Bobby's Blog

Monterey Bay Conference

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:26:29 -0500

Enjoy the pictures from my trip to Monterey.

Yes it was a conference, but who wants to see pictures of that!

We all need some relaxing in life, and this trip was much needed!

Starting the day off with a Jamba! Little creatures at the aquarium

Walking like a penguin. Breath taking!

"There is more to life than increasing its speed."
-Gandhi

Picnic in the Park - Century 21

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:41:06 -0500

The picnic in the park was a hit and the food was good too! Thank you Pam Poore for inviting us to help raise money for the Salvation Army. This event raised over $3,500!!

Check out the photos!

-The Favorite

-Meet Squishy Face! -Wendy and Squishy Face

- Sweet Mob Car -You had to be there for this one!

-US - Bobby and Squishy Face

Community Involvement

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:23:31 -0500

Mills Middle School Career Day

Rancho Cordova, CA - March 18, 2009: The staff at Mills Middle School held a career event that allowed students the opportunity to meet professionals from various industries. The purpose was to introduce them to people who will help them see the future possibilities that education creates for them. "Career day was made to encourage students to explore different career options," explained Mr. Mejia, Mills Middle School Counselor, "The event was a success, all the speakers showed up as planned and the students really enjoyed it. Among their favorites were the veterinarian, the female police officer and the cosmetology speakers."
The students' exposure included the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, a trade school, MTI and multiple business owners. Some of the volunteers on hand to speak at the Career Day were: Chris K (107.9 The End), Officer Zach Hatch (Sacramento County Sheriff's Department), Jen Paige (Paul Mitchell, MTI), Georgette Shield (Vet Student, UC Davis), Officer Shelly Hodgkins (Sacramento County Sheriff's Department), Heather McGowan (L.E.E.D., Communications), Steve Bird (Casella Lighting), and Bobby Uppal (B. Uppal Insurance Agency, Inc.) "I was excited to be a part of Mills Middle School's Career Day," said Bobby Uppal, "It's a great opportunity to get students interested in what I do and show them the benefits of being your own boss." Bobby had the pleasure of speaking with one of the multi-cultural classes. "I felt like they were able to connect with the information and values that I was expressing to them," explains Bobby whom came to the U.S. just over 10 years ago.
This event was a very positive influence for the students. "[The students] were exposed to a variety of careers that they may never have considered before," said Mrs. Shippy, a counselor at Mills Middle School. "In these times of economic crisis, it is nice to do something enjoyable without it costing anyone too much." Mills Middle School was able to show the students that there are still people who are doing well during the economic downturn; this type of influence is the first step to creating a better future through our youth.

Scratch our back & we will scratch yours!

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:22:24 -0500

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!! SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!

Let Us Show You The Money

How does it work you ask?

Simply refer family and friends to Uppal Insurance. If they become a client, you will receive a $50.00 gift card! It is that simple, just make sure they mention your referred them. There is no limit on the amount you can get!

UPPAL INSURANCE

* Check out our other blogs on BlogSpot or find us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Plaxo, Facebook.....

Do you go that extra mile for your employees?

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:49:38 -0600

Today was the birthday of an employee of mine. She does not have a window like everyone else in the office, so we went the extra step to create one for her!

Except her window is actually the view from a beach in Cancun, not his rainy weather.

I am a firm believer that making sure your employees are happy at the job they perform day-in and day-out will result in a better quality of work.

Here are a few tips that I can give that others will appreciate and place systems like these to better the work environment.

On-the-spot Praise

Job Titles

Career Paths

Training

Team Spirit

Social Gatherings

Additional Responsibilities

Recognition & Attention

Sincerely,

Bobby & Staff

We are not your average agency!

Foreclosure / Short Sale.....What to expect!!

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:07:46 -0600

We continue to get questions from our clients on the "what if?"

What are your options:
Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure: You basically give title back to the bank.
Forbearance: Temporarily freezing the monthly payment due on your mortgage.
Loan Modification: The bank changes the terms of the loan.
Short Sale: You sell the home at a market price and the bank agrees to the sale with conditions.
Foreclosure: You stop making the your mortgage payments and the bank auctions off your home.
Refianance: No explaination needed.
Reinstate Your Loan: Pay all your back mortage payments, plus late fees and legal fees.

