What isn’t covered by home insurance

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Owning your own home is part of the American dream. When you own a home, you have a lot to worry about. One of the things that can help allay your homeownership worries is home insurance. It is the security blanket that protects your investment from all the bad things that can happen. But does home insurance cover everything? The answer is no, a basic home policy doesn’t cover everything. At the Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ the experienced team can help you to understand the importance of having the right home policy for you and your home. 

Flooding is probably the most common item that homeowners may not realize is not covered under a basic home insurance policy. As many as 41 million homes in the United States are in danger of damage from flooding. While flooding is not a common occurrence in Arizona, it has happened with devastating results. 

Earthquakes are also not covered by a typical home policy. The risk in Arizona is low, there has only been one earthquake over a  magnitude 7 but it is best to know what you can expect if one should happen.

Sewer backup is not covered by most home insurance policies unless it is specifically listed. It is always a good idea to actually read your home policy to see the exclusions. 

Expensive jewelry is likely under covered. Home policies have stated limits on jewelry and they are not very high. If you have an engagement ring, it may be worth more than the limits of your policy. 

Knowledge is power. Understanding what is covered by your home insurance policy and more importantly what isn’t covered is vital for your peace of mind. Give the office of the Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ a call or stop by to talk to one of their team about your home insurance policy or needs. 

Tips for Choosing Car Insurance Options

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When you meet with your representative at the Insurance Center of Green Valley, we take the time to help you understand your auto insurance options in Green Valley, AZ. That’s the time to make sure that you understand the state insurance requirements for bodily injury and uninsured motorist coverage. In addition, ask about the most common insurance options that can protect you and your vehicle, including the following.

Bodily Injury Liability

This applies to injuries that you or a covered driver on your insurance cause to another person. You can opt for higher coverage if you think you are likely to be sewed for high amounts.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage pays the expenses when a covered driver experiences a hit-and-run or if an uninsured driver hits your vehicle. Underinsured motorist coverage protects you from a driver whose insurance maximum doesn’t cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle. It may also cover you if you get hit by a vehicle while acting as a pedestrian.

Property Damage Liability

This coverage pays for you or someone on your insurance cause to someone else’s property. It typically includes damage to poles, lamp posts, buildings, fence, and other structures you hit with your car.

Collision

Collision insurance pays for damage to your car when you collide with another vehicle or flip your car. If you aren’t at fault, your insurer may go after the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Comprehensive

This coverage pays for loss or damage due to a non-collision covered event. This may include falling objects, a fire, missiles, explosions, deer, windstorms, vandalism, and riots, among other covered perils. 

Contact the Insurance Center of Green Valley to make an appointment for a free quote on all your car insurance options in Green Valley, AZ. We would love to meet in person to discuss all your insurance needs.

Why Is Commercial Insurance A Must In Green Valley?

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At the Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ, we offer commercial insurance and other types of insurance but this piece is about commercial insurance. We want to let you know that commercial insurance is a must in Green Valley because it is required by law.

If you have at least one employee, you must purchase the employees’ compensation insurance. Also, if you use any vehicle for your business, commercial automobile insurance is mandatory. But come to think of it. Commercial insurance is in your own interest.

The major aim of commercial insurance is to protect your business. Let’s give you some of the reasons that will make you understand that commercial insurance is essential to the success of any business.

1. It prevents your employees from suing you

Without the workers’ compensation insurance, your employees can sue you for work-related injuries. Think of this. If you have provided a staff bus to ease transportation for your employees and an accident occurs while they are all on the bus, and they sustain different degrees of injuries.

Without insurance, do you know how much you’ll cough out? One single lawsuit could run you out of business. This is why you need commercial insurance to protect your business.

2. Commercial insurance raises your credibility

Generally, people prefer to hire a company that is fully insured. This is why you will often see companies stating it clearly on their websites that their organization is fully insured. This applies even more so to a service provider. If your business is painting, your employees will be exposed to huge risks when painting the exterior of tall buildings.

Without commercial insurance, if any of your employees has an accident while painting your client’s house, the client may be held liable. But with commercial insurance in place, your insurance company will foot the medical bill. This is why people will prefer to hire companies whose staff are fully insured.

To get adequate insurance coverage for your business, contact us at the Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ.

Is Selecting Replacement Cost Home Insurance The Best Option?

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Most people don’t realize there are two different types of home insurance policies to choose from. One of the types is the replacement cost of the home. This policy will adjust for inflation and the current costs of material and labor. The other type is face value insurance. This type of insurance will pay the value of the home at the time of purchase.

Which Policy Works Best?

