Keeping Your Scottsdale Car Insurance Costs Under Control

Posted by on Nov 2, 2012 in Scottsdale Auto Insurance | Comments Off on Keeping Your Scottsdale Car Insurance Costs Under Control

When it comes to car insurance, Lindsay Lohan just might be an underwriter’s nightmare. Her long history of driving disasters stretches back several years. Along with two DUIs in 2007 and one in November 2011, this year alone Lohan offenses include:

  • In March, Lohan reportedly attempted to maneuver a Porsche in a crowd in Hollywood and hit the manager of a nightclub.
  • In June, Lohan totaled her Porsche when she crashed into a dump truck on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
  • In September, several news outlets reported Lindsay Lohan was arrested in New York City for leaving the scene of an accident.

Additionally, she has had other bad luck with driving, from running a stop sign in Beverly Hills to being sued for hit and run even though she was only a passenger in the car. Chances are her car insurance policy is hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, according to experts.

Most drivers don’t behave like Lohan, so their car insurance comes in at a reasonable rate. However, there are still steps you can take to reduce the overall cost of your car insurance premium. Here are some tips from LoveMoney.com:

  • Carefully estimate your annual mileage. The higher it is, the higher the premium because the more you drive, the more you are at risk.
  • Car value affects the cost of your premium. Newer and more expensive models have a higher premium. In addition, certain options like alloy wheels or the popularity of the model may raise your rates.
  • Keep your car safe. Parking your car in the garage and using an anti-theft device can help.
  • Consider your occupation. Believe it or not, your career may affect your insurance cost. Jobs classified as high risk involve those that work long hours, are highly stressful, and/or include a lot of driving.
  • Review the drivers on your policy. Unfortunately, adding a driver – like a teenager – to your auto insurance policy can increase your premium. Factors such as experience and previous driving record make a difference.
  • Look around your neighborhood. Where you live often affects your insurance premiums. A May 2012 report in Scientific American notes that poorer neighborhoods have less-safe road design – more intersections which carry higher volumes of traffic. However, some experts suggest that while poorer neighborhoods may be more prone to accidents, nicer areas may be at risk, too. The accidents that happen in expensive areas usually involve expensive vehicles.

Ultimately, what it all comes down to is making sure you have the right amount and type of insurance coverage for your individual needs. Be sure to:

  • Speak with your insurance agent and have him or her periodically review your coverage, especially as your car ages.
  • Review your policy – even for factors such as your name, address, and car model – to ensure it is accurate.
  • Correctly report your annual mileage each year.

We understand that having the right car insurance policy in Scottsdale is important. For more information about auto insurance or to help you find car insurance to fit your needs, visit us online today.

Does Your Scottsdale Homeowner’s Insurance Protect You Against Property Crimes?

Posted by on Oct 27, 2012 in Scottsdale Home Insurance, Scottsdale Homeowners Insurance | Comments Off on Does Your Scottsdale Homeowner’s Insurance Protect You Against Property Crimes?

With Halloween just around the corner, mischief is afoot. The National Crime Prevention Council offers these tips to ensure for a safe visit from trick-or-treaters:

  • Clear your yard of obstacles that are difficult to see at night, such as decorations
  • Keep your house well lit
  • Ask your Neighborhood Watch to patrol your neighborhood
  • Report any suspicious activity to the police

Even after Halloween has come and gone, property crimes may occur. Make sure your Scottsdale homeowners insurance has you covered.

Arizona Property Crimes 

When we talk about property crimes, we mean burglary, theft, arson, auto theft, and bicycle theft, as described under the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report for 2010.

According to AZCentral.com, the top Arizona cities for property crime include:

  • Glendale (596.7)
  • Tempe (523.9)
  • Avondale (489.5)
  • Phoenix (424.5)
  • Mesa (338.8)

These are the number of crimes per 10,000 residents. In Scottsdale, there were 6,563 crimes in 2010. That’s an average of 301.9 per 10,000 residents.

Protect Your Home and Auto 

Razor blades in candy and a rise in the number of abductions of young trick-or-treaters are considered urban myths. However, many cities report that ordinary street crime on Halloween is very real. In particular, homeowners need to be aware of malicious damage such as smashed windows and vandalized autos.

The most common types of crime from among the incidents reported on Halloween and adjacent days were:

  • Theft (32%)
  • Destruction or vandalism of property (21%)
  • Assault (19%)
  • Burglary (9%)

In fact, vandalism and property destruction accounted for a greater proportion of crime around Halloween compared to other days of the year.

To help protect your home and auto from petty property crimes, here are some suggestions:

  • Park your car in the garage or driveway. If you do park your vehicle outside, make sure to lock all doors, roll-up windows, remove all valuables, and use a theft-deterrent device. Keep in mind that parking your car in the street removes it from your property and makes it more vulnerable.
  • Smashing pumpkins isn’t just the name of a rock band; it’s an activity that some young people seem to enjoy. To keep them safe, place your lighted pumpkins outside your front door where you can keep an eye on them, and only do so for a few hours in the evening.
  • If you’re not interested in greeting visitors on Halloween, keep a light on so your home appears occupied. However, turn out the porch light to let trick-or-treaters know you are not offering any treats. One of the best ways to keep your home safe is to add external motion-sensitive lights. This way you have light whenever anyone – friend or stranger – approaches.

And don’t forget to ensure you have adequate insurance to cover any losses. Speak with your insurance agent to verify the type and amount of coverage. According to an Arizona criminal defense lawyer at The Hogle Law Firm.

More and more Scottsdale residents have come to rely on us to provide the right policy at the right price. We coordinate coverages and make it easy to manage. Contact us today for a quote.

Scottsdale Homeowners Insurance: Don’t Let Desert Weather Destroy the Exterior of Your Home

Posted by on Oct 22, 2012 in Scottsdale Home Insurance, Scottsdale Homeowners Insurance | Comments Off on Scottsdale Homeowners Insurance: Don’t Let Desert Weather Destroy the Exterior of Your Home

Living in the Arizona desert of Scottsdale means homeowners get plenty of sunshine along with some difficult weather conditions such as stifling heat, dust storms, and monsoons. If you want keep your home in good condition, you’ll need to take the steps necessary to protect against the most common types of desert home distress.

Take Steps to Prevent Water Damage

Well known for its monsoon season, living in Arizona means you need to learn to protect your home and property from heavy rains and windy weather. You’ll want to specifically check:

Driveways. Rainwater may cause your foundation to wash away, leaving spaces around your concrete or asphalt drive. Under the weight of heavy vehicles, you’re likely to see cracks. Your best bet is to direct the water away from your drive or other foundation such as your home, sidewalk, and patio.

Gutters. Do you check your gutters at least annually? Gutters fill up with debris such as leaves, twigs, and just general gunk. When they do, they don’t drain properly and water may spill out or add unwanted weight. This can cause your gutters to sag or leak. Excess water overflow will ruin your paint and damage wood. After you clean them, make sure to re-caulk with a silicone or gutter sealant.

Decks. Wooden decks can take a real beating in a rainstorm. However, so can any of your home’s wooden structures like overhangs and beams. One small piece of rotten wood can grow over time. The North American Deck and Railing Association suggest you pay special attention to the ledger board where the deck attaches to the house along with any areas regularly exposed to water. Use a deck cleaner to remove mold and mildew.

Prevent Damage from Dust Storms 

According to a one-page flyer from the City of Beaumont in California, you can help prevent dust from entering your home by:

  • Closing all openings and sealing doors and windows areas with damp towels
  • Sealing the outside of windows and doors with duct tape
  • Covering attic vents
  • Limiting how often you open external doors, especially those facing into the wind
  • Not using your air conditioner

Additionally, be sure to secure any exterior items such as furniture, garbage cans, barbecues, and lighting fixtures.

Once a dust storm has passed, remove window and vent covers to restore air circulation, and inspect the attic, pool and filter, and air conditioner for dust.

Prevent Hot Weather Damage to Your Scottsdale Home 

While hot weather is great for taking a dip in the pool, it’s rough on the exterior of your home. Over time, extreme weather can cause the paint on your home to peel, blister, wrinkle, chalk, stain, and crack.

