Considering Buying a Motorcycle? Be Sure to Take These Safety Measures.

The Arizona weather allows you to enjoy the open road on whatever vehicle you choose most of the year. Seeing the state on a motorcycle is a unique experience, but one must be sure to take all the safety measures they can so you can be free to enjoy exploring for many years to come. Here are a few safety measures you should take before setting off on a new motorcycle from us at Alliance Insurance Partners in Scottsdale, AZ.

Motorcycle Safety Measures 

  • First, make sure that your ride is reliable. When there is nothing between you and the concrete, it is even more important to be able to trust each feature. A slow brake, blinker that doesn’t work, or even a radio you have to mess with too much to get to work right can become a dangerous problem on a bike. So, check your bike and know all its features and imperfections before you are going 60 on a busy highway. 
  • Second, wear your helmet and other safety gear. A helmet will save your life in an accident, and it also protects you from elements. Not wearing a helmet is a risk that literally puts your life in danger. Today’s helmets are made to be lightweight, yet extremely strong and safe when needed. 
  • Finally, make sure you protect others on the road by knowing how to drive and being properly insured. It does not take much to go from wanting a motorcycle to actually owning one and having the correct license and insurance to drive it in the state of Arizona. However, you should do your due diligence and make sure you know what you are doing behind the wheel before you hit the road. This extra practice will keep you and everyone who shares the road safer.

Contact us at Alliance Insurance Partners to insure your new bike or to learn more about Arizona insurance regulations. We serve Scottsdale, AZ and the rest of the state. 

 

Umbrella Insurance Facts You May Not Know

An umbrella insurance policy is designed to offer extra liability coverage that goes beyond the limits set within your current policy. While the agents at Alliances Insurance Partners, serving the Scottsdale, AZ area, can answer all of your questions about umbrella insurance, here are the top facts you may not know about umbrella policies.

Second Layer of Protection Provided

An umbrella insurance policy is designed to provide relief when your current coverage has been maxed out. Umbrella insurance coverage will have very high protection limits to cover you when your home, automobile, or other insurance policy coverage has been exhausted. In Arizona, umbrella insurance policies typically have coverage limits that start at $1,000,000.

Safety Nets for Lawsuits

The judiciary system in the United States has a notorious reputation for awarding large settlements. A lawsuit against you may not only award for punitive damages, but also intangible losses like pain and suffering. A personal umbrella policy can save you from financial ruin by protecting both current and future assets when a judgment is rendered against you.

Surprisingly Affordable

Despite the high coverage provided through umbrella insurance policies, companies offer low competitive rates. With the affordable cost of umbrella insurance, it makes good financial sense to add a policy to supplement your current coverage. For instance, if you are in a car accident that caused injuries and the court awards the injured party $700,000, you will have to find a way to come up with the extra $300,000 if your insurance policy has a maximum coverage amount of $400,000. An umbrella insurance plan will alleviate the major financial burden caused by the lawsuit.

Alliance Insurance Partners serves clients in Scottsdale, AZ and surrounding areas. Contact our office today to discuss umbrella insurance options and how these policies can provide the level of protection you need to safeguard your assets in one of the more than 28 states we serve.

What Does Flood Insurance Really Cover?

The idea of flooding in Scottsdale, AZ may seem strange because of the lack of yearly rainfall, but during the monsoon season, rain can come down and accumulate quickly. This leads to flash flooding and can cause severe problems with floods even in an area that seems very dry the majority of the time. But do you need flood insurance, and what does it cover? By working with Alliance Insurance Partners, you can get the information you need about flood insurance and how much of it you may or may not need in order to have peace of mind and true protection for your desert home.

Flood insurance generally covers flooding from a natural disaster or manmade event, and can also handle the types of flooding that can come from damaged pipes and unexpected issues that would not be covered under standard homeowners’ policies. When you have questions about flood insurance, your agent is the one to talk to. They can give you all the information you need about flood insurance so you can get the right policy for your needs. Depending on where you live and the chances of flooding in that particular location, you may see a difference in premiums or recommended coverage levels.

It is essential not just to pick something when choosing a flood insurance policy. You need to get the right coverage for you, and that can mean talking to a knowledgeable professional. Reach out to us today at Alliance Insurance Partners and protect your Scottsdale, AZ area property. Then you can have not only protection from floods but the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the best policy for your location and needs. Getting a good policy matters, and you want to make the effort to do that so you do not have to worry about flooding later.

Is Renter’s Insurance the Same as Condo Insurance?

Condo insurance is one of the specialties at Alliance Insurance Partners, and a large number of high-quality condos in Scottsdale, AZ, and the surrounding area need protective policies. But how does condo insurance differ from renters insurance? This topic is important to understand if you plan on buying or renting a condo in the near future.

