12 Days of Insurance: Because Santa Doesn’t Cover Liability

Please note that this is only an informational post specific to the state of Arizona. It is always important to read your own policy. You can find your policy coverages on your Declarations Page or Evidence of Insurance. If you have any questions about your current insurance policy, you should contact your insurance agent.

‘Tis the season for joy, giving, and…. Insurance! While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear sleigh bells, understanding your insurance is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. 

Here at J Martin Insurance Agency, we’re unwrapping the 12-Days of Insurance to highlight why coverages matter, especially for our Arizona neighbors 🌵!

I get it, reading your insurance policy isn’t exactly as exciting as unwrapping a gift on Christmas morning. But here in the Grand Canyon State, waiting until a claim happens to understand your coverage is like waiting until a haboob hits to realize your windows are open.

In Arizona, we face unique risks. From the scorching summer heat that can warp structures to the sudden intensity of monsoon season. Your policy is more than just a monthly bill—it’s your financial safety net.

Understanding your “limits” and “perils” is crucial because:

Arizona is an “At-Fault” State: If you’re found responsible for a car accident on the I-10 or a slip-and-fall on your icy mountain cabin porch in Flagstaff, you (and your insurance) are on the hook for the damages. If your liability limits are too low, your personal assets could be at risk.

The “Replacement Cost” Reality: With the recent boom in the Arizona housing market, the cost to rebuild your home in Queen Creek or Scottsdale has likely skyrocketed. If you haven’t reviewed your Replacement Cost Estimate (360) recently, you might be insured for 2019 prices in a 2025 world.

Santa Isn’t an Additional Interest: While the big guy in red brings the gifts, he isn’t going to help you navigate a “porch pirate” theft or a holiday kitchen fire. Knowing whether you have Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost determines if you get a brand-new TV or just a fraction of what a used one is worth. 

The “Naughty” List of Sub-Limits: It’s also important to remember that Santa’s most expensive deliveries—like jewelry, fine art, or high-end electronics—often fall under Personal Property Sub-Limits. Most standard Arizona policies cap coverage for these items at a specific amount (often $1,000–$2,500). If that engagement ring or new camera exceeds that, you might need a “scheduled” floater to ensure you’re fully protected.

🗣️ The Value of a Clear Explanation

Having a policy is one thing; understanding it is another. That is where a local agent comes in. You shouldn’t need to be licensed in insurance to know if your roof is covered after a hailstorm.

A great agent acts as your “Insurance Translator” by:

Breaking Down the Jargon: Explaining the difference between “Comprehensive” and “Collision” without the confusing legalese.

Highlighting the Gaps: Pointing out what is not covered (like flood or earthquake) before you assume it is.

Customizing to Your Life: Ensuring your policy covers your specific Arizona lifestyle, whether that’s a backyard pool or a specialized off-road vehicle.

When your coverage is clearly explained, you aren’t just buying a piece of paper—you’re buying the confidence that your family is protected.

While we all hope for a peaceful season, life doesn’t always take a holiday. Here are two common scenarios where having the right Arizona insurance turns a disaster into a manageable “bump in the road.”

The “Naughty List” House Party

The Scenario: You’re hosting a festive backyard bash in Gilbert, complete with a fire pit and twinkling lights. One of your guests, distracted by a particularly competitive game of White Elephant, trips over an extension cord you ran across the patio for the inflatable cactus Santa. They take a nasty tumble onto the travertine.

The Coverage: This is where Medical Payments to Others comes in. Unlike the liability portion of your Homeowners policy (which requires you to be proven responsible, negligent or at-fault), Medical Payments is designed to settle smaller medical bills quickly, regardless of fault. It’s a “good neighbor” coverage that helps pay for your guest’s X-rays or ER visit, hopefully keeping the friendship intact for next year’s party.

The Shopping Mall Sleigh-Swipe

The Scenario: You finished your last-minute shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square, after you loaded all of your Christmas presents in the back seat of your car you remembered you forgot to purchase your niece a present. You run back into the mall to purchase her a sweater and when you return to your car only to find that in the 10 minutes that you were gone someone swiped your bumped and left without a note. Even worse? They smashed a window and grabbed all the Christmas presents you just purchased from the back seat. 

How Coverage Saves the Day: This is a “two-part” gift from your insurance. Your Auto Comprehensive coverage handles the smashed window and the bumper repair. Meanwhile, your Homeowners or Renters insurance (yes, really!) steps in to cover the theft of your personal property (the gifts) even though they were in your car.