Protect your home’s exterior from extreme heat by doing things such as:

  • Repainting it every five years
  • Protecting unpainted wood with weatherproofing stains that contain UV inhibitors
  • Using trees as shade to protect it from direct sunlight
  • Overly dry soil can cause your foundation to shift, so keep it moist

A home is a major investment. Don’t let the extreme weather conditions of the Arizona desert damage it. Scottsdale homeowners insure against losses through regular home maintenance and by carrying the right homeowner’s insurance policy.

To find the right auto or home insurance policy for you, contact our Scottsdale, AZ insurance office today.

Know the Discounts Your Scottsdale Auto Insurance Carrier Offers

Posted by on Oct 18, 2012 in Insurance Scottsdale AZ, Scottsdale Auto Insurance | Comments Off on Know the Discounts Your Scottsdale Auto Insurance Carrier Offers

When most people buy auto insurance, they choose all or most of the top six types of coverage. These include the state mandatory bodily injury and property damage liability, plus one or more of the following:

  • Personal injury liability in case you’re injured and can’t work
  • Collision coverage for damage you cause to your own car
  • Comprehensive coverage for damage not caused by a collision
  • Uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage in case the other drive has insufficient or no auto insurance

However, along with these standard types of auto insurance coverage, many insurance companies offer discounts based on a variety of factors.

Take Advantage of Auto Insurance Rebates

The Insurance Information Institute (III) offers a number of tips on how to select the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicle. In addition, they offer a long list of potential discounts your carrier may offer, including:

  • Safe driver discount
  • Antitheft devices
  • Multiple policies with the same insurance company
  • College students living away from home
  • Defensive driving courses (such as the one offered by AARP)
  • Drivers’ education courses
  • Good credit record
  • Higher deductibles
  • Low annual mileage
  • Long-time customer
  • Multiple vehicles
  • Accident free for three years
  • No moving violations in three years
  • Student driver with good grades

It is important that when you purchase auto insurance that you review all your options with your insurance company. Your agent can advise you whether you are eligible for any of these discounts.

Don’t Shop for Price Alone

Keep in mind auto insurance isn’t just about the rebates or finding the lowest premiums possible. It’s more about having the right coverage at the right price. That means you need to balance coverage and cost. The best thing to do is to shop around and:

Ask those you know – friends, family, co-workers – what they like about their auto insurance carrier

  • Conduct research on insurance companies to find out those that get the best feedback from their customers (try checking with the Better Business Bureau and your state insurance department)
  • Choose an agent that listens, answers your questions completely, and returns your calls in a timely manner
  • Look for a carrier that offers good service when it comes to filing a claim, getting appraisals of repair costs, getting access to a rental car (if necessary), and dealing with the actual repair process and settlement
  • Read the fine print before you sign to determine that you have the coverage you need (you may want to ask about additional items such as accident forgiveness, new car replacement, or roadside assistance)
  • Make sure you are aware of any exclusions (such as certain drivers or if you have overlapping policies)

An inexpensive policy could mean you’re not really getting the amount of coverage you need. Read your policy carefully, ask questions, and get quotes before you decide. For more information about Scottsdale auto insurance, contact us.

Are Minimum Requirements for Auto Insurance in Scottsdale, AZ Enough?

Posted by on Sep 13, 2012 in Blog, Insurance Scottsdale AZ, Scottsdale AZ Insurance Agent, Scottsdale AZ Insurance Agents, Scottsdale Insurance Agents | Comments Off on Are Minimum Requirements for Auto Insurance in Scottsdale, AZ Enough?

While every state requires auto insurance, they don’t all require the same level of financial responsibility. In the state of Arizona, auto liability insurance requirements include autos, motorcycles, mopeds, and golf carts. The minimum levels of auto insurance you must carry include:

  • $15,000 bodily injury liability for one person
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability for two or more persons
  • $10,000 property damage liability

Bodily liability and property damage pay for any damage that you may cause to another person or property, such as street signs and fences.

While there are several other states with similar levels of coverage requirements, such as California, Delaware, and Louisiana, over 75% of states require higher auto insurance levels. Interestingly enough, Louisiana and Delaware also are among the top ten most expensive states for insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).

