Making an Auto Insurance Claim: How to Do It Properly

Car accidents happen all the time and can affect many Green Valley, AZ residents in upsetting ways. As a result, it may be necessary to file a claim with us at Insurance Center of Green Valley using the steps below to ensure that you don’t make any mistakes.

Call Your Agent Right Away

As soon as is possible, call your agent and let them know about the accident. Discuss who was driving, which vehicle was involved, when the incident took place, what happened, the name of other involved drivers, their insurance information, and witnesses to the accident (including police).

Talk to the Police

After you call your agent, you can report your accident to the police. While some insurance companies may ask for information about the report before starting the claim process, you can report the incident later to ensure that you get the required information for your needs.

Work With the Adjuster

An insurance adjuster will contact you a day or two after your claim and gather information. Then, they can provide you with a report, including an estimation of the cost of repairs and how much they will cover. You can talk with them about this information to prepare your financial needs.

Receive Payment

Eventually, your adjuster will authorize your final payment and apply it to your account. This step helps to cover any covered costs that you had to pay in the meantime, such as repairing your car. You may also wait until your insurance is approved to get repairs to streamline the process.

Find the Help You Need

Do you live in or around Green Valley, AZ, and need an insurance policy that you can trust? Please call us at Insurance Center of Green Valley right away to learn more. Our team of professionals will work with you to identify your insurance needs and keep your vehicle safe.

The Ways Auto Insurance Protects You

Auto insurance isn’t just something that you can take lightly. However, the best insurance options for Green Valley, AZ auto owners can provide a high level of protection to minimize severe legal and financial concerns. Thankfully, we at Insurance Center of Green Valley can help you with this concern.

Liability Coverage

If you get into a severe car accident, your policy will help. It can provide a myriad of different liability protection options, including:

  • Paying for medical damages for other drives
  • Covering any repair payments, you need to make
  • Minimizing financial lawsuit risks
  • Providing payments for medical costs of those in your vehicle

This type of high-quality coverage will vary depending on your policy and your provider. Make sure that you talk to your insurance agent to learn more about which policy options are available for you.

Repair and Replacement Coverage

When your vehicle gets heavily damaged and needs repairs, your insurance plan should help you repair or replace your car. It will cover any damages caused by accidents or which are otherwise covered in your plan, up to your policy limits, to ensure that you can get back on the road more quickly.

If your vehicle is too damaged to get repaired or if the damages are too high to get quickly and repaired, your policy should pay for the “totaling” cost of yours. They’ll pay to buy you a new vehicle up to the current market value of your car, getting you a replacement as soon as possible.

Find a Policy That Makes Sense

At Insurance Center of Green Valley, we can provide Green Valley, AZ residents and those in the surrounding area with the help they need to keep their vehicles strong. Reach out to us to learn more about the different policy options available for your driver and car owner needs.

Minimizing the Risk of Auto Insurance Mistakes

Green Valley, AZ car owners need an excellent insurance policy to protect themselves from severe financial and legal troubles. However, they may make mistakes that cause complications with their coverage. We at Insurance Center of Green Valley can help you avoid this problem to keep your car safe.

Improper Automatic Payment Methods

Automatic payment is a great way to avoid missing an insurance payment. But if you change your debit or credit card number or don’t have the money in the account, your coverage may lapse. When this happens, you’ll end up having to get a new policy from a high-risk insurance company.

Paying Only the Minimum

States set up a minimum insurance level that all drivers must have on their vehicles. Many drivers try to save money by paying just this minimum—big mistake. If you get into an accident, you might end up paying higher premiums or having holes in your coverage that limit its usefulness.

Registering Under a Parent’s Name

Parents often try to help out their teen drivers by registering and insuring the car in their name when it belongs to and is driven by the teen. This act is called fronting and could result in your claims being denied, your policy canceled, and may even result in legal troubles. Don’t make this error.

Improper Claims

It isn’t unusual for people to make a mistake when filing their claims. They may end up submitting the claim wrong, putting the wrong information on the form, and much more. Pay attention to this possibility and do what you can to minimize its occurrence and keep your insurance proper.

Take Care of Your Insurance

As you can see, making insurance mistakes for your Green Valley AZ vehicle insurance can be problematic but easy to avoid. Call us at Insurance Center of Green Valley to learn more about how we can protect you from this severe concern and keep your insurance strong.

Arizona Home Insurance: How to Protect Your Home From Theft and Vandalism

Having a home means that you have a host of problems that you have to worry about. Two of the biggest risks to your property are theft and vandalism. You can protect yourself against these risks with some updates to your home insurance policy.

