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How Dash Cams Can Help Your Auto Insurance Claim

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Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and when they do, having clear evidence can make all the difference. At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., serving FT. Worth, TX, we often hear from drivers wondering if dash cams are worth the investment. The short answer? Absolutely. Let’s explore how these compact devices can support your auto insurance claim when it matters most.

Capturing the Truth Instantly

One of the biggest advantages of a dash cam is its ability to record exactly what happened before, during, and after an accident. Video footage eliminates confusion and conflicting accounts, providing a clear picture of the events. If another driver falsely claims you were at fault, your dash cam can offer visual proof to set the record straight. This clarity can expedite the claims process and help prevent unnecessary rate increases.

Supporting Your Side of the Story

When filing an insurance claim, your account of the incident matters, but video evidence is indisputable. A dash cam can confirm your version of events, whether it’s proving another driver ran a red light or showing that you were driving responsibly. It’s like having a silent witness in your car at all times.

A Smart Investment for Peace of Mind

Dash cams offer benefits beyond insurance claims. They can deter theft, document road trips, and provide crucial evidence in hit-and-run situations. For a relatively small investment, dash cams deliver significant returns when you need them most.

If you’re looking for more ways to protect yourself on the road, contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., serving FT. Worth, TX. We’re here to help you find the right coverage with confidence and peace of mind.

Learn About Your Home Insurance Deductible

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If you recently purchased a home in Texas, you must secure home insurance. If your home is near Fort Worth, TX, our Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. team would like to meet with you to discuss your insurance options. We’ve been serving homeowners in your area since 2011.

Understanding Your Insurance Deductible

As you delve into choosing your insurance policy, you may encounter several insurance terms that might be unfamiliar. One such term is "deductible." According to the Texas Office of Public Insurance Counsel, a deductible is the amount of money the homeowner must pay towards any home damage expenses before the insurance company covers any damages to the home.

The same source reports that an insurance company will typically deduct your deductible from your payment rather than require you to pay it upfront. Your deductible will typically be calculated as a fixed amount deducted from the claim. Still, some insurance companies prefer to charge a percentage of your home’s insured value. Homeowners selecting an insurance policy should ask their agent about the amount of their deductible to prepare for any potential claim.

Contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Today for Your Appointment

Buying a home is a significant investment, but its value goes beyond the cost of your mortgage. Our team at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. understands how much your life depends on your home, and we want to help you make the right insurance decisions. Fort Worth, TX homeowners have come to trust our independent agency. Contact us for an appointment today, and we’ll collaborate to secure the right insurance for you.

Navigating Marriage, Divorce, and Auto Insurance

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At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we understand that couples in Ft. Worth, TX, encounter a wealth of information on marriage and what to do just before and after the ceremony. We also want to delve into some of that territory, specifically addressing what to do about your auto insurance if you decide to dissolve your marriage.

Marriage and Auto Insurance Policies

Common advice suggests that when two people marry, they should combine their auto insurance to save money and streamline their finances. However, this isn’t always the best course of action. It’s not advisable if either spouse has points deducted from their driver’s license or a DUI/DWI. If both spouses have good driving records, bundling can indeed reduce premiums. It’s important to discuss finances and driving histories before marrying and certainly before attempting to bundle your policies.

Divorce and Auto Insurance Coverage

A divorce doesn’t only dissolve your marriage. A divorce decree invalidates any shared auto insurance if a couple shares an auto insurance policy. Both spouses must purchase individual auto policies before the divorce becomes final, or they risk driving without auto insurance. To avoid a potential moving violation on your way home from court, contact our agency before you sign the decree.

The Impact of Marriage on Finances

Whether you’re getting married or dissolving a marriage, these events significantly affect a couple’s finances. Don’t let the beginning or end of a romance adversely impact your financial security. Let Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. help you find appropriate auto coverage for one or both of you. Drive the streets of lovely Ft. Worth, TX, well protected with comprehensive auto coverage from our agency.

Common Commercial Insurance Gaps that Could Cost Your Business

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Protecting your business should be your top priority in Ft. Worth, TX. Unfortunately, several commercial insurance gaps can leave you vulnerable. Don’t let these issues jeopardize your business – with the help of our agents at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we can provide you with the necessary protection.

Common Gaps in Insurance

It’s important to protect your business against ANYTHING that could happen. While you may take the time to build a robust commercial insurance policy, gaps can occur.

