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.

Arizona Auto Insurance: Your Guide to Protection on the Road

Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ is your go-to for all of your auto insurance needs, as our agents are always on standby. We pride ourselves on providing the necessary background information on every available auto insurance policy so that our clients are able to choose the one that is best for them. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best tips and pointers so that you can remain protected on the Arizona roadways.

Remove Unnecessary Coverage

The importance of an experienced insurance agent will reveal itself when it is time to go over your policy. Are there any unnecessary coverage aspects that have to be removed? If so, this is the perfect opportunity to do just that. The last thing that you need is an overstuffed policy that does not actually provide the correct amount of protection.

Knowing The Basics

For starters, a larger car is going to require a much different insurance policy from a smaller one. The more expensive a car may be, the more likely it is to need a different insurance policy as well. Meanwhile, hybrid and eco-friendly cars can also qualify for policies that you were not previously aware of. Take a moment to learn the basics so that our agents can make your consultation even easier.

Anti Theft Devices Are Key

The simple installation of one of these devices can provide untold peace of mind for the motorist in question. Best of all, the motorist may even qualify for policies that they were previously unaware of. Ask our agents about any other devices or improvements that can be made that will work to your benefit over the short term and long haul.

Consult With Us

When you are looking for the proper protection for your automobile, you need the sort of experience that Homeowners Insurance Group in Scottsdale, AZ. Stop by or give us a call as soon as possible so that we can start the process of guiding you and your vehicle in the right direction.

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.

Simplify Home Insurance Claims with a Home Inventory

Even if you’re familiar with your belongings, you may find it difficult to make an accurate home insurance claim for lost items from memory alone after a disaster. That’s why it’s important to have a home inventory. In the event of theft or loss in a disaster, a home inventory will make it easier to file an insurance claim to recover your losses. At Homeowners Insurance Group, we recommend all Scottsdale, AZ homeowners make an inventory of their personal property.

What is a Home Inventory?

A home inventory is a list of all of your possessions, from designer clothing and shoes to furniture, appliances, and electronics. You should keep receipts after purchasing expensive goods like major appliances or electronics and photograph your possessions to verify they’re in good condition and that you actually own these items. High-end goods such as original artwork, posh jewelry, rare coins, etc. should be appraised to verify their value.

All this information should be kept in a safe location that’s easily accessible along with other important documents.   

Benefits of a Home Inventory

In the event of theft or loss in a natural disaster, all you have to do is check your inventory to see what’s missing, destroyed, or lost. Along with your inventory, you’ll have a record of the value of your property and proof of ownership so you can make an accurate insurance claim to recuperate your losses.

Making a home inventory takes time. But in the end, it will pay off by simplifying insurance claims and getting quicker reimbursement results. Your home inventory can even be used to purchase accurate insurance coverage as you’ll have a better idea of all that you own and their value.

Reach Out To Us

For tips on creating a home inventory or assistance in purchasing home insurance coverage, contact Homeowners Insurance Group serving the greater Scottsdale, AZ community.

Four details you shouldn’t overlook when you buy life insurance

When you buy life insurance, it’s important for you to carefully consider the details. Life insurance is a significant investment that can impact your finances significantly down the road. At Homeowners Insurance Group, we can help you understand all the details of your life insurance policy in Scottsdale, AZ. 

The following are four details you shouldn’t overlook when you buy life insurance:

Coverage type

There are quite a few different types of life insurance available. When you’re in the market for a policy, you can choose from term life and whole life insurance. 

The biggest difference between term and whole life insurance is that term life insurance is temporary and doesn’t accumulate cash value. On the other hand, whole life insurance policies last indefinitely and typically accumulate cash value over time. 

Coverage amount

Life insurance providers generally offer a wide range of coverage amounts from which you can choose. The amount of coverage you need depends on how long your dependents need financial support and how many beneficiaries you have on your policy. 

Premium costs

Make sure that you can afford your policy premiums. If you can no longer make your premium payments, your policy will be canceled. Factor premium payments into your monthly budget to keep yourself in good shape financially. 

Coverage term

If you choose term life insurance, you’ll have to decide on the right coverage term. Usually, term life insurance policy terms range from 10 years to 30 years. To decide on the right term for your family, consider how long your dependents are expected to be financially dependent on you. 

Reach Out To Us

Do you need more information on life insurance in Scottsdale, AZ? We’re here to assist you at Homeowners Insurance Group. Get in touch with us online or by phone for a quote on a life insurance policy. 

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!

Three things to do when you buy auto insurance

Purchasing an auto insurance policy that gives you the coverage you need is essential. Motorists in Scottsdale, AZ can rely on us at Homeowners Insurance Group for quality insurance coverage.

There are several things you need to do when you buy an auto insurance policy.

The following are three essential things to do when you’re in the process of buying an auto insurance policy:

Learn about the types of auto insurance coverage

It’s important that you understand the types of auto insurance coverage that are available so that you can decide what you want your policy to include.

Make sure you know what liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage are. You should also learn about some other policy options like uninsurance/underinsured motorist coverage and roadside assistance coverage. 

Compile any documents you need

You should have a few documents handy when you contact auto insurance companies. You’ll need your driver’s license to provide your driver’s license number and details.

You should also have your vehicle title so that you can provide your vehicle’s year, make, model, and VIN number to the insurance company. 

Contact auto insurance companies to get quotes

It’s always important to get quotes from a few different auto insurance companies so that you can compare them.

Auto insurance providers are typically happy to give out policy quotes if you call them or visit their website. You can also use comparison websites online to get a general idea of what various insurance companies will charge you. 

Reach Out To Us

Are you looking for a quote on an auto insurance policy in Scottsdale, AZ? We can help you with that at Homeowners Insurance Group. Call us or contact us online to explore our coverage options.