A Buyers’ Guide for Texas Car Insurance
There is a lot to consider when buying car insurance in Texas from someone like http://texasinsurancequotes.us/texas-auto-insurance/. As with health insurance, it can take some time for you to find a plan that is right for you. Texas auto insurance is a legal obligation, and your first step should be to familiarize yourself with the legally mandated minimums. At minimum, Texas auto insurance requirements are 30/60/25 liability insurance. In plain English, that means liability insurance that covers: $30k per person involved, up to $60k total bodily injury, and $25k coverage for property damage. When the policy is invoked, the monies are paid out to those involved apart from the driver, but not the driver themselves. Because of the legal necessity of insurance, any driver involved in an accident should receive reimbursement from the other party’s insurance.
Not All Texas Auto Insurance Policies Are Created Equal.
20% of the drivers in Texas fail to meet the legal minimums of liability coverage levels, or put up the flat $55k for injuries and damages which may result from an accident. Because of these uninsured or underinsured drivers, many insurance companies will offer options for additional coverage, like the option to cover your vehicle regardless of who may be at fault in an accident. Supplemental coverage is also on offer for instances when the other party’s insurance fails to pay the full cost of damage and injury. Supplemental insurance can make a huge difference in the case of an accident that results in the total loss of an expensive vehicle or expensive injuries and medical costs.
Consider the Differences Between What You Want and What You Need.
To meet your base needs, you can carry the legal minimums for liability, but there is also the remaining question of what you want. In addition to higher levels of personal protection (such as coverage for the uninsured and under insured), there are also considerations to be made for collision and comprehensive coverage. If you walk out of your house and find that a tree bough has replaced your windshield, you may wonder who pays for that. Comprehensive coverage does; it covers any environmental factors that may bring damage to your vehicle. If your car becomes inoperable while you are miles from home, you may also find yourself in need of roadside assistance, towing, and repair services. Those fees can be reduced, as well, with additional coverage. When you go shopping for new Teas auto insurance policies, it would be a good idea to keep a list of the extras you would be interested in so that you can get a more accurate quote to compare against other companies.
Look at the Company Behind the Quote.
A smaller premium is not always a bigger savings. There are companies that can use “fine print” stipulations and clauses to cut corners on coverage. Be sure to examine your policy closely, especially if you find supposedly comprehensive coverage for much less than it has been quoted by others. Be wary of any deals that sound too good to be true. Look into the company itself, look for how satisfied its previous and current customers are. Most importantly, make sure a provider is actually licensed to issue Texas auto insurance policies. This license is required by large companies and independent brokers, alike. The Texas Department of Insurance can verify the state of licensure of a prospective insurer, and can be reached online at: www.tdi.texas.gov, or by telephone at: 1-800-242-3439.
A Legitimate Insurer Works Best With Honest Drivers.
No matter in which state a driver is seeking insurance, it is vital to be honest about their driving record when obtaining quotes and buying policies. It is illegal to present false information to your insurer. In addition to being dropped as a client, you could even be brought up on charges of fraud. Another unpleasant, and very expensive, effect could be a requirement that you carry SR22 level insurance. The state of Texas does offer a means to guarantee insurance for SR22 drivers. A driver that has been denied by two or more insurers may qualify for rate assistance if they keep a clean driving record for three years.
Other Advice on Getting Insurance
If you are trying to save money, there are a few little things you can do to lessen that premium. A higher deductible will of course mean more out of pocket in the event of a claim, but it can also keep your premium lower. Sometimes, the money saved on your premium can more than offset the higher deductible. Keep that driving record clean. The money you save by keeping your premiums low will also help to offset a higher deductible in the event that you ever have to pay it. Look for group and multi-line discounts. Companies will often offer better rates or policies on multiple cars, especially when bundled with home and other types of insurance.