Tips for Preparing Your Arizona Home for Winter

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Owning a home in Arizona is ideal, whether you live here year-round or are a seasonal resident. Either way, it’s important to get your house ready for the colder weather. The Giles & Iten Insurance team is here to help all of our neighbors in the greater Surprise, AZ area protect their homes. If you are interested in learning more about how to protect your Arizona home, call or stop by today!

Follow these Tips to Get Your Arizona Home Ready 

  • Sprinklers — If there’s going to be a frost or sustained cold weather, be sure to drain out the water that’s in the pipes to prevent them from bursting or sustaining other damage.
  • Plants and patio furniture — when the temperatures start to drop, especially overnight, you might want to cover your plants or bring them indoors. Make sure that your patio furniture is secure and won’t be affected by any high winds that may occur.
  • Winterizing your home when away — if you are going to be leaving your home for an extended period of time you’ll want to make sure that your pipes are clear so that you can prevent them from bursting if there is a cold spell while you are away.
  • Keep pipes clear overnight — if you have an older plumbing system or have had issues with freezing pipes, one solution is to have a small drip in your faucet overnight. This will keep the water flowing and help to prevent damage.

Giles & Iten Insurance is proud to serve the greater Surprise, AZ community, and we look forward to serving you! If you want to learn more about protecting your home this winter, call or stop by our office and meet with one of our friendly agents.

Tips for buying travel insurance

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When booking a holiday, it is tempting to skip the travel insurance policy and spend that extra cash on your vacation. However, travel insurance is critical to make sure you are not out additional expenses when something goes wrong on your trip. If you live in the Surprise, AZ area and are interested in travel insurance for your upcoming trip, reach out to an agent at Giles & Iten Insurance today. 

Get the dates right 

Make sure you are covered for the whole trip. Putting the wrong dates down is an easy mistake, but it is one that can be costly. If you put in the wrong dates and are on your trip one day over your policy term, you would not be covered. Be sure to take into account time changes when you are flying to ensure you have full coverage. 

Make sure all of your locations are covered

If you are visiting more than one location, it is essential to make sure each country is covered under the policy. Some areas might be excluded or have limitations, so be sure to check with your agent.

Declare your pre-existing medical conditions 

Informing your insurance provided of any pre-existing medical conditions is critical to make sure you are covered for any medical care you seek while traveling. Most insurance providers have a list of conditions that will be automatically covered; however, there are some conditions that you make need to pay extra for coverage. 

Are you planning high-risk activities? 

If you are going on an adventurous trip, you will want to confirm with your insurer to make sure all of your activities are covered. Insurers often exclude what are considered high-risk activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, or even horseback riding. If you are doing anything out of the norm, it is best to double-check with your insurer. 

If you would like to learn more about travel insurance for your trip, reach out to an agent at  Giles & Iten Insurance today. We proudly serve the Surprise, AZ area. 

3 Reasons Mexican Insurance Can Work For You

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When you’re driving south of the border, you have to consider what types of insurance you need. Mexican insurance can work for you in a number of ways, providing you with the kind of financial protection that you need down South. At Giles & Iten Insurance in Surprise, AZ, we can help you every step of the way.

Follow the Law

Mexican insurance is a requirement when you cross the border into Mexico. It is required for all vehicles, including a rental car. It is also recommended that you have liability insurance in the event that you are involved in any kind of accident. You will need to provide proof of the insurance at the border, along with your driver’s license.

Keep Your Vehicle Safe

There are a lot of travel advisories in place for driving into Mexico. Some areas have more risk than others, which is why you need to look at where the higher crime is happening. In the event that your vehicle gets vandalized or involved in any kind of crime, you will want the insurance to help with the repairs. Otherwise, you could be financially responsible for the repairs on your own.

