Author: agentinsure

what is comprehensive auto insurance in Chandler, AZ and what does it cover?

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Road accidents do not have to necessarily involve collisions; you could hit an animal, rock or tree branch that fall on your car as you park. However, with the right auto insurance policies from San Marcos Insurance Group you are assured that wherever your vehicle is, it is always protected. Comprehensive coverage is what you need—it covers for expense and damage that may result from anything other than collision.

One crucial point to understand is that comprehensive insurance is not a requirement by law, but is an important policy based on the value and use of your car. Although comprehensive insurance is sold separately from collision insurance, the driver must typically have collision insurance to be allowed to buy comprehensive coverage.

What does a comprehensive insurance cover?

  1. Vandalism
  2. Theft
  3. Fire
  4. Natural disasters such as tornado or hurricane
  5. Falling objects
  6. Civil riots, explosions, or disturbance that may lead to car damage
  7. Rocks
  8. Storms, floods, earthquake, hail, and lightning
  9. Accidents with animals

Note that if you were driving and came across an object or animal which prompted you to swerve to avoid hitting it, but instead hit another vehicle, that accident will be covered under collision and not comprehensive insurance. Collision coverage is a requirement in Chandler, AZ, as it is the pillar cover on the road. The only problem with it is that it is limited.

At San Marcos Insurance Group, we recommend having both insurance policies as they work hand in hand to keep you safe. If you are a car enthusiast, you probably won’t appreciate even colliding with a small stone, and comprehensive insurance provides you with the ultimate protection needed. Visit us at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ today and be safe.

What does it mean that Arizona is a “fault” state?

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When it comes to auto insurance there are states that have chosen to be a “fault” state and others that are “no-fault” states. Arizona is a fault state. This means that in the case of an auto accident, there is a determination made of who is at fault for causing the accident. If the at-fault driver is disputed then this dispute is settled by a court case. Sometimes the court determines that the fault was proportional between more than one driver.

What happens if you are at fault?

The person who is at fault is responsible for the damages incurred by all parties and any injuries or deaths caused by the accident. Talk about these concerns with your auto insurance agent at San Marcos Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ and the surrounding area, to make sure you understand your coverage, deductible, and policy limits. You need to know what would happen if the court was to determine that you are all or partially at-fault.

What happens if another driver is at fault?

If you are in a vehicle that is in an accident caused by another person, you may be able to get reimbursed for any medical bills and treatment. You may be compensated for any lost wages and paid for any property damage. You may also be reimbursed for any direct expenses related to the accident such as towing, storage, and the cost of a rental car while your car is repaired. You may also recover an extra amount for pain and suffering.

What happens if the person causing the accident is not insured?

If the person at fault for causing the accident does not have any insurance or the insurance that they do have is not sufficient to pay the full claim, you can sue them for the excessive damages. However, collecting from them may be problematic. This is why it is a good idea to also carry “uninsured motorists” coverage in addition to your regular auto insurance coverage.

If you have this extra protection then your own insurance company will pay the claim if the other driver, who is at fault, does not have insurance or the amount that they have is insufficient.

Consult with your agent at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ to get a quote for new auto insurance or update an auto insurance policy that you already have.

Prescription Medication Coverage

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Prescription drugs are one of the most expensive components associated with healthcare. Not all health insurance policies offer prescription drug coverage that allows you to get your medications at a much lower price than their regular list price. At San Marcos Insurance Group, agents work to make sure that residents who live in the Chandler, AZ area can afford the medications they need to maintain their health.

Co-pays

One of the ways to make prescription drug coverage more affordable is to use a co-pay. While this can range anywhere from one or two dollars to $10, the co-pay is used to help offset the cost of the premiums charged for the policy. Much like deductibles for other types of insurance policies, co-pays are designed to save you money.

Lower Overall Costs

Prescription drugs can cost thousands of dollars for only a few doses. These types of inflated costs can put effective treatment options far out of reach for people with limited resources. Purchasing a prescription medication policy to accompany a health insurance policy is one of the best ways to make expensive medications much more affordable. While it isn’t a complete remedy, this type of policy will help to make healthcare much more affordable.

Agents at the San Marcos Insurance Group are always available to discuss insurance options with the residents of Chandler, AZ. They have the experience and knowledge needed to review your health insurance and prescription drug coverage. By performing an in-depth audit, they can help you find the right policies to provide for your individual needs. Call and schedule an appointment today to find out how they can help you live a healthy life with the medications you need.

Why Buy Commercial Insurance?

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San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ is in the insurance business to protect businesses by sustaining businesses and the livelihoods of its owners.  A  small business is a company with less than 500 employees. In Arizona, there were 488,456 small businesses.  In 2011, Forty-seven percent of the states private-sector jobs were employed in a small business. Therefore, commercial liability coverage is critical for Arizona’s small businesses.