You can also take preventive measures at home. At the Insurance Center of Green Valley, we want Green Valley, AZ residents to feel secure in their homes. 

Take these steps to keep your homes secure from theft and vandalism.

Alarm Systems

A monitored alarm system is good for your home insurance, but it’s also a smart move to protect yourself. This is a known deterrent to thieves and vandals, who may strike an alarmed home, but are less likely to do so. 

Put stickers for your alarm company out in the front, sides, and back of your home. Many perpetrators will keep on walking.

Be Neighborly

When you have a good relationship with your neighbor, they will be more inclined to have a good relationship with you. When they see something coming or going out of your home, or even trying to, they will be a good neighbor.

Many good neighbors may call the police for you, or even try to stop a prowler on their own. Find a neighbor you can have on hand for help when you are out of town as well. 

Exterior Lights

Exterior lights and motion sensors are affordable ways to light up the path when you are working on home security. Motion sensors on their own can throw a prowler off and scare them away if a light pops on when they are not suspecting it. 

Add this to your exterior security plan and you will feel more secure with this simple addition.

Update Your Home Insurance

When you are concerned about your home security in Green Valley, AZ, some very affordable preventive measures can buy a lot of peace of mind. Make sure your insurance company knows of your changes. At Insurance Center of Green Valley, we can help. Call us to update your home insurance policy today.

3 Tips to Help You Avoid Auto Accidents

It doesn’t matter how long you have been driving or how many defensive driving classes you have taken, you can literally never be too safe when behind the wheel of a vehicle. That’s why the team of Insurance Center of Green Valley decided to share a few tips with Green Valley, AZ drivers that may help avoid auto accidents.

Keep Your Distance from Other Vehicles

When you follow too closely behind the vehicle directly in front of you, you are increasing the chances of a rear-end accident. In the event this happens, you will need to file an insurance claim with your insurer. By allowing yourself a couple of car links in between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, you will have ample time to stop should the driver suddenly hit their brakes.

Keep an Eye on Your Speed

When you are driving over the posted speed limit, it makes it harder to keep your vehicle under control while also contributing to a significant portion of car fatalities. In addition, it increases your chances of getting pulled over and receiving a traffic ticket. So, rather than speeding to your destination, slow down to keep everyone safe. Consider leaving a little bit earlier, if necessary.

Scan Your Surroundings

It is imperative that you don’t just pay attention to the road and what’s directly in front of you. You must be aware of all of your surroundings, as you never know when a deer may jump out from the woods on the side of the road or a vehicle may speed around you and make a quick improper turn.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on your blind spots and rear-view mirrors prior to switching lanes. In addition, when in a parking lot, watch for cars pulling out and not paying attention. If driving in a residential area, keep an eye out for small children playing.

Whether you need help ensuring you are properly insured or need help filing an auto insurance claim, reach out to the Insurance Center of Green Valley. Our team serves Green Valley, AZ and offers a variety of options that will suit your individual needs and budget.

What Commercial Insurance is Required in Arizona?

Business owners in Green Valley, AZ should consider working with an independent agency like Insurance Center of Green Valley to get a full coverage commercial insurance plan that will protect their business and their employees. 

 If your business operates on a commercial property, maintaining this type of insurance will ensure your protection if there is a storm, natural disaster, or if the property is damaged in any other way. You won’t have to bear the financial burden in this situation because your insurance policy will cover the costs of repair or replacement. 

If you have employees, a worker’s compensation policy is required in Arizona (and most other states). This type of insurance is beneficial if an employee is ever injured on the job. This policy type will typically cover medical costs, lost wages, and more.

Protecting your business with the right amount of coverage is the best way to ensure your company will stay afloat through potential catastrophe and succeed and thrive in Arizona.

It’s a great time to launch a small business, hire employees and contribute to the local and state economy in Arizona. As you look into commercial insurance, it’s important that you are aware of the different options available to you and your business and which you will need. 

For example, if you have company assets including products, machinery, or vehicles that belong to your company, these can also be covered under certain insurance plans. 

If you need clarity, questions answered, or concerns addressed about a business insurance plan, don’t hesitate to contact Insurance Center of Green Valley. Our agents are here to help business owners in the Green Valley, AZ area and can help find a suitable insurance plan for your business.

First Steps to Take When Filing a Home Insurance Claim

Filing a Home Insurance Claim

Unfortunate home damages and disasters like floods, fires, theft, and vandalism can be devastating not only financially, but emotionally. When an incident happens, it can be reassuring if you have quality homeowners insurance coverage. But, knowing what first steps to take when filing a claim may be a little confusing. Working with a professional insurance agent will give you the knowledge and confidence to proceed with filing a claim.

