Statistics make complicated concepts easier to comprehend. In the insurance industry, there are many important statistics that policyholders and drivers in general should consider. The right auto insurance plan can help protect you, your family, and your financial health. If you’re looking for insurance agents who serve Austin, TX, contact the Southwest Insurance Center. We’re ready to provide insights and assistance.

Some Key Auto Insurance Stats Everyone Should Know

Auto insurance provides coverage for medical bills and property damage after a car accident, amongst other things. Understanding how common car accidents are provides a beneficial perspective. More than 5 million car accidents occur annually in the United States as a whole. In Texas alone, approximately 500,000 car accidents occur each year.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, Texans spend about 1.93% of the median state income on car insurance. Some states are more expensive, while others are cheaper. When considering the financial implications, discussing with a car insurance agent familiar with your geographical market is wise.

Auto insurance requires an investment, but it has proved to be a financially sound choice for many drivers. In 2022, the insurance industry paid out a record-breaking $242.9 billion in claims. Some of these claims were for collisions, while others were for circumstances such as theft and weather damage.

What’s covered can vary from one insurance plan to another. Drivers should work with auto insurance experts to ensure they have the right coverage for their specific needs and situations. If you’re looking for auto insurance agents who serve Austin, TX, contact the Southwest Insurance Center. Since the Texan state government mandates auto insurance, we take pride in helping the community and ensuring Texans are properly covered by their insurance plans.

In today’s fast-paced world, where we rely heavily on our vehicles for transportation, especially around Austin, TX, roadside assistance options are paramount for ensuring peace of mind and safety on the road.

Immediate Help in Emergencies

Roadside assistance services offer immediate help during a range of emergencies. These can include breakdowns, such as engine failure or transmission issues, flat tires, dead batteries, or accidents. 

Safety and Security

Being stranded on the side of the road, especially in unfamiliar or remote locations, can be dangerous. Roadside assistance services call out trained professionals, often with certifications in automotive repair or emergency response, who can quickly assess the situation, provide assistance, and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Convenience and Peace of Mind

Knowing that help is available 24/7, wherever you are, gives drivers a sense of ease. Whether small issues like a flat tire or a more significant problem requiring towing, roadside assistance services handle the logistics, allowing drivers to focus on their safety and well-being.

Cost Savings

Some people hesitate to get roadside assistance due to perceived costs. Paying for a membership or including roadside assistance coverage in an auto insurance policy is a smart and cost-effective choice. Getting individual services when emergencies arise proves more efficient but can be significantly more expensive. 

Additional Services

Many roadside assistance plans offer additional services beyond basic towing and roadside repairs. These may include fuel delivery, lockout assistance, battery jump-starts, and even assistance with minor mechanical repairs. These extra services add value to roadside assistance plans, making them even more indispensable for drivers. 

Let Southwest Insurance Center Give You Information

Southwest Insurance Center answers your auto insurance questions and serves the Austin, TX, region. Call us today for the most updated information.

Ensure Your RV Adventures are Secure with Adequate Insurance

With spring and summer around the corner, it’s time to prepare your RV for upcoming vacations and adventures. But before you hit the road, ensure you have up-to-date, quality RV insurance. If you’re in the Austin, TX, area and seeking a reliable policy, Southwest Insurance Center is here to help.

Navigate the Insurance Landscape with Knowledgeable Agents

Our trusted, knowledgeable agents can provide you with quotes from multiple insurance providers and answer all your questions. Whether you’re simply updating a policy or need a new one, our goal is to ensure you understand and secure the benefits and protection you need. By working with an agent, you’ll gain important information to help make informed insurance decisions that suit your unique needs.

The Right Coverage for Your RV Usage

RV usage varies from person to person; some people live full-time in their RV, while others use it only for occasional family vacations. No matter how you use your RV or its frequency, there’s a policy that’s right for you. Identifying the right policy can provide excellent protection if you need to make a claim and help you focus on the joy of travel rather than worry about potential risks. There’s no need to settle for less when getting the policy that fits your situation is easy and convenient.

If you’re in the Austin, TX area and seeking an RV insurance policy, contact us today at Southwest Insurance Center. We’ll help you select a policy that suits your RV lifestyle and travel needs, whether you’re an occasional vacationer or enjoy life on the road all year round.

