How Much Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Need to Have?

Owning a car is a very important responsibility. One part of being a good and safe driver is making sure that you have proper auto insurance coverage in place at all times. For those that are in the Green Valley, AZ area, there are a variety of factors that need to be considered when you are trying to build an auto insurance policy with the appropriate coverage. 

Liability Requirements

Your first need to make sure that you have liability insurance. This form of insurance will ensure you are able to pay restitution if you are at fault in an accident that causes damage. Similar to all states, you will be required to carry minimum levels of liability insurance at all times in Arizona. 

Lender Requirements

If you have taken out a loan or lease to buy a car, you will need to carefully consider your lender requirements as well. Auto lenders will always want to verify that you have approrpriate coverage in place. Normally, this will require that you have liability that meets or exceeds the state minimum as well as a full collision and comprehensive insurance plan. Additionally, you may need to get gap coverage to ensure that you have the ability to pay off the loan through an insurance claim if your vehicle is totaled. 

Ensuring that you have the right type and level of auto insurance is very important. When you are looking to get insurance in the Green Valley, AZ area, the team at the Insurance Center of Green Valley should be the first group that you call. The Insurance Center of Green Valley will be able to review your personal situation and figure out what type and level of insurance you need to have to provide necessary protection and ensure you are in compliance with the law and all agreements. 

Protecting Your Car From The Arizona Heat

The Arizona Heat in the summer months can be dangerous to your car, including the Green Valley, AZ area. Sun damage can diminish the appearance of your car and require additional work that you were not anticipating beneath the hood. Below are tips to minimize sun damage throughout your car and keep your car looking new while you own it. 

Keep Your Car Washed and Waxed 

Frequently washing your car and waxing it can protect the paint from long-term sun damage. The wax is used as a layer of protection from the sun and prevents paint cracking from temperatures that regularly exceed 100 degrees. 

Top Off Those Reservoirs

All fluids beneath the hood of your car are essential for an operating system. They also carry the chance of evaporation, especially is extreme heat areas. Make sure that all of your fluid reservoirs are topped off to ensure that your car will continue to operate properly in these extreme temperatures. 

How’s the Battery?

With the air conditioning set at its highest temperature for several months, maintaining that system, as well as standard operations can be stressful on your car battery. Have it checked out before the summer months roll in to ensure that it is properly operating. 

Keep That Interior Cool

Any time you have the option to park your car under shelter, take advantage of these garages at home, in your complex parking area, and any garages at work. If you do not have access, make sure that you purchase a window visor to deflect the heat out of your vehicle, maintaining the internal temperature. 

Need a New Auto Insurance Policy?

At the Insurance Center of Green Valley, we offer auto insurance policies to residents in the Green Valley, AZ area. Use our online rating tool for your quote today from the Insurance Center of Green Valley or contact one of our agents for more information. 

 

Safe Driving Habits for Summer Road Trips

There’s nothing more exciting than taking a summer road trip with your family. Whether you’re exploring the Green Valley, AZ area or traveling beyond, the following road safety tips from Insurance Center of Green Valley can enhance your summer travels.

Inspect Your Vehicle

Before hitting the road this summer, have your mechanic do a multi-point inspection of your vehicle. Your mechanic should check your engine, battery, fluids, tires, brakes and cooling system before giving you an “all clear” for long distance travels.  

Plan Your Route

In addition to using your smartphone’s GPS, make sure you bring an updated map to mark your routes and plan your travels. A map will come in handy if you encounter areas where you receive no service on the road. Maps are easy to follow and reliable at all times, making it easy to keep track of your travels.

Drive Defensively

Drive defensively, making sure to obey speed limits, keeping a safe distance from other cars, stopping to rest when you’re tired and avoiding texting or talking on your cell phone when driving. Take your time and enjoy your road trip to the full by visiting natural resources or exploring famous landmarks along the way.  

Protect Your Vehicle and Belongings

Lock your vehicle when you’re not inside to protect your car (and belongings) from theft. Park in well-lit, secure areas when stopping to rest or have a meal to discourage thieves from targeting your vehicle. If you must stop at night to use restroom facilities, use the facilities quickly to reduce your risk of theft.

Update Car Insurance

Make sure your auto insurance is up-to-date for full protection on the road. To update your auto insurance coverage for an upcoming road trip, contact Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ today.

When to shop for new auto insurance

All your insurance policies are forms of expenses which can change over time. Auto insurance is one of those expenses that you can always check and shop for the best deal. To do this, of course, you need to be a regular shopper and also keen to buy from a certified company like the Insurance Center of Green Valley if you live around Green Valley, AZ. Here are the most opportune times to shop for new auto insurance.

