Author Archives: AgentInsure

What type of insurance should I choose in Tucson, AZ, if I use my home for commercial purposes?

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Known as a business-friendly community, Tucson, Arizona can be a great place to start a home-based business. However, if you plan on using your home for commercial purposes, it is important to obtain the right type of insurance. Insurance is crucial for protecting your home business against loss and liability.

Reasons to Insure Your Home Business

Running a business at home opens of the potential for loss or liability issues. A fire or flood could damage the equipment that you use to conduct your business. A home daycare provider or professional who works with clients may encounter an accident that leads to a lawsuit. Or a professional giving advice may be sued for negligence for making an honest error. These scenarios are not covered under the typical homeowner’s insurance policy. Instead, you will need additional coverage that specifically covers the risks that are unique to your business.

The Benefits of Home-Based Business Insurance

If you freelance or operate a small business from home, full commercial coverage is probably inappropriate for the scope of your business. Instead, you will likely find the coverage that you need with home-based business insurance. This form of coverage allows you to add riders to your homeowner’s insurance to cover the risks of your business, such as property damage, and professional liability. The biggest advantage of home-based business insurance is that it can be modified so that it only covers the risks that pertain to your business.

How an Independent Agent Can Help

If your business is a bit more complex, you may require extended forms of liability coverage. An independent agent can help you identify the risks that you should prioritize and obtain a policy that covers those risks. Contact us today to speak with an agent who can help you protect your business with the right insurance coverage.

In Sahuarita, AZ, Will my auto insurance premium reduce if I hire an experienced chauffeur to drive my car?

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Auto Insurance companies in Sahuarita, Arizona do take into consideration as who will be driving the car that you are insuring and it can have an effect on the premium you pay. If, for example you have a wife and two children of legal driving age in your household, your premium may be a little higher than if you were the only person who would ever drive the car.

You can not lower your rates on Arizona auto insurance by hiring an experienced chauffeur to drive you around Sahuarita because you are the named insured. In order to register a car in Texas in your name, you need to show that you have the required auto insurance. You can not get cheaper insurance by saying that you have a professional driver who has a spotless driving record.

About the only way that you can get around Arizona insurance rules and regulations is if you were to purchase a car for your chauffeur and then have the car insured in your chauffeur’s name. Of course you would have no ownership rights in the vehicle and the premium of the auto insurance policy would depend on the chauffeur’s personal driving record and other factors that determine the rates for insurance.

When auto insurance companies sell a policy, they base their rates on several different factors. The vehicle itself accounts for a portion of the total premium and the driving record and risk presented by the driver accounts for the remainder of the premium. Full coverage on a brand new $50,000 car will cost you more than a $20,000 vehicle because if it is stolen, or totaled, it will result in a larger claim against the insurer.

As your independent agent, we understand that it is tough out there and everyone wants to pay lower premiums. Give us a call and let us review your current policy. Many times, we can find a way to reduce your overall auto insurance costs.

Is There a One-Stop Service for Auto Insurance Quotes in Green Valley, AZ?

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We know you’d rather spend your time exploring the desert landscape here in Green Valley,Arizona, shopping in Tucson, or planning your next trip to Mexico than collecting auto insurancequotes. As independent agents, we provide a one-stop service for quotes. We take your basic information and apply our knowledge of Green Valley’s insurance providers and policies to gatherquotes that are tailored to your needs. Each independent agent takes the time to get to know his client, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time looking for what you need. We do the looking for you, and our expertise allows us to streamline the process, getting good results and saving you time. Our goal is to make using an agent like taking a shortcut to get to your destination. We’ll show you the options that appear to be on the right track and help you evaluate quotes to make your final selection.

Many of our Green Valley clients want to save money in addition to saving time by using the one-stop auto insurance quote service at our insurance center. We can help you determine which policies and rates are truly a good value. We often remind people that discovering an adequate amount of coverage for a reasonable rate can be much better in the long run than spending very little but having very little coverage. To find the best value, quotes can be collected and compared using your recommended coverage types and limits. As an independent agent, we also know that some people will qualify for discounts or could qualify for discounts with a few simple steps. Some of the questions we ask you at the beginning of the process will help us match you with the providers that offer these discounts. Our one-stop shop gets your quotes, so you can get your car on the road with the right auto insurance.

Are there any benefits available on my auto insurance if I refer my friends In Green Valley, AZ to purchase an auto insurance from the same vendor I own.

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One of the best ways to find a good auto insurance company in Green Valley, Arizona is to ask your friends who they use to insure their car. You too can help your friends when they are looking to purchase car insurance. If you refer them to your current insurance vendor and they purchase policy, they will be happy because they are getting good and affordable coverage. You may also be rewarded with some unexpected benefits from your independent agent who appreciates your help in sending more business their way.

