Author: James Hansen

Recommended Attorneys in Arizona

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At times we have found situations where it is important for our clients to sit down with an attorney. For the last decade, we have had the chance to interview and work with dozens of lawyers here in Arizona. We have put together a list of Arizona Attorneys that we have worked with and would recommend you taking the time to sit down and interview them yourself to see if they are a fit for your legal situation. These law firms practice law in the following areas;

  • Divorce
  • DUI
  • Estate Planning
  • Family Law Related Issues (Child Support, Child Custody, Spousal Maintenance and Adoption)
  • Criminal Defense
  • Wills and Trusts
  • Misdemeanor Charges

Here is a list of websites that you can use to do further research prior to reaching out to them. All these lawyers offer a free consultation.

Links to Learn More:

Jensen Family Law

Canyon State Law

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/canyon-state-law.html

https://www.naaip.org/attorney

https://vimeo.com/arizonalawyer/about

https://vimeo.com/arizonalawyer/

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/canyon-state-law-az.html

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/canyon-state-law-surprise-az.html

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/tiffany-fina-law-firm.html

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/tiffany-fina-law-firm-az.html

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/tiffany-fina-law-firm-scottsdale-az.html

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/hogle-injury-law.html

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/hogle-injury-law-az.html

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/hogle-injury-law-peoria-az.html

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/law-offices-of-kevin-jensen.html

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/jensen-family-law-mesa.html

https://www.lawyer.com/firm/jensen-family-law-mesa-az.html

We hope this helps those of you in Arizona that are facing issues and are in need of good legal counsel.

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Why Get Renters Insurance in Arizona?

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Renters Insurance ArizonaFar too many people in Arizona who rent apartments believe that their landlord’s insurance will cover the cost of replacing their belongings in the event of loss or theft. In most cases, the landlord will only get reimbursed for the cost of the structure, not any tenant belongings. That’s why people renting a home, condo, or apartment are strongly encouraged to get renters insurance.

Renters insurance is a low-cost insurance policy that covers almost all personal effects inside a building, and often liability in case a visitor gets injured. However, not everyone can get renters insurance. Some companies often reject applicants in group housing situations or in the event of double coverage as in the case of a renter’s parents already having insurance on the belongings. College students may find it hard to obtain insurance for off-campus housing and those in dorms are often rejected out of hand because of the increased risk of horseplay and theft.

Young married couples and people with few valuable items are the best candidates for renters insurance. If someone has something worth over $5,000 USD, insurers recommend buying additional coverage, called a rider, that will cover the more expensive items. One note of interest, personal vehicles are usually not covered.

Read the section about your payout policy carefully. You will be offered either actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost. An ACV will have a lower monthly premium, but will only pay the original price of the item lost, damaged, or stolen. For example, if you buy a refrigerator for $1,000 and ten years later it is lost in a fire, the insurance company will only give you $1,000. With a replacement cost payout, you will receive whatever it costs to buy a new refrigerator. Choose your coverage carefully.

Contact your insurance agent for help understanding what is and what isn’t covered in your renters insurance policy.

What Does Your Car Say About You?

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It’s not just a machine. Well, it is, but sometimes we get so attached to our cars that we forget they’re just machines. For many of us, they’re part of the family. (Which is why it’s so important to get the right auto insurance.)

Today, I was driving through town, thinking about my car and my car insurance renewal. (I have a great rate, by the way.) And it suddenly struck me…what does my car say about me? And how does that translate into my car insurance rate? I have a race car blue, 2007 Toyota Matrix whom I have named Bluebell.

Now, knowing myself the way I do, I would say my car identifies me as being slightly outlandish (the color), practical (it gets great mileage), simple (no upgrades to the car), and old-fashioned (other than the color there is nothing flashy). And, as I said, I get great rates on my car insurance.

So what if you drove a sports car? What would that say about you? Here’s my guess: you like excitement. You’re a little bit of a show-off. You move at a fast pace. And you’re always on the go. That being the case, you are much more likely to pay higher insurance premiums.

Okay, what about an SUV? Well, this one can go one of two ways. First, it could be a family car. Not wanting a van, the driver opted for something a little more stylish that could still accommodate lots of people. For that driver, I would say: busy, family-oriented, and very involved. Translation: you’re going to show up somewhere in the middle ground of insurance. You’re not a risk-taker but children can cause distractions.

For the other SUV driver, you like adventure. You chose a big car to accommodate you when camping, off-roading or taking those more treacherous trails. But, as there is no way to differentiate you from the family man, you’re going to end up in the insurance middle road as well.

Finally, for those of you driving older, used cars (no matter what make and model), our analysis of you is that you’re practical, responsible, and easy-going. Slightly older cars usually get better insurance rates as they don’t cost as much to replace if your car should get totaled.

