Digital Auto ID Cards in Arizona

Enclosed is the AZ state law that states that your auto proof of insurance on you have on your cell phone is legal proof of insurance.


Arizona State Law ARS 28-4135B

ARS 28-4135B. A person operating a motor vehicle on a highway in this state shall have evidence within the motor vehicle of current financial responsibility applicable to the motor vehicle. The evidence may be displayed on a wireless communication device that is in the motor vehicle. If a person displays the evidence on a wireless communication device pursuant to this subsection, the person is not consenting for law enforcement to access other contents of the wireless communication device.

State minimum auto insurance coverage

15,000/30,000/10,000 verses 25,000/50,000,25,000

Recently, the state of Nevada increased their state minimum auto coverage from 15,000/30,000/10,000 to 25,000/50,000/25,000. What that means is if you are in a car accident in Nevada and the other party is at fault, there is now $25,000 per person to cover your injuries, instead of $15,000 per person and $25,000 in property damage to cover damage to your car instead of just $10,000.

$10,000 in property damage is barely enough to cover a bumper and a fender on many new cars due to increase safety features such as automatic braking sensors, cruise control auto sensors and parking assist sensors.

PLEASE, Arizona, follow suit and do the same changes.

Car backing into another car accident

When you are driving in a parking lot, be careful to watch for people backing out of parking spots that may or may not see you in their blind spot. In most cases, if you do not "honk your horn" to signal the other car that they are backing into your vehicle, you would be considered 20% at fault for the accident. If you do signal the other car, such as honking your horn to acknowledge that you see them and they should stop before they hit your car, in most cases, they will be listed at 100% at fault and their insurance company (if they have insurance) will pay for the repair of your car.

The key here is that you see them backing into your car and someway notify them to stop, like honking your horn.

Used Car Purchase Warning

If you are planning to buy a used car in the next three years, PLEASE request a carfax. Then, look to see it the vehicle was ever titled in Florida, Texas or Louisiana in 2017. If so, buyer beware. I, personally, would not buy the car. Also you can check unusual places for water lines, mold and dirt like the glove box, door jams, under the carpet, under the seats and in the trunk.

If I plan on driving into Mexico, do I need Mexican Insurance?

With my agency located in Arizona, I get this question asked to me frequently. My answer is always YES. Here are a few facts that support my answer.

• Most American auto insurance companies will cover you and your car within 75 miles of the US / Mexican border.
• To my knowledge, the Mexican government does not recognize any American insurance companies.
• If you have an accident in Mexico, you are considered guilty (at fault) until proven innocent.
• You can be thrown in jail and your vehicle impounded and sold.

Mexican auto insurance can be purchased at many US insurance companies and also at the border with Mexico. An example of full coverage (liability, property damage, collision, travelers aid, interpreter, and lawyer if needed is about $55 for a 4 day stay. A small price to pay for peace of mind.

Also, if you have a lien on your vehicle, some lien holders will not allow you to take your vehicle into Mexico. Please check with them before you plan a trip.

This is actual footage from an intersection in Mexico.

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Beware of strangers bearing gifts

Please beware of glass companies that offer you gift cards if they can repair your windshield. In the Phoenix area, there are some glass companies that are offering $100 gift cards if they can replace your windshield. But after the windshield is replaced, the gift cards are no where to be found. If you need your windshield repaired or replaced, please call your insurance agent for a referral to a reputable company.

Reducing tree damage

Falling trees and limbs cause millions of dollars in damage each year to homes, cars and downing power lines. Homeowners are a first line of defense, but often neglect taking their surroundings into consideration when trying to protect or prepare their property.

Potential problems that are easy to spot include:

·         Cracks in the trunk or major limbs

·         Hollow or decayed trees

·         Trees that look one-sided or lean significantly

·         Branches hanging over the house near the roof

·         Limbs in contact with power lines

Pruning and removal of diseased, damaged or dead plant parts can help to limit the spread of harmful insects and disease, and may help reduce future storm damage.

Tree care tips include:

·         Check local tree regulations prior to pruning or tree removal.

·         Avoid pruning branches flush to the trunk. Doing so removes not only the limb but some of the trunk wood, opening the plant to possible decay or insect damage.

·         Begin by making a cut part way through the bottom of any limb to be trimmed, a few inches from the trunk. Then cut through the limb just above the first cut. This ensures that when the limb falls, it will not tear off a long strip of bark on the way down

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·         Finish by cutting off the few inches sticking out from the trunk. Leave the “branch collar,” (swollen area of trunk tissue that forms around the base of a branch) as this protects the main trunk from damage.

·         Cut off broken or torn limbs to avoid unnecessary bark stripping.

As always, please use your best judgment when doing any home maintenance and consult a professional as needed. Please contact me anytime with questions that you may have regarding your coverage to ensure what matters to you is protected.