Auto insurance in America dates back to the late 19^th century and has become a billion-dollar industry. Since insurance has been around for so long, many myths have cropped up over the years, and they can cloud your judgment when shopping for a policy. For that reason, you need the help of a knowledgeable agent like San Marcos Insurance Group of Chandler, AZ to help you separate facts from myths.

Myth#1: Color affects the insurance premium

You will hear this many times — the red color attracts high insurance rates. Perhaps it’s because of the notion that owners of red cars are likely to drive fast, hence being categorized as risky drivers. None of this is true because the color isn’t one of the factors that determine your insurance rate. Your insurance doesn’t even know the color of your car.

Myth#2: Comprehensive coverage covers all risks

Perhaps because of its name, many think comprehensive coverage offers protection against all risks. The reality is that your comprehensive coverage only covers your car against non-collision risks only. This means comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle against risks like fire, theft, falling objects, and natural disasters. However, collision risks aren’t part of this coverage. Plus, you have to buy policies like liability coverage and PIP to cover yourself against other risks.

Myth#3: Auto insurance covers theft of personal items in your car

Unless you have an add-on, your standard car insurance policy won’t cover theft or damage of personal items in your car. You must rely on your home or renters insurance policy for such incidents.

Don’t fall into the trap of car insurance myths. Instead, consult with an insurance agent like San Marcos Insurance Group to ensure you have the right information to make an informed decision.

When you purchase a new car, the first thing on your mind is likely to get auto insurance. But unfortunately, there are many different auto insurance policies out there, and each one has its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some tips to help you choose the right auto insurance policy for your needs.

1. Determine What Type of Coverage You Need

The first step in choosing the right auto insurance policy is determining what coverage you need. Here are some of the standard policies you can purchase.

Liability insurance covers damage to other people or property if you are at fault for an accident. It is the most basic type of auto insurance and is required by law in most states.

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle in the event of an accident. It is not required by law, but lenders often require it if you have a loan or lease on your car.

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle from events other than accidents, such as fire, theft, or vandalism. This type of coverage is not required by law, but it can give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is covered against these perils.

2. Decide How Much Coverage You Need

Once you know what types of coverage you need, you need to decide how much coverage to buy. The amount of coverage you need will depend on several factors, including the value of your vehicle, your driving history, and your financial situation.

3. Deducible

Your deducible is the amount of money you will have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company starts to pay for a covered claim. A higher deducible means a lower premium, but it also means more financial responsibility if you have an accident.

Get Auto Insurance in Chandler, AZ 

Now that you know what to look for in an auto insurance policy, it’s time to start shopping around. San Marcos Insurance Group can help you find the right policy for your needs and budget. Give us a call today to learn more or to request a quote.

 

Your vehicle can handle a lot of things, such as extreme temperatures. Unfortunately, the items that you leave inside of your vehicle aren’t so lucky. You know you shouldn’t keep food in the car, but you may not be as familiar with some of the less-obvious items. For Chandler, AZ car owners, San Marcos Insurance Group shares a few things you shouldn’t keep in your vehicle, especially when the temperatures are excruciating outside.

What You Shouldn’t Keep in Your Vehicle

Children and Pets

For some, this one may be obvious. For others, well, it may not be. Children and pets should never be left in a vehicle. During the summer, it only takes an hour or less for the car’s cabin to spike about 50 degrees higher than the temperature outside. This type of heat is fatal. During the winter, there is a risk of hypothermia, especially for children, pets, and the elderly.

Electronics

Any kind of electronic, from smartphones to laptops, cannot withstand extreme temperatures. These kinds of temperatures can reduce battery life and damage the processors. Plus, it makes your vehicle more vulnerable to vandalism and theft, especially if those electronics are visible from outside.

Sunscreen and Medications

Extreme temperatures can cause the active ingredients in medications and sunscreen to break down. Because of this, these items can become ineffective. Therefore, for your health and safety, keep any medications and sunscreen inside your home.

Plastic Water Bottles

You may not give much thought to your plastic water bottles, but as the temperatures rise, chemicals from the plastic can seep into the water in the bottles. While it is true that most bottles are BPA-free now, it is important to keep plastic bottles cool, as there are other potentially harmful chemicals that could be present. Ideally, you should opt for a refillable bottle.

What You Should Keep in Your Vehicle

Proof of Auto Insurance

The one thing you should always keep in your vehicle is proof of your auto insurance. This is to ensure you can provide it to the authorities if you are pulled over and avoid a ticket and to share with another motorist if you’re in an accident.

If you are currently in need of auto insurance coverage in Chandler, AZ, reach out to San Marcos Insurance Group.

When you have a car in Arizona, you will carry the minimum requirements for auto insurance which is your bodily injury liability and your property liability. You may also be considering collision auto insurance. 

At San Marcos Insurance Group, we want Chandler, AZ residents to be covered in auto insurance as thoroughly as possible. Collision insurance is a good idea. We can help you to get the best coverage for your needs.

Learn more about what collision insurance covers here.

What Collision Insurance Covers

When you have a vehicle and are in an accident, collision insurance will cover the cost to replace or repair your vehicle if it is damaged. If you have a deductible on your policy, you will pay that amount first when you file a claim.

A deductible is the amount that you agree to pay to the insurance company before they will cover your damages. This is an amount set at the time you purchase your coverage.

After that, your collision insurance typically does cover the rest.

This coverage can be used when you collide with another car, an object, or are even in a single-car accident where you are the only vehicle. 

You can file a claim for the damages to your vehicle, and for your medical costs as well. 

If there is another party that is liable for the accident, they will cover some of these costs as well. Your insurance company will work with you to determine how much you will be responsible for and cover your damages accordingly.

Get a Quote

You may think you don’t need collision insurance, but you might think of it when it is too late. Get it before then. At San Marcos Insurance Group, we want Chandler, AZ drivers to be protected on the roads. Call us for a quote to update your Arizona auto insurance policy today.

Auto insurance is crucial in protecting your asset, giving you liability protection, and paying for medical expenses following an accident. While auto insurance is a necessity, do you know how much auto insurance you should buy? Determining the amount of auto insurance you need can be challenging, but San Marcos Insurance Group of Chandler, AZ will help you determine the amount of car insurance adequate for you.

Meet your state requirements

The minimum amount of car insurance you should hold is the one required by your state. For instance, Arizona requires drivers to purchase property damage liability (PDL) coverage of $15,000 and bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person. Of course, these amounts differ from state to state – so be sure to check your state’s requirements to avoid non-compliance penalties.

How much liability insurance should I have?

While meeting the state minimum requirements is excellent, most motorists consider higher limits because accidents will likely cost more than the state-required coverages. We usually recommend our clients purchase liability coverage of above 100/300/100. This plan should cover you adequately, given the rising healthcare costs and that vehicle repair costs can quickly stack up.

If you own significant assets, we advise you to opt for umbrella insurance to protect your belongings when you cause a severe accident.

How much collision and comprehensive coverage do I need?

Ideally, you should cover your vehicle with the assumption of a worst-case scenario. If your car were totaled today, is your auto insurance adequate to replace your vehicle? Of course, as you ponder about this, you need to consider deductibles – the higher your deductible, the lower your premiums. 

With this in mind, purchase physical damage coverages that you are comfortable with, putting deductibles in mind. 

Learn more about car insurance

Still unsure about how much auto insurance you need? No problem. Would you please not hesitate to contact San Marcos Insurance Group for more information? Better yet, you can pop in our Chandler, AZ offices to chat with one of our agents. 

Your auto insurance policy can be confusing when you start to read through it. Often terms are used and you may have heard them before, but you are not quite clear on what they mean. You can gain a lot of knowledge by discussing the details of your policy with a qualified insurance agent.

Understanding the key terms in your policy will help you get the most out of your insurance. The agents at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ are experienced professionals that know the key terms to help our clients understand the ins and outs of their auto insurance policies

Key Auto Insurance Terms

There are many auto insurance terms and some are not crucial to understand. Here are some common key terms that are used in policies often.

• Premium – This term is heard a lot and simply means the amount paid to an insurance company so they will pay claims for your specific coverage.
• Collision coverage – If your vehicle is damaged after hitting another car or object, collision is the part of the policy that protects you.
• Bodily injury liability – This is what covers you if you are the cause of an accident where affected parties are killed or injured.
• No-fault insurance – Regardless of if you caused an accident or not, no-fault covers medical expenses.
• Personal injury – Protection in case of injury if you are in an accident.
• Deductible – Out of pocket money spent before your insurance company covers the remainder of a claim.
• Uninsured motorist – If another driver hits you and they don’t have insurance, this type of coverage protects you.

Professional Insurance Agents in Chandler, AZ

Contact us at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ to speak with one of our agents about your auto insurance needs. We are happy to help you understand the terms of your insurance coverage, so you know exactly what is in your policy.

Liability auto insurance is designed to protect other drivers and property owners who may incur damage as the result of a collision or accident that you are held responsible for. Liability insurance provides both financial and medical coverage for bodily injury and property damage to others. The San Marcos Insurance Group of Chandler, AZ takes pride in educating AZ residents when it comes to the benefits of liability insurance. 

Liability Insurance is Required by Law

Arizona residents who wish to legally operate a vehicle within the state of Arizona must meet the state minimum requirements for auto insurance. These requirements include liability insurance that covers bodily injury and property damage insurance as well as uninsured and underinsured insurance. However, each form of coverage has monetary minimums that must be met to legally drive within the state. Arizona drivers must carry a minimum of $25,000 for bodily injury insurance per person. Drivers must also carry $50,000 worth of bodily insurance per accident. Property damage insurance must meet the minimum coverage requirements of $15,000 per accident. Residents must additionally carry uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance in the amounts of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Underinsured minimums include $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. 

The Benefits of Liability Auto Insurance

Liability auto insurance provides coverage for accidents a driver may be found at fault for by covering the financial costs for property damage and injuries.  This coverage takes care of property damage to others as well as provides medical coverage for others who may be injured by an accident where you’re at fault. Our San Marcos Insurance Group team is dedicated to making sure you understand the necessity as well as the benefits of liability insurance. Please give us a call. We’re standing by.

What new drivers need to know about Arizona auto insurance requirements

Whether you just moved to Arizona or looking to buy your first car in Chandler, AZ, you need to seriously think about auto insurance. All drivers are required to show proof of financial responsibility by carrying the minimum amount of liability. When you first visit us at San Marcos Insurance Group, we help you understand how the law works before helping you find a policy that matches your needs. Here is what you need to know before buying insurance in Arizona.

Arizona uses the old “Fault” system

The state follows the old fault system when it comes to accidents on the road. That means the person who caused the accident is held accountable for injuries, vehicle damage, and income lost. If you are the victim, you can sue the driver at fault to receive compensation from their insurance company.

You are required to carry the minimum liability coverage

The Arizona law requires drivers to buy minimum liability coverage for every vehicle in operation, to prove financial responsibility. That means your insurance company can pay for injuries and property damage in case you caused a car accident. The minimum liability coverage is not always adequate and policyholders are advised to buy enough to avoid out-of-pocket costs.

There are penalties if you don’t show proof of insurance

If you are stopped and the traffic officer asks for proof of insurance, you must produce one, or you will be penalized. If the law enforcement officer learns that you don’t have insurance, you could have your license suspended or even face a jail term, especially if you caused an accident.

There is a safety glass non-deductible option for Arizona auto insurance policies

When you buy a Chandler, AZ insurance policy with a comprehensive deductible, you qualify for the safety glass non-deductible benefit. This means you can have your vehicle replaced or repaired without paying.

Looking to buy insurance in Arizona? Contact San Marcos Insurance Group, for all your insurance needs.

If you want to drive around Chandler, AZ with the minimum legally required insurance, you’re free to do so. But there are a lot of good reasons why you might want to pick up the phone, call San Marcos Insurance Group, and extend your coverage.

Here’s one: If your car is stolen and all you have is a liability, you’re not getting your car replaced by your insurer.

Many drivers actually don’t know this. But liability is only there to protect the other party. It saves you from bankruptcy if you are found to be at fault in an accident, but it doesn’t replace or repair your car. It does you no good if your car is stolen, either.

At a certain point, a used car might not be worth protecting with collision & comprehensive. A good rule of thumb is to check the Bluebook value, and weigh that against ten insurance payments. If the insurance payments come out to be more than the car’s total value, then you might want to drop collision & comprehensive, and just cover liability and Personal Injury Protection. But if your car still costs more than you’re willing to part with, that collision & comprehensive insurance will come in very handy.

If you have any questions, get in touch with San Marcos Insurance Group. Whether you’re looking for the basic, minimum legal insurance for an old clunker or you’re ready to buy the full package for a brand new set of wheels, San Marcos Insurance Group can connect you with a provider who will get you a good deal on a great auto insurance policy.

When you are in the Chandler, AZ area, owning a car is a practical necessity. If you want to be able to get around this city and the rest of the surrounding communities, you will need to have your own vehicle. If you are going to buy a car here, you will want to get insurance for it. There are a few reasons why you need to get a full auto insurance plan for your car here.

Insurance is Required in Arizona

A reason that people in the Chandler area need to have coverage is that it is required by the state. If you want to be able to drive anywhere in Arizona, you need to have liability insurance protection in place at all times. Those that do not maintain this coverage could face penalization. This can include being assessed a penalty or even losing your license to drive. 

Insurance Protects Car

You will also want to get auto insurance here to ensure that your vehicle is protected. Your car is a very important asset that you will rely on daily. To ensure that you are able to drive this on a regular basis, you will want to have insurance. With this coverage, you can be protected if your car is stolen or damaged during an accident and needs repair or replacement. 

Those that are in the Chandler, AZ area and want to get an auto insurance plan should call the insurance professionals with the San Marcos Insurance Group. If you do call the San Marcos Insurance Group you can learn a lot about your different insurance options. The team here will also be able to help you assess your needs and build a policy that protects both you and your vehicle.