What is the Best Insurance for Teen Drivers?

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best insurance for teen drivers

Are you a parent with a child who is fast approaching the ability to drive on their own? Teaching your teen how to drive a car is a huge milestone, probably one that you did not realize you would reach so quickly. You may be eager and excited to take on this task. But more often than not, the excitement is met with anxiety and fear because trusting your baby alone on the road behind a giant machine is extremely nerve-wracking. It is nerve-wracking because you fear for their safety, and you may also fear for your wallet.

Rumor has it that insuring your teen driver can be pretty expensive. And unfortunately for you as the parent, that rumor is true. Teen drivers are some of the most expensive people to insure on the road. But the good news is that you are not simply stuck with a specific rate and at the whim of a single auto insurance company. You have options when searching car insurance rates for your teen driver.

To help you take some of the sting out of reaching the milestone of being the parent of a teenage driver, we have put together some information to help you find an affordable car insurance quote. Read more to find out what information you need to find the best car insurance company for your teen driver.

What Affects Car Insurance Rates?

Before looking at what it costs to insure a teenage driver, it’s important to take a look at the factors that many insurance companies use to determine insurance rates. This will help you to know better what kinds of questions to ask when looking for quotes. It will also give you a better understanding of areas where you may be able to make decisions to increase or decrease your rate versus areas where your actions simply have no effect.

Coverage

The most significant factor that affects your car insurance rate is the type of coverage you choose to carry. Every state has insurance requirements that you must meet to drive on the road legally. In Arizona, the only state requirement is that you must carry liability insurance in the amounts:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $15,000 for property damage per accident

Beyond liability, there are many options for additional coverage, such as comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, and additions such as roadside coverage, gap insurance, medical payment coverage, and more. Each coverage you choose to add to your policy will increase your rates. While some coverages may only increase your payments by a few dollars each month, others can add significant costs, therefore, it is vital to choose wisely when selecting coverage.

Driving Record

The driving record of drivers on your policy plays a significant role in the type of insurance rate you are offered. Do you have multiple at-fault accidents on record? Has an insurance company had to pay total replacement costs for vehicle damage? Do you have several claims on your policy? If so, each claim can cause your rates to rise. This is because if you have a history of accidents or traffic tickets, you are an increased risk to insure, therefore your insurance company will offset their potential costs by charging you more for your coverage since there is a higher chance that they will have to pay out on your policy due to your driving habits.

Location

The location of where you do the majority of your driving will play a role in your car insurance rates. If you live and work in a rural area, you are typically at lower risk of being involved in an accident, therefore, your rates will be lower. Likewise, if you live in a populous city with more drivers, you are at an increased risk of having a car accident and, therefore more expensive to insure.

Age

Statistics show that age plays a role in the likelihood of being in a car accident. This is largely due to the length of experience and the decision-making process. For instance, seasoned drivers are less likely to make risky or reckless decisions when driving as opposed to young drivers who are nervous drivers or who do not have the life experience to draw on when making choices on the road. Therefore, insurance companies take the risk factor of your age into account when determining your insurance rates.

Demographic

Male drivers are more expensive to insure than female drivers. This is due to the assumption and proven statistics that male drivers make riskier decisions while driving and are involved in more fatal accidents than females. National averages show that male drivers cost $350 more annually than females to insure.

Why does it cost more to insure a Teen Driver?

Now that you can see some of the factors that affect your car insurance rates, it may be evident as to why teen drivers cost more to insure. A teenager’s lack of experience behind the wheel of a car makes them more susceptible to an accident and, therefore, a more considerable risk to insure for the insurance company. Teens meet almost every high-risk factor for what drives up insurance costs.

For example, parents often select the maximum coverage for their teen drivers and their property. This ensures that if an accident occurs, parents do not have to worry about the costs of hospital bills or car repair costs. Teenagers also do not have a history of good driving to bring down costs, and statistics show that people in their teens actually have a history of poor decision-making when driving.

Because of these factors, insurance companies insure teenagers at higher rates to counteract the high chance that they will probably have to pay out a claim during their teenage years. These rates will decrease, though, as time progresses if your teen’s record stays clear.

How to Keep the Cost of Car Insurance Low for Teens:

Though it is a fact that teenagers are more expensive to insure, you are not just out of luck when it comes to cost breaks and ways to save. There are several decisions that you and your teen can make to help bring down the expense as much as possible.

Individual Policy

Most insurance companies recommend adding your teen to your existing policy rather than opening an individual policy under their own name. This is because your teen may be able to draw from your own good driving record rather than having a rate based on having one single young driver, which drives up premium costs.

Though, it is not always a good idea to have your teen on your policy. If you have an expensive sports car on your policy, it may be better to keep your teen on their own policy. This is because insurance companies will often match the most expensive person to insure with the most expensive vehicle to insure, which causes prices to rise even further. Additionally, it may protect your assets in situations where litigation may arise if your teen is on their own policy. But each insurance company has its own policies for how these situations are handled.

Vehicle

The type of vehicle you are insuring affects the rate you pay. For instance, it is more expensive to insure a classic sports car than a standard sedan. Additionally, it is cheaper to insure older vehicles than brand-new ones. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if a car is more expensive to replace, it is more expensive to insure. Therefore, when shopping for your teen driver’s first vehicle, it is wise to remain sensible and responsible. They might would rather drive a cool new sports car, but it is likely that they will remain safer, and their insurance will remain cheaper if you put them in a simple colored sedan or SUV.

Discounts

Most insurance companies offer a way for your teenager to save money by showing responsibility. For instance, some companies will have a good student discount policy where your student can receive a percentage discount for proof of maintaining good grades.

If you have a teen who is away at school without a car and does not drive very often, your insurance company may also have a student away at school discount where you can receive a lower rate because the risk of insuring your teen is low for the time being.

