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Tucson, AZ 85716

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Do I Have to Get Flood Insurance When Buying a House?

When buying a home for the first time, you’ll quickly learn that many types of insurance can protect residential structures. Homeowners insurance is only one type of insurance you may need. You may also be required to get flood insurance.

If you have questions about flood insurance, the professionals at The Insurance House servicing Tucson, AZ can help. We provide a range of insurance types, including flood insurance. We’re here to help! Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is a type of insurance that can help you during the recovery after a flood occurs. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is managed by the federal government and is delivered to homeowners through private insurance companies. You can get flood insurance through your agent at The Insurance House.

Who Needs Flood Insurance?

If you have a government-backed mortgage and live in a high-risk flood area, you must get flood insurance to keep your mortgage. Even if you aren’t required to get flood insurance through your insurance provider, you can still benefit from flood insurance if you live in a high-risk flood area. Having flood insurance can give you peace of mind and also help pay for the recovery when a flood occurs.

Do I Have to Get Flood Insurance to Get a Mortgage?

Your insurance lender will let you know if you need flood insurance to get a mortgage. At The Insurance House, servicing Tucson, AZ, we can help you get the policy you need to buy the house you want. Are you interested in flood insurance for your new home? Call us today to get started with your flood insurance policy.

Life Insurance Coverage for Your Memorial and Burial

Life Insurance: Covering Your Memorial and Burial Costs

Your life insurance policy can cover the cost of your memorial and burial. Consider your preferences, then choose insurance coverage terms that allow your loved ones to adequately handle your memorial and burial plans.

Planning for the Inevitable

It is never too early to plan for an unexpected death. It may not be something you want to face, but preparing for the inevitable will prevent your loved ones from being liable for expenses they cannot afford. Handling the preparations yourself will ensure that your final wishes are handled precisely as you want.

Memorial and Burial Preparations

Consider the potential cost of your memorial and burial. The total cost that will be expected should be reflected in your life insurance policy. During the planning phase, choose the officiator you will use to oversee the memorial and burial. Select the casket and other items that will be needed for the memorial and burial. Outlining each of these things in your insurance paperwork will prevent any uncertainties that your family members could be faced with. Your family members who are responsible for the memorial and burial will be reassured that they are following your wishes exactly as you have outlined.

Reviewing Your Insurance Documents

Review the life insurance documents that you have prepared. These documents should be reviewed soon after you purchase your life insurance policy. If you decide to make any changes to your memorial or burial plans, these changes should be indicated in your insurance documents.

Get a Life Insurance Policy in Tucson, AZ!

Preparing your life insurance policy will require the help of a licensed agent. Please schedule an appointment with one of our agents from The Insurance House. An agent who serves the Tucson, AZ region will get your life insurance documents ready.

What Happens If My Boat Is Damaged on the Road?

Summers in Tucson, AZ, practically demand that you spend time in the water, and if you’re a boat person, that’s even better. While you’re looking into boating options, you will probably have questions about coverage. One thing that we get at The Insurance House pretty often is what happens when a boat is damaged while being towed to the lake.

Auto Policy

Before we get into specifics, remember that every policy is different. Always check the details in your own policy before assuming any coverage.

With that said, in most cases, your auto policy will cover liability related to towing, even when you are towing a boat. So, if the boat causes damage or injury while you are towing it, your auto liability coverage still works.

Let’s be extra clear. The auto policy no longer covers the boat as soon as it is detached from your vehicle.

Another extremely important note is that an auto policy usually does not cover damage to your boat while you are towing it, even with comprehensive coverage.

Boat Policy

If you want coverage for the boat itself, that has to come from your boat insurance. Remember, there are many different kinds of boats and many different boat insurance policies.

You will want to specify that you tow your boat and that it needs coverage while on the road. The good news is that such coverage does exist and is rather common.

As long as you have such coverage, boat claims will pay out like any other policy. Submit the claim, and the insurance company will go through the red tape process. Then, you will get a payout. It will either help you fix or replace the boat.

The amount paid depends on the policy and the circumstances, but that is the gist of how boat coverage works while you are towing.

If you want to learn more about policies to ensure your boat’s protection, contact your representative at The Insurance House. We serve people throughout the Tucson, AZ, metro area.

Myths and Facts About Flood Insurance

The purpose and value of flood insurance are well known. However, there are still misconceptions about flood insurance. It’s common knowledge that property owners in a flood zone must purchase flood insurance to protect their property. If you live in the Tucson, AZ, area, we encourage you to bring your flood insurance questions to our agents at The Insurance House. We’ve been providing area residents with exceptional customer service since 1963. We love an opportunity to discuss your insurance needs and help you discover how best to protect your assets. 

