Do I Need Boat Insurance in Texas?

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Anyone who lives in Austin, TX has likely shared the enjoyment that boating can offer both residents and tourists of the area. Southwest Insurance Center is here to answer all your questions about boat insurance in the great state of Texas.

Many marinas in Texas now require boat insurance in order to park your vessel on their property. Other than that, most boating insurance is for the peace of mind of the boat owner, as we can’t control every water situation we’re in, whether you’re the best boat captain on the water or not. 

Boat insurance can protect you in the event of an accident. Whether you’re at fault or not, boater’s insurance provides a financial cushion that will give you great peace of mind every time you get on the water with family and friends. 

If you’ve spent any significant sum of money on your boat, investing in boat insurance is a wise move. Don’t throw away the thousands of dollars you’ve invested in your vessel by not properly insuring it before you get out on the water to enjoy it. 

Standard coverage for a boat includes:

1. Physical damage to the boat that occurs during an accident, dangerous weather, etc

2. Property damage to another person’s property in the event of an accident

3. Theft or vandalism to your boat that needs replacing

As you can see, a simple insurance policy can set you up with a great amount of protection in various scenarios when out on the water. If you live in Austin, TX, have a boat, and need some guidance as you build a plan that will protect your assets, contact the team at Southwest Insurance Center. Our team of experts can help!

What is Included in Your Motorcycle Insurance?

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There is nothing quite like the open road on the back of a motorcycle! That being said, you are going to need to protect yourself and your bike in case you are involved in an accident. Just like with automobile insurance, you need to make sure that you have motorcycle insurance. 

So, what is included with your insurance? 

Liability insurance. You need to have liability insurance if you want to own a motorcycle. This will protect you by covering the cost of damage to the property, along with the medical bills of those that are involved in the accident. 

Comprehensive insurance. This is optional, but it may be in your best interest to have some. This will cover your motorcycle if it gets stolen or damaged due to things that are beyond our control, such as fire and storm. It also covers vandalism. 

Collision. This insurance covers any damage that may occur to your own motorcycle if you are at fault. 

Uninsured and underinsured motorist. If you want to protect yourself against others on the road, you are going to want to have uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance. This will cover any damage to your motorcycle, along with any of your medical bills that aren’t covered because the other driver didn’t have enough insurance. 

You can decide how much insurance and what types of insurance you want to have. However, if you have a loan out for your motorcycle, you may be required to have a comprehensive collision policy. Talk to a professional to help you find a plan that fits into your budget, while still protecting you. In Austin, TX, contact us today at Southwest Insurance Center. 

3 Safety Tips For Full Time RV Living

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RV living is growing in popularity and accessibility. As RVs become more advanced in their comfort features, more and more people are opting for full-time RV life. At Southwest Insurance Center serving Austin, TX and the surrounding areas, we want to help clients understand how they can safely make this lifestyle change. Keep reading to learn about 3 safety tips for full-time RV living. 

Proper Insurance Coverage

If you choose to live in your RV full time, you will want to make sure that you have the proper type of insurance coverage. Regular vehicle coverage will not be adequate to protect your family and possessions if you are living in your RV. Although in some areas you can operate an RV with just vehicle coverage, this will not cover the value of your family’s personal belongings should there be an accident, fire, natural disaster, or burglary. An insurance professional can sit down with you to discuss the amount and types of insurance coverage you will need. 

Proper Security Features 

If you are staying in RV parks, it is imperative that you have the proper security features on your RV. Although all steps are taken to ensure that RV parks are safe, you are still in a vulnerable position. This is also true if you are staying overnight in parking lots or travel centers. You can increase your security with security cameras and RV security systems created specifically for this type of lifestyle. 

Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

When you arrive in an RV park take time to look around and get acquainted with the park’s security features and security guards. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, you should carefully consider your choice of location. 

If you would like to learn about RV insurance or any of our other insurance products, please contact us at Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas. 

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance in Texas?

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Residents of Austin, TX looking for more information on umbrella insurance should keep reading. The team at Southwest Insurance Center has the experience and knowledge to help guide you throughout the process of purchasing umbrella insurance on your already-insured assets that need additional coverage. 

Umbrella insurance is just that – extra coverage. As you build an investment portfolio, purchase a home, investment property, vehicles, boats, other toys, and even run a business… umbrella insurance fills in the blanks where your standard policy may not. 

Why Do I Need Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance fills in the blanks where you may be at extra risk of getting sued for something. This could be related to a neighborhood issue, a client issue with your business, even an injury sustained by a neighbor from your dog. If you participate in dangerous or risky sports like hunting or surfing, your risk is higher of causing harm to someone else while participating. Umbrella insurance can cover you in these scenarios. 

The beauty of umbrella insurance is you can start small, with a lower amount of coverage, and scale up as you continue to make investments in property, businesses, and other valuable assets. 

The benefits of having umbrella insurance certainly outweigh the cost you are responsible for. While every individual and family is different, the safeguards that umbrella insurance will offer your assets and peace of mind are well worth the cost of coverage. 

If you think umbrella insurance sounds like something that would benefit your lifestyle or your future goals, don’t hesitate to reach out to Southwest Insurance Center today. We’re committed to helping residents of Austin, TX and the surrounding areas navigate insurance and get the coverage that works for them. Contact us today!  

4 Important Benefits Of Umbrella Insurance

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Southwest Insurance Center serves the Austin, TX community, as well as the surrounding areas. We proudly serve as an independent insurance agency. We strive to help our clients find policies that minimize risks so that they can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. We work closely with multiple carriers throughout the South. This allows us to offer our clients a wide variety of options. We look forward to helping you protect your assets.

Important Benefits Of Umbrella Insurance

Accidents often happen in life. However, sometimes they are more serious than initially anticipated. If you are responsible for a serious accident, your assets may be at risk if you don’t have enough liability coverage. This is where umbrella insurance takes over. Umbrella insurance covers you once you have reached the liability limits on your policy. Umbrella insurance provides multiple benefits.

Protects Your Vehicle

Imagine you are traveling out of Austin, TX and you accidentally hit another vehicle. Perhaps your teenage driver is ready to start driving independently, and they cause a collision. These are common cases where your assets may be at risk if you don’t have umbrella insurance.

Protects Your Home

If you have an accessory such as a swimming pool at your home, one minor accident could have fatal consequences. If someone is seriously injured while using your pool, umbrella insurance will cover you.

Protects Your Business

If you are operating a consulting business, you could get sued for slander. Umbrella insurance will help you protect your investment.

Protects Your Integrity

If you serve on the Board Of Directors for a nonprofit organization, umbrella insurance covers you against potential allegations of misconduct.

Southwest Insurance Center Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about umbrella insurance.

How to Deal with Aggressive Drivers on the Road

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Regardless of how careful you are when you slide behind the wheel of your vehicle, an accident can be caused by an aggressive driver in Austin, TX. You can control the way others drive, although you can control the way you decide to drive. You can also make the decision as to how you will approach these drivers, such as staying as far away from these motorists as possible. Southwest Insurance Center wants to share some tips on how to deal with aggressive drivers on the road.

Keep an Eye on the Road

More often than not, an aggressive driver can be spotted from afar. They may be following extremely close to other vehicles, or they may be weaving in and out of the traffic. By spotting them before they get too close, you can deal with them more efficiently.

For example, you may switch lanes so they have plenty of room to get around you, or you may increase or decrease your speed to either reduce or increase a gap they may try to weave through. In either instance, it can help prevent the risk of a serious collision.

Avoid Engaging with the Other Motorist

It isn’t uncommon for aggressive drivers to engage in behavior trying to provoke reactions from other drivers. They may get in front of you and break hard, or they may make obscene gestures at you. While you may be extremely agitated at this driver, it is important to avoid escalating the situation. Breathe deeply, stay calm, and remain focused on your surroundings. Never engage with aggressive drivers, regardless of how upset you may be.

Leave Ample Space Between You and Other Vehicles

When there is any kind of change in the traffic around you, you need sufficient time to respond. To ensure this is possible, you want plenty of space around your vehicle. This helps to prevent accidents, especially if another driver decides to cut in front of you suddenly. If someone is tailgating you, change lanes. If a driver cuts in front of you, slow down to leave more space between your vehicle and theirs.

One of the best ways to protect yourself on Austin, TX roads is by ensuring you have the proper auto insurance. If you need help securing the right insurance coverage, contact us at Southwest Insurance Center.

Texas Auto Insurance Claims: Can You Get Your Own Mechanic After a Collision?

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Yes, you can get your own mechanic after a collision, but sometimes it is better not to.

When you have been in a collision, you will want to get your car repaired. Some people don’t, and if you can still drive it that is something you may be considering. If the insurance company will pay for the damages, they may offer you a number of options when it comes to repairing shops. 

At Southwest Insurance Center, we want Austin, TX drivers to have safe and reliable vehicles on Texas roads.  Learn more about car repair options here.

Claims Process After an Accident

When you have had a car accident, the first thing to do when the accident scene is over is to call the insurance company. You will start the claims process then.

If you have collision insurance, you will fill out a form or submit one online. You will then make the decision about your car repair. 

The insurance company will likely recommend a car repair shop, and it may be different than your usual mechanic. You don’t have to say yes, but there are benefits to considering this.

Choosing the Insurance Company’s Repair Shop

You don’t have to get your car repaired at all. That alone is your decision. But if you do, working with the insurance company is a good idea. You won’t lose your insurance if you don’t.

It is a natural inclination to want to use your regular mechanic for everything, including a car accident. However, the insurance company will likely recommend one that they are familiar with working with.

Preferred companies with the insurance company are typically better rated and better priced. They are often more honest than the traditional mechanic as well because they will likely have more regulations in place than a corner shop mechanic. 

Their mechanic will also be in direct communication with them as well. This is going to help you with the claims process. Ultimately, the entire repair process is much faster than it would be if you went to your corner shop.

Get a Quote

When you have been in a car accident, there are enough overwhelming details to think about that the repair process will feel stressful. It doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to select that mechanic. It’s easier though. At Southwest Insurance Center, we want Austin, TX drivers to have the best coverage and safe cars. Call us for a quote to update your Texas auto insurance policy today.

5 Tips for Preventing a Fire in Your Home

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House fires account for thousands of deaths each year and billions of dollars in property damage annually. It only takes roughly 30 seconds for a very small flame to turn into a significant blaze. Therefore, it is important that Austin, TX homeowners be familiar with how to prevent a fire in their homes. Here are a few tips that the team at Southwest Insurance Center wants to share.

Test the Smoke Alarms

Once per month, you should take the time to test your smoke alarms with the simple push of a [test] button. If it doesn’t sound or the batteries are 10 years old, replace them. You may even want to ensure you have the appropriate number of fire alarms throughout the homes as advised by the U.S. Fire Administration.

Identify Potential Household Fire Hazards

Your home is full of fire hazards, probably more than you realize. While you can’t do much about the oven, other than not leaving it unattended, there are others you can locate and remove or evaluate.

If you use a toaster frequently, make sure to shake it out regularly to get the crumbs out, as they spark easily. Dust is commonly flammable, especially if there is a buildup around an electrical outlet. Make sure to unplug hair straighteners, curling irons, and the like, as they can reach high temperatures if left plugged in and on. Candles may smell great, but they are very dangerous if left where a child or pet could knock them over.

