Texas renters and property owners especially those in Austin may not qualify for the standard homeowner coverage. Maybe you do not need a comprehensive home policy for your property. Southwest Insurance Center suggests that you get extra coverage. There are different types of coverage under homeowner coverage, and dwelling fire insurance policy is one of them.

This policy is specially designed for residential property that belongs to you, but you do not live in it. It protects both the physical structure and the surrounding structures or the detached structures such as the garage, repair workshop, storage room, and fence. However, it does not offer protection against theft and liability.

There are various requirements when getting a dwelling fire insurance policy which includes;

• The property should have a maximum of four apartments, or it should be designed to hold at most four families.
• If a single family occupies the home, the family should not exceed five members
• In case of a mobile home, it has to be lying on a permanent foundation for it to qualify for dwelling fire insurance policy

Texas dwelling policy comes in different types which include;

Dwelling policy form 1

This coverage offers protection against lightning, explosions, smoke damage or any damages caused by the heating system. These may consist of perils due to stove or water heater. There are two options under form 1 which are vandalism and mischief, and the extended coverage. The extended coverage caters for damages as a result of smoke, volcanic explosions, windstorm, hail and other explosions.

Dwelling policy form 2

This coverage protects your property against the same damages as the dwelling form 1 but with some additions. These are burglary damages, electrical damage, freezing of pipes, water overflow or steam and falling objects among others.

Dwelling policy form 3

This policy is the most comprehensive form of dwelling fire coverage. It is also referred to as open perils or all risks coverage. Other than the damages catered for under the other two policies, it also protects your property against war, neglect, law and ordinances, mold, rot rust, intentional loss and earthquake.

If you wish to learn more and purchase a dwelling fire insurance policy in Austin, TX, do not hesitate to reach Southwest Insurance Center and we will be ready to help.

The most significant and valuable asset that most people will ever own is their home. Because of this, making sure that it is properly protected by insurance is extremely important. When they are looking to build a home insurance policy, many people may also need to consider purchasing flood insurance. There are several situations in which flood insurance may actually be required in order for you to qualify for your mortgage.

Mortgage Lender Requirements

In general, the main source that will determine whether or not you need to have flood insurance is your mortgage lender. If you have a mortgage that is backed by the FHA, the mortgage lender will be required to make sure you have and carry flood insurance if you live in a determined flood zone. In many situations, the lender may also require that you escrow for this on a monthly basis and they could pay the insurance company directly.

Flood Zone Map

Whether or not you will be required to carry flood insurance by your mortgage provider will depend on whether you are located in a flood zone. FEMA manages a real-time flood insurance map that will dictate certain areas that are prone to the risk of flood. The map will then classify which type of flood insurance you will need to have. Depending on what zone you live in on the map, the cost of flood insurance can vary considerably.  

For those that are in the Austin, TX area, understanding flood insurance needs is very important.  Because of this, meeting with an Austin, TX area insurance provider, such as the Southwest Insurance Center, could be a very good option. The Southwest Insurance Center can help you to better understand your flood insurance requirements and make sure you have adequate coverage.  

Southwest Insurance Center is your go-to agency for Recreational Vehicle (RV) insurance in the greater Austin, TX area. We are here to meet all of your insurance needs, including optional coverage for your RV. While your primary auto policy may provide some protection for other vehicles, there are a lot of instances where you can be liable for injury and damage that will not be covered. Owning an RV offers a lot of opportunity for family fun and enjoyment, and having the right insurance in place will ensure that you enjoy your vehicle for years to come.

Benefits of Comprehensive RV Insurance

RV insurance covers you in the event of theft or damage while on the road, including accidents. One overlooked aspect of this insurance is coverage while parked. If you travel with your RV and use the vehicle to entertain guests while on the road, it is imperative to have liability insurance in case someone is injured while in your RV. Slips and falls can happen, and many insurance policies do not cover such mishaps.

This coverage, known as Vacation Insurance, offers you protection for when your RV is in use but you are not out on the road. All Perils coverage can provide protection for many instances where there are typically exclusions in general policies, such as acts of God. Owning an RV can be expensive, and having comprehensive insurance coverage can ensure that you are able to enjoy your investment for many years to come.

