What Is Commercial Agribusiness?

If you were the official grower of Green Giant green beans, then you’d probably be an Austin, TX company by now. As such, you’d need commercial insurance to cover company buildings, trucks, property, worker’s comp for employees, and much more. Here at Southwest Insurance Center, we know what you need to be commercially protected. Here’s why.

What Is Commercial Agribusiness Insurance?

Insurance is about the financial end of accidents and misfortunes. Commercial agribusiness insurance covers equipment mishaps, crop disasters leading to decreased income, liability, and more:

  • Buildings and their contents
  • The grounds and personal property
  • Crops, trees, flowers, and seeds
  • Livestock including poultry
  • General liability

Should You Get Commercial Agribusiness Insurance?

Yes. If you own a vineyard, for instance, and bottle your own brand of wine, then you need commercial agribusiness insurance. You need it to sell grape juices, jams, and jellies. Do you fish to sell your shrimp, oysters, and lobsters to local restaurants and grocery stores? Insurance would be a good idea. Do you slaughter your livestock, process it, and sell it? You need insurance. Do you put up tomatoes, beans, berries, and other produce? Do you sell what’s left over to Austin, TX stores after you provide for family needs? You need insurance.

What About Farmers With On-Site Traffic?

Farmers and ranchers who allow the public to pick corn, apples, strawberries, and pumpkins in October or pet the baby livestock on their property are open to different types of trouble. General liability insurance doesn’t cover this kind of thing, so ask us if there is a rider or umbrella policy that you can buy to protect your farm.

Agribusiness is a maze for which you need protection. We’ve listed a few things here, but please drop in or call Southwest Insurance Center to learn more about commercial agribusiness insurance.

Why does an Austin RV owner need to have an RV insurance plan?

Investing in an RV can be an excellent idea for those in the Austin, TX area. When you are an RV owner in this region, you will have a large vehicle that can be used for road trips, camping, and other excursions. This RV will provide you with a  safe mode of transportation and a comfortable place to sleep at night. As you are looking for an RV, you must also get insurance for it. An RV insurance plan is needed here for various reasons. 

Protect Investment in Asset

A reason to get an RV insurance plan here is to protect your investment in the asset. When you look to purchase an RV in this region, you will be making a significant investment and asset purchase that you will want to enjoy for a long time. With a complete RV insurance plan, you will get the support you need to replace or repair the asset if you incur a loss. 

Comply with Insurance Obligations

The RV insurance plan is also necessary to comply with any insurance obligations. It is very common for RV owners in Texas to take out a loan, and the lender will require that you meet these insurance standards to protect their collateral. You can remain in good standing with such obligations if you carry coverage. 

In the Austin, TX area, having an RV insurance plan is a practical necessity for any owner. When looking for your next RV insurance policy here, it would be ideal to start your search by calling the Southwest Insurance Center. There are a lot of choices to make when looking for this coverage, and our team with the Southwest Insurance Center can provide the guidance you need to select a new plan. 

Why You May Need Umbrella Insurance

Do you have an auto policy and a home policy? If you have both policies, you might not have the coverage you need for serious accidents. It’s essential to be able to pay for an expensive accident that has injuries. Your home and auto policies will each have some liability coverage. However, they might not have very much. Many policies have enough for an accident that doesn’t have expensive injuries. However, many can’t pay for one that does. That’s why you may need umbrella insurance. Call us at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX to find out more. 

Adding More Coverage

When you already have a home and an auto policy, you add to your coverage by getting umbrella insurance. It adds extra liability coverage to both policies so that you’re far better covered in a serious and expensive accident. With umbrella insurance in place, you can have better peace of mind. You’ll know that even if there is a serious accident, your finances don’t have to be wiped out by it. Trying to pay for an accident when your insurance doesn’t measure up can be highly difficult for most people. 

How It Works

When you have an umbrella policy, it comes in after the first policy does. So, your auto or home policy would respond first to the accident and pay as much as it can toward the accident. Once it reaches its limit, though, it would have to leave the rest to you. When you have umbrella insurance, it comes in to pay for the amount that’s left. Umbrella policies have enormous maximum payouts and don’t cost much money. They’re known for being a cost-effective way to get more coverage. 

Get Umbrella Insurance

Call us at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX when you need coverage. 

 

Understanding Motorcycle Accessories Coverage

Riding a motorcycle in Austin, TX, and through the Hill Country is an exhilarating experience but comes with risks and challenges. One such risk is the damage or loss of expensive motorcycle accessories like saddlebags, after-market parts, or customization. Fortunately, motorcycle accessories coverage can also offer insurance up to these extents, protecting you against financial loss. Southwest Insurance Center discusses the coverage options for your motorcycle accessories, how to protect them under an insurance policy, and the considerations for obtaining additional coverage.

What is Motorcycle Accessories Coverage?

Motorcycle accessories coverage is optional insurance that offers financial protection against losing or damaging your motorcycle’s accessories. It can cover a wide range of accessories, including but not limited to customized parts, extra chrome, saddlebags, custom exhaust, and more. This coverage is not included in standard motorcycle insurance policies, so you may opt for it separately.