So, do we have it right? Is your car saying what I think it is? If not, use the comment space below and tell us about your car and whether or not it adequately represents you. And, when you are looking for car insurance, be sure to contact Arizona National Insurance.

Uncovering PWC Coverage

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According to data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association, 75 million people in the U.S. participate in recreational boating. With 3.5 million of those boaters coming into Lake Havasu alone a year, Arizona’s plethora of man-made lakes are an epicenter for this leisure activity. Like any other investment, it is important to secure personal watercrafts from the threat of collision, theft, and bodily injury. Securing recreational vehicles is not as pervasive as auto and home insurance, and because of this, personal watercraft coverage is a foggy concept for some. To make searching for boat insurance less like sailing blindly into unchartered waters, understanding the tides of PWC coverage will make navigating this necessary process a little easier.

What Does Your PWC Coverage Actually Cover?

To get a framework of how PWC coverage works, think of it as a hybrid of auto and home insurance policies. Similar to auto insurance, PWC coverage includes damages your boat may inflict on docks or any other land item it may come into forceful contact with, personal injury of anyone inside or outside of the craft, and any physical damage that may harm the vessel itself. Like home insurance, PWC insurers give you the choice between replacement cost or cash value in the event of total loss. A unique element of PWC coverage that is independent of other essential insurances is the ability to lay-up; the winter months are undoubtedly less filled with trips to the lake as July and August, and fortunately, during such times of minimal to no use, coverage is subject to suspension.

Agreed Value vs. Actual Cash Value (ACV)

When buying a car, the value of your vehicle begins depreciating from the moment it’s obtained. The same goes for your boat, unless you make an agreement with your insurer on the value of the craft upfront. This agreed value will ensure a fixed fiscal compensation in lieu of an incident, in spite of depreciation. However, there are upsides to choosing an actual cash value (ACV) policy, where a vessel is insured based on current market value. Most insurers will offer a steeply discounted rate for ACV agreements.

Where is Your Boat Covered?

Outside of the water, your boat does neither you nor your insurer any good, begging the question: will your vessel receive any coverage when on land? The answer is maybe, but not from your PWC coverage. Depending on the type of auto insurance you have, your watercraft may be insured while out of the water. In the case of attachment via trailer, your vehicle policy reigns supreme. This does not necessarily mean your boat will be covered in this regard, but to ensure that it is, an umbrella policy included in your auto insurance may secure your boat’s haul from the garage to the lake.

Lessen the Bloat of Boat Insurance

With a deeper understanding of the basics of boat insurance, it is easier to find ways to save. Here are a few steps you can take to deflate the rates of your coverage:

1. Get Your Arizona Boater Education Certificate. Certain providers offer discounts when boat safety classes are fulfilled.

2. Extend Your Lay-Up Period. Be realistic about how often you will use your boat for specific periods of time, and save money during your busiest months.

3. Invest in Boat Safety Features. Your rates may be underwritten if your boat is secured with enough safety features. In addition, preventative measures can inhibit incidents and keep your rates from spiking after an accident.

Flood Insurance

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Most home owners do not realize flood losses are not covered by your home policy. It is a common misconception that home insurance covers damages that arise from a flood (flowing water).

Why might you need flood insurance? Every year floods damage homes and property. Most of the damage happens within the flood zones. However, just because you are not in a flood zone does that mean that you are safe and will never need flood insurance. Is your home is in an Arizona flood zone?

National Flood Insurance

Congress established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1968 as a way to provide protection to consumers. While we will issue your flood insurance policy for you, all flood policies are written through the NFIP.
The following statistics are provided by F.E.M.A.:

Your home has a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a 9% chance of fire. About 25% of all flood claims are for policies in low-to-moderate-risk communities. Since 1978, over $31 billion for flood insurance claims and related costs have been paid.

Over 5 million people currently hold flood insurance policies in more than 20,000 communities across the U.S.

A “flood” as described by the NFIP is simply the collection of excess water on land that is normally dry.

Who Needs Flood Insurance

You don’t have to live near a river or ocean to be at risk for a flood. In Arizona, most types of floods occurs from a flash flood, which can strike anywhere at any time when a large volume of rain falls within a short time. Even a couple inches of rain can cause your home to suffer flood damage.

A standard flood policy will cover structural damage, furnace, water heater and air conditioner, flood debris clean up, and floor surfaces. You can also buy added coverage for furniture and other personal property.

If you live in an area considered a high-risk area and you have a mortgage that is secured by the federal government, federal law requires you to purchase flood insurance. Typically, your mortgage company will inform you during the closing process or your real estate agent during the purchase process if your home is in a flood zone.

Flood Insurance Coverage

A homeowner can get coverage on their flood insurance for up to $250,000 and contents for $100,000. A renter can cover their belongings for up to $100,000. Give your insurance agent a call to get started on your Arizona flood insurance quote.

