Arizona Insurance News

Do I Need Full Coverage On My Auto insurance Policy?

Mike Terrigino — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 22:14:00 GMT

Full coverage has different meanings to different people. When most people refer to full coverage, they’re referring to a mix of insurance coverages to protect their vehicle. That being said, there is no such thing as “full coverage” just a combination of coverage options that will protect their vehicle as well as others on the road. Let’ look at this closer.

Some coverages such as Bodily Injury and Property Damage (also known as liability insurance) are required by law. You can choose just how much liability insurance to carry, but at a minimum, this is required by your state law in order to drive your vehicle.

Other coverages such as Collision, Comprehensive, Personal Injury (PIP), MedPay, Roadside Assistance, Rental Reimbursement, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) are optional coverages in most states. Some states do have laws that also require UM/UIM and PIP/MedPay be purchased.

So, the choice really becomes, “How much insurance do you want?” Deciding on how much insurance you want or need is a combination of factors that only you can decide. A licensed insurance agent can help you decide on what options may be best for your situation, your budget and your needs, but ultimately, the choice is yours to decide.

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Driver License Expiration Dates

Susan McAnally — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 21:55:00 GMT

Arizona is giving drivers an extra year to renew their licenses to minimize in-person visits to Arizona Motor Vehicle Division offices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are working hard to ensure Arizona’s most vulnerable are kept safe during the pandemic,” Ducey said. “The standard Arizona driver license expires when an individual turns 65, and renewing a driver license currently requires an in-office visit. Many older adults have been making safe choices and limiting trips outside their home — and today’s order supports those responsible decisions.”

Standard driver licenses with an expiration date between March 1, 2020, and Feb. 28, 2021, have been delayed one year from their original expiration date in an executive order Gov. Doug Ducey signed Wednesday

Most renewals can be done online. Any driver may see their updated driver license expiration date at AZMVDNow.gov. Drivers have the option to order a duplicate license with the updated expiration date.

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Farmers Ridesharing Insurance Short Changes the Ridesharing Drivers

Kirk Donithan — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 22:07:00 GMT

Now that the State of Arizona Has mandated (effective March 1^st, 2016) that all Rideshare Drivers carry the proper Rideshare Rider on your insurance policy, we have the right policy to protect you in every phase of driving. The Farmers Insurance policy only offers limited coverage in stages 2 and 3.

Here at TD Insurance our Ridesharing Insurance Policy covers all 3. No exclusions or Rejections like the Farmers policy.

When you call for a quote, ask the Farmers Agent if their policy covers damages in Phase 2 and 3. It does not. Only the policy we offer covers all 3 phases in-full.

Call us at 602-254-3208 for the right policy at a great price.

Read the full article at www.tdinsuranceaz.com

Rideshare Drivers in Arizona

Kirk Donithan — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 21:53:00 GMT

Rideshare Drivers in Arizona are those that are driving for Uber, Lyft, Veyo and others. We currently have the best combination of Rideshare Insurance Coverage and price in Arizona.

The new Ridesharing Insurance Law, in Arizona, goes into effect March 1^st, 2016. TD Insurance has been at the forefront in bringing our Ridesharing Insurance Product to protect Rideshare Drivers in Arizona.

When purchasing Ridesharing Insurance from our agency, you not only receive proper coverage but also a TNC (Transportation Network Car) Certificate. Our agency is the only one giving this to Ridesharing Drivers in Arizona. When ridesharing it is critical that you have this TNC Certificate in your vehicle. Law Enforcement will be fining Ridesharing Drivers if they do not have this TNC Certificate in their possession. Call us at 602-254-3208 or e-mail a request to kirk@tdinsuranceaz.com or mike@tdinsuranceaz.com for a fast free quote.

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Ridesharing Insurance Deadline Approaching

Kirk Donithan — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 21:37:00 GMT

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Attention Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers

Kirk Donithan — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 20:45:45 GMT

Attention Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers. Effective March 1^st Arizona Law Enforcement will start to ticket rideshare drivers who do not have the correct car insurance policy that authorizes coverage for rideshare drivers. TD Insurance is the primary agency in Arizona that offers the correct rideshare insurance at great prices. Call now for a free quote at 602-254-3208 or e-mail us at kirk@tdinsuranceaz.com

Read the full article at www.tdinsuranceaz.com

Uber, Lyft Drivers - Don't Get Fined! - Get the Right Insurance

Kirk — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 23:28:00 GMT

As the ride-sharing phenomenon has swept the United States and Arizona, the proper insurance coverage for the ride-sharing drivers has been one of complete confusion. As a long-time insurance agent in Arizona, I will lay out what a ride-sharing driver needs to meet the new laws and insure proper insurance coverage. Not only to meet what is required by the ride-sharing companies (Uber, Lyft etc.) but also what is mandated by the State of Arizona for ride-sharing drivers.

