Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Home Insurance-Protecting the American Dream in Chandler, AZ

Home ownership is at the very heart of the American Dream. We all have visions of soaring gables, brick fireplaces, cobblestone walkways, and picket fences dancing in our heads. While owning your home is an absolute honor, it is not until you move into your residence that you suddenly realize there is a lot of responsibility and worry that comes with that joy. The questions come fast and furious. What happens if someone breaks into my home and steals my grandma's silver? How much will it cost to refinish the hardwood floors if a pipe breaks in the basement? Has this neighborhood ever experienced golf ball sized hail?
So that you can once again enjoy your home, you need the peace of mind that you are only going to find with Home Insurance in Chandler, AZ. Because home insurance policies vary, you need to have an open line of communication with your insurance agent so that you know precisely what is covered. For instance, many people wrongly assume that their home insurance policy will naturally protect them against a flood or an earthquake. Now, you are probably thinking that you don't live in an area of Arizona that could offer your property any damage by either such misfortune. The truth of the matter, however, is that you just don't know what Mother Nature might throw at you. The worst case scenario is that a fluke disaster occurs, destroys your house, and your insurance does not cover that type of event. In such an instance, safer would have been much better than sorry, and your insurance agent has the expertise to tell you just exactly how much risk your residence has for either of these mishaps. Both flood and earthquake insurance can be very affordable when purchased as separate policies depending on the location of your home, so check into at.
AARP presented the five most unusual claims that will test the bounds of your policy. These are other unforseen circumstances that may or may not be covered by your own policy, so you need to address them with your agent so you are appropriately covered:
  1. Dog Bites--According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 4.7 million people bitten by dogs every year. Of that number, approximately 800,000 victims must seek medical attention and 50% of the time these bites occurred on the dog owner's property. Guess who is responsible for that bill?
  2. Mold--No one ever used to discuss mold unless you were in science lab. Now, it is literally everywhere, spreading its sickness and costing exorbitant amounts of money to mitigate.
  3. Terrorism--while most home policies will protect you from acts of war, acts of terrorism are not covered. Even though insurance companies paid to fix the structural damage suffered during the 9/11 attacks, this is such new ground that you need to make certain you are under the company's umbrella.
  4. Objects Falling from the Sky--whether it is a tree limb, a piece of an airplane, or a meteor, there will be damage to your roof. Make certain that your policy protects you from the ramifications of that damage, just as if it were hail.
  5. Accidents Outside of the Home--while home policies will cover the cost for an injury that someone suffers at your property, that protection might also follow you off the premises. For instance, if you accidentally run a shopping cart into someone's car, you may be covered.

The key to finding the policy that offers you the peace of mind you deserve is dialogue with your agent. As homeowners we should know exactly what our policies include, but too many of do not until it's too late. Allow the experts to help us protect the safety and security of our homes.

If you have any questions contact us we are Arizona Insurance Agents that are ready to help.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Top Five Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Auto Insurance Chandler AZ

Selecting auto insurance in Chandler AZ or any other state for that matter can be an overwhelming process. There are literally thousands of companies throughout the United States offering to insure, with various pricing structures and coverage options. The good news is, according to www.fatwallet.com, Chandler Arizona's average auto insurance rate is $1,447, one of the lowest states in the nation. How can you avoid high rates, while ensuring you have adequate auto insurance coverage? Consider the following common mistakes to avoid when shopping for car insurance.
  1. Buying only the minimum. States require a certain amount of coverage. In an effort to save as much cash as possible, many drivers select the minimum option. However, if an accident occurs, you could be left paying quite a bit out-of-pocket. For example, consider if you purchase liability coverage only that covers $15,000 in damages. What would happen if you hit another vehicle valued at $20,000, totaling it? You would be responsible for the $5,000 your insurance does not cover plus you'd have to pay for the repairs to your own car. Know your policy and make sure you are protected. Often times, a larger policy only costs a few more dollars a month. Save yourself the hassle and financial burden of inadequate coverage.
  2. Not being honest. It is in your best interest to reveal all accidents or driving infractions up front. Eventually, insurance companies will do their own investigation and find out you were not honest. Your rates will increase because of the previous marks on your record plus now you are considered dishonest and higher risk. It's not worth the gamble.
  3. Drinking while driving. In addition to the mountain of legal troubles, a DUI on your driving record lasts a very long time and can increase your rates up to 40 percent, if you are able to find coverage at all.
  4. Not researching discounts. Insurance companies have various ways of providing discounts. Ask about multiple-vehicle rates if you have more than one car. If you have renter's or Chandler AZ homeowner's insurance, ask about a discount for using the same provider. Don't forget to mention all the safety features in your vehicle, such as air bags and anti-lock brakes, as well as anti-theft devices. Many insurance companies offer discounts for alumni from certain universities or members of specific organizations and associations. Additionally, ask about mileage discounts. Insurers offer lower rates for vehicles that are not driven great distances.
  5. Not saving via payment option. If you can afford it, deep discounts are often provided for drivers who pay for an entire year up front. If paying a lump sum is not financially feasible, ask about discounts for automatic drafts. Most importantly, make sure your payments are on time. A lapse in your coverage may result in an increase in your rate when you try to reinstate it. 
While auto insurance provider's rates can vary, at the end of the day the most significant factor in your insurance rate is you. Tarnishing your record, not doing your research or simply choosing the wrong policy can have major financial implications.  
If you have questions and would like to speak with any one of our Arizona Insurance Agents we recommend that you try: