Insurance

Why You Need Umbrella Insurance

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If you live near Austin, TX, our team at Southwest Insurance Center invites you to review whether you have all the necessary insurance. One of those types of insurance is an umbrella policy.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

If you’ve never heard of umbrella insurance, it is an additional policy that covers claims exceeding your home or auto policy’s current limits. Umbrella policies are typically used in liability claims or when property losses exceed your policy limits. For example, say you host a party and a guest becomes inebriated. They get behind the wheel and cause an accident, and you’re sued for negligence as the party host. In this case, your umbrella policy may help cover the damage after the limits on your homeowners policy have been reached. 

Another scenario to consider is if you have a swimming pool, trampoline or outdoor play set. If a guest becomes injured on your property, you could face large medical bills exceeding the liability limits on your homeowners policy. In this case, your umbrella would kick in.

Or, if any of your valuables, such as art, musical instruments, or jewelry, are stolen or damaged, your umbrella policy can help compensate you for those losses. 

Finally, if you are active on social media, you may want to consider umbrella insurance in case your posted comments result in someone else taking offense and suing you.

Call Us for an Appointment

Our team at Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX, can explain more about how umbrella insurance works. Call us for an appointment and a quote.

Can Anyone Drive an RV?

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Owning or renting an RV opens up endless opportunities for travel and adventure. But before you take the wheel, it’s important to understand the driving requirements. While most RVs don’t need a special license, there are key differences depending on the size, weight, and type of vehicle you’re driving.

Driver’s License Requirements

In most U.S. states, a standard Class D driver’s license is enough to operate smaller RVs, such as Class B camper vans and many Class C motorhomes. However, larger Class A motorhomes or RVs exceeding certain weight limits (often 26,000 pounds) may require a commercial or special noncommercial Class B license. Check your state’s department of motor vehicles regulations to confirm the exact requirements.

Weight and Length Limits

Some states restrict the overall length and weight of RVs, especially if you’re towing a trailer or fifth wheel. Exceeding these limits without proper licensing can lead to fines or voided insurance coverage if you’re in an accident.

Experience and Training

Even if no special license is required, driving an RV safely takes practice. These vehicles are longer, wider, and heavier than regular cars, which means slower stopping times and wider turns. Many insurance companies and rental services recommend taking an RV driving course to learn proper handling, parking, and road awareness.

Insurance Considerations

Check with your insurer before your trip. Some policies require drivers to meet specific age or experience requirements to maintain coverage.

Call Southwest Insurance Center, Serving Austin, TX

We’re proud to serve Austin, TX, and we’re here to help you with all of your RV insurance needs. Contact the Southwest Insurance Center team to talk with one of our agents and learn more.

My motorcycle is paid in full. Do I need motorcycle insurance?

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Not every state requires motorcyclists to carry insurance. However, other circumstances may necessitate insurance, even if your state doesn’t mandate it. For example, if you have a motorcycle loan, your lender will likely require you to carry insurance. At Southwest Insurance Center, we are dedicated to helping both existing and new Austin, TX, clients understand Texas motorcycle insurance requirements and secure the coverage they need.

My Motorcycle Is Paid in Full. Do I Need Motorcycle Insurance?

Even if your motorcycle is paid off, you may still need to invest in motorcycle insurance depending on your state’s laws. Some states do not require motorcycle riders to carry insurance. However, in states where insurance is not mandatory, motorcyclists with loans are typically required to carry insurance to meet lender requirements.

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Driving a Motorcycle in Texas?

Texas law requires all motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance. The liability insurance must meet the state’s minimum requirements, which include:

  • At least $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person.
  • At least $60,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident.
  • At least $25,000 of property damage liability coverage.

Regardless of whether your motorcycle is paid in full, liability insurance is mandatory for all motorcycle riders in Texas. This coverage ensures you are financially protected in the event of an accident.

At Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX, we are committed to helping motorcycle riders understand state requirements and secure the coverage they need. We know that not everyone is familiar with the insurance laws in their state, which is why we prioritize educating our clients and answering all their questions. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with your motorcycle insurance policy.

Should You Get Boat Insurance For A Jet Ski?

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Jet skis are not typically required to have insurance in Austin, TX. However, some marinas may require liability insurance. Even if it’s not mandatory, considering boat insurance is a smart decision. These policies offer several benefits that can protect you and your watercraft.

Damages While Parked

Homeowner’s insurance policies often provide limited coverage for items on your property, especially if those items are eligible for separate insurance policies, such as cars, boats, and other watercraft. This means your homeowner’s policy may not offer sufficient coverage for damages or theft involving your jet ski. Boat insurance can fill this gap and provide the protection you need.

Liability Protection

Many jet ski owners opt for liability protection, which covers property damage and medical expenses if you’re responsible for an accident. Without liability coverage, you would need to pay out of pocket for damages or face potential lawsuits. Not having coverage puts all your assets at risk.