Learn the Legalities

You will be able to visit all of the various parts of Mexico that you want to visit when you have Mexican insurance. When you get the policy, you’ll also learn about some of the different legalities. Certain activities are illegal in Mexico, such as talking on your cellphone when you’re behind the wheel and driving through a yellow light. Understanding the laws will help to protect you.

With certain laws in Mexico, having the right insurance is a necessity.

At Giles & Iten Insurance, we can help you to find the Mexican insurance that will best protect you. Contact us in Surprise, AZ today to learn more about your options. 

Does your car qualify as a Classic Car?

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Your car has been around since the beginning of time, so it feels. Does it qualify as a Classic Car by the state’s standards, though? The agents at Giles & Iten Insurance can help you understand Classic auto insurance. Read on to learn if your car qualifies as a collectible in Arizona. 

What qualifies as a Classic Car in Surprise, AZ?

The state of Arizona recognizes a car as a Classic car when the vehicle is 25 years or older. Automobiles older than 50 years are considered Antique cars. 

How much should you expect to pay for Classic car insurance?

Interestingly enough, Classic car insurance tends to be cheaper than standard auto assurance. One main reason why you may pay less for Classic auto insurance is because of the stipulations imposed by the state for Classic car owners. Individuals who own collectibles in Surprise AZ may be restricted to when they are allowed to drive their vehicles around town. There also may be stipulations regarding how far a Classic car can be driven. 

You automatically save money on car insurance when your vehicle is driven less and taken shorter distances. It, therefore, may be more profitable than you think to register your car as a Classic car and obtain insurance tailor-made for collectible cars. 

Can any car older than 25 years be covered under Classic car insurance?

Generally speaking, only vehicles recognized by the state may qualify for Classic car insurance. You may have to settle for standard auto assurance if you drive your car every day or if you travel long distances in your vehicle even if it is older than 25 years. 

Should I contact an agent for help?

Yes! You should never go it alone when it comes to auto insurance. The agents at Giles & Iten Insurance can help you better understand the basics about Classic auto insurance as well as assist you in finding the indemnity plan that works best for your situation. Call them today to get started with a quote!

Does Recreational Vehicle Coverage Change With The Seasons?

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Everywhere you go nowadays you see recreational vehicles. No matter the season of the year people are out on the open road enjoying the comforts of their RV. Protecting your RV and your financial status is the responsibility that goes along with owning the vehicle. The agents at Giles & Iten Insurance can help you understand how to do both well.

As the seasons change depending upon your desires your use of your recreational vehicle will change as well. In order to get the best out of your recreational vehicle policy you should speak with a professional today and go into details. Let your agent know how you plan to use your recreational vehicle prior to writing a policy. And if there are any changes along the way and you can always give your agent a call. 

If you are not using your RV all year long then the insurance will naturally change during the course of a year. If you’re storing your RV in only need protection for theft, your insurance will change during that period. However, when you are moving and traveling in your RV your insurance needs are greater. You would have to protect the RV from theft as well as liabilities that may be incurred in the course of your travels.

 Our agents know a lot about RV insurance. Come in today to speak with one of our knowledgeable agents. We are located in Surprise, AZ. Servicing the states of Arizona and California, we provide insurance products for: boat/watercraft, classic car, home, commercial, life, motorcycle and of course RV insurance. If you are in Sun City, Glendale, Peoria, Tonapah, Waddell or any other beautiful part of the northwest Phoenix area we’d love for you to stop into our office in Surprise, AZ. If you like you can give us a call at 623-201-8570.

Top 3 Benefits of Having Umbrella Insurance

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The insurance agents of Giles & Iten Insurance serve business owners throughout the Surprise, AZ area. Umbrella insurance is a type of policy that is often misunderstood. The truth of the matter is that it can be a financially sound investment if you truly want to protect your business.

Covers Unpaid Liability Claims

Umbrella policies are designed to cover unpaid liability claims when an award given to an injured party is higher than the company’s liability policy amount. For example, if an award is for $1,2 million but the liability policy only covers $1 million. your umbrella policy will cover the overage.

