Surprise AZ

What is Umbrella Insurance?

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Umbrella insurance provides extra coverage to supplement your basic policies. It’s often called catastrophic insurance. If you have a claim that exceeds your standard policy limits, umbrella insurance will cover the difference. At Giles & Iten Insurance in Surprise, AZ, we offer umbrella insurance in addition to standard policies. 

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a type of personal liability insurance. It’s usually sold in increments of $1 million dollars up to $5-10 million. The policy typically covers everyone in your household. 

Examples of Umbrella Insurance Claims

One example of an umbrella claim is a car accident involving several other vehicles. You are found liable, and the costs of the accident exceed your auto policy coverage limits. The umbrella policy would pay what your auto policy doesn’t cover. 

Another example is your child getting into a fight at school and injuring the other child. Her parents sue you for medical expenses and potentially pain and suffering. This wouldn’t be covered under your standard auto or home policy, but it would be covered under an umbrella policy. 

Umbrella Insurance Isn’t Only for the Wealthy

Umbrella insurance may seem unnecessary if you don’t have $1 million in assets. However, if you are sued, you could lose more than your current possessions. Your assets could be seized and your future wages could be garnished. Umbrella insurance can help prevent a financial catastrophe that would be difficult to recover from. 

Umbrella Insurance Requirements

Umbrella policies require you to have homeowner’s and auto insurance policies. The coverage limits required will vary based on the insurer. You must meet the minimum requirements for coverage limits for your home and auto policies to purchase umbrella insurance because umbrella insurance only pays when you reach the coverage limits on your primary policy. 

Umbrella Insurance at Giles & Iten Insurance

In today’s world, it makes sense to have an umbrella policy. Liability claims can easily exceed coverage limits, leaving you to pay the difference out of pocket. If you are looking for umbrella insurance in Surprise, AZ, contact Giles & Iten Insurance today. 

Do I need to get life insurance?

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In the Surprise, AZ area, there are going to be several types of insurance coverage that the typical person will need to have. One important form of coverage that many people should consider getting is life insurance. There are a few reasons why the average person in this area of Arizona will need to have a life insurance plan.

Coverage Protects Dependents

A common reason that anyone will want to have life insurance is that it can protect their dependents. If you have people that you support, you will want to ensure they are cared for financially even if you were to pass away. With life insurance, you are going to get the protection you need. You can build a plan that will provide a financial insurance benefit that will be sufficient to cover their living costs and other expenses you want to be included.

Coverage Can Provide Investment Advantages

You should also consider getting a life insurance plan due to the investment benefits that they can provide. With a whole life insurance plan, you can receive the advantages of life insurance coverage while also enjoying a low-risk investment alternative. With this protection, some of your monthly payments will build into an account and provide interest income to you along the way. 

Picking a life insurance plan is never easy. As there are different options and many factors to consider, those in Surprise, AZ should call Giles & Iten Insurance when they are looking for a new insurance plan. Giles & Iten Insurance understands the different options that you have and can give the support you need to build and choose a new plan. If you do call them, you can learn more about the different options and choose an insurance plan that will work for you. 

Who needs to get auto insurance in Arizona?

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The Surprise, AZ area can be a very fun place to live in. If you enjoy warm weather, there will always be a lot to do outside. To ensure that you can enjoy the area as much as possible, getting your own car is a good idea. Along with a car, people need to get auto insurance for several reasons. 

Those that Want to Drive

The first situation when someone will need auto insurance in Arizona is when they want to drive. All vehicle drivers in this state are required to carry liability insurance whenever they are on the road. This rule essentially all people on the road at all times as it ensures that the other party in an accident can pay for damages. If you do not have this coverage, you could be facing serious penalization. 

Those that Take Out a Loan

You will also need to get an auto insurance plan if you intend to take out an auto loan. As cars can be quite expensive, taking out a loan to finance the purchase is often necessary. If you have decided to take out a loan to buy the car, you will have insurance rules that need to be followed. To protect their collateral, most lenders will require that you get collision and comprehensive coverage.

If you want to get an auto insurance plan when you are in the Surprise, AZ area, calling Giles & Iten Insurance can be a good option. The insurance team that is with Giles & Iten Insurance understands the value that comes with this insurance coverage. They can help you assess your policy needs and build a plan that will protect your vehicle and ensure that you are in compliance with our insurance obligations. 

How Commercial Insurance Protects Your Business

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Your business is undoubtedly very important to you. One of the best ways to protect it is through a commercial insurance policy you can rely on. When you work with Giles & Iten Insurance, your Surprise, AZ area company can have the level of protection you’re looking for so you can enjoy more peace of mind. You don’t have to settle for less than you want when it comes to the level of coverage your business really deserves. Our dedicated and trusted agents can help you with a policy that’s going to give you security so you can get back to operating your company.

