Three Disasters You Can Avoid with Flood Insurance Add-Ons

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Consider These Add-Ons if You Live in a Flood Area

At Homeowners Insurance Group, we have seen far too many Scottsdale, AZ homeowners be left with thousands of dollars in damages because they weren’t adequately covered against flood damage. People often underestimate the disastrous damage that can occur if their house floods. Flood recovery takes a lot of time and money. Consider these insurance riders if you want to protect yourself properly against the next flood in your area.

1. Replacement Cost Coverage

In most cases, the insurance company will pay you the actual value of an item that gets destroyed during a flood. This seems good, but the replacement cost is often more than the actual value of the belonging you are attempting to replace. Make sure you insure any valuable items in your house for the full replacement cost. It’s well worth it.

2. Temporary Living Expenses

You may have to move out of your house and into temporary housing if your home floods badly enough. You could be on the hook for the entirety of this cost if it isn’t reflected in your home insurance policy. If you live in an area with a high risk of flooding, be sure to include this add-on in your policy.

3. Sewer Backup

Flooding isn’t just caused by weather. It can also be caused by faulty plumbing or sewage backup. This isn’t just disgusting to think about. It’s also very costly. Make sure this is included in your flood insurance plan. If you don’t, you could be left with a very expensive mess in your basement.

At Homeowners Insurance Group, we strive to ensure that each of our Scottsdale, AZ clients is covered adequately against flooding in their homes. If you want to ensure you have the proper coverage, contact us today.

Does Your Auto Insurance Cover You When Driving in Other Countries?

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Planning an international road trip can be thrilling—new landscapes, new experiences, and the liberty of exploring at your own pace. However, before you rent a car and embark on your journey abroad, it’s crucial to understand how your auto insurance works outside the U.S. At Homeowners Insurance Group, serving the greater Scottsdale, AZ area, we often get asked if domestic auto insurance covers international travel. The answer? It’s conditional.

Traveling in North America vs. Overseas

If you’re driving in Canada or Mexico, your U.S. auto insurance may offer some limited coverage. However, that coverage is usually limited and may not comply with local laws or rental car requirements. It’s always a good idea to check with your agent before assuming you’re covered.

Once you cross an ocean, though, your U.S. auto insurance likely won’t apply. Most standard policies don’t extend to Europe, Asia, or other international destinations. That means if you’re renting a car in Italy or Japan, you’ll need to consider other options for coverage.

What Are Your Options?

If your current policy doesn’t accompany you, you might be able to purchase short-term international auto insurance, often through the rental car company or a third-party provider. This type of insurance typically includes liability and collision coverage, which are essential when driving in unfamiliar territories.

Before you leave the country, take a few minutes to review your coverage. At Homeowners Insurance Group, providing Scottsdale, AZ residents with auto insurance solutions, we’re happy to guide you through your options and help you stay protected, no matter where your journey leads you. Give us a call before your next trip abroad and drive with assurance.

Does Customizing My Fleet Raise Commercial Auto Insurance?

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Modern technology offers significant benefits to today’s business fleets. By modifying your business vehicles, you can collect data to improve employee or vehicle performance, customize a vehicle to enhance its functionality, and more. Smaller customizations, such as adding a custom wrap or a custom paint job, can also enhance your vehicles without the need for technology. Customizing your fleet can offer a solid return on investment (ROI). However, when seeking commercial auto insurance to protect your vehicles, you might be concerned about potential increases in your premiums. Does customizing your fleet raise your commercial auto insurance costs? Here’s what you need to know about customizations and commercial auto insurance, and how we at Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ can help you get the right coverage for your fleet.

Impact of Customizations on Commercial Auto Insurance Costs

In short, yes. Just as customizing your vehicle isn’t inherently covered by a traditional auto insurance policy, customizing your business fleet is likely not covered by your commercial auto insurance coverage. These types of auto insurance are designed to cover the replacement value of the vehicle itself. However, you’re not without options. You can purchase add-ons that cover these customizations, ensuring you receive the compensation you need to repair your cars beyond their replacement value. It’s important to consider this when purchasing commercial auto insurance to ensure you have comprehensive coverage.

Secure Commercial Auto Insurance with Homeowners Insurance Group

Ready to ensure your business fleet is adequately protected? Trust us at Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ to secure the right auto policy and add-ons for your commercial needs. Compare quotes with us today!

The Most Overlooked Risks That Home Insurance Covers

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When most people think about home insurance, they focus on the obvious protections—fire, theft, and storm damage. While these are certainly important, there are many lesser-known risks that your policy may cover, offering protection in unexpected ways. At Homeowners Insurance Group, which provides coverage throughout the Scottsdale, AZ, area, we want homeowners to fully understand the value of their coverage and how it can help in unexpected situations.