Safe Driving Programs

A few of the national insurance companies offer safe driving discounts that are an excellent way for teens to bring down the cost of insurance. These safe driver programs consist of a driver training course that is typically offered as an online course. They take a few hours to complete and include modules, videos, and quizzes that help teach a participant how to maintain safe driving practices. When your student completes this course, they can present a certificate of completion and receive a discount on their premium.

How to Add a Teen to Your Insurance Policy

When your teen is close to driving age, it is a good idea to begin shopping for insurance policies or speak to your current insurance carrier about their teen driver policies. You do not want to wait until the day they get their license to begin looking at your options in case you have questions or would like to shop around for different policies.

In many cases, it simply takes a phone call to add your teen to your policy. But the timing of when you add them can vary. Some companies may prefer that you add your teen as soon as they get a learner’s permit, while others will allow you to wait until they officially have their license. In either case, it is best to find out the company policy beforehand to avoid a situation where your teen driver is on the road without insurance.

Gebhardt Can Help You Find the Best Insurance for Teen Drivers

Are you looking for cheap car insurance for teens and young drivers? Our team at Gebhardt can help! We are familiar with national and local brands and their teen driver policies. We know which companies have safe driver programs, accident forgiveness, and good grade discounts. Therefore, if you are looking for the best insurance for teen drivers, we can help you shop your options.

We are available now to help you sign up for a teen driver policy or to simply answer the questions you have as your teen gets closer to reaching this big milestone. Call us today.

How to Save Money with Homeowners Insurance Discounts

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homeowners insurance discounts

Owning a home comes with so many more responsibilities than simply paying a mortgage payment each month. There’s mortgage insurance, property taxes, homeowners insurance, repairs, upkeep, utilities, and sometimes HOA fees. The payments can add up quickly. But a wise homeowner knows that there are ways to save on these costs and will take advantage of every opportunity.

One such area where the savings can add up is with home insurance discounts. But how do you know what home insurance discounts to ask for? Here’s a breakdown of some popular types of discounts. Continue reading to learn if you qualify and find out how you can save on home insurance costs.

How Do Discounts Work?

Whether you’re looking for a new home insurance company or simply looking to save money with your current company, it’s essential to know that there are potential savings available to you. As a way to stay competitive in the market and to retain customers, many homeowners insurance companies will offer discounts on your premiums or coverage options. These discounts will vary by company and often depend on many different factors.

In typical cases, an insurance company will offer a discount in a percentage of your total premium. For instance, if you live in a gated community, you may receive a discount of 3-4% of the going rate, as opposed to friends and neighbors who do not live within a gated community, because of the added safety measure, and a lower likelihood of theft or burglary.

These offerings change quite often, therefore, it’s essential that you periodically check in with your home insurance company to ensure that you are receiving every benefit available to you. Sometimes, the company may institute a new discount, or perhaps you have upgraded a system, made repairs to an older home, or reached a milestone in customer loyalty.

It is important to note, though, that most insurance companies have a percentage cap of 30-40%. Meaning even though you may qualify for savings beyond that percentage, you can only receive discounts up to the cap amount.

Types of Discounts

There are many different types of discounts. Some may depend on your specific house and its features, some may depend on you as a homeowner, and others depend on your insurance company and the policies they have in place. Let’s take a look at some examples of each category.

Features

Your home’s features and systems may qualify you for big home insurance savings. For example, installing smart home features like a security system, fire alarm, or burglar alarm decreases the likelihood that you will have to file a claim with your insurance company, therefore, you are at lower risk to insure and thus, may earn a discount.

The sizes of these discounts can vary depending on the type of system you install. For instance, if your smoke detectors are centrally installed to alert the fire department directly when they sound, then your discount percentage may be higher than a system where the homeowner must call in case of fire.

Homeowner Profile

Some discounts are not based on your house but on you as the homeowner. Are you a military member or teacher? Your insurance company may have discounts based on these aspects of your profile as a way to say thank you. Likewise, you may be a member of a union or professional association that has a deal with your insurance company to earn you savings.

Many companies also offer senior citizen discounts to help those on a set budget. If you are over the age of 55 and do not work more than part-time hours outside of the home, you may qualify for these savings.

Policy

Some companies offer price breaks for policy-related situations. One of the most significant ways to save falls under this category with bundling discounts. In many cases, if you bundle your home and car insurance with the same company, you may see large savings.

Other policy-related savings may include loyalty discounts for remaining with your company for 10 years or more, remaining claim-free for a specific amount of time, signing up for automated payments, and more.

How to Get Discounts

Most insurance companies will initially offer you a homeowners insurance quote based on your profile features, credit score, and the specifics of your home. The questionnaire process is typically pretty thorough and asks targeted questions to ensure you receive the savings you qualify for. But, if you have been with your insurance company for an extended amount of time or if you have made notable changes to your home, it is a good idea to check in with your agent to ensure you are not missing any available discounts. To do this, you should call your company and request a discount review.

If you are unhappy with your current rates, or if you would like to see other rates available to you, our team at Gebhardt Insurance Group can help. We can answer your questions about the savings you may qualify for and help you shop for the most competitive rates in your area.

Are you ready to find home insurance discounts? Call us today.

What is Inflation Guard Coverage?

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inflation guard coverage

Once you purchase a home, an essential next step you must take is purchasing homeowners insurance so that your new asset is covered should something detrimental happen. Homeowners insurance coverage protects you from having to pay out of pocket if your home is damaged due to events such as extreme weather, vandalism, and fire. If you have purchased a home insurance policy, then your home and personal property will be repaired or replaced if any of these events should occur.

But did you know that sometimes, homeowners find out too late that their insurance policy does not cover the total amount of what is lost? When this happens, homeowners have to dig into their own pockets to help cover replacement costs because their policy is outdated or insufficient. Don’t let yourself fall into this category. You need inflation protection.