Practice Safe Candle Use

Speaking of candles, they are a common cause of home fires. In fact, they result in more than 20 home fires every single day. However, more than three-fourths of those fires are completely preventable. Make sure you are using candles safely.

Inspect the Sources of Heat

Your furnace should be professionally serviced each year to ensure it’s working properly. Because if it’s not, it could result in an unnecessary fire. If a space heater is being used in the home, keep it away from flammable items, furniture, curtains, etc. If you’re using a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned each year.

Store Combustible Materials Safely

It is imperative that any flammable materials are stored in a safe manner, which means away from the heat! Whether it is garden supplies, cleaning supplies, hairspray, or something else that is flammable, they should be kept in a cool, dark storage area. Kerosene, gasoline, and propane should be kept in their original containers outdoors.

Even with precautions in place, a fire may still occur. To ensure you are prepared and protected, make sure you have the proper home insurance. Contact us today to learn more. Southwest Insurance Center serves the Austin, TX area and can help you determine the proper amount and type of coverage for your situation.

Why Do I Need Auto Insurance in Austin?

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Drivers in Austin, TX should maintain a personal auto insurance plan for many reasons. As a Texas resident, you know how busy the roads are and how much traffic there is on a daily basis. An auto insurance policy protects you as a driver anytime you’re on the road.

Southwest Insurance Center can not stress enough the importance of having a full coverage auto insurance policy. It’s the peace of mind you need anytime you get in the car, whether you’re headed out on your morning commute, to the grocery store, on a long road trip, or anywhere in between. 

Not only does auto insurance protect you from other drivers, but it also provides liability coverage if you’re in an accident and you are at fault. If anyone is injured in the accident, liability coverage will typically cover the costs of their medical bills.

An accident is already traumatic enough, but trying to come up with large sums of money to pay for damage or repair to a vehicle along with medical bills is not a situation you want to be in. If you can avoid it entirely by purchasing a full coverage auto insurance plan, be proactive and save yourself the headache.

Not to mention auto insurance is required by law in Austin, TX and most states in the country. Your insurance policy may cover additional features like rental cars, which can be a great benefit if you travel. 

If you aren’t sure about the coverage you need or want to shop around for better options, reach out to Southwest Insurance Center today. We have a team of agents ready to help you find the best plan for your driving needs and for reassurance that you’re safe on the road. 

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance in Austin, TX?

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If you have protected yourself with auto, boat, and home insurance, you will be surprised if someone tells you that you need more coverage. The truth is that as you grow in life, your responsibilities and financial status change, putting you at a greater risk. And for this reason, you need coverage like umbrella insurance from Southwest Insurance Center to protect you.

Who needs umbrella insurance?

But isn’t umbrella insurance for the rich and famous only? While it’s true that umbrella insurance protects persons with a significant asset base, this coverage is suitable for anyone earning a livelihood. Because we live in a litigious society, you don’t have to wait until you reach the one-million-dollar mark for you to start investing in umbrella insurance. You can start today and continue increasing coverage as your situation changes.

But because situations aren’t the same for everyone, some people need umbrella insurance more than others because they are at a greater risk of being sued. You need umbrella insurance immediately if you:

  • Own a business: Businesses come with significant risks, including property damage, bodily injury, and advertising injury that can exceed your typical business insurance coverage.
  • Own a pet that can cause injury: If you own certain dog breeds that can bite, you need umbrella insurance to protect you when your pet inflicts damage to a third party.
  • Participate in high-risk hobbies: If you undertake hobbies like hunting, surfing, or skiing, you need umbrella insurance because the chance of you inflicting injuries to others is high.
  • Are a landlord: You need umbrella insurance to protect yourself from tenants’ liabilities that can be cost-prohibitive.
  • Coach youth sports: If your trainees sustain injuries during training sessions, you could face expensive legal suits that wipe away your assets.

Buy umbrella insurance today!

Would you like to boost your auto, boat, or home insurance today? Please invest in umbrella insurance from Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX.