Category: kyma-local-news

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – What started as a rock hit on the highway, turns to a massive crack and a windshield needing replacement. So do you file an insurance claim or pay out of pocket?

With insurance rates so high, it’s something to think about.

The issue is cost.  Older windshields may run a couple hundred dollars to replace.  Windshields on newer cars with cameras, safety upgrades or specialty glass can cost $1,000 and more.

No fault claims shouldn’t affect rates, but some insurance agents say a pattern of similar claims in a short time may be seen as higher risk, which could mean higher rates or even being denied coverage.

Here’s more BBB information about buying and maintaining auto insurance: Owning and operating a car brings certain risks that increase with the number of drivers and vehicles on the road. Auto insurance plays an important role in protecting consumers from serious financial loss arising out of car accidents and other incidents like theft, storm damage, and more.

BBB has general tips on buying any type of insurance on our insurance HQ. There is also a lot to know about auto insurance specifically.

What are the rules where you live?

One of the first things you should do when searching for auto insurance is research a few questions through your state or province’s insurance department.

In the U.S., you can contact the National Insurance Consumer Helpline at 800-942-4242 or visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

When researching, you will want to find out:

Do we have no-fault insurance?

What is our insurance pricing policy?

What insurance does the law require?

No-fault insurance

With no-fault auto insurance, victims of auto accidents are covered by their own insurers, regardless of who was at fault in an accident.

Victims can sue the other party under certain circumstances and limitations vary.

You also want to find out if your insurance covers you when you drive in other places or if your coverage extends to rental cars.

Insurance pricing policy

Different jurisdictions have different policies:

Noncompetitive pricing requires all insurance companies to charge the same price for the coverage offered.

Prior approval pricing means that an insurance commission must approve prices and prices will generally vary only slightly.

Competitive pricing allows companies to charge whatever the market will bear.

Insurance requirements

Many jurisdictions require you to carry some level of liability insurance. If yours does not, it may require you to prove that you can pay specified amounts if you cause an accident resulting in bodily injury or property damage. Your proof would be insurance, large amounts of cash, or other security.

You may also be required to pay an uninsured motorist fee when you purchase your license plates or tags.

A driver rejected by insurance companies may apply for a policy through his/her state or province’s insurance plan for assigned risk drivers.

Types of auto insurance

Once you know the rules and requirements where you live, you can look at the specific types of insurance and decide what to buy. In most cases, car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver.

However, this depends on your insurance, where you live, and who is listed on your auto insurance policy. Take time to review your policy before assuming you are covered if you borrow a friend’s car or rent a car on vacation. Ask your insurance agent for details.

Bodily injury liability. Pays your legal defense costs and claims against you if your car injures or kills someone. Covers family members living with you and others driving with your permission. Most people should consider carrying this coverage.

Property damage liability. Pays your legal defense costs and claims against you if your car damages another’s property. Does not cover your property, including your auto.

Medical payments or personal injury protection. Pays medical expenses that result from an accident for you and others riding in your car. Also pays for you or your family members injured while riding in another’s car or while walking.

Collision. Pays for repairs of damage to your car caused by a collision with another vehicle or any other object, regardless of who was responsible.

Comprehensive physical damage. Pays for damages to your car resulting from theft, fire, hail, vandalism, flood, or a variety of other causes. Note: theft of personal belongings in your car, like cell phones, may or may not be covered by your homeowners’ insurance. Study your policy or call your agent.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist. Pays for costs related to injuries or property damage to you or other occupants of your car when caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. Carry uninsured motorist coverage at limits you feel the other driver should have.

Specialty coverage. Adding supplemental insurance coverage like towing and labor or car rental reimbursement to your basic auto insurance policy may save you money. For example, for a few dollars added to your monthly premium, you could get coverage that will pay for a rental car while your car is in the shop. You can also compare the costs for this coverage with rates you get from a specialized provider.

Choosing an insurer and policy

When shopping for auto insurance, be sure to get at least three quotes, and remember that the lowest is not always the best.

When comparing policies, find out if there are any fees you will have to pay up-front on top of your monthly rate. Also, consider access to agents and prompt handling of claims when you make your choice.