What are the insurance needs of a particular business? Each business has its unique product being promoted by mom and pop stores or corporations.  San Marcos Insurance Group agents examine the business with its owners to determine what insurance coverage is needed that will address financial losses due to a fire and even loss of business reputation. 

Other important considerations include the business location employees, the Gross annual revenue, does the business rent or own its vehicles, and does the business rent, lease, or own the businesses’ building.

The commercial insurance instruments would include:

*   Commercial General liability policy
*   Workers’ Compensation
*   Business Owners Policy (BOP)
*   Cyber Insurance
*   Commercial Auto Insurance
*   Professional Malpractice Insurance
*   Directors and Officers Insurance

Commercial General Liability Insurance

In Arizona, commercial general liability insurance is not mandatory. However general liability insurance protects your business from claims of another person or business. The policy will also pay for property damage to your client’s server resulting in data loss, claims of a bodily injury which seeks the payment of medical costs due to a client being injured on the business premise or even any damage to the reputation of your client.   

Business Owners Policy (BOP)

A general liability policy only protects your client’s damage to his or her property. A Business Owners Policy (BOP) will protect your property,  especially if you own the businesses building.  The type of the owner’s business includes, such as computers, printers, and furniture from damage as a result of a fire or a flood, and protects the business as a result of dishonest employees.  

The agents of San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ will walk you through all your business insurance needs.  Please call for an appointment!

Important Life Insurance Topics to Discuss Before Marriage

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If you are getting married soon you know that there are a thousand little details that go into planning a wedding. However, few couples realize the many more small and large details that go into planning a life together. Life insurance may not be at the top of your wedding planning to do list, but it should definitely be on your, "things to discuss before we get married list." Here are few life insurance topics that you should discuss with your soon to be new spouse. 

Do We Have Life Insurance?

You would be surprised at how many couples have never even discussed with their significant other their current life insurance coverage. This is important information to know because a spouse is almost always the beneficiary on a life insurance policy. If you or your fiancee do not have life insurance at all, then this is a great time to start looking into policies together. 

How Should Coverage Change After Marriage?

Many life insurance policies will offer a different rate for a married couple than for a single person. There are many reasons for this. But if you do already have an existing life insurance policy then you should talk with your life insurance agent about how your plan should change now that you are getting married and how you should add your spouse to the policy. 

Should You Increase Coverage After Marriage?

Many people determine that life insurance coverage should change somewhat after marriage to reflect the financial needs of each spouse. For instance, if you want to make sure that your spouse and children are provided for your coverage will look much different than that of a single person who has no such concerns. 

If you would like to speak to an insurance agent about these or other topics, please contact us at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ. 

Myths about Home Insurance

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When shopping for home insurance in Arizona, don’t believe these myths so you can make sure you are getting proper coverage.

Myth 1: Floods Are Covered

Home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so you must purchase a separate flood insurance policy in addition to your home coverage.

Myth 2: My Medical Expenses Will Be Covered if Injured at Home

The medical payments portion of your home insurance will only protect guests that are hurt on your property. You will need health insurance to cover medical expenses for you and your family.

Myth 3: Premiums Will Go Up When a Claim Is Filed

A single claim in Chandler, AZ may not mean that you will face a premium increase. Multiple claims may mean you have to pay higher premiums, but it depends on the claims and your insurance agency. It’s a good idea to estimate the cost of repairs before filing a claim. If the cost of repairs is going to be less than paying your deductible, then filing a claim will just be a waste of time.

Myth 4: Home Insurance Will Cover All Your Belongings

Home insurance will cover many belongings, but it won’t cover all your valuables. There are usually limits on furs, jewelry, and artwork. An agent at San Marcos Insurance Group can help explain what is covered under your policy and get you additional coverage to protect some of your most prized possessions.

Myth 5: Coverage Is Based on the Purchase Price of Your Home

Dwelling coverage should actually be based on the replacement cost of your home. In order to calculate replacement cost, multiply the square footage by the current local construction costs.

Myth 6: Home Insurance Is Required

If you have a mortgage in Arizona, many lenders will make you have coverage. However, there isn’t a law that says you have to have home insurance coverage.  

Contact an agent at San Marcos Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ, to get a quote on home insurance. 

 

How an Auto Insurance Claim Works

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If you’re one of the millions of drivers who have been paying auto insurance for years without ever getting into an accident, you may have wondered what it is you’re actually paying for. It’s not like many people are sitting around googling how auto insurance works. In fact, if you’re reading this right now you’re most likely here because you have a reason to make an auto insurance claim.

So knowing that insurance isn’t the most interesting thing in the world, we’ll keep this post succinct. If you need more information, we’re always here into help drivers in the Chandler, AZ area at San Marcos Insurance Group.

