Sunday, December 28, 2008

Arizona Insurance

Are you wondering if there is a better auto or homeowner premium out there somewhere?

Quit wondering.

We represent numerous insurance carriers and shop to find our clients better rates on auto, home and life insurance.

Visit our website for details: Arizona Insurance

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Saving Money on your Insurance

wad

I had a former client call me. They used to be my client when I worked for a captive company. They typed my name into a Google search and found me easily.

We compared their Arizona Auto Insurance and Arizona Homeowner Insurance.

The result? A savings of about $500 per year!

How? They were insured with a "captive" company, that is - an insurance company that only offers ONE rate. Typical well-known captive companies are State Farm, Farmers, Allstate and American Family.

We shopped their Arizona Auto Insurance and Arizona Homeowner Insurance with about 12 different carriers. By the odds alone, we stood a good chance of finding them a better rate.

They were excited to have me as their agent once again, and saving $500 was a nice bonus. I am very happy to have them back as clients as well.

For an insurance quote, click here:

Arizona Auto Insurance

Arizona Homeowner Insurance


By the way, we also helped the client with Arizona Umbrella Insurance and Arizona Life Insurance.

We highly recommend giving us a try. We are the # 1 Independent Insurance Broker in Arizona.

Don't Be a Knucklehead

Lloyd Christmas

Ok, I used a very alluring title to get you to read this post. But it is a VERY important topic.

Policy Reviews

I know of a person who added about 1,000 square feet to their home. They did not alert their agent or their insurer - UNTIL the home burned down.

****THIS WAS NOT MY CLIENT****

The last I heard the insurance company was declining to pay for the new addition because they were never told of it and had not been charging a premium for it.

THE LESSON

Talk to your agent. You may not make such a sweeping change as adding a thousand square feet onto your home. But there may be other changes - buying or inheriting jewelry, guns, artwork (for homeowner purposes) or having a baby (life insurance change), or adding a teen driver (maybe the need to have an umbrella policy).

Your agent wants you insured properly. You want to be insured properly. All that is missing is you calling your agent and setting a 30 minute review.

It's all in YOUR best interest too. Have a great day!


Arizona Auto Insurance
Arizona Homeowner Insurance

World Events

Interested in what is happening around the world?

Here is a blog I thought you would enjoy!

American Energy Crisis

Friday, June 20, 2008

Understanding Long Term Care

dancing old folks

You already read and hear how social security is in trouble, plus medicare, and other programs.

What you have not heard is the next major catastrophe - LONG TERM CARE.

Americans are aging. The baby boom generation has begun retiring. What happens when we get old and cannot care for ourselves and are beyond the ability of our family to assist? We go into Assisted Living Care Facilities or Nursing Homes.

Ever wonder how much a private room in a Nursing home costs? Reports say it is wide-ranging but up to $75,000 per year. The cost is expected to hit a hundred grand in the near future.

How many of you have the financial means to pay a hundred thousand a year?

What that means is this - you will spend virtually every dime you have on your own care until you are essentially broke. Then, once all your money and assets are gone the government will step in.

How's that for pessimistic?

Question: Just how long can the government continue to pay for long term care costs for most of its aging population? The majority of Americans do not purchase Long Term Care Insurance.

SOLUTION: Buy a Long Term Care Insurance policy once you reach your mid 50's.

If you live in Arizona, visit this website: Arizona Long Term Care Insurance Quote

If you are age 50 or older, do not skip over this!!! It's vital for you and your family to know the facts.

Arizona Auto Insurance

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

About Those Bumper Stickers.....

stix
A Colorado State University social psychologist conducted a study and his findings are that drivers who plop a bumper sticker on their vehicle stand a greater chance of being involved in road rage. Matter of fact, his research leads him to believe those with bumper stickers are the ones primarily causing the road rage.

The study also includes cars with window decals and personalized license plates

Lots of parents proudly display "My son is an honor student" on the back of their mini van. But according to this study it does not seem to matter the content of the sticker, decal or license plate.