Protect Yourself Fully with the Right Auto Insurance Coverage

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The law in Arizona requires every automobile on the road to have auto insurance. Regardless, many drivers do not give their policy much thought, opting to carry the minimum coverage that the law allows. That is why it is essential for you to have sufficient coverage to protect yourself from drivers who may be under or uninsured.

The Risks Cannot be Ignored

You may be a conscientious and safe driver, but there are many drivers that are not. They are distracted, impaired, or not paying attention. An accident can happen to anyone, no matter how careful they are. The good news is that due to increased safety measures, traffic accidents in Arizona have decreased measurably in recent years. According to the Arizona Memory Project, there were 103,176 motor vehicle crashes in 2012, down from 120,557 crashes in 2008. This is a good trend, but there are still 282.7 crashes reported in Arizona every day (data provided by car accident attorney in Mesa AZ).

The Problem with Inadequate Auto Insurance Policies

Auto insurance can cover much more than just your car and other cars that may be involved in an accident. A high-quality policy also covers personal assets and property. Many seem to think that being involved in an accident is a chance to get rich. They will file frivolous lawsuits and outrageous insurance claims for personal injuries and property damages.

This can result in a judgment costing hundreds of thousands of dollars more than the coverage of the basic policy, leaving the guilty party to pay for the remainder. If this happens to you, the courts can force the sale of your home and other assets, as well as garnish your wages until the amount is paid in full.

Why You Need a Good Insurance Policy

You may have an antique or another high-value car, as well as your personal property inside the car. If you are involved in an accident with someone, and it is entirely their fault, their insurance company must pay up to the maximum amount of the policy.

The minimum auto insurance coverage required by the state of Arizona is $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 per accident for property damage. Since many people only carry the minimum required coverage, if your damages exceed this amount you will need to file a lawsuit to receive compensation. This will take considerable time and effort on your part, and you may still never receive any money.

You Can be Fully Protected

With the help of a reputable insurance agent and a premier insurance provider, you can be assured of coverage that is adequate to protect yourself, your family, and your assets in the event of an accident. High-quality auto insurance gives you peace of mind so you can own and drive a great car without having to worry.

To protect yourself against a potentially catastrophic financial loss in the event of an auto accident, you need to talk to the reputable and respected insurance agent, David Hansen. David has been serving the insurance needs of Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Goodyear, and Mesa, Arizona. David works with each client to help determine the right policy and coverage for meeting their needs.

Knowing what coverages are right for you is critical. Sitting down with your insurance agent and going through the appropriate coverages for your specific situation is key.

Wildfires Burning, but Arizona Home Insurance Buyers Urged to Get Flood Insurance?

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Arizona Flood Insurance due to wild firesWildfires continue to rage all over Arizona, and news agencies ABC15, CBS5 and AzFamily report progress as each is managed and eventually extinguished. When the wildfires are gone, so is the Earth’s natural protection. The loss of underbrush and rooted plants can cause many problems. You would think that the primary concern for homeowners in regions prone to wildfires would be to carry homeowners coverage to protect their buildings and personal property.

So why are residents being encouraged to purchase flood insurance in the midst of so many wildfires? Consider these facts:

  • Wildfires destroy vegetation such as underbrush and trees.
  • The loss of this vegetation through intense fire leaves only charred ground.
  • Ground that is burned no longer has the ability to easily absorb water.
  • The increased run-off of rainwater can cause mudflow or flooding.
  • The areas at greatest risk are downstream or downhill from burned areas..
  • The risks are more substantial during spring thaws, heavy rains, or winter storms.

What are the risks? Loss of property ranks highest with a flood. According to recent reports:

From 2002 to 2011, total flood insurance claims averaged more than $2.9 billion per year. In high-risk areas, there is at least a 1 in 4 chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. However, losses due to flooding are not covered under typical homeowners and business insurance policies.

How can homeowners protect themselves?

The unfortunate answer is that there are very few ways to reduce your risks of damage from floods or mudflows. The debris and silt that accompany these conditions also increase the level of damage. Until the vegetation returns to a healthy level in the areas affected by the wildfires (uphill or upstream from these burned areas), the ground is simply unable to absorb or reduce the flow of rainwater and snow melts. These simple steps can improve your conditions should you find yourself faced with potential flooding:

  • Avoid loss of life or injuries, evacuate. Planning ahead for a safe location to move out of harm’s way ensures that there is no loss of life.
  • Important papers and valuables should be kept in a waterproof safe, or in a waterproof place such as a safe deposit box.
  • Take an inventory of your assets. Photos and descriptions will help you estimate your losses if you are affected by a flood.

