3 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

Since medical care in the United States is expensive, most people value health insurance. For instance, a three-day hospital stay will cost you anything between $45,000 and $50,000 in Chandler, AZ. Health insurance is perceived to be the only way of reducing these costs since you are sharing the risk with other people. Below are the three critical questions that you should ask before picking a health insurance plan from any provider such as San Marcos Insurance Group.

What Does the Insurance Plan Cover?

It is essential to track what the insurance covers since the services offered will determine how much you will be paying as insurance premiums. Keep in mind that various health insurance plans may cover various kinds of medical care. However, most insurance plans sold to Chandler, AZ residents and businesses cover the following ten essential health benefits:

  • Laboratory tests
  • Emergency services
  • Prescription drugs
  • Pediatric services which should include vision and dental care
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Preventive medical services such as immunization and  proper management of chronic diseases
  • Maternity and Newborn care
  • Hospitalization
  • Mental health and drug-abuse treatment
  • Outpatient care

Can You Keep Your Same Doctor?

Every insurance provider including San Marcos Insurance Group has its network of hospitals, doctors, laboratories, pharmacies, etc. there is usually a contract between the insurance provider and the health providers, and if your doctor isn’t in their network, the insurance may fail to cover the bill. So if there is any specific doctor that you want to be seeing, make sure that they are included in the provider’s network.

What Is the Cost of the Plan?

You should consider the following two factors when looking at the price of a health insurance plan:

  • The amount of money that you will pay out of your personal finances when you receive the necessary medical care. The amount is usually reflected as a permutation of copay, coinsurance, and deductibles.
  • The amount you will pay to the insurance provider for your health plan. This is what is referred to as the premiums.

If you have a chronic condition that is expensive to manage or you have a pre- planned medical procedure, then you should consider a health plan with a increased premium but which covers most of your cost.

Do you want to learn more about health insurance plan? Contact us today for more details.

What Is The Right Kind Of Life Insurance For Me?

There are a wide variety of life insurance policies available today, the most basic being term insurance and permanent insurance. Within these two categories, however, there are several different types of policies to choose from. Familiarizing yourself with the differences can help you better customize the specific coverage to meet you and your family’s unique needs. Here are some guidelines to help you determine which is your best life insurance option.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance is the most basic type of life insurance, as it offers only death benefit protection and doesn’t build up cash value within the policy. Term life insurance is generally very affordable, especially if you are young and in good health at the time you apply for coverage. Coverage is purchased for a set length of time, such as ten, 15, 20, 25, 30 or more years. Many insurance carriers offer a 1-year renewable term option. The premium amount typically remains the same while the policy in force. Once the coverage expires, you will need to re-qualify for a new policy at your current heath status and age to continue coverage, generally at a much higher rate, however, some policies may offer the option to convert to a permanent life insurance plan. If your financial needs may change, you can purchase a “convertible” term policy, which allows you to convert it to permanent insurance coverage without a medical examination in exchange for a higher premium.

Permanent Life Insurance

Permanent life insurance offers death benefit protection as well as cash value. Unlike term life insurance, it doesn’t have a time limit and is intended to last for the remainder of the insured’s life, as long as the premium is paid.  There are several different types of permanent life insurance:

  • Whole Life Insurance – The most simple permanent life insurance coverage. The premium amount it set for the entire length of the policy, no matter your eventual age or health. The cash value component grows on a tax-deferred basis, can be withdrawn at will, and is only taxed when withdrawn. Some policies include tax-deferred dividends as well. 
  • Universal Life Insurance – More flexible than whole life, you can choose how much of your policy goes toward the death benefit and the policy’s cash value. Cash can be withdrawn for a variety of reasons, including debt payoff, retirement income or vacations.  
  • Variable and Variable Universal Life Insurance – Offer a variety of different options for investment, such as equities or mutual funds. They have the possibility of growing more quickly, but also can be more at risk depending on the movement of the market. 
  • Survivorship Life Insurance – Covers more than one person. With a “first to die” policy, the coverage pays out when the first person dies. “Last to die” policies pay out when the second covered person passes away. This coverage may be less expensive than separate policies, especially if one of the people is in good health.  
  • Final Expense Life Insurance – Also known as “burial insurance”, this coverage is typically purchased by seniors between the age of 50 and 85. This coverage ensures that your survivors aren’t burdened by costs related to your burial, such as headstone, flowers, and memorial services. 
  • No Medical Exam Life Insurance – Doesn’t require a medical examination during the underwriting process, but is generally more expensive. 

