Do I need home insurance when I don’t have a mortgage?

For most people in Chandler, AZ a mortgage lasts for 30 years. When the 30 years is over you may have a mortgage burning celebration. Your home is finally yours and that is a big deal. For those many years, you have paid home insurance to protect the investment that your lender has in your home. Now it is yours, do you continue to carry that protection or do you let your policy lapse? To carry or not to carry home insurance is a big decision and the experienced team at San Marcos Insurance Group can help you to make the correct choice. 

Home insurance offers some valuable protection and your home is the single largest investment most people ever make. Before you decide to save a little money by going without home insurance you need to ask yourself a few questions. If your home was destroyed by a covered hazard such as a fire, would you be able to repair or rebuild it without an insurance payment to help? If someone is injured on your property and sues you would you be able to hire an attorney and pay any judgment against you out of your pocket? Imagine how high such a judgment could be. 

Most people own a lot of things. If your home was destroyed by something like a tornado you could lose everything. Try to imagine having to replace all those things at one time, it is an overwhelming thought. How about having a place to rest your head if your home is uninhabitable? It could be for weeks or months. Would you have the money to pay for it?

Hopefully, these questions have made you think about how valuable your home insurance is to you and your financial security. Give the knowledgeable agents at San Marcos Insurance Group in Chandler, AZ a call for an appointment to discuss the benefits of home insurance. 

Will My Home Insurance Cover Water Damage from a Burst Pipe?

The agents of San Marcos Insurance Group offer Chandler, AZ residents a variety of options when it comes to home insurance. They are able to work with you to ensure that you have the amount of coverage you need to protect your home and family from financial loss in the event of an emergency.  Arizona’s high temperatures can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing. While it’s essential to keep your plumbing in good working order, a burst pipe can happen and will wreak havoc on your home. 

Water Damage

Water damage inside your home can lead to black mold and the deterioration of the structure of your home. If a burst pipe is caught early enough, it can reduce the extent of your damage and will keep your remodeling costs low.  If the damage is minimal, you may be able to cover the cost without filing an insurance claim. When the damage is extensive, however, filing a claim may be the only way to sufficiently cover the cost of the remodel.

Repairs

Making the necessary repairs to your plumbing can be costly. It’s important to find the cause of the burst pipe so you can repair everything that may be damaged or broken. It is in your best interest to hire a plumbing contractor to come in and thoroughly inspect your system.

In Chandler, AZ, the agents of San Marcos Insurance Group work with their clients to ensure that they have the home insurance they need. If you are concerned about the condition of your home, have it inspected and then go over your insurance policy with your agent. It will give you the peace of mind you need!

Is home insurance always necessary in Arizona?

The Chandler, AZ area is a great place for anyone to live due to the warm weather and strong local economy. If you are going to buy a home in this area, it is important that you consider your insurance needs. Having home insurance is always a good idea, but there are several situations in which it is a necessity. 

Live in Association

One situation that may require that you have home insurance is if you live in a home association. When you are in an association, the association agreements may require that you carry a full home insurance policy. This will ensure that you have the means to rebuild or repair your home in the event of an incident or cover your liability costs if you or your property cause damage in an accident.

Mortgage Rules

Most people that buy a home in Chandler also need to take out a loan to purchase the home. If you have taken out a home mortgage, the lender will likely require that you carry home insurance at all times. This will ensure that they are covered in the event that your home and their collateral is damaged or destroyed. Most lenders will also require that you escrow for your payments each month. 

If you are going to buy a home in the Chandler, AZ area, you are going to need to have home insurance in place at all times. Picking the right home insurance policy is a very big decision and because of that, you should always work with a professional. The team at San Marcos Insurance Group can help you get into a great home insurance policy. San Marcos Insurance Group will be able to review your personal situation to ensure you get the coverage that you need. 

Why It Is Important To Review Your Home Insurance Heading Into Winter

Those who reside in Chandler, AZ may be under the belief that their standard home insurance policies keep them protected. However, San Marcos Insurance Group agents can provide additional insights that keep these homeowners from potentially making avoidable mistakes. Is the home truly ready for the winter? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why the annual review is so important. 

Insufficient Policies

Sure, the average policy might offer the homeowner coverage against various winter-related calamities. But is it truly sufficient? Chandler, AZ residents must review their home insurance policies to make sure that they are covered against any issues that may occur. For example, the homeowner may have the necessary coverage for the property itself and leave their personal possessions exposed. 

