San Marcos Insurance Group

Why should people in Arizona have an auto insurance plan?

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People living in the Chandler, AZ area will find owning a car convenient and helpful. If you want to buy a car in this area, it would be beneficial to have the right insurance for it. There are various reasons why the typical car owner in this part of Arizona should always have an auto insurance plan in place for their vehicle.

Meet State Insurance Requirements

One reason why car owners in Arizona will want to have an auto insurance plan is so they can meet state insurance requirements. Anyone that is going to drive a car will need to at least have liability insurance for their vehicle. If you do not, you will be in violation of state law. A proper auto insurance plan will ensure you comply with these obligations. 

Cover Vehicle

Beyond having insurance to mitigate liability risks, you also need to have an auto insurance plan to protect your vehicle. When you buy a car, you will be making a significant investment. If you do not have insurance, you could lose your investment if the vehicle is stolen or damaged. With an auto insurance plan, you will have the support necessary to cover your car. Full comprehensive coverage will also likely be required if you have taken out an auto loan. 

Owning a car is very common for people in the Chandler, AZ area. When you own a car, it is wise to call the San Marcos Insurance Group to discuss insurance. There are a lot of choices to make when looking for coverage, and the San Marcos Insurance Group will provide the support you need to build your next auto insurance plan. 

Don’t Let Your Home Remain Unprotected – Insure It with Homeowner’s Insurance

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Are you a homeowner in the Chandler, AZ area? Is your most valuable asset protected with homeowner’s insurance? The San Marcos Insurance Group can provide the coverage needed to protect your home.

Why is homeowner’s insurance important? Because it protects the owner’s home and personal property. If there is a loss due to a covered event, insurance will provide the funds for the rebuilding or repairing of the house.

Also, if someone is injured while on the homeowner’s property, it provides liability coverage for any legal action that may result.

Legally, you can own a home without this coverage. However, any mortgage holder will require that an insurance policy protect their interests. Homeowner’s insurance is still highly recommended if the property does not have a mortgage because it is totally paid for. If someone is injured on the property, the policy will help cover any legal expenses associated with the claim.

The standard homeowner’s policy provides four types of coverage:

  • The dwelling or home
  • Additional structures, such as a garage or storage shed
  • Personal property
  • Liability coverage

The basic levels of coverage are replacement cost, actual cash value, or extended replacement cost or value. Policies cover damage or destruction to the home’s exterior and interior, theft or loss of personal property, and any personal liability due to harm to others. If a home is damaged by a weather event such as strong winds, insurance can help pay for it.

Don’t let your most valuable asset remain unprotected. If you live in the Chandler, AZ area, the professionals at the San Marcos Insurance Group can provide you with a quote or answer any questions you may have regarding homeowner’s insurance. Contact them today. You will be glad you did.

Commercial Insurance FAQs

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As a business owner, you have a unique set of responsibilities on your plate. Providing appropriate insurance protection for your business, employees, and customers is one of those essential responsibilities. At San Marcos Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ, and the surrounding areas, we can help you make the best insurance choices for your business. Keep reading to learn more about commercial insurance. 

Do I Need Commercial Insurance?

If you are a business owner in Arizona, you are required to provide certain types of insurance coverage under law. This coverage helps to protect your business, your employees, and your customers and clients. Failing to provide proper insurance could result in fines and other consequences.

Even though you may not be required to provide a specific type of insurance, though is not a good reason to ignore the coverage. A sturdy insurance plan protects the investment of time and money you have made into your company. 

What Does Commercial Insurance Provide?

A commercial insurance policy can be customized to suit your needs. In most cases, it will provide the following types of coverage:

  • Property damage– This provides money if your property or equipment is damaged during a fire, natural disaster, or burglary. 
  • Vehicle coverage– Any vehicles used in the business’s operation must be covered according to state law. Drivers of these vehicles must also be covered. 
  • Liability– Liability coverage is crucial to protecting your business and your assets. This coverage will kick in if a customer, client, or employee is injured at work or because of your goods or services. It can help pay for medical bills or legal fees that might occur. 

If you want to learn more about commercial insurance or any other product, please contact us at San Marco Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ, and the surrounding areas. 

 

Are You Fined if You Don’t Own Health Insurance?

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Adults that don’t own health insurance in Chandler, AZ are not fined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Those fees were rescinded in 2018 as a change to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

When Did People Need to Pay Fees?

Initially approved in 2010, the Affordable Care Act charged uninsured adults over $600 if they didn’t have coverage. The IRS annually collected the fees. Initially, the goal of the penalty was to encourage adults 25 and older to apply for health insurance. In doing so, they could help reduce medical costs.