Here are some of the most common gaps that business owners overlook:

  • Coverage if an employee sues
  • Coverage if a customer sues for negligence
  • Coverage if there is a business closure
  • Coverage if an employee gets into an accident
  • Coverage if a computer gets infected with malware
  • Coverage if a business property floods

You never expect these things to happen, but what if they do? Knowing you’re covered allows you to run your business without constantly worrying about the "what if" scenarios.

Your Business is Always Changing

Many gaps occur by accident. A business is always changing, and it’s important to note what changes from year to year.

For example, did you buy more assets? Hire more employees? Change the way that you interact with customers? Even the smallest change can lead to a need to significantly change the coverage you have on your business in Fort Worth.

Explore Commercial Insurance Today

Are you ready to close any insurance gaps your business may have in Ft. Worth, TX? One call to Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. will ensure you get the help you need. We’ll take the time to learn about your business, make recommendations, and obtain quotes.

Additional coverage you can add to your basic auto insurance policy

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In the state of Texas, as with most states, the required auto insurance is liability coverage that protects other drivers and their vehicles from you. The most basic amount that you need to have is 30/60/25. This pays for medical bills, pain and suffering, and property damage. Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX ensures that each customer has the coverage they need.

Extra liability coverage

If you have assets, the basic liability coverage may not be enough to protect you. Discuss raising the amount that you carry with your insurance professional.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage protects your vehicle when you are deemed the responsible party in an accident. It pays to have your vehicle repaired or replaced. It has a deductible.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from all the non-collision things that can damage it, including glass coverage. It also covers theft. It has a deductible.

Full glass

With full glass coverage, your windshield or other glass will be replaced without having to pay to pay.

Gap coverage

If you have a newer vehicle and an auto loan, you may find that if your vehicle is a total loss, the amount the insurance company pays you for your vehicle is less than the amount that you owe. Coverage pays the difference between what you owe and what you get.

Vehicle rental

While your vehicle is being repaired or you are trying to replace it, this coverage allows you to rent a car so that you can continue to meet your daily obligations.

If you have auto insurance needs or questions, contact the experienced team at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX. Please stop by, email our office, or give us a call. We’re here for you.

What Happens When Parties Dispute Who Is At Fault For an Accident?

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Understanding the Process When Fault is Disputed After a Car Accident

Dealing with a car accident can be stressful without determining who was at fault. When the parties involved disagree on fault, it can lead to a lengthy claims process. Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., serving the greater Ft. Worth, TX region, is here to guide you through what happens when fault is disputed after an accident.

Accident Investigation

If fault is disputed, insurance companies will conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability. They will gather evidence such as police reports, photographs, dash cam or cell phone footage, and eyewitness statements. Insurance adjusters will analyze the damage to the vehicles and recreate the accident scene. Their goal is to establish a clear picture of how the accident occurred and which driver was primarily at fault.

Settlement Negotiation

Once insurers complete their investigations, they will share their findings and negotiate a fault agreement. If they cannot reach an agreement, the case may go to arbitration, where an impartial third party will review the evidence and assign fault percentages. The aim of arbitration is to resolve the dispute quickly without going to court.

Litigation

If arbitration fails to determine fault, either party may file a lawsuit. Now, fault will be decided through extensive legal processes, such as depositions, discovery, expert testimonies, and eventually, a trial. Litigation can be more time-consuming and expensive than arbitration or a negotiated settlement.

Securing the Right Auto Insurance

Having the right insurance before an accident makes a significant difference if you’re ever involved in one. Contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., serving the greater Ft. Worth, TX area today. Our experienced team can help you find the right insurance, ensuring you get the best resolution if you’re ever in an automobile accident.

Home Insurance Strategies for Those Living in Areas with Inclement Weather

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Are you planning to purchase a home in an area that occasionally experiences inclement weather? If you have concerns about the weather patterns you may have to endure, consider various insurance protection options.

Inclement Weather

Inclement weather can disrupt your daily life, cause damage to your home and property, and may even necessitate temporary living arrangements. Since inclement weather cannot be accurately predicted far in advance, unexpected damage can catch you off guard. Home insurance covering weather-related disasters can provide peace of mind and eliminate many out-of-pocket costs.

Hurricane Coverage

Hurricane coverage protects against damage caused by high winds and driving rains. This type of coverage will assist with rehabilitation costs you may face as a homeowner. If you plan on moving to a coastal area that occasionally experiences hurricanes, you may want to add hurricane coverage to your home insurance policy.