Additional Coverage

Boat insurance can also include additional coverage for theft, damage caused by natural disasters, and wreckage cleanup after an accident. Many policies offer optional add-ons, such as fuel delivery services, to ensure you don’t get stranded on the water.

Medical payments coverage is another valuable option, as it can cover your medical bills or those of a passenger injured in an accident, even if the accident is your fault. Without this coverage, passengers may sue you for medical expenses or lost wages.

Coverage options vary among insurance providers. An agent at Southwest Insurance Center can help you explore your options and find the right policy for your needs.

Financial Security

Obtaining boat insurance ensures you won’t have to sell your assets to cover property damage or medical costs. Instead, you can simply file a claim and let your insurance handle the expenses.

At Southwest Insurance Center, we understand the importance of having proper coverage. Our agents are here to help you find a policy that meets your needs. Contact us today to get started. We proudly serve the Austin, TX, area.

Should I Get Term or Whole Life Insurance and Why?

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Life insurance is designed to provide your family with a financial benefit to help them survive the loss of your income when you pass. You can get one of two types known as whole and term, depending on your needs. At Southwest Insurance Center in Austin TX, we’re here to help you understand the meanings behind these descriptions and how they work. Here’s a look at the differences between the major types of life insurance policies.

A Brief Look at Whole and Term Life Insurance

Both types benefit the people named in the policy, but each have different active time periods. That is, a term policy can last 20 years, while a whole life policy is active for the length of your life. When a term life insurance policy expires, there is no financial benefit. A whole life policy expires upon your passing and pays out its value to your beneficiaries. 

Why do Term and Whole Policies exist?

Everyone has a different reason for needing life insurance. Someone with a young family and is in the early stages of their career is best served by a term life policy as a hedge against calamity. Whole life works for someone who wants to benefit their family and diversify their investment strategy. The type of policy you buy depends on your needs. 

Getting Help With Making a Decision for Your Life Insurance Policy

At Southwest Insurance Center in Austin TX, we know how confusing getting a life insurance policy can get. That’s why we’re here to help you learn more about the different types, how they work, and which one makes the most sense for you. Call us today to speak to one of our agents to learn more about what’s involved with getting a life insurance policy. 

Why Do Small Business Owners Need Commercial Insurance?

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Commercial Insurance for Small Businesses

For small business owners in Texas, having the right insurance coverage is essential. While some types of small businesses may not require coverage, many others can benefit significantly from commercial insurance. If you have questions about commercial insurance for your small business, contact Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX, for the latest information and guidance.

Benefits of Commercial Insurance

Property and liability coverage are two critical areas to consider as a small business owner. When you speak with one of our agents, we can help you determine the best coverage options for your business. The primary goal of commercial insurance is to protect your assets, which can be financially impacted in the event of property damage or liability claims, such as lawsuits stemming from bodily harm.

If your business involves direct interaction with customers, whether at their residence or your place of business, commercial insurance can protect you from claims related to accidents, such as a customer slipping and falling and sustaining an injury.

Commercial insurance also covers unexpected events involving your property, such as damage to equipment used for your business in the event of a disaster like a fire. Additionally, it provides protection in cases of theft of business assets.

While Texas does not mandate private business owners to carry workers’ compensation insurance, it is highly recommended. Without it, you may be held liable if an employee is injured on the job.

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses. If cybercriminals compromise your small business accounts, consider adding cyber insurance to your policy for added protection.

Contact Our Agents

At Southwest Insurance Center, we are dedicated to helping Austin, TX, commercial businesses find the right type and amount of insurance coverage to ensure proper protection and safe operations. Contact us today by phone, email, or through our online form to request a quote.

Should I Invest in Umbrella Insurance for My Small Business?

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Many small business owners believe that their existing commercial insurance policies are sufficient to handle any issues that may arise. However, is this assumption accurate? Could your business benefit from additional coverage, such as umbrella insurance? Let’s explore whether umbrella insurance is a smart investment for your small business and how Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX can help you get started.

Should Small Business Owners Invest in Umbrella Insurance?

When deciding whether to invest in insurance, the better question to ask is: What happens if I don’t? For example, skipping liability insurance could leave you vulnerable to lawsuits if a malfunctioning product injures a customer. Similarly, failing to secure workers’ compensation insurance could lead to financial ruin if an employee gets sick or injured. Similarly, not having umbrella insurance could result in significant financial losses if your existing coverage proves insufficient.

Umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of protection, covering costs that exceed the limits of your primary policies. Whether you operate in a high-risk industry or face unexpected incidents like workplace accidents or slip-and-fall claims, umbrella insurance can prevent you from going bankrupt due to uncovered expenses. It offers peace of mind, ensuring you have additional support when your standard policy falls short of your needs. If you don’t currently have umbrella insurance, it’s worth considering adding this coverage to your portfolio.