Get Your Motorcycle Covered Today!

The primary benefit of motorcycle accessories coverage is that it can protect you from financial loss if your accessories get damaged or lost due to an accident, theft, or vandalism. With this coverage, you can rest assured that your investment is protected, and you won’t have to bear the entire cost of replacing or repairing your accessories. Moreover, suppose your accessories, such as a customized exhaust or a navigation system, are essential to your motorcycle’s functionality. In that case, this coverage can help ensure you have the same level of protection on your bike as when you first purchased it.

Motorcycle accessories coverage is an integral part of any motorcycle insurance policy that offers financial protection for your valuable accessories. Interested in learning more? Contact Southwest Insurance Center today for more information. We are here to answer all your questions about motorcycle insurance in Austin, TX.

How to Minimize the Chances Of Your Car Being Broken Into

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.

Two Types of Life Insurance

Leaving something behind for your family’s financial benefit is always an intelligent choice. To do this, you need to have a life insurance policy. There are two main types of life insurance that you can pick from. Each of them works a little differently from the other. It’s a good idea to know what each of them is like and how you may benefit from each of them. When you’re ready to get life insurance, call us at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX to get started.

Whole Life Insurance 

Whole life insurance comes with a lot of great benefits. It’s a type that doesn’t have an expiration date. When you start with a whole life policy, it stays good regardless of age. One reason this type is so popular is that you can keep it your whole life and not worry about outliving the policy. It also comes with another vital benefit. These policies start building a cash value over time. After a few years, there is a cash amount that you can borrow against to take care of a financial emergency. Whole life policies are more expensive than term-life policies, but their benefits keep them a popular choice.

Term Life Insurance 

With term life insurance, it will expire after a certain number of years if the policyholder doesn’t pass away during its term. When a term life policy expires, you are no longer covered by life insurance. However, these policies are generally much more affordable than a whole life policy. These policies often fit into people’s budgets better and make getting a larger amount of insurance coverage possible.

Get All Types Of Life Insurance

Call us at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX when you need life insurance to help care for loved ones.

Ways to Minimize the Chances of a Fire In Your Home

Here at Southwest Insurance Center, serving the greater Austin, TX area, we have seen far too many house fires. House fires can be devastating, as all of your belongings can be destroyed, and significant damage can be caused to a home. While you cannot prevent every fire from happening, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of breaking out fire in your home. Here are some of these steps.

Never Leave Flames in Your Home Unattended

One of the ways to minimize the chances of a fire in your home is never to leave flames in your home unattended. Never leave the kitchen when you cook on the stove, never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended, and be sure to blow out candles before leaving the space.

Have Your Home’s Electrical System Inspected Routinely

Faulty electrical systems are a leading cause of home fires. Unfortunately, since most of the electrical system is hidden, you cannot see if there is an issue. This is why it is so important to have your home’s electrical system regularly inspected.

Prevent Fire In Your Home: Clean the Lint Out of Your Dryer

Lastly, take the time to clean the lint out of your dryer and have your dryer vent cleaned at least once a year. Clogged dryer vents are the leading cause of home fires.

Never leaving flames in your home unattended, having your home’s electrical system regularly inspected, and cleaning the lint out of your dryer and dryer vent are a few of the top ways to minimize the chances of a fire happening in your home. However, you cannot prevent all fires from happening. You want to ensure you have an excellent home insurance policy that fully covers you in case a fire does break out. Southwest Insurance Center, serving the greater Austin, TX area, can help you find your ideal home insurance policy. Contact us today to get started.

Dos and Don’ts of Filing an Auto Insurance Claim

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.

Do All Texas Homeowners Need Dwelling Fire Insurance?

If you own a home in the Austin, TX area, dwelling fire insurance is essential to protecting one of your life’s biggest financial investments. Wild weather isn’t exactly unheard of in Texas, and there is some level of fire risk no matter where you live. You may be thinking, “If I have homeowner’s insurance, I should be covered in the event of a fire.”

While homeowner’s insurance covers your home in the event of a fire that is not your fault, fire insurance is an extra step of protection for fires caused by cooking accidents, bad wiring, or smoking, where you are technically at fault.

Dwelling Fire Insurance In Austin

The team at Southwest Insurance Center understands how the variations in coverage can be overwhelming, particularly as a new homeowner who wants to fully cover a new investment. We’re happy to help you navigate the options in order to make the best coverage decision for your home.

It’s obvious that a fire can cause serious damage to your home and surrounding property in Austin, TX. Dwelling fire insurance covers damage from a fire that occurs as a result of an accidental fire where you are at fault. The policy also covers any damage to your personal belongings. The peace of mind in knowing that accidents do happen and we can only be so prepared for them is the biggest motivator to invest in dwelling fire insurance.

Whether you have an electrical issue in your home and something sparks, or there’s an accidental cooking disaster that leads to a fire, maintaining a dwelling fire insurance policy will allow you to breathe easier because you know you’re fully covered.

If you’re interested in seeing what dwelling fire insurance we can offer, contact Southwest Insurance Center today. We’re here to help.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

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.