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. 

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.

What NOT to do when buying home insurance

Buying home insurance can be a daunting task, but the experts at Homeowners Insurance Group are here to guide you through the process and help you avoid common mistakes. Here are a few things NOT to do when buying home insurance in Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding areas.

Don’ts of Home Insurance

Don’t skimp on coverage:

It can be tempting to save money by opting for a lower coverage limit, but it’s important to make sure your policy provides enough coverage to rebuild your home in case of a total loss. It’s also important to review your policy to make sure you have adequate liability coverage in case someone is injured on your property.

Don’t neglect to update your coverage:

As you make changes to your home, such as remodeling or adding a pool, it’s important to update your coverage to reflect these changes. Failing to do so could result in a coverage gap in case of a loss.

Don’t assume your policy covers everything:

Standard home insurance policies often exclude certain types of damage, such as flooding or earthquakes. Be sure to review your policy and understand what is and isn’t covered, and consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary.

Don’t overlook discounts:

Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like installing security systems or being claims-free. Be sure to ask Homeowners Insurance Group about available discounts to help lower your premium.

Don’t forget to shop around:

It’s important to compare quotes from different insurance companies to make sure you are getting the best deal. At Homeowners Insurance Group, we are committed to providing our customers in Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding areas with the best coverage at the best price.

Give Us A Call

Contact Homeowners Insurance Group today to learn more about the coverage options available to you.

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.