Why Texas Consultants Need Commercial Insurance

Southwest Insurance Center assists the Austin, TX community and surrounding areas. We have relationships with several carriers throughout the South. We help our clients find unique policies that evolve as their needs change. We will take the time to help you find the right coverage to live comfortably.

Why Texas Consultants Need Commercial Insurance

Austin, TX is home to several thriving businesses. As a business owner, one way that you can stand out from the competition is through having a strong commercial insurance policy. Commercial insurance covers all of your property and equipment if it is stolen or vandalized. The policy covers damage to the physical structure of your business. Liability coverage is extremely important, as there are a lot of risks associated with operating a business. You can add business interruption insurance to your policy. You will be covered if an accident causes your business to shut down for a few weeks.

This is especially true if you are a consultant. As a consultant, you help people achieve their personal goals. However, you may face legal action if your client is not satisfied with your advice. If you are accused of negligence, liability insurance covers your business. Even if the allegations are not true, you are still at risk. You can also face litigation if your client believes that you did not finish a job based on the terms of a contract. Liability insurance covers your business as you fight for your reputation. Commercial insurance is an asset regardless of the services that you provide.  

Southwest Insurance Center Can Help You Protect Your Investment

Visit our website to learn more information about commercial insurance.

What You Need to Know About Homeowners Insurance in Texas

Those shopping for homeowners insurance in Austin, TX have many options available to them regarding basic coverage and additional options. Before shopping for insurance, understand the amount of coverage and what is and is not covered by your policy. The experts at Southwest Insurance Center understand shopping for a homeowners insurance policy can be overwhelming and are ready to make the process go as smoothly as possible. 

Below are things you need to know and questions to ask before purchasing your homeowner’s policy in the state of Texas: 

Roof Repair

Depending upon the cause of the damage, some insurance policies cover the total costs to repair a damaged roof. Within an insurance policy, this is covered under “replacement cost coverage.” If the roof is older or showing signs of wear, the policy may pay less to repair the roof, taking into account the roof’s overall condition before the damage occurred. Paying based on condition is considered “actual cash value” coverage. When deciding on insurance coverage, consider replacement cost versus actual cash value to determine which coverage to purchase. 

Deductibles

Your insurance policy deductible is the amount of money you must pay before your insurance company pays for repairs or replacements. Deductibles vary for different types of damage, and the higher the deductible; the lower your premiums may be. 

Additional Coverage

It is possible to customize your homeowner’s insurance policy by adding additional coverage. For example, consider buying additional coverage if you have expensive jewelry and high-priced items in the home or if you have a pool or other buildings on the property. 

Austin, TX homeowners need to speak with their insurance agent about their insurance policy and coverage options. Understanding more about the policy and coverage options helps make the claim process easier should something happen at your home. For additional information about homeowners insurance coverage, call our agents at Southwest Insurance Center. 

Southwest Insurance Center News

Southwest Insurance Center, the ATX-area’s premier one-stop, independent insurance
agency proudly announces its new location at 901 Mopac Expressway, as well as other
exciting news.


Along with our new address, our agency is unveiling a new look, enhanced customer service
features available via text, instant ID cards, an online customer portal, faster life insurance
quotes and an increased referral program, all to ensure we continue to provide our customers
with the best insurance coverage to fit their needs.


New Office Location
With insurance moving into the digital age, we have decided to forgo having a drop-in office in
order to invest in the features that our customers say they are looking for. These include
digitizing the customer claims experience from end-to-end. Of course, for those customers that
prefer a more personal, face-to-face meeting, we are happy to accommodate you at any time. You
can schedule an office appointment by giving us a call, sending us an email, or through our
online scheduling system here
.


Text Features
One of the new features we are proud to offer is the ability to communicate with us via text at
any time of day. Simply text the words “ID card” to our office line at 512-280-6100, and one will
be sent to you instantly. Digital ID cards are accepted for any situation. You can also reach out
via text with customer service questions, and we will get back to you during normal business
hours.


