Who Needs Umbrella Insurance in Austin, TX?

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.

Benefits of RV Insurance

Taking a trip with your family in an RV is a great experience that most people look forward to. And while an RV can be a great entertainment asset, it also comes with a few responsibilities for the owner. For those residing in Austin, TX, making sure you have insured your RV is essential. As Southwest Insurance Center explains, here are some benefits of insuring your RV.

Protecting Your Assets

Buying an RV is a significant investment. If anything were to happen to it, you would be set back financially. That is why you should protect it through insurance. When you purchase insurance, depending on the policy, you will protect not only the RV but also the contents inside. Therefore, if you get into an accident and the RV is damaged, or someone breaks in and steals the contents, you do not have to worry about the cost of repairs or replacing items.

Provides Liability Protection

You should be aware that every time you are on the road, there is the risk of liability you are exposed to. You may get into an accident and damage another car or someone’s property. When you purchase RV insurance, you get liability protection which helps cover the cost of damages if you were at fault.  

Peace of Mind

A drive in your RV is supposed to be fun where everyone is having a good time, and that is what buying insurance promises you. You do not have to drive your RV, worrying that if anything happens on the road, you will have to take care of the resulting expenses. Your insurance policy covers that.

Austin, TX RV owners can enjoy these benefits by reaching out to Southwest Insurance Center to discuss the different types of coverage available in the market. Contact us today for assistance on how to protect your RV.

What to look for in auto insurance

Auto insurance is of the utmost importance, but the important facts can often be overlooked in order to find the cheapest price possible. Below you can find some information on what to look for in auto insurance, so you can make sure you make the right choice. 

Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX is proud to offer auto insurance plans to Texas residents. They work with several providers to provide the best possible options for you and your car.

Insurance in Texas

Auto insurance requires different specifications in different states. Therefore, it is crucial you get insurance suitable to the policies set out in Texas state laws. For example, Texans need liability insurance that covers damage to vehicles and persons. 

Location

The area you live in is important when collecting quotes for auto insurance. The reason for this is that certain areas are more prone to car break-ins or other car-related crimes. 

Parking rates

While you can’t insure in order to get the best parking rates, the parking rates in your area can still be important when looking for insurance quotes. However, the car-related crime rates in your area influence where someone wants to park, which makes the difference between street parking and parking in car parks, which then affects insurance rates.

At Southwest Insurance Center you will be provided with several quotes, so you will know that the final price you land on is accurate for your car and location. If you want to get auto insurance or receive a quote, call Southwest Insurance Center today.

Boat Insurance Basics

Owning a boat in Austin, TX takes a bit of work and a lot of responsibility. However, all the hard work and responsibility are worth it when you get the boat out onto the water and spend a day with friends and family. To help protect you against paying high costs of repairs or medical bills for injuries from an accident, you should carry boaters insurance. The agents at Southwest Insurance Center understands the need for boat insurance and are ready to help get you the coverage you need. 

Small Craft Coverage

Small crafts, such as any watercraft with an engine less than a 25-mile per hour horsepower, small sailboats, and canoes, might be covered under your primary homeowners or renters insurance policy. Liability coverage is typically not included, but some endorsements can be added to your existing policy to provide you full coverage. 

Larger Boats

Larger and faster boats, such as yachts and speedboats, require a separate insurance policy. Your boaters insurance policy will cover physical damage to the boat, property damage if you hit another object, theft, and medical payments. Boat insurance policies have deductibles and caps on their payouts. Purchasing an umbrella insurance policy can help pay for any money owed over the cap of your insurance policy. 

Boat Insurance Coverage

Boat insurance coverage varies by policy, but most policies cover the following: 

  • Physical damage to the boat
  • Theft of the boat
  • Bodily injury to others than the boat owner
  • Damage caused to someone else’s property
  • Medical payment for injuries
  • Guest passenger liability
  • Trailer or boat accessories
  • Theft of belongings
  • Towing in the event of an accident

Those with a boat in Austin, TX should reach out to Southwest Insurance Center to learn more about their boater’s insurance options. 

Is Life Insurance Mandatory in Texas?

No one likes contemplating about their life ending abruptly. But the truth of the matter is that death is inevitable and unpredictable. When your demise strikes, you will want the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your loved ones get formidable care. Life insurance is a vital coverage that ensures that your family and loved ones don’t grapple with financial hardships upon your untimely demise. Contact our agents at Southwest Insurance Center serving Austin, TX and its environs, and they can assist with all your life insurance needs.

Is life insurance mandatory in Texas?