Protection from Falling Objects

It’s not something most people think about until it happens, but home insurance often covers damage caused by falling objects. Whether it’s a tree branch crashing onto your roof, debris from high winds, or even space junk (yes, it happens), your policy may help pay for repairs.

Liability Coverage for Injuries on Your Property

If a guest slips on your walkway or a delivery worker gets injured on your steps, you could be held liable for medical costs and legal expenses. Many homeowners don’t realize that their insurance includes liability coverage, which can help protect them from costly lawsuits and unexpected medical bills.

Coverage for Temporary Living Expenses

If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, such as a fire or severe storm damage, you may not have to worry about where you’ll stay. Many policies include coverage for additional living expenses, helping pay for hotel stays, meals, and other necessary costs while your home is being repaired.

Understanding Your Home Insurance Policy

Home insurance does more than protect against the obvious risks—it can provide peace of mind in ways many homeowners never consider. Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ is here to help you understand your policy and ensure you have the right coverage. Contact us today to review your options and stay protected from the unexpected.

The Different Types of Life Insurance: Which One Is Right for You?

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For those living in the Scottsdale, AZ area, considering life insurance is crucial as it provides financial support for your dependents if you pass away, among other benefits. When looking for life insurance protection here, there are different options available that you should consider. Understanding the benefits of each option can help you determine which is right for you.

Whole Life Coverage

A great option to consider when looking for life insurance is whole life coverage. This unique form of life insurance provides coverage for the rest of your life. One of the main benefits of this type of coverage is its investment benefits. Each month, when you make a premium payment, a portion of your payment builds in an account that grows with interest over time.

Term Life Coverage

You may also consider getting term life insurance. This type of insurance provides coverage for a limited period of time. However, term limits can be quite long, often reaching 25 years or more. While there are no specific investment benefits associated with this type of policy, coverage tends to be more affordable if you are looking for a larger policy amount. This also allows you to build a customized plan that meets your needs.

As you are looking for coverage in the Scottsdale, AZ area, you will want to call our team at the Homeowners Insurance Group. Our team of professionals can help you assess the different options and build a plan that is suited to meet your needs. This can ensure you are adequately educated and get into an ideal plan.

Does Umbrella Insurance Help Pay for Injuries Caused by Animals on My Property?

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Many homeowners in Scottsdale, AZ, have several acres of property. Some people have mini ranches with horse corrals and barns near their homes in areas where zoning allows horses and other livestock. The proximity of horses and other livestock near a residence can result in a higher risk of injury to visitors. Homeowners Insurance Group can advise you on measures to protect yourself if animals injure someone.

Homeowner’s Policies May Not Provide Enough Coverage

Although your homeowner’s policy provides liability protection, chances are, it’s not enough. Some policies no longer cover dog bites, as some breeds can cause severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. Livestock can cause more serious injuries, including broken bones, internal bleeding, and death if someone is kicked or stomped on by an enraged animal. Riding accidents are common and can result in months or years of rehab and sometimes paralysis. Without additional insurance, you’ll pay out of pocket and may even lose your property if a mishap occurs.

Additional Liability Coverage is Essential

If you own horses, it’s a good idea to have at least farm and ranch insurance, which can also pay for mishaps resulting from equipment used to maintain your animals. Sometimes, even a farm and ranch policy isn’t enough. High-worth individuals should also consider an umbrella policy to pay for medical expenses, legal representation, and more. Read all of your current policies to determine what, if any, coverage you may have from injuries caused by your animals. The same goes for any umbrella policy you may consider, as only some will cover injuries caused by large animals.

With the right umbrella policy, you can protect yourself and your property. Contact Homeowners Insurance Group, serving Scottsdale, AZ, and its environs, to learn more about your options.

Understanding the Claims Process for Flood Insurance

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Floods can cause significant damage to your home, and navigating the claims process can feel overwhelming. At Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ, we’re here to help you understand the steps involved in filing a flood insurance claim.

Preparing for a Claim

When flood damage occurs, the first step is to ensure your safety and document the damage as soon as possible. Take photos and videos of affected areas and items to provide a detailed record. This documentation will be crucial when filing your claim and helps speed up the assessment process.

Filing Your Claim

Once you’ve documented the damage, contact your insurance provider to start the claims process. You’ll need to provide your policy number and details about the extent of the damage. An adjuster will be assigned to assess your home and determine the cost of repairs. Being prepared with your documentation can help make this process smoother and more efficient.