What if I still owe the bank money:

The lender may agree to short pay of and a full release of any underlying debt. They may ask that you sign a promissory note for the difference. They may ask that you pay part of the difference. They may reserve the right to come after you for the difference.

How will my credit be affected?

There is loads of information on the internet but the best example I have come up with is that a short sale is like a smash in your car bumper and a foreclosure is like totaling your car.

If anyone out there in AR Land has tips or advice please share!

The Lost Coast

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:45:12 -0600

Pictures from my LOST COAST trip this past weekend......ENJOY!

California's Lost Coast certainly qualifies as a dramatic landscape. It stretches roughly 80 miles along a rugged, lightly traveled coast, backed by a dozen peaks rising more than 2000 feet, crowned by the 4,087-foot hulk of Kings Peak.

Comprehensive insurance analysis to help save you time and money!

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:19:51 -0600

We may not be the cheapest in price but we have the knowledge and expertise to save you time in the long run and guarantee your assets are covered incase the inevitable were to happen! It is about quality, not quantity!

Contact our office to set up a time to have a review of all your accounts. Feel free to fax, mail, or e-mail your policy documents to our office and we can complete a review over the phone also!

Uppal Insurance -

"A knowledgeable and responsive approach to your insurance needs with a personal touch"

Incorporate These 7 Habits into Your Life!

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:35:30 -0600

<--Great Book!

Step 1: Be Proactive

Learning to take responsibility for your action and your life will ultimately result in more initiative and "vital" take action approach to your like and work. Proactive people are open to change and adaptation.

Step 2: Begin with the End in Mind

You should always have goals in mind-it it important to put these in writing and remind yourself, everyday, of what you are working toward. People without goals are like a ship without a rudder-they drift aimlessly and do not get anywhere.

Step 3: Put First Things First

Once you have recorded your goal and aims, you can move toward accomplishing them by focusing o the most important aspects of your life and work. Failing to prioritize will result in wasted time and subpar performance.

Step 4: Think Win/Win

After you have put your individual business in order, you will need to focus on building a strong framework for group-oriented work. Thinking "win/win" means finding ways to satisfy each party involved I a project to keep everyone satisfied.

Step 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood

Working together can be easy if you take this approach. Let every person have their say and don't just listen-comprehend what they are saying. When it is your turn to speak, your voice will be heard and more appreciated.

Step 6: Synergize

Teams that exhibit diversity and varied strengths are much more effective than a group of carbon copies. Celebrate the different abilities of each team member and use the complementary skill sets to your advantage.

Step 7:

Sharpen Shaw

Take time to do what you enjoy, take pleasure in what your success has built and recharge your batteries.

Identity Theft

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:45:20 -0600

WHAT IS IT?
MOST IMPORTANTLY.....
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF!

Any unauthorized use of identity, personal information or financial information qualifies as identity theft. You are at risk of becoming a victim of identity theft if your wallet has been lost or stolen, or if your home or car has been burglarized. If you notice unusual charges on your statements or receive unexpected bills, you may be a victim of identity theft.

According to the Federal Trade Commission:
-Losses stemming from ID theft total more than $56 billion a year.
-The average victim takes 175 hours to restore their lives.
-Out-of-pocket expenses for victims are increasing.

Identity Shield will monitor up to 1,000 public records and will notify you when a change has been made to your public record or credit report.

Our Home Owners policies have $30,000 of "built in" Identity Fraud Coverage at no additional cost to our clients

Hosting a Christmas Party? You Could Be Liable If Guests Drink Too Much

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:39:57 -0600

Tips on How to Protect Yourself From Being Held Financially Liable

Several states have passed laws called "Dram Shop Liability." These laws offer an injured person, such as the victim of a drunk driver, a method to sue the person who served the alcohol. Some of these laws include circumstances where criminal charges may also apply.

