Author: agentinsure

The Importance of Keeping All Home Maintenance Receipts

Posted on by agentinsure

Here at Old Pueblo Insurance, we want to help educate individuals about different topics pertaining to homeowners insurance, an insurance product that we are proud to offer to customers in the greater Oro Valley, AZ area. One of the things that homeowners may not think to do is to keep all of their home maintenance invoices and receipts. This includes yearly roof inspections, home siding cleaning, or routine water heater cleaning and maintenance services. Read on to learn why this is important and how it can help you as a homeowner. 

Keeping Receipts Is Important If You Have to File a Home Insurance Case

The primary benefit of keeping invoices or receipts for home maintenance is that you can use them to show a home insurance company that you adequately maintained your home. For example, suppose you are filing a claim due to roof damage that you believe was sustained during a storm, and the insurance company believes that the damage was caused due to poor maintenance. In that case, you have the receipts to show that your roof was maintained properly and regularly. This type of information is vital, as improper care and maintenance are one of the primary reasons home insurance claims are denied. 

Keeping home maintenance receipts can help if you ever file a home insurance claim. Having the right insurance in the first place is equally important as keeping receipts, and that is something that we at Old Pueblo Insurance, serving the greater Oro Valley, AZ area, can help you with. If you are looking for a new home insurance policy or want to obtain estimates for a new policy, let us help you. Call us today to get started. 

Taking a Defensive Driving Class: Benefits Beyond Ticket Waivers

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Everyone knows defensive driving classes are an effective way to improve your driving skills and lower your insurance rates if you’ve received a traffic ticket. But did you know that even if you haven’t been given a ticket, there can still be many benefits to taking a defensive driving class in Oro Valley, AZ?

Fewer Accidents 

One of the best things about defensive driving classes is that they teach skills and techniques designed to help you avoid accidents. By understanding various types of hazardous situations, learning how to handle them when they arise on the road, and being aware of all the other drivers around you, taking a defensive driving class can significantly reduce your chances of getting into an accident. This has twofold benefits: not only will it save you money on costly repairs, but it could also save lives by helping keep everyone on the road safe. 

Safer Driver 

Defensive driving classes also provide helpful tips for more experienced drivers who have been behind the wheel for many years. Defensive driving courses remind people of basic safety measures, such as scanning mirrors before changing lanes or checking blind spots while parking. Taking a defensive driving course can also give experienced drivers new insights into proper vehicle maintenance and operation, making them more confident behind the wheel. 

Contact Us Today

At Old Pueblo Insurance, we understand how important it is for everyone to stay safe on the roads and take advantage of any available opportunities to refine their driving skills. Taking a defensive driving class is one of the best ways for Oro Valley, AZ drivers to become safer on the road. Any questions? Contact Old Pueblo Insurance today! 

What Umbrella Insurance Does (and Doesn’t) Cover in Oro Valley, AZ

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If you want extra protection against personal liability, an umbrella policy might serve you well. It picks up where your auto and home insurance leave off. Say you have more damage to your property than your regular policy covers. Then, umbrella insurance can bridge the gap. Contact Old Pueblo Insurance about extra coverage in Oro Valley, AZ.

What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?

Umbrella insurance covers claims that exceed the amount of your original insurance. This commonly includes injuries, certain lawsuits, property damage, and personal liability situations. Examples of bodily injury covered by umbrella insurance include the cost of medical bills for a guest who falls in your house, a major accident you cause, and dog bites.

Property damage pays for losses of personal property. This might include vehicle damage in an accident you cause. Additionally, if you own a rental property, umbrella insurance can give you extra protection if someone trips over an ill-maintained sidewalk.

It also usually covers expenses related to libel, slander, false arrest, and mental anguish.

What Is Not Covered by Umbrella Insurance? 

"Ineligible exposures" listed on your policy are not handled by umbrella insurance. There are exclusions for certain professions, including politics. Certain breeds of dogs are also excluded, as are preexisting lawsuits.

Other exclusions include commercial automobiles, intentional property damage or bodily injury, and intentional false statements. There are nuances to consider, such as an intentional injury due to self-defense.

Get an Umbrella Insurance Policy in Oro Valley, AZ

Talk to one of our agents at Old Pueblo Insurance to learn which umbrella policy would best meet your needs in Oro Valley. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

The importance of wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle

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When it comes to riding a motorcycle, there are many different safety precautions that you should take to keep yourself and others safe. One of the most essential safety measures is wearing a helmet on your bike.

A helmet is essential safety equipment that can help prevent serious injuries or death if you are ever involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle. If you don’t wear a helmet, you are putting your own health and well-being at risk and the lives and well-being of everyone else around you.

There are many different types of helmets available, so be sure to choose one that fits properly and provides the best level of protection for your needs. It’s also important to check the safety ratings of helmets to ensure that you get the best protection.

If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and other protective gear to stay safe while on the road. Not only will this help keep you safe, but it will also help protect everyone else around you.

Overall, there are many vital reasons why wearing a helmet while riding your motorcycle is so essential. It can prevent serious injuries and even save your life in an accident. If you want to stay safe while on the road, be sure to wear a helmet when riding your bike!

For more motorcycle safety tips, call Old Pueblo Insurance today. We proudly serve the Oro Valley, AZ area.

 

Two Main Types of Life Insurance

Posted on by agentinsure

It’s so important for most adults to have life insurance. Being able to replace your income and provide time for grieving can be done with a life insurance policy left to your heirs. If you don’t have a life insurance policy, call us today at Old Pueblo Insurance in Oro Valley, AZ.

There are two main types of this coverage, and we can help you to pick the right kind for your needs. 

Term Life Insurance

This is one of the main types of life insurance that comes with several benefits and drawbacks. Term life insurance is just like the name suggests- it’s life insurance that is in effect for a specific term. During that term, the life insurance is in full effect in most cases, though some may take a couple of years for the full benefits to be there. This life insurance type is the most inexpensive, a major plus for many families. However, it does have a date when it will expire. After this date, you will have no coverage and will have to find a new insurance policy. 

Whole Life Insurance

This is a very different type of coverage with a higher price tag. However, you get a lot of benefits for the higher cost. The policy has no expiration date and builds a cash value over time. You can keep this policy for as long as you want, no matter how old you get. And over the years, it builds a value you can borrow against. 

Get Your Life Insurance Policy

If you aren’t covered by a life insurance policy, it’s time to get one. Call us at Old Pueblo Insurance in Oro Valley, AZ.

Do I need commercial insurance if I’m a business owner with no employees?

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Running a business carries risks and liabilities. This holds true even if you have no employees. The type of business you have often determines the type of risks and liabilities that you face. As a result, commercial insurance is a good idea if you’re a business owner that wants to protect your assets and can’t afford to pay for risks and liabilities out of pocket. Our team at Old Pueblo Insurance in Oro Valley, AZ is committed to helping business owners understand the benefits of commercial insurance. 

What is Commercial Insurance?

Commercial or business insurance is designed to protect your business and assets. This includes employees, property, and situations involving liability. Every company has different needs. Commercial insurance is designed to meet the unique needs of your business.

Do I Need Commercial Insurance if I Don’t Have Any Employees? 

If you understand what commercial insurance is, this is an easy question. Commercial insurance protects against all kinds of risks and liabilities that could affect your business. Business insurance can cover property damage, income loss, lawsuits, and many other risks associated with your business. These are worthwhile benefits if you want to protect your business. Best yet, business owners can choose the types of coverage that meet the specific needs of their business and combine different forms of coverage into one commercial policy.

Our Oro Valley, AZ team at Old Pueblo Insurance can help business owners get coverage that meets their company’s specific needs. If you’re considering investing in business/commercial insurance, call us. We’d be happy to help you explore all of your options.

Making your home a safer place

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Having the right home insurance is one of the crucial things you can do to provide safety for your home. Bad things happen even to good people, and surviving the bad stuff is vital. In Oro Valley, AZ, the team at Old Pueblo Insurance takes their responsibility to their customers seriously. As independent insurance agents, we can offer more choices and better rates. 

Home maintenance

Maintaining your home is a responsibility you have as a homeowner. Not only does this help to keep the value up, but it also protects you from injuries. An uneven walkway or driveway can cause an injury to someone visiting, which can lead to your being responsible for medical care and even being sued for pain and suffering. 

It is also important to maintain your chimney and your furnace. They should be cleaned yearly to lower the risk of a house fire. Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to ensure they work properly. It could save your life. 

Home security

Making your home secure makes you feel safer. Home security is important, whether it is a doorbell camera, a monitored security system, or living in a gated community. Using your home door and window locks is the place to start. You want to aim to make it more challenging to break into your home. Having motion-detecting lights and no hiding places near your home is also a good idea. Smart homes today can pretty much let you know if anything out of the ordinary is going on. 

Contact Old Pueblo Insurance in Oro Valley, AZ, when it is time to review your home insurance or if you are a new homeowner. We are here to help. 

What auto insurance must you legally carry in Arizona?

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You must also purchase auto insurance when you purchase a car in Oro Valley, AZ. Many people ask Old Pueblo Insurance if they can get by with just the minimum auto insurance coverage in Arizona. Even Car & Driver tells its readers that’s a bad idea.