On April 19^th, 2015 Governor Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2135, which overhauled the laws concerning the ride-sharing industry. The law states the parameters that an Arizona ride-share driver must meet in regards to insurance coverage. They must meet certain minimum limits during the 3 phases of rideshare driving. The ride-sharing endorsement will start to be a requirement as of March 1^st, 2016. We are one of the very few Insurance Companies that offer this endorsement.

This ride-sharing endorsement will be critical for ride-sharing drivers for many reasons. If you are pulled over by law enforcement and cannot produce proof of having the ride-sharing endorsement you are subject to a large fine. Also, if you have an At-Fault-Accident without the ride-sharing endorsement then your current auto insurance will be able to deny any and all claims regarding the incident. Therefore, to avoid these negative consequences, all ride-share drivers must buy an insurance policy with the ride-sharing endorsement ASAP!

Our independent insurance agency, TD Insurance, has been in business for 26 years. We have always been in the forefront when new insurance products come into the marketplace. We have worked with Insurance Companies to develop the proper ride-sharing insurance coverage to meet the requirements of the state of Arizona and protect you, our client. TD Insurance will start offering the endorsement on December 18^th, 2015. Call us at 602-254-3208 or email us at mike@tdinsuranceaz.com today to get prepared to start your policy.

Read the full article at www.tdinsuranceaz.com

In the Cool of the Night - The Joys and Challenges of Night Riding

Susan McAnally — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 20:19:41 GMT

Some riders prefer to have their motorcycle parked before the sun sets. Others are night owls, happily riding into the wee hours of the night. Really, this is a matter of preference. Are you an early bird who greets the sunrise? Or does your energy peak sometime after sunset?

If you are the latter, than you know what a special treat it can be to ride in the cool of the summer night. The sweltering heat and humidity are transformed into cool refreshingly moist air; it can almost feel as refreshing as swimming on a hot August day. Early birds experience something similar riding in the early morning, but it is not exactly the same. While both are cooler than the full heat of the day, riding into the dark is also riding into the increasing cold, especially on a clear, cloudless night.

Whatever your preference, as autumn advances and the days grow shorter, it is likely you will spend more time riding in the cool of the night. If you commute by motorcycle, night riding is even more likely after daylight savings time ends, when the sun will set an hour earlier. The challenging part of riding into the evening during the autumn is being prepared for the increasing cold. In some parts of the country autumn days can feel downright warm, yet the temperature can drop as much as 30 degrees in the night. Equipping your bike with extra warm riding gear is a wise idea. Even if winter is still weeks away, you can experience hypothermia. Another thing to keep in mind is that the autumn season is also mating season for ruminant animals such as deer, elk and moose. After sunset from twilight into dusk expect increased occurrences of animals crossing the road.

Be prepared for the changing weather. Stay alert for the furry road hazards and don't forget wet leaves. You can safely extend your rides into the cool of the night.

Till next time, ride safe!

Read the full article at www.tdinsuranceaz.com

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage for Motorcycles

Susan McAnally — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 20:01:00 GMT

Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Motorcycles

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

80% of collisions involving a motorcycle result in injury or death to the rider.
A motorcycle rider is 35 times more likely to suffer serious injury or death from an accident than occupants in a passenger car.

The NHTSA also states that the motorcyclist is rarely at fault when involved in an accident. If you are in a motorcycle accident and the other party has no or insufficient liability insurance, you can face significant costs for an accident you didn’t cause.

Because of statistics like these, it is crucial that motorcyclists carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

For motorcycle riders, UM/UIM coverage helps pay for your losses when:

You're involved in a motorcycle accident with another vehicle and the other driver is at fault.
AND
The other driver either doesn't have insurance or has inadequate coverage (i.e. it won’t cover your costs).

Specifically, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage kicks in to pay for the costs associated with your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all.