The first thing that happens in the claim process is the notification of an incident to the insurance company. This is typically done through a phone call from the driver to their insurance company. A claims report is filled out by the representative at the insurance company based on information given by the driver.

Next, the insurance company collects information on behalf of the driver. This can include things like police reports and claims reports from the insurance companies of other drivers involved in an accident.

The insurance company will use this information to determine fault. Their finding, however, doesn’t carry any more weight than the finding of one of the other driver’s insurance companies who may have a completely different opinion about the incident.

If conclusions differ between claim reports then one of several things can happen. If everyone agrees then the insured is paid based on their coverage amounts. When there is disagreement the insurance companies can negotiate between themselves, go to an arbitrator, or go to court.

It can be a complicated and sticky process. So if you want insurance that is on your side when you need it then contact us at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ.

How to Create an Emergency Kit for Your Car

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At San Marcos Insurance Group, we value your safety. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you create an emergency kit for your car. Whether you get stranded in the heat of Chandler, AZ, get injured in an accident, or face any other type of peril on the road, an emergency kit can help get you through it. This list will give you some of the basics, but you should also take some time to sit down with your family and come up with items that are unique to you that you would need in an emergency. Your car emergency kit should include both items for your car and for you.

For your car:

  • Jumper cables

  • Flares

  • Ice scraper

  • Cat litter, ash, or sand

  • Spare tire

  • Empty gas can

For you:

  • Water

  • Non Perishable snacks and food

  • Blankets

  • Phone charger

  • First aid kit

  • Flashlight and batteries

  • Pocket knife

  • Maps

  • Cash

Other things to consider:

If you often travel with your pets, make sure you keep them in mind as well. Consider including their food, some extra water, and a leash or carrier as part of your kit. If you have babies or small children, you also may need to include: diapers, wipes, formula, and toys.

There are many other things you could include based on your family’s needs and habits, but this basic list will make sure you have the essentials. You never know when you could face an emergency in your car, so it’s always best to be prepared. Think about what you would need if you’re near Chandler, AZ, but also think about other areas and climates as well. The further you are from home, the more essential your emergency kit becomes. Another important way to be prepared is to have quality car insurance. Contact San Marcos Insurance Group today to talk about your existing policy or to get started with a new policy.

Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

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Choosing a health insurance plan in Chandler, AZ can be complicated, since there is a lot to think about. If you aren’t able to get insurance through work, you should contact an agent at San Marcos Insurance Group to discuss plan options.

First compare the different types of health insurance plans. Common types include HMOs, PPOs, EPOS, and POS plans, and all come with positives and negatives. Determining your plan will help you determine what out-of-pocket costs you will be responsible for and the doctors you can see.

It’s impossible to be able to foresee every medial expense, but looking at the amount and types of treatment you have received in the past can help you make a better decision. If you want to be able to choose doctors, pick a PPO or EPO. If you are okay with seeing a primary care physician before a specialist, then choose an HMO or POS.

When deciding on plans, look at the health plan networks. In order to save on costs, you will want to see doctors that are in the network. If you have preferred doctors you want to keep seeing, look to see if they are in the plan you are considering. Larger networks are helpful in small areas, since you are more likely to see doctor locally who will accept your insurance.

Compare out-of-pocket costs. Look at the deductible, copays, and consinurance to get an idea of what you could be spending each year in order to choose the best plan for your family. Once you have narrowed down plans based on network and costs, look at benefits. This will help give you the coverage that is needed for your family. Plans are required to cover certain things, but some plans may provide better coverage for mental health or physical therapy. Ff you use these services you will want, it is a good idea to choose these plans.

Contact San Marcos Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ, to get a quote on health insurance.

 

Who Should I Choose As My Beneficiary?

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No one wants to think about what life insurance but when you decide to purchase your policy, you will need to choose a beneficiary. In Chandler, AZ, the agents of San Marcos Insurance Group are available to discuss your needs and help you choose the right beneficiary who will be able to make sure the money is used the way you want it to be.

Choosing Your Beneficiary

When you first start to think about choosing a beneficiary, you want to choose someone who is both reliable and committed to following through with your wishes. Your beneficiary will be responsible for paying off any debts you have left behind. They will also be responsible for taking care of your family’s needs. They can set up trust funds for minor children or work with your attorney to ensure that money is allocated for the health needs of a family member.

Who Is the Best Choice

In most cases, the beneficiary of any type of life insurance policy is the spouse or a family member. If there is a double indemnity clause and the amount of money is significant, you may want to choose an attorney or financial advisor as your beneficiary to make sure everything is handled according to your wishes.

In Chandler, AZ, the agents of San Marcos Insurance Group are always available to answer questions and let you know what type of policies will best serve your purpose. Call and schedule an evaluation so that you can get the type of policy you want in place and protect your family from financial disaster. Don’t wait! Talk to one of the agents today and get the process started!