Austin

Why You Need Umbrella Insurance

Posted on by agentinsure

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?

Posted on by agentinsure

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.

Does Auto Insurance Differ for Electric Vehicles?

Posted on by agentinsure

You’ve just purchased your first fully electric vehicle in Austin, TX. Now, it’s time to insure it. Do you need a different type of auto insurance coverage? The answer is no, as insurance providers don’t create special policies for electric vehicles. However, there are several things you should be aware of before settling on an auto insurance policy through Southwest Insurance Center.

Standard Coverages and Options

All major carriers offer auto insurance for fully electric vehicles. You’ll find the same coverage categories as for gas-powered vehicles, including collision, comprehensive, liability, and more. You’ll also have the option to increase your coverage amounts in those areas. Additionally, you can opt for roadside coverage, which is helpful if your vehicle breaks down, and GAP insurance. The latter may be particularly important for electric vehicle owners, as these cars are generally more expensive than combustion engine or hybrid vehicles. GAP insurance helps pay for the difference between what is owed and the vehicle’s actual cash value if it is totaled.

Higher Premiums to Expect

The notable difference between insuring a gas-powered auto and an electric one is the premium cost. The average premium is about 20% higher than that for a comparable combustion engine car. Even though the cost gap between electric and gas-powered vehicles continues to shrink, electric vehicles are still more expensive. Electric vehicles also have more specialized parts, such as the batteries required to operate them, and fewer mechanics know how to repair them. However, the money you save on not buying gas for your electric car should at least partially offset the higher premiums.

To learn more about insurance for electric vehicles, contact the experts at Southwest Insurance Center, serving Austin, TX, for an appointment.

In Texas, Do You Need Insurance for Your Jet Ski?

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A jet ski is a fun way to have a refreshing adventure on Austin, TX, waterways, whether you are riding solo or with a passenger. Like other types of watercraft, knowing what the state of Texas expects in terms of insurance coverage is important so you can enjoy your riding time with peace of mind.

Texas Watercraft Insurance Requirements

Texas boat requirements are specific. The state does not require owners to insure their personal watercraft or boats. While the state may not require insurance coverage, if you are financing the purchase of your jet ski, the lender may require that you provide coverage until the debt is paid off.

In Texas, a boater education certificate is required for those who were born after September 1, 1993, who plan to drive or operate personal watercraft. The Boater Education Course must be passed and proof submitted to receive an operator’s license.

Benefits of Insuring a Jet Ski

Even though Texas does not require owners to provide insurance for their personal watercraft, there are benefits to consider for coverage for jet skis. Having watercraft insurance may include the following.

  • Protection against damage caused by an accident, fire, vandalism, or a storm.
  • Collision insurance.
  • Theft of a jet ski.
  • Emergency towing may be part of an insurance plan.
  • Liability insurance.
  • Medical coverage for an injured person or persons in case of an accident.

Contact Southwest Insurance Center

To cover your jet ski investment and have peace of mind in case of an unexpected accident or event, call our team at Southwest Insurance Center. Our Austin, TX agents can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about insuring your jet ski.

Avoid Driving Distractions

Posted on by agentinsure

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

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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.