Saving Your Car By Understanding Octane Ratings

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Taking proper care of your car requires so much knowledge and attention to detail. Tracking routine maintenance, getting mileage related services and even choosing the right gas will keep you on your toes if you want your car to last. When it comes to selecting fuel, a little understanding can go a long way. This quick guide will explain the differences in gasoline ratings so you can make informed decisions that keep your car running at its best.

The first thing to understand is what an octane rating really is. When you go to the station, there are usually a few different options that might be ok for your car. While you know to avoid diesel or other specialty fuels, is there really an advantage to choosing premium over regular? Answering that question starts by looking at the number associated with those different gasses. You may already know this, but the number refers to the octane rating. Higher numbers will cost more, and it’s usually the biggest difference in the premium levels.

So how does a higher octane rating help your car? The short answer is that it doesn’t. Unless your engine is specifically designed to run at a specific octane, you can use the lowest rating without fear. However, if you have a luxury or sport edition vehicle, double check the owner’s manual to see what rating is recommended. Engines designed for higher octane often get better gas mileage with the premium gas. There are several factors that contribute to this, but the primary reason is that higher octane fuels burn at slightly higher pressures, so when an engine is designed around those higher operating pressures, you get improved efficiency.

Even if your car does recommend a certain octane, driving lower rated fuel is unlikely to hurt the engine. Ultimately it’s best to experiment and use the fuel that gets the most mileage. The improved performance lets you know that the car is running as designed.

To make sure your car is protected from more than just fuel choices, check in with Insurance Center of Green Valley. A representative can make sure you have coverage that will take care of you when you need it most.

Yes, you can recycle that!

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Recycling has reached a point where it is possible to reuse just about anything. However, it can be tricky to know what to do with it or if you’ll simply be turned away. At Insurance Center of Green Valley, we want to make sure you know what you can recycle that you might not be currently. Whether you live in Green Valley, AZ or somewhere else in the state, here are a handful of objects you can recycle.

Carpet

Yes, after you go through a home renovation it is possible to recycle the carpeting. Instead of tossing it out, you can check out Carpet America Recovery Effort. The organization will take your carpet and recycle it for you. Most of the fabric is made from plastic and can be reused in other forms.

Crayons

Nobody really uses all of a crayon. Typically, it is used down to a nub and discarded. However, instead of tossing the waxy object into the trash, you can send these objects out to Crazy Crayons, where the wax is recycled to create new crayons.

Bras

Have a box full of old bras you have no use for? You’d probably be surprised as to what you can do with the undergarment. If you haven’t been able to sell the bras through garage sales, you can head over to the Bra Recyclers website. This organization takes gently used bras and distributes the clothing to women around the world who might not normally be able to afford them. As long as it is gently used, they will take your bras, ranging from dress to sport bras. 

Christmas Tree

Alright, this is something you’ll only be able to recycle once, at most, per year, but in Arizona especially it is easy to do. There are nearby locations that will pick up your tree and then strip it down and turn it into firewood. 

Share the Road

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Bicycle safety tips and bicycle awareness can help to avoid accidents. There are three things to consider, which are preparation, awareness, and sharing the road.

Preparation
It is important that a bicycle is well maintained and that the rider wears the proper safety equipment.

Proper safety equipment includes:

  • Helmets for all riders
  • Child seat with safety belt (if a young child is also riding on the bicycle)
  • Horn or bell to use to get attention from other drivers when needed
  • Reflectors
  • Safety lights for both headlight and taillight
  • Light-colored, reflective clothing
  • A full water bottle to avoid dehydration that has a secure mount
  • A cell phone to call for help if needed

Make sure the bicycle is big enough, but not too big, and adjusted to fit the rider’s size. Maintain spokes, wheels, tires, brakes, gears, pedals, seat, and handlebars correctly, so they are working properly and positioned correctly.

Awareness
Bicyclists need to be aware that other drivers may have difficulty seeing them. Common dangers are drivers suddenly opening the door of a parked car, drivers not seeing a bicycle crossing an intersection, and obstacles in the road. Look ahead and use defensive driving skills to try to anticipate what may occur. Watch out for water, potholes, gravel, sewer grates, and covers.

Share the Road
Automobile drivers need to share the road with bicyclists. They should slow down when approaching a bicycle rider and only pass them when it is safe to do so. Do not honk at a bicyclist because it may startle them and pay careful attention to children who may be unpredictable.

Summary
By following these tips, bicyclists and automobiles can share the roadways in a safer manner. Be sure to get adequate insurance coverage from the folks at Insurance Center of Green Valley who can help with all your insurance needs.

How Home Insurance Can Protect You And Your Family

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When you live in Green Valley, it is important to look at home insurance as a way of protecting both you and your family. While it is not required by the state, it may be required by your lender if you have a mortgage out on your home.