Unique Threats

There are certain threats that the average homeowner is simply not going to be aware of. When a cold snap takes place, the plumbing in the home could be placed at risk. Water damages occur as a result of plumbing related issues and these damages are not always covered in a standard policy. Wintertime disasters can leave a home in a state of disrepair, causing homeowners to spend a great deal out of pocket to maintain a residence.

Added Liabilities

The liabilities that take place during winter are hard to prepare for without the proper assistance. Taking the time to speak with an insurance agent is everything. They can examine the standard coverage and ask the right questions about the liabilities that a homeowner might be facing. For example, any homeowner that sets up an ice skating rink on their property will need to obtain additional insurance. Otherwise, they risk facing costly litigation. 

The importance of reviewing home insurance policies before the winter arrives cannot possibly be understated. That’s what makes San Marcos Insurance Group consultation meetings so crucial. They provide insights that keep homeowners from experiencing unwanted issues over the short and long term. 

Why Is My Home Insurance Premium Different from My Neighbors?

Most people know that their insurance premiums are based on the individual property and homeowner. However, it may be frustrating to learn that someone living right next door is paying a different price than you. After all, you live in the same area and may have homes appraised at approximately the same value. But there’s more to a home insurance policy that meets the eye. San Marcos Insurance Group wants everyone to have the facts. 

Multiple Factors

When you live in Chandler, AZ,  you obviously have certain things in common with your neighbors. However, you also have plenty of things that make you unique. Your insurance premium may not just cover the costs of the structure and the grounds, it may also cover your possessions too. The more valuable your things are, the higher your premium will be.

Home insurance will also cover the fixtures in the home, which is important if you’ve had anything remodeled. If you put in all new kitchen appliances, you’ll need a stronger policy in case they’re damaged. Finally, home insurance covers your lifestyle choices as well. So if you work with dangerous tools or equipment, your premium may be higher to account for property damage from accidents.

Going Over Your Policy 

It takes some effort to run through a homeowner’s insurance policy, but we can tell you that it’s worth it. If you’re wondering if you have enough coverage or if you want to know what you can do to change your premium, San Marcos Insurance Group can help. We walk you through point-by-point, so there’s no confusion. If you’re in Chandler, AZ and looking for someone you can trust, give us a call to learn how your policy can start working for you. 

Making a home inventory in Chandler, AZ

Making a home inventory seems like a daunting task. Unfortunately, if you put it off, it could cause you a lot of time and trouble in the long run. You may never be able to recover the damages if you are involved in a disaster.

If you live in Chandler, AZ, we at San Marcos Insurance Group can assist you in planning your home inventory. That way you will have the list of your items, including important serial numbers if you ever need it.

Going Room By Room

The biggest mistake people make is trying to do it all at once. You can take a lot of the pressure off by breaking the job down room by room or by sections. Just plan an hour once a week until the job is done if you feel like you’re too busy. The job will get done as long as you stay on track.

Using Video

With phone videos and free online storage, you can easily make an inventory of your belongings and their condition with your own cell phone. Just go through and organize items first, then save the videos and label and store them in the same place. This will not only make the job easy, but you will be able to access the information easily if you need it.

Get Started Today

The sooner you get started, the sooner you will be finished. You won’t regret the time you spend, because you will feel more relaxed just knowing you’re prepared.

If you live in Chandler, AZ we can help you. If you need any tips on the best way to inventory your home, or if you want to discuss your homeowner’s policy,  please feel free to call us at San Marcos Insurance Group today. 

How do home insurance claims work in Chandler, AZ

We all purchase home insurance to keep our assets and loved ones protected, but the question "how do home insurance claims work" is disastrous. No, one wishes to claim on his or her home insurance, despite paying for it every other month–it simply means something must have terribly gone bad. 

The truth is that disasters do happen, and the last thing you want is getting back to normalcy as soon as possible, and your favorite insurance company– San Marcos Insurance Group also wants that. With that said, your insurance company should help make the process as smooth and as fast as possible.

How insurance claim work

The first and probably the most fundamental step is reporting the incident to your insurance provider, officially known as filing a home insurance claim. An adjuster will immediately be sent to your house to inspect the damage. It is he or she who will determine how much the company will reimburse you for the claim. 

Most insurance companies in Chandler, AZ, will check for the repairable damages and send technicians to do the repairs. If the house was burnt to ashes, then pure compensation will apply upon which must be granted immediately to help you organize and settle again. Some companies offer a settlement on the spot and pay for the furniture.

Note that your insurance claim adjuster plays a vital role in ensuring that you get fully compensated for all the damage and loss incurred. Therefore, having a competent insurance company like San Marcos Insurance Group will make sure that detailed questions are asked and a note-down of all damage, is done to provide a clear figure of the payment you deserve. For quotes or policy discussion visit us at Chandler, AZ or call us to schedule an appointment.

