Does Adding A Teen Driver Impact Insurance Premiums?

Having a teen driver on the road can be a stressful time. One of the major concerns of most parents and guardians is providing the right type and amount of insurance protection for both the teen driver and themselves. One of the top concerns with auto insurance for teens is whether it will increase premiums for an established driver.

Does Having a Teen Driver Increase Auto Insurance Premiums?

In most instances, having a new teen driver added to an existing policy can increase the premium significantly. This is because teen drivers have a much higher risk of accidents and other insurance claims as opposed to established, mature drivers. Before adding a teen driver, it is essential to discuss the implications with an insurance agent. Be sure to understand the impact of premiums as well as coverage options before adding them or purchasing a different policy. 

Consult an Agent First

The first step towards getting the right amount of protection for a teen driver is to find a reputable insurance agency with agents who can work directly with the policyholder to discuss impacts on either new or existing coverage. They can explain what the terms and conditions in the policy are in detail and help decide if there should be an alternate option depending on the individual situation. Don’t guess when it comes to protecting a teen driver. Get coverage that is going to provide peace of mind and convenience that Main Street Independent Insurance can provide for the residents of Ft. Worth, TX.  

Whether you are in Colorado or Texas, our agents can help. Call or stop by Main Street Independent Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX. Agents are ready to assist those who have questions or need assistance with a policy purchase or amendment. 

Commercial Insurance Protects Your Business with Liability Coverage

Commercial insurance is designed to protect businesses in many ways. One of the most important is the liability protection it provides. It can help a business recover quickly following a disaster rather than struggling to survive. With the combined policies that commercial insurance offers, businesses can tailor their coverage to meet their needs. At Main Street Independent Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX, our agents help businesses understand their options and make decisions that financially protect their growing clientele. 

As a combination of policies, commercial insurance can include property insurance if the company owns buildings. This also covers any items such as computers, supplies, inventory, and data. Employees are covered by workers’ compensation. Business continuity insurance helps a company if they are unable to operate or have a limited output following a disaster. Commercial auto insurance covers the company’s vehicles. 

Perhaps the most important aspect to many companies is the liability coverage. This comes into effect if a customer is injured at a company site. It also protects the company if any customer is injured by the products or services that the business offers. Liability coverage can also be added if staff attend trade shows or give demonstrations. For professional entities, such as doctors or dentists, there is also professional liability coverage. An umbrella policy can provide additional coverage when the base policies reach their policy caps.

Every aspect of a commercial policy is designed to protect the company and its operations. Our agents at Main Street Independent Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX work with area businesses every day. Browse our website for information on insurance policies and then come in to talk with our agents about your business’ needs. Don’t leave your business vulnerable! Take time to protect that company that you have worked so hard to build. 

Recent Updates about Home Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX

Sometimes, there are important updates concerning home insurance that policyholders should know. If they don’t find out about these updates, they can end up going through detrimentally financial losses.

In fact, there are some recent insurance-related updates that are critical. One of these updates is how the price of the home is growing substantially in Ft. Worth, TX, and surrounding areas. The other one is the growing concern as severe damage has mounted from wind/weather-related incidents in Texas.

Fort Worth Leading the Pack in the Rising Homes’ Prices

The Dallas Morning News recently received and reported from CoreLogic that the prices for homes in FT. Worth, TX rose to 5.7% in February. However, home prices throughout the nation rose to 4%. CoreLogic also predicts that housing will continue to grow by 4.7% next year. And as a result, consumers who rent or buy have a significant strain, and homeowners must ensure that their homes are not underinsured. Some people have found out the hard way that their homes were underinsured and thus went through financial turmoil.

Growing Concern of Great Financial Losses Resulting from Weather-related Incidents 

There have been more reports lately about severely damaged, wind, and weather incidents, particularly in Texas. In fact, The National Centers for Environmental Information reported that eight of the previous 11 years has at least ten billion-dollars worth of weather disasters in the nation. Also, a representative of the Insurance Council of Texas stated that the Dallas-Fort Worth area has an estimated $2 billion in losses from a tornado outbreak for this past October. 

Due to these and other home insurance concerns, it is vital to get a top-notch agency that will take care of your home insurance needs. Main Street Independent Insurance is the way to go. Contact Main Street Independent Insurance today.

Why You Need Auto Insurance in Texas

The state of Texas is well known for being an enormous place with a variety of quickly growing cities. For those that are in the Dallas or Ft. Worth, TX area, the size of the Metroplex makes it a practical necessity to own a car. If you are thinking about buying a new or used car, you also need to consider your auto insurance needs carefully. There are several reasons why you may need to get an auto insurance policy in Texas.