What is Inflation Guard on Homeowners Insurance?

In order to make sure that your homeowner’s insurance policy stays up to date. Your policy should include an inflation guard endorsement. This endorsement automatically ensures that your policy stays current with the rising costs of material and labor due to inflation.

When you select this endorsement, your coverage limits will rise according to the rate of inflation every time your policy renews. Typical inflation increases are between 4-8%. Your insurance costs will also rise, but the percentage is minuscule, typically between 2-4%.

With Inflation Guard, the total cost to repair or rebuild your home should be covered by your insurance company if you need to file a claim, even if the costs of wood, other materials, and labor have increased throughout the year.

Who Needs Inflation Guard Coverage?

In short, every homeowner needs an Inflation Guard Coverage endorsement on their homeowner’s insurance policy. Homeowners who choose not to carry this coverage may have to shoulder some of the cost to rebuild if their home is deemed to be a total loss in a calamity.

Sometimes, homeowners who do not plan to live in a home for an extended period choose to chance it and will not select Inflation Guard Coverage, but that is a risky move considering inflation changes from year to year, and a sudden increase can occur at any time. If you want to ensure that your coverage increases along with inflation increases, then Inflation Guard coverage is imperative.

Some homeowners insurance policies offer total replacement cost options, which should cover the cost of inflation increases, but it is always wise to check with your carrier to ensure that you carry this type of coverage if you choose not to carry Inflation Guard.

Inflation Guard Coverage Example

To help you understand Inflation Guard Coverage, check out the example below.

Say you carry one million dollars in dwelling coverage and inflation guard coverage at the high end of 8%. Six months into the year, your home is damaged, and you suffer a total loss. Without Inflation Guard, your insurance policy will cover one million dollars in damage, but with Inflation Guard, you will now receive an additional $40,000 in coverage to keep up with the costs of inflation during the year. Therefore, you will now have $1,040,000 to rebuild your home and replace the contents that were lost.

Need Help Finding Inflation Guard Coverage?

At Gebhardt Insurance Group, our mission is to help you ensure that your belongings are adequately insured. Our team is available to help you review your current policies, look for new policies, and compare available policies from different carriers to make sure your policies are up to date with your coverage needs.

We shop your local and national carriers to help you find the right fit and can help walk you through the process of selecting the proper coverage. Do you have more questions about Inflation Guard overage? Do you need to review and update your current policies? Are you ready to purchase new coverage? If so, we are available to answer your questions, so give us a call today.

Do I Need Monsoon Insurance Coverage?

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monsoon insurance

When you think of Arizona, the first words that come to mind are hot, dry, and sunny. But for those of us who live in Arizona, we know that the summer months also bring intense heavy rains. When these rains come, they can quickly become disastrous monsoons. It is almost completely impossible to predict where flooding will occur. Therefore, it is vital to ensure your home is covered should a natural disaster strike.

Unfortunately, many homeowners discover way too late that standard home insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Don’t let that be the case with your home. When dealing with the results of flood damage, the last thing you need is to be arguing with insurance agents or paying for replacements out of pocket. Coverage is essential, even if you aren’t in an area that has flooded in the past.

Continue reading to learn about what questions to ask when purchasing flood insurance.

What is flood insurance?

Flood insurance is financial coverage for losses due to water damage caused by flooding, whether by natural causes or large-scale infrastructure backups. A standard homeowners policy may cover certain items that are water damaged by plumbing issues or water leakage but will not cover flood damage. This is because homes in a flood zone are just too much of an expense risk for standard coverage.

Is my home in a flood zone?

Flood zones are determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Flood Insurance Program. These entities keep an updated determination of whether an area has a high likelihood of flood risk and offer insurance rates at percentages based on that likelihood. If you are purchasing a home or land to build a house, your land will already have a determination. You can find this determination on a FEMA Flood Service Map. If you disagree with your results, you can also have a flood zone audit to confirm or change your status. It is a good idea to get a zone audit if one has not been conducted recently or if your area has had significant landscaping changes.

If your home falls under a certain flood zone risk, your mortgage company will require that you carry flood insurance.

What is covered under flood insurance?

Flood insurance covers an array of things related to the building itself and items inside your home. It is essential to note, though, that it does not cover every item. Therefore it is imperative that you read through your policy and take special notice of the items that are covered and the items that are not covered. This way, if you want to insure a specific uncovered item separately, you can do so. Items outside the home, such as pools and fences, are not typically covered. Additionally, items in basements, personal property appraised at high dollar amounts, and vehicles are not covered. In many cases, your car is insured under an auto policy, and you can purchase a specific personal property policy on top of your standard homeowner’s policy to cover these items.

How much will flood insurance cost me?

The cost of carrying flood insurance for your specific home is entirely determined based on its location. For instance, those whose homes have flooded in the past or are in special flood zone hazard areas will pay the highest cost for flood insurance. The average cost for flood insurance in Arizona is $778 a year or $65 a month. That number may be higher or lower based on your risk. For example, those who do not live near a flood zone but want peace of mind may pay as low as $200 a year. In any case, carrying flood insurance is a small price to pay, especially if you do find yourself needing to file a claim.

How do I choose an insurance company?

When it comes to flood insurance, all FEMA-backed policies have the same coverage; therefore, there is no need to shop around. But if you have additional items you would like to cover, or if you simply need help understanding your insurance policy, our team at Gebhardt is here for you. We are fully equipped to listen to your specific needs and give you an analysis of the best plans available to you for your auto, personal property, homeowners insurance, and more.

Don’t let yourself become part of the percentage of homeowners that get caught in monsoon season without the proper coverage, call us today.

Why Is My Car Insurance Rate Increasing?

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car insurance rate increase

It’s frustrating to get your monthly auto insurance bill in the mailbox and see it increase year by year. In most cases, you may never have had an accident that was your fault or even filed a claim at all.