According to the research, people who "personalize" their vehicle are typically more aggressive drivers who act out their road frustrations more so than those who do not decorate their vehicles.

Not sure I agree with this study, but it's interesting.

HONDA'S - New Zero Emission Car

air pollution

Honda has introduced the new FCX Clarity, a hydrogen fuel cell car which runs on hydrogen and electricity and emits only water and none of the noxious fumes believed to induce global warming.

It is two times more efficient than a gas-electric hybrid and three times than that of a typical gas powered vehicle.

They are being produced on a very limited basis so far - as few as 200 units over the next three years in California at a cost of $600 per month (leased).

The FCX Clarity has a range of 270 miles and equals 74 miles per gallon. It can reach up to 100 miles per hour.

The reason the release is limited to California is because that's where the initial fuel stations are located. Without a fuel cell station, it is a big paperweight.

However, it's a great start.

Over time, technology will get even better, the costs will decrease and more hydrogen stations will pop up and spread across California and other states.

Just a matter of time.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Gasoline Thefts on the Rise

Gas Pump


Thieves are side-stepping the incredible rise in gas prices by doing what you expect a thief to do - steal.

Some states have reported a significant rise in gas thefts. Thieves are slicing the gas line of vehicles and inserting the line into a standard garden hose, which fills into a bucket of some kind.

Most of the thefts have been business and commercial vehicles which sit idle overnight and weekends.

Still, if gas prices remain high this trend could gain even more popularity in the coming weeks, months and years ahead.

There's gold in those tanks.


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tucson insurance broker

Did You Know?

Every motor vehicle, trailer, motorcycle and moped has a VIN number.

In 1980 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration dictated that all new vehicles sold in the U.S. have a 17 digit VIN.

A VIN can describe the Year, Make, Model of a vehicle. It also specifies the body style, engine, and assembly plant. The VIN can tell you if your vehicle has been stolen, in an accident or subject to a recall.

Since it is used for title and registration purposes it also contains registration information.

And you thought it was just an annoying set of numbers and letters your insurance agent needed to provide an insurance quote.



arizona auto insurance quotes
phoenix arizona insurance agent

Saturday, June 7, 2008

A Story of Arson

We all know that fraud drives up insurance rates.


burning houseHere is a story that illustrates the issue.



Up to 30 ring members were involved in an Indiana scheme in which nearly 50 homes were bought, filled with inexpensive furniture and set on fire. The members of the ring inflated to claims adjusters exactly what and how much property was inside the homes.

The average home price was $80,000 - $90,000 and insurance companies paid claims up to $160,000 in some cases. Cleverly, they insured the same home with several insurance companies too.

Finally, Nationwide Insurance noticed 26 claims where the identical people were involved, and after a two year investigation the ring was broken. Many have been charged and face trial dates.






phoenix life insurance
arizona auto insurance quote

News from Capitol Hill

Rep Luis Gutierrez (D-Illinois) introduced the Non-Discriminatory Use of Consumer Reports and Consumer Information Act of 2008 (H.R. 5633). Joining him as co-sponsors are Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass) and Mel Watt (D-N.C.), Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

This bill would prohibit insurers from using credit scores and credit information to underwrite and set rates for auto and homeowner insurance policies. Not all states allow credit scoring, but Arizona does.

The timing of this bill is interesting, as an FTC report released last summer indicates that credit scores could indeed be an effective indicator of risk.

What's also interesting is the fact that credit plays a major role in whether someone pays a high interest rate for car loans and home loans. Why the use of credit scoring would not be allowed in insurance calculations is puzzling, when most indications are that it actually does help insurers further clarify their efforts in segmenting their best clients. They are (after all) in the business of making a profit. Not everyone likes insurance companies, but we sure want them financially stable and profitable so they can pay our claims when they happen.

The issue with Rep's such as Gutierrez is the concept of whether credit scoring is fair to all consumers. Certain ethnic groups tend to have lower scores and, as logic would follow, pay higher insurance premiums as a result because their insurance scores would be lower (worse) than other groups. This would place them in insurance tiers with higher premiums.

