Arizonans Driving Without Insurance: You Could Have More Problems Than the Heat

If you are driving down Arizona’s highways without insurance, there are two kinds of heat that you can look forward to: the heat that has made Arizona famous, and the heat that drivers can expect for violating the law. Now, we at the Insurance Center of Green Valley understand that violations of automobile insurance laws are not committed through a desire to do so; most often, it is committed either because people are ignorant of it, or they simply are too intimidated to obtain the proper insurance necessary to drive an automobile.

Specifically, drivers on Arizona roads are required by law to have liability coverage – which not only works to protect you from major financial loss as a result of an accident, but to also ensure that potential victims of an accident have this liability coverage made available for them. Having liability coverage may be required, but it is required because having it is a good idea. If a cop pulls you over and he or she finds that your insurance is not up to snuff, you can find yourself in a bad situation – you could be facing fines and maybe even lose your license for a period of time. In addition, residents of Arizona can get additional insurances to provide for stronger coverage. Depending on your circumstances, it may also be advised that you look into getting umbrella coverage to ideally maximize your insurance strength.

Arizonans in and near Green Valley who are still confused about automobile insurance and what it entails may behoove themselves to get a hold of us at the Insurance Center of Green Valley either online or by phone at (520) 648-1150. With our help, you could be enjoying Arizona’s highways sooner rather than later.

5 Reasons You Need Auto Insurance

A car accident can cost thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are medical bills, property damages, and pain and suffering costs that must be paid. Having car insurance can alleviate some of these costs from coming out of your pocket.

  1. Liability for Damages. If you are at fault, you could be paying for damages to property, other vehicles, or any injuries that others may have suffered because of the accident. Whether they were passengers in your vehicle or other vehicles, you will be responsible.
  2. Keep Your Risks Low. Without auto insurance, you are considered a “high risk” driver. Insurance companies will hesitate to give you a policy at a lower rate. You could end up paying twice as much in premiums when you do decide to get insurance.
  3. Total Loss Compensation. Having car insurance will provide you with security in the event that you are in an accident. If the accident results in your vehicle being unrecoverable, insurance may cover the cost of having your vehicle replaced.
  4. Other People’s Mistakes. You may be an impeccable driver and always pay attention when you are on the road, but there are many who do not. With the advent of texting and driving, you need to make sure that you keep your insurance up-to-date. Other drivers who are not paying attention may result in damage to you or your vehicle.
  5. Legal Issues. If you are ever pulled over by a police officer, you are required to provide them with your driver’s license and insurance information. Not having insurance can result in citations, fines, and possibly jail time depending on your history.

In Green Valley, Arizona, the Insurance Center of Green Valley is an independent agency that can help you find the right insurance for your needs.

Annapolis, MD Home Insurance Services

Home insurance is a staple for feeling the confidence we all enjoy in our homes. As first time home owners, it can be mind boggling to read all the papers associated with a home sale, signing here, signing there, and wondering what was that I just signed? Perhaps you’re wondering, do I even need home owners insurance, on top of everything else? The answer is yes. Home insurance coverage lends peace of mind for those incidents that we certainly don’t plan, like a house fire, burglary, or an accident on our property. The costs of these losses can ruin a family’s financial fortune and cause untold emotional suffering as well. What makes a difference in facing these situations is having experienced professional guidance provided by The Insurance Center of Green Valley. Serving the Green Valley, AZ area, The Insurance Center of Green Valley provides the facts home owners need for choosing affordable home insurance coverage, offering options for every budget and housing need.

Experienced home owners will testify to the need for home owners insurance coverage. They’ve been in situations they never expected, and had the opportunity to call their insurance agent for assistance. The agent had the damage assessed, provided information on coverage, and helped the owners receive the repairs or replacement that their coverage provided for. The Insurance Center of Green Valley will help first time home owners and experienced home owners determine their best insurance coverage as well as the most affordable rates available for them. Home is a special place for our families in heart as well as in financial investment. Protect your home with home owners insurance coverage that works for you with The Insurance Center of Green Valley.

 

Why You Can’t Afford to Skip Purchasing House Insurance

When you buy a home, it’s natural to watch your budget tightly. With all the added expenses, you want to make sure you can handle all the extra debt. One new expense that you should add is the cost of home insurance. Home insurance protects you and your family from uncertainties associated with owning a home.

Home Insurance Protects You from Severe Weather

Heavy rains, strong winds, and sand storms can damage your home in Green Valley, AZ. From damage to the fascia of your home to flooding, you may find that you have to make repairs following a storm in the area. Home repairs can be a significant expense if you have to foot the bill alone. Fortunately, with home insurance, you may not be alone. Your insurance company could help you cover the cost of repairing your home depending on the terms of your home insurance policy.

Home Insurance Helps Protect Your Personal Belongings

Another benefit of maintaining home insurance that isn’t obvious is protection for your personal belongings. Although home break-ins are decreasing, becoming the victim of a home invasion is still a possibility. Thieves can enter your home and take your electronics, family heirlooms, and other valuable items. In instances of home invasions, it’s expensive to replace these goods on your own. However, armed with a home insurance policy, you may find that you have the coverage you need for your insurance company to cover the bill.

Protect Yourself from Liabilities with Home Insurance

In general, home insurance policies cover liabilities that you are responsible for on your premises. Of course, the level of coverage offered for legal issues concerning liabilities will depend on the type of coverage you have with your insurance company. However, with coverage for liabilities, you don’t have to worry about taking out a loan or dipping into your savings to cover the cost of a lawsuit.

At Insurance Center of Green Valley, we understand the value of home insurance. With the potential to sustain significant losses on any given day, it’s nice to have an insurance company as your financial partner. If you need more information about home insurance, please visit our website to learn more.

 

Saving Your Car By Understanding Octane Ratings

Taking proper care of your car requires so much knowledge and attention to detail. Tracking routine maintenance, getting mileage related services and even choosing the right gas will keep you on your toes if you want your car to last. When it comes to selecting fuel, a little understanding can go a long way. This quick guide will explain the differences in gasoline ratings so you can make informed decisions that keep your car running at its best.

The first thing to understand is what an octane rating really is. When you go to the station, there are usually a few different options that might be ok for your car. While you know to avoid diesel or other specialty fuels, is there really an advantage to choosing premium over regular? Answering that question starts by looking at the number associated with those different gasses. You may already know this, but the number refers to the octane rating. Higher numbers will cost more, and it’s usually the biggest difference in the premium levels.

So how does a higher octane rating help your car? The short answer is that it doesn’t. Unless your engine is specifically designed to run at a specific octane, you can use the lowest rating without fear. However, if you have a luxury or sport edition vehicle, double check the owner’s manual to see what rating is recommended. Engines designed for higher octane often get better gas mileage with the premium gas. There are several factors that contribute to this, but the primary reason is that higher octane fuels burn at slightly higher pressures, so when an engine is designed around those higher operating pressures, you get improved efficiency.

Even if your car does recommend a certain octane, driving lower rated fuel is unlikely to hurt the engine. Ultimately it’s best to experiment and use the fuel that gets the most mileage. The improved performance lets you know that the car is running as designed.

To make sure your car is protected from more than just fuel choices, check in with Insurance Center of Green Valley. A representative can make sure you have coverage that will take care of you when you need it most.

Yes, you can recycle that!

Recycling has reached a point where it is possible to reuse just about anything. However, it can be tricky to know what to do with it or if you’ll simply be turned away. At Insurance Center of Green Valley, we want to make sure you know what you can recycle that you might not be currently. Whether you live in Green Valley, AZ or somewhere else in the state, here are a handful of objects you can recycle.

Carpet

Yes, after you go through a home renovation it is possible to recycle the carpeting. Instead of tossing it out, you can check out Carpet America Recovery Effort. The organization will take your carpet and recycle it for you. Most of the fabric is made from plastic and can be reused in other forms.

Crayons

Nobody really uses all of a crayon. Typically, it is used down to a nub and discarded. However, instead of tossing the waxy object into the trash, you can send these objects out to Crazy Crayons, where the wax is recycled to create new crayons.

Bras

Have a box full of old bras you have no use for? You’d probably be surprised as to what you can do with the undergarment. If you haven’t been able to sell the bras through garage sales, you can head over to the Bra Recyclers website. This organization takes gently used bras and distributes the clothing to women around the world who might not normally be able to afford them. As long as it is gently used, they will take your bras, ranging from dress to sport bras. 

Christmas Tree

Alright, this is something you’ll only be able to recycle once, at most, per year, but in Arizona especially it is easy to do. There are nearby locations that will pick up your tree and then strip it down and turn it into firewood. 

Share the Road

Bicycle safety tips and bicycle awareness can help to avoid accidents. There are three things to consider, which are preparation, awareness, and sharing the road.

Preparation
It is important that a bicycle is well maintained and that the rider wears the proper safety equipment.

Proper safety equipment includes:

  • Helmets for all riders
  • Child seat with safety belt (if a young child is also riding on the bicycle)
  • Horn or bell to use to get attention from other drivers when needed
  • Reflectors
  • Safety lights for both headlight and taillight
  • Light-colored, reflective clothing
  • A full water bottle to avoid dehydration that has a secure mount
  • A cell phone to call for help if needed

Make sure the bicycle is big enough, but not too big, and adjusted to fit the rider’s size. Maintain spokes, wheels, tires, brakes, gears, pedals, seat, and handlebars correctly, so they are working properly and positioned correctly.

