What kind of insurance am I required to have for my small business?

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Having your own business can be a great thing, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. If you have a small business in Green Valley, AZ, you are facing different kinds of risks all the time. The agents at Insurance Center of Green Valley understand how losses can come from unexpected circumstances, so the only thing you can do is protect yourself ahead of time.

Commercial property or rental insurance will protect your property against loss. You can protect everything from the physical structure to equipment and furniture to on-site inventory. General liability insurance protects your business in case of lawsuits for bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, and other issues like slander and libel.

Product liability insurance protects you if your defective product injures someone, and professional liability insurance covers you if you commit errors in judgment or if you commit malpractice or negligence. You can even purchase business interruption insurance which will cover you in the event that you are unable to stay open through no fault of your own.

Many small or home-based business owners choose a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP). A BOP combines multiple kinds of insurance into one policy, making the policy easier to manage while saving money. Typically, the BOP provides protection for property and liability issues and can be tailored to suit the needs of the client.

If you have a small business in Green Valley, AZ, you hope that you will never have to deal with accidents, natural disasters or lawsuits. But if anything does happen, you can be protected. Call Insurance Center of Green Valley today to find out what commercial insurance policies will best protect your business.

Does Home Insurance Cover Pool Houses?

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One of the questions that we at Insurance Center of Green Valley, serving the greater Green Valley, AZ area, are asked is whether homeowners insurance covers structures that are detached from a home. This can include things such as storage sheds, detached garages, barns and pool homes. If you have a building that is detached from your home, here is the information you need to know about whether it is covered by homeowners insurance or not. 

Is It Covered?

Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to whether a pool house or other stand-alone building on your property, is covered by homeowners insurance. Some insurance policies will cover these stand-alone buildings, while others do not. The best way to determine whether this type of building is covered by your homeowner’s insurance is to carefully read the policy. The policy will clearly state whether detached buildings on your property are covered or not covered under the current policy. 

What Do You Do If It Isn’t Covered?

If your standalone building, such as a pool home, is not covered by the policy, there are two things that can be done. First, an addendum can be added to the current policy to extend coverage to the pool house or stand-alone building. Second, some insurance companies sell stand-alone building insurance coverage, a type of policy that specifically covers the standalone buildings on your property. This may be needed if you have multiple standalone buildings. 

If you have a pool house or other standalone building on your property, you will want to ensure it is covered by insurance. Here at Insurance Center of Green Valley, serving the greater Green Valley, AZ area, we can work with you to help ensure everything on your property is covered and protected. 

Who Needs Conprehensive Coverage?

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For those located in the Green Valley, AZ area, driving a car is a practical necessity. When driving a car in the area, having the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage in place at all times is a requirement by law. While the state minimums in Arizona require you to have liability coverage, they do not provide coverage for your vehicle. One additional type of coverage that people should consider getting is comprehensive insurance. This type of insurance will provide coverage in the event your car is stolen, vandalized, or if you are involved in an accident with an animal. There are several situations in which you should have comprehensive coverage.

Valuable Car

One of the most important situations in which you will need to have comprehensive coverage in place is you have a valuable car.  Buying a car is a very big investment and purchase. Because of this, you will need to make sure it is properly covered. If your car is too expensive to replace out of pocket, having the additional coverage in place is a necessity. In a situation of theft or damage, you will receive full reimbursement minus your deductible.  

Loan Requirements

If you took out a loan to buy your car, your lender will likely require you to carry comprehensive insurance. To ensure you are in compliance with the loan, you will need to have comprehensive insurance coverage equal to at least the amount of your outstanding loan balance.  

When you are looking to build an auto insurance policy, contacting the Insurance Center of Green Valley is a great option. The Insurance Center of Green Valley is able to help Green Valley, AZ area residents better understand their auto insurance needs. They can then help anyone get into a policy that provides the right types of coverage.  

Which kinds of insurance do I need most for my business?

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Even before the first day you open the door for business, you need to start preparing to protect yourself from risk. A single accident or natural disaster could destroy your company if you don’t have the right level of protection. If you live in or around Green Valley, AZ, you can talk to the Insurance Center of Green Valley about these important kinds of business insurance.

