Southwest Insurance Center

Tornadoes- Stay Safe & Get Covered!

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Major storms can wreak havoc on your boat, rendering it completely useless and costing you a fortune in the process. It’s important to keep yourself and your boat safe when a major storm is on the way. We may not have to worry about hurricanes here in Austin, TX, but as you know, tornadoes can cause just as much damage. Use the following tips to keep yourself and your boat safe when you hear the thunder begins and the tornado sirens sound. 

– Get off of the water. While it may be tempting to wait out the storm and see if it passes, it’s always a bad idea. When you’re warned of an incoming severe thunderstorm or tornado, it’s time to return to shore and get the boat out of the water if possible.

– Once your boat is safely secured on shore, remove any important papers or documents if you have time. If the storm is nearby, skip this step, of course.

– Evacuate the boat. It’s not a good idea to wait out the storm on your boat, even after it’s secured at the shore- you need to head to a safer location. If a sturdy building is not available, you’ll be better off in your car than on your boat. 

– Remove your boat from the water if possible. If not possible, take precautions. Make sure your boat is safely secured to a sturdy dock. Leave plenty of slack in the rope so that your boat is able to rise with higher tides, if necessary. 

There’s no doubt about it- storms happen, especially in Texas, and it’s important that you’re prepared. Call Southwest Insurance Center for your boat insurance needs.

Do You Need More Life Insurance Than What Is Offered By Your Job?

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Contrary to popular belief, the life insurance policy that is offered by your job is often not enough. Many people are fooled into thinking that they have enough from their employer but you should really consider whether it is enough in Austin, TX. Use these questions from Southwest Insurance Center to make sure you have enough life insurance coverage.

  • Do you have enough coverage to pay for your debts? Depending on how much debt you have, you may quickly find out that you do not have enough coverage to pay for all of your debts. This could leave one or more of your loved ones with an added burden of paying off these debts which is not something you want. This is especially true if you have a substantial mortgage payment. 
  • Do you have dependents who rely on you? If you have children who rely on your income for survival, then you should consider getting more life insurance that what your employer provides. This is especially true if your spouse is not working. If you want to be able to take care of them even after you are gone, you should consider getting 10 to 12 times your annual salary coverage which is a lot more than what employers offer. You can opt for an additional amount of coverage through your employer but you may still need to get an additional policy to ensure you have enough coverage. 

If you need life insurance, you want to make sure that you have enough coverage and for many, there is not enough coverage provided by their employer. If you are interested in learning more about your options and getting added coverage, be sure to reach out to Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX, today.

Your Business Just Got Sued – What Should You Do?

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If you are a small business owner and you worry about being sued, you are not alone. An organization called Faces of Lawsuit Abuse found that 75% of small business owners worry about being a target of an unfair or frivolous lawsuit. Small business owners in America pay an aggregate total cost of about $20 million per year to defend against tort lawsuits. Klemm Analysis Group reports that 52% of all civil lawsuits are against small businesses. For the average small business, which makes about $1 million per year, $20,000 per year will be used for legal expenses to defend against lawsuits.

Three Steps to Take If You Are Served Legal Papers in Austin, TX

1) If you are served legal papers that inform you that you are being sued, accept them. It is better to deal with this type of negative event right away, rather than to try to hide from it.

2) Contact your attorney before making any statement about the case to anyone (including your own workers).

3) Contact your agent at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX, to discuss the coverage you have and to inform them of the potential liability, so that they can work with you and your attorney to reduce your exposure. 

Hopefully, you already had an annual review of your insurance coverage and the coverage is adequate. This is why it is critical to regularly review your commercial insurance coverage with your agent. Very often these lawsuits, especially ones that are frivolous, happen unexpectedly.

Summary

If you own a small business, the chances of being sued are very high. It is best to be proactive in order to prepare for this eventuality. Small businesses do not have the resources to easily defend themselves when compared to major corporations that have permanent in-house legal staff. 

Be sure to discuss the potential risks with your insurance agent at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX and ask about umbrella coverage, which is used to insure a small business against some of the extraordinary risks, such as lawsuits.

In Austin, TX, When is Full Coverage Auto Insurance Required?

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Residents who live in the Austin, TX area have several options available to them when it comes to auto insurance. Many are unsure of what type of insurance will best suit their needs. The agents of Southwest Insurance Center can answer a variety of questions you may have when it comes to how much insurance you need and what type of policy will provide you with that amount of coverage. Comprehensive or full coverage is not always needed. By discussing your options with your agent, they will be able to find a policy that meets your needs and will still remain within your budget. 