If you purchased a new car

This should sound almost automatic. Purchasing a new car means getting it insured, which of course does not need to be from the previous auto insurance company. This is the best moment to find out whether you are getting some value for your money or not.

If you are getting married

Getting married comes with lots of changes in one’s life. It means reviewing all your financial expenses, cutting some and adding on some. All your insurance policies will play a tremendous role in protecting you and your young family. This will be an excellent moment to check your auto insurance and determine whether to buy or not.

If you are getting old 

Car insurance like any other expense will change with time. New regulations by the government can also tamper with the rates, that s why it is prudent to stay relevant with your auto insurance news. As you age the rates get naturally better, therefore shop once every few years.

Not getting good deals from other companies? Let the Insurance Center of Green Valley take care of all your insurance needs. To know everything about us, visit us at Green Valley, AZ and our friendly staff will assist you in finding the policy that fits your needs best.

What to Do When You Do Not Have Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is something that you need to legally have in the state of Arizona if you are the owner and operator of a vehicle. Because of the law, you may be wondering what you need to do if you do not have auto insurance in Green Valley, AZ. Luckily, the answer is a pretty simple one and we can help you here at the Insurance Center of Green Valley. 

When it comes down to it, the only thing that you really need to do is get an auto insurance policy. This may seem complicated if you have never purchased your own policy before or if you currently do not have coverage when you should but we are here to help walk you through the steps. 

You need to make sure that you get a policy that will meet the minimum state requirements by law. This is usually pretty simple because most insurance companies would not sell you a policy that did not meet these requirements. However, it is still something good to check on before you move any further with the process. 

Once you know that part is covered, you can add on more coverage if you want but you are not required to. If you do not want to, it is simply a matter of paying for the policy and making it effective. 

Now that you know what you need to do, it is time to get started. Be sure to reach out to us here at Insurance Center of Green Valley, serving Green Valley, AZ, to get started on your auto insurance policy today. We will make sure that the policy you choose meets the minimum requirements of the state and we will also work with your budget. 

Auto Insurance Add Ons You Need

When it comes to protecting your vehicle there are a number of auto insurance add ons you’ll want to consider. While it comes down to the kind of vehicle you drive, the amount you drive, and the kind of protection you’re interested in, chances are there are some auto insurance add ons that will give you peace of mind. If you live in or around Green Valley, AZ the team at Insurance Center of Green Valley is here to help. 

Roadside Assistance

There’s nothing worse than being stuck on the side of the road with no way to move your vehicle. Whether it’s a flat tire that you can’t change, a dead battery, the engine overheated and shut down, or there are other problems altogether, it is essential to have roadside assistance. It will save you money and keep you safe. 

Personal Injury Protection

Chances are your auto insurance may also cover some aspects of medical expenses. Your medical insurance may kick in as well. However, chances are this will not fully protect you and others within the vehicle. This is where personal injury protection, or PIP, comes in. This kind of auto insurance goes the extra mile and covers medical expenses up to a set amount. This set amount can be adjusted depending on the policy you decide to take advantage of.

No matter what kind of vehicle you drive or who your current insurance provider is, it’s always a good idea to look into your current coverage and decide what is best for your particular needs. When you live in or around Green Valley, AZ the team at Insurance Center of Green Valley can help. All you need to do is pick up your phone and give the team a call at your earliest convenience. 

What Auto Insurance Do I Need?

For those that are in the Green Valley, AZ area, owning a car is practically a necessity. If you do have a car in this area, it is important that you have it properly covered by insurance. Since there are so many different options out there today, picking the right policy can be hard. There are several factors to consider when you are trying to find the right insurance for your situation.

Bare Minimum Requirements

Both state law and auto insurance lenders will require that you carry auto insurance. Per the state guidelines, you will be required to have minimum liability coverage of at least $10,000 in property damage coverage with $15,000 / $30,000 for bodily injury coverage. If you have an auto loan, your lender will undoubtedly require that you have collision and comprehensive coverage in place as well with a coverage level sufficient to cover your loan amount.

Additional Coverage

In many situations, you may also want to have additional coverage on top of your base requirements. If you do not have a loan or lease on the vehicle, having collision and comprehensive coverage is still often preferred as it will pay to replace your car in a variety of situations. Further, the state mandated liability coverage levels are not normally recommended as they do not often provide adequate coverage. 