Perhaps we also need more education about how people go about having good credit, establishing good credit and even re-establishing credit. I would love to see classes like this in high schools, for example.

Furthermore, why does the U.S. not require classes that strongly educate kids on finances in great detail, such as 401k's, mutual funds, IRA's and such. We have kids graduating high school without educating them thoroughly on investing, saving money, setting up budgets, establishing and keeping good credit - and why that is important. They go to college and get inundated with credit card offers. Great - another generation hooked on being in debt.

As a side note, insurance companies have professed that auto and homeowner premiums would increase if the use of credit scoring was prohibited. That effect is yet to be seen. It may be true, but competition still exists out there and that's always good for the consumer.




Grab this swicki from eurekster.com


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Sunday, June 1, 2008

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Rising Gas Prices

Gas Station


Where to find the Best Deals on Gas in Arizona
Click to link above to find the best deals on gas in your area




Arizona Auto Insurance
Arizona Car Insurance
Car Insurance Phoenix

Friday, May 30, 2008

A Good Mesa Charity

I wanted to tell you about a Mesa charity that helps recovering substance abusers rebuild their lives.

It's Transitional Living Communities. The 501c3 charity began in 1992 and serves a population of 900 in two states. They provide housing, meals and a 12 step recovery program.

Their website can be found at Transitional Living.

They operate several businesses, which are manned by those who live in the community and are rebuilding their lives.

One such business, TLC Towing - a VALLEY-WIDE TOWING SERVICE offers vehicle towing virtually anywhere in the valley.

All profits from TLC Towing benefit Transitional Living Community.

So, if you ever need a tow, visit Mesa Towing Company and give them a call.

Phoenix Towing Company
Phoenix Towing Service

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

STOLEN VEHICLE LIST

1995 HONDA CIVIC DX

Statistics are often years behind and this list is from 2005. According the National Insurance Crime Bureau, here are the most popular vehicles for thieves:

Honda Civic (1995)
Toyota Camry (1989)
Honda Accord (1991)
Dodge Caravan (1994)
Chevrolet C/K 1500 (1994)
Ford F-150 (1997)
Dodge Ram Pickup (2003)
Acura Integra (1990)
Toyota Pickup (1988)
Nissan Sentra (1991)


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low cost arizona auto insurance

Bodily Injury Coverage - SAY YES!

car wreck
When buying car insurance most people tend to focus on the bottom line premium. It's ok because we all do that.

But do not be foolish to disregard something very important on your policy.

One item in particular - Bodily Injury (B.I.), can really do wonders for you in a bad situation.

Bodily Injury pays out to the other party for injuries you cause with your vehicle.

If you hit another vehicle and cause injury to the other party - or if you hit a pedestrian, child on a bike or motorcycle rider and cause injury, the bodily injury coverage is the item on your policy that will pay out to cover their injury claims.

What if you carry too little BI?

You will get sued - personally.

And the opposing attorney? He will legally go after your assets and future income.

So get the best insurance price you can. Just don't do it at the expense of carrying low bodily injury coverage.

Remember, your agent will give you the coverage you want and request. It's YOUR policy. You have a right to be under-insured if you choose. It's just not wise to do so.

Arizona Insurance Agent
Arizona Insurance Company

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

My Last Car Purchase

Writing about my experience of tagging along with my brother as he shopped for a Ford Mustang reminded me of my last car purchase.

I had sat through the painful car-buying experience too many times in the past. One experience, in particular, still sticks in my mind. I was younger and married only a few years. It was the middle of another hot Arizona summer and our vehicle's air conditioner had quit. The car was very old and we needed new transportation. My wife was deperate for a replacement vehicle.

We met a sales person and went HALFWAY through the process. Just when we thought we had agreed to agree to purchase the vehicle he brought in a closer. We found out later it is the standard process this dealership uses. The CLOSER did his job but we felt pushed through and into the purchase. Never have I stepped foot onto this dealership again and never will. It's a bad way to sell cars.

