Is the dwelling extension amount the same as the land on my homeowner insurance premium renewal?

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Renewing your homeowners insurance policy can result in the discovery of unknown terminology and details that you may have missed when you first obtained the policy. Among the terms that you may notice is the dwelling extension coverage. While it may seem that the term relates to the land, it extends beyond that limited definition.

What is Dwelling Extension?

The term dwelling extension is a simple way to refer to all of the items that are located on your land, not just the land itself. It may include a detached garage, a shed or other structures that are on your yard, but are not necessarily part of your house.

Depending on the policy, it may refer to several different items or it may simply relate to one building that is part of your property.

The Coverage

Generally, coverage for any items that are not attached to your house will only be a portion of the total amount that you have obtained on your policy. Since the details of your plan may vary, the exact amount and percentage that is identified may differ. For example, it may be five or ten percent of the total coverage or it may be a set dollar amount that is listed in the policy.

You can apply the coverage to the front or backyard, a detached garage, a shed or any other structure that is part of your property.

Homeowners insurance can seem complicated, but once you understand the terminology, it is easier to understand your policy. The dwelling extension only refers to structures and property that is detached from the house. Contact us to speak to an agent to learn more about protecting your property and understanding your policy.

I’ve had a minor accident and I don’t plan to submit a claim. Must I still notify my Insurance Company?

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People often assume that if they are not submitting a claim to their insurance company, they do not have to notify them about a minor accident. Unfortunately, that is not what should be done. Insurance companies should be notified regardless of whether a claim is going to be filed or not.

There are a number of reasons that an insurance company should be notified when a minor accident occurs, regardless of whether a claim is going to be filed. The main reason is because of the other party involved with the accident.

Just because you are not filing a claim with your insurance company, does not mean the other party involved with the accident will not try to recover damages from your insurance provider. Notifying them of a minor accident allows your insurance company to prepare in the event the other party should contact them.

Another reason to notify the insurance company after a minor accident is because it could be grounds for a non-renewal. If a minor fender bender or accident occurred, you did not report to the insurance company and they find out later, they can use that to not renew a current insurance policy.

Many people do not wish to notify their insurance company of a minor accident because they are afraid of a potential increase in premiums. It should be noted that not all premiums will be raised as a result of an accident or even if a claim is filed. There are a number of factors that play into premium increases, including previous driving record, number of claims submitted, and who is at fault for the accident.

Worried about potential rate increases on minor accident insurance policies? Contact one of our independent insurance agents that operate out of Sahuarita and Tucson, AZ to explore various auto insurance policies from different companies to determine which offer you the best rates and coverage for your current driving needs.

Can home insurance be cancelled due to a swing set in an unfenced backyard?

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Putting in a backyard swing set can seem like a great way to surprise the children and give them a safe place to play, but it can also come with certain liability risks if your yard is not surrounded by a fence. As a result, homeowners insurance companies in Green Valley, AZ may cancel your policy if you put a swing set in the unfenced backyard.

Liability Risks

The primary reason that your policy may be canceled if you have a swing set and do not put in a fence is the possible liability concerns. Children can get onto your property and play on the swing set without adult supervision. You may come home to discover that a child has been injured when you weren’t even on the property. As a result, the risk of being sued is very high.

Insurance Cancelation

Homeowners insurance may be discontinued if you do not put in a fence due to the high level of risk associated with the situation. While you can discuss the problem with your insurer and the company may maintain your coverage if you put in a fence, you should be aware that the liability concerns are the main problem associated with the situation.

Some insurance companies may allow you to maintain coverage, but may put in a clause so that any injuries on the swing set will not be covered or you may be required to purchase additional liability coverage.

There are situations that cannot be overlooked when it comes to liability risks. While a swing set might seem like a great way to keep your children safe and encourage them to play, it is also a potential risk that may result in the loss of coverage. Contact us to talk to an agent for more information.

Is TV covered under home owners insurance?

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Confusion often surrounds home owners insurance–particularly those specific products that are or aren’t covered and accidental damage provisions. So what about that oversized, hyper-state-of-the-art LCD TV you just bought? If you send your Wii remote flying and shatter your $3,000 home theater, is there any chance your home insurance will cover it? The answer isn’t necessarily simple.

Does standard home owners insurance cover TV damage?

Standard homeowner’s insurance policies generally cover some household items up to a certain limit. However, unless your policy has specific provisions covering accidental damage, chances are it won’t cover any accidents caused by negligence–including throwing your Wii controller through your TV screen. Like flood insurance, that type of coverage isn’t standard.