People who want to save money on their insurance usually consider purchasing purchase value insurance, but that may prove to be conducive to losses if there is a claim in the future, especially if the claim is a total loss. The right way to make a good decision is to work with an experienced insurance agent. They can point out the benefits and help weigh the risks associated with both types of insurance. 

Getting the Answers 

Insurance shopping can be confusing and most people have tons of questions. The first step is to seek out a top insurance agency like the Insurance Center of Green Valley. They serve the residents of Green Valley, AZ and are committed to giving them the answers and information they need to make the best decision for their current and future needs. In addition, if there is a claim, they can help file paperwork to expedite the process so homeowners can make the necessary repairs. 

If you are currently in the market for home insurance protection, call or stop by the Insurance Center of Green Valley today to find out more about your options for insurance policies. Don’t take chances when it comes to covering your home with adequate insurance. 

Deciding Between Full Coverage and Liability Auto Insurance

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Drivers often wonder whether they should purchase liability vs full coverage insurance. Both coverage types are good options, but the Insurance Center of Green Valley wants to help you understand the differences.

Liability VS Full Coverage

Liability auto insurance is the bare minimum required by law in most states for you to drive legally. It is designed to cover damage and other expenses caused by you in an accident. In Green Valley, AZ, the minimum liability required is:

  • $15,000 for bodily injury per person/ up to $30,000 per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage per accident

Full coverage goes beyond the minimum requirements. Most full coverage policies also include collision and comprehensive. It insures against any covered event regardless of who is at fault.

Both liability and full coverage have their pros and cons:

Advantages of Disadvantages of Liability

Liability insurance is known as the more affordable option. As it covers damage to other people and property that belongs to other drivers involved in an accident you cause, it helps take the financial burden off of you.

The largest downside of carrying only liability is that it does not cover your vehicle in the event of an accident. If your car is totaled or damaged in an accident in which you are at fault, you will be paying to replace or repair your own vehicle.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Full Coverage

Full coverage insurance will take care of damages and injuries to people and property involved in an accident regardless of who is at fault- as long as it is a covered event. It can make sure you get back on the road if there are damages to your own vehicle as well as other expenses incurred during an accident. The biggest disadvantage to full coverage is that it is a less budget-friendly option, but the additional coverage often far outweighs this issue.

If you are in or around the Insurance Center of Green in Valley, AZ, stop by or give us a call for your no-obligation quote on liability and full coverage auto insurance! 

Why every company should carry business interruption insurance

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Owning a business takes a lot of dedication and devotion. If you are a business owner in the Green Valley, AZ area, it’s time to sit down with the team at the Insurance Center of Green Valley. We are here to help our commercial clients obtain the proper insurance for their companies. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out about the many benefits of business interruption insurance. It is an important part of comprehensive commercial insurance and can make a significant difference if your company suffers a covered event. 

Benefits of business interruption insurance

If your business suffers a loss due to a covered event it can be difficult to get everything back up and running in a timely manner. With business interruption insurance your bottom line will be protected while you repair any damage that has occurred. Having this type of coverage can mean the difference between going under and returning to a robust and profitable business. There are too many risks and unknowns that face business owners today, and having this coverage can truly be a lifesaver. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out about this incredibly beneficial type of protection. Having your production knocked offline, or all of your inventory damaged are just two examples of the many ways that a covered event can cause chaos. With this type of protection, you will be able to weather the storm!

The Insurance Center of Green Valley is here to guide business owners in the greater Green Valley, AZ area. We are proud to serve the insurance needs of our community and look forward to working with you! Call or stop by today and find out more about the business interruption insurance policies available in our area.

Three things you should know before you purchase home insurance

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Selecting your home insurance policy is one of the most important decisions you make when you buy your home. At Insurance Center of Green Valley, we offer home insurance policies in Green Valley, AZ.

There are a few things you need to know about purchasing home insurance before you get started. The following are three things you should know before you purchase home insurance.

You’ll need to choose between replacement cost or actual cash value.

One of the biggest distinctions in home insurance policies is the distinction between replacement cost and actual cash value policies.

A replacement cost policy will cover you to replace your home or any part of your home that becomes damaged. An actual cash value policy will simply compensate you for the current value of your home minus depreciation.

Actual cash value policies are generally less expensive than replacement cost policies. 

You’ll be able to choose from among different deductibles.

One big choice you’re going to make is how much you want your deductible to be. Remember that your policy will be less expensive if you choose higher deductibles. 

Your policy isn’t going to cover everything. 

Those who are first-time homebuyers are often surprised that a standard home insurance policy leaves out so much. Damage caused by issues like flooding or damage caused by inadequate home maintenance will not usually be covered.

While add-on coverage might be available for some of these issues, it’s basically impossible to have a home insurance policy that’s so thorough that it covers everything. 