There are various options available when you choose home insurance. You will be able to have protection against break-ins, fire, floods, and various natural disasters. If something happens, you have the ability to file a claim with the insurance company as opposed to having to pay for all of the damages out of pocket.

Various add-ons can be included in your policy as well. This includes storm damage, additional flood insurance, and more. Essentially, it provides more protection for you and your family so that you don’t have to worry about extensive repairs in the event that something happens to your home.

Generally, the insurance is going to cover the property as well as the belongings. You may want to establish a cash value policy based upon the list of belongings that you have in the home. If you have art, jewelry, and other luxury items, it is important to obtain the additional coverage so that you are protected in the event that these items are stolen or become damaged.

You may also want to look at expenses associated with various living expenses in the event that you lose use of your home due to some kind of accident, such as a flood or fire. This can prevent you from spending your entire life savings.

Call us at the Insurance Center of Green Valley today. It’s important to explore home insurance options and we can obtain rates from some of the top insurance companies in Arizona to help with the comparison process.

 

 

How To Choose a Commercial Insurance Policy

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Commercial insurance policies are very important to have if you have a commercial business. Choosing the right one can be a daunting task. That is why we are proving you with some tips on how to choose the right commercial insurance policy for your needs. 

  • Remember that cheaper is not always better when it comes to insurance. Do not get lured in by a lower price. When you see a lower price, that may be for a variety of reasons. It could be because the insurance provider is not very reliable or it could be because the policy does not offer the coverage that you need. Because of these reasons, it is best to steer clear of the cheaper prices just because they seem to be a great financial option.
  • Take a look at your business to see what kind of coverage you really need. The last thing you want to do is purchase commercial insurance that will not meet your needs in case of an accident. You also do not want to get too little if your business is growing. Take a look at your current business as well as the future and account for both.
  • Think beyond the basics and cater the insurance policy to your business. Consider a business owner policy or a commercial insurance policy that includes a variety of different coverage types. The exact coverage you need will depend on the type of business you have. There are a lot of different kinds of insurance policies available and you want to make sure you have protection for all parts of your business. 

For more information about commercial insurance policies or with assistance with getting a commercial insurance policy, please contact us at Insurance Center of Green Valley.

Got into an Accident? What Should You Do Next?

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Unfortunately, accidents happen all the time, both in your everyday life and behind the wheel. How you react to the situation makes a huge difference in the outcome of the situation. This is especially the case since some people are out to earn a quick a buck and will do so no matter the expense to you. 

1. Don’t Leave the Scene

You should never leave the scene with just a verbal agreement not to proceed with an insurance company. While it’s fine to agree that the accident was no big deal and that no claims are going to be made to an insurance company, you can’t be sure the other driver is actually going to follow through with this agreement. Your insurance company requires you to report all accidents anyways. It won’t hurt you in the long run to report it, but it could if you don’t report it. You can let the insurance company know there wasn’t any damage or that you’re paying out of pocket. 

2. Pictures

A picture is really worth a thousand words, especially when it’s one of the best ways to prove who’s at fault when compared to drivers verbally recalling the incident. Take pictures of the damage done to both vehicles. Snap pictures of the person’s driver’s license and insurance information if available. If there were witnesses at the scene, it doesn’t hurt to click a pic of their information. Get snapshots of everyone involved in the accident and the license plate of the driver.

3. Get a Cop Involved

A cop can’t force you to proceed with the insurance claim. He can report who’s at fault and be a reliable witness if the accident turns into a lawsuit or even a large insurance claim. He can even let the insurance company know the status of the other driver, so you don’t wind up getting a lawsuit for fraudulent medical issues. Keep in mind, no matter how you agree to pay for the damages, a cop must be called if the damages are estimated to exceed $1,000.

To receive a quote, contact Insurance Center of Green Valley today. 

 

Saving Money on Gasoline

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Green Valley, Arizona is a great place to live. Many commute to the Tucson area for work, so they need to save money on gasoline. The Insurance Center of Green Valley offers some tips on how to save money on gasoline and gives a bit of advice that helps drivers to pay lower auto insurance premiums and still obtain superb auto insurance coverage.

Here are a few items to consider:

  1. Getting a Tune-up Increases Gas Mileage – The recommendation for a tune-up includes a full vehicle maintenance and safety check. Replacing spark plugs with new ones, changing the fuel and air filter, and adjusting engine idle speed does wonders for increasing gas mileage. Additionally, checking tire air pressure, wheel alignment, and taking unnecessary stuff out of the trunk that is excessive weight, all increase mileage. As part of a full maintenance check, be sure to review the auto insurance for proper coverage.
  2. The Use of Biofuels – Biofuels are a great way to use an alternative to gasoline, but using them needs careful consideration. It is important to understand the effects of using alternative fuels that may change the coverage for warranty repairs. Moreover, consider any potential mechanical failures from using biofuels that might cause an accident. Working with a qualified mechanic that understands these issues is important for saving money on gasoline and also for driving the vehicle in a safe manner.
  3. The Benefits of Driving a Bit Slower – It is amazing how something as simple as driving a little slower can decrease the chances of having an accident as save money on gas. Defensive driving does not mean driving so slow as to impede the flow of traffic. What it does mean is slowing down in bad weather conditions and always leaving plenty of room in front of the vehicle to come to an abrupt stop when needed.