PRO TIP: With our dry climate, remember that decorative lights and dry brush (or even a real tree) are a fire hazard. Make sure your dwelling coverage is up to date to refele

Pets are part of the family, and many Arizona households include a dog (or three!) in the holiday festivities. However, pets introduce a significant liability risk—and a potential financial shock—that every owner needs to understand.

🦴 The “Bite” of Liability

If your dog gets overstimulated by holiday guests or the doorbell and accidentally bites someone, you are legally responsible for the medical bills and potential trauma.

How Your Policy Protects You: Your Personal Liability coverage typically includes dog bites, even if they happen away from your home (like at a local park). Make sure that your agent knows that you own a dog (or that a household member has a dog that lives in your household).

The “Naughty” Breed List: It is vital to be honest with your agent. Some insurance carriers have restricted breed lists. If you have a specific breed that is excluded and you don’t disclose it, a claim could be denied.

🚑 The Holiday ER Visit: Protecting Their Health

What if the “Naughty” list involves your pet getting hurt? Between chocolate coins, tinsel, and rich holiday scraps, emergency vet visits spike in December.

The Cost of Care: An emergency vet visit in Arizona can easily cost between $500 and $3,000+ just for diagnostics and overnight stabilization. If surgery is required for an obstruction (like eating a ribbon), you could be looking at a $5,000 to $7,000 bill.

The Coverage Gap: Your Homeowners or Renters insurance does not cover your pet’s medical bills. To protect your wallet from these holiday emergencies, you need a standalone Pet Insurance policy. It’s the only way to ensure that a midnight trip to the animal ER doesn’t drain your holiday savings.

In the insurance world, the only thing constant is change. Your life in Arizona likely looks different today than it did twelve months ago. That’s why an annual policy review isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessity for protecting your net worth.

🔄 Why a Review is Crucial

Think of a policy review as a “tune-up” for your financial safety net. We look for:

Life Changes: Did you get married? Did a teen driver get their license? Did you start a side hustle from your Phoenix home?

Coverage Gaps: Are you still using the same liability limits you had five years ago, despite your home value doubling?

New Discounts: You might be eligible for new bundles, safe-driver rewards, or professional association discounts you weren’t aware of.

🛋️ It’s Easier Than You Think

You don’t have to drive to an office or spend hours on hold. At J Martin Insurance Agency LLC, we make reviews seamless. Often, a 10-minute phone call or a quick digital update through our renewal questionnaire is all it takes to ensure your protection is up to date and that you have the best possible premium we can offer. We do the heavy lifting of shopping the market and checking for compliance so you can get back to your holiday shopping.

🛑 Stop! Call Your Agent Before You Cancel

We’ve all seen the flashy commercials promising “15% savings” in minutes. But before you hit “cancel” to move to a different agent or a faceless 1-800 number, call us first.

At J Martin Insurance Agency, we work for you! If your rates have gone up, we can review your policy and shop your policy with a handful of insurance carriers that we partner with to ensure we have you with the best premium that we can offer without sacrificing the quality of your coverage. 

Moving to a “cheaper” policy often means losing a trusted advocate who knows your history and your family and possibly having lower coverage and higher deductibles. Let us be your first call – we might just find a better way to save you money while keeping your protection intact.

Everyone loves a good holiday deal, but did you know your insurance policy is full of “hidden” savings? At J Martin Insurance Agency LLC, we don’t just set it and forget it—we actively look for ways to apply these five major discounts to your policies to put money back in your stocking!

1. The Multi-Policy “Bundle”

This is the king of discounts. By combining your Home and Auto (and even better, adding an Umbrella), you don’t just simplify your life with one agency; you can save up to 20-25% applied to each policy. It’s the easiest way to give yourself a holiday bonus.

2. The Protective Device Discount

Arizona homeowners are smart about security. If you have a monitored alarm system, fire sprinklers, or even certain “smart home” water leak detectors, many carriers will shave a percentage off your premium. Protecting your home literally pays for itself.

3. Safe Driver & Telematics

If you haven’t had an at-fault accident or a ticket on the Loop 202 in the last three years, you’re earning a safe driver discount. Want to save more? Many of our carriers offer Telematics programs (like a mobile app) that track your driving habits. If you’re a cautious driver, you could see substantial savings at renewal.