Comprehensive insurance, otherwise known as full coverage, covers a wide variety of damages, including injuries to individuals in the vehicle. Full coverage insurance is required by many lending agencies as long as there is a loan on the vehicle. Once the loan is paid off, the owner can choose any insurance policy they like. When choosing an insurance policy, you need to take into consideration the book value or replacement cost of your vehicle and insure it accordingly. If the vehicle is ten years old or older, it may be more cost-effective to opt for collision coverage. 

The agents of Southwest Insurance Center can offer sound advice to residents who live in the Austin, TX area. If you need answers to your insurance questions or are looking to have your existing policy updated or reviewed. Call their office and discuss your options. While it is important to know how much insurance your state requires you to carry, it is also important to know the value of your vehicle and what it will take to replace it. Call Southwest Insurance Center to find discuss your policy options. 

Before You Float, Protect Your Boat – Austin, TX

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The summer time is meant to be full of fun in the sun without the worry of unexpected issues.  However, accidents happen especially when you are out boating with friends and family.  While boat insurance is not required in the state of Texas, there are many benefits to having insurance that can help protect yourself, family, friends and those around you.  

 According to Texas state law, your boat falls under Automobile Protection.  This may sound daunting, but the Southwest Insurance Center makes this process easier for you.  They take into account that boating involves interactions with not only the water but those around you.  Should an accident happen, having liability protection is a must.  Having Personal Injury Protection (referred to as PIP) protects you should someone harm you or your boat.  Of course, there is also overall insurance much like your regular vehicle.  Each of these aspects of insurance is considered by your Southwest Insurance Center Insurance Agent.  All you have to do is make a single call.

All of this may seem to be unnecessary, but should an unforeseen accident happen, not only might your boat be covered, but injuries sustained by yourself and by those nearby could also be covered.  With Southwest Insurance Center, a single phone call can strip away the worry that comes with not having an insured vehicle.  Remember, a boat is just like a car and prone to accidents.  In 2015, over 39,000 recreational vehicle accidents occurred which caused over $487,000 worth of property damage.  Instead of waiting to find the right way to purchase insurance for your boat before you float, call the Southwest Insurance Center today and work with an Insurance Agent to find the best coverage to fit your boating needs.

 

3 Tips for Buying Auto Insurance in Austin, TX

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Austin, TX has beautiful year round weather that gets car drivers up and out of the house.  If you own a vehicle in Austin, then you’ll want to have the best auto insurance policy for the best price.  Read on to learn about three tips to help you achieve that. 

1.  Know Your Driver Profile

What kind of driver are you?  Full-time?  Part-time?  How far do you typically drive? What is your age?  The answers to all of these questions will directly influence which policy you choose and how much your pay for it.  Go over these with an agent and then they can match up companies offer the best policies for your driver profile.  

2.  Ask about Discounts

Most insurance companies offer particular discounts for drivers. For example, senior citizen discounts are often available. Some insurance companies will even reward you for a good driving record.  When it is time to sit down and compare quotes, the company with the best discounts may be the right one for you.  

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

When it comes to getting auto insurance in Austin, TX, it’s important to with work with an agent that has outstanding references.  Read reviews about the agency and/or ask for references that you can contact.  If other customers are happy with the agency then chances are you will be too.  

At Southwest Insurance Center we have the reputable agents you are looking for.  Our team has a proven track record of happy customers and we’d love to add you to list.  Call Southwest Insurance Center today to speak with a member of our team about getting an auto insurance policy in Austin, TX.  

All You Need To Know About The Differences Between Premium and Regular Gas

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When you are filling up your gas tank, you have likely noticed that there is more than one option for gas. While many people know that they have other options for gas, they usually do not know the basic differences between premium and regular gas. Before counting premium gas out when you are filling up your tank, take some time to learn the basic differences so you can make an educated decision about your gas. Continue reading to learn some and contact us at Southwest Insurance Center for all of your auto insurance needs.

  • Make sure you know whether or not you can use premium gas in your vehicle. Some cars cannot handle premium gas so if you cannot even use premium gas in your car, then you do not need to consider it no matter what. You could run the risk of doing a lot more harm than good to the engine of your vehicle. You can find this information in your car’s manual.
  • If you have an older car that is having some engine issues, you may want to use premium gas a few times to see if it can help the issue. Premium gas can clear up some if the crud and gunk in the engine and may even fix the issue for you.
  • For cars that can use premium gas, it is a great option because it has additives in it that will keep your engine valves clean as well as the engine injectors. This can help you save money on maintenance costs over the long term and can even allow your engine to have a longer life than if you were to use regular gas. It can help you take better care of your vehicle with these additives. 

