratulations to Central Agencies for placing in the top 3 for Best Insurance Agency in the Best of Richmond 2024. Visit centralagenciesltd.com/our-branches/insurance-agency-richmond to learn more about them, or dial 604.276.0244 to schedule an appointment and discuss tailored insurance solutions for your home.