If you are in the Green Valley, AZ area and are in need of auto insurance for your car, you should reach out to the team at Insurance Center of Green Valley. The Insurance Center of Green Valley knows the law and other auto insurance requirements. Their experience and insight will help you to decide what type of insurance you should get and how much coverage you need. This will result in you getting the appropriate level of protection. 

Got an Older Car? Should You Drop Full Coverage and When?

At Insurance Center of Green Valley, serving the greater Green Valley, AZ area, we are often asked whether you should drop full coverage when you have an older car. This is challenging question to answer, as everyone’s situation is different. Here is some of the advice that may help you decide whether you should drop full coverage and when if you have an older car. 

Can You Afford to Replace Your Car? 

When you are deciding whether or not to drop full coverage, you should always pay close attention to whether you can afford to replace your car at the present moment. If your car is totaled and you are at fault or your car is stolen, you will not receive any money for your car if you don’t have full coverage. If you cannot afford to replace your car or put a down payment down on another vehicle, it may be worth keeping full coverage auto insurance. 

How Much Are You Really Saving?

Another important factor to consider is how much you will really be saving. Most people think that they will save a significant amount of money by dropping full coverage insurance. This may not always be the case. Compare the cost of both types of insurance to learn how much you can really save before making a decision. 

Is It Worth the Risk?

Lastly, you have to consider the risk. Not having full coverage is a gamble of sorts. For some people, the savings is worth the risk and for other people, it is not. Always consider the risk and your comfort level when making a decision. 

Deciding whether or not to drop full coverage insurance on your older car is a personal decision. If you are interested in obtaining a new auto insurance policy in the greater Green Valley, AZ area, whether it be full coverage or not, Insurance Center of Green Valley can help you. Contact us now and let us help you find the policy that is best for you. 

Three steps to a successful management of auto risks

Effective risk management begins with identifying and addressing basic hazards before the occurrence of any incidences. Without a proper understanding of the hazards and risks which your employees are likely to face with the nature of their tasks, it may not be possible to ensure their safety.  Below are three main steps that an organization may use in the management of auto risks.

1. Risk identification and assessment.

This is the process of examining and evaluating the basic auto risks for purposes of identifying any hazards which are inherent in the tasks of employees. While evaluating auto risks, two main factors should be considered: The severity of the impact on any injury as a result of the risk, and the probability that the damage is likely to occur.

This will call for the need for supplemental excess liability auto insurance to help cushion the organization in case the level of severity and probability of occurrence is high.

2. Risk control

After examining and evaluating the risks, action should be taken for all assessed risks. You can have your employees have a definite route, establish an accident reporting policy, reviewing the driving policies of the organization by ensuring the vehicles are roadworthy and safe and come up with the standard code of conduct for all drivers.

3. Review and Monitoring

Whichever method you choose to control the risks, it is important to monitor and carry out a review of the process to determine its sustainability.

Additional coverage will always be needed if the potential auto exposure risks likely threatening your business and employees. You should, therefore, consider purchasing liability insurance in addition to the self-insurance which will provide sufficient coverage in case of an accident with liability exposure.

At Green Valley, AZ, Insurance Center of Green Valley, we understand the complexities in protecting all aspects of your business. Our experienced professionals in auto risk management will be glad to provide you with any assistance in securing commercial auto insurance. Call us or visit us today for more information.

The Best Time of Year to Buy Car Insurance

Are you thinking about buying auto insurance? If so, the Insurance Center of Green Valley serving the Green Valley, AZ area is here to meet all of your auto insurance needs. And if you’re wondering when the best time to invest in a policy is, make sure to check out our helpful information below. 

The Time to Buy Auto Insurance is now!

The saying, "there is no time like the present” holds very true when considering the best time to buy auto insurance. If you want to drive legally, then it’s best to buy insurance right now. The sooner you purchase auto insurance, the sooner you begin to build a history for yourself that shows good faith as an auto insurance carrier. As your history grows, along with a good driving record, you will, generally, begin to pay less for auto insurance coverage.  

It may be a good time to buy auto insurance if you have maintained an insurance policy with a carrier for a good amount of time and they are not willing or able to provide you with lower premiums or additional discounts. Most insurance companies send you a renewal notice and this is a good time to start considering your options. When considering a switch, it is a good idea to view your renewal paperwork and understand your coverage and pricing. This allows an accurate comparison and you will know if you are getting the same coverage with a different carrier and it can help you decide if you are getting a better deal. In addition, switching at your renewal time gives you a clean break from your current insurance company without any type of lapse in coverage taking place; this is essential in being able to keep your rates low.

Contact the Insurance Center of Green Valley serving Green Valley, AZ to learn more about buying car insurance.