New Customer Portal
Another enhancement to our customer service experience is the addition of our online customer
portal. You’ll find it under the Manage Your Policy tab on our website swinsurance.com. By
logging onto the portal, you can print your ID cards, view your policy information and make
customer service requests. All we need to ensure efficient communication is your updated email
address and phone number.


New Look
You may notice when you head to the website that it recently got a facelift. We hope you like the
new look as much as we do and find our site easier to navigate. Check it out here.


Instant Life Insurance Quotes
Instant Life Insurance Quotes Increased digitization means you can now get a free life insurance
quote from more than 20 companies in less than a minute to make planning for your future easier
than ever. Go to the Life Insurance section of our website to obtain a speedy, no-obligation
quote.


New Referral Program
Our business is built around referrals, and we greatly appreciate any potential customer you send
our way. To emphasize this, we have increased our appreciation gift from $5 to $10 per referral
(no purchase necessary.) Just make sure anyone you refer to us lets us know who sent them, and
you will receive a $10 H-E-B gift card with our thanks.


A Great Partnership
On a personal note, we are excited and honored to share that Jarrod has become an owner/
managing partner of the P&C insurance at the agency. Philip Doak remains owner and managing
partner of the life insurance, disability, annuities, and long-term care. After 14 years with
Southwest Insurance Center, Jarrod has likely worked with each and every one of you at one
point or another, and he looks forward to serving you for a long time to come.


We are so proud of our new office space, website, increased customer service features, and other
positive changes at the agency, and we believe these enhancements will allow us to focus on the
things that matter most to you: providing expert advice, getting you the best rates possible, and
serving as your advocate through your claims experience. We look forward to being your trusted
advisors for many years ahead!

Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Auto Insurance

As an auto driver within Austin, TX, it is essential to have the right coverage before getting behind the wheel. This means avoiding common mistakes that numerous drivers make when purchasing auto insurance. Below, Southwest Insurance Center takes you through some red flags to avoid during your next purchase.

Getting Insufficient Coverage

Numerous drivers are likely to get the mandatory covers and forego optional coverage to reduce their premiums. While compulsory policies will likely protect 3rd party injuries and property damage, the costs of vehicle destruction and treatment costs will not be covered. This leaves you with out-of-pocket expenses that you may not have bargained for, leading to a long-term financial burden. Ensure that you get sufficient coverage to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an emergency.

Failure to Understand the Various Auto Insurance Policies

Auto insurance policies come in different forms, with each catering to specific requirements. If you need coverage for impact accidents, collision coverage will be your go-to, while non-impact accidents are taken care of by comprehensive coverage. Other examples of policies include medical payments coverage that caters to your treatment expenses and uninsured coverage that protects you when an uninsured motorist hits you. Before signing up for any cover, ensure that you understand what each cover deals with.

Failure to Disclose All Information

Insurance providers rely on transparency to provide auto insurance, which allows you to enjoy various covers. Make it a point to disclose all required information, such as your car usage and the drivers likely to use your car. If, for instance, you have teenage drivers, inform your providers to help you get ideal coverage for risk-prone parties. Failure to do so could lead to out-of-pocket costs or leave you without cover.

Wherever your needs lie, make it a point to call Southwest Insurance Center today. We will help you get customized coverage for your Austin, TX drives.

Types of fire insurance

Whether shopping for insurance for your Austin, TX home or business, you need fire coverage. At Southwest Insurance Center, we want you to understand the diversity of fire insurance. You might think you can just buy a policy, but you need to consult with an agent first because so many different types of fire insurance exist. This blog helps you get started choosing the right one for you.

Adjustable fire insurance policy: Retail businesses use adjustable fire insurance to insure their stock. When the number of stock changes, so does the insured amount. The agency calculates the premium by the amount insured and the change in the insured amount.

Average policy: Essentially, you have a deductible with the average policy. Both you and the insurance company ear part of a loss. If you file a claim, the insurance company uses the following formula to calculate it:

Claim= (insured amount / value of property) * actual loss.

Blanket policy: Insures multiple properties under one policy.

