Avoid Driving Distractions

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

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.