While inflation and current trends have an effect on car insurance rates, you may still be experiencing incredible uncertainty during peacetime.

Fighting car insurance rates can feel daunting when the variables for change seem out of your control.

Our team believes understanding what causes car rate increases will help you understand how to move forward. Listen as we explain why your car rate is increasing and what to do about it.

Reasons for a Car Rate Increase

Sadly, auto insurance companies change their rates according to factors you can’t often control.

The car rate can be a reasonable amount one day and shoot up the next simply from being the victim of an accident. Or just by going through everyday life.

It’s crucial to be aware of these factors that agents take into consideration. That way, you can choose to fight back and get a lower auto insurance rate.

Moving violations and speeding tickets

You would think that car insurance companies only increase your monthly bill if you got into an accident. But that pointless speeding ticket you got running late to work also plays a factor in the premium.

Carriers track your motor vehicle report and determine you as a greater risk the more violations you have. Thankfully, they don’t count pesky parking tickets, but you should try your best to keep a clean record.

Both at-fault and not-at-fault accidents

It makes sense that a car insurance company would raise your rate for repeated accidents. But what if the accident wasn’t your fault and the other guy didn’t slam his brakes on time?

The insurance company will still raise your rate even if you were the victim of a tragic accident. They predict with statistical data that people caught in 1 no-fault car crash are likely to get into another, making you a liability.

Age

Watch out for an increase in insurance costs if you’re a teenage driver or over the age of 60. You’re considered a higher risk, even if you’ve had proper driving instruction or been driving your entire life.

Insurance companies paint a broad brush and assume that all teenagers are reckless drivers and that senior drivers have lost the capacity to operate a vehicle.

Comprehensive claims

Submitting a comprehensive claim adds fuel to the fire, depending on where you live. Areas with higher rates of theft, vandalism, natural disasters, etc. raise your car insurance rate as a result.

You can’t control when the business next door gets robbed and your vehicle gets caught in the crossfire. Property damage and repair costs are a part of having comprehensive vehicle protection.

But the car insurance company will still ding you in rising car insurance premiums for someone else’s reckless actions in your state.

Auto claims in your area

Despite a clean driving record with no accidents and claims, you can still suffer from an expensive rate. Auto carriers can determine your area has patterns of vehicle accidents and deem the area as high risk.

Sadly, your family will pay for someone else texting while driving or someone else flying through bumper-to-bumper traffic while putting makeup on.

Moving

Similar to claims in your area, the insurance company drives up the monthly premium if you move somewhere else with a high risk of accidents and comprehensive claims.

This is different from obtaining a new policy from moving to a different state. If you’re in-state and changing addresses, be aware that your carrier knows about it. They may penalize you for it.

Insurance score changes

Correlation data show that most people with poorer credit scores have a higher chance of submitting a claim. That means you’ll take a hit based on financial data that isn’t concretely tied to insuring your car.

Many states ban companies from adjusting your rate due to credit scores. But these carriers still consider the number by creating your insurance score based on it.

Gaps in insurance coverage

Difficult life circumstances may create a lapse in insurance. However, you’ll still have to deal with the increased rate, even if the reason was legitimate.

How to Keep Auto Insurance Premiums Lower

While your car rate situation may seem bleak, we know of numerous opportunities that can lower your premium.

Instead of resigning to expensive auto policies, fight back against carriers by finding discounts or switching companies.

Improve credit score

Lowering your credit score will improve your insurance score, which adjusts the monthly payment along with it.

Apply for Carrier Discounts

Being a student driver, having zero accidents, being a homeowner, etc. are common discounts that most companies offer. They help mitigate policy increases and keep your premium down.

Shop for other insurance carriers

It may be time to look into a new carrier for your vehicle. We recommend working with an experienced broker that can compare dozens of policies at once. It’s much more efficient than researching each one of your own.

Fight Car Rate Increases with a Broker

Working with a broker is partnering with a professional who understands the auto insurance market. They keep you informed if inflation, current events, or other variables drive up your premium.

Our caring insurance team can help you find the best auto insurance policy that protects what matters most. We’ll check over 40 of the top carriers and give you a plan that’s cheaper than your current one.

Let us bundle your savings and show you how to find the best policy that balances your budget and coverage needs.

Our team can also help you obtain an insurance quote for homeowners insurance, commercial insurance, and more.

Call our insurance staff at (520)-836-3244 today for lower auto insurance prices.

Motorcycle Insurance Components and Coverage

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Motorcycle Insurance Components

Cruising down an open country road is a symbol and feeling of freedom like no other. Many drivers gravitate to a bike for the thrill, speed, and friendship that is commonly associated with motorcycle enthusiasts. But along with this freedom and excitement come many risks.

In 2019, the Arizona Department of Transportation reported that there were 2,679 motorcycle crashes throughout the state. This led to 170 deaths and 2,235 injuries. Many factors contribute to collisions and accident severity including speed, alcohol use, seat belts, and distractions.

All states have liability insurance requirements for motorists that vary by state. To register any vehicle in Arizona, you must show evidence of financial responsibility coverage. Those buying motorcycle insurance should understand the required and optional coverages available and the factors that influence the price of premiums.

Benefits

There are many benefits to owning a motorcycle over a car. The cost of an average priced motorcycle is much less expensive than buying a new or used vehicle. Owning a bike allows you to save money on upfront vehicle costs. Maintenance and repair costs can also be cheaper.

Motorcycles also tend to be much more fuel efficient. The average motorcycle can travel 120-200 miles on a single tank of gas depending on vehicle, tank size, and road conditions. They are also more space efficient when it comes to storing in a garage or lot.

Risks

Motorcycle riders are at a greater risk of suffering injuries or being killed in accidents. This is due to open exposure, as compared to being enclosed in the metal frame of a car.