Provides Added Security

An umbrella insurance policy is designed to provide additional security to protect the investment you have in your business. A liability insurance policy acts as a safety net, but an umbrella policy extends that layer of protection much farther, reducing your risk of a financial loss if an accident does occur.

Easily Bundled with Other Types of Insurance

Because of the way umbrella insurance is written, it can easily be bundled with other types of commercial liability insurance. Bundling your policies allows you to reduce the number of payments you make each month and may also make you eligible for a possible discount.

Business owners in Surprise, AZ who are interested in learning more about umbrella insurance for their business can call the agents of Giles & Iten Insurance to get the details. They can review your existing policy and work with you to determine whether or not you would benefit from having an umbrella policy in place. Call and book your appointment today!

 

3 things you need to know about life insurance

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Life insurance is, in many ways a necessary element in Surprise, AZ. Imagine yourself as the breadwinner of the family leaving your loved ones without even so much as a crumb to eat because you failed to prepare for the unexpected. Such is the case when you choose to go without life insurance.

Contrary to what some may believe, life assurance plans are not all the same. Some policies come with benefits that you can take advantage of while still alive. Other, more economic, plans only provide payouts to your loved ones upon your death. The agents at Giles & Iten Insurance are professionals who know the ins and outs of life insurance. They can explain the details and help you find the indemnity plan that assures your family’s financial standing after you have passed on. Read on to learn three basic concepts about life indemnity plans.

1. Term life insurance comes with benefits

Some people shy away from term life assurance because of its ability to provide a payout for a certain term. The notion of such a “temporary” fix to a permanent and inevitable issue seems irresponsible to such consumers.

Term life insurance, however, comes with several benefits. First, term assurance plans are cheaper than permanent life insurance, which means that you can get more for your dollar. You may also be able to avoid the dreaded physical examination that prevents many from having the whole life insurance policy that they desire. Some term life assurance plans even offer policyholders in the good standing the opportunity to convert to permanent life insurance with no physical exam. This means that you can take an alternative route to permanent life assurance.

2. Permanent insurance is higher for a reason

Those expensive premiums are not just there for the sake of insurance companies charging more. Whole life insurance comes with fringe benefits that include cash build up that you can use while you are still alive. Many policyholders find their way out of a financial bind by cashing in on the interest that has accumulated with timely payments on their whole life assurance plans.

3. You should consider several things before buying life insurance

You are making a big decision when you decide to buy life insurance. You should, therefore, have several questions for the assurance company handling your purchase and consider your lifestyle before selecting the amount of coverage you want in Surprise, AZ.

The agents at Giles & Iten Insurance understand the importance of having financial stability as represented through life insurance. Let them guide you through the process of getting the assurance policy that your family needs. Call today to get started with a quote!

Considering Auto Insurance When Buying a New Car

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When looking for a new car do you consider the cost of auto insurance? Wise consumers do this, and you don’t even have to do any extra work to figure this out. Just call your agent at Giles & Iten Insurance serving Surprise, AZ, and the surrounding area. Ask the agent to give you a quote for the make, year, and models of the vehicles that you are thinking about buying.

Here are some reasons why this is such a good move on your part:

  • You will have a better idea of the total cost of owning the vehicle.
  • You will get adequate insurance coverage for your needs.
  • Your agent will be ready to issue a certificate of insurance immediately so you can drive the new car that you buy off the lot.

There are some bad things that can happen if you don’t get your auto insurance agent on board for a new car purchase that you are considering. One of them is getting stuck with having inadequate coverage and perhaps also paying too much for it.

In the excitement of buying a car, the salesperson who is finalizing the paperwork will ask you about auto insurance coverage. They cannot allow a car to drive off the lot without it. If you don’t tell them you already have an agent ready to issue it, they will offer insurance from possibly some company that you never heard of before. You may not have the time or even the interest in investigating anything about the insurance you are going to get.