Hire a bartender, this person can recognize the signs of intoxication and will limit consumption by your guests.
Be a responsible host/hostess. Limit your own alcohol intake so that you will be better able to judge your guest sobriety.
Serve non-alcoholic beverages and always serve food. Food will help counter balence the effects of alcohol.
Stop serving liquor toward the end of the evening and switch to decaffeinated drinks.

This is why people might want to look into special event coverage may be available that will cover both liquor liability and other liability exposures specific to the event.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Flood Insurance Rates - EXTENED

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:09:34 -0600

FLOOD INSURANCE

12-08-2008 11:55am -So, the preferred FLOOD insurance rates are now being extended for another year! The preferred rates that were to cease after today are now going to be extended for an additional year. This could not have come at a better time! Our economy is hurting already; this will be a slight relief...at least for another year for some homeowners.

I recommend my clients prepare for the unexpected. Create a FLOOD file or FIRE file...whatever you want to call it...CREATE IT! In this file make sure you have a copy of you insurance policy, an inventory of you possessions (room-by-room), take pictures of your valuables & make sure you have copies of your important documents in there too! * We have a home inventory booklet that we can mail to ANYONE that could use one.

Best in Sacramento Show 12.04.08

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:02:44 -0600

Kayla, Bobby, & Mark - Crush29 friends

Patt McCormick, Kellie Swayne, Kelley Bunch, Paula Swayne & Bobby Uppal

Gulstan Dart, Bobby Uppal, & Edie Lambert

Del Rodgers and I

TINA & I <---She is a peach!

'laxin in the limo....

Jokin' with CC Myers

No home...No Problem!

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:01:37 -0600

If you have not thought about renters insurance... maybe you should!

You may not own the place where you live, but you still need insurance protection. If you rent an apartment, house or even a dorm room, you need renters insurance to protect you and your rental property. Your landlord's insurance policy doesn't cover your belongings. So if fire, theft or weather damages your property, you'll need the protection of renters insurance. Renters insurance can also help protect you in case of a liability lawsuit against you. Here at Uppal Insurance Agency, we can offer you affordable renters insurance with coverage that is tailored to fit you and your lifestyle.

This could occur in a situation where you are held responsible for:
Injury to another person Damage to another person's property Injuries that occur at your residence
*Whether the incident occurred within your rented residence, or elsewhere.

You are eligible for premium discounts on both renters and auto insurance when you purchase both policies with the Uppal Insurance Agency!

Protect yourself with renters insurance!

Meet my team!

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:51:10 -0600

Nooria - Health

Robert - Commercial & Health

Heather - Commercial

Amanda - Personal Lines

Today Bobby runs one of the most dynamic Insurance brokerages in the state, with a team of professionals that exemplify service. Uppal Insurance Agency prides it self on providing the personal touch to all their clients big and small. Focused on detailing customer's needs and proactively placing business competitively makes Uppal Insurance Agency surpass the rest.

His personnel are not only licensed insurance experts; they are also friendly, courteous and responsive. After all, servicing their accounts well is what made them one of the best in country. Bobby believes in the development of the people & systems, these are the cornerstones to a strong & vibrant agency. If you are prepared to invest in your future, have a vision & work diligently towards your goal every day, you will certainly achieve your dreams. Bobby's drive to place business truly at the best of the insured has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected in the industry.

What is your key??

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:39:48 -0600

Yes with today's market, everything is about price...priCE...PRICE!

If you were to take the whole price objective out of the picture what do you have?

You have a product and service. How do you dull the "price" to make everything else standout and attract customers?

SHINE!

Polish up your product!

Put a fresh coat of gloss on your customer service department and out

perform everyone in your industry!

Any good salesperson can sell a product once, but to have the skills that makes you unique, that makes you standout, gives you the ability to sell to someone over and over again!

Customer service is my key, what is yours?

What do you do that sets you above the rest? What is it you will do to survive this economy? How are you going to prevail above everyone else? If you have not started to think about these questions, maybe you should start!