How Does Home Insurance Protect My Family?

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When you think about protecting your family, you likely think about putting them in right neighborhood, getting the right health insurance, and making sure that they understand basic safety skills. What you likely don’t consider is how home insurance can be a major factor as well. If you live in Austin, TX, consider the following tips as to how home insurance can keep your family safe from Southwest Insurance Center.

Stress and Safety

Home insurance may not be the people to fix a broken leg if you suffer one after a major storm, but they may be the ones to help you the care that you need. Insurance can also be a lifesaver in terms of logistics. Let’s say you don’t have the coverage available to stay someplace else after a storm destroys half your home. You’d be reliant upon the goodwill of others, which can be a stressful situation. While nothing about disasters is very peaceful, home insurance can be what you need in your world when it’s at its darkest. This can save your family’s sanity during what is already a difficult time. 

Fewer Threats 

Neighborhoods in Austin, TX that aren’t strewn with litter or broken windows are neighborhoods that aren’t likely to see a lot of criminals on their block — if for no other reason than people are paying attention to what’s happening. Your family stays safe when repairs are made right away rather than being covered with cardboard or left in plain sight. For more information on all of this, Southwest Insurance Center is ready to give you the facts about keeping your family safe with the right policy. Give us a call today to find out more about getting more coverage or for a quote. 

 

Why Austin, Texas Homeowners need Home Insurance

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Homeowner’s insurance is important in a place like Austin, Texas because it will protect the increasingly pricey home you bought in the Texas state capital, which is considered by many to be one of the hippest cities in the country. Below are some of the reasons you will need homeowner’s insurance in this fun and exciting city in the middle of the Lone Star State.

STORMS AND NATURAL DISASTERS

While tornadoes rarely ever go as far south as Austin in the state of Texas, there are other natural disasters that can affect homeowners in the central part of the state. Massive storms will hit the area a couple of times a year on average, leading to heavy rains and flooding across the area. Sometimes when rains are especially intense, homes will be washed away. There’s also the concern of trees falling on roofs and causing serious amounts of damage. Without homeowner’s insurance, none of these catastrophic events will be covered, and you will have to pay out of pocket.

THEFT PROTECTION

One of the other great aspects of a homeowner’s insurance policy is that it protects against all varieties of theft that could occur to your homestead. It not only protects the property itself but also the valuables within the home. While Austin’s crime rate is relatively low, it’s now the 11th largest city in America, meaning there is a better chance of a burglary occurring than in a small city or town.

PIECE OF MIND

Homeowner’s insurance in Austin, Texas also protects against things you could never expect to happen, like a pipe bursting or a fire breaking out due to frayed wiring. This piece of mind that comes with a good homeowner’s insurance policy from a broker like Southwest Insurance Center, serving the Austin, Texas area, allows you to enjoy your lifestyle in this town that is widely considered to be one of the best in the country.

How Does a Pool Affect Home Insurance Coverage?

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Before adding a pool to your property, consider how this structure will affect your insurance coverage. Whether you invest in an in-ground pool or purchase an above ground model, it’s bound to raise your insurance costs. By discussing your options with a Southwest Insurance Center agent in Austin, TX, you can better prepare for the changes that a pool brings to your policy.

Coverage

Depending on your insurer, an in-ground pool may be covered under the property damage or replacement cost portion of your home insurance policy. In the event of damage to your pool, your home insurance will pay for its repairs in accordance with your coverage limits. The cost of coverage for your pool will be added to your homeowner’s insurance premium. A luxury in-ground pool setup may need additional coverage to fully protect your investment. An above-ground pool will more likely be covered as personal property due to being a portable structure.

A pool will also impact your liability coverage as it increases the risk of injuries and/or death on your property. Your insurance agent can help you determine how much liability coverage you need with a pool to continue to protect your assets. Increasing your liability coverage will raise the cost of your premium.

Stipulations to Coverage

Many insurers have stipulations to providing coverage to homeowners with pools. Homeowners must comply with local safety laws concerning pool ownership. Most cities require that the pool or home be enclosed by a fence to reduce the risk of accidental drowning. Some companies refuse to cover pools with slides or diving boards as these accessories increase the risk of accidents. Lack of pool maintenance and care can also result in your pool not being covered.

Learn more about adding pool coverage and protection to your homeowners insurance policy by contacting Southwest Insurance Center, Austin, TX, today.