How Much Car Insurance Do You Need?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, a car accident can cost far more than the limits mandated by most states. Therefore, they recommend you carry at least $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident (known as 100/300).

Even though there is no legal requirement to have additional insurance coverage, many drivers carry four other types of auto insurance coverage:

  • Personal injury liability pays for your medical expenses and lost wages
  • Collision covers you for damage you cause to your own car
  • Comprehensive protects you against damage not caused by a collision, such as vandalism or acts of nature
  • Uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage protects you when the person who hits you has no or low insurance coverage or you are the victim of a hit-and-run

Trying to determine the right amount of auto insurance for your vehicle can be difficult. It’s wise to speak with your insurance agent, who can help you determine if a higher liability limit would better suit your individual needs.

Are You Underinsured?

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration’s (NHTA) 2010 issue of “Traffic Safety Facts,” approximately 210 million licensed drivers in the United States had an estimated 5,419,000 crashes, based on police reports. These five million plus crashes killed 32,885 people and injured 2,239,000.

The state of Arizona accounted for over 100,000 of these accidents, which include 825 deaths and nearly 50,000 injuries, according to 2011 statistics from the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDT). Additional interesting statistics include:

  • Peak month for crashes: December
  • Peak day for crashes: Friday
  • Peak hour for all crashes: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • One person was killed every 10.63 hours.
  • Most common manner of collision: Rear end

So, what did these car accidents cost the people of Arizona? The AZDT notes that the statewide economic loss due to motor vehicle crashes was:

  • Fatalities: $1,186,515,000
  • Incapacitating injuries: $322,568,880
  • Non-incapacitating injuries: $399,124,062
  • Possible injuries: $352,568,916
  • Property damage only: $632,182,842

Maricopa County leads the state with the highest cost of car crashes at a total of $1,626,556,464 for all fatalities, injuries, and property damage combined. Second place goes to Pima County at $332,283,258.

Whether or not the mandatory requirements for auto insurance in Scottsdale, AZ (or any city or state) are sufficient is debatable. However, you can ensure that you have sufficient coverage on your family and car. For more information about the right coverage for you, visit us online.

Insurance in Scottsdale AZ Protects the Luxury and Freedom Provided by Your RV

Posted by on Aug 30, 2012 in Scottsdale AZ Insurance Agent, Scottsdale AZ Insurance Agents, scottsdale insurance agent, Scottsdale Insurance Agents | Comments Off on Insurance in Scottsdale AZ Protects the Luxury and Freedom Provided by Your RV

Today’s top RV models possess more luxury and accommodation than ever. The most luxurious RV’s are filled with decadent furnishings, state of the art technology, and every convenience of home. Have you ever considered, however, that your auto insurance may not offer you the best coverage to protect this luxurious investment? Speak to your insurance agent in Scottsdale, AZ about specialized RV insurance.

Insurance agent in scottdale azWhen choosing the best RV insurance coverage for your investment, make certain to consider these five key tips so that your policy protects you from unforeseen difficulties.

Roadside Assistance and Towing are fabulous benefits to have for any automobile. The sheer size of your RV, however, makes such coverage absolutely necessary. Additionally, towing an RV will cost you approximately three times that of a car. Most RV insurance that offers roadside assistance and towing will also pay for your alternate housing while your RV is fixed, and most will pay for your RV to be towed back home if you are more than 50 miles from home.

Having a specialized Scottsdale Insurance Agent service is essential for RV’s that have been involved in an accident. If your RV is covered under your auto policy, an insurance adjuster will of course come out to evaluate the damage for repair costs. If you have specialized RV insurance, however, you will have an adjuster who is well-versed in RV’s so the evaluation of your vehicle’s damages will likely be more precise.

Owners of totaled or stolen RV’s that are on an auto policy are usually compensated for their loss with the Actual Cash Value (ACV) as determined by a third-party. Fortunately, RV policies generally offer some options to the policy holder. You could choose Agreed Value coverage (the insurance company agrees up front to the price they will pay if your RV is totaled or stolen) or Total Loss Replacement Coverage (guaranteeing to completely replace your RV if it is younger than 5-years-old).

