3 Things You Didn’t Know That Health Savings Accounts Often Cover

If your health insurance plan comes with a health savings account, you may be curious as to how you can use these funds. An HSA is specifically designed for those with higher deductibles, and these funds can be used for a number of different expenses. San Marcos Insurance Group wants to share some of these with Chandler, AZ residents so they can know what to expect.

Dental Fillings

It doesn’t take long for dental work–even the simple procedures–to add up. For instance, you are probably out a few hundred dollars just to fill one cavity. The good news is that your health savings account plan will foot the bill.

Corrective Eyewear

The funds in your HSA can help to cover the cost of prescription eyewear. It should cover the cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses. The money in this plan can also be used to cover vision fees, copays, and more that may not be covered by your standard health insurance policy or separate vision insurance policy.

Breastfeeding Supplies

Your health savings plan account can reimburse you for the money you spend on breastfeeding supplies, such as pumps, nursing bras, gel pads, and more. To ensure you are eligible for reimbursement, make sure to save the receipts from purchase. At the same time, you should speak to your health insurance agent ahead of time to obtain a list of items that are covered under the plan.

If you would like to learn more about health insurance and health savings accounts, reach out to San Marcos Insurance Group, an insurance company that serves Chandler, AZ and surrounding areas. 

4 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Car and 1 Thing You Should

Your vehicle can handle a lot of things, such as extreme temperatures. Unfortunately, the items that you leave inside of your vehicle aren’t so lucky. You know you shouldn’t keep food in the car, but you may not be as familiar with some of the less-obvious items. For Chandler, AZ car owners, San Marcos Insurance Group shares a few things you shouldn’t keep in your vehicle, especially when the temperatures are excruciating outside.

What You Shouldn’t Keep in Your Vehicle

Children and Pets

For some, this one may be obvious. For others, well, it may not be. Children and pets should never be left in a vehicle. During the summer, it only takes an hour or less for the car’s cabin to spike about 50 degrees higher than the temperature outside. This type of heat is fatal. During the winter, there is a risk of hypothermia, especially for children, pets, and the elderly.

Electronics

Any kind of electronic, from smartphones to laptops, cannot withstand extreme temperatures. These kinds of temperatures can reduce battery life and damage the processors. Plus, it makes your vehicle more vulnerable to vandalism and theft, especially if those electronics are visible from outside.

Sunscreen and Medications

Extreme temperatures can cause the active ingredients in medications and sunscreen to break down. Because of this, these items can become ineffective. Therefore, for your health and safety, keep any medications and sunscreen inside your home.

Plastic Water Bottles

You may not give much thought to your plastic water bottles, but as the temperatures rise, chemicals from the plastic can seep into the water in the bottles. While it is true that most bottles are BPA-free now, it is important to keep plastic bottles cool, as there are other potentially harmful chemicals that could be present. Ideally, you should opt for a refillable bottle.

What You Should Keep in Your Vehicle

Proof of Auto Insurance

The one thing you should always keep in your vehicle is proof of your auto insurance. This is to ensure you can provide it to the authorities if you are pulled over and avoid a ticket and to share with another motorist if you’re in an accident.

If you are currently in need of auto insurance coverage in Chandler, AZ, reach out to San Marcos Insurance Group.

Commercial Insurance Options to Consider as a Winery

Although incredibly fun and rewarding, owning and operating a vineyard and winery can be a bit complex. One reason for this is the potential risks that you face with your business. With that being said, it is important to speak with an insurance agent at San Marcos Insurance Group to ensure you have the proper commercial business protection for your Chandler, AZ winery.

Liability Insurance

This kind of insurance is great for wineries, as well as all other businesses, as it is designed to protect you from court expenses that stem from a potential lawsuit from a customer. Many businesses tend to overlook the importance of liability protection but consider a few things. 

What would you do if an individual slips and falls while in the wine tasting room? Or if a customer claims a health problem cropped up after consuming your wine? Liability insurance will protect you in these instances.

Crop Insurance

When you’re making wine, you also have grapes that you must take care of and pick. These grapes, the butter of your business, need sufficient protection in the event of a disaster. When it comes to your grapes, there are so many different things you have to consider, including insect infestations, vine infections, and natural disasters. By investing in crop insurance, you will be able to recoup some of your losses.

Equipment Insurance

Just as you have grapes to make wine, you also have equipment. For instance, if you are a bigger business, you may have a grape harvesting machine so you don’t have to hand-pick the grapes yourself. In the event this equipment breaks down, will you be able to cover the cost of repair or replacement with no problem? Your insurance agent can help you identify the exact type of equipment insurance you need to ensure you are protected.

Whether you are a new winery or a seasoned business in Chandler, AZ, San Marcos Insurance Group can take care of you. Contact us today to discuss specifics.

Do I Need Home Insurance?