Flood Insurance

Flood insurance protects against damage caused by rising floodwaters. It also provides assistance with rehabilitating residential property affected by a flood. It covers cleaning and drying processes, inspections, and rebuilding essentials.

An Independent Analysis

Analyze the region to which you will be moving. Have a home inspected before purchasing it. The inspector will reveal any issues that may require additional home insurance coverage.

Contact An Agent Serving Ft. Worth, TX

Now that you have reviewed some information about home insurance that protects against weather damage contact one of our insurance agents. An agent from Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. will interview you with information about the home insurance pts you prefer to acquire.

Distracted Driving: The Dangers and How to Avoid Them

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Distracted driving is a growing concern on our roads. At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., serving the insurance needs of residents in the greater Ft. Worth, TX region, we want to help you stay safe by understanding the risks and learning how to avoid distractions behind the wheel.

Understanding the Risks

Distracted driving involves any activity that diverts attention from driving, including texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. These distractions can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, putting you and others at risk. It’s alarming how a few seconds of inattention can lead to severe consequences.

Common Distractions to Avoid

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions, as it involves visual, manual, and cognitive attention. However, other activities like using a GPS, chatting with passengers, or even daydreaming can also take your focus off the road. Recognizing these distractions is the first step in preventing them.

Tips for Staying Focused

To stay focused, try setting your GPS and music before you start driving. Keep your phone out of reach, and consider using apps that block incoming texts and calls while driving. If you need to eat or make a call, pull over safely. These small adjustments can make a big difference in your safety.

Stay Protected with the Right Insurance

While prevention is key, having the right auto insurance provides an essential safety net. At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we offer comprehensive policies to protect you from the unexpected. Contact us today if you live in and around the greater Ft. Worth, TX area to learn more about our coverage options and ensure you’re fully protected on the road. Drive safely with peace of mind, knowing we’ve got you covered.

What Is the Difference Between Open and Specified Perils?

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Fort Worth, TX is famous for cattle. It is also known for the many business startups in the area. Commercial insurance, or what is also called business insurance, can help protect a company when unexpected events such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, accidents, and lawsuits occur. An insurance policy can cover you if a "peril" occurs. A peril is defined as something that can cause or does cause a loss.

What Are Open Perils?

Open Perils is also known as all-risk coverage. When choosing this type of coverage, you will generally be covered for any peril except something that is specifically excluded in your policy. This is more extensive coverage than specified or named-perils coverage. Many people will choose this coverage to have coverage for as many items as possible. However, this coverage is usually more expensive.

What Are Specified Perils?

Coverage for specified perils means only those perils specifically named in the policy will be covered. Some of the named perils that you might want to consider putting in a policy include the following:

  • Vandalism
  • Theft
  • Hail or Windstorm
  • Water Damage
  • Earth Movement
  • Mechanical Breakdown
  • Accidental Water Flow

It is important to note that some specified perils policies will only cover a single event while others may cover several specified events.

Why Choose Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc.

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., serving the Ft. Worth, TX area, can provide several options to meet your commercial insurance needs. We provide commercial insurance as well as auto, home, life, renters, classic car, and umbrella insurance. If you need commercial insurance in Ft. Worth, TX, contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. for more information.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?

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Many drivers face the situation of a small chip or crack suddenly appearing on their windshield. At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., proudly providing auto insurance policies to residents in and around Ft. Worth, TX, we often hear the question, "Does my auto insurance cover this?" Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding Your Coverage

Auto insurance policies vary, but most offer coverage for windshield damage under comprehensive insurance. This type of coverage protects against non-collision incidents, like falling debris or vandalism. If you have comprehensive insurance, there’s a good chance your windshield repairs or replacement will be covered.

Repair vs. Replacement

The extent of the damage often determines whether your windshield will be repaired or replaced. Many insurance companies prefer repair, as it’s often quicker and more cost-effective. Plus, if the damage is minor, repairs can often be done without any deductible. However, a replacement might be necessary if the crack is severe or in the driver’s line of sight.

Filing a Claim

Filing a claim for windshield damage is usually straightforward. Contact your insurance provider to report the damage, and they will guide you through the process. Some companies even have partnerships with glass repair shops, making the entire process seamless and hassle-free.

Preventive Measures

To avoid future issues, consider parking in garages or shaded areas to protect your windshield from extreme temperatures. Regular inspections can also help catch small chips before they become major cracks.

Need More Information?

If you have questions about your auto insurance or need to review your policy, contact us at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., serving Ft. Worth, TX, and surrounding areas. Our team is ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.