Commercial insurance that most businesses can benefit from

Secure Your Business with the Right Commercial Insurance

As a business owner, protecting your investment and livelihood is critical. Commercial insurance offers various types suited to your needs, providing the security necessary for your business. At Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ, we evaluate your risk level and guide you in securing the best-suited insurance for your specific business.

Types of Commercial Insurance Coverage

Commercial Liability Insurance

Every year, businesses, regardless of size or field, face the risk of litigation. Data shows that almost half of all businesses face legal action annually, and 90% will eventually face a lawsuit. Given these statistics, liability insurance is vital for your business’s survival, as it can cover legal fees and any judgment against your company.

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance protects not just your business premises but also assets vital to your operations. Depending on your business type, it can cover tools, machinery, display units, office equipment, and even inventory.

Workers Compensation Insurance

In Arizona, employers must carry worker’s compensation insurance even if they have only one or part-time employee.

Business Interruption Insurance

When an unexpected event forces your business to suspend operations temporarily, this coverage can keep you afloat. It covers regular business expenses and payroll and even pays your wages until operations can resume.

Choose the Right Commercial Insurance with Homeowners Insurance Group

Reach out to Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ, if you want to discuss the best commercial insurance strategy for your business. We’re always ready to help you protect your venture with the most suitable policy.

Questions to ask before choosing life insurance

There is nothing unusual about having questions when considering changing your life insurance coverage. At Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ, our team is dedicated to ensuring you have the right coverage at the best price. 

What is the difference between team life and whole life?

Both whole life and term life provide a death benefit, but that is about all they have in common. A whole life insurance policy lasts for your entire life, and a term policy has a term which is often 20 years. A whole life policy earns dividends, and a term life doesn’t. When the term is up, nothing is left. 

When is the best time to purchase life insurance?

Life insurance is at its most affordable when you are young and healthy. Of course, that is usually the time when you feel you have the least need of it. It is also when you may be the least able to afford it. At this time of life, whole life is probably the best option. Buying term life insurance may be too early because you want it to last for all the years you need it. 

How much life insurance do I need?

This is the most challenging question for anyone to answer. So many different factors go into figuring it out. It depends on your income, the number and age of your dependents, and how many years you want to cover them. 

Who should I have as a beneficiary?

Choosing your beneficiary is a very personal decision. You may want your spouse, a friend, or your grandchildren. It is up to you. 

Contact Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ, when you want to ask questions and discuss your life insurance coverage. We are here to help.

Umbrella Insurance vs. Excess Liability Insurance: Which Do You Need?

Many Scottsdale, AZ residents want liability protection beyond what their homeowner’s policy affords. Both umbrella and excess liability insurance can provide this additional protection, but what you need depends on the specifics of your situation.

Understanding Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides extra liability protection over your existing policies, such as homeowners, auto, and boat insurance. It increases your liability limits and potentially covers a broader range of scenarios that may not be included in your primary policies.

An umbrella policy typically covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal liability situations, including incidents like libel and slander. This protection normally applies when the limits of your underlying policy are exhausted.

Excess Liability Insurance

Excess liability insurance is similar to umbrella insurance in that it provides additional coverage beyond the limits of a primary policy. 

However, excess liability insurance normally only extends the policy’s coverage limits. It doesn’t add onto multiple policies, and it doesn’t add protections that aren’t already covered by the one underlying policy. Excess liability essentially only raises the liability limit of that one policy.

Choosing Between the Two

Deciding whether you need umbrella or excess liability insurance depends on your specific circumstances and the level of protection you require. 

Assess your personal risks. Umbrella insurance might be more appropriate for individuals with significant assets, high-risk hobbies, or public profiles because it covers more scenarios. Check your coverage for gaps, which would be another reason to choose umbrella coverage.

Excess liability might make more sense if there aren’t major risks or gaps that require broader protection.

We at Homeowners Insurance Group can help you through the decision process as you evaluate which would be better for you.

Get Help From a Knowledgeable Agent

If you’re in Scottsdale, AZ, and need assistance with either excess liability insurance or umbrella insurance, contact us at Homeowners Insurance Group.

5 Proactive Steps to Take if You Live in a Flood Zone

Homeowners in Arizona experience between 40 and 100 flood events annually. Arizona homeowners typically experience floods as a result of heavy rains, storms, and monsoon storms, as well as water overflowing river banks. Damage and loss from floods is not something typically covered with standard homeowner’s insurance, so flood insurance coverage from an agency such as Homeowners Insurance Group serving Scottsdale, AZ is highly recommended.

If you do live in a flood zone, here are five steps you should take:

1. Buy Flood Insurance

Your mortgage company may only require you to have flood insurance if you’re at high risk. But it pays to protect your property from flood damage with this extra little insurance. With unusual weather events occurring more frequently, you’ll sleep better at night knowing you’re covered.

2. Elevate Expensive Equipment

Consider the possibility of flooding when you design the placement of items inside your home. Keep pricier items, like electronics, jewelry, and similar items up high where they’re more likely to escape flood damage.

