Benefits to Bundling Your Auto Insurance with Other Types of Insurance You Need

Is it worthwhile to bundle insurance policies? There is evidence that this is ideal for most people to do. If you’re in the Chandler, AZ area and want to find out if this would be a beneficial move, an agent from San Marcos Insurance Group can assist you.

Bundling Is Popular

There are relatively few insurance agencies that stick to one type of insurance. If a young adult goes to an agency, chances are high that they require more than one of them. The best part is that most companies will give you a great discount if you bundle. Home and auto insurance are among the most popular policies to put together like this.

Saving Time and Energy

You’ll get to save time and energy when you go through one company for different types of policies. You won’t have to research and meet with several people at different agencies if one offers all that you need. There also may be a unique product tiers available if you get an insurance bundle.

Risky Protection

If you already have a policy with a company, they’re more likely to consider your risky situation for an auto or home policy. They’ll want to give you coverage if you’ve been a loyal customer for a while and won’t want to lose out on having you as a customer. Of course, there are limitations to this, such as anything that is against the law in your state.

If you want auto insurance and also are thinking about switching over to a new company for your home insurance policy or have a new home for which you need a policy, talk to us at San Marcos Insurance Group. We’ve been serving the Chandler, AZ area and would love to help you find just the right insurance to meet your needs.

Does basic auto insurance provide enough coverage?

Arizona is a great place to live and drive and Chandler, AZ is no exception. Arizona requires that all drivers carry at least basic liability auto insurance, they mandate 15/30/10 coverage.  At San Marcos Insurance Group our team has years of insurance experience. We have the information you need to decide if basic auto insurance provides enough coverage. 

Liability insurance is an important coverage. It protects you in the event that you have an auto accident and are found to be at fault. Medical bills can be astronomical these days and lawsuits filed after an accident can also go through the roof. If you own a home and/or have assets, basic liability coverage may just not be enough to protect you. You can add additional liability insurance to a basic policy to provide the protection you need. 

If your vehicle is something that you would have a hard time living without, you want to make sure that it is repaired or replaced in the event that it is damaged. Two types of additional coverage help to make sure that you and your vehicle are covered. 

Collision coverage pays to have your vehicle repaired or replaced when you are involved in a collision with another vehicle and you are at fault. It has a deductible that must be met first and then it pays out up to the limit of the policy. 

Comprehensive insurance helps to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged by something other than a collision. It may be damage from things like fire, hail or strong winds. It also replaces your car in the event that it is stolen. Glass coverage is usually included in comprehensive coverage. 

How much auto insurance is enough is an important consideration and the type of thing that you should discuss with the team at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ. Call our office or stop by for a no-obligation quote.  

 

What You Need to Know about Auto Insurance in Arizona

For those that are in the Chandler AZ area, owning a car is a practical necessity in order to get to and from school, work, or to get daily tasks completed. When you are looking to buy a car, it is important that you have proper auto insurance in place at all times. There are many things that you need to know about auto insurance when you are looking for an Arizona policy.

Required by Law

One factor to understand is that having auto insurance is a legal requirement whenever you are on the road in Arizona. In this state, you are required to carry liability insurance at all times. If you do not have this coverage or do not have enough coverage, you could be in trouble if you are caught driving without it. 

Provides Asset Protection

While it is not required by law, Arizona car owners will also want to learn more about how they can protect their vehicles. The best way to do this is by getting a full collision and comprehensive coverage policy. This will ensure that your vehicle is covered for a wide variety of situations that could cause a loss, such as theft or vandalism. 

There is a lot that you need to know about auto insurance when you are looking for a policy in the Chandler, AZ area. To ensure that you learn all that you need to, contacting the San Marcos Insurance Group before you start shopping for a policy would be a great option. The San Marcos Insurance Group can help you to better understand all of the needs that you have when it comes to auto insurance. They can then help you get into a policy that provides you with the right protection. 

Mistakes That Could Nullify Auto Insurance

Car insurance in Chandler, AZ is necessary and required by law. However, there are some mistakes that can nullify your auto insurance. Speak with an agent at San Marcos Insurance Group to learn more about not making these mistakes.

Non-Disclosure of Car Modifications: A car modification can affect how an insurer will rate your prices. When you are searching for a policy, you need to declare all modifications made to your vehicle. Failure to do so can nullify your policy.

Committing Car Insurance Fraud: Fraud and dishonesty are the top reasons why car insurance companies will cancel your policy. If an insurer finds out you have lied about your driving record or car details, or you have made a false claim, then you can be dropped from your policy.

Not Obeying Traffic Laws: Not only can disobeying traffic laws land you in trouble with authorities but it can also affect your insurance. Committing an offense such as driving under the influence or with a suspended driver’s license can give an insurer reasons to cancel your policy.

Not Paying Attention to Car Maintenance: It’s your responsibility as the policyholder to keep the car in a roadworthy condition at all times. This means you will need to have regular maintenance and fix any malfunctions as soon as possible.

Using Your Car for Business: Many policies will have a disclaimer that coverage is only limited to private use. If you are found using your car for business, such as transporting passengers or making deliveries, then you can have an issue with your insurance in Chandler, AZ.

Loaning Out Your Car: You and named drivers on the policy should be the only people using your car. If you loan out your car to a friend, you can invalidate your insurance. In the car is involved in an accident, the insurance company may not pay for the damages.