Auto insurance policies are required to prove that you can pay for an accident if it should happen. An auto policy has several different kinds of coverage, each giving you a different type of protection. Call us at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX when you need auto insurance. 

Bodily Injury Liability

This is a type of required coverage in your auto insurance. This is what pays for someone else’s medical bills after you’ve been in an accident with them. Bodily injury liability can save you a lot of money in medical bills when someone else is injured. 

Property Damage Liability

If you damage someone else’s property during an accident, this coverage will pay for that damage. You may damage another person’s vehicle, or you may cause damage to landscaping or a building. This type of coverage is also required for you to have. This protects others on the road in case you have an accident with them. 

Comprehensive Coverage

This type of coverage covers your vehicle in case it has a problem when it isn’t being driven. There are a lot of risks that a vehicle faces when it’s parked. It’s important to have this coverage in case something should happen to it. 

Collision Coverage

This coverage protects you in case you get into an accident, and damage is done to your vehicle. If you cause an accident and have vehicle damage, this can be extremely expensive to repair. With collision coverage, those repairs can be paid for by the policy. 

Get Auto Insurance Quotes in Austin!

You can be subject to numerous fines and fees when you don’t have auto insurance. You also leave yourself at great financial risk. Call us at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX, when you need auto insurance. 

Having the right things in your vehicle at all times ensures you are not caught up short. In Austin, TX, you need to consider the heat as well as the laws of the state of Texas. At Southwest Insurance Center, we are independent agents, providing personalized service and more choices. 

Your vehicle registration and insurance card

Your registration in Texas is a sticker on your car window, so make sure you attach it. The insurance card or proof of financial responsibility should be in your glove box where it is safe. If you get in an accident or are pulled over for any reason, you will be in compliance with the law. 

Your driver’s license 

Most people carry their driver’s license in their wallet, and that will be in your pocket or purse. Keeping it safe is vital since it is a form of ID. 

Your auto club membership

If you have a problem with your vehicle, you will need to carry your auto club membership card so that you have the phone number to call for assistance. This provides a degree of security, knowing you won’t be stranded without resources. 

A spare tire, jack, and can of Fix-a-Flat.

It doesn’t take much to cause your tire to go flat. The first thing to try is Fix-a-Flat, and if that doesn’t work, you can change your flat tire, or you can call someone to come and change your tire, you do need to have the tire for them to put on. 

If you live in or near Austin, TX, we are happy to offer you the benefit of our experience. Contact Southwest Insurance Center today for the best and most affordable auto insurance coverage. 

One of the most common reasons you would need to file a claim with your auto insurance company is that you were involved in an automobile accident. Another common reason you may file a claim is that your vehicle was broken into. While you cannot prevent all burglars and thieves, there are things that you can do to minimize the chances of your car being targeted. Here are some tips brought to you by Southwest Insurance Center, an auto insurance provider in the greater Austin, TX area.

Secure Your Vehicle 

One of the best ways to minimize the chances of your car being broken into is to secure your vehicle. This includes ensuring your doors are locked, your windows are rolled up, and your security alarm, if your vehicle has one, is activated.

Park In Well Lit Areas

Another tip that can help to minimize the chances of your car being broken into is to park in well-lit areas. It is safer for thieves to target vehicles parked in dark areas, as they are less likely to be spotted. Parking under a light in a parking lot or using motion-activated lights in your driveway can help deter thieves.

Be Mindful About What Is Visible In Your Vehicle

Lastly, always be mindful of what is visible in your vehicle. You should never leave items such as money, cell phones, electronics, or shopping bags visible in your vehicle. You want your vehicle to look empty to help minimize the chances of your car being targeted by criminals.

By securing your vehicle, parking in a well-lit area, and being mindful of what is visible in your vehicle, you can minimize the chances of your vehicle being broken into. Unfortunately, though, some thieves will target any vehicle for any reason. As such, it is essential to have auto insurance that protects you in case your car is broken into. Here at Southwest Insurance Center, serving the greater Austin, TX region, we can help you select a policy that meets your needs. Schedule an appointment with one of our auto insurance agents today.

Things can get pretty stressful following a collision. To ensure you are properly compensated, you want to ensure that you correctly file an auto insurance claim with your Austin, TX insurance company. Here are a few dos and don’ts to follow from Southwest Insurance Center.

