Question 1

What types of insurance does AJS Insurance Services offer?

Accepted Answer

AJS Insurance Services offers a full range of personal and commercial coverage: homeowners, auto, renters, life & health, business liability, workers' compensation, commercial trucking, and surplus lines for hard-to-place risks. As an independent agency, we work with 50+ carriers to find the right fit for your needs.

Question 2

Where is AJS Insurance Services located, and what areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Culver City, California and serve clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area — including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Inglewood, Hawthorne, and El Segundo — and across California. We are licensed in most states, so we can help clients who move or have property in multiple locations.

Question 3

Why should I use an independent insurance agency instead of going directly to a carrier?

Accepted Answer

An independent agency like AJS Insurance Services works for you — not for any single insurance company. We shop your coverage across 50+ carriers to find the best combination of price, coverage, and service. You get one trusted advisor who can handle all your insurance needs in one place, rather than managing multiple agents at multiple companies.

Question 4

How long has AJS Insurance Services been in business?

Accepted Answer

AJS Insurance Services has been serving California clients for over 20 years. Our experience and long-standing carrier relationships allow us to navigate complex insurance situations and find creative solutions that newer agencies simply cannot match.

Question 5

How do I get a free insurance quote?

Accepted Answer

Getting a quote is easy. Call our office at 310-204-1788, reach us on our cell at 310-990-1793, email us at Ajsinsuranceservices@sbcglobal.net, or fill out the contact form on our website. One of our experienced agents will respond promptly with personalized coverage options.

Question 6

What makes AJS Insurance Services different from other agencies in Culver City?

Accepted Answer

We combine 20+ years of local expertise with access to 50+ insurance carriers, which means we can offer more options than a captive agent tied to one company. We take time to understand your specific situation — personal or business — and find coverage that truly fits, not just the easiest sale.

Question 7

What does homeowners insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

A standard homeowners policy covers your dwelling (the structure of your home), personal property (furniture, electronics, clothing), liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you need to temporarily relocate after a covered loss. Optional endorsements can add coverage for earthquakes, floods, jewelry, and other items.

Question 8

Is renters insurance worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — renters insurance is one of the most affordable and underutilized coverages available. Your landlord's policy covers the building, but not your belongings. Renters insurance protects your personal property against theft, fire, and other covered perils, and also provides personal liability coverage. Most policies cost less than $20 per month.

Question 9

What auto insurance coverage is required in California?

Accepted Answer

California requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for injury or death to one person, $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage. However, these minimums are often insufficient to cover a serious accident. We recommend higher limits and can help you find the right balance of coverage and cost.

Question 10

Can you insure a boat or personal watercraft?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We place coverage for boats, sailboats, personal watercraft (jet skis), and other watercraft. A boat policy typically covers hull damage, liability, uninsured boater coverage, and towing assistance. Coverage can be written on an agreed value or actual cash value basis depending on the vessel.

Question 11

What is the difference between term and whole life insurance?

Accepted Answer

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (10, 20, or 30 years) and pays a death benefit if you pass away during that term. It is typically the most affordable option. Whole life insurance provides permanent coverage and builds cash value over time, but costs more. We can help you compare options from multiple carriers to find the right fit for your family and budget.

Question 12

What is a Business Owners Policy (BOP)?

Accepted Answer

A Business Owners Policy (BOP) bundles general liability and commercial property coverage into one affordable policy. It's designed for small to mid-size businesses and is typically less expensive than purchasing each coverage separately. A BOP can also include business interruption coverage, which replaces lost income if your business is forced to close temporarily after a covered loss.

Question 13

Does California require workers' compensation insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. California law requires virtually every employer — even those with just one employee — to carry workers' compensation insurance. It covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job, and protects employers from lawsuits related to workplace injuries. Failure to carry workers' comp can result in significant fines and penalties.

Question 14

What is professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance?

Accepted Answer

Professional liability insurance, also called errors & omissions (E&O), protects businesses that provide professional services or advice. It covers claims of negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver promised services — even if the claim is groundless. It's essential for consultants, accountants, real estate agents, IT professionals, and many other service businesses.