Awareness
Bicyclists need to be aware that other drivers may have difficulty seeing them. Common dangers are drivers suddenly opening the door of a parked car, drivers not seeing a bicycle crossing an intersection, and obstacles in the road. Look ahead and use defensive driving skills to try to anticipate what may occur. Watch out for water, potholes, gravel, sewer grates, and covers.

Share the Road
Automobile drivers need to share the road with bicyclists. They should slow down when approaching a bicycle rider and only pass them when it is safe to do so. Do not honk at a bicyclist because it may startle them and pay careful attention to children who may be unpredictable.

Summary
By following these tips, bicyclists and automobiles can share the roadways in a safer manner. Be sure to get adequate insurance coverage from the folks at Insurance Center of Green Valley who can help with all your insurance needs.

How Home Insurance Can Protect You And Your Family

When you live in Green Valley, it is important to look at home insurance as a way of protecting both you and your family. While it is not required by the state, it may be required by your lender if you have a mortgage out on your home.

There are various options available when you choose home insurance. You will be able to have protection against break-ins, fire, floods, and various natural disasters. If something happens, you have the ability to file a claim with the insurance company as opposed to having to pay for all of the damages out of pocket.

Various add-ons can be included in your policy as well. This includes storm damage, additional flood insurance, and more. Essentially, it provides more protection for you and your family so that you don’t have to worry about extensive repairs in the event that something happens to your home.

Generally, the insurance is going to cover the property as well as the belongings. You may want to establish a cash value policy based upon the list of belongings that you have in the home. If you have art, jewelry, and other luxury items, it is important to obtain the additional coverage so that you are protected in the event that these items are stolen or become damaged.

You may also want to look at expenses associated with various living expenses in the event that you lose use of your home due to some kind of accident, such as a flood or fire. This can prevent you from spending your entire life savings.

Call us at the Insurance Center of Green Valley today. It’s important to explore home insurance options and we can obtain rates from some of the top insurance companies in Arizona to help with the comparison process.

 

 

How To Choose a Commercial Insurance Policy

Commercial insurance policies are very important to have if you have a commercial business. Choosing the right one can be a daunting task. That is why we are proving you with some tips on how to choose the right commercial insurance policy for your needs. 

  • Remember that cheaper is not always better when it comes to insurance. Do not get lured in by a lower price. When you see a lower price, that may be for a variety of reasons. It could be because the insurance provider is not very reliable or it could be because the policy does not offer the coverage that you need. Because of these reasons, it is best to steer clear of the cheaper prices just because they seem to be a great financial option.
  • Take a look at your business to see what kind of coverage you really need. The last thing you want to do is purchase commercial insurance that will not meet your needs in case of an accident. You also do not want to get too little if your business is growing. Take a look at your current business as well as the future and account for both.
  • Think beyond the basics and cater the insurance policy to your business. Consider a business owner policy or a commercial insurance policy that includes a variety of different coverage types. The exact coverage you need will depend on the type of business you have. There are a lot of different kinds of insurance policies available and you want to make sure you have protection for all parts of your business. 

For more information about commercial insurance policies or with assistance with getting a commercial insurance policy, please contact us at Insurance Center of Green Valley.

Got into an Accident? What Should You Do Next?

Unfortunately, accidents happen all the time, both in your everyday life and behind the wheel. How you react to the situation makes a huge difference in the outcome of the situation. This is especially the case since some people are out to earn a quick a buck and will do so no matter the expense to you. 

1. Don’t Leave the Scene

You should never leave the scene with just a verbal agreement not to proceed with an insurance company. While it’s fine to agree that the accident was no big deal and that no claims are going to be made to an insurance company, you can’t be sure the other driver is actually going to follow through with this agreement. Your insurance company requires you to report all accidents anyways. It won’t hurt you in the long run to report it, but it could if you don’t report it. You can let the insurance company know there wasn’t any damage or that you’re paying out of pocket. 

2. Pictures

A picture is really worth a thousand words, especially when it’s one of the best ways to prove who’s at fault when compared to drivers verbally recalling the incident. Take pictures of the damage done to both vehicles. Snap pictures of the person’s driver’s license and insurance information if available. If there were witnesses at the scene, it doesn’t hurt to click a pic of their information. Get snapshots of everyone involved in the accident and the license plate of the driver.

3. Get a Cop Involved

A cop can’t force you to proceed with the insurance claim. He can report who’s at fault and be a reliable witness if the accident turns into a lawsuit or even a large insurance claim. He can even let the insurance company know the status of the other driver, so you don’t wind up getting a lawsuit for fraudulent medical issues. Keep in mind, no matter how you agree to pay for the damages, a cop must be called if the damages are estimated to exceed $1,000.

To receive a quote, contact Insurance Center of Green Valley today.