When Is The Time To Increase Commercial Insurance?

San Marcos Insurance Group helps protect business owners in  Chandler, AZ with a variety of insurance services including commercial insurance. Most businesses would not dream of not having basic commercial coverage but sometimes insurance upgrades get overlooked as a business grows. 

It May Be a Good Idea to Increase Your Commercial Insurance Coverage When:

  • You hire more employees. There is a threshold that varies by state and type of business but each time you add another employee to your typical number of staff you should consider increasing your commercial insurance, and in many cases, it is required.
  • You add a location or change locations. Even if your business is running exactly the same in your new location there may be insurance considerations you need to take into account for the new location to make sure you are fully protected. In some cases, your premiums may actually decrease if the area is in a better location. 
  • You add to your services. Are you providing a whole new service within your existing company? There are many situations where your additional service may need better coverage so any risk increase is negated with protection. One instance would be if you are a restaurant that adds delivery to your service, you may want to add a line to protect your drivers in particular. 

Contact us at San Marcos Insurance Group if you would like to discuss your commercial insurance and the particulars of your coverage for your company. We serve Chandler, AZ and the surrounding areas with quality insurance services. Do not leave your company under-protected, call us to keep your insurance policy up to date with all your growth. 

I Quit Smoking, How Do I Get Lower Life Insurance Premiums?

Your life insurance provider would rather you not smoke, and you can generally expect a lower premium if you quit, but the lower premium won’t kick in overnight. Your insurer wants to make absolutely certain that you’re not smoking anymore, so there are a few provisions to getting your lower premiums:

  • Most insurers won’t offer lower premiums until you’ve been a non-smoker for twelve months.
  • In order to keep your lower rates, you need to remain a non-smoker for two years. If you start up again, your premiums will go up.
  • Your insurer may offer a few exceptions. Some life insurance providers will allow you to smoke up to four cigars a year or enjoy the occasional pipe without classifying you as a smoker.

It’s a good idea to call your insurer when you first start quitting, and again once a year is up. If you tell your insurer that you quit smoking, some insurers will have you undergo a test, while others may take your word for it, but if nicotine turns up in your next physical, you could be looking at charges of insurance fraud, so honesty is the best policy here.

Because being reclassified by your insurer can be so difficult, many life insurance buyers in Chandler, AZ will choose to simply switch providers rather than jump through all of the hoops with their current life insurance company.

If you are in Chandler, AZ, and shopping around for a new life insurance provider, we’d recommend giving San Marcos Insurance Group a call. San Marcos Insurance Group can get you the life insurance coverage that you need in order to take care of yourself and your family.

Do Classic Cars Need Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

Getting the right auto coverage can be tricky in some cases, especially those involving a classic car. Some classic cars are categorized as investments and increase in value over time, which would require a special type of auto insurance designed specifically for classic cars. Those classic cars not fully restored or in less than perfect shape may rely on regular auto insurance. To determine which scenario fits, consult with an insurance agent.

Classic Car and Basic Auto Insurance

Classic Car insurance and regular auto insurance are very different. When it comes to classic car insurance, usually to amount of coverage is based on an appraisal by a qualified representative. If there is a claim the face value of the policy is paid in full. For regular auto insurance, the claim is based on damage assessments that may only pay the maximum claim amount if the vehicle is totaled. Those who have restored vehicles with substantial value should speak with an agent about classic car auto insurance. Those who have classic cars that aren’t restored may do better with a standard auto insurance policy. 

The Benefits of Working With an Agent

Navigating the world of insurance coverage without a professional to turn to for assistance can prove risky. Especially if there is a need for insurance in an uncommon situation such as covering a classic automobile. Those who are in the market for coverage for a classic vehicle should consult with San Marcos Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ. They have the insight and skill to recommend high-quality auto insurance products that provide comprehensive coverage for classic cars. 

Don’t risk selecting insurance for a classic vehicle without professional assistance. Call or stop by San Marcos Insurance Group serving Chandler, AZ to find out more about available options. 

When Should Health Insurance Have A Lower Deductible

Selecting the right type and amount of health coverage can pose a challenge. The best way to determine which options work best for each situation, consult a knowledgeable health insurance provider or an insurance agent. They can outline the current need and explain which instances require a lower deductible.

Frequent Health Needs

Those who have a chronic health condition, or have a job that poses a high risk for injuries will need comprehensive health insurance with lower co-pays and deductibles. This means that premiums will be higher, but it will reduce the burden over the course of time. In cases, where there is only the occasional need for emergency attention or regular healthcare, the lower deductible option may work best. The easier way to discern is to work with an insurance agency with a good reputation that is established in the community.