Condo Insurance Is Usually Dwelling Insurance

Renters insurance is a policy type that goes into effect for those who are renting a home. For example, apartment dwellers or those who are renting a house – or a condo – often use renters insurance to protect their belongings and the building. However, condo insurance is a little different.

In most cases, people who have a condo own it. They may only own a timeshare in the condo – or own it outright if it is their primary place of residence – but it is theirs and does not belong to anyone else. As a result, renter’s insurance is not at all the same thing as condo insurance in this instance.

Renters Insurance Would Be Pointless

While you could technically buy a renters insurance policy for a condo you owned, you’d be paying for extra coverage that wouldn’t help you much. That’s because your condo coverage already provides the insurance that you need to protect your home from a severe loss.

What is interesting about condo insurance is that most policies don’t cover the structure itself but only your belongings. The condo association would be required to rebuild the condo for you or to do repairs if it was affected by structural issues. This structure makes it similar to renters insurance.

So if you have any confusion about condo insurance and need help finding the right policy, please don’t hesitate to contact Alliance Insurance Partners. We can help those in Scottsdale, AZ get the policies they need to protect their home for years to come.

How Much Life Insurance is Enough?

Life insurance is a type of insurance that a lot of people do not like to think about because of what it represents. However, it is essential to make sure you have enough of it in place if something were to happen to you. Once people decide that they want to purchase life insurance, the next step is figuring out exactly how much is needed. You do not want to mess up this calculation. Use this guide from Alliance Insurance Partners, serving Scottsdale, AZ, to make sure you get the right amount of coverage.

  • Do you have people who rely on your income? If so, you likely want to make sure that they are set up even after you are gone, at least until they can figure something else out for income.
  • Do you have debt? This is something that will most likely need to be paid for after death. So if you do, make sure you have enough to cover your debts so your family does not have to be burdened with repaying them on your behalf.
  • Do you have money for a funeral? Funerals can be costly and you do not want to make your family have to deal with this burden on top of the loss of a loved one. Once you know your plans, make sure you have enough either saved up or in a life insurance policy to pay for it.

Now that you have a better idea of how much life insurance you should have in place, it is time to make sure you get it. Be sure to contact us today here at Alliance Insurance Partners, serving Scottsdale, AZ. We can get you a free quote for life insurance and will even make sure you get the right amount for your needs. 

Should You Purchase Commercial Insurance Before Your Business Opens?

Owning a business is a huge responsibility, which is why you need to have the right type of insurance coverage to protect your investment and assets. Without the right type of coverage, you may have gaps in coverage that could mean substantial losses. Take the time to understand the type of protection you need before you make a decision.

Business Insurance Needs

Each business is different and not all commercial insurance is alike. When you begin shopping for insurance, you want to have your business information, such as its total value and value of inventory, available so you can work with an agent to determine the right amount of insurance. Keep in mind that you may need a rider or additional coverage for possible losses and items not covered by a traditional policy. 

Working With An Agent

One of the most important parts of selecting good insurance is selecting an insurance agent that can work with you one on one to help you get the right products. Your agent should be willing to go over the policy in detail and recommend actions that help protect you from gaps in insurance. Alliance Insurance Partners is excited to provide excellent insurance products to business owners in and around the Scottsdale, AZ area. You can depend on them to work closely with you to achieve the most comprehensive results. 

If you are a business owner and need to find quality insurance coverage to protect your investment, you should call or stop by Alliance Insurance Partners. We proudly serve the businesses located in an around the Scottsdale, AZ area. Get the right coverage for your business without gaps and unnecessary risk. 

6 Questions to Ask About Your Home Insurance

Getting a home insured in the Scottsdale, AZ area doesn’t have to be difficult. When you work with a trusted company like Alliance Insurance Partners, you can get the guidance and support you need to make sure your insurance requirements are being met. But it’s important to make sure you’re also an informed consumer. That way you can make educated decisions about the insurance policy and coverage limits you really need. Here are six questions you should be asking about your home insurance, so you can make the right decision. Your agent can help you answer these, along with giving you additional peace of mind.

  1. Do you have the level of coverage you need?
  2. What happens if the home’s value changes significantly?
  3. Should you keep your insurance if your mortgage is paid off?
  4. How often should you review and/or update your insurance policy?
  5. Are there supplemental coverage policies that are needed for a home in your area?
  6. Would a different company offer a better policy for your needs?

If you’re ready to get home insurance, or want to make a change to the coverage you already have on your Scottsdale, AZ area home, reach out to us at Alliance Insurance Partners today. We’re here and ready to help you get the policy you want, so you know your home is protected. By working with our knowledgeable agents, you can have all your questions answered so your home will be fully protected the right way.

