Understanding Your Texas Auto Insurance Options

Do you know you have options in auto insurance? In Texas, vehicle owners can select from a range of types of policies to fit their specific needs. For those who are ready to invest in a new policy, it pays to understand what options you do have before you sign a new contract.

Liability Coverage

One of the key reasons to have auto insurance is to have liability protection. If you cause an accident and it injures someone or damages the other person’s property, you could be held financial responsible for the damage costs. Bodily Injury Liability is one type of policy that covers pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and other types of claims against you. Property Damage Liability deals specifically with any damaged property including any loss of use.

Collision Coverage

Another option to consider is collision insurance. It pays for the damage to the vehicle caused by a rollover, collision with another vehicle or a collision with an object.

Medical Payments

This type of insurance is available in Texas. It pays for medical and, in some cases funeral, expenses for those who are covered by the policy specifically. The policy pays out only when there is an incident involving an auto accident.

Comprehensive Insurance

In many cases, auto owners should seek out comprehensive insurance coverage. This provides more extensive coverage including damage to a vehicle that does not result from a collision or a rollover. This includes fire, wind storms, theft, flooding, vandalism and hail. If you hit an animal, this type of insurance covers your expenses for those damages.

Uninsured Motorist

Having this insurance helps protect you in the event that you are in an accident in which the other person is at fault but does not have liability coverage.

To find out what your options are and what’s right for you in Lufkin, Texas or the surrounding area, contact an independent agent. You don’t have to have the wrong policy or pay too much for insurance protection.

Reasons why you should Dispute a Claim on my Insurance Record in Lufkin, Texas

When you pay for auto or home insurance, you expect your insurer to accurately process any claims you make according to your policy agreement. While most insurance transactions go smoothly, some policy-holders may encounter difficulties from time to time. In Texas, policy-holders may dispute inaccurate insurance record information, as well as claims that are wrongfully denied or inadequately covered by an insurer.

Insurance Premiums

In the same way that your credit report is a glimpse at your financial history, your insurance record provides information about past claims and accidents. Insurers use your insurance record to determine your risk for making another claim in the future. That assessment plays a major role in whether you can find auto or home insurance coverage, as well as how much you will pay in annual premiums. Since more claims usually mean higher premiums, it makes sense that you would want to dispute any false information or erroneous claims on your record.

Out of Pocket Expenses

Insurance companies work for a profit. Although many are devoted to their customers’ best interests, others practice shady tactics to reduce claim payouts. If you receive a claim denial or inadequate coverage for a claim that is covered by your policy, it is important to file an appeal with your insurer. If your insurer does not reverse the decision, you may file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance.

Find a Reliable Auto and Home Insurance Company in Lufkin, Texas

If you have been the victim of insurance fraud or have experienced difficulties filing claims with your insurers in the past, perhaps it is time to shop for a new policy. Our independent agency helps Lufkin residents find auto insurance and homeowner’s insurance that provides the right coverage at affordable prices. For more information, contact our office today to speak to an independent agent for a free quote. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

The Facts about Driving without Insurance in Texas

If you live in Lufkin Texas and want to legally drive on the roads in Texas, the law requires you to carry liability coverage. You must carry the mandatory minimum coverage for property damage and bodily injury. In the state of Texas, bodily injury liability coverage is $30,000 for each injured person and $60,000 in total if more than one person was injured in a single accident. Property damage is set at a minimum of $25,000 per incident.

If you are caught without insurance or proof of financial responsibility, the consequences could be quite severe. If you are just pulled over for a routine traffic stop and the police officer issues you a citation, you can face a fine, suspension of your license and the impoundment of your vehicle.

  • A first offense for driving without insurance subjects you to a fine of between $175 and $350.
  • Subsequent convictions for driving without insurance subjects you to a fine of between $350 and $1,000 and you could have your license suspended and your car impounded.

Driving in Lufkin without having the proper automobile insurance coverage is not a smart thing to do. It is bad enough to be fined, lose your license and have your car seized, but, if you are involved in a car accident, the consequences are much more severe. In addition to all of the above-mentioned penalties, you could also be held personally liable for any injuries or property damage you caused to another driver.

The facts are that letting your insurance lapse, even for a couple of days, is risky. During that time, your car could get stolen, be in an accident, or you can get pulled over by the police. If you are caught without insurance, when you go to buy insurance from your independent agent, do not be surprised if your rates are just a little bit high.

Texas Personal Injury Facts: Protect Yourself and Guests on your Property

Most people who own homes in Lufkin, Texas have homeowner’s insurance. Even if you do not have a mortgage and are not required to carry such insurance, it is usually wise to have a policy. A standard insurance policy protects your house and the contents within the house. It also protects you against liability should you be found to be responsible for a physical injury or damage to personal property of another individual on your property.

Accidents happen all of the time. You could be diligent in repairing a cracked pathway to your front door and someone could still trip and fall. Your dog could get loose and take a nip at the mailman. Maybe you throw a big party and a fur coat of one of your guests goes missing. Whatever the circumstances, having liability insurance protects you if you are sued by a visitor on your property.

The liability portion of your policy will cover damage or injury due to your negligence, but not if you cause harm or damage intentionally. For instance, if you get in a fight with your neighbor and knock out his two front teeth, you will not be reimbursed for the dental bills. Take a look at your policy and you will see what situations are covered and what situations are excluded.

As your independent agency, we will be happy to explain the details of your coverage or answer any other questions that you may have. Before you buy a policy, you should make sure that you have enough liability coverage to cover your risk.

Your insurance will only pay out to the maximum amount of the policy. If your limit is $50,000 and you are found liable for $100,000 of damage, that amount comes out of your pocket. While no one expects to be sued, it happens all of the time. It is a good idea to see your Lufkin independent agent and make sure you are properly protected.