Mastering the Basics of Commercial Insurance

Most business owners have their hands full when it comes to making decisions throughout the day. In fact, the fatigue that many owners feel when they’re faced with so many choices often causes them to skip over the details and consequences of those choices. But a commercial insurance policy in Chandler, AZ isn’t something to just skim over and forget about. Find out more about the basics, so you have both eyes open before you make a crucial decision for the future of your company. 

Commercial Insurance Protects 

The bills you pay to keep your company running are likely all fairly straight-forward. Your electricity bill, water bill, property taxes: they all blend together after a while. But commercial insurance is there to protect the property and people of a business. The more you do and the more people you work with, the more liability you carry. When you take out a policy that protects you from lawsuits and thunderstorms alike, you may find yourself in a much better position should anything go wrong. The support you get from a company like San Marcos Insurance Group is meant to support and safeguard a business from as many angles as possible. 

Choosing a Partner 

From natural disasters to a run-in with a burglar, San Marcos Insurance Group is here to make it easier for business owners to keep their organizations from going under. Just one major event can cause a company to go past the point of no return, and we don’t want to see that happen to you. Our staff can ask you the right questions before pointing you in the best possible direction. Give us a call if you live in Chandler, AZ, and want to learn more about which commercial insurance policy will best serve your needs.  

Can I Insure Just My Kids on a Health Insurance Policy?

At San Marcos Insurance Group, we are often asked about health insurance policies. Many people in the Chandler, AZ area wonder if they can insure just their kids under a policy, or if they have to insure themselves as well under that same policy. Here is some information you should know if you have this question.

If you are looking to only insure your child, it has gotten hard to find child only health insurance policies since Obamacare came to pass. This is because everyone is required to carry health insurance now, so theoretically, your child should be covered under the same plan that you are. However, this is not always the case. If you are looking for a child only policy, they are still available, but fewer insurers are offering them. As such, you may need to spend more time looking for them than you used to. You may also have to show that you are enrolled in a health insurance plan in order to enroll your children in a different plan. Also keep in mind that your children may be eligible for state run insurance, so be sure to look into that if you are looking for health insurance for just your children.

If you are looking to purchase a health insurance policy in the greater Chandler, AZ area, call San Marcos Insurance Group. We are an insurance brokerage firm who can help you with a wide array of insurance policies, including health insurance. We can help you find the right insurance policy for just your kids, for yourself or for your entire family. Give us a call today to get started and get the health coverage that is needed for your household.

Commercial Property Insurance in Arizona

What would you do if your business were destroyed by a fire or storm? Having sufficient commercial property insurance could offer you security during times of crisis. The San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ understands that you cannot keep your business going after a disaster unless you are supported with the proper business insurance.

What to Do for Your Property Insurance

Take an inventory of your business items, including equipment, material, as well as the buildings specs. When you go to your insurance agent to set up property insurance, let them know whether or not you own the property. If you are renting space, some landlords may require you to have a certain minimum amount of coverage according to your rental agreement.

What Commercial Property Insurance May Cover

Depending on the type of coverage your policy details, you may have all of the following included if you need to file a claim:

  • The building and the windows
  • Any signage that is damaged
  • Desks, chairs, and other office equipment
  • Landscaping and any fencing

Additional Coverage to Consider

Because commercial property insurance normally covers only property that is at one specific business location, you may require additional coverage such as Business Interruption Coverage or Electronic Data Processing Insurance.

Business Income Interruption is optional insurance that covers lost profits and expenses while your business is closed. If you need time to remodel because of a flood, you may be able to use your business interruption insurance to replace your lost income.

Electronic Data Processing, or EDP, is property insurance that has to do with protecting computer data related to your business. Commercial property insurance has a limited policy concerning electronic data, so adding EDP you have a better chance of being covered if your system is compromised.

If you are in the Chandler, AZ area, walk into the offices of the San Marcos Insurance Group. They have knowledgeable professionals that can help you with your commercial property insurance.

Do You Have to Be Related to The Beneficiary on Your Life Insurance Policy?

Life insurance is a complicated thing if you do not know what you are looking at. For those that are looking into naming a beneficiary, there are some qualifications that you should consider. For those that live in the Chandler, AZ area, the agents with San Marcos Insurance Group can help you to find the answers that you need.

When it comes down to it, anyone can be named as the beneficiary on an insurance policy. The hang up is that you must have their social security number, address, and their legal name. You must also provide these same details for yourself. There are some full stops that keep people from randomly taking out insurance policies on you without your knowledge. Any insurance policy is going to require a signature of the person whom the policy covers.

