At Insurance Center of Green Valley, serving the greater Green Valley AZ area, we are asked a wide array of questions. One of the questions that we have recently been asked is whether your auto insurance policy will pay for an accident if you unknowingly let someone with a suspended license drive your car. 

First and foremost, it is important to understand that you can be held liable for anyone that you let drive your car. As such, you need to be positive that the person is licensed and a safe, responsible driver. However, you have no way of knowing that a license is suspended unless the driver tells you, so you may not know until an accident occurs that their license was no good. 

In most cases, your insurance policy will pay for the accident, even if the other driver was not licensed. However, there are two scenarios in which they won’t. 

If Your Policy Has an Unlicensed Driver Exclusion

Some auto insurance policies have an unlicensed driver exclusion specifically in them. This exclusion states that any unlicensed drivers, including those with suspended licenses, will not be covered. More and more insurance companies are listing this inclusion in their policies to decrease their liability, so always carefully read through your policy to see if it is there. 

If Your Policy Lists Precluded Drivers

Some auto insurance policies list precluded drivers. If your policy has the driver who was driving your car listed as a precluded driver, or your policy only includes specific drivers, the damage was done by precluded drivers will not be covered. 

Are you in need of a new auto insurance policy in the greater Green Valley, AZ area? If so, the Insurance Center of Green Valley is here for you. Call us today and let us find you the auto insurance policy that is best for you. 

The right auto insurance matters, but it’s not just about the policy. It’s also about the company you’re working with. If you choose a trusted company like Insurance Center of Green Valley for your Green Valley, AZ auto insurance needs, you can have the peace of mind that comes with good insurance and knowledgeable agents. While there are other insurance companies that can provide you with coverage, you want to work with a company you know you can rely on if you ever need to use your insurance policy due to a claim for damages or other problem.

Some companies are much better about customer service than others, and with the right company on your side, you have the opportunity to get the best insurance policy for your needs. You can also make changes as your requirements change, and ask questions if you’re not sure about something on your policy. That’s important to remember because policies don’t stay the same all the time. There are cars removed and added, and the same is true with drivers. It’s also possible that the coverage amounts themselves will need to be adjusted. Getting a company to do that quickly and efficiently can provide peace of mind.

To get strong customer service and the right auto insurance policy for your needs throughout the Green Valley, AZ area, contact Insurance Center of Green Valley today and talk to knowledgeable agents. Then you can get the policy that’s going to actually be right for you, and you’ll be able to have the financial protection that you and your car, truck, or SUV deserve. You don’t want to settle for just any insurance company when it’s so easy to get the one that can really offer you the policy and the service you need and expect.

Unless you are in an accident, you may never get caught driving without insurance in Green Valley, AZ. If you do get caught, though, the consequences can be harsh. 

Arizona is a fault state, which means that the person who caused a crash is liable for any damages. However, even if you are in an accident caused by someone else, you have a legal duty to show proof of insurance. 

Drivers in Arizona have an exception where, with some qualifications, they can post a $40,000 bond with the Department of Motor Vehicles instead of carrying insurance. Most drivers don’t meet the qualifications and can’t afford this option. 

If you are actually caught driving without insurance, you will suffer progressively more severe fines for each violation. The first fine is hundreds of dollars, but at three or more the fine is $1,000 for each violation. License suspensions start at three months, but the third and up are one year apiece. 

Not only will your driving privileges be suspended, so will your registration privileges. You won’t be able to legally renew your plates.

Your vehicle could end up being towed, in which case you would have to pay expensive tow fees and prove you have a valid registration to get it back. 

Even after you pay the fines and wait out the suspension, you will be required to pay reinstatement fees and carry a special, usually more expensive insurance in order to drive legally again. 

Insurance Center of Green Valley understands how important it is to protect yourself and your ability to drive in Green Valley, AZ. You can explore your options as to various insurance policies by calling Insurance Center of Green Valley and talking to one of our friendly agents today.

During the holiday season, crime increases. People are out spending money and shopping and the criminals know this. One of the questions that we at the Insurance Center of Green Valley, serving the greater Green Valley, AZ area, are asked is whether there is any way to prevent a car from being broken into during the holiday season. Here are a few tips that you can use to help keep your car safe. 