 

Myths about Home Insurance

When shopping for home insurance in Arizona, don’t believe these myths so you can make sure you are getting proper coverage.

Myth 1: Floods Are Covered

Home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so you must purchase a separate flood insurance policy in addition to your home coverage.

Myth 2: My Medical Expenses Will Be Covered if Injured at Home

The medical payments portion of your home insurance will only protect guests that are hurt on your property. You will need health insurance to cover medical expenses for you and your family.

Myth 3: Premiums Will Go Up When a Claim Is Filed

A single claim in Chandler, AZ may not mean that you will face a premium increase. Multiple claims may mean you have to pay higher premiums, but it depends on the claims and your insurance agency. It’s a good idea to estimate the cost of repairs before filing a claim. If the cost of repairs is going to be less than paying your deductible, then filing a claim will just be a waste of time.

Myth 4: Home Insurance Will Cover All Your Belongings

Home insurance will cover many belongings, but it won’t cover all your valuables. There are usually limits on furs, jewelry, and artwork. An agent at San Marcos Insurance Group can help explain what is covered under your policy and get you additional coverage to protect some of your most prized possessions.

Myth 5: Coverage Is Based on the Purchase Price of Your Home

Dwelling coverage should actually be based on the replacement cost of your home. In order to calculate replacement cost, multiply the square footage by the current local construction costs.

Myth 6: Home Insurance Is Required

If you have a mortgage in Arizona, many lenders will make you have coverage. However, there isn’t a law that says you have to have home insurance coverage.  

Contact an agent at San Marcos Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ, to get a quote on home insurance. 

 

Will a Dog Breed Affect My Homeowners Insurance?

Are you a homeowner? Do you keep a dog as your favorite pet? Have you ever asked yourself how it affects your home insurance? Well, you may already be aware of various factors that affect your homeowner’s insurance policy quotes, but you might not have thought of your dog as one of them. However, the truth of the matter is that keeping a dog as your pet affects your home insurance quotes and in some cases, it can even prevent you from being insured.  

Believe it or not, dog bites account for approximately one-third of all the insurance payment in Chandler AZ and all over the United States. This is the primary reason why some home insurance policy providers such as San Marcos Insurance Group will discriminate against some homeowners when it comes to underwriting homeowners insurance policies.

How Does the Dog Breed Affect Your Homeowners Insurance Policy?

You need to remember the fact that your policy covers any damage caused by you or one of your family members to third parties. Your dog is considered as one of your family members, and the insurance policy may be partly liable for the cost of claims raised against you when your dog bites someone. Keep in mind that some there are certain times when your dog might get too aggressive no matter how well it is trained. Furthermore, some dog breeds tend to have strong jaws that could cause severe harm to a person if the dog is provoked.

Which Dog Breeds Are Mostly Blacklisted by Insurance Companies?

While some dog breeds will affect your home insurance policy by driving up premiums, others are entirely blacklisted, and no provider will be willing to insure you if you have such a dog breed. You may not be offered coverage if you own any of the following dog breeds:

  • Chow-chows
  • German shepherd
  • Mastiffs
  • Any wolf hybrid
  • Akitas
  • Rottweilers
  • Pit bull-type breeds
  • Dobermans

Are you a homeowner in Chandler, AZ? Contact San Marcos Insurance Group today for a customer-friendly home insurance policy.

When to Consider Home Insurance

Your home is likely one of the biggest purchases you have ever made in your life. You have put a lot of money into this investment and you want to have a lot of memories over the years in it. Because of these two key reasons, here at San Marcos Insurance Group serving Chandler, AZ, we will always recommend that you have home insurance on your home. However, you may be wondering when you should get home insurance or how long after purchasing you should get some. 

When it comes down to it, you want to have home insurance on your home as soon as you possibly can. You never know when something bad will happen to your home or what they situation may be. You do not want to play that guessing game or run the risk of not having coverage when something bad does happen. The est time to get home insurance is to get it when you purchase your home. However, if you already have a home but do not have any home insurance, you want to get it as soon as you possibly can so you can have the coverage that you need on your home. 

Home insurance is a critical component of owning a home and making sure it is protected no matter what. The last thing you want is something to happen to your biggest investment of your life. if you need to get a home insurance policy, be sure to reach out to us here at San Marcos Insurance Group, serving Chandler, AZ, today. We can work with you to make sure that you get the right amount of coverage as well as a policy that meets your budget needs as well. We can even take a look at your current policy to make sure you have the right coverage.