Consequential loss policy: Compensates your business for the loss incidental to the fire, such as renting temporary offices and paying salaries.

Comprehensive policy: This covers other perils, too, such as looting, arson, rioting, civil unrest, wars, strikes, unavoidable accidents, etc.

Declaration policy: This insurance covers stock of a maximum value. You pay three-fourths of the premium when you obtain the policy. At the outset of each month, you declare the value of the business’s current stock and, if a fire occurs, the insurance company makes your compensation on the basis of declared value.

Excess policy: This supplementary policy covers additional risks. If your business’ stock frequently fluctuates this policy covers the amount above that covered in the main policy.

Floating fire insurance policy: This policy type covers your business’ stock and equipment at your main location, other locations, and in storage.

Reinstatement policy: Rather than a reimbursement check, this policy type replaces the insured goods lost in the fire.

Specific fire insurance policy: You only get reimbursed for the actual damages up to the insured amount with this policy.

Valued policy: Regardless of the cost of damages, this policy type pays the full value of property fixed at the purchase of the policy.

Valuable fire insurance policy: Regardless of the cost of damages, this policy type pays the actual current market price of the property insured in the policy.

Contact us at Southwest Insurance Center to find the right fire insurance policy for your Austin, TX business. Let us help you determine which policies would best serve your business needs.

What Does Personal Auto Insurance Cover?

As a Texas driver, you are required to carry auto insurance. Fortunately, your choices, when it comes to auto insurance, are many. Aside from the state auto insurance minimums, or the legal requirements that must be met, you have many choices and perhaps additional requirements that you may need to meet. However, these decisions can best be made with the help of a  Southwest Insurance Center team member. Our Austin, TX agents are here to serve you.

Personal Auto Insurance Coverage 

Fortunately, personal auto insurance coverage affords Texas drivers a wealth of different coverage options that can be tailored to their unique situation. For example, if you are leasing your car or have a car loan, you may be required by your lender to carry full auto insurance or comprehensive auto insurance. This type of coverage not only covers liability for property damage and bodily injury to others, but it covers your car as well. This is protection for the lender in the event that something happens to your car before it’s paid off. This ensures that the lender will receive financial compensation for the car. 

Other Considerations…

Best yet, if you own your car outright, but still want to purchase additional coverage, you can. Perhaps you want to purchase coverage beyond the state minimum requirements or additional coverage in the event that your car is totaled. Personal auto insurance affords Texas drivers many options that can be tailored to fit their unique situation. However, the guidance of a Southwest Insurance Center agent can be beneficial when it comes to making decisions about your personal auto insurance coverage. Give us a call. We’re here to answer questions and guide the decision-making process. We can make recommendations regarding liability, medical payment coverage, comprehensive, and collision coverage. 

Protect Your Finances With Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance is an important type of coverage that comes in handy for many people. More and more people are getting this coverage so that they are well-prepared for a major accident that could happen. If you want to be better covered, call us at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX to find out more about this helpful coverage. 

Your Maximum Payout

When you have a home insurance policy as well as an auto policy, you have two policies that generally come with low amounts for liability coverage. That means that if a serious accident were to occur, your home or auto policy would pay for the resulting bills, but only up to the stated maximum. If this is too low, then you are liable for paying the overage by yourself. However, you can be covered in this situation by getting an umbrella policy.

Umbrella Coverage

When you have an umbrella policy, it works alongside both your auto and home policies. It adds a higher maximum of liability insurance so that you won’t be on the hook for an overage after your auto or home policies payout. It doesn’t add directly to your auto or home policies, it instead works with them so that you are better protected against medical bills and bills for property damage. This is an important coverage in case of a serious accident. Serious accidents do happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry later. 

Protect Your Future Finances

If you don’t want to pay overages after an accident, you could likely use an umbrella policy. Give us a call at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX to find out more. 

Common Types of RV insurance

RVs are popular in Austin, TX, and across the entire state in general. Many Austin, TX residents are finding that this type of vehicle provides more options when it comes to traveling compared to brick and mortar modes of transportation. Regrettably, there is prevailing confusion over applicable RV insurance coverages. However, for clarity, connect with us at Southwest Insurance Center to learn more about how you can safeguard yourself and your RV before you embark on the next great adventure.

