Avoid Driving Distractions

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It can be very expensive to pay for an auto accident that is your fault. Help yourself by avoiding distractions while you are driving. Distractions can endanger the lives of you, your passengers, and other motorists. The Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX lists several ways to keep your attention on the road, so you can keep your money in your wallet.

Put Your Cell Phone Away

Unless there is an emergency, your cell phone should be kept out of sight. Your destination is not too far away and you will be able to answer that text or phone call shortly. Pull over if you need to chat or if it is an emergency call. In Austin, TX, it is against the law to talk or text while driving. You are able to use a hands-free device, such as a Bluetooth or a headset. If you get caught with a handheld device, you could receive a fined up to $500.

Sleep is for Beds

You work hard and sometimes you cannot avoid being tired after a long day. You should not drive while you are drowsy, especially if you are going to be on the road for a long time. Pull over and take a quick nap or find a roadside motel. Avoid getting behind the wheel. If you nod off or fall asleep, you could easily injure yourself and others.

Avoid Eating in the Car

Taking that quick trip to a fast food place is easy, but eating in the car is messy. When you spill something hot or ice cold, you could jump, lose control, and crash into the vehicle in front of you. Leave a few minutes earlier and wait until you get to your destination before enjoying that burger and fries.

Stop by the Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX. Their independent insurance agents can offer you advice on creating a policy for your new or used vehicle.

Rules About Homeowner’s Insurance in Texas

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No laws require Texas residents to invest in homeowner’s insurance. You may still need to seek out an indemnity plan as legislation allows for a bank or mortgage company to require assurance that protects their assets during repayment terms. With the ball being in their court, some financial institutions may take full advantage by asking for more coverage than necessary. Here, then are four elements of law concerning homeowner’s insurance that applies to Austin, TX, residents and others living in the Lone Star state. 

Banks cannot force you to cover the loan’s amount.

While it would be ideal to obtain insurance that pays off the mortgage in addition to funding damages, it is not necessary to have such excess. A mortgage company can only ask that you have indemnity that pays for property damage and personal possessions when tragedy strikes. 

Lenders may not factor in the home’s fair market value when determining the home’s replacement cost.

Some financial institutions use such tactic to raise the overall coverage requirement so that you end up paying through the nose for premiums. You as the consumer have the right to research quotes before agreeing to pay them, which may include getting a second opinion. Homes in Austin, TX, are relatively economical. You should, therefore, not find yourself paying tens of thousands in premiums for insurance coverage. 

"Special flood areas" may require additional coverage

Your lender has the legal right to require flood insurance if you reside in an area that has one percent higher chance of flooding. Individuals living near the Gulf Coast and in Zones V, VE, or V1-V30 are usually mandated to solicit to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Those residing in areas prone to hurricanes may also be required to enlist in NFIP before acquiring additional insurance from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). 

Insurance is available for all

Austin, TX, residents who do not qualify for traditional indemnity can take heart in the Texas FAIR measure. Under the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plans, individuals living in high-risk areas can still qualify for primary insurance even if they were previously denied. Such measure is good news for those Texans living in older homes that may not come up to par with standard requirements. 

Hit-And-Run Drivers and Uninsured Motorist Insurance

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All you need to drive in Texas is a valid driver’s license and mandatory minimum liability insurance, but that isn’t going to help you if you’re in a crash that was the fault of a hit-and-run driver. You might not know it, but if you have uninsured motorist insurance, it’s likely that you’re covered when a hit-and-run driver causes an accident. Uninsured motorist insurance is optional.  Here at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX were always going to recommend it to you. It generally operates to cover you, any members of your family and your passengers for the following types of damages if you’re in an accident that was the fault of an uninsured driver:

  • Medical and funeral expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost earnings
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Vehicle repairs and rental
  • Replacement of damaged contents

You’re covered up to the amount of the policy limits that you purchased, and most insurance companies even provide coverage in the event that you or an additional insured person under your policy is injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist through the fault of a hit-and-run driver. If you’re riding on minimum liability coverage, you can buy uninsured motorist insurance with a limit of $25,000. If you’re at a higher liability limit, you should buy it at that amount.

The other advantage of uninsured motorist coverage is that it almost always includes underinsured motorist coverage. If  you’re riding on $50,000 of uninsured motorist insurance, and you’re hit by a driver with minimum coverage, you can make a claim for excess damages.

About one out of every nine drivers around you is uninsured, and many others are underinsured.  Protect yourself and your family. For uninsured motorist coverage in or around Austin, TX  contact Southwest Insurance Center at 512-280-6100.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Safety Checklist

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Here at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX, we want to make sure that you will be ready for the worst winter can throw at you so that you will be able to head off those costly repairs by performing some small preventative tasks. 