It may be unexpected, but not unusual for individuals to get some perks when they refer their friends to the Insurance Center Green Valley. You may be pleasantly surprised when an agent hands you a gift card and tells you thanks for the referral. Sometimes agents at the Insurance Center Green Valley will present you with a voucher from a local business where you can enjoy a complimentary lunch or some other small benefit.

While it is nice to receive a little something extra for referring your friends to the same insurance vendor that you use, the reason you should do so is that you want to help your friends get the type of auto insurance coverage that they need. If you are happy with your insurer, why not share that information with your close friends and family?

Personal recommendations are probably one of the best sales tools for convincing anyone to bury any product. Whether it is buying a car or buying car insurance, people trust their friends to steer them in the right direction. You can give us a call and talk to an independent agent who can discuss the benefits when you refer new clients.

Do I Need my Ex-Wife’s Approval to Remove her as a Primary Policy Holder on my Home Insurance Policy?

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Getting a divorce is complicated, particularly when property is involved. When the court gives you the right to live in the house in Green Valley, Arizona, it does not necessarily mean that it is the end of the battle.

Obtain Proof of the Divorce

The only way to remove your ex-wife from the home policy is with the appropriate documentation. If she is the primary policy holder on the house, then proof that you were awarded the house in the court is a necessity.

You will need to document that the divorce is finalized, you own the house and she is no longer making any mortgage payments on the home. If she is still paying on the house, then you may not be able to remove her as the primary policy holder until after the deed and loan is transferred into your name.

When Her Approval is Necessary

It is necessary to obtain your ex-wife’s approval to remove her as the primary holder of the policy if she is still part-owner of the house. Divorce does not necessarily mean that you take over the mortgage automatically. It may take time before the deed and loan is issued in your name.

When Permission is Not Necessary

The situation ultimately determines if you need prior permission to change the coverage plan to your name. If the court awarded the house to you, then you may not need permission to make changes to the policy. You will need to provide proof that the house is yours and that she no longer has a legal claim on the house.

Before you make changes on an insurance policy, contact us to talk to an independent agent about your specific situation and the options that are available for your needs.

Is there a commercial insurance available in Green Valley, AZ, for schools?

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Schools in Green Valley operate school buses, employ multiple teachers and other workers and open their doors to countless children and parents on a daily basis. Although all of these activities are required for successful operation, they also open the doors for potential liability issues. Thus, like any other business, a school needs commercial insurance policies.

For schools, several types of commercial insurance are available: commercial property insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, commercial general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.

Commercial Property Insurance

School buildings are large and expensive to construct. When they become damaged, the cost of repairs can be significant. Commercial property insurance protects the school’s structure and grounds. When damage occurs, the policy will help the school pay for the necessary work.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Commercial vehicle insurance protects the buses and any other vehicles a school operates. The policy may cover the cost of vehicular repair in the case of an accident, and it may also provide compensation for injured parties.

General Liability Insurance

If a parent, child, employee or visitor is injured at the school or because of school activities, a general liability policy will help the school pay for any lawsuits that arise. Covered expenses include medical costs, attorney fees and other damages related to the incident.

Workers Compensation Insurance

The state of Arizona requires schools to carry a workers compensation insurance policy. Workers compensation insurance provides protection for the school when an employee is injured on the job. If an employee is injured, the policy will cover medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages and more.

If you’re in the market for commercial insurance coverage, consult with us. An independent agent will provide you with the undivided attention you need to choose the policies that are best for your school.

What are the Advantages of Having a Home Emergency Insurance Policy in Green Valley, AZ?

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If you’re lucky, the only one of the advantages you’ll experience from having a home emergency insurance policy on your Green Valley, Arizona, residence is the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve protected your investment. However, you never know if an emergency will occur. If it does, your policy could help you recover from the damages to your house and personal property. An independent agent can help you determine if your regular homeowner’s policy provides enough coverage for your circumstances. Many policies cover some events but not others, so adding supplemental insurance to cover certain emergencies could be recommended for you.

Coverage varies between insurance providers and policies, so it’s necessary to discover one with offerings and supplements that make it a good fit for your home. The coverage that your Green Valley home needs will depend on the risks associated with your type of house and with the specific area it is located in. Even if you’re living in an area at ground level, flood coverage could be a practical addition to your policy. In this case, the advantage is that you’ll be better able to recover from water damage after an emergency.

In general, Arizona property damage coverage is likely to cover you when damages occur because of fire, lightning, windstorms, or hail. However, they most likely won’t cover damages caused by floods or earthquakes, so we’ll help you determine if adding coverage for these emergencies could be to your advantage. Because of Green Valley’s desert climate, it is possible that a range of weather conditions could cause damage to your home. Even if your policy offers some coverage for events such as wildfires, you may want to increase your coverage amounts. Historically, Arizona’s wildfires can also be problematic for homeowners because they may lead to flooding, so having both emergencies covered could come in handy. We hope you never experience a home emergency, but we’re here to help you consider your coverage so you can take advantage of your policy if one does occur.