Ensures Legal Compliance

One reason why you should always have auto insurance when you are driving a car in Texas is that it will ensure that you comply with state auto insurance requirements. All drivers in Texas are mandated to have a minimum level of auto liability coverage. This will ensure that they can pay restitution if they are at fault in an accident. Those that are caught driving without it could face stiff penalties.

Lender Requirements

While it is not required by law, anyone that has an auto loan will also need to have collision and comprehensive insurance at all times. This type of insurance can protect you against many different situations that could cause a loss. This could include protection against theft, vandalism, and even accident damage. Since the lender wants to make sure that their collateral is protected, the loan agreement will require that you carry this insurance. 

Getting auto insurance is a necessity for drivers in the Ft. Worth, TX area. To make sure that you get an excellent policy, you should work with Main Street Independent Insurance for your insurance needs. Main Street Independent Insurance will work with you to make sure that you know all of your options and are able to get a quote easily.

The Top Three Commercial Insurance Products Every Startup Needs

You’ve put a lot of time, hard work, and money into starting your own Colorado or Texas business, and like most entrepreneurs, you’ll likely face a lot of risks. When you take the leap with a startup, you need to protect your business assets, your employees, and your board members with crucial business insurance products. The following business insurance products are recommended by Main Street Independent Insurance of Ft. Worth, TX for every new startup.  

Comprehensive General Liability 

Most service contracts your new business enters will require a minimum comprehensive general liability coverage limit. Also known as CGL insurance, in the event of a claim against your company, this policy will cover your legal defense costs when facing claims such as: 

  • Property damage 
  • Third-party bodily injury 
  • Advertising injury 

Directors and Officers Coverage 

Also known as D&O coverage, this policy covers events related to your board. There are three sides to this coverage; Side-A, which protects your startup’s officers and directors from decisions they make that impact the company, also called “wrongful acts.” Side-B indemnifies a director or officer, compensating for defense costs, and Side-C protects your business from class-action or shareholder suits related to securities issues. 

Errors And Omissions 

Professional Liability insurance, also known as E&O, covers the services your Colorado or Texas company provides. An E&O policy protects your company and employees from claims made by clients or customers related to work that is unsatisfactory or careless actions. If your startup has clients, you need E&O insurance coverage.  

If you are interested in learning about other types of business insurance products your startup might need, we have you covered. Give Main Street Independent Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX a call today to learn more. 

Home Insurance: 4 Things You Need to Know

It’s crucial to have home insurance. If your home is financed, your lender will require it. But even if you own your home outright, you still want to protect the investment you have in your property. At Main Street Independent Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX, you can work with agents who will help you take good care of your house. We know the value of proper insurance, and we want to make sure you understand that value, as well. By answering your questions and giving you options, we can help you choose the right home insurance policy. Here are four things you should know to make the right decision.

  1. Uninsured homes are at risk of severe loss if a problem should occur.
  2. Home insurance will be required if you have a mortgage on your house.
  3. There are a lot of different coverage options and levels for you to choose from.
  4. A quality, trusted agent would get you the right policy for your needs.

At Main Street Independent Insurance, we’ll help protect your Ft. Worth, TX area home. Reach out to us today, and let us help you choose the policy that’s going to be right for your property and needs. Our agents are ready to help you, and they’re focused on making sure you’re covered. By letting us provide you with quotes and other information, you’ll be taking a step toward gaining broader home insurance knowledge. With proper knowledge comes good choices, and those choices mean your home will be adequately protected. You won’t have to worry about your house, which means you can enjoy your time, spend it with your family and friends, and do all the things you’d like to do in and around your home.

4 Tips to Prevent Car Theft

Having your car stolen, vandalized, or burglarized is not something you want to discover. However, car theft is a real risk in Ft. Worth, TX. For that reason, you should take some preventative measures to keep your vehicle safe. At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. we put together four tips that will help prevent your car from being stolen, vandalized, or burglarized. Keep reading.

1. Never Leave Valuables in Your Car

A purse. A cell phone. Cash. Never leave items like these in your car. Would-be thieves will not hesitate to bust a window or pick a lock if they see a prize inside. If you must leave some valuables behind, always lock it in the trunk. 

2. Secure Your Vehicle

Keep your vehicle locked at all times. Whether you’re out shopping, at a friends house, at work, or parked right in front of your own home, always keep your car locked. Also, install an alarm system to deter thieves from breaking into your car and stealing items or the car itself. 