Insurance Seminar - Notes

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:47:02 -0600

On November 13, I had the pleasure of speaking at an Insurance Seminar with Real Estate agents in our area. Some of the keys points of the seminar were:

You should recommend to your clients that if they are going to 'walk-away' from their home, they should not only tell the lender, but also their insurance company that they are vacating the property.
Investors should consider purchasing a Builders Risk Policy if they are going to be rehabbing or fixing up a property, for the term of the work, to cover the risk inherent with working on the home rather than purchase a standard homeowners policy.
In many cases, the insured amount of a policy will be higher than today's selling price, a good insurance agent can help the buyer to make sure they are only insuring the amount to replace the structure and not the additional value of the land, as some lenders will mistakenly require.
Umbrella policies are an inexpensive to way to cover additional costs that consumers can be liable for if an incident or claim exceeds the coverage amount on their homeowners policies or auto policy, this can and does happen.

If anyone has any further questions, please do not hesitate to call and ask me!

Bobby Uppal

916-966-2143

REO's

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:43:27 -0600

With the economy now a days I am getting asked more and more about REO transactions and what to look out for. Here is one of the most common questions:

Is my home still covered if it is vacant?

For a period of time, yes. Your homeowners insurance will continue to cover fire and other hazards to a vacant property, but vandalism is specifically excluded by most policies if it has been vacant for more than 30 days. This is why it is very, VERY important to stay in contact with your insurance agent. Theft, damage caused by frozen pipes, and windows broken by any means are also denied coverage. Insurance companies feel that damage to a vacant property can grow worse due to inattention, and some will cancel what coverage does remain in force when they learn of an extended vacancy.

Business Insurance

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:34:52 -0600

Business Insurance

A good first step is working with Uppal Insurance Agency to put together the right package policy for your business' unique challenges.

Just like building your business, building an effective insurance program is done in steps.

We specializes in these select industries: automotive trades, restaurant, retail and service, habitational and commercial real estate, & Workers' Compensation. You will receive the professional, personalized service that has been our hallmark for many years.

To you, the employer, this means lower medical and disability costs, reduced injuries and losses, and lower premium costs.

COMPETITIVE RATES

SEVERAL CARRIERS TO CHOOSE FROM WITH A 24 HOUR TURN AROUND TIME ON QUOTES

FLOOD Insurance

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:07:31 -0600

Everyone in Natomas will soon be required to buy Flood Insurance. This will go into effect December 8th. The rates are half of what they will be after December 8th. Feel free to contact us if you need any information regarding FLOOD insurance. We are the FLOOD insurance experts! 916-966-2143

Why?

Flood Zone Changes in Natomas The Natomas Flood Basin is undergoing a flood zone change. The National Flood Insurance Program has determined that the levees surrounding the Natomas Area do not meet minimum flood protection. Flood insurance will soon be required for about 2,600 property owners. Work to strengthen the levee system has already begun; but will not be finished until 2012.

What are my options as a Home Owner? It will be much more cost effective to purchase flood insurance before 12/08/08. You can still qualify for a preferred rate of $348 if you purchase flood insurance prior to 12/08/08 for the first year and be grandfathered in at a standard rate of $768. After 12/08/08 lenders may require home owners to force place Flood Insurance at the higher rate. These rates typically start around $1,100. All rates in the above scenario are estimates specific information is needed for actual Flood Insurance quotes.

Fire Insurance

Bobby Uppal - Your Insurance Expert (Uppal Insurance Agency 916.966.2413) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:28:28 -0600

Would you be able to remember all the possessions you've accumulated over the years if they were destroyed by a fire?

Having an up-to-date home inventory will help you get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.

Start by making a list of your possessions, describing each item and noting where you bought it and its make and model. Clip to your list any sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals you have.

Big ticket items Valuable items like jewelry, art work and collectibles may have increased in value since you received them. Check with your agent to make sure that you have adequate insurance for these items. They may need to be insured separately.

Take a picture

Besides the list, you can take pictures of rooms and important individual items. On the back of the photos, note what is shown and where you bought it or the make. Don't forget things that are in closets or drawers.

Uppal Insurance Agency Tips 916-966-2143