Tips To Consider When Adding A Teen Driver To Your Insurance

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Learning to drive is a major milestone in a teenager’s life. They begin to enjoy greater freedom and take on more serious responsibilities. As a parent, this means you will have to put your teenage driver on your auto insurance policy. A few tips can help you keep your insurance premiums within your budget. At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX, we help our clients find the right insurance for their unique needs.

Adding Your Teen Driver To Your Policy

Each state has different rules regarding when teen drivers need to be added to their parent’s auto insurance policies. In Texas, teens with a learner’s permit can drive with supervision without being added to the policy. However, once they receive their official driver’s license, they are treated like any other driver and should be on the policy to ensure they are covered if an accident occurs. You may wish to acquire additional liability coverage beyond the state’s minimum amount to provide adequate coverage.

Online Classes and Monitoring Programs Can Help Reduce Costs

Some auto insurance providers offer online classes to reinforce safe driving skills for teens. These classes can help lower insurance premiums as your teen gains skills on the road. Another way to reduce costs is to sign up for insurance company "monitoring" programs, which can let you know how your teen is driving when they are driving on their own.

Choose Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. For Your Insurance

Our experienced Fort Worth, TX agents can provide detailed answers to your insurance questions so that you can get the best insurance for your individual needs. Contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX, for a no-obligation quote on auto insurance for you and your teen driver.

 

 

How to Create a Commercial Insurance Policy That Matches Your Business Needs

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For business owners, safeguarding your enterprise’s various aspects is crucial. With the multitude of liability types businesses face, having the right portfolio of insurance coverage is key to mitigating your risk profile. If you’re a business owner in Amarillo, TX, considering how best to fortify your business, feel free to reach out to us at West Texas Insurance Agency.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: An Imperative Security Measure

Worker’s compensation insurance is a fundamental facet of commercial insurance, indispensable for businesses employing staff in any capacity. Regardless of your staff numbers, you hold liability for any accidents they experience on duty or occupational illnesses they incur. Hence, it is advisable to maintain protection against these risks.

Cyber Insurance: Shielding Your Digital Footprint

In an increasingly digital business landscape, online risks pose significant threats to businesses, irrespective of size. A common pitfall in business owner thinking is the assumption that smaller businesses hold less appeal for hackers and other malicious entities. However, all businesses are potential targets, and the fallout from a data breach can substantially impact your financial stability. This demonstrates the importance of cyber insurance in your risk management strategy.

Commercial Auto Insurance: Company Vehicle Coverage

For businesses maintaining company-owned vehicles, having commercial auto insurance is a necessity. This coverage safeguards your corporate fleet against incidents that a personal auto policy would not cover. All of your company’s vehicles require this unique type of insurance.

Your Next Steps towards Commercial Insurance

If your current insurance setup is not comprehensive enough, it’s time to explore the right policies to address your business’s individual risk profile. Based in Amarillo, TX, our team at West Texas Insurance Agency is ready to help you learn more. Contact us today.

Personalized Disaster Preparedness Plans in Home Insurance

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Acknowledging the unique vulnerabilities of each home in the Ft. Worth, TX, area, personalized plans go beyond generic guidelines, offering a tailored approach that empowers homeowners to safeguard their homes against specific risks proactively.

Understanding Localized Risks for Tailored Plans

One of the key aspects of personalized disaster preparedness plans is the understanding of localized risks. Insurers work closely with homeowners to assess the specific threats prevalent in their geographical area, whether it’s hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or earthquakes. This localized approach ensures that disaster preparedness plans are not generic but specifically crafted to address the unique risks faced by each home.

Customized Evacuation Strategies for Individual Needs

Evacuation strategies are an integral part of disaster preparedness, and personalized plans take into account individual needs and circumstances. Whether it’s accommodating pets, addressing mobility challenges, or considering specific medical requirements, these plans are designed to ensure that evacuation is not a one-size-fits-all approach but tailored to the unique requirements of each household.

Incorporating Smart Home Technology for Early Warnings

Insurers collaborate with homeowners to incorporate devices such as intelligent sensors, smoke detectors, and security cameras. These technologies provide early warnings, enabling homeowners to respond swiftly to potential disasters and minimizing the impact on their homes. The devices must remain in working condition.

Educational Resources for Proactive Measures

Beyond just guidelines, personalized plans include educational resources that empower homeowners with the knowledge to take proactive measures. From reinforcing structures to creating defensible spaces, homeowners receive personalized guidance on fortifying their homes against specific risks, fostering a culture of proactive disaster mitigation.

How Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. Can Help You

At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we can help answer questions concerning home insurance. We serve the Ft. Worth, TX, area. Call us today.   

What’s an SR-22 Auto Insurance Document?

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If you’ve been convicted of DUI, reckless driving, or something similarly serious, you might be requested to furnish an SR-22. Here’s what an SR-22 auto insurance document is and why you might need to provide one.