Flood Insurance Myths and Facts

Some believe property owners in high-risk flood areas cannot buy flood insurance.  However, the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program), founded in 1968, states that properties in high-risk areas are mandated to buy flood insurance. However, it may have a higher premium than insurance for property that isn’t in such an area. Another misconception is that people aren’t allowed to buy insurance if their property has previously been flooded. However, you can purchase flood insurance if your community participates in NFIP. 

You might be worried about flood insurance coverage for your basement. However, the NFIP allows the sale of flood insurance with basement coverage for cleanup expenses and for appliances that service the basement area. You should remember that if your basement has been refinished, the flood insurance won’t cover the replacement costs of the refinished walls or renovated floors.

Call Us Today for an Appointment 

If you live in a flood zone, don’t leave your property’s protection up to chance. If you live near Tucson, AZ, you are invited to contact our agents at the Insurance House to discuss your property needs. Call us today for an appointment, and let us show you how we can provide your ideal insurance solutions. 

How Term Life Insurance Works

Why is Life Insurance Important?

Life insurance serves as a crucial safety net that should always be an integral part of financial planning. At The Insurance House in Tucson, AZ, we can assist you in navigating the various policies that align with your unique needs.

Understanding Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance gets its name from its characteristic of covering a specific time period or ‘term.’ During this stipulated term, if the policyholder passes away, the insurance company pays the agreed-upon amount to the beneficiaries. But it’s important to remember that this policy type expires at the end of the term. The appeal of term insurance lies in its affordability and the financial security it provides during the policy period.

The Benefit of Reduced Cost

Compared to whole life insurance, term life insurance is significantly less expensive, making it an enticing choice for many. While it doesn’t inheritably build cash value like a whole life policy, economical pricing balances it out as it tends to align better with limited budgets.

How is it Different From Whole Life Insurance?

Unlike term life insurance, a whole life insurance policy garners a cash value, which the policyholder can borrow against if necessary. While term life offers protection during the allotted term, whole life insurance assures coverage throughout the policyholder’s lifetime. However, this extra benefit translates into a higher overall cost.

Obtaining Your Life Insurance Policy

Life insurance is a credible means of safeguarding your family’s financial future. Connect with us at The Insurance House in Tucson, AZ, to explore the right policy for you.

Year-Round Coverage: Extended and Off-Season Insurance Options for Boats

Boating enthusiasts are keenly aware that enjoying the water comes with a significant responsibility. Whether navigating serene lakes or cruising through rivers, the joy of being on a boat demands a commitment to safety and protection. Ensuring the security of your vessel year-round is crucial. This extends beyond the traditional boating season, requiring comprehensive coverage that shields against potential risks during the off-season or while your boat is in storage. Serving Tucson, AZ, and neighboring regions, The Insurance House recognizes that boat owners value reliable insurance choices. These options offer peace of mind for you and your boat.

Ensuring your boat’s safety is a paramount concern when responding to the allure of the waves. Extended coverage options offer a comprehensive shield for your vessel throughout the year. Tailored policies provide seamless protection, including coverage for accidental damage and unforeseen incidents during off-season pursuits. This encompasses liability coverage for unexpected events on the water and robust protection against physical damages, instilling confidence as you navigate various risks, regardless of the season.

Off-season protection is integral for safeguarding your boat during storage or winter months. Specialized insurance options are meticulously crafted to shield against theft, vandalism, or damages while your boat is docked or in storage. Recognizing the challenges of maintaining a boat during downtime, comprehensive coverage ensures protection against unforeseen circumstances.

Ready to set sail with confidence? Contact The Insurance House today to explore our comprehensive boat insurance options. Whether navigating rivers or relaxing on serene lakes in Tucson, AZ, and surrounding areas, we’re here to ensure your vessel is covered, providing you with the assurance to relish every moment on the water. Protect your investment—reach out to us, and let’s sail confidently.

Flood Preparedness for Tucson Residents: Insurance Insights

Many homeowners in Tucson, AZ purchase a home policy and assume they have all the coverage they need. Unfortunately, many policies don’t provide coverage for floods. This can leave homeowners with a considerable expense.

The good news is that our agents at The Insurance House can talk to you about flood insurance so that you never have to worry about the unthinkable happening to your home.

Focus on Flood Preparedness

It’s essential to do everything you can to prepare for a flood. While you may not think it will ever happen, you should familiarize yourself with the flood maps of Tucson. Determine what zone you are in so that you know the likelihood of ever experiencing a flood.

Flood maps change from year to year, too. That means you could be in one now even though you may not have been in a major flood zone when you bought your home.