Although there is no law requiring homeowners to carry insurance, purchasing a house is likely to be the largest investment anyone makes so having coverage is a no-brainer. While it is true that homeowners insurance is not required by law, if you are purchasing a home with a mortgage then it is highly likely that the mortgage company will require you to have insurance before financing the purchase.

When shopping for homeowners insurance, you’ll want a policy that covers rebuilding or repairing your house and other structures on your property like a shed or garage, after a covered loss. In addition, look for a policy that helps pay to replace your belongings if they are damaged in a covered loss, lodging if you are displaced due to a fire, natural disaster, or other incident and legal bills if a visitor or tradesperson is injured while at your home. Generally, a homeowners policy does not cover earthquakes or floods and you may be required to purchase additional insurance policies if you are in an area prone to one of those natural disasters.

Begin looking for homeowners insurance once you have signed the contract to purchase a home. Waiting till this point will likely allow you about a month to find the right insurance company and have a policy in place. At San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ we specialize in homeowners insurance and can assist in customizing a policy that meets your needs.

Whether you are buying your first home or moving to Chandler, AZ for retirement, San Marcos Insurance Group wants to help. Give us a call today or stop by our conveniently located office to schedule an initial conversation with one of our talented insurance professionals. 

What Does Collision Auto Insurance Really Cover in Alabama

When you have a car in Arizona, you will carry the minimum requirements for auto insurance which is your bodily injury liability and your property liability. You may also be considering collision auto insurance. 

At San Marcos Insurance Group, we want Chandler, AZ residents to be covered in auto insurance as thoroughly as possible. Collision insurance is a good idea. We can help you to get the best coverage for your needs.

Learn more about what collision insurance covers here.

What Collision Insurance Covers

When you have a vehicle and are in an accident, collision insurance will cover the cost to replace or repair your vehicle if it is damaged. If you have a deductible on your policy, you will pay that amount first when you file a claim.

A deductible is the amount that you agree to pay to the insurance company before they will cover your damages. This is an amount set at the time you purchase your coverage.

After that, your collision insurance typically does cover the rest.

This coverage can be used when you collide with another car, an object, or are even in a single-car accident where you are the only vehicle. 

You can file a claim for the damages to your vehicle, and for your medical costs as well. 

If there is another party that is liable for the accident, they will cover some of these costs as well. Your insurance company will work with you to determine how much you will be responsible for and cover your damages accordingly.

Get a Quote

You may think you don’t need collision insurance, but you might think of it when it is too late. Get it before then. At San Marcos Insurance Group, we want Chandler, AZ drivers to be protected on the roads. Call us for a quote to update your Arizona auto insurance policy today.

When Should You Change Your Health Coverage?

Your health coverage plan makes a huge difference in your ability to care for yourself. At some point, you may find yourself in a position where you need to change your health coverage. This can be a confusing time, but answers are available.

San Marcos Insurance Group, which serves Chandler, AZ, can help you find health coverage if you think it is time to change your healthcare policy. These are some of the reasons why you might need a new health insurance policy.

You’ve Aged Out of Your Parent’s Plan

The law allows many adults to remain on their parent’s health insurance plans until they turn 27 years old. After your birthday, you should look for new coverage for yourself.

Somebody on Your Plan Has Died

If you have a plan covering the family but somebody passes away, you can remove him or her from your insurance plan. This can be an emotional process, but it can save money on your premium.

You’ve Welcomed a New Child

Whether you gave birth this year or you adopted a child, you need to add this child to your insurance plan. An insurance professional can help you do this the correct way to ensure your child is completely covered.

You Moved to a New State

When you move to a new state, you need to change your insurance plan. You can enroll in a new plan even when the marketplace is closed if you’ve moved from one state to another.

Get the Right Health Coverage For Your Needs

San Marcos Insurance Group provides coverage in Chandler, AZ, helping you find the right insurance. If you need a new healthcare policy, contact the office to learn more.

Is Commercial Insurance all About Liability Protection?

If you own a business in Chandler, AZ, you can’t avoid business liabilities. For this reason, you must buy general liability insurance from San Marcos Insurance Group. Liabilities form a significant component of risks facing a business. Think of advertising injury, property damage, bodily injury, and so on — indeed, the ubiquitous nature of liabilities means businesses must cushion themselves with commercial insurance.

But is commercial insurance all about liabilities? Definitely not. Commercial insurance is broad and covers other facets of your business. Below are additional areas covered by commercial insurance.

Property protection

Your business owns assets, right? If you don’t have a building, you have properties like inventories, computers, furniture, fixtures, and so on. And because accumulating these assets has taken time and resources, you need to protect your assets with commercial property insurance. This way, you don’t have to start from level zero when perils like fire, theft, and hail devour your assets.

Employee protection

Workers’ comp insurance protects your employees from illnesses and work-related injuries. Besides, this coverage covers your employees’ partial loss of income if they can’t resume work due to their injury or sickness.