Ask friends and family about their experiences with various companies and see if they have recommendations. Be sure to check out BBB.org for complaints and reviews of companies you are considering.

Ask agents at potential insurance companies these ten questions:

Under what conditions can the cost of my insurance be increased or the policy be canceled? 

How do I contact the company to make my claim? Will I be speaking to an agent in my area or to a central office? 

What is the average length of time before a claim adjustor contacts the insured once a claim is reported? How soon can one expect all parties to be paid? Do you know how your company compares with others for promptness in claims handling? 

What are the requirements with respect to qualified repair shops and pre-inspections? Is there a good choice of shops within a reasonable distance of my home? 

If pre-inspections are required, how quickly can they be done?

Exactly what information does the company require when an accident occurs? May I have a copy of the company’s accident form to keep on hand? 

Exactly what expenses are covered as part of the policy? What about expenses incurred as the result of an accident such as childcare costs, lost wages, or rental car costs? 

What discounts might I qualify for in the categories of lifestyle, multiple policies, car model, and safety features? May I have a list of the discounts that the company offers in my state? 

What are the deductibles on my policy? How would choosing higher/lower deductibles affect the cost of premiums? 

Does the collision coverage have a clause allowing me to reject a claim settlement I feel is unsatisfactory?

Savings checklist

In addition to comparing policies from different companies, there are steps you can take that will affect the cost of your policy.

Consider the deductible. See how rates change with different deductible amounts. Deductibles represent the amount of money you pay before your insurance company starts to pay. By requesting higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage, you can lower your insurance costs substantially. 

Think twice about comprehensive and/or collision coverage on old cars. It may not be cost-effective to have collision or comprehensive coverage on cars worth less than a few thousand dollars. Check to see if claims you might make would substantially exceed your annual costs and deductible amounts. You can refer to the Kelley Blue Book or Canadian Black Book to determine the value of your car. 

Buy a “low profile, low maintenance” car. Expensive, high-performance cars are fun to drive, but they are costly to repair and attractive to thieves. The premiums of these cars can run two to three times higher than less expensive cars. 

Ask about discounts. Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive less than a certain number of miles a year. You may also get discounts if you have automatic seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, and/or airbags. Discounts may also be given depending on your age, for no accidents in three years, driver training courses, anti-theft devices, good grades for students, long-time policyholders, and more.

Combine policies with one carrier. Many insurance companies will reduce your premium if you insure more than one car with them. You might also save money if you bundle your homeowners’ or life insurance from the same company. Do not switch carriers unless the rates for the other policies are competitive.

Keep an eye on your credit. Your credit score can impact the rate of your car insurance. The better your credit score, the lower the price of your insurance. If you need credit repair or debt relief services, learn who you can trust.

Maintain a clean driving record. Your insurance premiums will likely rise in cost if you face traffic violations or are involved in auto accidents. Having a good driving record can help to maintain a lower price on your premium.

Understand your policy

Once you settle on an insurance company, make sure you read and understand every part of your policy. Insurance companies will only do what they are committed to doing, no more, no less.

A policy is a contract and you should make sure you understand all clauses before you sign it.

Know what types of coverage you have, the length of the policy, your rate, and when payments are due. Also, know how to contact the company in the event of an accident and keep proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.

Read carefully to ensure only the items you want to purchase are listed and that all figures and costs are correct.

Talk to your insurance agent or representative once a year to see if your policy needs to be updated. As your needs change, your coverage may also need to be adjusted.

More consumer warnings at joeknowsbetter.com.

Check reviews and find a BBB Accredited Insurer at bbb.org.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) has issued a notification regarding a Level 3 sex offender in the Yuma community.

YCSO says 55-year-old Dennis Knight told them he is living in the area of E. 46th Street near S. Sheila Avenue, in Yuma.

Knight is described by YCSO says five-feet, seven-inches tall, weighing 153 pounds, has blonde hair and blue eyes, and is not wanted by YCSO at this time.

In November of 2010, Knight pled no contest to three counts of sexual abuse in the third degree in the Douglas County Circuit Court in Roseburg, Oregon, YCSO says.

He was sentenced to 23 days in the Douglas County Jail, and the victims were three young girls who knew him.