Having a commercial policy protects your business by making sure you have protection if something should go wrong. That could be a natural or man-made disaster, as well as an issue with a customer or an employee. No matter what types of concerns your business faces, knowing you’re covered can really add to your level of comfort. But in order to have that information, you need to work with knowledgeable agents who can provide the insight you want and the policy you actually need. Then you can make coverage choices you feel good about.

Reach out to Giles & Iten Insurance today and let’s talk about your commercial insurance needs. If you have a business in the Surprise, AZ area, you’ll be able to get the type of policy you’re looking for and see what specific choices you have. Depending on the type and size of your business, you may need more or less coverage than you would typically expect. Either way, it’s important to work with a company that can provide you with answers to your questions and a policy you can rely on in the event that a problem should occur.

How often should I review my home insurance

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Most types of insurance are not fixed at one amount. They are designed to be flexible and to grow and change as your needs grow and change. Home insurance is no exception. It needs to be reviewed. How often will depend on a few different things? When you feel the need to review your home insurance, Giles & Iten Insurance in Surprise, AZ will be there to help you. For insurance with a personal touch, we are exactly what you need. We strive to match our customers with the right policy at the best price. 

When you get your home insurance renewal it comes with a declaration page. Start your review there. Look at the amount of coverage. Does it make sense? Especially look at your liability coverage. Would it cover any potential legal action against you? Check out the deductible and all the other numbers. Before you renew your policy, discuss all the figures with your local independent insurance agent. Let them know if anything has changed since you took out the policy. 

If you have made a major upgrade to your property, the replacement value may have significantly increased. Things like a new kitchen, adding a bathroom, finishing the basement or attic, or adding an extension will all affect the replacement value of your home. 

Have you added any expensive content? Received an expensive piece of jewelry or art? Purchased antiques or oriental rugs? Any of these may exceed the content coverage you currently have. 

Have you added any safety equipment to your home? A home security system, smoke detectors, or carbon monoxide detectors? Have you replaced your roof? You may be eligible for a discount if you have done one or more of these things. 

When you are ready to review your home policy give Giles & Iten Insurance in Surprise, AZ a call. We will be happy to look things over for you. 

Auto insurance add ons that are worth considering

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Most states require all automobiles driving in their state to be covered by at least basic liability insurance. Arizona has the same requirement with the minimum to comply being 25/50/15. This protects other drivers and vehicles in an auto accident. All other coverage is optional unless you have a lease or a loan and then you may be required to carry collision and comprehensive. At Giles & Iten Insurance in Surprise, AZ, we have years of insurance experience and we look forward to helping you with all your insurance needs. 

Collision coverage protects your car when you have an accident where you’re at fault. If you count on your car for regular daily activities this is important coverage to add to your basic policy. 

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from hazards beyond your control like a hail storm, flood, lightning, theft, fire, and vandalism. It is handy to have if you happen to run into a deer or other large animal. 

Full glass coverage is something most vehicle owners can benefit from. It covers the replacement of your windshield as well as other glass on your vehicle with no deductible. It is great when you have a damaged windshield to be able to call and get it repaired usually very quickly and even in your own driveway. 

Roadside assistance and towing are two add-ons usually sold together. If you have a breakdown or an accident you could be stuck on the roadside with no way to get to a service station or auto dealership. You may belong to an auto club and this provides the same service but usually at a lower rate. No one turns down savings. 

Contact Giles & Iten Insurance in Surprise, AZ with any questions you have about auto insurance. We are a full-service independent agency. 

Do all businesses benefit from commercial insurance?

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In the Surprise, AZ area, people continue to benefit from a strong local economy. A growing population base and a good economy also make this a great place to start a business. If you are in the market for a new business here, it would be a good idea for you to also think about your insurance needs. There are several reasons why businesses here can benefit from getting a commercial insurance policy.

Coverage Will Protect Assets and Investment

One way that a business will benefit from having commercial insurance is by getting coverage for their investment. When you start a business of any kind, you will have to invest to get it moving in the right direction. Losing these assets could be financially devastating. When you get a full commercial insurance policy, it can ensure that you have the insurance protection needed to replace your business assets if you incur a loss.

Liability Protection

Being sued for liability is a risk for all businesses. Not only are you at risk of losing money, but the cost of fighting a claim can be significant. Fortunately, you can mitigate all of these risks by getting appropriate insurance. With a liability commercial insurance policy, you can get direct protection against your liability risk. 