The real solution? Flood insurance. When homeowners examine their current policies they find that they must purchase separate coverage for flood-related incidents. Ultimately, the best solution is protection through a flood insurance policy. As homeowners insurance specialists, we understand the needs of our region- this is our home, too. Our goal is to help you assess what coverages you need, whether you have the right coverage in place, and to fill any gaps that exist in your homeowners policies. We know that expenses after a flood can cause high out-of-pocket expenditures, and we want to help you reduce your risk of loss. Whether you live in a high flood zone or one that is less at risk (incidentally, more than 20% of claims come from low to moderate risk areas), there are solutions.

Insurance Agents Offer Tips for Getting the Most Value from Your Homeowners Insurance

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Insuring your home is one of the greatest fixed expenses you will have. Your insurance agents want to help you see that this is money well spent whether you file any claims or not. The following steps should prove useful for getting your money’s worth from your home insurance:

Maintain a Good Credit Record

Customers who pay their bills on time and don’t take out more in loans than they can afford to pay back are generally seen as lower insurance risks. Responsibility pays off in discounts.

Buy Your Home and Auto insurance from the Same Company

Insurers that offer different types of coverage will often give a 10% to 15% discount for buying multiple policies. Likewise, staying with the same insurer can garner a discount for customer loyalty.

Upgrade Home Features

Many home improvements, such as adding a security system or a sprinkler system, will result in discounts on insurance premiums. Your insurance agent will be able to tell you exactly which features provide a discount and how much of a discount in your area.

Review Your Riders

At least once a year, take a look at the extra insurance you have for valuables such as jewelry, art, or antiques. Do you still have these valuables? Have they significantly increased or decreased in value? Are they something you want to continue to keep and insure? Asking these questions will help determine whether you’re paying the right amount insuring extras. Also, and most importantly, list out and photograph each of these items with an appraisal value, and keep multiple copies of this list in different places. If you do have to file a claim, this documentation will help immensely.

Ask Your Agent What Discounts are Available

There are various discounts available for senior citizens, nonsmokers, and customers who have not filed previous claims against their homeowners insurance (see also Chubb Insurance Scottsdale AZ). Other responsibility discounts may apply to you. Ask your agent for details.

Raise Your Deductible

Increasing the amount you will have to pay out of pocket if you do file a claim is a good way to lower the cost of your premium. Just put the amount you save on premiums into an emergency fund that you do not touch unless you have a genuine emergency.

Check for Adequate Replacement Value

Make sure that your policy covers the replacement value of your home in the event of a catastrophic loss. This is the primary reason you carry insurance. Do an annual cost analysis of what it would take to rebuild your home and set your coverage accordingly.

Don’t Hoard

Clutter increases the risk of fires, personal injury, and the inability to get out of the house in an emergency (or for emergency crews to get in). It also impedes proper maintenance. This will be reflected in what you pay in premiums. Cleanliness pays.

Limit the Number of Pets

The drawbacks of clutter listed above apply to pets as well, perhaps even more so. The presence of too many animals in a residence creates obvious health hazards and may present dangers for emergency crews.

Understand Your policy

This is probably the most important favor you can do for yourself. Read your policy thoroughly; if there are provisions you don’t understand, ask your insurance agent to go over them with you.

Unusual Things Your Insurance May Actually Cover

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Items covered on your home insurance policyThe purpose of having homeowners insurance is that you’ll be covered in the event of an emergency. So how covered are you? The answer might surprise you, as there are a number of things your policy might cover that you hadn’t thought of before.

Falling debris from outer space is covered under most policies. This debris could consist of meteors, comets or even falling pieces of a spaceship. This coverage isn’t normally listed specifically; a claim for this type of loss would fall under the category of “falling objects.”

If you’re worried about stampeding animals invading your home, you’ll be glad to know that this is typically covered as well. This coverage is normally for animals that you don’t personally own. If you live next to a ranch or farm, you could benefit in the event your neighbor’s livestock gets loose and suddenly invade your property.

Other animal damage could be included as well. In the event a skunk discharges inside your residence, you could be entitled to money that would help you with your cleanup efforts.

Water damage from broken pipes isn’t the only thing that’s usually covered. Aquarium breaks and bursting water beds can also be included in many policies. In order to file a claim, you must usually assert that these items were maintained and stored properly within your home, yet failed to operate as expected.

Every insurance policy is different so not everyone will have the same coverage for these unusual events. Even so, it cannot hurt to contact an insurance agent if you inadvertently suffer a property loss due to no fault of your own. For more information about the different policies that are available, contact us today.

Arizona Capital Insurance Reviews

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You may be confused about who Arizona National Insurance is. There are a couple of insurance agencies across the United States with this name. This Arizona National Insurance ranks among the Top 100 Arizona insurance brokers, with a founding vision of integrity, compassion, professionalism, quality, and innovation.

If you are in Arizona, please visit the Arizona National Insurance website by clicking on this link.

You may read Arizona National Insurance reviews by visiting Arizona Capital Insurance, Google Plus, and Yelp.