Online protection

Do you store sensitive customer data? Does your business have an online presence? If yes, you need cyber insurance to safeguard your business against malicious online activities. This coverage covers notification costs, negotiation costs, legal charges, and other cybercrime-related costs.

Whether you own a traditional, online, or home-based business, commercial insurance is the safety net you turn to when the unthinkable happens. While it covers your business against liabilities, it offers much more protection beyond liabilities.

Get commercial insurance today!

Would you like to own a business that will stand the test of time? If yes, then you need to consider commercial insurance. If you are in Chandler, AZ and its environs, please get in touch with San Marcos Insurance Group for an affordable business insurance quote.

How Home Insurance Protects You

When you own a home, owning home insurance is a must. A good policy can protect you from a wide range of risks that houses face. There are several different types of home coverage that are included in one home insurance policy. If you need a policy for your home, give us a call at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ.

Covering Your Home

Part of a home insurance policy is protection for the house. It protects against many different disasters and accidents that can happen to houses and cause them damage. If you don’t have this policy, you would have to come up with all of the money to repair or rebuild by yourself. This policy will pay for damage that is caused by a covered occurrence. Being without this coverage can be too expensive to afford if the worst should happen.

Covering Your Possessions

Another part of a home policy is the coverage for all of the possessions that are located inside the house. These possessions may not look like a huge expense, but when everything is added up together, it may rival the value of your house. If a covered incident like an accident happened and ruined your possessions, your policy could pay for you to replace them or to get needed repairs. 

Covering Your Liability

One part of your home policy is dedicated to your possible liability for accidents and other incidents. If someone were in your house and had an accident, you could be considered liable for the resulting medical bills and other expenses. This coverage protects you from lawsuits that could be filed against you after an accident like this. It’s smart to never be without this coverage. 

Get Home Insurance

To get your home policy, call us at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ.

How Much Auto Insurance Do I Need?

Auto insurance is crucial in protecting your asset, giving you liability protection, and paying for medical expenses following an accident. While auto insurance is a necessity, do you know how much auto insurance you should buy? Determining the amount of auto insurance you need can be challenging, but San Marcos Insurance Group of Chandler, AZ will help you determine the amount of car insurance adequate for you.

Meet your state requirements

The minimum amount of car insurance you should hold is the one required by your state. For instance, Arizona requires drivers to purchase property damage liability (PDL) coverage of $15,000 and bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person. Of course, these amounts differ from state to state – so be sure to check your state’s requirements to avoid non-compliance penalties.

How much liability insurance should I have?

While meeting the state minimum requirements is excellent, most motorists consider higher limits because accidents will likely cost more than the state-required coverages. We usually recommend our clients purchase liability coverage of above 100/300/100. This plan should cover you adequately, given the rising healthcare costs and that vehicle repair costs can quickly stack up.

If you own significant assets, we advise you to opt for umbrella insurance to protect your belongings when you cause a severe accident.

How much collision and comprehensive coverage do I need?

Ideally, you should cover your vehicle with the assumption of a worst-case scenario. If your car were totaled today, is your auto insurance adequate to replace your vehicle? Of course, as you ponder about this, you need to consider deductibles – the higher your deductible, the lower your premiums. 

With this in mind, purchase physical damage coverages that you are comfortable with, putting deductibles in mind. 

Learn more about car insurance

Still unsure about how much auto insurance you need? No problem. Would you please not hesitate to contact San Marcos Insurance Group for more information? Better yet, you can pop in our Chandler, AZ offices to chat with one of our agents. 

What are the benefits of having health insurance in Chandler?

People that live in the Chandler, AZ area are going to want to ensure they continue to have access to quality healthcare. One way that you can ensure you will have access to the care that you need when you need it is by getting health insurance. Several benefits, in particular, come when you get a quality health insurance plan here. 

Access to Affordable Care

A key advantage of having health insurance here is that you can gain access to affordable care. Being able to see a doctor, receive medication, and have procedures done when necessary continues to be very important. One way that you can ensure you are able to get access to this care without spending way too much money is by having health insurance. A proper insurance plan will help to drastically limit your costs in some cases and ensure you have access to healthcare providers. 

Ensure Compliance

You should also get a health insurance plan to ensure you are in compliance with any requirements you may have. For the past several years, all people have been required to carry health insurance. Those that do not have this coverage will be in legal violation and could incur penalties. Evidence of coverage typically needs to be provided at the end of the year when taxes are filed. 

You should always have proper health insurance in place when you are in the Chandler, AZ area. If you are looking to build a health insurance plan here, you should call San Marcos Insurance Group. There are a lot of choices that you need to make when building health insurance. The San Marcos Insurance Group team can offer the insight you need to understand your options and then build a health insurance policy that is ideal for your situation.