Knight is considered by YCSO as a Level 3 sex offender with a high risk to reoffend.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – It’s Primary Election Day in Arizona, and voters decided on several races that will help shape the November’s ballot.

One of the key races in Arizona is the governor’s race, where voters chose which Republican candidate will go head to head against Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.).

There are four Republican candidates running to be on the November ballot: Rep. Andy Biggs, Rep. David Schweikert, Scott Neely and Ken Miceli.

Gov. Hobbs is running for reelection unopposed.

The winner of Tuesday night’s race wins the Republican ticket. We’re expecting initial results shortly after 8 p.m. Keep it tuned to our newscasts and our website.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma mayoral candidates made a final pitch to voters as the polls are now closed.

News 11 spoke with Mayor Douglas Nicholls and write-in candidate Carlos Adams to learn more about what they want to share with voters as the voting centers begin to close.

Mayor Nicholls is campaigning for reelection. He has been the mayor of Yuma since 2014, having served a total of three terms. He says he wants to continue to serve his community in a fourth term.

“The real message is to get out and vote. Specifically what I hope they’ve seen over my time in office is professionalism, well thought out decisions and focusing on the growth of our whole community for opportunity for everyone,” Nicholls said.

Meanwhile, Adams says he has what it takes to bring Yuma into a new era.

“For the people of Yuma, I believe that if you want change, if you want a new Yuma, focus on the quality of life, education, and emphasis on searching for opportunities for our community that you would write in Carlos Adams,” Adams said.

The winner of Tuesday night’s race wins the seat. We’re expecting initial results shortly after 8 p.m. Keep it tuned to our newscasts and our website.

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Usually the Yuma Fire Department (YFD) helps the community. This time, they are the ones calling for help.

Capt. Gary Welch has served with the department for over 20 years. In the last few weeks, Capt. Welch has been battling a severe illness and was recently admitted to a Tucson hospital.

To help with this cause, the department is holding a lunch fundraiser.

Francisco Leon, Public Information Officer for YFD, shared what Welch has mean to the crew and also the community.

“He was a fire captain and technical rescue technician. So, he would take care of all the training needs for the fire department, for the professional services division. But yeah, he’s just served this community again for over 20 years. He’s also a U.S. Marine. So a good person all around,” Leon said.

The department will be providing a spaghetti lunch next Thursday, July 30 from 11 a.m. To 1 p.m.

Meals are available via drive-thru pickup for ten dollars.

“Also we’d like to set a deadline of buying tickets for Tuesday July 28 at 5 p.m, the end of business hours. And the reason for the deadline is trying to get the most accurate number as possible so we can get the right amount of food and then all the rest of the money can go to Gary and his family,” Leon explained.

The cost is $10. To purchase tickets, visit the Fire Administration, located on the second floor of Yuma City Hall.

For more information about the lunch, contact Deputy Fire Chief Richard Root at 928-373-4859 or Richard.Root@yumaaz.gov.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As Yuma County prepares for another winter growing season, a group of agricultural professionals is already working behind the scenes to help protect the crops that feed communities across the country.

Known as the “Winter Salad Bowl of America,” Yuma produces a significant share of the nation’s leafy greens during the colder months.

Before those crops reach grocery stores and dinner tables, Pest Control Advisors (PCA) are in the fields monitoring plants, tracking insects, and watching for diseases that could impact the harvest.

PCAs act as a first line of defense for growers, using field observations, data, and experience to identify potential problems before they become larger threats.

Local advisors say every growing season brings a new set of challenges, including unpredictable weather and changing pest pressures.

“A lot of it’s weather dependent,” said John Hume, a PCA licensed since 2003. “If we have another warm fall, warm winter, a lot of rain like we did last year, it could be real expensive…a lot of bugs, a lot of diseases.”

One of the major concerns in recent seasons has been increased insect pressure, including the diamondback moth, a pest that can damage crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

PCA Gordon Goodwin, who has nearly three decades of experience, says conditions can vary greatly from year to year.

“We’ve had extremely heavy pressure in insect and disease years and we’ve had lighter years,” Goodwin said. “Every year is just a new game.”