If you have questions about home insurance options in Green Valley, AZ, let us know. We’re here to help you with your home insurance needs at Insurance Center of Green Valley. 

5 Common Misconceptions about Auto Insurance

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Misconceptions about auto insurance can cost you dearly when it comes to making a claim. At Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ, we’ll clarify any misconceptions you may have concerning auto coverage so you can get the coverage you need. Here are some common misconceptions to watch out for when purchasing your policy.  

Misconception: Minimum Coverage is Enough

Arizona requires that you have minimum liability coverage to protect others in accidents you cause. Minimum coverage, however, won’t be enough to protect you against serious accidents, leaving you liable for remaining costs. For optimal protection, it’s best to obtain as much liability insurance as you can afford.  

Misconception: Comprehensive Insurance Provides “Blanket” Coverage

Comprehensive only covers your vehicle against theft and non-collision accidents such as damage caused by falling objects, storms or vandalism. By adding collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist and roadside assistance to your insurance package, you’ll have broader coverage.

Misconception: Auto Insurance Follows the Driver

Auto insurance follows your vehicle, not the driver. If you loan your car to a friend, and he causes an accident, your auto insurance is responsible for damages. You will also be responsible for your deductible.

Misconception: Red Cars are More Costly to Insure

The color of your car has no bearing on the cost of auto insurance coverage. The make, model, and value of your vehicle, however, can affect insurance costs.

Misconception: Auto Insurance Automatically Covers Rental Car Costs

Unless you have insurance coverage for a rental vehicle, your insurer isn’t required to pay for one if your car has to go to the shop for repairs after an accident. By adding rental vehicle coverage to your policy, you can avoid problems with a lack of transportation after an accident.

To learn more about auto insurance coverage and costs, contact Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ.

Tips for Purchasing Commercial Insurance for Your Arizona Lawn Care Business

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Owning a lawn care business can be very rewarding, but there are some risks involved. What do you do if one of your employees accidentally breaks a customer’s window or all of your tools are stolen while on a job? That’s where having the right level of business insurance coverage comes in handy. Here are a few tips for purchasing commercial insurance for your Green Valley, AZ lawn care business.

Know What Types of Insurance You Need

This first step to buying commercial insurance is making sure you know what type of coverage you need. There are several policies that most Arizona lawn care companies carry, including:

  • General Liability Insurance: This type of policy protects you if you accidentally hurt or damage property owned by someone else, and they intend to sue you. It is generally a requirement if you plan on bidding commercial landscaping jobs.
  • Commercial Property Insurance: This policy protects things your company owns, like equipment and tools. If you have an office, it also takes care of desks, computers, supplies, etc.
  • Worker’s Compensation Insurance: If you have employees, you’re required by the State of Arizona to carry this coverage.
  • Commercial Auto Insurance: Most personal auto policies won’t cover you if you’re involved in a wreck while on the job. Instead, you need to have a commercial auto policy in place.

Understand Factors That Affect Your Premium Rates

When purchasing commercial insurance, it is also important to understand the various factors that affect your premium rates. Generally, the length of time you’ve been in business, any previous claims, and your driving record play a huge role. However, our team at the Insurance Center of Green Valley can help ensure you’re getting the most coverage for your needs and budget.

Are you ready to learn more? Our team at the Insurance Center of Green Valley is here to help. Please contact us via phone or email today to schedule a no-obligation policy review.

When to Revise Your Home Insurance

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You likely have obtained a great insurance policy at the time of moving in to your home. But that doesn’t mean your insurance policy will not change during the time you reside at the same home. In fact, it is wise to review your insurance coverage at certain key times and then make the necessary adjustments. Here are more details on that topic, courtesy of Insurance Center of Green Valley serving the Green Valley, AZ area.

Purchasing electronics

Whenever you purchase or receive as a gift a valuable electronic item, it is wise to consider increasing your home insurance coverage. The higher the value of the electronic item, the more this make sense. Many insurance policies have separate coverage for these types of items.

Adding Jewelry

When you purchase a piece of jewelry or receive a wonderful gift like this, it is an excellent idea to consider adding more insurance coverage. Some insurance policies have separate coverage for jewelry, so check to find out how your policy is configured.

Changing circumstances

There are many types of circumstances that can lead to a change in the insurance coverage you need. For example, if the value of your home changes or you add a large amount of personal property, consider revising your home insurance coverage.

These are just a few examples of times when it could make sense for you to evaluate your home insurance coverage. Make sure to always be familiar with what your insurance policy says, and know when you should consider changing your coverage. If you need further details on home insurance or would like to look into a different policy and coverage, feel free to contact Insurance Center of Green Valley serving the Green Valley, AZ area.