Check in with the nice folks at the Insurance Center of Green Valley to make sure you have adequate auto insurance coverage and find out about the possibility of good driver discounts, offered by some insurance companies.

House Sitting? Three Ways You Can Protect Yourself

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If you have been chosen to be a house sitter, then your friend, neighbor, or family member trusts you with one of their biggest investments. Although it seems like a fun endeavor, it can be a big responsibility. In addition to ensuring that their home remains intact once the family returns, you have to make sure you are safe during the process. The following are three safety tips you should use to protect both you and the home.

Safety Tip #1. Make sure the home is secure at all times.

Intruders are bold. They may try to break into the home while you are gone or while you are there. In order to reduce the chances of an intruder breaking in, you have to ensure that the alarm is armed at all times. With the alarm on, if an intruder is able to break a window or open a door, you’ll be notified immediately.

Safety Tip #2. Have a disaster readiness kit readily available.

There are many weather-related disasters that can happen while you are house sitting. The best way to increase your chances of surviving is to have an emergency readiness kit available. You should include extra batteries, battery-operated lights, blankets, and other emergency accessories inside your kit.

Safety Tip #3. Make sure you know what to do in any emergency situation.

Whether you are faced with an intruder or another type of disaster, what you do in the first few minutes can determine how safe you are. If you need to take a self-defense class before you start house sitting, do so to increase your chances of being better equipped in an emergency situation.

At Insurance Center of Green Valley, we want you to take every precaution necessary to make your house sitting uneventful. From traveling to your friend’s home to ensuring your home, we have you covered. You can take a look at our website to see what coverage options we offer your family.

Giving Back to the Tucson Community

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Insurance Center of Green Valley encourages community involvement. There are plenty of ways to give back to the Tucson community to help those less fortunate. You can give money, donate things and blood, and volunteer to help.

Here are some ways to get involved in the Tucson community to make it a better place:

  • Give Food to Tucson Food Banks -Many organizations give food to those who cannot afford it. Two popular ones are the Community Food Bank and Food Pantries.
  • Donate Items – Habitat for Humanity accepts donations of building materials, furniture, and working appliances in good condition. You can also volunteer to help build homes. Donate clothing and other items to the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
  • Volunteer to Help The Homeless – Volunteer to help at any of the Tucson homeless shelters. Every other year about two hundred volunteers help conduct the Tucson Homeless Street Count. The next one is on January 26 and 27, 2016.
  • Donate Blood – The Red Cross has a blood donation center in Tucson.
  • Help Veterans – Volunteer at the Tucson Vet Center and if you are a Veteran, join Veterans Helping Veterans.
  • Adopt a Pet from an Animal Rescue – Your newest best friend is waiting for you to save them at Hope Animal Shelter, Pima Animal Care Center, and Animal Rescue Foundation.
  • Visit a Tucson Nursing Home – Over half the residents, never get any visitors.
  • Donate and/or Volunteer at Mobile Meals of Tucson
  • Donate to a Charity of Your Choice

It is a good idea to get insurance from an agency that cares about Tucson. Contact Insurance Center of Green Valley for all your insurance needs. The kind people, who work there, are ready to help you protect yourself and your loved ones.

Do I Need an Independent Agent

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You only think about insurance when you need to file a claim, but this is the time when an independent agent is such an asset. After an emergency, most people value information above all else. Anyone who has ever tried to file an insurance claim realizes that the cheapest insurance is rarely the best bargain, because the lines of communication are so inefficient. Filing any type of insurance clam involves the exchange of precise data, between the insured party, the insurer, and any third parties who provide services. After an automobile collision, someone has to communicate with the insurer and the auto body repair company. It can be timely and tedious, so this task is best left to an independent insurance agent. These ladies and gentlemen are specifically registered to provide insurance in a particular state, because state laws vary so greatly. Insurance laws are also far more complicated than may people realize.  An independent agent serves as a liaison between you and the insurer, providing comfort in your time of need. 

Better Safe Than Sorry

No amount of planning, can keep every tragedy at bay which is why you pay insurance premiums to begin with. An independent agent is so vital, because he or she is always at your beckoning. Trying to deal with automated services and electronic messaging systems complicates the process of filing a claim. You must first familiarize yourself with the process of filing a claim in your state, but an independent agent already knows the proper procedures. The Insurance Center of Green Valley helps to keep Arizona residents covered when they face an emergency. You depend on your insurance to repair your home, your automobile, and even provide health care. Independent agents specialize in communicating with the insurer, and any doctors or contractors.