Personal property stolen from an RV covered under an auto policy is not protected. RV policies will reimburse you for items that are used in conjunction with your home away from home.

Personal liability is still an absolute must when you are out on the road with your RV. You meet so many wonderful people while you are travelling in your RV, but if one of them is injured while they are in your RV, you could be held liable. Auto insurance will not protect you from such an event, but RV insurance will. Plus, such coverage may also provide Vacation Liability coverage will pay up to its limits for any injuries caused by an accident while you are vacationing in your RV.

RV’s are one of the most freeing vehicles you possess. Nothing else allows you to see the beauty of the country while still offering you the comforts of home. You love the memories that you have while journeying in your RV with those you love, and you deserve to protect those precious times. Don’t overestimate the protection that your auto insurance policy will offer your RV. You need a policy that is specifically designed for this very specialized vehicle.

Scottsdale Home Insurance a Safe Bet During Monsoon Season

Posted by on Aug 9, 2012 in Scottsdale Home Insurance, Scottsdale Homeowners Insurance | Comments Off on Scottsdale Home Insurance a Safe Bet During Monsoon Season

While heat and dry conditions are common in Scottsdale Arizona, this year residents may remember something else – a rough monsoon season that has already taken one person’s life. Marked by high winds and the potential for flooding, the season can be destructive, leaving a family devestated and their possessions a total loss. One of the best remedies in these times is to take inventory, mark off everything on the family checklist and prepare, including assessing your insurance needs.

According to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, there are three things that will specifically help you and your family during the monsoon season:

  • Follow safety guidelines during storms and floods, especially when you and your loved ones are near flooded washes and river beds
  • Adhere to regulations when building or maintaining property in a flood plain, making sure you understand all the risks
  • Purchasing flood insurance for your property

Flash flooding is the main cause of flood damage to homes across the region, but as officials indicate, you may need to check your Scottsdale home insurance to see if you and your family are covered in a disaster. If you are not properly covered, it may mean that your cherished valuables — even your family home — are at high risk of not being covered, making a hard time for a family even more difficult.

James Hansen  advises that you may need to consider purchasing additional Scottsdale homeowner’s insurance and Scottsdale car insurance with the monsoon season underway.

Every year, across the nation, there are more deaths attributed to flooding than any other severe-weather event, according to the county’s flood control district. Sixty-three percent of the 103 people who died in 2011 were driving a vehicle. Another 15 percent were swept into flood waters as the waters surged and rose near washes and rivers. The district advises:

If the road ahead of you is flooded, turn your vehicle around and find a safer route or wait until the flood water has completely receded. If flood water is filling the wash near your home, don’t stand on teh banks to watch it. Never put yourself in a wash or dry river bed as a storm is approaching, as water can rush down the wash in an instant in a flash flooding situation.

Monsoon seasons come and go and the vast majority of us get through it without a scratch. Certainly for most of us, this time of year is one to enjoy the cool-down and the rain. It is a time of renewal in these parts.

You’ll rest easier, however, knowing that if the rains pack a particularly powerful punch in your neighborhood this year that we are here to address all of your Scottsdale home insurance and Scottsdale car insurance questions. We cater to clients who seek to protect their most valuable assets and we’re there for you in the difficult times, just when you need us the most.

This is a good time to ask yourself: Is your home insured in the event of a flood? If you are not sure, pay us a visit at:

Scottsdale Insurance Agents

(480) 712-0400
20875 N. Pima Road #C4

Scottsdale, AZ 85255


Scottsdale Insurance–Your Umbrella of Protection

Posted by on Aug 7, 2012 in Insurance Companies, Insurance Scottsdale AZ, Scottsdale Auto Insurance, Scottsdale AZ Insurance Agent, Scottsdale AZ Insurance Agents, scottsdale insurance agent, Scottsdale Insurance Agents | Comments Off on Scottsdale Insurance–Your Umbrella of Protection

You have worked earnestly to acquire your current lifestyle, and you enjoy the peace of mind that comes from insuring each aspect of that life. What more can you do? The best answer is to discuss an umbrella insurance policy with Scottsdale Insurance.