The Right Guidance

The right type of guidance can help prevent issues when the need for medical attention arises. A good insurance provider will have licensed agents who have experience helping customers get the coverage they need to prevent losses and help get the medical attention they need right away. Those who are currently in the market for quality health insurance should consult with San Marcos Insurance Group to find out more about their options. They are proud to offer the residents of Chandler, AZ insurance coverage that can offer complete protection when they need it.

Health insurance selection is easier and precise with the help of a licensed insurance agent. For answers to health insurance-related questions and additional general information, call or stop by San Marcos Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ. 

How much life insurance is enough?

Life insurance is something that just about everyone needs but very few understand. It is not easy to talk about and you may feel awkward even speaking to your spouse about the amount of life insurance that you need to protect each other. At San Marcos Insurance Group we want to make talking about life insurance in Chandler, AZ easy and comfortable for all of our customers. 

So where do you begin determining how much life insurance is enough?  You answer some simple questions. 

Who is dependent on you?   Do you have a spouse, children, aging parents? 

How long will you need to support them? Are your children young, college-age or somewhere in between? How long would you need to support your spouse?

Do you have debt? Most people have a mortgage, car payments, student loans, credit card debt and more. 

Have you taken care of your final expenses? 

Once you have answered these questions you will be in a better position to determine how much life insurance is enough. Financial experts recommend that you have at least ten times your annual income in life insurance. You may not need to buy this entire amount on your own.  You may get life insurance as a benefit from your employer. 

Once you have come up with a figure that makes sense in your particular case you need to determine the type of life insurance that you can afford. Whole life is the most costly but it offers long term advantages. With a young family and the potential for a long time of dependency if you should die unexpectedly and at a younger age, term life is probably the best option. 

How much life insurance you need is a very personal figure. It is different for everyone and it will change during your lifetime. Talking with the agents at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ is a great way to come up with not only an amount but the best way to reach your goal. Why not give us a call or stop by, your dependents will be glad you did. 

When is Commercial Insurance Required for a Chandler Business

Chandler, AZ is a great city that provides a lot of opportunities for all people. This includes small businesses that can take advantage of the favorable location and local amenities. If you are going to start a company in Chandler, you need to consider your insurance needs. There are several situations when you will be required to carry commercial insurance. 

When You Have a Loan or Investor

One situation when someone in Chandler, AZ is going to need to have commercial insurance is when they take out a loan. Running a business can be risky and any stakeholder that is involved will want to mitigate these risks as much as possible. This will require any formal investor or bank that provides you with capital, each of which are going to require that you have a full commercial insurance policy to protect your assets and against the risk of liability. 

Companies Have Employees

Another situation where it will be required for you to have commercial insurance is when you have employees. No matter what type of job they do, there is always a risk that someone could be hurt while working for you. To mitigate this risk, all businesses should get workers compensation as part of their commercial insurance package. In fact, in Arizona, you are required by law to carry this coverage for your staff. 

There are a lot of situations when having commercial insurance is a necessity for a company. If you need to have this insurance for your company, you should call the San Marcos Insurance Group. The team at the San Marcos Insurance Group can review your full company profile and information to determine what type of insurance you should get. This will ensure you stay fully compliant with this requirement. 

Health Insurance: It’s There When You Most Need It

The Affordable Care Act mandated that Americans purchase some form of health insurance.  Many young people questions that need as they are young and healthy.  Health insurance, though, like auto insurance is a financial tool that protects people.  While many find it hard to afford or difficult to obtain if they have a preexisting condition, it’s still important.  At San Marcos Insurance Group in the Chandler, AZ area, we realize that some may grapple with health insurance costs but we will help you find the right policy for your lifestyle. 

While you may be healthy now, life is unpredictable.  When illnesses or accidents occur, they can also bring unexpected financial burdens that are more than the average consumer can bear.  Also, without the required coverage, Americans are required to pay a penalty.  This amounts to $695 per adult or 2.5% of their annual income.  When that amount is considered, that’s a pretty significant hit to the budget. 

Health insurance can make sure that you stay financially sound.  Even a small medical emergency can result in bills that are daunting.  Appendicitis, car crashes or serious illnesses like cancer can mean financial ruin.  In fact, the number one cause for bankruptcy in the United States is medical expenses. 

All insurers, however, are required to cover preventive care and checkups.  This means that vaccinations, mammograms, and prostate cancer screenings are covered automatically.  So with the right health insurance, you have the opportunity to remain healthy and catch any problems early.  In the end, this makes them less expensive to treat. 