4. Professional & Educational Group Discounts

Are you a teacher, a first responder, a doctor, or an engineer? Do you have a four-year degree? Arizona insurance carriers often offer affinity discounts for specific professions and education levels. Make sure we know what you do for a living!

5. Paid-in-Full & Paperless

Arizona homeowners are smart about security. If you have a It’s the digital age! Opting for paperless billing and setting up Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) usually triggers an immediate discount. And if you’re able to Pay in Full for the term, you avoid monthly installment fees and often secure a lower base rate. Monitored alarm system, fire sprinklers, or even certain “smart home” water leak detectors, many carriers will shave a percentage off your premium. Protecting your home literally pays for itself.

What does a truly comprehensive Arizona insurance portfolio look like? Most people think insurance is just “Home and Auto,” but a six-policy strategy is the best way to shield your assets from every angle. If it’s on your key chain, let J Martin Insurance Agency protect it!

🧩 The Layers of a Complete Portfolio:

Auto Insurance: Protecting you on the 101, the 202, and everywhere in between.

Homeowners Insurance: Your castle’s primary defense against fire, theft, and Arizona monsoons.

Umbrella Liability: A vital extra layer of protection (usually $1M+) that sits on top of your auto and home policies to protect your future earnings and assets.

Recreational Vehicle (RV/Boat/Motorcycle): Whether you’re hauling a toy hauler to Glamis or taking the boat to Lake Pleasant, these need specialized coverage that a standard auto policy doesn’t provide.

Landlord/Rental Property: If you own a rental in Tempe or a second home in Sedona, you need protection for the structure and the liability of having tenants.

Pet Insurance: As we mentioned on Day 3, this covers the health of your furry friends so a vet bill doesn’t become a financial crisis.

Why bundle all six with us?

When all your policies are under one roof at J Martin Insurance Agency LLC, we can see the “Big Picture.” We ensure that your Umbrella policy correctly “recognizes” your boat and your rental home, and we make sure you’re getting the maximum loyalty discounts across the board. Discover the peace of mind of having everything insured in one agency!

Navigating Arizona traffic—whether it’s the holiday rush at the Biltmore or the weekend trek to Sedona—requires patience and skill. If you’ve stayed safe on the road, your insurance should reflect that. There are more ways to save on your auto premium than just a “clean record.”

📱 The Power of Telematics (The Smart Way to Save)

The most significant shift in Arizona auto insurance is the rise of Telematics. These are programs (usually a simple mobile app) that provide a “pay-how-you-drive” discount.

How it works: The app monitors things like braking, speed, and phone usage while driving.

The Reward: Most carriers give you an instant 5-10% discount just for signing up. At your first renewal, that discount can jump to 30% or more if your data proves you are a safe driver.

The Arizona Advantage: For drivers who avoid the I-10 at rush hour or who don’t drive many miles, telematics is the fastest way to slash your bill.

🏆 Seven Common Safe Driver Savings We check For:

Accident-Free Discount: Usually earned after 3 to 5 years without an at-fault claim.

Violation-Free Discount: Rewarding you for keeping those “Photo Radar” tickets off your record.

Defensive Driver Course: Drivers over a certain age (often 55+) can take a state-approved course to secure a multi-year discount.

Good Student Discount: Have a teen driver with a 3.0 GPA or higher? Their safe study habits save you money on their high premiums.

Distant Student Discount: If your student is away at college (over 100 miles) without a car, your premium drops significantly.

Continuous Coverage: Staying insured without lapses proves you’re a responsible risk, often unlocking lower base rates.

In Arizona, home improvement is a way of life. From adding a sparkling backyard oasis to updating that 90s kitchen, upgrades increase the enjoyment—and the value—of your home. But here is the catch: If your agent doesn’t know about the upgrade, your policy won’t cover its full value.

📈 Why Upgrades Impact Your Policy

Insurance is based on Replacement Cost. When you upgrade your home, you aren’t just making it “nicer”; you are increasing the amount of money it would take to rebuild it from scratch.

The “Underinsurance” Trap: If you spend $50,000 on a high-end kitchen remodel but leave your “Coverage A” (Dwelling) limit at the old amount, you are effectively self-insuring that new kitchen. If a fire hits, the insurance company might only pay based on the old materials.

The Valuation Surge: With building material costs and labor in the Phoenix metro area remaining high, even “small” upgrades can significantly push your home’s total value beyond your current policy limits.