When the ACA was modified in 2018, the fee was removed. Thus, there was no need to file a tax exemption to avoid paying the penalty. Nevertheless, there are still some situations where individuals must determine if they’re exempt from policies—for instance, a catastrophic health policy with low premiums but high deductibles. 

Why do I Need Health Insurance if I’m Healthy?

Although you’re healthy now, you don’t know what the future holds. Yes, there’s a good chance you’ll be okay. However, no one can predict the next pandemic or other new illness that can quickly sweep through a population. Ultimately, this is why you should get a health insurance policy.

You don’t have to work a second job to obtain quality coverage. The ACA created an affordable marketplace to help individuals and families obtain policies with smaller premiums. Some programs, like Medicaid, have no premiums and minimum copayments. 

Do you need a health insurance policy? If so, reach out to San Marcos Insurance Group representatives to obtain the one that fits your budget.

What Are Other Structures and When Should You Ensure They Are Covered By Your Homeowners Insurance Policy?

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At San Marcos Insurance Group, serving the greater Chandler, AZ, we are committed to helping homeowners find the right home insurance policies for their needs. One of the best ways to do this is by answering homeowners’ questions about their policies. We are often asked what other structures mean in a home insurance policy and why it is vital to ensure your homeowners’ insurance policy covers your other structures. Read on to get the answer to this question. 

What Are Other Structures? 

Regarding home insurance, other structures refer to the structures on your property that may not be attached directly to your home. Some examples of different structures include detached garages, sheds, barns, gazebos, pools, hot tubs, driveways, sidewalks, fences, and permanently installed or anchored docks. 

Why Is It Important to Ensure Your Policy Covers Other Structures? 

Most home insurance policies cover other structures, but not all of them do. As such, it is important to review your policy and find out if other structures are included or excluded from your policy. If your policy excludes them, you may have to pay out of pocket if an unexpected event damages these structures. Reviewing your policy helps you to understand what is and is not covered. 

If you have other structures on your property and are unsure if they are covered, the San Marcos Insurance Group team, serving the greater Chandler, AZ area, can help you determine if they are covered. If they are not covered, we can help you find a home insurance policy that covers them. Call or email us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your home insurance policy. 

What auto insurance is required in Chandler, AZ?

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Auto insurance is more than a necessity. It’s the law. Like most other states, Arizona has minimum auto insurance mandates that all drivers must meet. Failing to provide even the most essential coverage can result in fines or suspensions of driving privileges. Getting behind the wheel without insurance isn’t worth the risk.

Fortunately, San Marcos Insurance Group can help. Located in Chandler, AZ, their agents list three items that every auto insurance policy must include.

Bodily injury liability

All drivers in The Copper State must carry liability coverage. Bodily injury liability reimburses any expenses related to physical harm caused by an accident. The state requires each driver to have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability for a single person. By law, a total of $50,000 is needed per accident.

Property damage liability

As the name implies, this liability applies to a person’s possessions. While vehicular damage is included, it safeguards against destroying mailboxes, fences, sheds, and other structures. Arizona drivers must have a minimum of $15,000 property damage liability per accident.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

As a "comparative fault" state, you could get stuck footing the bill for an accident, even if another driver has inadequate coverage. That’s where uninsured motorist protection kicks in. It doesn’t matter if you are partially or fully responsible for a collision. This extra protection fills in the gaps. Although this is added to most policies, Arizona residents can choose to opt out if they do so in writing.

Contact an agent serving Chandler, AZ.

Even though these items will keep you compliant with state laws, the minimum coverage is rarely enough. San Marcos Insurance Group goes beyond these requirements to find a policy that protects you and your family. Call to schedule an appointment today.

How Often Do I Need To Renew My Commercial Insurance Policy?

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Most commercial insurance companies require that you have your policy updated annually. It’s a good idea to stay on top of things by contacting your insurance broker, keeping your policy in order, and renewing your policy as soon as possible. For inquiries and guidance in Chandler, AZ, discuss with San Marcos Insurance Group. 

Commercial Insurance Policy Renewal 

Commercial insurance policies typically have a term between 3 and 5 years. If you don’t renew your policy by the end of its term, you may be subject to several penalties. Among other things, your business may experience a drop in coverage levels, be subject to a higher renewal rate, or even face the possibility of being dropped from the policy altogether. 

Contact your insurance provider before the policy’s end date to avoid these scenarios. Confirm that they will be offering your company coverage for the following year. 

Commercial insurance policies are typically for a term of one year. However, depending on the type of coverage, it may be wise to keep your policy for the long term. For example, if you have a property insurance policy, it is generally smart to keep that policy for the term of your mortgage. 

Even if your business purchases a policy that lasts for one year, it may be advisable to buy a policy that lasts three years or longer. The risk of a claim occurring within the first year of the policy’s start date may be higher than purchasing a policy that lasts longer. 