Question 15

Do I need general liability insurance as a contractor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. General liability insurance is essential for contractors and tradespeople. It covers bodily injury and property damage claims that arise from your work — for example, if a client trips over your equipment or you accidentally damage a customer's property. Many clients and general contractors require proof of liability insurance before allowing you on a job site.

Question 16

Can you insure a business with prior claims or losses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in many cases. Businesses with prior claims may be declined by standard admitted carriers, but we have access to surplus lines and non-admitted markets that specialize in these risks. The coverage may cost more, but we'll find the best available option and help you build a track record that improves your rates over time.

Question 17

What insurance does an owner-operator need?

Accepted Answer

An owner-operator typically needs: primary liability (required by the FMCSA), physical damage coverage for their truck and trailer, motor truck cargo insurance if hauling freight for hire, non-trucking liability (bobtail) for personal use off-dispatch, and occupational accident coverage since independent contractors are generally not covered by workers' comp. We can package all of these together.

Question 18

What is bobtail insurance and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Bobtail insurance (also called non-trucking liability) covers you when you're operating your truck for personal use — not under dispatch and not pulling a loaded trailer. Your motor carrier's policy only covers you while you're working under their authority. If you're leased to a carrier, bobtail coverage fills the gap and is often required by your lease agreement.

Question 19

What is an MCS-90 endorsement?

Accepted Answer

The MCS-90 is a federal endorsement required by the FMCSA for motor carriers operating in interstate commerce. It guarantees minimum liability coverage to the public regardless of policy exclusions or conditions. We handle the MCS-90 filing as part of your trucking insurance package — you don't need to manage it separately.

Question 20

Can you insure a new trucking authority?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with carriers that write new authorities and startup trucking operations. Rates are typically higher for new authorities due to the lack of operating history, but we'll find the best available option and help you build the safety record that leads to better rates at renewal.

Question 21

How much does commercial trucking insurance cost in California?

Accepted Answer

Trucking insurance premiums vary widely based on your operation type, commodity hauled, radius of operation, driving record, equipment value, and whether you operate under your own authority or are leased to a carrier. Owner-operators leased to a carrier typically pay less than those with their own authority. Call us for a quote specific to your situation — we shop multiple trucking markets to find the best rate.

Question 22

Do you insure fleets as well as individual owner-operators?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We place coverage for individual owner-operators, small fleets, and larger commercial trucking operations. Fleet policies can cover multiple trucks, trailers, and drivers under a single policy, which often simplifies administration and can reduce overall premium. Contact us to discuss your fleet's specific needs.

Question 23

What is surplus lines insurance?

Accepted Answer

Surplus lines (also called non-admitted or excess & surplus lines) insurance is coverage placed with carriers that are not licensed in California as admitted insurers. These markets are authorized to write risks that admitted carriers decline — typically because the risk is too unusual, too hazardous, or has a claims history that standard markets won't accept. A licensed surplus lines broker is required to place this coverage.

Question 24

My homeowners insurance was non-renewed because of wildfire risk. What are my options?

Accepted Answer

This is increasingly common in California. If your admitted carrier has non-renewed your policy due to wildfire exposure, you have several options: the California FAIR Plan (the state's insurer of last resort), surplus lines carriers that specialize in high-risk properties, or a combination of both. We can help you evaluate all available options and find the best coverage for your situation.

Question 25

Is surplus lines coverage as good as admitted coverage?

Accepted Answer

Surplus lines coverage is real, legitimate insurance — the policies are enforceable contracts and the carriers are financially rated. The key differences are regulatory: surplus lines carriers are not backed by the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA) in the event of insolvency, and their policies are subject to surplus lines taxes and fees. We are transparent about these differences so you can make an informed decision.

Question 26

Can you help with cyber liability insurance for my business?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cyber liability is one of the fastest-growing areas of insurance, and many businesses find that standard commercial policies exclude cyber-related losses. We access both admitted and surplus lines markets for cyber liability coverage, including data breach response, business interruption from cyber events, ransomware, and third-party liability.

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