Do Document Absolutely Everything

No matter whether you think it is relevant or not, take note of it. Your insurer can use what is necessary and put aside the rest. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, the scene of the accident, the road, the weather, obstructions, etc. Don’t forget to take down eyewitness information. Seek medical attention immediately if you are injured.

Don’t Throw Away Your Receipts

After an accident, you will be out money for medical expenses, auto repairs, property repairs, and a variety of other expenses. Make certain that you keep the receipts (or at least copies of them) of anything you pay for. More often than not, these expenses are refundable, but you will need to provide proof of these costs to your insurer.

Do File Your Claim ASAP

It is important to understand that the claims process needs to get started as soon as possible, which means you need to file your auto insurance claim at your very earliest convenience following the accident. In fact, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements of your insurer, as most insurance policies will require that you file within a certain time period—typically within 24 hours.

If you need help filing your auto insurance claim, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Southwest Insurance Center. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have and guide you through the claims filing process. Alternatively, if you are looking for auto insurance in Austin, TX, let us help you assess your individual needs and provide you with an auto insurance quote.

When you buy a car in Austin, TX, one of the first things you need to do is insure it. This is a legal requirement that helps protect you and other people. However, are you aware of what your auto insurance coverage options are? You need to understand the different types of auto coverage before selecting one. That is why, here at Southwest Insurance Center, we take you through the different types of auto insurance coverages in the market.

Bodily Injury Liability

This coverage cautions you financially if you cause an accident and people are injured. The coverage will help pay for the medical treatment of the injured party, preventing you from paying out of pocket.

Property Damage Liability

This type of liability helps pay for any damage to other people’s property caused by your car. This includes vehicles, fences, businesses, etc. Any damage to your vehicle after an accident is not covered by this policy.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects you against financial loss when your car is exposed to risks like theft, natural disasters, vandalism, and collision with an animal. The policy will help cover the repairs or to replace your vehicle.

Collision Coverage

This type of auto insurance helps cover the expenses of repairing your vehicle after you hit another car or object. For instance, if you hit your fence as you reverse, the insurance company will help pay for the repairs.

Uninsured/ Underinsured Auto Coverage

If you are involved in an accident, and the driver at fault lacks adequate insurance or is uninsured, this coverage helps with the repair expenses. In addition, if you have been injured, the coverage will take care of the medical costs.

One of the major benefits of having insurance in Austin, TX is that you do not get into a financial loss if anything happens. Therefore, if you are still wondering whether coverage is right for you, you can reach out to us at Southwest Insurance Center. We understand that insurance can be confusing for first-timers, so we will help you find the right coverage.

Regardless of how careful you are when you slide behind the wheel of your vehicle, an accident can be caused by an aggressive driver in Austin, TX. You can control the way others drive, although you can control the way you decide to drive. You can also make the decision as to how you will approach these drivers, such as staying as far away from these motorists as possible. Southwest Insurance Center wants to share some tips on how to deal with aggressive drivers on the road.

Keep an Eye on the Road

More often than not, an aggressive driver can be spotted from afar. They may be following extremely close to other vehicles, or they may be weaving in and out of the traffic. By spotting them before they get too close, you can deal with them more efficiently.

For example, you may switch lanes so they have plenty of room to get around you, or you may increase or decrease your speed to either reduce or increase a gap they may try to weave through. In either instance, it can help prevent the risk of a serious collision.

Avoid Engaging with the Other Motorist

It isn’t uncommon for aggressive drivers to engage in behavior trying to provoke reactions from other drivers. They may get in front of you and break hard, or they may make obscene gestures at you. While you may be extremely agitated at this driver, it is important to avoid escalating the situation. Breathe deeply, stay calm, and remain focused on your surroundings. Never engage with aggressive drivers, regardless of how upset you may be.

Leave Ample Space Between You and Other Vehicles

When there is any kind of change in the traffic around you, you need sufficient time to respond. To ensure this is possible, you want plenty of space around your vehicle. This helps to prevent accidents, especially if another driver decides to cut in front of you suddenly. If someone is tailgating you, change lanes. If a driver cuts in front of you, slow down to leave more space between your vehicle and theirs.

One of the best ways to protect yourself on Austin, TX roads is by ensuring you have the proper auto insurance. If you need help securing the right insurance coverage, contact us at Southwest Insurance Center.