It's easy to say we could have backed out, waited and been more patient. I wish we had, in retrospect. But we were young and alot less wiser. And the thought of hopping into an air-conditionLESS vehicle was less than thrilling after spending several hours at the dealership already.

Now, years later, it was time once again to buy a new car. My new game plan?

I decided to communicate with car dealerships via the internet. And I did, with several over a few months. Finally I let one rep know that I agreed to his price - via email.

In the end, I purchased a brand new economy vehicle for a terrific price - maybe the best deal I ever made. I am sure the dealership still made decent money and I am ok with that. But I did my research, got competitive bids and agreed to a price after a lengthy process. Also, I did not suffer through the 2-4 hour car buying process of yesteryear and do the typical negotiation process. I walked in on a sunny afternoon day and in a fairly short period of time drove away in my new car.

What a change of experience.

Car Insurance Phoenix
Arizona Insurance

The Process of Buying a Car

salesman

I accompanied my oldest brother recently as he shopped for a Ford Mustang. Yeah, I know. With gas prices climbing he wants a sports car. But he works hard (always has), saves his money and lives close to work, so what the heck.

It was fun watching him leave the lot for a test drive in a 2006 Mustang.

It was the subsequent pitch by the sales person that was not so fun. It was actually quite painful. And this is considering the sales person was a pretty nice guy. It's just a job that not everyone could do well.

My brother opted out of making a decision that day and it was a good thing. The next morning's paper listed brand new Mustang's for less than the used ones he saw the day before.

Maybe the "used" vehicles were a better model, bigger engine, had more extra's. Doesn't matter. He could still buy a brand new model that had zero miles and a longer warranty for less money.

The moral? I guess it is good to take your time and be patient when making a big purchase of any kind.

Insurance Phoenix
Arizona Auto Insurance

STOLEN LICENSE PLATES

It's been reported a greater number of crimes are occurring where someone pumps gas and drives off without paying. That's happened as long as there have been gas stations. But what is happening more frequently is gas clerks reporting the license tag only to find out it's a stolen tag.

If you have a license plate stolen, report it immediately to the Motor Vehicle Department.

If your vehicle tag is reported to police to have been involved as part of a crime, you will have some explaining to do.

The best solution is to report the stolen tag immediately and avoid the hassle later.

arizona homeowner insurance

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Califonia Minimum Requirements

California License plate


I read an article that stated California only requires $5,000 on property damage.

Property Damage pays to fix the "other" vehicle that you hit.

If true - is the California legislature crazy?

This is a ridiculous amount of coverage. I was rear-ended in early 2008 and the cost to fix was over $8000. And I don't even have a very expensive vehicle.

My transportation is a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, hardly the top end of SUV's.

What this means is - if someone from California hits you and causes damage to your vehicle they might only cover up to $5000 in damages. Now, as long as you have FULL coverage on your vehicle your insurance will ensure your vehicle is fixed (minus your deductible), and then they will pursue the other party.

But consider the aggravation.

You could be OUT your deductible. If you carry a $500 or $1000 deductible this could be a real inconvenience. Plus, if you only have liability on this particular vehicle you could simply be out a vehicle, minus the five grand the other insurer will pay out.

California always seems to be ahead of the curve in protecting citizens. Where are they on this issue?

The cost to increase Property Damage coverage from $5000 to $25,000 is very, very minimal, for the vast majority of policyholders. Yet, it provides the level of coverage needed, at a minimum.

One word of advice: if you ever shop around for insurance and the agent proposes "minimum" insurance coverage on your home or vehicle - RUN AWAY. This agent only sells insurance based on price.

While price is always important, protecting you, your loved ones, and your property is the first consideration!!

I've seen agents UNDER-quote home insurance before just to get the business. That's a real disservice to the consumer. If you have a house fire what is more important - having the right coverage or saving $50 a year because you insured your home for less than what was necessary?



Arizona Independent Insurance AGent
Low Cost Arizona Insurance
Independent Arizona Insurance Agent

The State Farm claim

In a prior post I had detailed getting rear ended by a State Farm insured.

Their initial customer service was less than enjoyable, leaving me to wonder if the claim would ever get underway.

However, I did receive a phone call that they accepted full responsibility. My car went to a highly respected body shop for inspection (my choice). The damage, particularly underneath the vehicle, was tremendous. State Farm could not decide whether to fix or total the vehicle. It was a very close call.

After a couple weeks, they elected to fix it. Then the process of ordering parts, waiting and fixing began. Immediately, State Farm gave the clearance for a rental car through Enterprise - a Dodge Charger. A fun vehicle to drive but that gas mileage was not great.

My car was in the body shop for over 50 days. YES - over fifty days! That was not the fault of State Farm though, except for the initial time period as they debated to fix or not.

I went to a holistic Chiropractor and he helped my neck and back immensely. My daughter also received treatments. We paid out of pocket and State Farm reimbursed us. The claims adjuster, though hard to reach at times, did a fine job.

If you ever have a claim, understand those adjusters are juggling multiple claims simultaneously and probably not hard to reach on purpose. It's a job that takes the right person to do well.

We are back on track, the Jeep is fixed and running fine, and everyone is getting their health back.

Arizona Insurance Agent
Arizona Insurance Company
Arizona Insurance Broker

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Arizona Mortgage Loan

We do an excellent job helping Arizona driver's and home owners save money on their Auto and Home Owner insurance.

Now we also can help them find a great mortgage rate.

Choice Insurance of Arizona and L & G Mortgagebanc have teamed up to provide our clients great rates on home loans.

Are you looking to purchase a new home? Refinance an existing loan? Need an Arizona Second Mortgage? Or maybe you are over 62 years of age and need an Arizona Reverse Mortgage.

L & G Mortgagebanc guarantees the rate you receive will be the same OR LOWER than the average of the nations top 5 mortgage lenders.

Why go anywhere for your Arizona Mortgage Loan or Arizona Mortgage Refinance Rate?

Visit our website: Choice Insurance of Arizona and click on the button - Get Arizona Mortgage Loan Quote

Arizona Mortgage Loan
Arizona Mortgage Refinance Rate

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

GETTING REAR-ENDED

Yup, it happened to us yesterday - rear-ended at about 10:05 a.m.

There were five of us in our Jeep Cherokee heading to an outdoor festival about 20 miles away. Although we had never been to this festival, it was apparent that it was very popular. Traffic increased, slowed, then finally came to a stop maybe less than a mile from our intended destination. We were at a standstill behind a Jeep Liberty when BAM, we were wickedly hit from behind.

The driver ahead of me, who we were pushed into, soon told me he had passed the person behind us maybe a mile back as she was busily talking on a cell phone. It had angered him that she appeared (to him) oblivious to her surroundings. She was still on the phone as we exited our vehicle, no doubt in as much shock as we were.

I was dizzy and had blurred vision initially. Headaches have persisted. The neck feels like a an accordian. My daughter has pains in the neck. The other person's insurance company will pay for those treatments without problem, hopefully.

They call them "accidents". I had no hard words for the lady who hit us, offering comfort as she cried. She was upset but who wouldn't be at causing a four car accident. But I knew she didn't intend to ram us. She was not paying attention plain and simple. But that happens to the best of us in life.

What's up with State Farm though?

I called State Farm a little over three hours later to inform them their insured had rear-ended us, that there were plenty of witnesses, a police report and that their insured had been cited by officers on the scene.

The State Farm claims person who answered said they could do nothing until their insured called the claim in.

Huh? Let me get this straight. I have a wrecked vehicle and State Farm cannot proceed until their insured makes a phone call? What if she never does call?", I quizzed her. Continuing, I asked, "Under those circumstances, why would she or anyone else call in to report a claim against themselves? If she never does call, does the claim go unsettled? Does my car go unfixed."

Actually, I knew that I could go to my own insurer and have them fix my vehicle. I would be out my deductible temporarily until my insurance company settled the claim with State Farm. But it was irritating the approach this woman took.