Helmet use is one key factor that affects the severity of accident injuries. Roughly 20 states have laws that require riders to wear helmets. The state of Arizona does not have helmet requirements for riders over the age of 18. However, the use of protective glasses or a face shield is required.

Motorcycles also carry financial risk. Motorcycles are easier to steal than other vehicles because they are smaller and harder to lock. They also experience more damage in the case of an accident or weather event.

Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Limit in Arizona

The minimum amount of coverage for motorcycle operators is the same as passenger vehicles. These requirements are $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $30,000 per accident. Property damage coverage of $10,000 or more is also necessary.

Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Options

Bodily Injury: Pays for injuries when you are at-fault. Does not provide coverage for injuries that you incur. (See Medical Payments)

Property Damage: Property damage coverage is for vehicles or other property that is damaged that you are liable for.

Collision: Collision insurance will pay for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle from a crash involving another vehicle or object. This applies even if you are at-fault.

Comprehensive: This type of coverage pays for roadside assistance and damages from storms, fire, vandalism or theft.

The majority of comprehensive and collision insurance policies have a deductible. The deductible amount is a total that the insured must pay before the insurance kicks in. For example: Your bike has $1,000 in damage. If your deductible was $500, you are responsible for paying $500 and then, the insurance will cover the remaining balance.

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist:. Uninsured motorist protection pays for your damages when the at-fault motorist does not have liability coverage. In accidents where damage is severe and the responsible party does not have enough liability coverage, underinsured motorist coverage may apply.

Medical Payments: Pays for costs including medical bills, funeral costs, and sometimes, lost wages that result from an accident. It is not as common because many people use health insurance policies instead.

Guest Passenger Liability: Unlike regular vehicle insurance, motorcycle insurance may or may not include liability coverage for passengers. You should review the terms of the policy and add optional guest or passenger coverage as needed. Keep in mind that the state requires passengers to have a seat and footrests.

What Factors Influence Motorcycle Insurance Rates?

There are a number of factors that insurance companies consider that impact rates such as:

  • Age. Younger people tend to exhibit riskier behavior and typically have higher rates.
  • Style. The type of motorcycle being covered influences rates. Sport or racing bikes typically have higher premiums.
  • Driving Record. Driving and claims history are generally considered.
  • Location. If you live in a busy urban area with higher accident and theft rates, you may have a higher premium.
  • Usage. A bike that is used on a daily basis will cost more to insure than a bike used only on weekends.
  • Cost of Parts. If you have collision coverage and/or comprehensive coverage, the cost of repairing or replacing your bike will impact premiums.

Motorcycle Insurance Discounts

Insurance agencies often give discounts to safe drivers. Riders who have taken motorcycle safety driving or military safety courses may qualify for discounted rates.

Members of groups like American Motorcycles Association (AMA) and Harley Owners Group (HOG) are frequently eligible to get discounts as well.

Purchasing motorcycle insurance through the same carrier where you buy home or auto insurance may qualify you for a bundle discount.

Experts suggest that shopping around and getting multiple quotes before deciding on a policy ensures that you get the lowest rate.

Traveling Outside the U.S.

The majority of motorcycle insurance policies issued in Arizona extend coverage when traveling into Canada. Many policies do not provide coverage for traveling in Mexico. According to Mexican law, visitors should purchase a separate policy for liability.

Motorcycle Insurance in Casa Grande

At Gebhardt Insurance Group, we provide excellent options for motorcycle insurance. Our insurance agents take the time to find you a policy that covers your specific needs at a highly competitive price.

Discounts are available for those who bundle other forms of insurance with their motorcycle policy. Contact our office today at (520) 836-3244 for a motorcycle insurance quote!

How to Compare Car Insurance Rates

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Compare Car Insurance Rates

When trying to figure out how to buy car insurance, the options can seem overwhelming. There are many companies to choose from and even more advertisements trying to convince you that one company is better than another. Every auto insurance company has their own auto insurance rates and individual formulas for calculating those rates. Unfortunately, most companies try to keep their formulas very secretive therefore it can be difficult to compare car insurance quotes and assess what factors may make one one quote higher than another.

There are many businesses and websites dedicated to offering comparison tools and evaluations each year, but to be sure that you are getting accurate information, it is advisable to do the research yourself or to hire an independent insurance specialist whose only goal is to find you the best deal.

In order to compare car insurance rates, there are many factors to be aware of. At Gebhardt Insurance Agency, we want you to make the most informed decision to save money. Keep reading to find more information about what factors may be affecting your rate and how to compare auto insurance quotes.

Factors That Affect Your Rate

Driving Record

The number one factor that car insurance companies use to determine your rate is your individual driving record. There are many aspects that play into this factor such as a limited history, claims, at-fault accidents, and other incidents. It is rare to find a company that will not use a checkered history against you when determining rates, but different companies definitely factor this into account in different ways therefore it is worth it to shop around if your driving record is affecting your premiums in a negative way.

Accident Record

At-fault and no-fault claims affect your rates in different amounts but each will play a role in your rate. Typically, having one or more at-fault claims or violations on your record will cause your premiums to increase for at least 1-3 years. Some companies vary in this therefore it is good to assess quotes for future possibilities.

Checking how rates fluctuate with an at-fault accident on your record at one, three, and five years after the incident will give you a good indication of how an accident will affect you. It is sometimes the case that you would actually save money paying for a low-cost accident out of pocket rather than reporting a claim to your insurance because of rate increases.

Many insurance companies now offer accident forgiveness options to be added to policies that will give you a locked rate if you have under 2 no-fault claims on your record.

Incident Record

Incidents may include a DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or any ticket for something similar. Depending on the severity of the incident, your rate may be affected significantly even so much as disqualifying you from purchasing insurance from certain companies. In this case you may need to carry non standard insurance and those options will vary by company. Typically an incident of this nature on your record will affect your rate from 3-10 years therefore it is necessary to assess these options if you have an incident on your record. Sometimes switching companies may lower your rate if you are currently being penalized for an incident.

