Aaron McDermid

Your Local State Farm Insurance Agent serving the Great Phoenix and Mesa Arizona areas

I have been a State Farm Insurance Agent for 17 years, helping individuals, families, and businesses explore insurance options based on their needs and circumstances. With two McDermid State Farm Agency locations in Mesa, our team serves customers throughout Mesa and the surrounding Arizona communities.

My connection to service extends beyond the agency. I am a U.S. Army Veteran, a University of Nebraska graduate, and an avid Cornhuskers fan. I am currently serving my third term as President of the Superstition Mountain Rotary Club and also serve on the Board of the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce.

These professional, military, and community experiences have shaped the way I approach my work as a State Farm agent and Good Neighbor in the communities we serve.

Insurance Considerations for Arizona Families This August

August in Arizona brings the return of the school year while extreme summer temperatures and monsoon conditions continue. For drivers, homeowners, renters, students, and business owners, this combination can introduce changing insurance considerations.

Families may be adding teen drivers, sending students to college, purchasing vehicles, or moving into new rental properties. At the same time, Arizona drivers and property owners continue to face intense heat, dust storms, heavy rain, high winds, and flash flooding.

These seasonal and household changes can make August a useful time to review existing insurance coverage and confirm that policy information reflects current circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance in Arizona

• Should I notify my insurance agent when my teenager starts driving?

Yes. When a teenager becomes licensed or begins regularly driving a household vehicle, contact your insurance agent.

Adding a teen driver can change a household's auto insurance needs. An insurance review may include:

• The vehicle the student will drive

• How often and how far the student expects to drive

• Where the vehicle will typically be parked

• Whether the student will drive to school, work, or activities

• Current liability limits and deductibles

• Available safe-driving or student-related programs and discounts

Arizona's summer conditions can also present additional challenges for inexperienced drivers. Young drivers can benefit from understanding the risks associated with distracted driving, extreme heat, dust storms, and monsoon conditions.

Keeping a phone out of reach while driving, wearing a seat belt, and carrying water and basic emergency supplies can be helpful precautions during Arizona's summer months.

Does a college student need renters insurance?

Whether a college student needs renters insurance depends on where the student lives and what coverage may already apply.

Students renting an apartment, house, or other off-campus residence may want to review renters insurance for personal property, liability, and eligible additional living expenses. An insurance agent can help review the student's living arrangement and existing coverage.

Roommates should also confirm whether they need separate renters insurance policies. Sharing a residence does not necessarily mean each roommate or their belongings are covered under another person's policy.

Arizona College Student Insurance Checklist

Before a student moves into a dorm, apartment, or rental home, families may want to review:

• Is the student taking a vehicle to college?

• Where will the vehicle typically be stored or parked?

• Has the student's address changed?

• Are valuable belongings such as computers, phones, electronics, and furniture documented?

• Does the student's living arrangement create a need for renters insurance?

• Do roommates have their own insurance needs?

• Does the student understand applicable auto insurance limits and deductibles?

• Is roadside assistance available for longer trips between school and home?

An insurance review can help identify changes that may need to be reflected in existing policies.

Arizona Monsoon and Dust Storm Driving Safety

• Although the school year is beginning, Arizona's monsoon season is not over in August. Dust storms, lightning, high winds, heavy rain, and flash flooding can still affect travel throughout the state.

During a severe dust storm, Arizona drivers should consider these safety precautions:

• Check surrounding traffic before attempting to leave the roadway.

• Pull completely off the paved roadway when it is safe to do so.

• Stop the vehicle and set the parking brake.

• Turn off vehicle lights and remove your foot from the brake pedal.

• Keep your seat belt fastened.

• Wait for visibility to improve before returning to the roadway.

Drivers should not attempt to cross flooded washes or water-covered roads. The depth and speed of moving water can be difficult to determine from inside a vehicle.

When Should Arizona Families Review Their Insurance Coverage?

Changes in a household, property, vehicle use, or business can affect insurance needs. Common reasons to discuss existing coverage with an insurance agent include:

• Adding a new or teen driver

• Buying or replacing a vehicle

• Moving to a new home or apartment

• Sending a student to college

• Completing significant home improvements

• Getting married

• Welcoming a child

• Starting or changing a business

An insurance review provides an opportunity to discuss what has changed and whether current policy information, coverage options, limits, and deductibles still reflect your circumstances.

Connect With McDermid State Farm Agency in Mesa, AZ

For questions about auto insurance, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or other State Farm insurance options, the McDermid State Farm Agency team can help review your current needs and available options.

McDermid State Farm Agency

1113 S. Signal Butte Road, Suite 109 Mesa, AZ 85208

OR

6835 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102 Mesa, AZ 85209

Contact or visit either Mesa location to discuss your insurance questions or request an insurance review.