3. Park Smart

Wherever you go, park smart. This means park in well-lit areas at night, utilize secure parking garages in big cities, and park close to other cars and areas where there are people and things going on. 

4. Never Leave Your Car Running

Even if you have to run into the store or house for just two seconds, never leave your car running. Instead, follow the rules above. Turn off the car, make sure valuables are unseen, and lock the car before you go inside.

To learn more about protecting your vehicle from theft, contact the friendly agents at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. serving the Ft. Worth, TX area. Our friendly team will answer all your questions and help you find an auto policy for your needs.

What Commercial Insurance Can Do For You in Ft. Worth, TX

Due to a strong local economy, owning a business in the Ft. Worth, TX area can be a great career option. If you do own your own business in this area, it is important that you carefully consider all of the ways that you can protect your organization. One of the best ways to protect your business and investment in it is by getting a commercial insurance policy. One of these policies can help to protect your business a number of ways.

Covers Your Assets

Whenever you start a business, you will have to invest a lot of money in assets. This can include buying inventory, capital equipment, and other fixtures. If you happen to be a victim of theft, fire or storm damage, or vandalism, you could suffer a major setback. Fortunately, when you have a commercial insurance policy in place, you will receive coverage for any damages that you suffer.

Liability Coverage

All business owners need to be concerned with their liability risk. Whenever you offer a product or service, you are taking on risk that someone could be injured or become sick by using it. In these situations, you will want to have a liability insurance policy to help protect you. This will give you financial and other types of support if you are found to be liable for damages.  

Getting coverage for your Ft. Worth, TX Business is very important and could make or break your organization. Since it is such a big decision, you should reach out to Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. when you are shopping for a new policy. The team at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. could help you to find a commercial insurance policy that will properly protect your organization.

Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance Premiums

One of the best ways to lower your auto insurance cost in Ft. Worth, TX is to have a good driving record, but there can also be other things to do to lower your premium.

Consider Your Vehicle: Before you purchase a used or new car, look into the insurance cost. Insurance premiums factor in the cost to repair it, the likelihood of theft, and the overall safety record. You may also get discounts for features that can reduce theft or risk of injury.

Ask for a Higher Deductible: A deductible is what you pay when you file a claim before your insurance kicks in. A higher deductible can lower your premium. Keep in mind you will have to pay your deductible if you use the insurance, so it should still be something you can afford.

Lower Coverage on Older Cars: You may want to drop collision and comprehensive coverage on older cars. If the car is worth less than 10 times the premium, the coverage may not be effective. You can look up the value of your car online and be sure to review your coverage to make sure your needs haven’t changed.

Multiple Policy Discounts: Ask your agent at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. if getting your home and auto coverage together can give you a break.

Have a Good Credit Record: A solid credit history can help reduce your insurance cost. Many insurers use credit information to price out policies. Studies show that those who do a better job at maintaining their credit have lower claims. To help your credit score, pay bills on time and keep your balances low.

Low Mileage Discounts: See if you can get a low mileage discount if you drive fewer than the average number of miles per year.

Contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. serving Ft. Worth, TX, to get a quote on auto insurance. 

How Does Commercial Insurance Work?

When you have a business of any size, it’s important to know how commercial insurance works. You need to think about the coverage that’s right for your business and your employees in Ft. Worth, TX. At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we’re here to guide you through the process.

Commercial insurance policies are customized based on what you have going on. The policies can be for workers compensation, property insurance, general liability insurance, business interruption insurance, and more. If you have commercial vehicles, you will also want to get auto insurance. If you have a lot of equipment that you depend on regularly, it may also be important to look at equipment breakdown insurance.

You will want to consider what could go wrong. This includes what could happen with your property, your employees, and even the product inside of your building. Once you examine everything, it will be easier to know what you need to protect.

Commercial insurance essentially protects your business. Should something happen, you can file a claim with the insurance company. Once you pay the deductible, the insurance company pays for the rest, up to the limits that you have in place. It can serve as the financial protection that you need. Otherwise, without a policy, you could be left spending thousands of dollars on damages, injuries, or something else.

You don’t want to bankrupt your business because of one problem. As such, you need to look at the best way for you to protect your business.

Coverage is critical as it will ensure that you’re prepared for every possible scenario in Ft. Worth, TX. Contact us at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. so that one of our agents can answer your questions and help you to get the right policies. This way, you’re better protected.