Please give us a call today at (512) 280-6100 to schedule an appointment to learn more about the benefits of comprehensive RV insurance. Southwest Insurance Center is proud to serve the greater Austin, TX area and is here to help you meet all of your insurance needs. 

Insurance of many types can help in "rainy day" situations when things go wrong. And umbrella insurance is perfectly named because it definitely helps with those "rainy day" situations. But is getting that type of insurance really necessary and worth the cost? The short answer is "yes." And here’s why.

Cost of Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance is surprisingly inexpensive, especially in light of the benefits. Because it is typically sold in $1 million increments, $1 million is in many instances the least expensive investment in umbrella insurance. But the cost for that type of coverage can be as low as only a couple hundred dollars per year.

What Umbrella Insurance Covers

Umbrella insurance covers various issues that are not covered by other types of insurance. Here are a few examples:

• Umbrella insurance provides additional coverage when there is a claim involving your home. Although you have homeowners’ insurance, your policy doesn’t provide adequate coverage. Your umbrella coverage kicks in.
• A car accident occurs that involves a great deal of damage, and your liability insurance coverage is not adequate. Umbrella insurance steps in to help make up the difference.
• An issue comes up that might not seem typically related to certain insurance policies. Those issues include ones like libel and slander, and umbrella insurance helps out.

Those are just a few of the many situations with which umbrella insurance can help. There are many more situations in which umbrella insurance can help.

Why It’s Worth It

When you compare the minimal cost of umbrella insurance with all of the benefits, plus the peace of mind gained, making the choice to obtain umbrella insurance is the obviously wise one.

Southwest Insurance Center serving Austin, TX would be happy to tell you more about umbrella insurance and help you navigate the questions and concerns you might have. Just give us a call to let us know how we can help.

Whether you’re a regular rider or take to your bike for the occasional joy ride, protecting your motorcycle investment is important. However, far too many owners opt for standard coverage without looking at the different add on’s. These go a long way in protecting not only you but your gear as well. At Southwest Insurance Center, we want to make sure you are properly protected, whether riding in Austin, TX or in other surrounding areas. 

Accessories and Custom Equipment

Do you like to mod your motorcycle? Maybe you have a few accessory additions you’ve installed onto the motorcycle. Did you know these additions and improvements may not be covered with traditional motorcycle insurance. If you’re into outfitting your bike, make sure to consider this kind of common motorcycle insurance add on. 

Carried Contents and Personal Belongings

If you are one to take the bike out for extended road trips, chances are you’ll have a good amount of personal belongings stored both on the bike and even in small trailers. When this is the case, you need to protect your personal belongings with the carried contents insurance options. 

Roadside Assistance

Whether your bike is stuck or it’s disabled, the last thing you want to do is leave it to get help. Motorcycles are too easily stolen to just leave out in the open. Instead, you’re better off to invest in roadside assistance. This helps protect not only the motorcycle but you as well. There are even options here that include lodging and food expenses if your bike needs to see the shop for repairs. 

It doesn’t matter if you live in Austin, TX or in the surrounding communities, it is important to protect your motorcycle and yourself at the same time. At Southwest Insurance Center, you’ll receive assistance identifying the available motorcycle insurance add on’s available to you. 

Owning a boat in Austin, TX may mean not getting to use it all year round. Because of your schedule or the time it takes to get to the lake, you may only be able to use your boat during limited times throughout the year. 

Your homeowner’s policy through Southwest Insurance Center may already cover your boat when it is safely stored at home, but this kind of policy has limitations. For instance, it won’t cover a more expensive boat, liability coverage, or medical bills if someone is injured while you are out using your boat.

Can I Be Forced to Insure My Boat?

Texas does not require boat owners to insure their boats. However, if you still owe on the loan, you probably have a requirement in the terms and conditions that you have an active insurance policy on the boat continuously until it is paid off. This protects their investment because accidents like fires can happen even when your boat is in storage.

Even if you own your boat outright, you may still be required to prove insurance at certain facilities. To protect themselves from liability, some marinas, for example, may need you to insure your own property.

What if I Own My Boat Outright?