This means that if you are taking the policy out on yourself, you simply provide your own information and then sign and name the beneficiary. If you feel that the beneficiary might be challenged, you should take your documents to a notary public that can stamp and date them and prove that both parties were present when the policy was signed.

 In most cases, an insurance company does not care who is named a beneficiary. You do however need to make sure that your beneficiary knows that they have been named and that they have access to any pertinent paperwork or information that they may need to actually collect the policy. Since insurance does not require that you be related to the person you name as the beneficiary, you want to take your time selecting them. For those in the Chandler, AZ area, the agents with San Marcos Insurance Group can help you find the perfect policy.  

Are Deductibles Worth the Extra Expense in Chandler, AZ?

In Chandler, AZ, the agents of San Marcos Insurance Group can help their clients work through the process of determining how much of a deductible they need to make their auto insurance policy affordable. Deductibles can range from $500 to $5000 in some areas. The type of insurance, the book value of the vehicle, and the estimated amount of the monthly premiums all need to be taken into consideration. When you are choosing the level of your deductible, you need to look at how much money you have on hand to make repairs if an accident does occur.

Deductibles are a specific amount of money that you decide to pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. Because it reduces the amount of money your insurance company has to pay out, each level of deductible will reduce your monthly premium by a specific percentage. Some insurance companies offer what is known as a vanishing deductible, which means the amount of the deductible is gradually reduced for each year the insured goes without having an accident or traffic citation. While these seem like a good idea, they do have their drawbacks. Before choosing a deductible amount, the insured should carefully consider how much money they are willing to pay out before making a claim.

Residents who live in communities and neighborhoods near Chandler, AZ can talk to the agents of San Marcos Insurance Group if they have questions about their auto insurance deductibles and how to keep them under control. The agents can help you determine what type of deductible will work best for your particular situation and will help you build a policy that suits your exact needs. Call the agents of San Marcos Insurance Group today and let them guide you through the deductible process.

Why Does a Policy Get Cancelled in Chandler, AZ

In Chandler, AZ, agents of the San Marcos Insurance Group can help to identify potential problems within a policy that may pose a problem for drivers who may not have fully read it in its entirety before signing it. It is important to read through a policy completely before agreeing to it. Policies often contain a variety of stipulations that will allow a driver to be dropped if certain things occur. Many of these events may be out of their control. Take a few minutes and review your policy so you understand what is and is not covered. The following list contains a few reasons why policies get canceled.

  • Too many tickets in a one-year period of time
  • Too many accidents in a one-year period of time (Even if the accident is not your fault, it can work against you.)
  • Too many late payments or cancellation notices
  • Not maintaining a valid driver’s license
  • Excessive, non-accident related claims

At the San Marcos Insurance Group, residents of Chandler, AZ can find the answers they need when it comes to professional service and quality auto insurance. Agents at the office are able to answer questions and put the right insurance policy with the right person at an affordable rate. Every state requires its residents to carry at least a minimum amount of car insurance. Don’t let your insurance lapse due to an oversight or because you didn’t realize you were not meeting the requirements of the policy. Call our office today and get the answers you need to remain insured and financially protected from loss. A few minutes with one of our agents will get you back on track.

 

Weathering the Damages

Believe it or not, the climate you live in can make a significant difference in how long you can expect your car to stay in like-new condition. The salty sea air, for instance, can really wreak havoc on a finish. If you live in Arizona, you have your own concerns to consider, such as…

  • Sunshine

The harsh sun of Chandler, AZ can be a bit much at times, and it can cause your car’s finish to fade and peel long before its time. The best way to prevent this is with regular waxing. Lighter colors also tend to fade more slowly. And of course, you should use a reflector in your windshield in order to keep your steering wheel from melting right onto your seat.

  • Sand

Those fine grains of sand when you drive on the desert highways, they can do a number on your car. The most apparent damage will be done to the finish as it sort of sands away at the coat. Again, waxing can help here, as can regular washing to get rid of stand still clinging to the car.

  • Dryness

That desert dryness can do a lot of damage to your car. The hot pavement can fry the rubber like an egg, leading to a blowout. Your best bet here is to store your car in a garage or under cover when possible.

If you don’t take care of your car, you could be looking at higher premiums on your insurance when your provider sees that you’re constantly going in for repairs. Keep your car in good condition, drive safe, and contact us for some free quotes. Contact San Marcos Insurance Group today for more information.