Age

It is commonly known that age plays a factor in auto insurance rates. Teen drivers notoriously have the highest rates of any age demographic, followed by senior citizen drivers. Adding a teen to your policy or aging can sometimes double your rates therefore changes in your life status should always be cause to go shopping for car insurance.

On the flip side, drivers between the ages of 25-60 may see a drop in rates with a clean driving record therefore reassessing your insurance company when you reach any age milestone could be beneficial.

Gender

Some states such as California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Michigan have passed laws banning the practice of using gender as a rate determining factor for car insurance rates.

In other states though, companies use this as a factor based on accident and incident data. For instance, sometimes, adult women drivers are charged a certain percentage higher premium than their male counterparts while the reverse is true for teen drivers. Teenage males are typically deemed more reckless drivers therefore their rates will be higher than a teen girl without violations.

Vehicle

The type of vehicle being insured plays a huge role in your insurance rates. This is because the cost to replace your vehicle in the case of an accident will be much higher with pricier cars. Typically high priced vehicles such as luxury vehicles or trucks incur higher rates than a sedan or used vehicle. This is a factor to consider when comparing auto insurance rates but also when purchasing a vehicle.

Location

Your area of residence or area where your car is driven the most will play a factor in the rate you receive from any insurance company. Typically, larger cities with a higher concentration of people and vehicle traffic will have higher insurance rates across most companies. The other side of the coin is that rates will be lower for areas that are more rural or that have higher foot than vehicle traffic.

Your home type can also play a factor in your rate regardless of city. For instance, insuring a vehicle that is typically parked in a closed garage in a neighborhood is less of a claim risk for insurance companies than a vehicle that is parked in an open lot at an apartment community with higher risk for theft or accidental damage.

Credit Score

The last but not least major factor that is considered when calculating insurance rates is your credit score. Having a good credit score will provide you with better rates because the insurance company sees a higher chance that your bill will be paid on time and in full. Likewise, having a low credit score with a history of non-payment can affect your premiums and options for coverage negatively. This is not necessarily a factor that all companies use though so if you are concerned that your credit score may affect your rates it is wise to check with a few companies for their policies.

Process of Comparing

When beginning the process of comparing insurance rates it is good to start with a plan of action. Knowing these steps and what to expect will be helpful in ensuring a smooth and easy process.

Know Your Information

Now that you know there are many factors that will affect the rate you are offered from different companies, before beginning your search, you should make a list of all your personal information that could affect your rate. Have on hand your information such as age, address, and vehicle make, year, and model. Also having a description and date of any accidents or incidents will help you to ask better questions when comparing rates.

Having a general idea of your credit score ahead of time can also be helpful because working towards building your credit for a few months before switching to a new plan may help you to lock in a better rate.

Before making any comparisons or phone calls it is a great idea to write down any questions or concerns you may have that way you do not leave anything out when assessing and you will know that you were thorough in your inquiries.

Choose Coverage

Most places have a state minimum of liability coverage that every motor vehicle must carry without exception. It is wise to do your homework and research what your state requires before having conversations about the coverage you need.

Arizona state law requires that drivers carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance and a property damage liability coverage of $15,000 minimum.

These laws do sometimes change so if you have not assessed your coverage in sometime it is wise to look over your coverage and decide if you need to make some changes.

Collect and Compare

Unfortunately, collecting rate information and comparing prices is the most tedious part of the process of shopping for insurance. If you wish to truly assess all of your own personal information this may require making many phone calls to go through the process of collecting quotes from every insurance company that is popular in your local area.

It is a good idea to seek out which companies are most popular with your friends and neighbors and start from there, you may find that rate differences are negligible or easy to choose from.

Gebhardt Insurance Group

At Gebhardt Insurance Group it is our desire to earn your trust by finding the best rate available for you and your insurance needs. We do not sell our own insurance but shop most major and local companies to compare prices for your specific needs.

If you would like to compare insurance plans but do not wish to do the legwork yourself, we would love to partner with you. Call us at (520) 836-3244 to begin the conversation of buying car insurance today.

Types of Car Insurance Coverage in Arizona

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types of car insurance

It is a careful balance to choose the right auto insurance policy that meets your needs and fits within your budget. You must obtain the legally required minimum coverage levels, but they stop short if your family is injured in a car crash.

But you cannot have full peace of mind without protection for your vehicle, passengers, and property. They can sustain significant damage and will not receive financial compensation if you don’t buy additional coverage.

You have to decide whether to prioritize low premiums or a low deductible (the amount you pay before the coverage kicks in). And you have to choose the types of expenses and situations your policy will cover.

There are many types of coverage that you can include in your auto insurance policy. Some of these are optional coverages and some are mandatory. You can review them to get a better idea of how much car insurance you need.

Below we will go through the different types of car insurance.

Liability Coverage

While there are many optional coverages, liability insurance is required across the United States.

Liability insurance covers damage to others in car accidents where it is determined that you are at fault. There are two major types of liability insurance: property and medical.

In Arizona, there are mandatory minimum coverage levels for both of these:

  • $25,000 in bodily injury liability for one person or $50,000 for multiple people
  • $15,000 in property damage liability

These two numbers are the baseline of any Arizona auto insurance policy. If you utilize the minimums, you would need to pay out of pocket for any medical expenses or repair costs above those thresholds.

The state can suspend your vehicle registration and even your driver’s license without this coverage.

Collision Coverage

Regardless of who is the at-fault driver, collision insurance pays for your medical bills and to repair or replace your vehicle. Collision coverage would protect you if you crash into another vehicle or hit a stationary object.

Your insurer will provide a check for the vehicle’s value if you total it (which means that repair costs are more than the vehicle’s worth). Check with your agent or broker to see the policy details and up to what amount the plan will cover.