While Texas does not require boat owners to carry special boat insurance, holding an insurance policy protects you from liability and defends you against claims in case your boat is in an accident. Just like with an automobile accident, having insurance will pay medical bills and boat repairs. Your insurance agent can deal with these issues and save you the time and trouble.

Southwest Insurance Center can help you explore the options that best fit your needs if you are in the Austin, TX area. Call today to compare rates.

New graduates are already faced with a number of necessities that they may not be equipped to handle. They may be even less able to cover everything they need when they’re actually in school. So then why would any young person decide to purchase life insurance when they have so many other responsibilities on their plate? See why it may make more sense than you think. 

Stakes Are High 

There’s little debate that student debt can accrue faster than anyone thinks. Southwest Insurance Center has seen how students in Austin, TX may underestimate just what they need just to be able to survive. What they may not know is that while they’re in school (or soon after they graduate), they may leave someone else on the hook to cover their debt should something happen to them. It can mean that collectors come after a spouse or loved one of the debt holder to get what they’re owed. Ultimately, many people would have a very difficult time shouldering that burden if the student is unable to take care of their debt on their own. 

How Life Insurance Helps 

Life insurance can be the best way to plan for the future because it provides the relief necessary to those in charge of the student’s affairs. The best part is that practically every graduate can get a policy that works for them. Even a small amount of coverage can go a long way for those you love. Term insurance may be an excellent option because you can choose just how long you have the insurance, and it will end at the date you specify. Call Southwest Insurance Center if you’re in Austin, TX, and want to take the steps to plan for a brighter future. 

Commercial businesses may face a number of different threats on a daily basis in Austin, TX. However, when owners get used to everything functioning on status quo, they may lose sight of these very real dangers. It’s one of the reasons why most businesses are underinsured. See where you’re most likely to experience a problem in Austin, TX, and what you can do to stop it. 

Litigation Concerns 

Antitrust laws, unfair competition, sexual harassment: they’re all ways that a business can come under scrutiny for what they do and how they handle problems. A legal battle can drain a company’s resources extremely quickly, whether the claims are warranted or not. If you don’t think you have enough leverage if something like this happens to you, it’s time to find out more about how the right commercial insurance from Southwest Insurance Center can help. 

Virtual Dangers 

Hackers have been proliferating over the past few decades because there’s so much to be gained from getting into the right system. Criminals use everything from social baiting to advanced cryptography to ransom your information. Even juggernauts like Apple can have a difficult time predicting what they’ll do, so it’s not always a matter of investing in better security. 

Crime 

Burglaries and vandalism may not be very common where you are, but that doesn’t mean you can get complacent. Your business is too important to your lifestyle to leave yourself undefended from criminals of all kinds.  

Southwest Insurance Center can give you more information about the threats in your area, and what you can do to get the right amount of coverage. Whether you’ve recently expanded your business or you realize you’re not quite as prepared as you want to be, give us a call today to find out more!

It might seem appealing to hold off on purchasing life insurance because you’re young or healthy. However, you could find your loved ones in a predicament if you believe you don’t need life insurance. The consequences of not purchasing a policy through Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX and the surrounding area, could be tremendous. 

1. Your Loved One’s Business or Assets

Whoever steps up to the plate to take care of the expenses when you die could find themselves in debt. It could affect their business or assets. This is especially the case if they have to take out a loan and end up not being able to pay for it. 

2. Business Expenses

If you pass and own a business, especially with another person, the debt of your business will fall into the hands of your next of kin. If you have a partner, you could harm him or her financially when you pass, but an insurance policy can help. 

3. Family Financial Ruin

If you have a home that’s not paid off, young children or debt, think about what your family is financially going to do without you. You could leave them without a way to pay off the home, take care of the children or pay off debt. 

4. Stress

Your loved ones will be stressed enough after your passing. Relieve them of some of the stress they have by having an insurance policy that allows them to focus on mourning you. If you pass unexpectedly, it makes it even harder on your family. When your family doesn’t have the money for the funeral they want for you, it’ll leave them with a permanent regret. 

Contact Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX and the surrounding area, to open a life insurance policy by calling 512-280-6100.