🏊 The “Pool” Policy Update (Non-Negotiable!)

Adding a pool is the quintessential Arizona upgrade, but it changes your risk profile instantly. There are also requirements that must be met with having a pool (i.e. pool must be in a enclosed area/behind a locked gate and the pool cannot be empty)

Liability: A pool is considered an “attractive nuisance.” Your liability risk increases the moment you dig that hole. We may need to discuss increasing your Personal Liability limits or adding an Umbrella policy.

Structure: The pool itself, the decking, and the pump equipment are covered under Separate Structures (Coverage B). If your current limit is the standard 10%, it might not be enough to cover a custom pool and a new guest house.

🛠️ Eight Common Upgrades We Need to Know About:

Kitchen Remodels: New cabinetry, granite/quartz countertops, and high-end appliances.

Bathroom Overhauls: Moving from standard tile to natural stone or adding luxury fixtures.

New Roof: This can actually save you money! A newer roof is a lower risk for leaks and hail damage, often triggering a discount.

Solar Panels: Whether you own or lease them, we need to ensure they are listed correctly on the policy.

Adding a Pool or Spa: Triggers both a valuation change and a liability review.

Guest Houses (ADUs) or Sheds: Increases the need for Separate Structures coverage.

Smart Home Systems: Adding monitored security or leak detection can earn you a discount.

Flooring Upgrades: Swapping carpet for hardwood or high-end tile throughout the home.

Don’t wait until a claim to find out you’re underinsured. If you’ve done any work on your home this year, call us today so we can update your Replacement Cost Estimate (360)!

On the ninth day of insurance, we’re talking about the “Safety Net” of your financial world: Liability Limits. While Santa has the magic of the North Pole to fix mishaps, we mere mortals have to rely on our policy limits.

Think of a liability limit as a ceiling. It is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a covered loss. If a judge decides you owe $500,000 for an accident, but your limit is only $100,000, you are personally on the hook for that $400,000 gap.

Here are the nine key numbers and concepts you need to know to keep your “sleigh” on the road and your chimney soot-free.

The Auto “Split” (3 Limits)

In Arizona (and most states), auto liability is expressed as three numbers (e.g., 100/300/100). These are the first three of our nine limits:

Bodily Injury Per Person: The max paid for one person’s medical bills and lost wages.

Bodily Injury Per Accident: The total amount available for everyone injured in the accident combined.

Property Damage: The limit for fixing the other person’s car, fence, or (heaven forbid) their living room.

Homeowners & Renters Protection (3 Limits)

Whether you own a castle or rent a studio, your “Home” policy includes a different set of liability protections:

Personal Liability (The Big One): This usually starts at $100,000, but many people jump to $300,000 or $500,000. It covers you if a guest trips on a loose rug or if your dog gets a bit too “protective” at the park.

Medical Payments to Others: This is a smaller “no-fault” limit (often $1,000 to $5,000). It’s designed to pay for small medical bills quickly—like a guest needing a few stitches—without anyone having to file a full-blown lawsuit.

Damage to Property of Others: Similar to the auto version, this covers you if you accidentally damage someone else’s stuff while away from home (like knocking over a priceless vase at a holiday party).

The Strategy Limits (3 Concepts)

To round out our nine, let’s look at the “limits” of your strategy:

The Net Worth Rule: Your total liability limits should, at a minimum, equal your total net worth. If you have $500,000 in assets, you need at least $500,000 in protection.

The Earnings Cap: Remember that a court can garnish future wages. Your limit shouldn’t just protect what you have, but also what you will earn.

The Umbrella “Overflow”: When your standard $500,000 limit isn’t enough, an Umbrella Policy provides an extra $1 million (or more) of coverage that sits on top of both your auto and home policies.

In the age of instant gratification, everyone wants a quote “in seconds.” But in the complex Arizona insurance market, a quote that is too fast is often a quote that is wrong. On Day 10, we’re talking about how J Martin Insurance Agency LLC balances modern speed with the local expertise needed to get it right the first time.

🏎️ The “Instant Quote” Trap

Those “instant” prices online rarely account for your specific roof age in the Phoenix heat or your neighborhood’s unique risks. When the carrier actually runs your reports, that “instant” price often vanishes.