Contact San Marcos Insurance Group to get a quote on auto insurance. 

Chandler, AZ Auto Insurance

In the state of Arizona, Auto Insurance is required to operate a motor vehicle, so this is a requirement that must be satisfied before you hit the road.  This requirement is set in place not only to protect other drivers on the road, but it protects you as well in case of an accident.  Another factor to take in for insurance purposes is the unique weather conditions that apply from time-to-time in Arizona which includes dust storms and the possibility of flash floods.  The state of Arizona has certain minimum coverages that need to be met before you’re legally able to drive on the road.

These minimum coverages include underinsured motorist coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, property damage coverage, and bodily injury liability coverage.  

Underinsured Motorist Coverage covers motorists who have insurance but their coverage isn’t enough to pay for your damage and medical bills in an accident.  Uninsured Motorist Coverage covers you in the event of an accident with someone else who doesn’t carry insurance.  This covers your own medical expenses and damage that would normally be covered under the other driver.

Property Damage Coverage covers damage to the other parties’ property in an accident that you’ve caused.  This covers building damage and other artifacts (mailboxes, posts, etc.) that are tied in with the property.  Bodily Injury Liability Coverage covers injuries to the other party in an accident that you’ve caused.

To be legal to drive and covered for all situations, you need a quality company like San Marcos Insurance Group.  Serving Chandler, AZ, they handle all facets of car insurance and can help you stay protected in case of an accident.  Contact San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ and find out how they can help you with your insurance needs today!

The ABC’s of Auto Insurance

It can be difficult to determine what type of coverage you need when selecting car insurance. However, understanding your state law requirements as well as a variety of other factors should make it easier. Selecting the right type of auto insurance policy is a personal decision. It should be based heavily on state requirements as well as your lifestyle and vehicle. 

What is Legally Required?

The San Marcos Insurance Group serves Chandler, AZ and understands that selecting a policy that meets state requirements is the first priority. Arizona state requirements include Bodily Injury Liability Coverage for no less than fifteen thousand dollars per person and thirty thousand dollars per accident. The requirement for Property Damage Liability Coverage must be at least ten thousand dollars. When you’re shopping for the right auto insurance policy, your first concern should be meeting all your state minimums. After that, you can add other options to your policy to meet your personal and lifestyle needs. 

How Much Coverage Do I Need for My Car?

Not all cars require full coverage auto insurance. Generally speaking, if the yearly cost of full coverage cost more than ten percent of the value of your car, you probably don’t need full coverage. In fact, liability may be all you really need. However, if you have a newer car or the value of your car exceeds ten percent of the cost of full coverage insurance, you should probably invest in it. In fact, if you are currently paying for your car and have a lien holder, a full coverage policy is usually a requirement. 

What Factors Affect Your Insurance Policy?

In addition to state requirements, your car’s value, and lien holder requirements, specific details about your car can affect how much you pay for car insurance. Your car’s mileage and the age of your car often impact how much insurance you need as well as how much you will pay for coverage. Other factors include your credit, driving, record, and safety options like airbags. Your insurance agent will go over each of these factors in detail.

How Do You Personalize Your Policy?

Your lifestyle will also play a role in how much coverage you should get and how much it will cost. For example, if you don’t drive very often, or drive under 12,000 miles a year, your policy may cost less. Your cost will also be determined by how you use the car. If your car is used for a business in addition to personal use, there may be more coverage required. Typically, older cars with higher mileage require less insurance simply because the cost of replacing them if they are totaled, usually exceeds the value of the car. 

Investing in an automobile policy should include all the state required minimums in addition to any other additional coverage that suits your vehicle usage. The type of coverage you select should be based on your lifestyle and preferences as well. For example, If you drive more than 12,000 annually, you need a policy that will reflect this. There are other personal details that should be considered when selecting a policy that will suit your needs. The best automobile policy for your particular situation will include your states insurance requirements and coverage that fits your car and lifestyle needs.

 

 

 

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

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?

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.

How an Auto Insurance Claim Works

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.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Friends Driving My Car?

What happens when your teenager, friend, or other family borrow your car to run some errands? You probably through the car keys at them and wish them a nice ride. However, have you ever take a minute to think about what might happen if they are involved in an accident while riding your vehicle? Will your insurance policy from San Marcos Insurance Group cover them? Therefore, before you blindly allow other people to drive your car, it is good to think about the other issues involved. Knowing what your auto insurance will cover and what it won’t cover is critical when it comes to friends or family members driving your vehicle.

Does My Car Insurance Cover Other People?

Car owners in Chandler, AZ commonly ask this question, and it is a genuine question that requires explanation. To better understand this query, you need to understand the various types of auto policies and what they cover. While some insurance policies cover the driver, others are specifically meant to cover the vehicle.

In general, your car insurance policy will cover the vehicle and not the driver. However, there will always be exceptions to cover the driver as well. If the driver you are lending your car is licensed and insured, he/she might be covered by your or his/her insurance policy. Typically, the liability coverage covers only you and no one else. The good thing about liability coverage is that it will still cover you when you drive other people’s cars. The opposite is also true. This means that if your friend has liability coverage and they get behind the wheels of your vehicle, they will still be covered.

The collision and comprehensive coverage will always cover your car in Chandler, AZ no matter who was driving it at the time of the accident. These two types of policies are usually linked to your vehicle and not the driver.

Contact San Marcos Insurance Group today for your auto insurance policy.