What should I do if my ALE coverage runs out and my house in Green Valley, AZ, is still not built?

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When a covered loss makes your residence uninhabitable or you are denied access to your home by an order from the government, some insurance companies will pay reasonable increases in your living expenses to uphold your normal standard of living. This coverage is termed ‘Additional Living Expense’ or ‘ALE.’ If your home insurance includes this coverage, this portion of your policy begins at the time of the loss. An independent agent can assist you in finding the best coverage for your home in Green Valley, Arizona.

ALE coverage is limited

However, under most homeowner policies ALE coverage is limited. Typically, there are three ways this limit is defined:

  1. Payment only continues for the least amount of time required to replace or repair the damage to your house.
  2. Until you permanently relocate.
  3. In Arizona, your policy will most likely stipulate a maximum number of 12 consecutive months or the least time it takes for your house to be repaired or re-built or the least amount of time it takes you’re household to settle somewhere else.

On average, the Additional Living Expense portion of a typical home insurance policy in Arizona pays up to 20 percent of your policy limit. Your insurance company usually continues paying these expenses until the time limit is reached, you permanently relocate or your home is repaired, re-built and habitable.

Disaster-related misplacement

If you receive the maximum ALE settlement allowed by your insurance company following a disaster-related temporary housing need and still require assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be able to help you. You need to write a letter to FEMA that indicates why you still need temporary housing. You must also provide them with documentation showing that you already used all of your Additional Living Expense benefits along with a plan for permanent housing.

If you are concerned about being misplaced, you may want to purchase a separate ‘loss-of-use’ policy. Some insurance companies offer a policy with an unlimited amount of expense coverage. However, there is still a time limit on these policies.

As your independent agent, we are happy to help you find the best coverage for your Green Valley, Arizona house. We can give you the details you need to ensure you choose the best coverage possible. Contact us today.

Are auto insurance rates lesser for electric cars in Green Valley, AZ?

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Insurance rates vary greatly from person to person. The rate that people pay is figured using a complex rating scale that involves a number of different things. If you are looking to buy a new car and are thinking about getting an electric one, then here are a few things that you may want to know before making the purchase.

The Factors that Help Rate Your Car Insurance Premium

· One big part of insurance rating is your personal financial management score, also known as your PFM. If you pay your bills on time and do not have any late payments you can be sure of a great rate.

· Your driving record is another part of the rating scale. If you have one ticket, then you can expect to pay a little more for insurance than a person with a spotless record.

· The car type also plays a role in how much you pay. A person who drives a sports car will pay more than a person driving a minivan. Sports cars are rate higher because the car is greater liability risk to the insurance company.

· Some insurance company’s have realized the value of environmentally friendly electric cars. They have started to offer a small discount for people who drive this style of in Green Valley, Arizona. So they end paying the lesser of two amounts based on the power of the car.

If you live in the Green Valley, Arizona area and have any questions about your auto insurance, then you need to call your independent agent today. As your agent we can help answer all of your questions about car insurance. It’s important that you give us a call so that we can give you specific details for your circumstances. You can only win by saving on your auto insurance.

My car break pads are old enough to be replaced, Will my auto insurance bear the cost if I purchase a new one in Green Valley, AZ?

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It would not be a good situation if you were driving down the street in Green Valley, Arizona and you had to slam on your brakes to avoid an accident because someone went through a red light. It could be much worse if, when you pressed down on the brake, your car did not slow down.

You do not have to get into an accident to know that your brake pads are old and need to be replaced. Many people procrastinate because the cost of doing a repair is too high. You may have to purchase parts for all four wheels and before you know it, the brake job will cost you $200.

If you have auto insurance, you might wonder if you can file a claim and get your carrier to pay to repair your car. Unfortunately, auto insurance policies do not cover maintenance or any parts that need to be replaced because of normal wear and tear.

Even if you have collision insurance and get into an accident because your brakes were bad, your insurance company will not pay for new brakes. It is your responsibility as a car owner to take care of your vehicle. Just as you have to change the oil in your car, replace the windshield wipers or purchase new tires every 50,000 miles or so, you have to maintain the brakes.

While your regular auto insurance policy does not cover parts or repairs not due to an accident, you can purchase a separate insurance policy that covers parts and repair costs for engine components, the drive train and other common things that can go wrong with your vehicle.

Give us a call and talk to an independent agent. They can explain what your auto insurance does and does not cover in more detail. Maintaining your vehicle in good operating condition can make you a safer driver and also lower your Arizona auto insurance premiums.