The other potential problem is that the cost of auto insurance can be a very significant monthly expense for certain types of cars. This may mean that those models are considered a higher risk. They might be more frequently involved in accidents. They might be a model that thieves like to steal more often. For whatever reason, if the insurance premiums are higher for a car model that is similar to another car, you want to know why.

We work in Surprise, AZ, but we don’t like the clients of Giles & Iten Insurance to have any bad surprises when it comes to auto insurance. Give us a call at 623-201-8570 for a quote or use our online form and let us know the models of cars you are considering as a new car purchase.

How a comprehensive Arizona commerical insurance policy can help protect your inventory

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Business owners in the Surprise, AZ area often ask the team at Giles & Iten Insurance about protecting their inventory. A business’ inventory can fluctuate quite a lot depending on the time of the month or the time of year. If your business carries a lot of inventory that needs protection, we recommend a thorough review of your current commercial policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need. If you are concerned that your commercial policy does not meet your needs for inventory coverage, it’s a good idea to find out for sure.

Shifting Inventory Levels Can be Protected with a Comprehensive Policy

At some times during the year, your inventory may be at a low level due to the seasonality of your business. At other times, you may have a warehouse full of product. Depending on where you were in the business cycle, you may have underestimated the value of your inventory. When your comprehensive commercial policy is written to account for the variances in your inventory levels, you will be covered.

It is advisable for your commercial policy to provide protection at the highest level of inventory that you carry. Many people work out an average of the value of goods that they store throughout the year rather than at their highest level. The use of this calculation can create problems for the policyholder in the event that there is a coverable loss. Many businesses have a lot of capital dedicated to inventory, and protecting this investment is an important part of an insurance portfolio.

Want to make sure that your inventory is covered? Contact the team at Giles & Iten today to learn more about your comprehensive commercial insurance options in the greater Surprise, AZ area. 

3 Types Of Home Insurance To Supplement Your Basic Coverage With

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If you’ve just purchased your home insurance, you’re probably resting easy with the knowledge that you’re fully covered.

Bad news, though. You’re not entirely covered. A basic home policy covers the bare-bone necessities in terms of your possessions. If you don’t want to risk losing everything on your Arizona property, ask your Giles & Iten Insurance agent if any of the following supplemental policies are available.

Flood Insurance

Did you know that your home insurance doesn’t protect you against flood damage?

In most states, flood insurance is a separate policy which can be purchased alongside your basic home insurance. While some standard policies may cover some aspects of flood damage, a flood insurance policy can help you rebuild or repair in the aftermath of significant structural damage.

The National Flood Insurance program is available to provide coverage to homes in designated flood zones, but a private policy can cover a more significant expense budget. The National Flood Insurance program caps out at $250,000 per property.

Sewage Backup

Are you familiar with the kind of disaster that a sewage backup can cause in your home?

Aside from making your home into a cesspool of bacteria, issues with your sewage drain can cause major structural damage to your home. It can make your home unlivable or out of order in terms of the kitchen and bathrooms, causing you to shell out money for a hotel.

Your basic home policy doesn’t cover extensive sewage backup disasters. Even if you live in a dry climate, a sewage issue may be imminent. This is especially true if your home has a private sump pump. Buy sewer backup coverage so that you can replace your plumbing and repair structural issues in an emergency without budgetary constraints.

Earthquake

Even though an earthquake can take place anywhere, did you know that natural disasters are mostly absent from standard home insurance policies?

Should your home be destroyed or destabilized in the event of an earthquake, you have no real safety net. If you buy coverage against earthquakes, though, that budget is allocated to this one type of emergency.

In addition to paying for the repair or replacement of your home and property, earthquake coverage can accommodate your family as you pick up the pieces after the disaster. Your meals and board can be paid for outright or reimbursed, depending on the terms of your earthquake policy.

Are you ready to buy supplemental insurance in Arizona? Call a friendly Giles & Iten Insurance agent to explore your options today.