Life insurance is not mandatory in Texas. However, it’s prudent as an Austin TX resident, to buy life insurance to cushion your beneficiaries from experiencing any financial burden after your demise. Considering your mortgage and other debts, money to cater to funeral expenses, and tuition fees for your kids, it’s a wise decision to procure life insurance. There are life insurance coverage options in Austin TX which are vital to avert stress upon a policy holder’s demise. They include:

Term life insurance

This form of policy lasts for a specified period you set with your insurance agent at the onset of the policy. This term period could be ten years or twenty years, depending on which meets your needs. This type of policy comes to a halt at the end of whatever period you choose, but there is room for renewal at a higher premium rate.

Permanent life insurance

This policy lasts for a long spell without expiry, as the name suggests. This form of policy guarantees a specific payment on the amount you invest in your policy, and you can consider borrowing it later if you are still alive to settle your issues like paying a debt. This policy provides lifetime coverage as long as you submit your premiums consistently.

Universal life insurance

It’s similar to term life insurance. This type of policy matures after a specified period, but you can pay a premium that will maintain your death benefit in place. It also provides a savings account that can be utilized by your family and loved ones in the future.

Do you want to get spectacular life insurance that suits your family and loved ones best in Austin, TX? Please get in touch with our dedicated agents at Southwest Insurance Center to get your policy as soon as possible.

Why Texas Consultants Need Commercial Insurance

Southwest Insurance Center assists the Austin, TX community and surrounding areas. We have relationships with several carriers throughout the South. We help our clients find unique policies that evolve as their needs change. We will take the time to help you find the right coverage to live comfortably.

Why Texas Consultants Need Commercial Insurance

Austin, TX is home to several thriving businesses. As a business owner, one way that you can stand out from the competition is through having a strong commercial insurance policy. Commercial insurance covers all of your property and equipment if it is stolen or vandalized. The policy covers damage to the physical structure of your business. Liability coverage is extremely important, as there are a lot of risks associated with operating a business. You can add business interruption insurance to your policy. You will be covered if an accident causes your business to shut down for a few weeks.

This is especially true if you are a consultant. As a consultant, you help people achieve their personal goals. However, you may face legal action if your client is not satisfied with your advice. If you are accused of negligence, liability insurance covers your business. Even if the allegations are not true, you are still at risk. You can also face litigation if your client believes that you did not finish a job based on the terms of a contract. Liability insurance covers your business as you fight for your reputation. Commercial insurance is an asset regardless of the services that you provide.  

Southwest Insurance Center Can Help You Protect Your Investment

Visit our website to learn more information about commercial insurance.

What You Need to Know About Homeowners Insurance in Texas

Those shopping for homeowners insurance in Austin, TX have many options available to them regarding basic coverage and additional options. Before shopping for insurance, understand the amount of coverage and what is and is not covered by your policy. The experts at Southwest Insurance Center understand shopping for a homeowners insurance policy can be overwhelming and are ready to make the process go as smoothly as possible. 

Below are things you need to know and questions to ask before purchasing your homeowner’s policy in the state of Texas: 

Roof Repair

Depending upon the cause of the damage, some insurance policies cover the total costs to repair a damaged roof. Within an insurance policy, this is covered under “replacement cost coverage.” If the roof is older or showing signs of wear, the policy may pay less to repair the roof, taking into account the roof’s overall condition before the damage occurred. Paying based on condition is considered “actual cash value” coverage. When deciding on insurance coverage, consider replacement cost versus actual cash value to determine which coverage to purchase. 

Deductibles

Your insurance policy deductible is the amount of money you must pay before your insurance company pays for repairs or replacements. Deductibles vary for different types of damage, and the higher the deductible; the lower your premiums may be. 

Additional Coverage

It is possible to customize your homeowner’s insurance policy by adding additional coverage. For example, consider buying additional coverage if you have expensive jewelry and high-priced items in the home or if you have a pool or other buildings on the property. 

Austin, TX homeowners need to speak with their insurance agent about their insurance policy and coverage options. Understanding more about the policy and coverage options helps make the claim process easier should something happen at your home. For additional information about homeowners insurance coverage, call our agents at Southwest Insurance Center. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Auto Insurance

As an auto driver within Austin, TX, it is essential to have the right coverage before getting behind the wheel. This means avoiding common mistakes that numerous drivers make when purchasing auto insurance. Below, Southwest Insurance Center takes you through some red flags to avoid during your next purchase.

Getting Insufficient Coverage

Numerous drivers are likely to get the mandatory covers and forego optional coverage to reduce their premiums. While compulsory policies will likely protect 3rd party injuries and property damage, the costs of vehicle destruction and treatment costs will not be covered. This leaves you with out-of-pocket expenses that you may not have bargained for, leading to a long-term financial burden. Ensure that you get sufficient coverage to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an emergency.