The team at Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ has years of collected experience helping our clients understand home insurance claims.

Steps in Filing a Home Insurance Claim

In general, the claim process unfolds in this order:

  • Police report – Cases of vandalism and theft typically involve calling the police and filing a report. Keep track of details of the incident and the name of the police you speak with.
  • Contact your insurance company – Calling your insurance agent is crucial to start the claims process after a disaster or theft. The sooner you initiate the process, the better the outcome may be for having a quick claim.
  • Immediate repair – Repair your home for temporary use, if possible, and keep records such as materials receipts to provide to your insurance company.
  • Document – Record and list damages and valuables that are missing if a theft has occurred. Being as thorough as possible and adding estimated values can help increase your claim.

Expert Insurance in Arizona

If you are in need of quality homeowners insurance or want to know more about filing a claim, contact one of our agents at the Insurance Center of Green Valley located in Green Valley, AZ. Our agents are happy to help you understand your homeowner’s policy so you can file a stress-free claim if necessary.

Is Auto Insurance Required in Arizona?

Like most states, the state of Arizona requires that all drivers must I have liability insurance in place through a company that is licensed to do business in Arizona that will cover bodily injury as well as property damage in the event that an accident occurs. The insurance agents at the Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ understand the importance of auto insurance.

In addition to liability insurance, there are several other coverage options you can choose from when it comes to auto insurance.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Some states require that you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage and while Arizona does not require it, it is a good idea to have it in case you are ever involved in an accident with a driver who does not have any insurance at all or very little auto insurance.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive auto insurance coverage will help you pay for repairs or replace your vehicle if it is stolen, destroyed or damaged by a fire, or becomes a casualty in a natural disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane.

Collision Insurance

Collision insurance is important to have in place in case you are involved in a collision with a car or even an object of some sort. For example, if you back your vehicle into a guardrail this type of insurance will cover the damage to your vehicle and the guardrail.

Call For a Quote Today!

To obtain an auto insurance quote or to get your policy started right away, contact the experienced and trusted auto insurance agents at the Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ today!

Required Commercial Insurance in Arizona

There are two types of commercial insurance that are required of most businesses in Arizona. These two represent the minimum of coverage that you must have, but there are many other kinds that can be helpful for protecting your business. If you need commercial insurance, call us now at Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance is a type that is required by all Arizona employers when there are one or more employees of the business. This includes both part-time and full-time workers. This coverage pays for the lost wages and medical bills of employees who get hurt on the job. If you have occasional workers, independent contractors, casual workers, or domestic employees in the home, this insurance is not required. 

Commercial Auto Insurance

This type of insurance is required for every vehicle that is owned by an Arizona business. The minimum coverage required is a specific amount for bodily injury liability for a single person injured in a car accident, and another amount is required for two or more people who become injured in an accident. There is also an amount of property damage liability that is required for these policies. You can choose to add more insurance onto the minimums by getting collision and/or comprehensive insurance to pay for your own vehicle if something were to happen to it. 

Other Policies

There are many other policies that can be helpful to Arizona businesses. These include general liability insurance, which includes many types of liability coverage in one policy. There is also business owner’s insurance which also includes many types of coverage. Cyber insurance can be helpful if your business is dependent on a computer network. 

Get Your Business Covered

Make sure your business is covered by the right commercial insurance. Call us today at Insurance Center of Green Valley in Green Valley, AZ.

Importance of Home Inventories

If you rent or own an apartment or home in Green Valley, AZ it is crucial to understand the importance of home inventories. A home inventory is a list of your personal belongings with an estimated financial value of each item. You can keep records of your possessions in either a notebook or a computer, with a folder of all your receipts. Keeping an inventory of your possessions is the best way to get the most out of your home or renters insurance policy. They not only make filing a claim easier but ensure the protection of all your belongings.

Home Inventories Help You Decide on a Policy

Having an updated, accurate list of all your possessions makes it easier to see how much coverage you actually need. Home inventories will help you and your insurance agent find the best possible coverage for you and your belongings.

Makes Filing a Claim Easy and Stress-Free

Natural disasters are frightening and stressful events, especially when your belongings are damaged. If you don’t have a list of your possessions, it can be challenging to remember what you lost and the value of the damaged items. However, having a well-thought-out inventory makes it easy to file a claim.  You can efficiently assess what you lost and get compensated for all of your possessions.

Substantiate Financial Losses

After a natural disaster, you may be eligible for a tax break or disaster assistance, depending on how much you lost. A home inventory with documented values of each item is the best way to prove how much you lost financially during the catastrophe.

If you are looking for more information on renters or home insurance, please contact our office at the Insurance Center of Green Valley, serving Green Valley, AZ.