  • Property Insurance — This coverage will protect the building and its contents including signage, equipment, furniture, and supplies. 
  • Business Interruption — If there is a disaster or other major unforeseen event, your business may not be able to operate for a period of time. Business interruption insurance will help replace the loss of income you suffer during that time.
  • General Liability — If someone is injured on your property or because of your products, a general liability policy will compensate the victim for any medical bills or property damage and pay for the cost of any litigation you incur as a result.
  • Product Liability Insurance — If your business creates products for sale on the open market, you will need to protect yourself from any claims that people were harmed by them.
  • Automobile Insurance — If your company owns, hires or leases vehicles that are used to conduct business, you need to at least have commercial automobile liability insurance to protect them and any third parties who may become involved in crashes.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance — To protect employees, you can purchase a policy that will pay their medical bills and lost wages if they are hurt on the job.

Your business in Green Valley, AZ will have its own needs, so call the Insurance Center of Green Valley today to make a plan that best protects your business.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Me If I Crash Through The Garage?

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The unexpected has happened. You meant to step on the brake for a smooth stop but instead hit the gas pedal for a disastrous crash into the garage’s door of your home. Before you file a claim with your auto insurance company, there are two things that you should know about liability assurance in Green Valley, Arizona; both of which an agent and Insurance Center of Green Valley can help you understand.

Your Policy Does Not Always Cover Damages to Property You Own

Liability insurance is meant to cover damages that you cause to someone’s else. You cannot use that portion of your indemnity policy to pay for repairs to your car if you are the culprit who ran through your home’s garage. Such is not the case for a rented house since you, technically, are not the property owner. Liability auto insurance will cover damages related to your vehicle as well as the home’s structure if you happen to run into the garage door. Your landlord, of course, would need to file a claim with your car’s insurance company to reap the benefits of your policy. 

Homeowner’s Insurance May Be Necessary If You Own Both the Car and Home In Question

Those who find themselves out of luck for filing an auto insurance claim for running the car through the garage may be able to file a claim on their homeowner’s insurance plan. Technically, your accidental takedown of the garage door caused structural damage that can lead to thousands paid for housing repairs. Thankfully, homeowner’s insurance plans do not have a clause that prohibits you from filing a claim if you cause damage to your residence. 

It is always a good idea to check with your local insurance agent to be sure of your auto and homeowner’s assurance policy limits. Agents and brokers at Insurance Center of Green Valley can help you obtain the best indemnity plan to suit your needs in Green Valley, Arizona. Contact us today for a quote!

5 Facts about Home Insurance You Must Know

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Most lenders require investors to purchase home insurance whenever they borrow money. It covers their interests. However, most homeowners aren’t aware of what house insurance entails. Insurance Center of Green Valley Arizona offers five facts that every home owner must know. 

Covers Specific Property
Home insurance covers electronics, firearms, furs, and jewelry. However, if they are worth over the limit insured, you will incur extra losses unless you have an umbrella cover. Besides, the policy protects property outside your house such as a laptop inside a car. 

Proper Home Maintenance Is Vital
Most insurance firms are keen on ensuring that your items are in excellent condition. Therefore, damages incurred due to house neglect may not be reimbursed. Trim your live fence and regularly inspect your roof for any leakages. In case an unusual water bill increase occurs, it indicates that there is a leak within or outside your home. You should repair it promptly.

Policy Cancellation 
According to the Arizona laws, home insurance policy coverage cannot be canceled unless based on the following conditions:

  • Nonpayment of premium 
  • If the insured is convicted of crimes deemed to increase the chance of insured risk
  • Frauds detected in the policy 
  • Gross negligence by the insured increasing the chance for risk to occur 
  • Significant change in the perils assumed by the insurance provider
  • A beyond reasonable doubt determination by director of insurance that the insurer will violate the state laws if the policy holds 

Homeowners’ Policy claims 
Regardless of the type of home insurance policy you have, when you make a claim, there are three options for you, namely:

  • Cash value coverage also called market value coverage
  • Replacement coverage 
  • Extended replacement or guaranteed replacement cost coverage 

Claim Deadlines 
In case of an occurrence in your home, do not hesitate to contact your insurance provider. Most companies have a specified period for making claim beyond which may be difficult to file. 

If you need home insurance in Arizona, get in touch with Insurance Center of Green Valley. You can also use their online rating tool for auto. 
 

How Does Commercial Insurance Work in Arizona?