What you need to know about accidental coverage

But there is a type of insurance that will cover those damages. It’s called accidental coverage insurance, and it’s designed to protect you against just that: something non-deliberate that damages your home or possessions inside it. It’s kind of like a comprehensive auto insurance policy–for your home. Be careful when you’re choosing a policy; some items are almost always excluded, like portable electronics (so be extra-careful with the laptop) and clothing. If you’ve purchased an accidental damage policy, though, chances are good your new TV is covered. You’ll just need to double-check your policy to make sure.

Finding the best deal on accidental coverage policies

If you’re interested in purchasing accidental coverage for your home, you’ll find that one of the best sources of information available is an independent agent in AZ, whether you live in Green Valley or Tucson. These agents know the risks specific to the communities in Arizona, and they’ll be able to ask relevant questions about your home and family to make sure you have the protection you need without paying for over-the-top unnecessary coverage.

Does the type of car I drive affect my insurance rate?

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A lot of factors go into selecting a new (or new-to-you) vehicle. What does it look like? What color is it? What kind of gas mileage does it get? Is it safe? Is it comfortable for long road trips? If you live in Green Valley or elsewhere in AZ, you probably want to know how well the air conditioning works, too.

These are all standard questions to ask when looking at purchasing a vehicle. But many car buyers don’t think about how their new car will affect their insurance rates.

It’s common sense that a high-end luxury car or sports car will increase your insurance premiums. But some older, standard vehicles can cause your out-of-pocket expenses to skyrocket, too.

Things that affect insurance rate

Your driving record, age, and even your marital status can cause your insurance premiums to change dramatically. But the type of car you purchase can, too. Here’s a quick list of considerations that actuaries take into consideration:

  • size of motor
  • body type
  • age of vehicle
  • crash-test ratings
  • safety features

How to find out for sure which car will be the best deal

You can compare quotes online to find out how expensive (or inexpensive!) your premiums would be for cars you’re considering. Some insurance companies offer special deals for those who purchase new cars; even though new vehicles cost more to repair and replace, they’re often safer and more reliable than older vehicles, and insurance actuaries plug those variables into the formulas they use to calculate rates.

Whether you live in Sahuarita, Tucson, or somewhere in between, talking to a local independent agent is one of the best ways you can make sure you’ve got the information you need to make a smart purchase–of both insurance and a car. By doing your research before you sign on the dotted line, you’ll ensure that you’re not surprised with outrageously high insurance premiums later.

What kinds of discounts are available for Auto insurance?

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Drivers need to be aware of the large number of discounts available for auto insurance policies. There is no reason for you to pay more than you have to. Check out some of these common ways to reduce your insurance premium.

Good Driver

You should be able to get a reduction in price for maintaining a good driving record. Good driving includes a lack of accidents and moving violations.

Number of Years With a Company

If you have been purchasing your insurance from one company for several years, ask if you can receive a discount. Loyalty is often rewarded.

Multi-policy

If you have more than one policy, for example, a home or rental and an auto insurance plan, you should receive a discount. This also applies to having more than one vehicle.

Automatic Payments or Payment in Full

If you set up automatic payments, or pay your yearly premium in full, you may receive a discount. Just ask us, many companies will reduce your rate to save on billing costs.

Club or Organization Membership

Premium reductions are often available for membership in groups, clubs or organizations. You do need to ask to see what is available. Military members may also get a discounted rate on their insurance.

Defensive Driving Classes

Some companies provide a discount to drivers that have completed defensive driving classes.

Low Mileage and Equipment Discounts

If you only do a limited amount of driving each year, you may qualify for a premium reduction. The exact mileage varies, but it is worth asking about. Having additional safety features, including anti-lock brakes, can also save you money on your insurance rate.

Good Student

While insurers have different guidelines, if you have a student on your auto policy, a good grade average can reduce your costs.

We make it easy to find the best rates for your insurance with online comparison quotes. As your independent insurance agency for the Sahuarita and Tucson area, we are ready to help you get all the auto insurance discounts you deserve.

Am I covered for natural disasters or “Acts of God” in Green Valley, AZ?

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If you own property in Green Valley, Arizona, it is important to make sure that your insurance coverage will protect you from natural disasters. Droughts, lightning, and thunderstorms are among the disasters that can destroy your property and set you back financially if you don’t have the right type of coverage.

How Natural Disasters Affect Your Policy

Whether you are purchasing insurance for your car or home, purchasing the minimum will likely leave you without protection in the case of a natural disaster. Green Valley is known for its monsoons, and it doesn’t take a record-breaking year of rainfall to flood your home or destroy your vehicle. With risks like this in the area, you need to be proactive to receive protection. Most insurance companies only include coverage for these events with a comprehensive plan or a special rider to your policy.