You may feel a bit perplexed as to why you need yet another policy. You, like most Americans, have already insured your life, home, business, and automobiles. What else could there be? In “Do I Need Umbrella Insurance?” Miriam Caldwell explains that an umbrella policy is only intended for those individuals who have acquired more assets than the average person. If you were to lose a lawsuit in court, an umbrella policy would protect your savings, home, and any other properties you own. This safety-net becomes increasingly important when you consider the rather astronomical settlements that some courts are handing down . It is tragic, but one accident could void all that you have amassed throughout your life. Such a verdict would shatter your way of life, but also the lives of your family.

Depending on your situation and location, you may purchase an umbrella liability policy that will protect you for an additional 1-5 million dollars. If you were ever in the unfortunate scenario to have the liability allotments of your current policies exhausted, the umbrella policy would then stand in for the remainder, up to its limit.

We need look no farther than the news to discover examples of individuals who have been sheltered by just such added protection. The New York Times‘ article, “Umbrella Coverage for Preventing Your Ruin,” tells the story of Mr. Cox, a lawyer whose client “…crashed into the rear of a car on a slick highway. A woman and a child were critically injured. After two years of litigation, his client settled the lawsuit for more than $5 million. The client had $15 million in umbrella coverage. The policy paid for the settlement and all legal costs. “Without the umbrella,” Mr. Cox said, “they would have been completely wiped out.” While such a tale is certainly a worst case instance, it is sadly not all that rare. Accidents and misfortune happen all the time, and if you are at fault, you need to be certain that your securities are safe.

Umbrella policies, such as the one that saved Mr. Cox’s client, are not purchased as often as you might believe. Some individuals do not purchase the additional coverage simply because they do not know it exists. Others decline it because they do not realize just how inexpensive it truly is, especially when paralleled to what it might cost if something unexpected happens. Still others carry an umbrella policy but not of the adequate amount for their current personal situation. Many times a person will purchase such a policy in their younger years, not revisiting it as often as they should to make certain it matches their current needs. According to agent Charlotte Edmonston, “90 percent of them [her clients] are underinsured. Usually they were sold too little from the get-go, and their assets have grown and they never revisited the issue.

You have created a bountiful life for yourself and your family. You must be proactive to make certain that your hard-won efforts are protected today and tomorrow. Scottsdale insurance agent James Hansen appreciates your need for this security and certainty, and he celebrates that unique spirit that is Scottsdale. Please contact him today to discuss an umbrella policy for your own added protection. If you have other questions about your Arizona Insurance we can also help you with that too.

Know Your Options and Speak to Your Scottsdale Insurance Agent

Posted by on Aug 6, 2012 in Insurance Scottsdale AZ, Scottsdale Auto Insurance, Scottsdale AZ Insurance Agent, Scottsdale AZ Insurance Agents, scottsdale insurance agent, Scottsdale Insurance Agents | Comments Off on Know Your Options and Speak to Your Scottsdale Insurance Agent

Driving an automobile is one of humanity’s most freeing acts, but it is also one that demands the utmost care and responsibility. While no one wants to admit that a wide array of accidents can occur during driving, it is nonetheless a fact of life. In order to operate your automobile with assurance and relief, you must possess Scottsdale auto insurance.

There are many unforeseen events that can arise from driving a car, truck, or SUV. Your auto insurance policy is what will shelter you from such unplanned events if they ever happen. In fact, since auto insurance is the only sure way to protect your assets from an accident, it is essential that you understand the basic workings of the auto insurance system.

Assessing your auto insurance needs is paramount to choosing the appropriate coverage for your personal circumstance. There are multiple auto insurance policies from which to choose: Collision, Comprehensive, Property Damage Liability, Bodily Injury Liability, Uninsured and Underinsured, and Personal Injury Protection. Knowing a little about each will help you to open up a meaningful dialogue with your Scottsdale insurance agent.

Collision coverage will cover the loss to your vehicle from such events as running into another car, a fence, a wall, a light post, etc. Essentially, if your vehicle runs into any other vehicle or object, your collision coverage will shelter you.