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Businesses looking to mitigate risks and exposures from ongoing operations utilize commercial insurance to limit their financial liability. These policies are a necessity for protecting entire organizations from ruin, in case of litigation and other exterior threats. Coverage options are contingent on the inherent risks a business faces in their operating environment.

What’s Covered?

Commercial insurance is designed to help businesses mitigate the risk of loss due to potential disruptions and lawsuits stemming from certain events. These events include business interruptions from made-made or natural disasters. Theft, property damage and worker injury may also be covered depending on the circumstances. Commercial policies are intended to shield businesses from general liability issues that could damage or inhibit ongoing operations.

A qualified insurance professional can tailor coverage to meet the needs of business owners, helping to ensure that companies can continue operations in case of litigation and unfavorable judgments’. The financial strain of not having coverage can be too much to withstand.

Who Needs Coverage?

The size and the location of businesses dictate coverage amounts and options, but all companies stand to benefit from commercial insurance. This is true of home-based businesses and large corporations alike. For small business owners, commercial coverage can mean the difference between continuing operations and shutting down the company, if there is extensive litigation and liability. All business owners should consider coverage and the protection it can provide their companies.

To learn more about getting commercial insurance in Green Valley, AZ, please contact the Insurance Center of Green Valley. There are a myriad of risks facing modern businesses that can only be mitigated with the right insurance coverage. Commercial insurance can shield businesses from loss and disruptions.

Why Should You Have a Homeowner’s Insurance?

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Buying a home may be the most significant achievement of your life, but it comes with its fair share of risks. You need to insure your home since it is one of the largest financial investments of your life. Homeowners in Green Valley, AZ face numerous risks ranging from vandalism, brutal storms, to liability for personal injuries. An Insurance Center of Green Valley homeowner’s insurance policy is a vital policy that every homeowner should purchase. Here are some reasons why you need to buy homeowners insurance.

Homeowners’ Insurance Offers Protection from Losses Caused By Natural Disasters

Any damage to your home caused by fire, high winds, tornado, or even a hurricane is usually covered by your homeowners’ insurance. With the increased risk of devastating natural disasters, an insurance policy becomes a basic necessity for every homeowner. Whenever a disaster strikes, you will be compensated so that you resume your normal life as soon as possible.

It Also Covers Your Personal Belongings

If your personal property is stolen or destroyed by a covered hazard, Insurance Center of Green Valley will reimburse you for the value of the lost property. Some of the personal belonging covered includes your furniture, clothing, and electrical appliances. Your homeowners’ insurance policy protects your personal property anywhere in the world.

Protects You from Liability Claims

Accidents are common, and a visitor may be injured on your property which may result in lawsuits and medical bills. A homeowners’ insurance covers you if such a scenario occurs. A standard policy pays for the material damage, legal fees, and medical bills of persons that may be injured on your property.

Offers Peace of Mind

When it comes to purchasing a homeowners’ insurance policy, the peace of mind it provides is worth every penny. You can’t wish for a disaster to occur but if it strikes, knowing that your most valuable asset is protected is worth the expense.

Are you a homeowner in Green Valley, AZ? Contact Insurance Center of Green Valley today and learn more about the homeowners’ insurance.

Does my commercial insurance policy cover me when my employees are off the property doing my business?

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You may have a commercial insurance policy from Insurance Center of Green Valley to cover any normal damages to your business in Green Valley, AZ. But it can be confusing to understand exactly what your policy covers, and if you will need additional coverage to meet the particular demands of your business.

Many businesses do work entirely at one location, with supplies being delivered to the building. Many other businesses, however, have the need to operate at locations away from the main location. They may have other locations where they store supplies, or employees may need to go from place to place to perform essential tasks relative to the business operations.

What happens if, during the course of that activity, there is an accident? For example, an employee may need to drive to another location for a delivery. If he runs a red light, he will normally be liable for the damages. However, if he was there only because he was working for your business, it is the business that will probably be held liable.

If the employee is driving his own vehicle, his insurance is unlikely to claim responsibility. You should have a commercial auto insurance policy if your employees drive while on the job. You can also obtain a more comprehensive insurance policy to make sure that outside structures and supplies are covered under your insurance policy.

In order to make sure that you have all the coverage you need, it is always best to read your policy carefully and discuss it with your insurance agent. Know the exceptions and limitations. For the commercial insurance policy that best protects your business in Green Valley, AZ, call Insurance Center of Green Valley today.

What happens if I am caught driving without insurance?

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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.