Leased or financed vehicles often require this type of insurance.
If you know you cannot afford to repair or replace the vehicle, you should purchase collision coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage

While collision coverage protects you in the event of a crash, comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle in other situations, including natural disasters.

Fire, theft, and severe weather events are a few of the most common situations that comprehensive auto insurance covers.

Comprehensive insurance is optional, but the company will likely require it in the policy if you leased or financed the car.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

A common type of auto insurance is uninsured or underinsured coverage. This goes into effect if someone else causes an accident with you.

They either don’t have any insurance to pay for the damage or don’t hold sufficient coverage to pay for all your expenses.

Even though driving without insurance is illegal, many drivers still do. And many other drivers only have the minimum liability coverage levels.

With that in mind, uninsured and underinsured coverage provides an extra level of protection in accidents where you are not at fault.

Medical Payments Coverage

Another common insurance type is medical payments coverage. In short, this coverage protects you, your passengers, and even family members that were driving the vehicle involved in an accident.

The coverage applies regardless of who the officer determines to be at-fault in the incident.

You can cover medical expenses resulting from an accident with these reimbursable funds. They also cover copays and deductibles of other insurance policies, such as health insurance.

Other Insurance Types

Most insurance companies offer the five coverage types listed above, but those are not the only protections. Below are a few other coverages you may want to consider for your auto insurance policy.

Rental Reimbursement

If you must obtain a rental car or pay for public transportation after filing an insurance claim, rental reimbursement coverage pays for those expenses. This coverage applies while a mechanic repairs your car after an insurance case.

This is helpful for people or families with only one vehicle.

Gap Insurance

Vehicles depreciate over time, and much of that decrease happens the moment you drive one off the car lot.

Auto insurance companies only pay for the vehicle’s actual cash value if a car is totaled, which means it’s possible for a cash payment to be less than what you owe on the car’s lease.

Gap insurance makes up the difference between the balance of your loan and the car is actually worth.

Emergency Roadside Assistance

With emergency roadside assistance, you can receive reimbursement when you call for help if you get a flat tire, run out of gas, or need a tow. This offers peace of mind in the event that you find yourself in any of these situations, which often involve other expenses.

Choosing the Right Auto Insurance Coverage

Every auto insurance policy is different. There are various fixed factors that determine a policy’s price, including the vehicle’s value and the age, gender, and driving record of the vehicle owner.

It’s crucial to understand the different types of auto insurance coverage so you can protect the people and property you care about. While Arizona requires minimum coverage at a low cost, you can still find additional coverage for cheap.

Our team understands every insurance policy is different, and we help you find the plan that works for your needs and budget. As independent insurance specialists, we compare with dozens of insurance carriers and find policies so you don’t have to do the work.

Get a free quote for personalized auto insurance today.

How Much Car Insurance do I need?

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how much car insurance do i need

Car ownership and driving on the road are huge responsibilities. Holding the safety of your vehicle, passengers, and others, it’s natural to want full coverage. However, you may be on a budget or have a difficult time switching to cheap car insurance.

The United States has legal requirements for each state with auto insurance, so getting more is a personal choice. Arizona has its own minimum liability and personal injury coverage, but it will not protect everything in a crash.

We recommend having more than the state standard so you don’t have to fear if you get in an accident. Roadside assistance, collision insurance, and other additions to your policy can bring peace during a stressful car crash.

It’s essential to know the types of insurance available to you, the insurance you are required to carry, and other options you may wish to carry. Then, you can decide how much car insurance you need and work with a broker to get it.

Types of Car Insurance

There are several different types of auto insurances on the market. But they all fall under these four main categories: liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist.

These insurance types are essential to understand because each operates differently and covers different scenarios.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance covers damages you cause on the road to other drivers and their property. This includes medical bills in the case of bodily injury and repair work for vehicle damage. However, it does not cover damage to you or your vehicle.

Our team suggests carrying more than just the minimum liability coverage. It’s the wisest choice so you don’t end up paying out of pocket if you cause an accident.

Collision Insurance

You’ll want to carry collision insurance for the car insurance company to repair or replace your car in an at-fault accident. Most drivers pay for some amount of collision coverage, even though states don’t require it.

In most cases, leasing companies and lienholders ask you to purchase it on a vehicle you don’t own.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance pays for vehicle damages that a collision with another car or object didn’t cause. These include hail damage, vandalism, theft, flood, or fire. After you agree on a deductible, the insurance company will pay for repairs.

You may decide not to carry any comprehensive coverage but the policy won’t cover your vehicle in the case of bad weather or break-ins.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

Most states require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in situations where the at-fault driver doesn’t have any insurance or enough insurance. It differs from collision and comprehensive coverage to give added protection when your car suffers from someone else’s negligence.

While the opposing driver may not have enough coverage to repair damage to your vehicle or cover your medical bills, an uninsured and underinsured policy will.

Car Insurance Required By Law in Arizona

Because each state has different requirements, it is wise to keep informed of your state’s laws. As a driver in Arizona, it is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the state-required minimums.

The state only requires drivers to carry liability insurance with the following minimum coverage amounts:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $15,000 for property damage per accident

These mandatory coverages are pretty low and may only cover part of your vehicle damage in an accident. If you’re found at fault, you’ll have to pay the total amount your car suffered. That means the cost will go straight out of your bank account if it’s higher than the minimum liability insurance.

Arizona has penalties for not carrying at least the minimum amount of coverage. If you are found to be driving without the required coverage, you’ll gain fines and a suspended license. Your consequences increase over time and will not stop until you obtain a policy.

Additional Coverages

There are many additional types of insurance coverage that cover different situations. The following coverages are not required in any state or by most insurance companies but are options you may choose to carry for your own benefit.

Umbrella Insurance

This supplemental insurance is intended to operate as additional liability coverage. You may wish to carry umbrella insurance if your minimum insurance is low or if your chances of incurring liability damages are high.