  • Stow your lawn mower and make sure that you drain the fuel out of it first.  If you aren’t going to drain the fuel from it, use a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from deteriorating over the winter.
  • Turn outdoor water sources off and drain then store your hoses.  Leaving the hoses in place could lead to water staying and then freezing in them or the pipes and ultimately busting your pipes.
  • Drain your irrigation or sprinkler system and turn it off.
  • Clean your gutters and when you have them cleaned out, check them for any damage.  Replace or repair as necessary.  Also clean and flush out your down spouts.
  • Check door and window frames for drafts.  If you find any, seal the with caulk or weather stripping.  Also check for cracks between the siding and the trim and seal these as well.
  • Inspect your roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles.  Remember that it is easier to fix a leak now than it will be when it is freezing outside.
  • If there is any drainage in your yard, direct it away from your home.
  • Whether you use a furnace r a central HVAC system, get it serviced before turning it on for the first time.
  • If you have any bushes or plants in your yard, prune them before the first frost.
  • If you happen to have a fireplace, hire a chimney sweep to clean any soot or creosote out of your chimney before you use it.  While he is there, also get him to make sure that your damper is in working order.

3 Benefits of Umbrella Insurance

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Umbrella insurance has the rainy-day connotation, and that’s exactly what it was made for: an extremely rainy day. Most events you’ll see in your lifetime will fall into certain categories. For example, if you get into a car accident, you’re not going to say that you need to make a call to your umbrella insurance carrier. However, there are times when you really will need this type of extra consideration in your life for things that can’t be predicted, and it’s better to be on the right side of the line than the unprepared side. 

1. You Can Relax 

What have you invested in during your lifetime? If your home were to be involved in a catastrophe that wasn’t a part of your insurance coverage, could you afford the damage? Would you have to file bankruptcy? Is that loss going to come anywhere close to what umbrella insurance will cost you? Making the right moves now is a necessity for a better tomorrow. 

2. No More Questions, No Explanations

When you sign a car insurance policy, you’re probably used to asking lots of questions (and if you’re not, you really should be.) Umbrella insurance takes care of all the little events that no one could have prepared for or anticipated. There will be no explanations or justifications or long arguments about how you deserve this or that. That’s exactly what you don’t have time for. 

3. You Have Options 

Southwest Insurance Center has policies that can help you determine which type of coverage is best for you. Our agents can take your information, get you a quote and steer you towards a policy that can protect all you’ve managed to build. Give us a call today for more information if you live in Austin, TX. 

3 Reasons To Have RV Insurance

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When you decide to invest in an RV, you want to make sure that you purchase insurance. Regardless of whether you plan on using it in Austin or throughout Texas and beyond, it needs to be insured – and finding the right policy is critical.

It’s Required

One of the first reasons you need to have RV insurance is because it is required. It is a recreational vehicle, and all vehicles need to be insured in the state of Texas. You are going to be driving on the roads, and therefore you need to have at least the minimum level of insurance. There are various other levels of coverage that should be explored as well.

It Offers Protection

RV insurance in Texas is going to offer you a significant amount of protection. You want to do everything you can to protect your finances. You get into any accident you don’t want to be responsible for paying out-of-pocket. This could be something as simple as property damage or something that involves multiple people or vehicles. It is going to be much easier to file a claim with an insurance company than to drain your bank account.

It Gives You Peace of Mind

Having RV insurance is also going to provide you with peace of mind. You will feel more confident when you are driving around on the road knowing that you have sufficient coverage. As far as what that coverage is, it can vary significantly from company to company. This is why it is advantageous to talk with an independent insurance agent who can explain the various levels of coverage and help you to decide what it is that you need for your vehicle.

Contact us at Southwest Insurance Center now to learn more about RV insurance. Our agents look forward to helping you every step of the way.

 

Boat Safety Tips For First Time Boat Owners

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While you may be excited about being a new boat owner, there are still some areas concerning your safety  and the safety of others that is important.  Regardless of how many years of experience you may have, or the type of boat you may have, adding boat insurance can add coverage to reduce financial losses, whereas good safety habits will help you remain as safe as possible while on the water.

Common Boat Safety Tips

In general, everyone boarding the boat should have a basic understanding of general safety rules prior to departing.  Below are five basic boating safety tips:

1. Weather

Check the weather forecast prior to departing.  If while on the boat you notice a sudden change in the weather, such as dark clouds or high winds, that’s a good sign to head back before the weather conditions worsen.

2. Lifejackets

Make sure that everyone on board has access to a life jacket and knows how to properly wear one. Many drowning victims were not wearing lifejackets.

