Hit-And-Run Drivers and Uninsured Motorist Insurance

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

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.