Not Insurance, But a Certificate

An SR-22 is not an auto insurance policy. Instead, it’s a certificate your insurance company files with the state to prove you have auto insurance that meets the minimum liability requirements. 

Why You Might Need an SR-22

An SR-22 is typically required after severe driving offenses. The state often requires this document when a driver has been convicted of driving offenses such as DUIs, reckless driving, or driving without insurance.

Requiring the document is a means of making sure high-risk drivers maintain the state’s necessary insurance coverage. 

If you’re required to provide an SR-22, there are several ways to file the document with the state. You can drop it off at one of the DMV locations around Ft. Worth, TX, or you can email, mail, or fax it to the state. We at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. can assist with filing the document.

Getting Insurance and an SR-22

If you’re required to provide an SR-22 to the state, you’re probably finding auto insurance policies are now quite expensive. They aren’t cheap if you regularly drive around Dallas and Ft. Worth, TX, and rates jump dramatically after a DUI or reckless driving conviction.

Let us at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. help you find an affordable policy that meets your coverage needs. We’ll then get your SR-22 squared away with the state, too.

Insurance for E-commerce Startups: Covering Online Ventures

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The world of commerce is rapidly evolving in and around Ft. Worth, TX. As these online ventures navigate the complexities of the digital marketplace, insurance plays a vital role in mitigating risks and safeguarding their growth. 

Coverage for Property and Inventory

Property insurance is critical for e-commerce businesses that maintain physical inventory or operate from a dedicated workspace. This coverage protects against damage to the business’s physical assets, including office space, storage facilities, and inventory. Property insurance ensures that a startup can recover from such unexpected setbacks, whether it’s a fire, vandalism, or a natural disaster.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is another crucial coverage component for e-commerce startups. It protects against third-party claims, including bodily injury or property damage caused by the startup’s products or services. Also, liability insurance can help address advertising injury or copyright infringement claims.

Cyber Insurance

E-commerce businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats in an increasingly digital world. Cyber insurance addresses data breaches, hacking incidents, and other cyber-related risks. It covers expenses associated with data recovery, legal defense, and notification to affected customers. 

Product Liability Insurance

This coverage safeguards against claims arising from defective or harmful products. It ensures that the startup is financially protected if a customer is injured or experiences property damage due to a product purchased through the e-commerce platform.

Business Interruption Insurance

Unexpected disruptions can occur, affecting an e-commerce startup’s ability to operate. Business interruption insurance helps cover lost income during periods of closure or disruption, enabling the business to continue paying bills and employees.

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. Can Help You

At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we can help answer questions concerning commercial insurance. We serve the Ft. Worth, TX area. Contact us today. 

Is it Time to Upgrade the Auto Policy for Your Texas Vehicle?

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Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. is proud to serve the insurance needs of the metro Ft. Worth, TX community. When you have questions about your auto policy, we’re here to answer them. Our team has the specialized knowledge necessary to help you with all lines of coverage. Contact us today to learn more about the auto policy options available in our area.

Is it Time for an Upgrade?

Auto policies often need to be upgraded as your insurance needs change. If you’re like most people and renew the same policy year after year, it’s time to take a closer look. It’s often recommended that clients give each of their insurance policies a close review at least once a year. When it’s time for renewal, take a few moments to give your policy a closer look. This will help you better understand your current coverage and if it’s still adequate. In many cases, you might decide that it’s time to talk to your local agent about an upgrade.

Time is of the essence, as you want to have your new, more appropriate policy in place as soon as possible. A quick review today can help you avoid heartache later. No one wants to be involved in an accident without proper protection.

Call or stop by today!

Suppose you live or work in the greater Ft. Worth, TX area and have questions about insurance. In that case, it’s time to get to know the team at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. We’re here to help you with all your insurance needs, including upgrading your current auto policy. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you find the policy that’s right for your needs.

Why Do I Need Protection Against Underinsured Drivers?

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For some drivers on a budget in Ft. Worth, TX, it’s tempting to make their auto insurance premiums as inexpensive as possible. One way to do so is to decline coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists. Even though you may save money upfront, you could incur unexpected costs in the long run. Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. recommends not taking that risk.

What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Commonly called UM/UIM coverage covers your injuries and those of your passengers and damage to your vehicle if you are hit by an at-fault driver who has no auto insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your expenses. This part of your auto insurance policy will pay for all your medical expenses and property damage caused by an uninsured driver. If the driver is underinsured, that individual’s policy will pay up to the covered amount, while your policy will pay the excess amounts up to your policy’s limits. If a motorist hits your vehicle, flees the accident scene, and can’t be found, you can file a claim against your policy’s uninsured motorist coverage.