When you are shopping for commercial insurance in the Surprise, AZ area, you may find that choosing a policy is complicated. There could seem to be many different options and choosing the right policy for your organization is complicated. When you are looking for your next policy, it would be a good idea to call Giles & Iten Insurance. If you do call the team at Giles & Iten Insurance you will get personalized support that can help you understand your needs and options and pick a new policy.

3 Tips for Securing Your Home Before You Travel

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Do you plan on traveling soon? Are you worried about leaving your home unattended in Surprise, AZ? We understand. It can be stressful to go on vacation or out of town for business with your home left behind unoccupied. However, there are few things you can do to reduce the stress of leaving behind a vacant home. Read on to learn about three tips brought to you by Giles & Iten Insurance.

1. Install Outdoor Security Lighting

Did you know that burglars will pass on your home if the outside is flooded with light? That’s right. They’d rather break into a dark home so people won’t notice them. To deter would-be-burglars, shop around for some security lighting for the back, front, and side yards. You can opt to have the lights on a touch timer or opt to keep them on at all times when it’s dark. Either way, outdoor lights will scare thieves away.

2. Get a House Sitter

Before you leave on vacation, get a professional house sitter. The cost is affordable and well worth it. You search online for house sitters near you or ask around with friends and family. There’s bound to be someone who would love to watch your home while you’re away.

3. Alert Your Neighbors

It’s a good idea to alert your neighbors that you’ll be out of town. This way, they’ll be more apt to notice if something seems wrong. A neighbor or house sitter will be able to keep an eye on your property, collect your mail, and make sure you have a stress free vacation.

Even when applying the tips listed above, a break-in or other crisis could occur. For this reason, it’s important to have a home insurance policy in Surprise, AZ. To learn more about obtaining this and other policies, contact the friendly team at Giles & Iten Insurance. 

Do I need travel insurance and how much should I buy?

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Travelling comes with a lot of planning and expenses. From airfare to hotels and rental cars, it is easy to forget some essential things like travel insurance. Imagine you or a member of your family get seriously injured in an unknown area around Surprise, AZ. It is obvious that emergency medical treatment could be more expensive as it varies from one place to another. That is why at Giles & Iten Insurance, we recommend buying travel insurance to extend a layer of protection wherever you go.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not mandatory in Utah. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need one. Expensive and lengthy trips may require you to purchase insurance, especially when it comes to non-refundable services and products. That means small distance travels like visiting your grandmother up the hill does not need insurance. Travel insurance is pretty flexible and easy to navigate. The comprehensive package even comes with ‘ cancel for any reason’ coverage. This helps you safeguard your finances in case you want to cancel your trip.

What type of travel insurance can you buy?

Travel insurance is a versatile policy that comes with a wide range of policies to choose from. However, it is always prudent to know your needs before picking any type of travel insurance. You will want to consider factors such as:

  • Where you’re going
  • The kind of trip you will be taking
  • The duration of the trip
  • Your age and medical condition
  • The sort of activities you will take part in your trip 
  • The people going with you

Whether it is a straightforward trip or a tour that is full of unknowns, there will always be a policy designed to fit your needs. If you have a medical condition or are pregnant, be sure to check whether your condition is covered before you buy it. You may need to buy a separate policy to cater to these needs.

For more information about travel insurance in Surprise, AZ, talk to our insurance experts at Giles & Iten Insurance today.

Exploring The Benefits Of Mexican Insurance

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Based in Surprise, AZ, Giles & Iten insurance offers the community multiple types of insurance policies. We understand that each of our clients has a unique situation and different circumstances. That’s why we work hard to ensure that our clients find coverage that directly suits their needs.

Mexican Insurance

It’s a very short drive from Arizona to Mexico. As you head South of the border, it is important that you have coverage. Mexican insurance protects you as you travel into the country. Some of the traffic laws in Mexico are different compared to the United States. Your vehicle will be protected in the event that it is vandalized or stolen.

Make sure that you research different liability coverage options before heading to Mexico. In the event that you are involved in an accident while you are in Mexico, it is imperative that you have coverage to protect you. Keep in mind that the driving laws in Mexico are different compared to the United States, as Mexico uses the Napoleonic code instead of English Common Law.

The length of your stay is also an important variable to consider. If you are planning a lengthy stay in Mexico, make sure that your policy protects you. In most cases, you may only have coverage for a specific number of days while you are staying in Mexico. Check your policy to see if there any mileage restrictions as well. In some cases, your policy may outline a specific number of miles that you can travel while you are in Mexico. You can amend your policy based on the type of vehicle that you are driving.

Consult With Giles & Iten Insurance 

If you are in the process of planning a trip from Surprise, AZ to Mexico, please visit our website to learn more information about Mexican Insurance.