Disability Insurance: Your Key to Financial Independence

For those who are self-employed or own their own business, a day off means you can’t earn any income. When you can’t work for an extended amount of time, that could mean disaster in your personal and business finances. Disability insurance, also known as income protection insurance, is a vital part of your self-employment safety net. How can a disability insurance policy from Alliance Insurance Partners help you keep your Scottsdale, AZ business afloat when you’re sick, injured, or just can’t work?

What is Disability Insurance?

Disability insurance provides a portion of your income to you when you can’t work. Your contract specifies the conditions that trigger these payments. However, these are usually limited to events that directly impact your ability to perform your job duties. That could be an injury, long-term illness, or extensive medical treatments.

There are two main types of coverage; short and long term. Short term coverage typically supplies income for between 3 and 6 months after a qualifying event. Long term coverage picks up after 6 months. How long you receive payments depends on the details of your contract.

The funds provided by this coverage can be used for everyday living expenses. That means that you won’t have to worry about how to pay the mortgage and provide for your family while you’re trying to heal.

Secure Your Financial Independence with Disability Insurance

The social safety net continues to thin. If you aren’t able to earn your own money, it’s unlikely that you’ll find sufficient support from the government or community. Your personal savings can be eaten away quickly by medical bills and regular living expenses. Once those are exhausted, you may become a burden on family and friends who may be struggling to keep up with their own economic demands.

A disability insurance policy from Alliance Insurance Partners helps you maintain your financial independence, regardless of what life throws your way. Call their agents to find out how this coverage can benefit your Scottsdale, AZ business.

Storing Your Motorcycle for Winter? How to Reduce Insurance Costs

Living in a state with four seasons can make it difficult to enjoy motorcycle riding year-round. If you’re planning to store your bike for the winter, adjusting your coverage could help you save money on insurance costs. Here are a few ideas from Alliance Insurance Partners in Scottsdale, AZ on how you can lower your motorcycle insurance premium during the off-season.

 “Lay-Up" or Motorcycle Storage Insurance

Rather than going through the trouble of canceling your motorcycle insurance and renewing it again in the spring, you can obtain lay-up or motorcycle storage insurance for the winter months. This insurance offers comprehensive coverage to protect your bike against risks like theft, fire, storm damage, etc. while it’s in storage. 

As there’s no risk of collision in storage, you can drop collision coverage during winter months. If there’s the off chance you may ride your bike a few times during winter due to warm weather, you can retain minimum liability coverage, as required by Arizona law. Eliminating collision coverage and reducing liability can still save you money on insurance costs.

Increase Deductible

Another option for lowering insurance costs during winter is to increase the deductible on your lay-up policy. The higher your deductible, the less you pay in premium costs. Before raising your deductible, you should make sure you have the funds to cover the cost of damage in the event of a fire or other disaster. By storing your bike in a safe, secure location during winter, you reduce the risk of theft or damage, making this option a practical one for lowering insurance costs. 

To learn more about off-season motorcycle insurance coverage and the protection it provides, talk to an agent from Alliance Insurance Partners in Scottsdale, AZ. We’re here to meet all your motorcycle insurance needs.

How Umbrella Insurance Works to Protect You and Your Family

Home insurance policies are there to protect you and your family financially.  When there is a disaster that affects a home or vehicle, the insurance helps with a quick recovery.  Unfortunately, accidents happen every day.  If you are found to be at fault for the car wreck or someone falls on your property due to your negligence, you’re responsible for their medical and legal expenses.  Insurance does its job to cover you but the policy will have caps as to what they will pay.  You are then responsible for any additional expenses that aren’t covered.  Umbrella insurance comes in effect during these situations. They cover the additional costs when your home or auto policy reaches its coverage limits.  The team at Alliance Insurance Partners works with residents in the Scottsdale, AZ area to ensure that they are adequately protected. 

Umbrella insurance policies are there when you most need financial and asset protection.  For instance, if someone does have an accident on your property due to your negligence, you’re responsible for their medical expenses.  If they decide to sue you, you may be responsible for their legal fees, as well.  If the costs are $500,000 but your homeowner’s policy only provides up to $250,000, the balance comes out of your pocket.  With an umbrella policy, though, the moment the homeowner’s policy maxes out, it goes into effect.  In some cases, it can provide up to an additional $1 million over the homeowner’s policy.  They also go into effect in cases involving libel/slander and invasion of privacy. 

In the Scottsdale, AZ area, visit with the insurance pros at Alliance Insurance Partners. They will help you understand your coverage options and whether an umbrella policy is a good fit for you.  Don’t wait to get the coverage you need.  Visit today!