Having this type of coverage is most important in a lawsuit after a car crash or if you have an expensive vehicle to protect.

Gap Insurance

Gap insurance is necessary to carry if you bought a new vehicle with a financing option recently. The acronym stands for “guaranteed asset protection.”

The amount you still owe on the car loan may be more than what the car is worth if you total it. In that scenario, gap insurance would pay for the difference and put it into your pocket.

Similar to collision insurance, your lienholder may require that you carry this protection as a requirement in your lending agreement.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

This type of insurance is available in Arizona and covers medical bills regardless of who is at fault in an accident. Your carrier delivers the reimbursement after you’ve paid for the damages.

It is a good idea to carry some amount of PIP if you don’t have health insurance or your health insurance coverage is lousy.

Rental Reimbursement

If you are in a car accident, you may still need to drive when mechanics are repairing the vehicle. Rental reimbursement insurance covers the cost of a rental car while you don’t have your vehicle.

You may opt out of this coverage, but it’s smart to carry this protection if you don’t have access to another car. The additional monthly cost of rental reimbursement is not very significant and is a substantial help in an incident.

Need Assistance Finding Coverage?

Knowing how much car insurance coverage to carry can seem overwhelming. Of course, you need to carry the state-required minimums, but how do you decide which additional coverages you should carry for your benefit?

Having all this information and these options may make it difficult to choose, but you do not have to figure it out on your own.

Our professional team of experts is available to walk you through your options and help you make the best choices for your specific lifestyle and circumstances. We can compare with over 40 carriers to give you the amount of car insurance you need at a cheap rate.

If you need to review your current coverage or would like to price match for a new car policy, give us a call today.

Golf Cart Insurance in Arizona

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golf cart insurance

If you are the owner of a golf cart for personal or business use, you are not alone. Based on the growth rate and published research, there were an estimated 100,000 carts sold just last year!

There’s no doubt that golf carts can be a lot of fun for personal and business use. You can take friends and family on rides around the golf course to hit a few holes. Or you can use a cart to help operate your business.

And if your golf cart is not your main transportation, you may wonder if you really need insurance for your for this slow-moving vehicle. The answer is a simple “yes!”

Whether you are traveling on the greens of your local course, driving a street-legal cart on public roads, or taking it along on your RV adventure, there are certain risks you face. It is wise to consider golf cart insurance in Arizona so your people and vehicle are protected in case of an accident.

More Than Just For Fun

Today, golf carts are for much more than just driving from tee to putting green or doing quick errands in the neighborhood. And they are no longer only for adult communities.

If you are in business, you know that golf carts have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation at large worksites, medical facilities, universities, and more. Many locations prefer these vehicles because of their compact size, less noise pollution, and easy operation and maneuverability.

For example, you may have employees that use golf carts for delivering mail, tools, and supplies around the workplace. Or you can drive individuals with disabilities across your hospital or medical center.

However, driving these low-speed vehicles (LSVs) around busy areas can present dangers. Accidents are more likely to happen with workplaces using golf carts and people and possessions are at risk.

What Does Golf Cart Insurance Cover?

Your auto insurance policy won’t cover specialized vehicles for the most part. There’s also a high chance your homeowner’s insurance won’t protect your cart either.

That is why you will want to purchase separate insurance to cover a golf cart. But beware, coverage for your golf cart will vary by state and even city. You will find that most of these insurance policies provide these standard coverages.

  • Collision coverage: Pays for golf cart damage if you collide with another vehicle or object. This pays to repair your low-speed cart, regardless of who is at fault.
  • Property damage liability coverage: If you crash into another person’s property while driving, this coverage will pay for the damages. Property damage liability coverage will also come into play even if the law deems you responsible for the golf cart accident.
  • Bodily injury liability coverage: Insures you in cases where you injure someone else while operating your LSV cart. Common personal injuries in an accident can include concussions, fractures, and back injuries. A policy can help cover the other person’s medical bills and similar expenses.
  • Comprehensive physical damage coverage: Your golf cart can suffer harm in ways other than head-on collisions. Depending on your policy, you can receive funds back if your bike is caught in a fire or flood, or if someone steals or vandalizes it.

There are also optional coverage add-ons such as Custom Equipment coverage for aftermarket parts, and roadside assistance in case you get a flat tire or need a tow.

Rules of the Road in Arizona

You and anyone driving your low-speed vehicle should understand Arizona state laws before jumping onto the greens or cruising down the road

For example, cart owners driving on public streets must register themselves as low-speed vehicles with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Other regulations include:

  • A maximum speed limit of 25 miles an hour
  • No more than four people can ride, including the driver
  • Carts cannot be driven on sidewalks
  • They cannot be driven on private property without the consent of the property owner
  • A valid driver’s license is required to operate on roadways, along with a minimum of $10,000 in liability insurance and $15,000 in bodily injury insurance

Keeping Insurance Costs Low

Several factors can affect the cost of insuring a low-speed vehicle, just like with your car policy.

Check with your insurance agent because you can often receive a discount if you get coverage for more than one LSV on your plan. However, your rates will likely be higher if you have violations or claims on your motor vehicle insurance policy.

Golf Cart Insurance in Casa Grande & Maricopa

Getting an insurance quote for your golf cart insurance in Maricopa, Casa Grande, and throughout Arizona doesn’t have to be difficult. Our professional agents will shop the nation’s top carriers to find you the absolute best golf cart insurance rates with the optimum coverage to meet your needs.

We can even bundle savings with more expensive insurance policies, such as auto and home, and decrease their prices. Experience matters the most when it comes to securing the best insurance and our team has served Casa Grande and now Maricopa since 2004.

Call or text us today at (520) 836-3244 to get more information on state requirements, insurance providers, and bond premiums. We would love to get you started comparing policies so you can get your best rate!