Compare Quotes With Southwest Insurance Center

Knowing you need umbrella insurance is easy. Finding the right policy? That’s where we come in! At Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX, our team is here to help you compare umbrella insurance quotes and find the best policy for your small business. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started!

How to Make an RV Insurance Claim While Traveling

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Traveling in an RV is one of the best ways to explore Texas or venture across the country, but even a dream trip can hit a snag. If you experience an accident or your RV gets damaged on the road, knowing how to handle an insurance claim while traveling can make the process much smoother.

Notify Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible

Once everyone is safe, please don’t hesitate to contact your insurance provider at Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX, immediately. Most companies offer 24-hour claim hotlines, allowing you to get assistance no matter where you are. Provide details about what happened, your location, and whether anyone was injured. If your RV is not drivable, your insurer can help arrange a tow or recommend a local repair shop.

Gather Information and Keep Detailed Records

Take plenty of photos or videos of the damage and the surrounding area. If other vehicles were involved, exchange contact and insurance information. If the police are called to the scene, ask how to obtain a copy of their report. Save receipts for hotel stays, meals, or other expenses if your RV requires repairs before you can continue your trip—many RV policies will reimburse you for these additional costs.

Stay in Touch With Your Claims Adjuster

Your claims adjuster may arrange for an inspection of your RV at a nearby facility. They’ll guide you through repair options and handle most of the paperwork, even if you’re far from home. Keep your claim number handy to easily check on progress or address any questions.

An accident can disrupt your travel plans, but knowing what steps to take can help protect both your trip and your RV. Before hitting the road, review your policy with your Texas insurance agent at Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX, to ensure you’re covered for the way you travel. Contact us today to learn more.

What Motorcycle Insurance Does–and Does Not–Cover

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Motorcycles offer a thrilling sense of freedom on the open road, but they also come with inherent risks. In Texas, motorcycle insurance is not only required by law—it’s a smart way to protect yourself, your bike, and others in the event of an accident. However, not all policies are created equal, and understanding what’s included (and what’s not) can help you avoid surprises. At Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX, we’re here to guide you through your options.

What’s Typically Covered

At a minimum, motorcycle insurance in Texas must include liability coverage, which pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others. Many riders also opt for collision coverage, which covers the cost of repairing or replacing your bike after an accident, and comprehensive coverage, which protects against theft, vandalism, fire, or weather-related damage.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is another essential option. If you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t carry enough insurance—or any at all—this coverage helps pay for your medical bills and bike repairs.

What May Not Be Included

Standard policies often exclude specific extras. Custom parts, accessories, and aftermarket upgrades may not be fully covered unless you add specific endorsements. Protective gear, such as helmets, jackets, or gloves, may also fall outside basic coverage unless explicitly listed.

Additionally, wear-and-tear, mechanical breakdowns, and damage from racing or stunt riding are typically excluded. If you use your motorcycle for commercial purposes, such as deliveries, you’ll need specialized coverage.

Know Before You Ride

The best time to understand your policy is before you need to use it. An experienced Texas insurance agent can walk you through your options and tailor coverage to fit how and where you ride. Whether you’re cruising through Hill Country or navigating Dallas traffic, the right policy ensures you’re protected every mile. Contact Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX, for more information and personalized assistance.

Why You Need Year-round Coverage For Your Boat

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Why Year-Round Boat Insurance Is Essential in Central Texas

In Central Texas, where boating season often stretches well beyond summer, many boat owners assume they can pause their insurance when their vessel is not in use. However, temporarily canceling your policy can leave you vulnerable to risks you might not anticipate. Year-round coverage through Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX, isn’t just a smart choice—it’s essential.

Risk Doesn’t Stop When You Dock

Even when your boat is out of the water, it’s still exposed to potential damage. Fires, theft, vandalism, and storm-related issues can occur in a dry dock, at a marina, or even in your driveway. Without active coverage, you could face costly out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacements. In Austin, where unpredictable weather is a reality, these risks are too significant to ignore.

Liability Doesn’t Take Time Off

A lapse in coverage also means losing liability protection. If someone is injured while stepping aboard or helping move your boat in storage, you could be held financially responsible. Year-round insurance ensures you’re protected—whether your boat is cruising across Lake Travis or sitting idle during the winter months.

Gaps in Coverage Can Affect Your Rates

Canceling your policy during the off-season might seem like a way to save money, but it can lead to higher premiums in the future. Insurers often view gaps in coverage as a red flag, even if no claims were made during that time. Maintaining continuous coverage demonstrates responsible ownership, which can help keep your rates stable and predictable.

Peace of Mind All Year Long

Your boat is more than just a financial investment—it represents memories, adventures, and time spent with loved ones. Year-round insurance protects that investment, no matter the season. Before considering a pause in your policy, consult a local agent at Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX. They understand the unique needs of boat owners in the Austin area and can help you safeguard what matters most.