Arizona’s state minimums offer little coverage. Although this makes the state one of the cheapest to insure your vehicle, you would better serve your financial security by purchasing full coverage. The state only requires coverage in the amount of:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability for one individual,
  • $50,000 total for bodily injury liability for all individuals,
  • $15,000 property damage liability.

That means that if you cause the accident or law enforcement finds you at fault, your insurance pays the injured person or persons up to $50,000 total for the entire accident for their injuries. If you hurt four people, they each get $12,500, but if you hurt one individual, they could receive up to $25,000 if their medical and mental health costs ranged that high.

If the accident damaged three vehicles, each individual gets up to $5,000, but if only one incurred damage, the individual could receive up to $15,000 if their vehicle held that value at the time of the accident.

Your vehicle and medical injuries come out of your pocket if you don’t carry full coverage. The state-mandated coverage only protects the other drivers on the road. If the accident you caused totaled your vehicle, you’d need full coverage for the insurance to cover its replacement. Carrying the state minimums doesn’t do that. You would need to purchase another vehicle out of pocket, costing you thousands of dollars.

Instead, let Old Pueblo Insurance help you obtain reasonably priced auto insurance. Stay safer on the Oro Valley, AZ roads with full coverage from our insurance agency.

What Are The Benefits Of Umbrella Insurance?

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Umbrella insurance can help you handle expenses that exceed your liability limits and pay for legal costs if you are sued. It can provide extra liability protection if your regular policy maxes out or cover a more comprehensive range of potential accidents or incidents. 

Sometimes, you may need an umbrella policy to protect assets not covered by other policies, such as an expensive piece of equipment or an art collection. Depending on your other insurance policies, you can usually purchase an umbrella policy for a very affordable rate. For help in Oro Valley, AZ, check with Old Pueblo Insurance. 

What to Know About Umbrella Insurance 

Umbrella policies provide additional protection above and beyond what you have in your regular insurance policies. They are there to protect you and your assets in a major accident or a series of smaller accidents that add up to a significant loss. An umbrella policy can help with the costs of legal representation, compensation for pain and suffering, and reimbursement for any expenses related to the incident, such as medical bills. 

Umbrella insurance is meant to provide additional coverage if you exceed the limits on your other policies or exceed a certain amount in claims within a year. For example, suppose you have a car insurance policy with a limit of $250,000, and you cause an accident that results in $300,000 in damages. In that case, your umbrella policy kicks in to cover the remaining $50,000. 

Bottom Line 

Depending on your needs, an umbrella policy can offer various benefits, including greater coverage limits, supplemental health care benefits, or liability coverage for various circumstances. 

In addition to providing greater coverage limits, an umbrella policy can act as a “backstop” for your existing insurance plan in the event it doesn’t cover a significant cost. Reach out to Old Pueblo Insurance in Oro Valley, AZ.

Can I Get A Discount On My Motorcycle Insurance?

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Like any other type of insurance, Motorcycle insurance is something that you can shop around and find multiple offers at various rates. Most people have heard of somebody getting a significant drop in their car insurance after switching to a new provider. 

If you have had a traffic violation in the last few years, you will most likely be required to have a higher premium than someone with a clean record. If you want to save even more money on your policy, you could consider decreasing the overall risk of your bike. A common way to do this is to purchase a slip-and-fall insurance endorsement. If living in Oro Valley, AZ, call Old Pueblo Insurance for help.

Saving on Your Motorcycle Insurance 

You can save on your policy if you take a rider education course. Your motorcycle rate will likely increase if you’re over a certain age. Unfortunately, getting a discount on your motorcycle insurance without increasing your risk is impossible. 

Most insurers offer a rate reduction if you install a device in your car that clamps your brakes if you make an unsafe move. Some insurers offer a rate reduction if you take a course on defensive driving. Where you live is another factor. The type of motorcycle you drive matters, too. A sports bike will cost you more to insure than a cruiser. 

Motorcycle insurance premiums can be quite expensive, especially if you have a sports bike. If you want to try to save some money, you can shop around and compare quotes from different insurers. You can also try to get a discount by installing an alarm system on your motorcycle or installing a black box. Many insurers offer discounts if you opt for a no-fault or liability policy. You may be able to get a lower rate if you are over a certain age or meet other eligibility requirements. 

Bottomline

Ensure your motorcycle is well maintained. Poorly maintained motorcycles are riskier to insure and will cost you more in the long run. Each package will be unique depending on the policyholder’s driving history, location, age, and the coverage they select. If you’re stuck, reach out to Old Pueblo Insurance. The company serves Oro Valley, AZ.