5 Things to Know About Flood Insurance

Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. By being aware of that, you can make sure you’re protecting your Scottsdale, AZ area home the right way. But when it comes to that protection, you’ll want dedicated agents on your side. At Alliance Insurance Partners, you can work with trusted agents to get the type and level of flood insurance coverage you need. Then you can have peace of mind, and you’ll know your home is covered. Even if you aren’t in a flood plain, or an area where it rains a lot, there are still plenty of times that a flood could happen — especially a flash flood. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Flood insurance isn’t only for wet or rainy climates.

2. Even houses that aren’t in flood plains may need protection.

3. Flood insurance isn’t part of your standard homeowner’s policy.

4. You may need to ask for flood insurance or coverage.

5. Insuring your home against a flood can provide security and protection.

When you’re not sure whether you should have flood insurance for your Scottsdale, AZ area home, come in and talk to us at Alliance Insurance Partners. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and give you information about proper flood insurance. That way you can decide whether you need a policy, just want one, or would be safe not having this coverage at all. Unless you’re in a flood zone and have a mortgage on your home, flood insurance isn’t required. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it, or that you don’t have any flood risk at all. Even in a dry climate like Arizona, it can still rain hard enough to cause flash flooding and related issues. If that happens in your neighborhood, we can help you be prepared and protected.

Evaluate What You Own Prior to Seeking Condo Insurance

Prior to getting condo insurance, it’s important that you take stock of what possessions you have (or will have) on the property. You will need to get extra coverage to protect these items, after all. You should look into the value of your clothes, appliances, furniture, and basically anything you have on-premises. It really is a good idea to do a full home inventory, so that you don’t end up missing anything. You even might want to use a home inventory app, so you can keep track of different categories as you go through your belongings.

This can be time-consuming, but it will help you determine how best to get the insurance coverage you need.

You will have an easier time figuring out what to ask for if you reach out to an insurance agency early on in the process, such as Alliance Insurance Partners. Serving the Scottsdale, AZ area, Alliance has the knowledge and experience to assist you in such matters.

Your Asset Value Is Crucial

Take a look at your assets, as well. Anything that is of value and will be on the premises of your condominium should be included for consideration in your insurance policy. You may need liability insurance, in the instance, your dog bites someone or somebody is injured while on your property. If you are sued, your assets may be at risk. Having this insurance in place will provide you with at least a good deal of security from losing what you have, and help you breathe easier.

Once you have all of this in order, contact Alliance Insurance Partners to discuss your condo insurance options. Whether you are in the Scottsdale, AZ area or beyond, we’ll put our best effort into getting you what you need.

Do I need life insurance after I retire?

Life insurance offers peace of mind through the stages of life. When you are young, you have a family to worry about and to protect. Life insurance is part of that protection. During your prime working years, life insurance can make sure that your partner is cared for in the event of your death. However, once you have retired, you may begin to wonder if life insurance should be a part of your financial planning.  At the Alliance Insurance Partners in Scottsdale, AZ their highly qualified staff is always available to help answer any questions that you may have. 

When making the decision about whether you need life insurance after you retire there are a few questions that you should ask yourself. 

  • Do you have a mortgage?
  • Have you prepaid your final expenses?
  • Does your spouse or partner have adequate financial resources?

If you still have a mortgage on your home, how will it be paid in the event of your death? If the mortgage would be a burden to your spouse/partner or heirs then life insurance can remove that burden.

If you have any debts or if you have not prepaid your final expenses, would they present a hardship to those you are leaving behind? Then life insurance can help with that.

Without your retirement income would your spouse be able to be financially secure? Life insurance may be able to provide that security. 

When it comes to your life insurance needs, no matter what stage of life you are in, the experienced agents at Alliance Insurance Partners in  Scottsdale, AZ are always happy to talk to you about your life insurance needs. Stop by our office, give us a call or visit our website. We are always there for you. 

Do Freelance Housekeepers Need Commercial Insurance?

Working as a freelance entrepreneur has many advantages, but may also prove to carry some of the disadvantages of a full-scale business endeavor. Freelancers usually require certain equipment and supplies to carry out the services related to their market. This is why it is essential to know the risks and get the insurance coverage you need to protect yourself from being sued. 

Commercial Insurance For Freelance Housekeepers

Most housekeepers have various equipment and products to help them execute their services. If you are a freelance housekeeper and require the use of equipment and cleaning products, you will incur expenses and can be at risk for loss as a result of various hazards. In order to keep you in business, you should have Commercial insurance to cover things such as cleaning supply inventory, cleaning equipment such as steam cleaners and commercial vacuums. If you are unsure if or what type of commercial insurance policy works best for your situation, you should consult a knowledgeable agent and get superior coverage that protects you. 

Get Answers

No doubt, you have questions about what commercial insurance covers and what level of coverage is suitable for your situation. It is easier to get the answer from an established insurance agency like Alliance Insurance Partners serving the residents and freelancers of Scottsdale, AZ. Sit down with one of the agents and get options that work for you and get the coverage that you can count on while you pursue your endeavor. 