You can get a commercial insurance policy with a term of less than a year. However, the length of the policy may vary depending on the risk being covered. For example, a three-month term may be sufficient for covering inventory, while a one-year period may be sufficient for protecting significant assets like machinery. 

Key Takeaways 

Most commercial insurance policies have a term of between 3 and 5 years, but it depends on the type of policy and the insurer. You should always check with your broker or insurer to see when your policy ends and what happens at that point. Contact San Marcos Insurance Group to seek help in Chandler, AZ.

What Are The Benefits Of Having Health Insurance?

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Having health insurance can help protect you from high medical bills and give you access to quality medical care if you ever need it. You can access it through your employer or purchase it from a health insurance broker. 

Many people purchase health insurance to have peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about how to pay bills or how much health care you can get. For expert help, confer with San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ. 

Much More about Health Insurance 

If you don’t have any health insurance, then you are at risk of not being able to receive the medical attention that you need if you are sick or injured. Not only is it essential to have health insurance, but you should also make sure that you choose the right plan that fits your needs and budget. 

There are many different plans, and you must know precisely what you are getting with your coverage. Health insurance will protect you from high medical bills if you ever need to see a doctor. It will also help you with the quality of care to visit a specialist. 

When you’re admitted into the hospital, it offers the right help. It will also help you receive proper treatment if you ever need to undergo a long recovery process. Being healthy is essential for your overall quality of life, but protecting your financial well-being is also important. 

In the event of a severe health problem or accident, health insurance can help you receive the medical attention you need and the financial assistance you may need to cover expenses such as a hefty medical bill. 

Bottom Line 

Most uninsured people don’t qualify for financial assistance through government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid or coverage through their employer. 

Even some people who qualify for government programs may find coverage costs too high, especially if they are self-employed. For assistance, check with San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ.

Demystifying Common Myths About Auto Insurance

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Auto insurance in America dates back to the late 19th century and has become a billion-dollar industry. Since insurance has been around for so long, many myths have cropped up over the years, and they can cloud your judgment when shopping for a policy. For that reason, you need the help of a knowledgeable agent like San Marcos Insurance Group of Chandler, AZ to help you separate facts from myths.

Myth#1: Color affects the insurance premium

You will hear this many times — the red color attracts high insurance rates. Perhaps it’s because of the notion that owners of red cars are likely to drive fast, hence being categorized as risky drivers. None of this is true because the color isn’t one of the factors that determine your insurance rate. Your insurance doesn’t even know the color of your car.

Myth#2: Comprehensive coverage covers all risks

Perhaps because of its name, many think comprehensive coverage offers protection against all risks. The reality is that your comprehensive coverage only covers your car against non-collision risks only. This means comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle against risks like fire, theft, falling objects, and natural disasters. However, collision risks aren’t part of this coverage. Plus, you have to buy policies like liability coverage and PIP to cover yourself against other risks.

Myth#3: Auto insurance covers theft of personal items in your car

Unless you have an add-on, your standard car insurance policy won’t cover theft or damage of personal items in your car. You must rely on your home or renters insurance policy for such incidents.

Don’t fall into the trap of car insurance myths. Instead, consult with an insurance agent like San Marcos Insurance Group to ensure you have the right information to make an informed decision.

Does Home Insurance Cover Pet Damage?

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Pets are fun, aren’t they? Pets provide companionship and light up our days when everything else is stressful. While pets are exciting, sometimes they can land you in trouble by causing damage or injuries. But is pet damage covered by your home insurance? San Marcos Insurance Group has the answer.

When your home insurance won’t cover pet damage

If your pet rips through your expensive sofa or chips a large section of your drywall, the damage isn’t covered by your standard home insurance. Similarly, if your pet injures you or someone in your family, any claim for medical costs is likely to be voided by your home insurance provider.

When a pet lives with you, your insurer assumes you are in complete control of the situation. So, when your pet damages your structure, electronics, or furniture, the damage is assumed to be inflicted by the owner.

When your home insurance covers pet damage

If you have liability coverage in your home insurance, the policy should cover you when your pet causes damage or injury to others. When your pet bites someone, they could sue you to get compensated for medical costs incurred treating the injury. In such a case, your home insurance should cover third-party claims.

While most home insurance policies provide liability protection of $100,000, we advise our clients to increase the limit for optimal protection. Plus, we recommend umbrella insurance or excess liability coverage if your assets are nearing the million-dollar mark.

Home insurance in Chandler, AZ 

Home insurance covers your building and the contents inside. It also pays for additional living expenses when your home is rendered unlivable. Your home insurance also covers you against liability claims, such as pet damage. If you would like to get this protection from home insurance, please get in touch with San Marcos Insurance Group for an affordable quote.