Advisors say careful monitoring and planning remain critical as they prepare for the upcoming season. By scouting fields, managing pests, and adapting to changing conditions, PCAs help protect Yuma’s agricultural industry and the winter crops relied on by consumers nationwide.

As planting continues across the region, these crop experts say they’ll continue putting boots on the ground to help ensure a successful harvest.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – It’s Primary Election Day in Arizona, and voters are deciding several races that will help shape this November’s ballot.

One of the key races in Yuma County is Arizona’s Legislative District 23, where voters are choosing candidates for two seats in the Arizona House of Representatives.

The lawmakers elected in November will represent Legislative District 23 at the state Capitol and vote on issues including the state budget, education, healthcare and public safety.

Four Democrats are competing in Tuesday’s primary election: incumbent Mariana Sandoval, Emilia Cortez, Naomi Miguel and Juan Manuel Guerrero. The two candidates who receive the most votes will advance to the November general election.

Republicans Michele Peña and Gary Garcia Snyder are running unopposed in the primary and will automatically advance to November’s ballot.

As of Election Day, early voter turnout in Yuma County sat at about 14%.

Voting centers remain open until 7 p.m. Tuesday. Voters who still have an early ballot are encouraged to drop it off at an official ballot drop box rather than mailing it on Election Day.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – If you have an overdue library book collecting dust on your counter, your wallet is about to thank you.

The Imperial County Free Library system has officially launched its “Fine Forgiveness Bi-Week” program, giving local readers an opportunity to clear their accounts completely free of charge. Officials decided to bring the initiative back after it was a massive hit with the community last year.

Between Monday, July 20 and Friday, July 31, book lovers can return overdue or slightly damaged library materials to have all associated late fees entirely wiped clean.

To make the process even easier, residents do not even need to step foot inside a building. Materials can be dropped off directly into the outdoor drop boxes at any of the county’s four participating branch locations in Heber, Holtville, Calipatria, and Salton City.

“We understand life happens, things happen, and not everyone has the means to pay a fine depending on how many books they’ve checked out,” said Imperial County Librarian Mary Jane Guerrero. “We try to be accommodating in that sense.”

Guerrero emphasized that every returned book helps support the local region.

“We are relatively smaller than comparing ourselves to the larger libraries that have more of a central base community,” Guerrero said. “So, we try to ensure that everything brought back allows us to continue providing the services and materials needed by these small communities.”

While the library is offering a clean slate for late returns, administrators noted a few important restrictions to keep in mind before you head out.

The grace period does not cover completely lost items, nor does the program apply to older, unrelated fines already sitting on a patron’s record. However, fees will be waived for minor book damage, provided the total repair cost does not exceed $25.

The push to get books back on the shelves comes just ahead of a system-wide shutdown. All Imperial County library branches will close to the public starting Monday, August 3, to allow staff to conduct an annual inventory audit.

The cleanup will ensure catalogs are accurate and collections remain accessible. Doors are scheduled to reopen just in time for the upcoming school year on Monday, August 17.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is coming to Yuma to hear about bio-solids concerns from residents.

Attorney General Mayes is holding a town hall this Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Yuma Civic Center.

She says she’s interested in hearing concerns about bio-solids from the Yuma community.

The issue became a hot topic this year, garnering reaction from locals as well as county leaders.

If anyone is interested in attending, and would like to RSVP, click here.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Summer temperatures in the Desert Southwest can triple, but that doesn’t stop locals from finding ways to have fun in the sun.

Yuma residents are making a splash and enjoying the Colorado River before school is back in session.

For many, it’s the perfect way to cool off and make the most of the final days of summer. Yuma resident Quinton Neely says the river is the place to be.

“Just trying to stay cool and get out of the house. Get ready for the end of the summer, kids got to go back to school. So get them out by doing something before they do,” Neely remarked.

For other Yuma locals, a trip to the Colorado River has been on their summer bucket list.

Chelsea Price, another Yuma resident, said, “We haven’t been here yet this summer, and we just wanted the boys to swim for a little while and play in the sand.”

But as temperatures stay high, experts say it’s important to take precautions, like drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and taking breaks in the shade to help avoid heat-related illness or painful sunburns

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