🎯 The J Martin Insurance Agency’s “Timely” Approach

We don’t believe in “instant,” but we do believe in timely. We aim for a “Goldilocks” experience: fast enough to respect your schedule, but thorough enough to ensure the price we give you is accurate.

🕙 Ways We Make Your Quote Timely (And Accurate):

• Digital Intake: Use our secure online form to send your info in minutes.
• The “Dec Page” Shortcut: Upload a photo of your current policy for instant matching.
• Local Market Knowledge: We know which carriers are “hungry” for Arizona business right now.
• The Comparison Engine: We shop a handful of carriers simultaneously.
• Same-Day Turnaround: We aim to have options in your inbox within one business day.
• Expert Filtering: We only show you carriers with strong claims reputations.
• Proactive Review: We catch potential red flags before the carrier sees them.
• Transparent Communication: We let you know immediately if a carrier needs more info.
• The “One & Done” Policy: We can update your quotes every year automatically.

If the holidays have taught us anything, it’s that life is full of surprises—and not all of them fit under a tree. While your standard home and auto policies are great, they have their limits (literally). That’s where Umbrella Insurance comes in. Think of it as the ultimate “Plan B” that keeps your hard-earned assets from washing away in a legal storm.

What Exactly Are “Umbrella Limits”?

In order to be eligible for an umbrella policy you are required to have auto liability limits of at least $250,000/$500,000/$100,000 and homeowner (or renters) liability limits of at least $300,000. This means your auto policy will cap out at $250,000 per person/$500,000 per accident/$100,000 per accident and your homeowner (or renters) will cap out at $300,000.

 In today’s world, a single multi-car accident or a serious injury on your property can easily blow past those numbers.

An Umbrella policy provides excess liability coverage that kicks in the moment your primary policy is exhausted.

The Starting Point: Most umbrella policies start at $1 million in coverage.

The Increments: You can typically increase your protection in $1 million increments, with many carriers offering up to $5 million or even $10 million for high-net-worth individuals.

The Gap-Filler: It doesn’t just add money; it adds breadth. It often covers things standard policies won’t, like libel, slander, or “wrongful entry.”

Why You Actually Need One

You don’t have to be a billionaire to be a target for a lawsuit. If you are found liable for damages that exceed your insurance, a court could go after your:

Home Equity: The value you’ve built in your house.

Savings & Investments: Including your non-retirement accounts.

Future Earnings: In many states, a portion of your future wages can be garnished to pay off a judgment.

You’ve made it to the finish line! We’ve covered everything from runaway reindeer (animal liability) to the dangers of a dry Douglas fir (fire coverage). But as the holiday decorations go back into their bins and the calendar flips to January, the most important gift you can give yourself isn’t a physical object—it’s continuity.

Insurance shouldn’t be a seasonal thought; it’s the invisible safety net that sits under your life, 365 days a year. Here is how to ensure the next twelve months are as stress-free as possible:

The “New Year, New Policy” Checklist

Before the holiday high wears off, take ten minutes to audit your coverage for the year ahead:

Review Your Life Changes: Did you start a side hustle this year? Did you renovate the kitchen? If your home’s value or your personal liability has increased, your 2024 coverage might not be enough for 2025.

The Ultimate Gift: Living Without the “What Ifs”

The true value of a solid insurance portfolio isn’t just the payout after a claim; it’s the ability to sleep through a thunderstorm, travel without anxiety, and host friends without worrying about a “slip and fall” ruining your finances.

As the holiday lights dim and we head into a new year, it’s easy to tuck your insurance policies away in a drawer and forget about them. But if these twelve days have shown us anything, it’s that insurance isn’t just a monthly bill—it’s the safety net that protects your home, your health, and your family’s future.

The Ultimate Gift: Living Without the “What Ifs”

Before you toast to the New Year, take these three simple steps:

Audit Your Assets: Did you receive any high-value gifts this season that need to be added to your policy?

Check Your Limits: Ensure your coverage has kept pace with inflation and any major life changes from the past year.

Ask the Experts: Don’t guess when it comes to your protection – talk to a licensed agent about your policies

Next Steps

➡️ Grab a cup of cocoa, pull out your Declarations Page, and look at your liability limits. If those numbers look like they belong in the 90s, give us a call (480) 855-3000! 📞

This blog post offers general information based on my personal experiences and research. While I strive for accuracy and timeliness, I make no guarantees about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the content, particularly as it applies to the state of Arizona. Any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk, as it’s not intended as professional or expert advice.