Even if you are a freelance housekeeper or any other freelance professional, you should check out how Commercial insurance can benefit you and keep you working even if you suffer a setback from a covered loss. Alliance Insurance Partners are ready to serve the freelancers of Scottsdale, AZ. Call or stop by the office today to speak to us and get started protecting your interests.  

What Commercial Insurance Do You Need for a Home Business?

If you have a home-based business in Scottsdale, AZ, it’s still important to have commercial insurance. The coverage you will need for your home business will depend on your industry or your business. An agent at Alliance Insurance Partners can help you find the right coverage.

Business Property Insurance: If you have the equipment to run your home-based business, such as a computer, printer, furniture, or fax machine, business property insurance can insure against loss or damage to property. Your homeowner’s insurance typically won’t cover your business equipment losses.

Liability Insurance: If you have a client come to your location for business, then you need liability insurance. It will protect your business and you from being liable for damages that are caused by another person or property. Your home insurance policy won’t cover claims made from visitor business. If someone making a business delivery slips and falls, then you will need liability insurance instead of homeowners insurance.

Professional Liability: Just like professionals working outside of their home, professionals working within in their home also need this insurance. If you are a consultant, then professional liability can protect you against failure to deliver claims or potential negligence claims made by clients.

Product Liability Coverage: If your business supplies or makes a product, then you need product liability coverage, which will protect your business from damages or injuries caused by a product you supplied or manufactured.

Commercial Auto Coverage: If you make or pick up deliveries or use a vehicle for business, then your personal auto policy won’t cover accidents when related to these business uses.  

Other Coverage: Depending on your business, you may also need other coverage, such as commercial crime insurance, to protect against losses from fraud or other crimes.

Contact Alliance Insurance Partners, serving Scottsdale, AZ, to get a quote on commercial insurance. 

It’s a New Year – Time to Update Your Auto Insurance

Every year brings new changes to your life and lifestyle. Lifestyle changes may affect the coverage of your auto insurance policy. By reviewing your auto insurance with Alliance Insurance Partners in Scottsdale, AZ, you’ll have a better idea if it’s necessary to update your policy. Here are a few reasons why you may need to update your auto insurance policy.

Personal Changes in Your Life

If you got married or divorced within the last year, you may want to add or subtract a spouse from your auto insurance policy. This can affect insurance coverage and costs. If you got married and your new spouse has a car, you can save money by getting a multi-car policy. If you got divorced, you can save money by taking your former spouse off your policy.

New Job

If you got a new job that requires quite a bit of driving, particularly long distances, you should ensure you have sufficient insurance coverage to protect your assets in the event of an accident. The more you drive, the greater your risk of accidents. You don’t want to be caught short because you forgot to update your policy.

Review your policy carefully to see if you have sufficient coverage for your needs. You may want to add extra coverage such as collision or comprehensive, if you don’t currently have, or increase your liability limits to expand your protection on the road.

Upgrades to Vehicle

If you added new safety features to your vehicle or made major improvements to enhance its function, you may qualify for a discount on your policy, saving you money on auto insurance costs.

To update your auto insurance to maintain adequate protection or lower insurance costs, contact an agent from Alliance Insurance Partners in Scottsdale, AZ today.  

Why Disability Insurance is Necessary for Future Families

Disability insurance is something that many families are investing in because of the coverage provided with these policies. Because society has grown to a two-income necessity in households, families must be prepared in the event that a health issue keeps them out of work for months to years. For residents in the Scottsdale, AZ and surrounding areas, disability insurance is growing in necessity, especially for couples who are recently engaged or newly married. Alliance Insurance Partners has a disability insurance policy for your family today. 

When Your Health is not 100%

Unfortunately, many of us experience health issues that will keep us out of work for a significant amount of time. For any short-term disabilities, expect this policy to maintain salary replacement, eliminating financial hindrance during this already stressful time. Any disabilities such as broken limbs or other issues that keep you out of work for 90 days or longer is covered.

Pregnancy

For families that are planning a growing family, pregnancy and maternity leave is also covered under a disability policy. For many families, they have not previously experienced pregnancy, so they are not aware of any potential risks to them or the baby. Because of the advancement of medicine, doctors can determine pre-existing conditions in babies early on and require bedrest for mothers. This will require a mother a longer leave time than originally planned, and could place a financial burden on a family without disability insurance. 

Contact Us Today!

If you are looking to grow your family in the future, the protection provided by disability insurance is essential. Proudly serving the Scottsdale, AZ and surrounding areas, Alliance Insurance Partners has a disability policy for your family today that will ease your financial burden and provide peace of mind.