Do you have questions about your life insurance needs? San Marcos Insurance Group is here to answer all your questions and point you in the right direction. Give us a call if you live in Chandler, AZ, and want more information about which life insurance policy will best serve you and your family’s needs best.   
 

Commercial Insurance

Businesses benefit from insurance, in crisis situations, which threatens its existence.  Also, your landlord may require coverages to protect the landlord’s property. San Marcos Insurance Group Chandler, AZ will take care of your business, protecting you and your clients or customers.   

Business Owner’s Policy

This policy is your Business-saver insurances which is a combination of general liability and property insurance.  General liability will cover injuries to third persons on your property but no injuries to employees.  If there is a personal injury including damage to one’s reputation to a client or customer or the business, the General liability insurance will cover:

*   Lawyers’ fees.
*    The damages you owe the client.
*    The client’s or customer’s medical bills.
*    Any and other lawsuit costs.

It there fires your property insurance will cover all business property which would include desks,  chairs, computers, and any business fixtures. General liability does not cover:

* Damage to your property.
*  Employee injuries.
*  Employment disputes.
*  Damage to your vehicles.
*  Professional mistakes.

Fidelity and Crime Insurance
Covers employee fraud and dishonesty

Business Car Insurance
Business purpose only

Workers Compensation Insurance
Arizona’s Workers Compensation legislation is based upon  "no-fault" regulations.  "No-fault"  means that if an employee is injured on the job, it does not make a difference as to who caused the injury or if the damage was caused by the injured worker’s bad performance.  The injured worker cannot make a legal claim to a court and file a lawsuit against his employer, or another employee.  The compensation for the employee’s injury is limited by the rules and regulations of the Workers Compensation payment rates.

San Marcos Insurance Group Chandler, AZ, our staff is experts in this area of business or commercial insurance.  Please call!

3 Tips for Buying Home Insurance in Chandler, AZ

Chandler, AZ is a beautiful suburb of Phoenix, the Valley of the Sun.  It is a thriving city within a city that attracts people from all over the state and beyond.  If you live in Chandler, AZ or are thinking of moving there, here are three tips to help you buy home insurance for your property.

1.  Bundling

Do you have auto insurance? Boat insurance? RV insurance? If you have one or more of these kinds of policies then you can bundle your home insurance with them to get extra savings.  Insurance companies love to reward loyalty and by putting your trust in them to protect your home, your car, and your toys, they will reward you with savings.  

2.  Compare Quotes

When it comes time to purchase a new home insurance policy, it’s best to compare at least two quotes.  Don’t be impulsive when it comes to protecting your home.  All insurance policies are not equal and you need to take your time examining the details before making a decision.  

3.  Work with a Reputable Agent

It pays to work with an agent who has an excellent reputation for customer service. Their expertise really is priceless and will make the process of purchasing home insurance stress free.  They will help you understand and compare quotes from different insurance agencies and help you make the best decision for your particular home insurance needs.  On top of all that, they will also help you find ways to save money.  

Agents at San Marcos Insurance Group know home insurance like the back of their hands.  They are standing by and ready to answer all of your questions about getting home insurance in Chandler, AZ. To reach an agent at San Marcos Insurance group call 480-899-6633 today.  

Upgrading your business, and your insurance

When you first founded your business in Chandler, AZ, you didn’t need commercial insurance. Maybe you assumed you would never need insurance for your company. A lot of people start a side gig as something to help make ends meet or keep them busy on weekends, and before long, that side gig has become their main gig, and then it goes from being just a job to being a real piece of the Southwestern economic landscape. It’s sort of a mixed blessing when something that started as a hobby you pursued in the garage becomes an honest to goodness business.

So you call San Marcos Insurance Group to get coverage. You’re taking on employees and business risks, so you need to get covered. But your company just keeps growing, and it seems like once a year it’s time to call your people again and boost your insurance.

Eventually you have to make the decision as to whether you want to keep growing. It’s not just the insurance costs, it’s all of the extra responsibilities that come with a thriving business. Eventually you have to hire a legal team, IT guys, customer service reps and so on.

If you want to ride your growth as far as it will take you, just don’t neglect your insurance. When you deal with San Marcos Insurance Group, they can help to connect you to an insurer who will cover your Chandler, AZ business and bear in mind that you might not be done growing, that you could be on the phone again next year, next month, or even next week to ask for a new deal.

