Chandler AZ

Why It Is Important To Review Your Home Insurance Heading Into Winter

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Those who reside in Chandler, AZ may be under the belief that their standard home insurance policies keep them protected. However, San Marcos Insurance Group agents can provide additional insights that keep these homeowners from potentially making avoidable mistakes. Is the home truly ready for the winter? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why the annual review is so important. 

Insufficient Policies

Sure, the average policy might offer the homeowner coverage against various winter-related calamities. But is it truly sufficient? Chandler, AZ residents must review their home insurance policies to make sure that they are covered against any issues that may occur. For example, the homeowner may have the necessary coverage for the property itself and leave their personal possessions exposed. 

Unique Threats

There are certain threats that the average homeowner is simply not going to be aware of. When a cold snap takes place, the plumbing in the home could be placed at risk. Water damages occur as a result of plumbing related issues and these damages are not always covered in a standard policy. Wintertime disasters can leave a home in a state of disrepair, causing homeowners to spend a great deal out of pocket to maintain a residence.

Added Liabilities

The liabilities that take place during winter are hard to prepare for without the proper assistance. Taking the time to speak with an insurance agent is everything. They can examine the standard coverage and ask the right questions about the liabilities that a homeowner might be facing. For example, any homeowner that sets up an ice skating rink on their property will need to obtain additional insurance. Otherwise, they risk facing costly litigation. 

The importance of reviewing home insurance policies before the winter arrives cannot possibly be understated. That’s what makes San Marcos Insurance Group consultation meetings so crucial. They provide insights that keep homeowners from experiencing unwanted issues over the short and long term. 

Health Insurance and Experimental Treatment

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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

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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. 

Mistakes That Could Nullify Auto Insurance

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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. 

Why Is My Home Insurance Premium Different from My Neighbors?

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Most people know that their insurance premiums are based on the individual property and homeowner. However, it may be frustrating to learn that someone living right next door is paying a different price than you. After all, you live in the same area and may have homes appraised at approximately the same value. But there’s more to a home insurance policy that meets the eye. San Marcos Insurance Group wants everyone to have the facts. 

Multiple Factors

When you live in Chandler, AZ,  you obviously have certain things in common with your neighbors. However, you also have plenty of things that make you unique. Your insurance premium may not just cover the costs of the structure and the grounds, it may also cover your possessions too. The more valuable your things are, the higher your premium will be.

Home insurance will also cover the fixtures in the home, which is important if you’ve had anything remodeled. If you put in all new kitchen appliances, you’ll need a stronger policy in case they’re damaged. Finally, home insurance covers your lifestyle choices as well. So if you work with dangerous tools or equipment, your premium may be higher to account for property damage from accidents.

Going Over Your Policy 

It takes some effort to run through a homeowner’s insurance policy, but we can tell you that it’s worth it. If you’re wondering if you have enough coverage or if you want to know what you can do to change your premium, San Marcos Insurance Group can help. We walk you through point-by-point, so there’s no confusion. If you’re in Chandler, AZ and looking for someone you can trust, give us a call to learn how your policy can start working for you. 

How Is Commercial Insurance Different From Liability Insurance?

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When you’re operating a business in Chandler, AZ, it’s important to understand what kind of insurance options are available to you. Commercial insurance encompasses a variety of coverage options, including liability insurance.

At San Marcos Insurance Group, we can work with you to make sure that you have the right coverage for your business.

What is liability insurance?

Liability insurance protects your business in the event that something happens. You’re liable for what happens on your property. You’re also liable for what your employees may do when they’re on the job, whether they say something that costs someone money or they damage someone’s property while they’re providing a service.

If someone were to sue as a result of what your company did wrong, you could end up spending a lot of money. The liability coverage protects you to prevent this from happening. The only thing you would be responsible for is the deductible.

What is commercial insurance?

Commercial insurance encompasses all of the different policies that may be needed for your business. This includes not only liability insurance but also commercial property insurance, commercial auto insurance, business interruption coverage, and even worker’s compensation insurance.

What you need for your business is unique to what happens throughout the day as well as what you own. If you work out of your home, you might still need commercial property insurance since homeowner’s insurance won’t cover enough. The best thing to do is talk to an agent in order to learn the best way to protect your business. Since every business is unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for what kind of commercial insurance you need.

Call us at San Marcos Insurance Group today to learn how to protect your business in Chandler, AZ. We look forward to helping you every step of the way.

 

Why you should carry health insurance even if you are young and healthy

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When you are young and healthy, the last thing you are likely to think of is seeing the doctor, even for an annual checkup. Carrying health insurance would also seem to be optional, especially if you don’t have a job that provides it. San Marcos Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ, would like to inform you that even the young and apparently healthy need at least some kind of catastrophic health insurance.

First of all, you may feel healthy but be suffering from some disease or condition and not even know it. Your annual doctor’s checkup should let you know if you have some illness, say cancer, that could sneak up on you and carry you off too young. However, treating something like cancer or some other potentially fatal disease can be very costly if you aren’t carrying health insurance,

Also, you have to remember that accidents can happen even to the young. The damage that an auto accident, for example, can do to the human body can be horrendous and expensive to treat. An accident that causes permanent damage, such as to the spine, can result in the need for life-long rehabilitation.

An expensive hospital bill that you must somehow pay out of pocket even stretched out over many monthly payments, would be the last thing you need, especially if you’ve got student loan debt and a home mortgage. Health insurance, even with a high deductible, could alleviate the effect of medical bills on your lifestyle.

For more information on health insurance, feel free to contact San Marcos Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ.

Chandler, AZ Auto Insurance

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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!

Making a home inventory in Chandler, AZ

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Making a home inventory seems like a daunting task. Unfortunately, if you put it off, it could cause you a lot of time and trouble in the long run. You may never be able to recover the damages if you are involved in a disaster.

If you live in Chandler, AZ, we at San Marcos Insurance Group can assist you in planning your home inventory. That way you will have the list of your items, including important serial numbers if you ever need it.

Going Room By Room

The biggest mistake people make is trying to do it all at once. You can take a lot of the pressure off by breaking the job down room by room or by sections. Just plan an hour once a week until the job is done if you feel like you’re too busy. The job will get done as long as you stay on track.

Using Video

With phone videos and free online storage, you can easily make an inventory of your belongings and their condition with your own cell phone. Just go through and organize items first, then save the videos and label and store them in the same place. This will not only make the job easy, but you will be able to access the information easily if you need it.

Get Started Today

The sooner you get started, the sooner you will be finished. You won’t regret the time you spend, because you will feel more relaxed just knowing you’re prepared.

If you live in Chandler, AZ we can help you. If you need any tips on the best way to inventory your home, or if you want to discuss your homeowner’s policy,  please feel free to call us at San Marcos Insurance Group today. 

The ABC’s of Auto Insurance

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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.