Peace of mind is a great feeling, and it’s one that we’re happy to help you achieve with our insurance products. Don’t worry if you do not live in Arizona. We also serve New Mexico, California, Texas, Tennessee, Washington, Alabama, Indiana, Ohio, Colorado, Georgia, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Nevada, Idaho, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Kansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Utah, Arkansas, Iowa, and South Dakota. Reach out to our offices for a quote and more information.

How Does Your Teen Driver Affect Auto Insurance?

Your Scottsdale, AZ teen needs to be insured and, unfortunately, having a teen driver is likely to raise your rates. The reasons why teen drivers are more expensive to insure is because new drivers are dangerous on the roads. As a group, teen drivers have more tickets and accidents than the average driver.

While a teen driver can have his or her own policy, it’s often cheaper to add them to an existing policy. The premiums are often based on the driving record of the policyholder. A teen driver won’t have a good driving record established, so adding the teen to an existing policy will help with that.

The type of car your teen will drive will also affect auto insurance levels. Premiums are based on the type of car as well. You are better off having your teen drive a car that costs less to insure, such as a four-door sedan or a crossover SUV, instead of a car with a much bigger and faster engine. You also want to keep in mind the various safety features that can benefit your insurance. There may be other discounts available, such as a good student discount for those that have a “B” average or better. Contact your agent and discuss these issues to find out more.

If your teen is not living with you and away for school, talk to an agent about a different rate if they aren’t going to be driving the car on a regular basis and just driving during breaks.

With a teen driver, you may want to consider an umbrella policy in order to have more coverage if your teen gets into an auto accident and you get sued. An agent at Alliance Insurance Partners can help you decide the right amount of coverage for your needs.

Contact Alliance Insurance Partners, serving Scottsdale, AZ, to get a quote on auto insurance for your teen driver.

How to Tell if a Long Term Care Policy Is the Solution You Need

Long-term health care is a difficult subject. Many of us would prefer not to think about it until we have to, but that is a surefire way to make things more expensive and difficult than necessary. If you take a few minutes out of your day, you can learn a few tricks that can help you tackle the challenges of long-term care in Scottsdale, AZ. Alliance Insurance Partners is always ready to help, and that starts with this quick guide.

You’re Still Healthy

Premiums for long-term care insurance tend to rise if and when you have been diagnosed with chronic issues. In many ways, it mirrors health insurance. With that in mind, the best way to save money, in the long run, is usually to start investing early. Obviously, coverages and needs can vary widely, but on average, the best time to start paying into a long-term care plan is somewhere in your 50s.

You Don’t Need 24/7 Coverage

Trying to stay in home when you need constant professional care is pricey. There’s no way around it. While these policies can mitigate some of the costs, they won’t make 24/7 care cheap. Long-term policies are usually at their best when they are less comprehensive. Many affordable plans can provide daily visits from a healthcare professional, but they won’t be there around the clock. For many conditions, one to two hours of care a day is enough. This is the vein where these long-term policies thrive.

You Consulted an Expert

Long-term care health plans are tricky at best. Usually, the optimal path for care and affordability will incorporate several different methods of providing. The combination approach to care will likely have an insurance policy handle only some components of the larger strategy. Your best bet is to consult an expert and get help exploring your options. For Scottsdale, AZ, residents, Alliance Insurance Partners is always willing to lend expertise and experience when you need it. 

Can You Purchase Disability Insurance If You Have A Preexisting Condition?

There have been significant changes in health care or medical insurance as related to pre-existing conditions. The agents of Alliance Insurance Partners in Scottsdale, AZ, will provide you with the latest information and guide you through the process of obtaining medical insurance.

The insurance company has complete control over the coverage, and if the person wanted a better health care policy, then they could merely seek another offer from another company. However, with the election of President Obama, the Affordable Care Act was passed creating a public/private health insurance system. One of the most popular provisions of Obamacare was a pre-existing condition clause that favored the consumer.   

Historically, an insurance company can deny health care insurance to a person who had a pre-existing medical condition unless that was a significant increase in premium which would be considered a surcharge. Insurance companies varied in their surcharges for the same pre-existing condition. If the company decided that you had a pre-existing condition, your policy would be limited by a medical exclusion rider. However, there is or maybe was a short-term disability policy that does not exclude pre-existing conditions which are referred to as a "Guaranteed Issue" disability insurance.

With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, Insurance company’s were not permitted to exclude pre-existing conditions from their health insurance policies. The 2016 election of Donald Trump has brought on significant uncertainty as to whether President Trump’s health care policy dramatically limited Insurance companies from excluding pre-existing condition. President Trump has stated that Obamacare’s pre-existing policy has not been changed.

Alliance Insurance Partners in Scottsdale, AZ is ready to provide you with a reliable healthcare insurance policy. Please call for a consultation.