Failure to Understand the Various Auto Insurance Policies

Auto insurance policies come in different forms, with each catering to specific requirements. If you need coverage for impact accidents, collision coverage will be your go-to, while non-impact accidents are taken care of by comprehensive coverage. Other examples of policies include medical payments coverage that caters to your treatment expenses and uninsured coverage that protects you when an uninsured motorist hits you. Before signing up for any cover, ensure that you understand what each cover deals with.

Failure to Disclose All Information

Insurance providers rely on transparency to provide auto insurance, which allows you to enjoy various covers. Make it a point to disclose all required information, such as your car usage and the drivers likely to use your car. If, for instance, you have teenage drivers, inform your providers to help you get ideal coverage for risk-prone parties. Failure to do so could lead to out-of-pocket costs or leave you without cover.

Wherever your needs lie, make it a point to call Southwest Insurance Center today. We will help you get customized coverage for your Austin, TX drives.

Types of fire insurance

Whether shopping for insurance for your Austin, TX home or business, you need fire coverage. At Southwest Insurance Center, we want you to understand the diversity of fire insurance. You might think you can just buy a policy, but you need to consult with an agent first because so many different types of fire insurance exist. This blog helps you get started choosing the right one for you.

Adjustable fire insurance policy: Retail businesses use adjustable fire insurance to insure their stock. When the number of stock changes, so does the insured amount. The agency calculates the premium by the amount insured and the change in the insured amount.

Average policy: Essentially, you have a deductible with the average policy. Both you and the insurance company ear part of a loss. If you file a claim, the insurance company uses the following formula to calculate it:

Claim= (insured amount / value of property) * actual loss.

Blanket policy: Insures multiple properties under one policy.

Consequential loss policy: Compensates your business for the loss incidental to the fire, such as renting temporary offices and paying salaries.

Comprehensive policy: This covers other perils, too, such as looting, arson, rioting, civil unrest, wars, strikes, unavoidable accidents, etc.

Declaration policy: This insurance covers stock of a maximum value. You pay three-fourths of the premium when you obtain the policy. At the outset of each month, you declare the value of the business’s current stock and, if a fire occurs, the insurance company makes your compensation on the basis of declared value.

Excess policy: This supplementary policy covers additional risks. If your business’ stock frequently fluctuates this policy covers the amount above that covered in the main policy.

Floating fire insurance policy: This policy type covers your business’ stock and equipment at your main location, other locations, and in storage.

Reinstatement policy: Rather than a reimbursement check, this policy type replaces the insured goods lost in the fire.

Specific fire insurance policy: You only get reimbursed for the actual damages up to the insured amount with this policy.

Valued policy: Regardless of the cost of damages, this policy type pays the full value of property fixed at the purchase of the policy.

Valuable fire insurance policy: Regardless of the cost of damages, this policy type pays the actual current market price of the property insured in the policy.

Contact us at Southwest Insurance Center to find the right fire insurance policy for your Austin, TX business. Let us help you determine which policies would best serve your business needs.

What Does Personal Auto Insurance Cover?

As a Texas driver, you are required to carry auto insurance. Fortunately, your choices, when it comes to auto insurance, are many. Aside from the state auto insurance minimums, or the legal requirements that must be met, you have many choices and perhaps additional requirements that you may need to meet. However, these decisions can best be made with the help of a  Southwest Insurance Center team member. Our Austin, TX agents are here to serve you.

Personal Auto Insurance Coverage 

Fortunately, personal auto insurance coverage affords Texas drivers a wealth of different coverage options that can be tailored to their unique situation. For example, if you are leasing your car or have a car loan, you may be required by your lender to carry full auto insurance or comprehensive auto insurance. This type of coverage not only covers liability for property damage and bodily injury to others, but it covers your car as well. This is protection for the lender in the event that something happens to your car before it’s paid off. This ensures that the lender will receive financial compensation for the car. 

Other Considerations…

Best yet, if you own your car outright, but still want to purchase additional coverage, you can. Perhaps you want to purchase coverage beyond the state minimum requirements or additional coverage in the event that your car is totaled. Personal auto insurance affords Texas drivers many options that can be tailored to fit their unique situation. However, the guidance of a Southwest Insurance Center agent can be beneficial when it comes to making decisions about your personal auto insurance coverage. Give us a call. We’re here to answer questions and guide the decision-making process. We can make recommendations regarding liability, medical payment coverage, comprehensive, and collision coverage.