3. Anchor Fuel Tanks

If you have outside, above-ground fuel tanks, be sure they’re secured in a way that will help keep them from being knocked off their bases and carried away in rushing waters.

4. Make a Flood Emergency Kit

Assemble an emergency kit with essential supplies like non-perishable food, water, medications, and first-aid items. Include important documents like insurance policies and identification.

5. Use Waterproofing Sealants

Waterproofing sealants are easy-to-use, and can simply be painted on over your regular finishes. Apply it to interior and exterior walls that are below ground or low to the ground.

Schedule A Consultation Today

Homeowners Insurance Group serving Scottsdale, AZ offers flood insurance as well as standard home insurance policies. Get in touch today for more information about how to purchase flood insurance and what kind of coverage you can expect from this extra bit of protection.

Required Commercial Insurance in Arizona

It’s important to have the types of commercial insurance when you run an Arizona business. Two types of insurance are required for many companies. You need to know what these are and whether they are required for your specific business. When you need commercial insurance, contact us at Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ to find out more. 

Required Commercial Insurance

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

When your Arizona business has one or more employees, you must have a worker’s compensation policy for them. This is true even if your employees are part-time. Even one employee means this insurance is required. It protects your business by paying for expenses like medical bills after an employee gets injured or ill on the job. These bills can be extremely high, so it’s never a good idea to go without this insurance. If you have casual workers, occasional help, independent contractors, or domestic workers in a home, these workers aren’t required to be covered by this insurance. 

Commercial Auto Insurance

In Arizona, any business that owns a vehicle is required to have a commercial auto insurance policy for it. This is a policy that contains both bodily injury and property damage liability. The state doesn’t require much coverage for liability, however, and it’s usually recommended to get more than the minimum. You may also want to get collision coverage in your policy. This will pay for your own property damage if you cause an accident. 

Extra Coverage Options

In addition, there are other types of commercial insurance that are very helpful but aren’t required. You may want to get cyber insurance if you have an online business. You may want general liability or a business owner’s policy as well.

Get Your Commercial Policies

When you need commercial insurance for your Arizona business, call us at Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ.

How do I know if I need umbrella insurance?

If you own property here in the Scottsdale, AZ area, chances are you need umbrella insurance. Umbrella insurance from Homeowners Insurance Group is an extra layer of financial protection to help cover the costs of major liabilities that may exceed the limits of your standard insurance policies. It can provide coverage for medical expenses, legal fees, and judgments against you in cases such as libel or slander. 

So how do you know if you need umbrella insurance?

Consider whether any of the following apply to your situation: 

Do you own a few properties? Do you have a high net worth? Are there any potential risks associated with your business or profession that could lead to expensive litigation? Have you been sued in the past? Do you have multiple vehicles or boats registered in your name? 

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, umbrella insurance might be a good option for providing additional financial protection against unforeseen circumstances. In addition, if your current liability coverage isn’t enough to cover costs related to a serious injury or accident, an umbrella policy could save you from paying out-of-pocket expenses. 

Ultimately, it’s important to weigh your options and make sure that all potential risks are covered by an appropriate level of coverage for your personal situation.

Reach Out To Us

To get started on finding the right policy for your needs, give us at Homeowners Insurance Group a call today. We are proud to serve the Scottsdale, AZ area and would be happy to help you find a policy that suits both your needs and your budget. So don’t wait! Give us a call today!

5 Flash Flood Tips For Homeowners

Even though we’re blessed with beautiful deserts and an otherwise dry climate, Scottsdale, AZ is no stranger to the danger of flash floods. It seems that with each passing year, we experience at least one monsoon-style rain event that catches too many people off-guard.

At Homeowners Insurance Group, we know too well what can happen when you’re not prepared. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide for the Scottsdale, AZ homeowners we serve, so pay attention: These tips can help ensure that you and yours will ride out the storm safely.

5 Flash Flood Tips For Homeowners

1. Keep your phone charged.

The National Weather Service will push text alerts via cell phone towers to all mobile users in the Scottsdale AZ area to warn them of up to four different types of flash flooding events. 

2. New flood insurance policies take 30 days to start.

In Maricopa County, it takes 30 days for a new flood insurance policy to kick in, so contact Homeowners Insurance Group before it’s too late!

3. Create a family plan

By discussing what actions to take with your loved ones before disaster strikes, you can increase your chances that everyone will keep their heads above water.

4. You don’t have to own a home to get flood insurance

Whether it’s a condo or a rental unit, contact Homeowners Insurance Group to find out what coverage works best for your living situation.

5. Make a list of emergency contacts outside the flood zone.

That way you can have a stable point of contact to check in with during the chaos.

Give Us A Call

If you’re a Scottsdale, AZ homeowner who wants to learn more about the flood protection options available to you, don’t wait until the storm clouds have already gathered. Reach out to Homeowners Insurance Group today!