At San Marcos Insurance Group, our team works to get the residents of the Chandler, AZ area covered with the health insurance they need.  Give us a call or come by for a visit to find out how you can protect your health and your finances today!

Three mistakes you need to avoid regarding your commercial insurance policy

Having a good commercial insurance plan can save your company in the event of an emergency or accident. Unfortunately, a lot of business owners make mistakes that drastically limit what they get back from the investment they make in commercial insurance.

If you’re a Chandler, AZ business owner on the market for the right commercial insurance policy, we’re here to help at San Marcos Insurance Group. We advise customers to avoid the following three commercial insurance mistakes: 

Overlooking required insurance types

The most important thing when it comes to commercial insurance is meeting legal requirements. Some business types are required to have commercial insurance to legally operate. This is especially true when it comes to situations where you’re driving a commercial vehicle or hiring employees.

When you drive a company vehicle, you require a special commercial auto insurance policy. Also, companies with employees are generally required to have workers compensation insurance. 

Focus first on finding out what types of commercial insurance you need by law to avoid penalties and fees. 

Being unaware of exactly how your policy works

Insurance can be a complicated product. You really need to weed through the details and read the small print to understand what you’re getting in a commercial insurance policy. Make sure you understand all pertinent factors like how your deductible works and how much coverage you’re getting for various incidents before you agree to a particular policy. 

Having no business interruption coverage

A lot of business owners, unfortunately, overlook business interruption coverage. This is compensation for the revenue that is lost during periods after an accident when a company can no longer carry on business as usual. Business interruption coverage is essential to have because it ensures continued revenue regardless of what happens to your company. 

If you’d like more information on finding the right commercial insurance for your company, contact us at San Marcos Insurance Group for information on our Chandler, AZ policies. 

Health Insurance and Experimental Treatment

We live in a day and age where progress and change are being made in medicine every day. There are now more treatments for the common cold than you can count and experimental treatments for more serious illnesses are being created. That being said, does health insurance help cover the cost of experimental treatment? For those in the Chandler, AZ area, the agents with San Marcos Insurance Group can help you find the health insurance policy that is going to work for you.

For the most part, the only medications and treatments that are going to be paid for, even in part, by your health insurance are those that have been tested and approved by the FDA. You can, in some cases, find experimental treatments that are paid for by the company that created them as payment for your participating in the trial of that drug or treatment. In most cases, however, your health insurance is not going to pay for experimental treatments.

Health insurance does, however, help pay for medication, it might help pay for hospital stays, and it also helps to pay for things like preventative treatments. Your health insurance may also help pay for the cost of some prescriptions and some other treatments as well. For those that do have medical treatments that they have to have done, it is always best to speak with an agent to see just what your insurance covers and what you can do to make sure you have the best insurance coverage possible on matter what you might be ailing with. For those in the Chandler, AZ area, the agents with San Marcos Insurance Group can help you to find the right policy for your needs so that you can get on the road to healing and on the road to feeling better.  

Data, Hackers, and You: Keeping Your Business and Customers Safe

From Facebook to Equifax, it seems like every month there is a new data breach in the news. At San Marcos Insurance Group we know cybercrime is an ever-growing threat to business, even in Chandler, AZ. While your business may not be a huge corporation, securing your data should be a top concern. So, what can you do to make sure your data is safe?

Inventory Your Data

Understand what sensitive data your company keeps and what damage could occur to your business and customers should a leak occur. A typical business has records of credit card information at the very least. The release of this data can cause a financial burden on your customers, which lowers their faith in your company and may even lead to litigation. The more personal data you store, the higher the risk you face. 

Keep Your Security Measures Up-To-Date

The most common way a hacker gains access to vital data is through malware and viruses. It might surprise you, but even hospitals have fallen victim to data breaches and ransomware attacks because they did not keep their computers and security suites up to date. New threats are found all the time. It’s important to make sure you have reputable anti-virus and anti-malware protection and to keep those programs and computer operating systems updated. 

Consider Cyber Breach Insurance

While insuring your property and normal operations are important, it’s imperative to not overlook the security of your data network, too. Data breach coverage can help protect your assets should you become a victim to hacking. If you become a target for litigation because of a breach, your insurance could help cover the cost of defense and damages you’re held liable for. 

With Chandler, AZ rapidly growing with small business, now is the time to protect yourself against cybercrime. Let San Marcos Insurance Group make sure you’re covered.