Besides protecting yourself and your RV, acquiring RV insurance can shield your possessions inside your trailer. Additionally, you can incorporate medical payments coverage to pay for medical costs for you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident. 

Common types of RV insurance

The beauty of RV insurance is that it’s offered with various options, enabling customizability and affordability. Most common RV insurance options include: 

  • Property damage liability: It covers costs for paying damages to someone else’s property or vehicle if you cause an accident and are at fault.
  • Collision coverage: It pays for damage or replacement of your recreational vehicle if it gets damaged after engaging in an accident with another automobile, tree, post, among others, regardless of who is deemed responsible.
  • Comprehensive coverage: It’s a non-collision policy covering damages beyond your control emanating from a given accident. These covered uncertainties include weather-related accidents, vandalism, and theft. 
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: It pays for damages and injuries for you and your passengers when your RV is involved in an accident with another motorist who has no insurance or has inadequate protection. 
  • Medical payments: This policy covers medical bills for you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident with your RV, regardless of who is at fault.
  • Replacement cost or personal effects: This type of coverage safeguards your items like camera equipment or sporting gear inside your RV.

Do you need RV insurance for your motorhome or camp trailer in Austin, TX? Please call or visit our Southwest Insurance Center offices to start your insurance journey with us.

When is motorcycle insurance needed in Austin?

When you live in the Austin, TX area, having a reliable mode of transportation is important. One form of transportation that is fun and efficient is a motorcycle. The weather in this city is ideal for motorcycle owners as it is warm and sunny most days of the year. Along with a purchase of a motorcycle, you will also need to carefully assess your needs in terms of motorcycle insurance. There are a lot of scenarios when motorcycle insurance will be needed.

When Riding on Public Road

A common situation that will require you to have motorcycle insurance will come when you take it out on a public road. In Texas, all motorists need to have a proper liability insurance plan. If you are a motorcycle owner, this will require that you get a full motorcycle insurance policy that will have a liability insurance component. Those that are caught without this coverage could be penalized.

When Taking out a Loan

You will also need to get a motorcycle insurance plan when you take out a loan. Anyone that is taking out a loan will find there are a variety of requirements in the agreement. One agreement will be to have full motorcycle insurance coverage at all times. This will require that you get a plan with collision and comprehensive protection, which ultimately protects the lender’s interest in the motorcycle.

As you are looking for motorcycle insurance in the Austin, TX area you may find there are a lot of options to consider. The team with the Southwest Insurance Center can make the process easier for you. The Southwest Insurance Center will take an active approach to fully understand all of your insurance needs. They can then offer the support needed for you to build an ideal plan. 

Who needs to get boat insurance in Austin?

The Austin, TX area can be a great place to live. Those that are in this area of Texas may find that a great investment to make would be to purchase a boat. While you can use your boat all summer long, it does come with some responsibilities. One of these includes getting boat insurance. There are several situations when you need to have this coverage. 

Those that Have a Loan

One situation in which having boat insurance will be necessary for you is when you have taken out a loan. Getting a boat will always be a big purchase that may need to be done through financing. If you have received a boat loan your lender will want to know that their collateral is protected. In many cases, the boat loan provider will have specific insurance guidelines that need to be met until the loan is repaid.

Those that Want to Use Boat in Private Marinas

In the Austin area, there are a variety of local waterways and private marinas that have specific insurance rules for all boaters. These waterways and marinas require you to have insurance as it ultimately protects both you and all other boat owners in the area. You may be required to provide evidence of coverage from time to time. 

Those that are in the Austin, TX area should make sure that they choose a quality boat insurance plan. When you are looking for a new boat insurance policy, it would be a good idea to call the Southwest Insurance Center. The insurance professionals with the Southwest Insurance Center know how valuable this coverage and protection is. They can then offer a personalized assessment of your situation to help you understand your needs and build a policy that provides proper overage.