Types of Coverage Your Policy Can Provide

Generally, you should have enough U/UIM coverage to replace your vehicle. This portion of your policy can pay for the following:

  • Vehicle repairs
  • Rental car, if needed
  • Medical bills for all passengers
  • Pain and suffering costs
  • Diminished car value following the accident

Our Agents Recommend UI/UIM Coverage

UI//UIM coverage is not required in Ft. Worth, TX. However, Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. must offer it to you when you write an auto insurance policy with us. Contact us today as our agents highly recommend the few extra dollars to protect your interests and not incur out-of-pocket expenses, especially when your medical insurance won’t pay everything.

What Types of Dwellings Does Home Insurance Cover?

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At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX, we offer home insurance policies covering various homes. From large ranch-style houses to cozy cottages, our policies protect a range of houses. If your home has a different kind of dwelling on the premises, you might wonder if a home insurance policy could cover it. 

While policies differ, we can offer general guidelines on structures home insurance typically covers. Naturally, this advice isn’t exhaustive. If you have a unique type of housing, you will want to consult an insurance agent to determine whether a traditional home insurance policy would cover your home. Even if home insurance doesn’t cover your home, there may be a better-suited form of insurance that ensures that your home is protected despite falling outside of home insurance regulations.

What Kinds of Dwellings Do Home Insurance Policies Cover?

Home insurance policies tend to cover a house as long as it meets the policy’s definitions and requirements. On top of the house, the home insurance policy typically provides coverage for garages, verandas, chimneys, decks, and related attachments to the house. If you have a second dwelling on your property, such as a small trailer or guest house, your home insurance policy probably won’t cover that structure. There might be other policies that provide coverage for it, though. This is why it’s a good idea to consult with the qualified professionals at our office while you’re in the process of selecting a new home insurance policy.

To protect your home and related structures, call our office at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX today for more information.

 

Does my auto policy cover rental cars when vacationing?

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People sometimes have auto accidents while driving a rental vehicle. These events raise questions about our insurance coverage and whether to buy rental insurance from the rental car agency. Since the answer depends on your insurance coverage, contact the Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. team serving Ft. Worth, TX, before renting your next vehicle.

Rental Car Insurance

Most rental car agencies offer insurance, typically including four categories: liability, loss/collision damage waiver, personal injury and medical protection, and personal effects. As a responsible driver, you should have coverage for these potential losses. However, if you have liability, collision, comprehensive, and medical personal injury protection as part of your personal auto policy, that coverage likely extends to when you drive a rental vehicle. In addition, your homeowner, condo, or renter’s policy generally covers personal effects stolen from a rental car. 

The combination means that existing policies cover rental vehicle accidents for many people, so buying rental insurance is often unnecessary. Still, you should confirm your coverage and deductibles with your agent before renting a vehicle.

Even when your policies offer protection, you may want to consider rental insurance:

  • If your personal policy has high deductibles or low limits
  • When traveling for business (which is not covered by your personal policy)
  • When traveling outside the U.S. and Canada, where your personal policy typically does not apply
  • To avoid involving your personal policy or paying for damages out-of-pocket before receiving your personal policy reimbursement.

Working with Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc.

The Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. team is here to answer your questions about the auto insurance process. Call or visit us in Ft. Worth, TX, or use our online rating tool to receive an auto insurance quote.

Do I Need Commercial Insurance on Employee Vehicles?

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If you run a business in Ft. Worth, TX, and that business uses automobiles for work purposes, then you need to know about commercial insurance. This is insurance for vehicles explicitly used for work functions (commuting to and from work is not included in that). Here at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we get a lot of questions. So, let’s take a minute to talk about the different situations where you might want to consider commercial insurance.

Who Owns the Vehicle?

If the company owns the vehicle, then you definitely need a commercial insurance policy on it. The company could be liable for damages if the vehicle is involved in an accident or collision. Commercial insurance provides coverage in the case of such liability.

Additionally, the policy can cover the vehicle in case of a collision. This helps to protect company assets.

Who Drives the Vehicle?

If you don’t own the vehicle, you might still need a commercial policy, depending on how the vehicle is used for work. For instance, if you pay an employee to do deliveries with their own truck, then you still need a commercial policy.

You can look to customize the policy. The goals of this type of policy are to protect the employee in the case of work-related injuries and also to provide liability. A vehicle used for work purposes could still potentially make the company liable for damages — even if the company doesn’t own the vehicle. 

Remember that this specific type of coverage may be referred to as “hired” or “non-owned” auto policies.

Does the Vehicle Represent Your Company at All?

Here’s the final verdict. If the vehicle is working in an official capacity for your Ft. Worth, TX, business, then the business could be held liable for damages caused by that vehicle. Even if you pay someone to drive with an advertisement for your business on their van, you should speak with your Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. representative. You want to ensure that you are covered for any liability issues that could arise.