Knowing that a flood is possible, you can do everything possible to prevent significant damage. Even if damage occurs, flood insurance can provide you with the coverage you need.

How to Get the Right Policy

There’s a lot that goes into building the right policy. You don’t have to guess what kind of coverage you need – our professional insurance agents at The Insurance House can help you every step of the way.

We’ll ask important questions, such as:

  • Where is your home located?
  • How much is your home worth?
  • What kind of deductible do you want?

Once we have the details, we can begin building a policy – and get you quotes from top insurance companies.

When you’re ready to start the flood preparedness process for your home, contact our office in Tuscon, AZ so that we can walk you through the various steps.

What do I need to think about when picking a life insurance plan?

Being adequately insured is essential for all people who are in the Tucson, AZ area. While you will want to have liability support and protection for your valuable assets, you also need to consider getting life insurance. With a proper life insurance plan, you can provide financial protection for your dependents and receive other benefits. There are various factors to consider when choosing a new life insurance policy. 

Level of Coverage

A primary factor to consider when looking for life insurance is the level of coverage. A direct benefit of life insurance is that you can build it to provide financial protection to your dependents. The amount of financial security you need will vary significantly from one individual to the next. It would be best to consider all financial factors, including expected future expenses for dependents, your other financial assets, and other considerations to determine the right level of coverage. 

Type of Plans

You also need to consider the type of life insurance to obtain. The most common form of life insurance is term life, which will offer coverage for a specific period. Whole-life coverage will support your whole life and offer other financial benefits, but the premiums tend to be higher. It is essential to evaluate all options. 

Choosing life insurance is always an important decision. If you are looking at a new plan in the Tucson, AZ area, it would be ideal to call our team with The Insurance House. At The Insurance House, we know how important this coverage is. We can also offer the help that you need to assess your personal needs and the various options. This can ensure you are considering all important factors and building the right plan.

Four Factors That Can Affect Your Boat Insurance

Although you’re not legally required to carry boat insurance in the state of Arizona, boat owners must do it anyway. After all, even careful boaters can get involved in accidents, and the right insurance will protect you from liability.

However, part of being a responsible Tucson, AZ boater means reviewing your policy frequently and understanding which factors can affect it. We at The Insurance House can help you make sense of the details, but in the meantime, here’s a list of examples to be aware of.

1. How You Use Your Boat

What you use your boat for matters regarding your insurance costs and coverage. For example, a boat owner who uses their vessel to tow parasailers or water skiers will likely be looking at higher rates than someone who uses their boat for recreational sailing or the occasional weekend spent fishing.

2. Safety Equipment

The more seriously a boater appears to take boating, the more benefits they’ll likely see regarding their policy or any claims they need to make. Every boater should ensure options like lifejackets (one per person), flotation devices, first aid kits, and similar items are onboard at all times.

3. Driving Records

Naturally, insurance providers will look at your boating history for clues about your responsibility. They’ll look at whether you’ve taken safety classes. They’ll also investigate whether you’ve made previous claims (and what type). But don’t despair if you’ve never owned a boat before. A clean driving record can be as beneficial as a positive boating history.

4. Where You Boat

Where you enjoy your boat matters, as well. For example, a Tucson, AZ boater who generally stays inland (as opposed to boating off the coast) represents a lower risk, so they’ll enjoy the benefits of that. The type of boat they own can further affect this factor.

Knowing the shot from every angle is essential before making big decisions about your boat or policy, so always discuss things with a professional insurance agent first. We at The Insurance House can help! Get in touch today, and let us know what we can do for you.

Do I really need flood insurance if I already have homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance from us at The Insurance House is a must for anyone who owns a home, but do you need to add flood insurance on top of that? The answer is a resounding yes! While homeowners insurance will cover most disasters, floods are not typically included. If your property here in the Tucson, AZ area is damaged by flooding, you will have no coverage unless you add flood insurance. 

Many things, including heavy rainfalls and snow melt, can cause flooding. It can also occur due to blocked drainage systems or broken levees. Floods may damage your home and your possessions, including furniture and electronics. All of this could cost thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements, so it makes sense to purchase flood insurance to ensure you are protected from such disasters.

Even if you don’t live in an area prone to flooding, taking precautions against potential water damage from rising water levels or flash flooding is still important. Flood insurance can provide peace of mind knowing that your most valuable asset — your home — is covered in case of a natural disaster. 

Ultimately, purchasing flood insurance on top of homeowners insurance is essential for any homeowner to protect their property and pocketbooks from unexpected floods.

For more information or to find a flood insurance policy that is right for you, call us at The Insurance House today. We are proud to serve the Tucson, AZ area and would be glad to help you find a policy that meets your needs and budget.

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