What Happens When You Are In An Accident With Someone Without Auto Insurance?

Even if you have the legally required amount of auto insurance in Texas, there is no guarantee that you will not get into an accident with someone who does not. Accidents happen but if you are in one with an uninsured or underinsured driver who is at fault, you may be covered with certain policies and you do have options. These tips from Integra Insurance Services serving Huntington, TX to better protect yourself before an accident. 

Collision Insurance May Pay for Repairs

Collision coverage is something you can add to your existing auto policy. It will pay for the repairs to your vehicle if you are hit by someone without insurance. It will only apply to the repairs and not any injury, though. 

Consider Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist insurance is an addition to your auto policy that can help pay for damages in an accident with another driver at fault and no insurance. The coverage can only be as much as your liability coverage in the policy. Underinsured motorist insurance can help pay for damages, injuries, and more if you are in an accident with someone who does have insurance but not enough to pay for your damages and injuries. Both policies are only able to be used when the other driver is found to be at fault.

File a Lawsuit

If you have already been in an accident with someone who does not have insurance or enough insurance and you do not have these types of coverage, there is still something you can do. You can file a lawsuit against them and get a judgment. One thing to keep in mind is that you may not ever get any money from the other driver but you can try with this method. 

Integra Insurance Services serving Huntington, TX, is here to help you in these types of situations as well as ensure you are properly insured. 

Home-Insurance: Confusing Terms

Anyone with a home in Huntington, TX knows that home insurance is a must for protecting the property against catastrophic loss. Unfortunately, home insurance premiums can vary wildly, surprising homeowners everywhere. What are some of the factors that home insurance companies consider when calculating the rate?

First, many people don’t realize that pets can impact a home insurance rate. While dogs are a man’s best friend, insurance companies don’t look kindly on all dog breeds. Some dog breeds, such as Dobermans and Rottweilers, are aggressive dog breeds by nature. This leads to an increased chance that these dogs will potentially bite a family member of neighbor. This can lead to insurance claims that the company needs to pay out. To leverage this risk, home insurance companies will increase premiums.

Next, the potential for fire damage plays a major role when insurance companies decide premiums. If a home is close to a fire station, the owner will be rewarded with a lower premium. Furthermore, if a fire hydrant is nearby, this could also lead to a lower home insurance rate. This is because fire damage can lead to an insurance company paying substantial financial claims to replace lost or damaged property. If a fire station or fire hydrant is close to the property, the fire will be handled sooner and result in a lower financial cost to the owner and the insurance company.

Finally, home maintenance costs are a major factor in home insurance costs. Out of date water heaters, pipes that drip, inadequate water seals, and leaking roofs are all aspects that insurance companies frown upon. This is because poor maintenance can lead to major home damage that can cause insurance companies to pay out substantial claims. Keep homes in good repair to minimize home insurance premiums.

There are common factors that insurance companies in Huntington, TX take into account when deciding on home insurance premiums. Rely on the tips above to keep home insurance costs to a minimum.