Homeowner’s Insurance for First Time Buyers

Buying your first home is an exciting adventure. Don’t let potential problems weigh down your joy. Getting your new Green Valley, AZ home insured protects your finances and ensures you always have a comfortable home for your family. What can you expect from a homeowner’s insurance policy from Insurance Center of Green Valley?

  • Liability coverage. This portion of your coverage helps you pay for accidents and problems that happen to people who don’t live in your home. If your neigh or breaks their ankle on your concrete driveway or the mailman is bitten by your pet, this is the coverage you’ll need for medical and court-ordered expenses.
  • Property coverage. This is the part that generally comes to mind when people think about homeowner’s insurance. Your insurance agent will provide you with a list of covered perils. If any of these problems occur, your property coverage will help pay for damages and personal losses.
  • Extended coverage. Each homeowner’s insurance contract can be customized to meet the specific needs, circumstances, and preferences of the subscriber. Your agent can help you find ways to cover your expensive collectibles, non-attached buildings, and other things that may not be automatically included in your contract. Its vital to meet with an agent to ensure your coverage has everything you need.
  • Your deductible is the amount of cash you have to pay towards fixing covered damage. For new homeowners, a lower deductible means less strain on your savings account. If you’re like most homeowners, that extra cash comes in handy for making your new home more comfortable.

Find out how a customized homeowner’s insurance policy on your Green Valley, AZ residential property protects your present and long term personal finances by calling the experts at Insurance Center of Green Valley.

3 Common Fire Hazards to Avoid in Your Home

Residents of Green Valley, AZ who want to learn more about fire prevention can talk to the agents at the Insurance Center of Green Valley. Each agent has a firm understanding of what causes fires in the home as well as various ways to prevent fires from occurring. It’s important, as a homeowner, to be aware of common hazards.

Minimize the Use of Extension Cords

Reduce the number of extension cords you use throughout your home. Connecting two or more together can create a fire hazard. Instead. Place items that need to be plugged in closer to the outlets. You can also choose to use a longer extension cord for added reach.

Keep Your Dryer Vent Clean

While it’s common knowledge to keep your lint trap clean, the dryer vent that leads outside can still become clogged with fine bits of debris and lint. One a month, use your vacuum hose to sweep deep into the lint trap. You can also use a shop vac to remove debris from the outside as well. At least once a year, remove the vent and blow it out with an air compressor.

Replace Frayed Cords

Cords on appliances that are used often can start to fray. As soon as signs of fraying, or any other type of damage, start to appear, have the cords replaced.

The agents of The Insurance Center of Green Valley are available to answer any fire safety questions you may have. If you live in Green Valley, AZ or any of the surrounding communities, consult an agent today and have your home insurance policy reviewed. Get the answers you need now!

 

 

My neighbor’s tree fell onto my house; who is responsible for the damage?

Owning a home is a great comfort and responsible homeowners take great care to make sure that they keep their property well-maintained and in safe working order. Unfortunately, there are some irresponsible owners out there who aren’t as careful, and their neglect can cause damage to their neighbors.  It is important to contact your agent right away after such an event to learn what your rights and responsibilities are. The team at Insurance Center of Green Valley is here to help protect your Green Valley, AZ home from harm no matter the cause.

Who is responsible if a neighbor’s tree damages my home?

Determining responsibility for tree damage isn’t always as straightforward as you would like to think. There are many different factors to consider, and your agent can help you work through the process to make sure that you aren’t held liable for something that isn’t your responsibility. If there is a natural disaster that causes the tree to fall or be uprooted, it may be treated differently than if the tree was neglected and diseased and the damage was preventable. 

Because of these differences in policy protection, it makes sense to work closely with your insurance agent to determine who is at fault and how to move forward from there. If it is determined that you are liable for the damage to your house, your agent can help you file a claim. 

Take care of your family home with the right insurance policy. If you are in the greater Green Valley, AZ area and want to learn more about your home insurance policy options, contact the team at the Insurance Center of Green Valley today for a consultation. We look forward to working with you and your family!

A Guide to Buying Green Valley, AZ Homeowners Insurance

Insuring your home is an important thing to do, because you want to protect such a big investment. If you have a mortgage, your lender may also require you to have an insurance policy on your home in order to make sure the money they loaned you is properly protected. With all of that in mind, Insurance Center of Green Valley can help you insure your home so you can have the peace of mind and coverage you need most. Here is what to consider as a guide to buying Green Valley, AZ homeowners insurance.

Make Sure You Know What is Required

Different states have different coverage requirements, so making sure you are getting a policy that fits state regulations matters. You want to make sure you are complying with all laws, in order to protect the home you have purchased and your investment in it. If you are not sure what is required for your homeowners policy, asking questions is the way to make sure you are handling the issue right.

Consider Coverage for Additional Concerns

Just covering the basics is certainly acceptable, but it might not be as thorough as you would really like. Taking with your agent about Green Valley AZ insurance coverage and the additional options you have available can help you get more thorough coverage. That way your peace of mind is increased, and if something more unexpected happens to your property you will have the coverage you need.

Work With an Agent You Can Rely On

A great way to feel good about your homeowners insurance choice is to work with Insurance Center of Green Valley. Our agents are committed to helping you get the coverage you need. Reach out to us today, and let us help you get the homeowners insurance coverage that works for you.

4 Ways to Protect Your Green Valley Home Against Theft

Green Valley is a pretty peaceful place to live, work, and play. Unfortunately, theft can occur even in neighborhoods where you wouldn’t expect it to happen. Our team at the Insurance Center of Green Valley has put together this quick guide with four ways to protect your home against theft.

#1: Add Lights Around Your Property

Ask any member of law enforcement and they’ll tell you that light is the enemy of crime. Protect yourself and your property by adding plenty of lights around your home and keeping your porch light on a timer.

#2: Always Lock Doors and Windows

Criminals often look for easy opportunities to break into a home. Reduce the chance of theft by always locking windows and doors. This includes when you are at home and when you are away.

#3: Keep Valuables Out of Sight

Another tip for protecting your Green Valley home against theft is to keep valuables out of sight. Always shut your garage door when you aren’t outside and never leave things like wallets, purses, or computer bags inside your vehicle. After holidays, dispose of boxes and packaging for pricey items at a local dumpster to reduce the chance of a criminal catching onto the idea that these goods are inside your residence.

#4: Have Adequate Homeowner’s Insurance

Having adequate homeowner’s insurance is another way to protect your Arizona home. If you’ve taken the above-mentioned steps to heart and a break-in still occurs, you’ll be able to replace missing items or repair damage thanks to your policy.

Are you looking to insure your home, auto, or business in Green Valley, AZ? The Insurance Center of Green Valley is here to help. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment or for a no-obligation rate quote.

 

What the Other Structures Section of a Homeowner’s Policy Covers

In the days where every home in Green Valley, AZ had a detached garage, everyone recognized the need for the other structures section of a homeowners policy. While some homeowners ask if they can remove it from their policy, Insurance Center of Green Valley wants you to understand why you still need it.

The other structures section of a homeowner’s policy also provides coverage for sheds, cabanas, gazebos and pool houses, as well as other small buildings that do not directly attach to a home. It also pays for damage to your driveway, swimming pool or retaining wall. When you read the list of what it covers beside a detached garage, it makes sense why you need to keep it.

In addition to paying for necessary damages to the physical structures, the other structures section also covers your liability if someone gets hurt in or by your pool or in the shed.

Your liability coverage pays their medical costs and pain and suffering. If someone dies on the property, it can also pay for their funeral.

You also need to keep your other structures coverage if you decide to put in a guest house or a home office in a separate building. It covers your structure, its contents, and liability. Of course, if you hold business meetings in your home office in Green Valley, AZ, you may need to add to your liability coverage.

Other structures do not include a guaranteed or extended replacement clause which means it won’t cover any atypical structures on the property. If it is not common to a single-family dwelling, you will need to extend the limits of your homeowners policy.

Call or come by Insurance Center of Green Valley to discuss your homeowner’s insurance and learn more about what your other structures coverage helps you recover. Your policy may already provide things you did not know.

Dogs And Your Homeowners Insurance Policy: What You Need To Know

Like most dog caretakers, you consider your pet a member of your family. Your Green Valley, AZ home insurer, on the other hand, has to view your pet and the risks they may pose objectively. One of the most beloved pets, dogs can also pose some of the biggest risks for injury. In fact, 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and 900,000 of those require medical treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here’s what you need to know about dogs and your homeowner’s insurance from Insurance Center of Green Valley. 

Homeowners Insurance and Dogs 

Most homeowners insurance policies will cover dog bites and other dog-related incidents through your liability insurance. However, when you inform your insurer that you have a dog, the possible risks they may bring can result in higher premiums. Because even the best-trained dogs can be unpredictable, you may end up an increased rate, require more liability coverage, or depending on the insurer’s policies or local ordinances, be denied insurance altogether. 

Does My Dog’s Breed Matter? 

While a dog’s breed is not a definite indication of the risk they may present, when it comes to restricting homeowners insurance, the breed is a key factor for many insurers. Many refuse to cover large, muscular canines who could potentially inflict severe harm from a single bite. While many small dogs, such as Dachshunds, are aggressive, and many large dogs such as Rottweilers and Pit Bulls are calm and non-aggressive, it often comes down to the amount of possible injury the animal could cause.  

Curious About How Your Pet May Affect Your Insurance? 

The only way to know how your specific four-legged friend may affect your Green Valley, AZ homeowners insurance coverage is to talk with your insurer. Give us a call today at Insurance Center of Green Valley to find out more about your pet-related insurance needs. 

How to Protect Your Home when Traveling for the Holidays

Whether you simply plan to spend the holidays with family in Phoenix or across the country, it’s important to make sure your home is protected while you are gone. While your home insurance covers such things as theft and fire, you surely don’t want to experience a disaster like these during the holidays. For that reason, here are some simple tips to follow to keep your home safe while you are away enjoying the holidays with friends and family.

1. Hire a House Sitter

When you hire a house sitter, your house will not be vacant while you are away. This is a great deterrent for would be thieves who may be roaming around Green Valley AZ neighborhoods looking for vacant houses to rob.

2. Install a Security Device

Another fool-proof option for protecting your home while you are away is to install a security device. In some cases, your insurance company may even reward you with a break on your premium if you have one of these installed. 

3. Ask a Neighbor to Check on Your Home

A friendly neighbor should be happy to help you out while your away. They can collect your mail and in general, just keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Even if you have a security device, having a neighbor keep an eye on your property while you are away is always a good idea. 

At Insurance Center of Green Valley, we specialize in helping Green Valley, AZ residents protect their homes by helping find the best home insurance policy for their property. Our team of experts will help guide you through the home insurance buying process by helping you compare quotes and choose the best policy. Call us today. 

 

Does Home Insurance Include Coverage For A Detached Garage?

When you’re shopping for a home insurance policy in Green Valley, AZ, it’s important to look at what is covered. A typical homeowner’s policy will cover you for property damage, personal liability, medical payments, and even additional living expenses. Since a detached garage is property damage, this is the area you will want to pay close attention to in the paperwork.

Property Damage Coverage

It’s important to identify what “property damage” is covered by your policy. In some instances, the coverage is only for the main structure of your home, which would exclude a detached garage. In other instances, any structure on the property would be covered. Even if your policy doesn’t initially cover a detached garage, there are riders that can be added so that you have the necessary coverage in place. Agents at Insurance Center of Green Valley can ensure that all aspects of your property are encompassed within a home insurance policy.

New Additions

If you bought a home insurance policy and then added a detached garage later on, you might not have the coverage. This is why it’s a good idea to review your policy every year. It gives you a chance to make updates based on any improvements that you have made across your property, including adding a detached garage. This way, if you do have to file a claim that includes damage to the detached garage, you will have the coverage in place.

At Insurance Center of Green Valley, agents have been helping residents throughout Green Valley, AZ four years. They understand the importance of ensuring that coverage includes everything on your property so that there are no issues when you go to file a claim. Plus, having a thorough policy will provide you with plenty of peace of mind throughout the year.

 

 

 

Home Insurance Is Critical To Help Fires

Living in Green Valley, AZ is usually a comfortable and relaxing life. However, fires may occur in this hot area, particularly if your home is getting old. When a fire does impact your life, you are going to wish that you had detailed fire coverage added to your homeowner’s policy. Contact us at Insurance Center of Green Valley if you want this type of coverage or read on to learn more about why it is so critical to your home.

Most Home Insurance Policies Protect Against Fire

Thankfully, homeowners insurance is designed to help protect your home from a variety of problems. One of these is fire. A typical policy will cover your dwellings, including the home and its attached structure. This also includes relocation costs while you are waiting to move into a new home, such as hotel and restaurant bills. Detached structures and certain types of belongings are also covered. However, this type of coverage won’t be available if you haven’t paid for it on your policy.

Specialized Coverage Improves Your Policy

While your homeowner’s insurance can help you cover a lot of elements, it isn’t perfect. Specialized fire insurance can help you cover items, such as home furnishings, electronic items, air conditioners, and family heirlooms. These aspects of your home are critical to ensuring because many of them cannot be replaced. And without specialized fire insurance on your homeowner’s policy, you might not be able to get compensation for them. That doesn’t mean your homeowner’s insurance isn’t worthwhile but that it might need some supplemental coverage.

Do You Need Fire Insurance?

While most people in Green Valley, AZ won’t need fire insurance, it can help against total destruction and provide you with extra help to recover. If you want a policy, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the Insurance Center of Green Valley to learn more. We will help you settle in and get the insurance you need to avoid serious loss.