Comprehensive, on the other hand, covers the complete loss of your car as a result of theft, fire, natural disasters (earthquake, flood, or hurricane), vandalism, or falling objects, etc.

Property Damage Liability will pay for the damage that is done to another motorist’s car. While all states require drivers carry some of this coverage, most do not carry a sufficient amount. For instance, if your luxury car cost $90,000 and the car you ran into cost $50,000, that accident has a $120,000 potential loss. You should most definitely consider the cost of your own vehicle when deciding on the best Property Damage Liability coverage.

Bodily Injury Liability will address the medical costs incurred as the result of an accident you cause. Again, states require their drivers to hold such coverage, but most do not possess the amounts that are needed after a serious accident.

Uninsured and underinsured are exactly what they purport to be. You know that you carry enough coverage to adequately protect yourself and other drivers, but unfortunately not everyone is as conscientious or law-abiding as you. Accidents with underinsured and uninsured motorists happen every day. The only way to truly protect yourself and your assets from their negligence is to carry your own special coverage just in case. Even if you were to take an underinsured or uninsured motorist to court to pay for your injuries sustained during an accident they caused, there is no guarantee that the courts will be able to get you the funds you deserve. It’s much less stressful to simply allow this policy to take over where your medical insurance leaves off.

Lastly, Personal Injury Protection only need be attached to your auto insurance if you do not have such coverage under your health, life, and disability policies.

While considering the types of policies that will best protect you as a motorist, you must also consider certain aspects of your lifestyle. It is so important for you to take your assets into account because that is what you are working to protect. Consider this rule of thumb to determine your net worth: “…total the equity of your home and property, the value of your possessions, your savings and investments, plus any retirement benefits you might have.”

Once you attain that figure, add a bit of cushion for extra security to determine exactly how much coverage will best protect you. You may even want to consider Umbrella Coverage to add to your minimum Liability for one final level of protection.

Insurance in Scottsdale AZ, are you prepared for summer’s disasters?

Posted by on Aug 4, 2012 in Insurance Companies, Insurance for the Affluent, Scottsdale Home Insurance | Comments Off on Insurance in Scottsdale AZ, are you prepared for summer’s disasters?

We are Scottsdale Insurance Home, with our office located right here in Scottsdale AZ, our goal is to provide insurance for the affluent in Scottsdale with the most comprehensive insurance policies available.

We’ve watched and sympathized with our neighboring states of Colorado, New Mexico and Utah with the disasters they’ve faced this summer, from droughts to wildfires to flash-flooding! We thought that maybe it would be a great time for everyone here to take a moment and either look over their insurance policies, or bring them in and let us help you make sure you have the coverage you need for your prized possessions, your collections, your second homes, antique cars and the top of the line homes.

We don’t want you, our Scottsdale neighbors, to find out too late that your home or any of your heirlooms or collectibles or fine art isn’t properly protected when the time comes.

The recent Colorado Springs fire, named for the Waldo Canyon where it destroyed over 346 homes!  Let’s not forget all the acreage that was burnt, nor all the uncounted out-buildings and personal autos lost. Consider that all the personal homes and the internal possessions are gone!  The local TV was alive for weeks with neighbors telling their stories and sharing their anguish.  Some folks had to stay in local hotels or motels if they could find any vacancies for their whole ordeal, these are unexpected expenses that a well thought out insurance policy could have helped with.

Although we sympathize with all of our neighbors in the surrounding states and their horrible losses and present bleak living circumstances, we’re just as determined to make sure that our Scottsdale neighbors never have to suffer thru similar circumstances.  We want you all to go over your policies and we offer to help you at no charge, to make sure you’re covered for all the incidentals that a disaster brings to your personal front door.  We’re specialists, we’ll help you see where you need to increase your protection, whether you purchase thru us or not.  We really do want to help, it’s our way.  The best time to find out about how good you really are insured is BEFORE you need to.

Here’s a website link to FIRE EXTINGUISHER:101 that provides a little help with defining the wording used on Fire Policies, it’s NOT all inclusive, but a good start. We recomend you see a professional, to be sure of what coverage you have.

We are Scottsdale Insurance Home, Insurance in Arizona.  For help or to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone or on-line.