So I pressed on patiently.

Finally, I was transferred to someone who took my information and promised to contact their insured to get their side of the story. I am fine with that. I was also promised a claims adjuster would call within 48 hours. We'll see how that goes.

At this point I have to trust the system to work. But that initial response from State Farm was less than satisfying. I hope they are alone in the way they treat those who call to report a claim. It seemed an instant defensive reaction that was not necessary from an old and established insurer.






Arizona Auto Insurance
Arizona Home Owner Insurance

Saturday, February 16, 2008

THE DANGER - Minimum Liability Coverages

According to an Associated Press article, Alabama is seeking to raise the minimum liability coverage on an auto policy up to $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.

Arizona currently has $15,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage coverages - amounts that are woefully low. Consider a typical new car may cost $18,000 or so. Ten grand in PD coverage barely covers half of that amount.

Bodily Injury - covers the "other" person if you cause injury and are at-fault
Property Damage - covers damages to the "other" vehicle if you are at-fault

What that means is this - if you hit another car valued at $18,000 and cause property damage you are responsible for those damages. What if the other car is totaled and you only carry $10,000 PD on your policy? That leaves a gap of $8.,000. Do you have eight grand sitting in a dresser? Most of us don't.

I could understand how some would be concerned for those with high auto premiums having to pay even higher costs if the minimum requirement is raised.

However, for the vast majority of driver's the increase in premium would be nearly inconsequential. Sure, every increase in premium taps into an already tight budget. But fifteen thousand on BI and ten thousand in PD in today's economy is far short of what we really should carry on our policy.

Shouldn't it be our responsibility as vehicle owners to ensure we cover other people for the injuries and damages that are our fault?

Continue reading below. I have other articles explaining BI and PD in greater detail.

Thank you!

Arizona Car Insurance
Arizona Life Insurance Agent, Arizona Life Insurance Broker, Arizona Life Insurance Company

Friday, February 15, 2008

Arizona Disability Insurance

Here I go again....talking about subjects other than Auto Insurance or Home Owner Insurance.

Did you know - the odds are much greater (during your working years) of having a disability than dying?

Yet, we all get concerned about buying life insurance without even considering disability income protection.

A DI policy helps replace a portion of your income is you are too hurt or sick to work. Most American's do not have enough money set aside to ride out a long term illness or injury.

If you are unable to work for an extended period, how could you make your mortgage payment, buy groceries and pay other regular monthly bills?

If you have two incomes in the household and one of those incomes is halted due to an injury or illness, how long could you survive financially?

That's why DI is important.

There are two (2) types of Disability Insurance - Short Term and Long Term.

Short term plans typically covers disability periods under six months. Long term disability plans up to age 65.

If you have questions or want a quote, ask us about an Arizona Disability Insurance policy quote.






Phoenix Life Insurance
Arizona Car Insurance

Please remember, we provide Arizona Auto Insurance and Arizona Home Owner Insurance and low cost Arizona Life Insurance and Arizona Long Term Care Insurance in Phoenix, Tucson, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria, Avondale, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Surprise, Casa Grande, Apache Junction, Florence, Yuma, Kingman, Marana, Oro Valley, Prescott, Prescott Valley, and all of Arizona.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Bodily Injury coverage is SUPER important

What is Bodily Injury coverage?

On your auto policy, it usually is the first item listed. It is under the "liability" portion of your policy.

Liability protects the other driver (or their passengers) from injuries you cause in an auto accident.

Bodily Injury is probably the most important coverage on your auto policy.

Imagine what would happen if you hit someone and caused serious injury or death? You would probably be sued.

What if you carry low BI limits on your auto policy? Your insurance company would pay up to the limits on your policy, then you would likely be personally sued.

Is that want you want?

If not, talk with your agent about raising your BI limits. It helps protect you from being personally sued and possibly having your assets attacked in a lawsuit or your income garnished.

It's not just car accidents you need to be concerned about. You could hit a kid on a bicycle, a pedestrian, or even a motorcyclist.

Own a home? Have other assets? Earn an income?

This is a quick-to-sue world. Protect yourself!







Phoenix Life Insurance
Arizona Life Insurance
Arizona Long Term Care Insurance
Arizona Auto Insurance
Car Insurance Phoenix
Home Insurance Phoenix

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Why Reviews are Important

A neighbor of mine recently added about 600+ square feet onto their home. It was a massive construction job that took about three months to complete. Plus, they gutted the inside and completely upgraded nearly the entire place.

My neighbor insures their home elsewhere, but I asked if they had notified their current insurance agent.

They had not and were not aware of the need. Big mistake.

They also were not aware that because the insurance company is insuring a smaller home all these current upgrades and the new addition is not necessarily covered.

Another agent relayed this story to me. A homeowner in the East Valley added about 1,000 square feet to his already sprawling home. He did not inform his agent or company until the home was destroyed in a fire. I do not know the final outcome, but the insurance company was initially unwilling to pay for the new addition, since they were never notified and were not charging a premium for it.

The moral of the story?

Talk to your agent, at least annually. Tell him/her immediately of any changes occurring in your life that you feel may affect your insurance. This includes major changes, such as additons to your home, or could include smaller details, such as buying or inheriting valuables like jewelry.

I receive calls virtually every week from clients notifying me of changes in their lives. I appreciate that they do that. It helps us both sleep better at night.







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Phoenix Life Insurance / Arizona Life Insurance

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Long Term Care Insurance?

Why are we talking about Long Term Care in an Auto & Home Owner Insurance blog?

For one, because hardly anyone else is talking about it.

Secondly, if you are age 50 or over, you need to consider buying it.

If you become sick and need a nursing home it currently costs about $65,000 per year for a private room in a nursing home. Do you have that money sitting in a savings account?

Even if you do, your money is more wisely leveraged buying long term care insurance.

Medicare does very little when it comes to paying for long term care.

The Medicaid program pays only after you have already spent nearly every asset and savings you own.

The best solution is to buy Arizona Long Term Care Insurance

Keep in mind, the cost of nursing homes and long term care assistance is going up, and fast.

If you do not buy LTC insurance, you are taking the chance on saving your entire life only to lose most or all of what you have in the final couple years of your life - spending it on nursing home care.

The odds of needing some sort of Long Term Care? About 50%.

If the lottery were 50%, we would be thrilled. But these are the types of odds in LTC that you would rather avoid.

If you are married and both of you are 65 or over, the odds increase to 75% that one of you will need LTC.

Do the prudent thing and seek a quote for Arizona Long Term Care Insurance

The Changes in Your Life

We buy insurance and then sort of forget about it.

It's normal and happens to most of us.

But then a claim happens......uh oh.

The thoughts race through your mind - am I covered for this? Do I have enough coverage?

It's one reason why it's good for most consumers to call their agent at every renewal (or every other renewal at most), and ask for a review and break down of their coverage.

This review can take place over the phone, via email or in person.

The easiest reminder to review coverage is when you get your renewal. For auto insurance that could be every six months or once a year (depending on which company we have you with), and for homes it is annually.

In life insurance there is a saying, "Life Insurance is for those you leave behind".

In Auto & Home Insurance, the saying should be: "Review your auto and home policies Before you have a claim".

Why to keep in Contact with My Agent

True Story: a neighbor of mine (that I do not insure unfortunately) just added over 600 square feet to their home. I asked if they had notified their agent about the addition and they had not. Big mistake. The insurance company is insuring a smaller home and charging a premium based upon the original square footage. As I explained to my neighbor, the insurance company has based their policy & premium on the home without the new addition. If they want to ensure the new addition is covered, they needed to notify their agent.

While the above is not a normal example of a typical life change, there are changes in our lives that happen during the course of a year. Take thirty minutes out of the 525,000 minutes you have every year and call to discuss any changes that have happened, and whether or not your current coverage is still appropriate for you.

You may assume that the policy you took out originally is still ok. And it might be. But let's make sure.

Remember, would you rather ensure you have the right coverage before OR after a claim?

And keep in mind, a review can be very informal. You can do it through email, by phone or in person.





Phoenix Life Insurance, Arizona Life Insurance
Arizona Auto Insurance
Arizona Home Owner Insurance

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Some Life Insurance thoughts

Unless you work for a mortuary, a pre-planning funeral service or an insurance agency, you probably prefer not to discuss dying.

Over the past 14 years I had more than a few husband's tell me they would not discuss life insurance because they believed it would (in effect) curse them. They really thought that talking about it would hasten their demise.

It's weird, because I feel pretty comfortable talking about it, to be honest. I've done it for so long because I have written lots of life insurance for lots of families.

Arizona Life insurance is not for you. It's for the loved ones in your life.

Are there people in your life that you would love see have life a little easier, with less stress?

When a loved one dies, it can be a fairly stressful situation. Especially if the person who passed away was a breadwinner.

Life Insurance can pay off a home, provide a surviving spouse with an ongoing monthly income, pay off credit cards, car loans and even be used to put kids through college.

Think about those you love. Think about how they will be affected if you die tomorrow.

And if you want a quote on life insurance - call or email me.

Gary Brown (480) 659-0229
gary@choicearizon.com
http://www.choicearizona.com



Phoenix Life Insurance
Arizona Long Term Care Insurance

Sunday, January 13, 2008

The OTHER insurance stuff

Some people own toys like a boat or motorcycle.

I am a big proponent of carrying lots of Bodily Injury protection on your auto policy. And the same holds true for boats and motorcycles.

But also think about adding Medical coverage to your policy if you own a boat or motorcycle.

Too often we focus on our deductible and the bottom line premium. But skimping on items like Bodily Injury and Medical can easily come back to haunt you.

While we all want to pay as little as we have to, some things in life are not worth going cheap on - like BI and Medical coverage.

You may have lots of assets or very little. But the one thread we all have in common is we all work to earn a living. It is possible someone can sue and get a garnishment on a portion of your income. I am not an attorney and do not disperse legal advice, but having decent Bodily Injury and Medical coverage is like taking vitamins for your body. It helps keep you all-around more healthy. BI and Medical can help keep you financially healthier - if you are ever at-fault in an accident or have an accident while on your boat or motorcycle.

If you have guests on your boat or motorcycle you need to carry BI and Medical - period. Don't put your financial well-being at risk. Plus, having these coverages is the right thing to do. If you own the toys, you really should have the proper insurance as well.

Don't forget to ask about an Umbrella policy while you are at it.

Arizona Auto Insurance, Home Owner Insurance Quote, Car Insurance Phoenix
Arizona Auto Insurance, Home Owner Insurance, Car Insurance Phoenix
http://www.arizonaautoinsurance.cc
http://www.arizonahomeownerinsurance.biz
http://www.insurancephoenix.net
http://www.phoenix-life-insurance.com

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

The Truth about Buying Insurance

The OTHER guys....

A State Farm agent can only offer what State Farm has to offer. An Allstate agent can only offer what Allstate has, and the same for Farmers, Geico, and other companies like American Family.

Why not use an Independent Insurance Agency?

An independent insurance agency, like ours, can compare rates with lots of carriers, such as MetLife, Travelers, GMAC, Hartford, AAA and more. We do not represent just one carrier, like those "other" agents.

I think sometimes that consumers just do not understand who and what an independent insurance agent is.

CONSIDER THIS

Does a State Farm agent or an agent with one of the above companies shop around to find you the better rate? No, they only offer the ONE rate (whatever rate their company has to offer). Realistically, those "other" agents are on the insurance company's side. They don't shop around on your behalf.

On the other hand, we are on YOUR side. We are on the BUYERS side - that's you! We shop to find YOU the best rate we can through the many different companies we represent.

If you are not yet insured through us - give us a try! You may save more money than you imagine.

Arizona Auto Insurance / Arizona Home Owner Insurance