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.

 

 

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.   

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.

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.

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.

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.

Expect The Unexpected On The Road In Texas

Experienced long-distance travelers are common in our expansive state, and they’ll all tell you that there’s something out there that’s waiting for you. It could be a great restaurant in a small town or a blown-out truck tire on the road ahead of you. The more you’re prepared for life’s unexpected long-distance drive situations, the easier it is to make them just memories. At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX, we help with insurance coverage designed to be prepared when you can’t be.

Carry Good Insurance Coverage For Experienced Support, Not Just Costs

Those who have had an accident on the road may have experienced the struggles of resolving claims in far-flung jurisdictions. The right selection of policy coverages ensures you won’t have to win battles from far away. Additional coverages such as roadside assistance help ensure you’ve got quick access to resources like flat tire help, fuel, lockouts, and towing, even if you don’t know the area.

Long Distance Driving Is A Bit Like Camping

When you hit the road in Texas, it’s good to be prepared with everything you need to survive, even if your car is stuck or damaged. Hot weather can make emergencies out of inconveniences, and no AC in your vehicle can be a critical issue. Cell phone communication is a must to access help, get information, and let friends and relatives know where you are. Did you know that when coverage is spotty along your route, you can rent a satellite phone or text message communicator too? At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX, we’re here for you when you reach out!

The Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. agents, serving the Ft. Worth, TX area, stress the importance of auto insurance for all drivers. In Texas, it is the law that everyone must pay for any accident they are involved in. Most people do this through auto liability insurance policies since people without insurance can be fined up to $1000 and possibly have their vehicle impounded. Their driving privileges are suspended for up to two years.

In addition to a liability insurance policy, it is a good idea for vehicle owners to have other types of auto insurance coverage too.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

While it is not required for drivers to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, it is a great idea to have it. You never know when you will become involved in a crash with a driver without a policy or inadequate insurance.

Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive auto insurance coverage is essential since it will help you repair or replace your vehicle if it is destroyed or damaged. You never know when something may happen, such as a natural disaster, an act of vandalism, or even a fire that can damage or destroy your beloved car, truck, or SUV. It will even help you recoup some of your losses if your vehicle is stolen.

Collison Insurance

Collision insurance is also vital to help you pay for any damage caused if you collide with a vehicle or a stationary object.

A lender typically requires both collision and comprehensive auto insurance. If you still owe money for the car you are driving, you should already have these types of auto insurance coverage options.

Contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc.

To create a great auto insurance policy for you and your lifestyle, call upon the experienced auto insurance agents at the Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., serving the Ft. Worth, TX area, today to get your policy started!

Are you a licensed driver in Ft. Worth, TX? If so, make sure you have enough auto insurance. See Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. for the protection you need while driving.

Are you wondering why you need this insurance as a careful driver? An accident can happen to anyone at any time. Car insurance offers financial protection against costs associated with an accident if you are liable. This includes legal fees, the injured party’s medical costs, or their lost wages if their injuries leave them unable to work. The liability coverage will help pay for these expenses.

The most important coverage to consider is your state’s minimum liability and property damage coverage. It is vital that you maintain car insurance to keep yourself legally able to drive. Without it, you risk hefty fines or losing your driving privileges.

Car insurance is mandatory in 48 out of 50 states. Only New Hampshire and Virginia do not require it. However, this coverage is essential regardless of your location. If you are found liable in an accident, any associated costs you will be responsible for will need to be paid out-of-pocket. Unless you have a significant amount of savings at your disposal, you could face financial ruin.

By requiring auto insurance in most states, the laws protect drivers involved in traffic accidents they are not responsible for. The laws ensure that every driver who could be responsible for an accident has enough insurance to cover a minimum amount of expense for any injury sustained or any resulting damage. This way, state-mandated car insurance ensures that drivers are held accountable for any risks associated with driving a vehicle.

So, if you live in or near Ft. Worth, TX area, Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. can provide a quote or answer any questions regarding this vital coverage. Contact our office today.

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. wants to ensure our Ft. Worth, TX customers are prepared for what may come, so we’ve created a basic overview of what to expect from an auto claim. 

You’ll Need to Talk to the Insurer

1. Call the insurance companies as soon as possible to file a claim. You may be able to file online or via the insurer’s app. 
2. Answer the phone when the insurer calls. The faster you complete the interview, the quicker they can approve your claim.
3. Be honest. Resist the urge to spin the truth, processors use multiple methods of investigation, and it will delay the decision if they have conflicting accounts. 

You’ll Need to Have an Inspection 

1. Follow the insurer’s inspection process. 
2. For simple accidents, they may provide an app that allows you to take necessary photographs for rapid claim approval. 
3. Do not take your car to your mechanic unless you know the insurer works with them. Insurers must pay out fair market value and typically work with vetted inspectors. 
4. If you are a claimant – you will pay nothing out of pocket and be able to pick up a rental while your car is being repaired.
5. If you are the responsible party – your repairs will require a deductible owed when you go to pick up your car. 
6. Prior damage and mechanical wear & tear will not be covered. ‘Betterment’ applies to damaged tires, meaning you’ll only get a percentage of the replacement cost unless the tires are brand new. 

There May Be Supplements

Once repairs start, the shop may find additional damages not visible on the surface. Don’t fret. They will send a supplemental invoice to the insurer, and as long as it’s reasonably related to the claim, the insurer will pay the shop directly. 

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. is here for our Ft. Worth, TX clients. Call us if you have any questions, and we’ll ensure you are prepared for what life brings.