Do Not Store Valuables in Your Car

When you are getting ready to go to a mall or shopping center, take valuable items out of your car. This includes money, cell phones, designer sunglasses, your purse or pricey jackets. If your car is empty, there is nothing for a thief to break in and try to get. 

Hide Your Holiday Packages

If you must keep holiday packages in your car, place the items in the trunk offsite. Do not move the items from your backseat to the trunk after you have parked in the parking lot. Thieves can see this. Doing it offsite helps to minimize the likelihood that they will know anything is in the car. 

Park in a Well-Lit Area

The last tip is to park in a well-lit area. Thieves don’t want to be seen and it is more likely they will be if there is a lot of light. Try to park near lights to keep your car as safe as possible. 

Despite your best efforts, you cannot prevent all crime. If a thief wants into your car, they may find a way in regardless. Having the right auto insurance in place helps to minimize the amount you will have to pay out-of-pocket for the items they stole and the damage they caused. If you are unsure if your policy is fully covering you, or just want a new auto insurance policy in the greater Green Valle,y AZ area, turn to Insurance Center of Green Valley. Give us a call now and let us help you with your auto insurance needs. 

You might freak out or begin to panic the moment you see the “check engine” light appear. You start to think of all of the costs that could go along with it. The Green Valley, AZ agents at Insurance Center of Green Valley would like to ease your mind by letting you know what you should do when that dreaded light comes on.

Don’t Panic

Unless smoke is coming from the engine or sparks are shooting from the hood, don’t panic. Your on board engine’s computer is simply letting you know that there is some sort of malfunction. It may be something such as a sensor that needs to be replaced. If you’re handy with vehicles you can change the sensor yourself.

Get it Diagnosed

Take your vehicle to a mechanic so they can diagnose the issue. Those who’d like to do-it-yourself can purchase a code reader. Once the code is deciphered, then you can decide if the issue is something that either you or your local professional should handle. Some check engine lights illuminate when you have a faulty or cracked gas cap. It may seem like a small concern, but gas caps that leak can release vapors that alter the fuel system.

Fix the Problem

Just because you don’t panic right away, doesn’t mean that you should ignore the problem. Issues that build up over time can cause more damage. You could spend more money fixing a problem that was compounded with time. For example, if you ignore the light for several months and the issue was the catalytic converter, then your car will eventually stop running.

In Green Valley, AZ, the Insurance Center of Green Valley has expert insurance agents that are available to help you with a new policy or adjust your current coverage.

The United States Department of Transportation reports that ride-sharing programs are increasing. This is a good thing. Ride-sharing includes traditional carpooling, vanpooling, and taking turns with your neighbors picking up the kids from school. Ride-sharing also includes the innovative Internet-based car-sharing programs, such as BlaBlaCar, Lyft, and Uber.

Considerations for Ride-Sharing Programs

Before participating in any ride-sharing programs, the experts at the Insurance Center of Green Valley serving Green Valley, AZ, and the surrounding areas, say there are a few things to consider, which are:

• Lack of Flexibility – If you use ride-sharing to get to and from your work, you will have to be ready to go at the pre-scheduled times; otherwise, you will inconvenience others in the ride-sharing program with you. This may mean you have to get up earlier than you normally would in order to be ready and waiting when the carpool vehicle arrives at your home. It also means you will have to leave work at a certain time and cannot work late. If the boss asks you to stay at work to get something done, you may be stranded without a convenient way to get back home.
• Vehicle Maintenance – If it is your turn to drive, you must keep your vehicle properly maintained and clean.
• Extended work hours – Most people who commute with others find that the commuters begin talking about work almost automatically. The ride to work becomes a kind of casual business meeting.
• Vehicle insurance – When you are using your vehicle to transport others, your insurance coverage needs to be adjusted for the additional potential liability in the case of an accident. If you are receiving compensation, including from your company, you may need commercial insurance coverage for your vehicle.

Summary

If you use your vehicle for commuting to work and take passengers along with you or if you offer a ride for hire as part of the new social media ride-sharing services, you have special auto insurance needs.