The term "acts of God" is also a point of confusion for covered policyholders. An act of God is an extreme disaster, such as lightning or an earthquake, that leads to excessive damage to your property. Because these events are hard to predict, insurance companies typically exclude coverage for these types of natural disasters in your policy.

How an Independent Agent Can Help

Insurance Center of Green Valley can help you find the right level of coverage to protect your property during a major disaster. We are trained to determine what constitutes as an act of God and what types of disasters will be included in your policy. We can also help you determine the type of disasters that especially impact Arizona residents.

Severe weather events can strike at any time, so don’t be caught without insurance that provides you with adequate protection from natural disasters. Contact us today to compare quotes from leading insurance companies to receive the best coverage.

How will I protect my employees in the event they are injured on the job in Green Valley, AZ?

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If you operate a business of any size in Green Valley, Arizona, it is a good idea to carry insurance that protects your employees agaist on-the-job injuries. Whether you have one employee or one hundred employees, it only takes one accident to create liability for your business and set you back financially. So it’s important to keep your insurance up-to-date with liability or workers’ compensation coverage for your employees.

How to Protect Your Employees on the Job

The type of insurance that you need to protect your employees will depend on the type of business that you have. For a small home-based business, liability insurance might be sufficient for protecting you against liability and covering the medical costs of injured employees. Liability coverage can be added to almost any commercial insurance plan.

If your business involved a hazardous occupation or hires several employees, the law might require you to carry workers’ compensation insurance. In cases where you need workers’ compensation insurance, the levels of coverage that you need will be outlined by state laws, which Insurance Center of Green Valley will help you navigate.

How an Independent Agent Can Help

When you own a business, it is always important to cut costs wherever you can. This is especially true when you are selecting a commercial insurance policy. Insurance Center of Green Valley carries commercial insurance from several policies so that you can compare quotes instantly and find the best rates on insurance for your organization.

An independent agent also can help you determine whether your employees are fully covered in the case of a workplace accident. Contact us today to provide full protection for your business and to make sure that your business is fully compliant with the law.

Do I need life insurance in Green Valley, AZ, if I am single?

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You may not want to think about the need for life insurance, but it is coverage that no one should be without — even people who are single. Often, life insurance is marketed to families or people with dependents who rely on them for income. But a life policy is beneficial for single people too. Examples of ways life insurance money can be used include:

  • Debts – Many people have personal debts, whether for credit cards, medical bills, or loans from family or friends. Life insurance can help settle these debts in the event of your untimely passing.
  • Funeral Expenses – The cost of a casket, burial, funeral service, viewing, and transfers can soar into the thousands. In Sahuarita and Tucson, Arizona, these costs average more than $4,100.
  • Medical Bills – Often, an untimely death is followed by expensive medical bills. Being rushed to a medical facility or spending time in a hospital can leave behind burdensome coinsurance payments and deductibles that your parents, siblings, or other loved ones may be responsible for paying.
  • Legacy – Everyone has something they are aspiring to become or a cause they support. A premature death doesn’t have to mean that you cannot fulfill your wishes. The money from life insurance can be designated toward the cause of your choice — whether that be a charity or putting a niece or nephew through college.

Here at the Insurance Center of Green Valley, we help clients discover life insurance needs they may otherwise be unaware of. Whether you are single, married, or have more complicated relationship statuses, we can help you find affordable coverage that will protect the people and causes closest to your heart long after you are gone. Get a free quote today from an independent agent who can help you compare premiums and policies from Arizona’s leading life insurance providers.

Now That my Business is Established in Green Valley, AZ, I Think it is Time to Offer my Employees Some Benefits. What do I Need to Know?

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When you are starting up a business, you may not have the available funds to offer your employees benefits and insurance coverage. As your company grows and thrives, you may determine that it is time to start thinking about appropriate commercial insurance policies to address the needs of your employees in Green Valley, Arizona. Although you may be ready to offer coverage, it is important to learn about the options before you make any decisions on new policies.

Health Coverage

The cost of group health insurance policies for small to mid-sized companies can seem costly at first. That is because the price per person tends to reduce as you hire more employees and a larger number of individuals are added to the plan.

When it comes to health coverage for your employees, it is important to select a plan that is appropriate for the needs of your company as well as your employees. Take your time to compare options with the help of an agent so that you can find a reasonable rate.

Worker’s Compensation

It is usually a good idea to obtain worker’s compensation insurance. Even though it is not a direct benefit, it can help if your employees are injured on the job.

Life Insurance

In general, term life coverage is less costly because it has a specific time period that is covered. You can compare a variety of life insurance options before you make a decision about the best option for your employees.

Benefits are not only limited to insurance options, but having life insurance and health coverage can make your company attractive to potential employees. Contact the Insurance Center of Green Valley to talk to an independent agent for more information.