3. Checklist

Be prepared by making a check list of all the safety items that need to take place prior to heading out to make sure nothing is overlooked

4. Experience

Make sure you or someone traveling with you has the training and experience to properly operate a boat, are mindful of other boats, monitor’s their speed  and the speed of others and steers clear of other watercraft and larger vessels. Also be sure to have a means of communication with others outside of your boat.

5. Float Plan

Make sure that you alert someone to your proposed itinerary –  where you’re planning to go and how long you plan to be  gone so others will know if you become missing.

For more information and other boat safety tips, please contact Southwest Insurance Center online.

 

 

 

Flood, Fire, and Data Breaches: Commercial Insurance Coverage to Consider

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Most business owners understand the need to acquire insurance, but may not be aware of all their coverage options. Business insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to understand what’s available to create a package that best suits your business. 

Three Types of Liability – Not all liability insurance is the same. There are three primary types: general, product, and professional.  General covers accidents that occur within your business, product covers unexpected injuries that emerge from product defects, and professional is oriented towards service-oriented businesses providing work with mistakes, errors, or other forms of negligence.
Business Interruption Insurance – Disasters happen. If your business is suddenly rendered unable to operate, this coverage ensures the bills you’d normally incur will be covered during the time it takes for you to get back on your feet.
Key Person Insurance – If your business relies heavily on the skills and assets of a particular individual whose loss would be catastrophic to your income, consider acquiring this type of coverage, which offsets the loss of an important individual due to disability or death.
Data Breach Insurance – With data breaches becoming ever more common, and more companies storing sensitive customer data electronically, this insurance is vital. It can help a company take preventative measures to avoid data breaches and handle any consequences that arise from a data breach.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance – For the unexpected moments, umbrella insurance covers the things you can’t foresee and don’t have coverage for elsewhere.

The best way to build a package appropriate for your business is to talk directly to skilled insurance professionals, like those at Southwest Insurance Center, Inc in Austin, TX. They can discuss your business and its unique needs and recommend a solid package that protects your vital assets and insulates your business from the unexpected. Email an agent today for a quote.

Riding A Motorcycle In TX: What You Need To Know

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Riding a motorcycle throughout Austin can be a lot of fun. There are various sights and sounds to explore, though there is also a danger with being on a road. Find out about a few things you need to know as a biker to be sure you are safe.

Avoid the Middle Lane

You may not realize it, but the middle lane is the most dangerous for motorcycle riders. This is because dirt, debris, and oil will often accumulate in the middle lane as a result of traffic. Avoid this and you will have a smoother ride.

Get the Right Equipment

You should have a few pieces of safety equipment and gear for when you are riding. This should include a helmet, a jacket, as well as boots. All of the gear will help to make your ride more comfortable and also protect you in the event that you lay your bike down.

Drive Defensively

A motorcycle is harder to see in traffic, and you can easily fall into blind spots. Learn how to drive defensively – and if you are new to riding, it may be a good idea to enroll in a defensive driving course so that you can learn a few tips and tricks to use while out on the road.

Have the Right Policy

An insurance policy is a must when you have a motorcycle. Not all policies are created the same, and therefore you want to make sure that you have the right coverage at the right price. Working with an insurance agent can ensure that you know what all of your options are.

Call us at the Southwest Insurance Center to find out about insuring your motorcycle in Texas. Our agents will answer your questions and guide you through the process to find an affordable premium.

 

 

 

How To Determine if Umbrella Insurance is Right for You

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There are many people who have no idea what umbrella insurance is, much less if they need it. It can be difficult to make that determination without knowing what it is or even how to see your need for it. To help you make an educated decision on umbrella insurance, we have put together a quick way to determine if it is right for you. Continue reading to help you make the decision.

  • Determine the value of your assets. If you have a lot of assets, or even just one, you need to see how much the asset is worth as the first step of this process. Homeowners and auto insurance policies all have limits that come with them. If your assets are worth more than these policies can provide coverage for, then you need to start looking at umbrella insurance policies. These types of policies will take over where your other ones stop. 
  • Take a look at the maximum limits of your current policies. If you are already maxed out with these policies, then you need to get an umbrella insurance policy. If you are not yet maxed out, then max them out and see if it will cover you before you make the decision.
  • Take a look at your liquid assets. The great thing about an umbrella insurance policy is that it will protect a lot more than your home or vehicle. It can also protect things like your checking account, savings account, and retirement accounts. You want to make sure these are protected as well. 

Umbrella insurance can be complicated so if you need further information, want to take a look at your current policies, or are ready to get a quote, contact us at Southwest Insurance Center today and we will be happy to help.