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage covers the gap between what the at-fault driver’s policy pays and your medical expenses when that driver has insufficient insurance.

UM/UIM coverage is optional in most states. In some states, insurance companies are required to offer the coverage; however, you can waive it if you choose.

UM/UIM Limits

Limits for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are typically written to reflect the limit for bodily injury per person and per accident.

Example:

If your motorcycle UM/UIM insurance limits are $20,000/$40,000, you’d be covered at $20,000 for bodily or death per person in an accident and at $40,000 per accident (if multiple people are injured in an accident).

The Benefits of UM/UIM Coverage

Car insurance is a legal requirement in most states. So why should motorcycle riders purchase extra uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?

According to a study by The Insurance Research Council, approximately 1 driver out of every 7 drivers does not have a current insurance policy.

In addition, The Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) states that more than 20% of insured drivers purchase only the minimum coverage required by state law.

Because the number of uninsured and underinsured drivers is so high, it can pay off to be prepared for the worst. The cost of this coverage compared to the costs of injuries sustained in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver will be minimal.

Health Insurance vs. UM/UIM Coverage

Consider the following when determining whether to rely on your health insurance to pay medical expenses arising from a motorcycle accident:

Your deductibles will likely be higher than those for UM/UIM coverage.
Healthcare insurance won't compensate you for lost wages, pain and suffering, or punitive damages, which are typically covered by uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Getting the Best Motorcycle Coverage

UM/UIM motorcycle insurance can protect you and your family against a potential financial disaster. It can also mean the protection of valuable assets, such as your home.

When you are shopping around for the right uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for your motorcycle, consider what coverage you’ll really need and the appropriate limits. Once you’ve done so, speak to several motorcycle insurance providers to find the best rates.

Read the full article at www.tdinsuranceaz.com

Helping Seniors Have a Wonderful Winter

Fri, 06 Feb 2015 20:08:00 GMT

Slippery sidewalks. Freezing temperatures. Power outages. Winter isn't always a wonderland. If you regularly lend a hand to a senior friend or family member here in Arizona, it may be a good time of the year to provide some extra support. Read on to learn some ways you may be able to help.

Preventing Falls

Falls are a serious concern for everyone when conditions are slick, but especially for seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults over the age of 65 falls once a year, and 20-30 percent of those falls result in decreased mobility.

That means keeping walkways—both inside and out—as clear as possible. Indoors, keep clutter and electrical cords tucked away, and provide loved ones with non-slip socks, slippers and mats.

Outdoors, keep sidewalks and driveways shoveled and de-iced. If you aren't able to do it yourself, hire someone, and check to be sure it's done in a timely manner.

If you're still worried about falls, consider having loved ones wear an electronic emergency call device.

Staying Safe at Home

Drops in body temperature or being overly hungry or thirsty can impose risk.

You can help by regularly monitoring the heat settings in seniors' homes to ensure they are warm and comfortable. Keep all furniture, decorations, blankets, newspapers and other items away from heat vents, radiators and other heat sources. And, remember that improper use of a space heater can be dangerous. Also test that fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, have fresh batteries, and are loud enough to hear.

When it comes to the pantry, make sure it's stocked with food and water that's within easy reach. Keep an eye on these supplies to ensure meals aren't being skipped.

In case of emergencies, also make sure non-perishable food, water, extra medications, blankets, flashlights and batteries are on hand.

Riding Out the Storm

If a storm is coming and a loved one is either physically disabled or has an impaired memory, stay overnight or arrange for someone else to do so. When it's not possible to be there physically, check in often by phone.

Staying inside during and after a winter storm is the ideal scenario for seniors, who—like most of us—shouldn't drive when it's snowy and icy. If they do require transportation, arrange it for them.

If the power goes out, be sure loved ones have a safe way to stay warm or a safe place to go.

Above all, keep in mind that the type of support your loved ones need this winter may be different from the past winter. If their health, memory, mobility or eyesight has changed dramatically in recent months, you'll want to be there for them more often. And, if they spend a lot of time alone or are less active than usual, watch for signs of seasonal affective disorder.

Remember, you know your loved ones and what they need best, so be sure to cater to their individual needs, as well as their overall health and well-being. They'll be thankful you're there for them this winter.

Contact Us!

At TD Insurance, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable.

Call us at 602-254-3208 or send us a note at kirk [at] tdinsuranceaz [dot] com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

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