5 Things to Consider Before Buying Home Insurance

Buying home insurance is a big decision, though it’s often pushed aside in favor of different questions when owners first move into their place. Much more immediate matters are usually given priority, such as moving logistics or how to fill out all the necessary paperwork to close the deal. Here are just a few tips from San Marcos Insurance Group for what to consider before buying home insurance. 

1. Neighborhood Threats 

Where you live is a big factor when it comes to buying home insurance. If you’re in Chandler, AZ, you need to understand everything from crime rates to how many major storms you get a year before you choose which clauses you want in your policy. 

2. Lifestyle Threats 

Another thing to consider is your lifestyle. Are your children particularly accident-prone? Do you often work with dangerous tools? Home insurance may be the only thing that helps in the event of a major catastrophe. 

3. Long-Term Planning 

Home insurance is meant to be a long-term investment, so you need to re-frame how you see it. It’s a major part of your personal safety and your peace of mind, and it also helps you to get a better final resale value on your home.

4. Personal Resources

When people don’t have the right home insurance, they have to rely on their own personal resources to help them. If you don’t have people who can take you in or funds you can use to get your home back in shape, you’ll want to reconsider your policy. 

5. The Right Partner 

San Marcos Insurance Group serves Chandler, AZ, and we can help you figure out what you need when it comes to a home insurance policy. Let our staff help you today when you give us a call. 

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.  

What Happens If You Are In An Accident With An Uninsured Motorist in Chandler, AZ?

Residents of Chandler, AZ are required to carry automotive insurance on all of the vehicles they operate on the state’s highways. The agents of San Marcos Insurance Group are able to provide you with a wide variety of policies that are written to meet your individual needs. Every person is different when it comes to the type and amount of coverage they need to feel fully protected.

Arizona is considered an at-fault state. This places the financial responsibility for the accident with the "at-fault" driver. In most cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy will cover any resulting damages or injuries that stem from the accident. If the driver has no insurance, they become personally responsible. While your uninsured motorist coverage will compensate you to an extent, it will not exceed the designated limits of your policy. 

If your medical bills exceed the designated limits, you will have to seek legal compensation by filing a lawsuit against the driver who is at fault. If you’ve been involved in an auto accident and discover that the other driver does not have insurance or doesn’t have sufficient coverage, retaining a personal injury lawyer is in your best interest. If you choose to hire an attorney, time is of the essence due to specific deadlines that must be met when filing these types of claims.

The agents of San Marcos Insurance Group encourage residents who live in Chandler, AZ and many of the surrounding communities to contact their office if they have any questions concerning their existing auto insurance policy or would like to receive a quote on a new one. Each agent has several years of experience and is dedicated to providing you and your neighbors the best service possible. 

The Top 3 Mistakes That Homeowners Make When Purchasing Home Insurance

Purchasing insurance for your home is no piece of cake. It can be difficult to find the right insurance agency, pick the right plan, and feel confident about the coverage that you have. In fact, many people make devastating errors when it comes to choosing a plan.

Fortunately, you can learn from these mistakes and make better choices for yourself and your family. Here are the top mistakes that many homeowners make when purchasing home insurance:

#1 Assuming flood insurance is included

Flood insurance is not a standard part of any home insurance plan. But floods can happen nearly anywhere. Make sure you’re covered by  adding a flood insurance plan to your coverage.

#2 Assuming you have one deductible at a flat rate

In some cases, a flat rate deductible is exactly what you’ll have to pay before the insurance plan you’ve purchased will kick in. But in other, more complicated situations, your deductible may become a percentage of the coverage that you have. This means that you might end up paying a lot more than you originally thought after an accident and serious damage.

#3 Not purchasing enough insurance

Finally, it’s common for people to not realize that they need quite a bit of insurance to cover all their bases as homeowners. A recent study found that more than two-thirds of homes are underinsured, and this can lead to devastating financial losses if an accident occurs.

Get in Touch With Us at San Marcos Insurance Group

We know that searching for the perfect home insurance plan in Chandler, AZ can be a challenge, and we want to help. If you are a Chandler, AZ resident, we can help you find a plan that works for you and your family and meets all of your unique needs. Call San Marcos Insurance Group at your earliest convenience to learn more about your home insurance coverage options.

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.