Working with Your Adjuster

When the adjuster visits your property, walk them through the damage you’ve recorded. This collaborative approach ensures nothing is overlooked and helps you understand the next steps. After the assessment, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the coverage and compensation available to you.

Receiving Compensation

Once your claim is approved, you’ll receive funds to begin repairs. Reviewing the settlement carefully and asking questions if anything is unclear is important. This ensures you can restore your home effectively and without unnecessary delays.

Here to Help you Find Flood Insurance in Arizona

At Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ, we understand how stressful flood damage can be. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the claims process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you before, during, and after a flood event.

How Home Insurance Covers Roof Damage and Repairs

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Your roof is one of the most vital parts of your home, protecting you from the elements and keeping everything inside safe. But what happens when it gets damaged? At Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ, we want to make sure you understand how home insurance can help cover roof damage and repairs.

Understanding Roof Coverage

Home insurance typically includes coverage for roof damage caused by unexpected events like storms, hail, or falling trees. If a powerful storm rolls through and leaves your roof in disrepair, your insurance policy can help cover the cost of repairs or even a full replacement, depending on the extent of the damage. This can save you from significant out-of-pocket expenses and give you peace of mind.

What to Expect

When you file a claim for roof damage, the insurance company will assess the situation to determine the cause and extent of the damage. It’s important to document everything thoroughly, take pictures, and keep receipts for any temporary repairs. This helps ensure a smoother claims process and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Maintenance Matters

While insurance covers many types of damage, it’s crucial to maintain your roof correctly. Regular maintenance can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Inspect your roof periodically and address any small repairs promptly to keep your coverage intact and your home protected.

Protect Your Home Today

If you’re unsure about your current coverage or have questions about roof repairs, contact Homeowners Insurance Group, which proudly serves the community in and around Scottsdale, AZ. Our team is here to help you understand your policy and ensure your home is fully protected. Reach out today to secure your peace of mind and keep your roof—and home—safe.

It’s Time to Review Your Auto Insurance Policy

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The Importance of Regular Auto Insurance Reviews

If you live in Scottsdale, AZ and haven’t reviewed your auto insurance policy in a while, it’s time to turn to Homeowners Insurance Group. Our mission is to simplify the process by providing the necessary guidance and information to protect your vehicle optimally. Our dedicated agents are ready to offer multiple quotes and ensure you have the insurance required. Choosing to work with us is smart when reviewing an insurance policy.

A large number of vehicle owners obtain an insurance policy and then simply renew it on time to maintain its active status. However, rather than following this usual path, discussing your policy with an agent is beneficial to determine if modifications are needed. Ideally, you should examine your policy at least annually or whenever you make a substantial change that impacts your insurance – such as changing vehicles, moving house, adding a new driver, or making other significant adjustments.

Working with an insurance agent will help you understand whether you should adjust your current policy or if switching to a completely different policy would better suit your needs. With countless options to consider, there’s no need to settle for a generic policy. Moreover, we are ready to answer all your queries, ensuring you are confident about your choice and have the coverage you truly need.

Contact us today at Homeowners Insurance Group if you are in Scottsdale, AZ, and considering reviewing your auto insurance policy. If you’ve experienced changes in your circumstances or if it has been a considerable time since you’ve examined your policy, our agents are here to assist you.

Does Your Business Need Umbrella Insurance?

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Umbrella insurance isn’t a replacement for other forms of business insurance coverage. Instead, it increases policy limits to provide extra compensation should the need arise. Many Scottsdale, AZ, business owners can benefit from purchasing an umbrella insurance policy for a business.

Signs You Need Umbrella Insurance for Your Business

Umbrella insurance provides added liability coverage if someone sues you, and you must pay a judgment or a settlement. Companies in industries with a high incidence of lawsuits should always carry umbrella insurance. Such industries include construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail companies. However, these aren’t the only industries that need umbrella insurance. Any company open to the public is at risk of a high incidence of lawsuits. This is especially true if the company gets a lot of foot traffic.

If your business works on a client’s property, having umbrella insurance is a smart idea. It’s too easy for an employee or contractor to accidentally damage someone’s valuables when performing tasks such as cleaning, painting, landscaping, installing a new pool or fence, etc. Alternatively, it’s easy for someone to sue you for damage even if the item in question wasn’t in good condition or was broken before you arrived. While you could take the case to court, the bad publicity could wreak havoc on your business. This is why many business owners settle lawsuits out of court. 

Contact Homeowners Insurance Group for More Information

Homeowners Insurance Group takes pride in helping Scottsdale, AZ, business owners select the business insurance policies that best meet their needs and budget. Contact us to find out more or to get a policy quote.