Consult with your agent at Green Valley, AZ, Insurance Center of Green Valley. Even if you do not participate in ride sharing programs, it is always a good idea to conduct an annual review of your auto insurance coverage with your agent to make sure the coverage is adequate.

As you begin to shop for auto insurance plans, you may discover that some insurance plans are offered through an insurance agent, while others are offered through an insurance broker. This can leave you with many questions. Here are a few of the questions you have regarding auto insurance brokers.

What is an Auto Insurance Broker?

An auto insurance broker sells auto insurance plans. However, unlike an auto insurance agent who works solely for one auto insurance company, a broker works with a variety of companies.

What Are the Benefits of an Auto Insurance Broker?

When you work with an auto insurance broker, they are able to find you the best auto insurance policy for your needs. It may not be with the auto insurance company you think it is with. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of working with an auto insurance agent, which limits their options to one insurance company. Unless you are loyal to one company, a broker can be beneficial.

Can An Auto Broker Help If You Need to File an Insurance Claim?

An auto broker typically sells the policy. They cannot file a claim on your behalf, and because they do not work for the insurance company, cannot help with the status of your claim. However, they can put in a call for you and work to obtain information on your claim or direct you to the right department if you need to file a claim or have questions about an existing claim.

Do you need a new auto insurance plan in the Greater Green Valley, AZ area? If so, Insurance Center of Green Valley can help. Give us a call today to discuss all of your auto insurance needs and let our auto insurance brokers find the right auto insurance plan for you.

In Green Valley, AZ the insurance agents at Insurance Center of Green Valley can provide certain features within a policy to cover certain expenses that may otherwise be overlooked. A good example of this is towing. There are times when the tow bill can be extravagantly high due to the distance the vehicle must be taken. When this is included as part of an auto insurance company, it can dramatically reduce the cost of an accident or breakdown.

To Tow or Not to Tow

Most auto insurance policies are very basic until the agent and owner discuss what they would like to have included. Coverage for towing is not part of a basic policy and must be added as a special feature, especially if it is not a full coverage policy. Many full coverage policies do include a tow package, although it may be limited as to when it can be used. States do not require insurance agencies to carry tow coverage. Clients, however, often ask for the coverage in case of an accident or breakdown. If a policy is being written for anything other than PL/PD, most insurance agents will recommend adding tow coverage in case of an emergency. This protects their client from spending hundreds of dollars on an unexpected to tow bill. 

The agents at the Insurance Center of Green Valley provide services to clients who live throughout the Green Valley, AZ area. They are able to answer questions and offer features that can be included in auto insurance policies that will protect their client from future financial loss. If you are unsure of what your insurance policy covers and what is excluded, call the agents at the Insurance Center of Green Valley to have all of your questions answered. 

Whether you travel in the Green Valley, AZ area or anywhere else in the country, your brakes are one of the most important parts of a safe trip.  You do not want to be driving along and suddenly need to stop to realize your brakes are not working properly.  It’s best to have them checked with your regular vehicle maintenance, but sometimes that is not enough.  You need to be aware of warning signs that there may be a problem with your brakes.  Here are some signs that your brakes need to be checked.

• Obvious signs are the brake warning light on the dashboard or your vehicle taking longer than normal to stop.
• Brake pads have sensors that will squeal when the brake pad gets low, and if you let them go, you will then start to hear a grinding noise.  Grinding means the pad is gone and it’s metal on metal.
• If your vehicle pulls hard to the right or left when stopping, then it could mean a caliper is stuck, and it causes it to pull to one side.  It could be other issues, like an unevenly worn tire, poor alignment, or another issue, but it’s a sign to have your car checked.
• When making an emergency stop with antilock brakes, the pedal pulses, and if this happens during regular stopping there could be a problem with the rotors.
• A mush pedal, meaning it goes close to the floor before engaging, there could be a problem with the pads or hydraulics.

Insurance Center of Green Valley

At the Insurance Center of Green Valley in the Green Valley, AZ area, we care as much about your safety as making sure you have the right amount of auto insurance coverage for your unique needs.