How to Keep Insurance Premiums Low

Car insurance is a must-have for anyone who owns or drives a car. However, the cost of car insurance can be a significant expense, especially for those on a tight budget. Here are some ways to keep car insurance premiums low:

  1. Compare rates from different insurers.   The first step in keeping your car insurance premiums low is to compare rates from different insurers. Rates can vary significantly from one insurer to another, so it’s important to shop around to get the best deal.  Insuring with Homeowners Insurance Group, we do the shopping for you.  We are an independent agency, meaning we work with many insurance companies.   Each year at your renewal, we’ll look at your rates and if we see a big increase, we’ll check with you to see if it’s ok to shop it for you.   There’s no need to pay attention to that because we’ll do it for you. 
  2. Choose a higher deductible The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums, but make sure you choose a deductible you can afford to pay in case of an accident.
  3. Maintain a good driving record and claims history.  Having a good driving record can help you get lower insurance rates. Insurance companies consider drivers with a history of accidents and traffic violations as high-risk and charge them higher premiums.  If you have several claims on your record that will cause your rate to go up, including glass claims. 
  4. Drive a low-risk car.  The type of car you drive can also impact your insurance rates. High-performance cars, luxury cars, and sports cars are generally more expensive to insure than a family sedan or an economy car. Safety features, such as airbags and anti-theft devices, can also lower your insurance premiums.
  5. Consider usage-based insurance. Usage-based insurance, also known as telematics or pay-as-you-drive insurance, uses technology to track your driving habits and adjust your insurance rates accordingly. If you’re a safe driver, you could save a significant amount on your insurance premiums.
  6. Bundle your insurance policies If you have multiple insurance policies, such as home and auto insurance, bundling them together with the same insurer can lower your overall insurance premiums.
  7. Ask about discounts. Insurance companies offer various discounts, such as good student discounts, multi-car discounts, and safe driving discounts. Ask your insurer about these discounts to see if you qualify.

In conclusion, keeping your car insurance premiums low requires a combination of smart shopping, safe driving, and taking advantage of discounts. By doing your research, choosing the right coverage, and taking steps to reduce your risk, you can keep your car insurance premiums low while still having the protection you need on the road.   We’re happy to do the research for you, every year! 

Tips to prepare your business for a storm

As the weather shifts and summer storms become more frequent, it’s important for business owners in the Scottsdale, AZ area to be prepared.  Homeowners Insurance Group is happy to assist. 

Here are some tips from us to help you prepare your business for a storm: 

1. Prepare an Emergency Plan:

Create a plan with your employees that outlines what needs to be done in case of a storm. This includes instructions on how to evacuate, where everyone should go, and who is responsible for shutting down equipment or securing documents. 

2. Backup Important Files:

In case of flooding or power outages, having backups of important documents and files can save you time and money when it comes time to recover them. Invest in an external hard drive or cloud storage service so that you always have access to important information no matter what happens.

3. Protect Equipment:

Unplug electronics and store them in a safe place away from windows, as flying debris can cause damage during high winds or hail storms. Consider investing in surge protectors so that any sudden changes in electricity won’t cause permanent damage to sensitive equipment. 

4. Secure Outdoor Areas:

If there’s outdoor furniture or other objects around your business property, make sure they are securely tied down before the storm hits to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles during heavy winds. 

Reach Out To Us

By keeping these tips in mind and planning ahead, you can ensure that your business is ready the next time a storm rolls through town! For more tips, call us at Homeowners Insurance Group today. We proudly serve the Scottsdale, AZ area and would be happy to answer all of your questions.

Is Term Life Insurance Right For You?

Life insurance is essential coverage but can be confusing and often overwhelming. Homeowners Insurance Group serving Scottsdale, AZ wants to help our clients understand their options so they can confidently make choices.

Here are some FAQS to help you learn how term life insurance works and if it’s a good option for your needs:

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

  • 5-30 year terms.
  • Affordable, flexible premiums.
  • Simple policies.

Cons

  • Temporary benefits may not work for everyone’s needs
  • No cash value or investment value
  • Age limited

What happens if you die during the term? 

Your insurance company will pay out a tax-free lump sum to your beneficiary. 

What happens if you age out of the term? 

You can terminate the policy, roll it into a whole life or universal life policy, or renew the term life policy at your present age. 

What happens if you need to cancel?

You can terminate a term policy with no penalties. 

Who benefits most from term life insurance?

  • Business Owners – Covers debts, outstanding taxes, and expenses typically appear in the buy-sell contract. Can also be purchased to cover critical employees, known as key man insurance, in which the business pays for the coverage and is also the beneficiary. 
  • Sole Incomes – If you are the sole income for your household and want to protect your family if you pass away, term life can give your partner time to recover before looking for work or paying for education or childcare expenses. 
  • Young Couples – The younger and healthier you are, the more affordable term life is. 
  • Those with Hefty Debt – Term life can reduce significant debt like mortgages to ensure your property can pass into family hands rather than be sold. 

Get The Right Coverage For Your Needs

If you are in or near Scottsdale, AZ, and are ready to select the life insurance policy that works best for your needs, call or stop by Homeowners Insurance Group today. Our knowledgeable staff can answer your questions, discuss your options, and help you select the life insurance policy that serves you best.