My Husband Quit Smoking Cigarettes 7 Years Ago, But Occasionally Chews Nicotine Gum. Would he be Considered at Smokers Rates, When Applying for Life Insurance?

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When you are looking for life insurance in Coppell, Texas, determining whether you are classified as a smoker is an important part of getting the best deals. Although every insurance policy varies, as your independent agent, it is our responsibility to ensure you know the basics of classification before you apply for any coverage. Life insurance requires complete honesty, so you need to apply for the right type of coverage to get the best rates and options.

Time from Quitting

Every company will have a different length of time before an individual qualifies for non-smoker rates. In most cases, non-smoker rates are available within one to three years of quitting, though the exact amount of time will vary.

Impact of Nicotine Gum

Although you may quit smoking actual cigarettes, the tests used to determine if you are a non-smoker are often related to materials within the cigarette, including nicotine. As a result, most life insurance companies will consider you a smoker, even if you are not actually using cigarettes, cigars or other forms of tobacco.

Being a nicotine user in any form means that you are often classified as a smoker, even if you have not touched a cigarette for several years. Despite the fact that most companies will still classify you as a smoker, it is important to realize that every company has different policies and some may allow you to get a non-smoker rate in certain situations.

Quitting cigarettes or any other form of tobacco is usually a great way to cut back on your life insurance rates. The downside is that nicotine gum or patches can interfere with accurate determinations and you might not qualify if you use nicotine gum. If you want to know more about qualifying for non-smoker rates, talk to one of our independent agents today.

What protection do I have against unreasonable surcharges or policy terminations in Coppell, TX?

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Before an insurance company can cancel or decide not to renew your auto insurance policy that you bought through an independent agent in Coppell, Texas, they must provide a valid reason and proper notice. The Texas Department of Insurance has a Consumer’s Bill of Rights that helps protect you against unreasonable practices by your car insurance provider.

Under Texas law, once your initial auto insurance policy has been in effect for 60 days, your policy can not be canceled by your carrier without a legitimate reason. Legitimate reasons include such things as not paying your premium when it is due, filing a fraudulent claim or having your registration and/or driver’s license suspended or revoked. Your car insurance can not be canceled just because you had an accident.

While your insurer has certain restriction for when they can cancel a policy, you are free to cancel your policy at any time and for any reason. You are entitled to a refund of any excessive premium you paid. Your insurer can not keep the money that was intended to pay for coverage for the whole year, once you no longer have that coverage.

It is illegal for an insurance company to cancel your policy without mailing you written notice of their intentions at least 10 days prior to the date of cancelation. If your insurance carrier decides not to renew your coverage or reduce your coverage when your renewal date comes up, they must give you at least 30 days notice, or you can force them to renew your coverage if you so choose. If you are denied coverage, you also have the right to ask for a written explanation of exactly why your carrier took such action.

No one likes to open up the mail and find a letter saying that their insurance is going to be canceled. If it should happen to you, don’t panic. Give us a call and an independent agent can help you find a new company to provide you with the auto insurance you need before you lose coverage on your current policy.

Can my insurance company in Coppell, Texas, cancel my auto insurance policy if I am found guilty of drunk driving?

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If you have auto insurance and are found guilty of drunk driving in Coppell, Texas, you must contact your independent agent at once. When the insurance company knows you have this DUI on your driving record they will increase your policy rate. Some companies will raise your rate at least 30 percent and others will raise your rate 100 percent or more.

DUI charges are considered intolerable crimes. Most states will tack on several points to your driving record and when this happens, your rate will increase over 300 percent. A DUI will place you in a special group known as high risk drivers. Do not become upset with your independent agent, because they have nothing to do with the outcome of your DUI.

When your insurance company finds out about the DUI, the company could cancel your policy when it comes up for renewal. Any rewards or benefits that you once received through your company is going to be lost. If this happens, you will have to research companies that insure high-risk drivers.

Your state will determine how long you are a high-risk driver, three years or more is a normal sentence. This one DUI could remain on your driver’s record for up to 10 years. Along with this comes higher rates.

It takes five to ten years to drop a DUI, you will then be required to carry a driver’s responsibility with you when your license is reinstated. The state of Texas determines the minimum rate on your car policy. Texas will then verify that you have the coverage you need. This driver’s responsibility must be carried with you for another three to five years. Do not cancel your high rate car policy, because Texas will suspend your license and registration.

It is important you give your independent agent in Coppell, Texas a call as soon as possible. We are here to help you. It is important that you give us a call so that we can give you specific details for your circumstances.

Will my auto insurance pay for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts after an insured loss in Coppell, Texas?

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You may believe that original equipment manufacturer parts are always better to use instead of aftermarket parts when you need to repair your car. Opinion is divided over whether or not aftermarket parts are just as good, or sometimes even better, than the same parts that were installed in your car when it rolled off the assembly line. Regardless of the various opinions, you always have a right to use OEM parts if your car has been in an accident.

If you have an insured loss as a result of an auto accident in Coppell, Texas, your insurance company may or may not pay for original equipment manufacturer parts. You must ask your independent agent before you sign-up for a new auto insurance policy if it specifically will pay for OEM replacement parts if you need to file a claim.

Insurance companies vary in the type of parts they will allow you to use to get your car repaired. They are required to at least use replacement parts that will restore your vehicle to the same condition as it was before the accident. Some policies specifically state that they will pay for OEM parts after an insured loss, while others may say they will only pay for some types of OEM parts.

The main reason that insurance companies like to use aftermarket parts instead of OEM parts is that they can cost up to 60 percent less and those savings help them keep premiums low for all drivers they insure. In some cases, you may have to pay a higher premium if you want a guarantee that you will receive OEM parts for repairs after an accident.

If you are looking to find an insurance company that will let you use OEM parts and not charge you a crazy premium for the privilege, give us a call and an independent agent will research the different auto insurers. With just a little research, he or she will get you an affordable car policy that will meet your needs.

How to prevent identity theft in Coppell, TX?

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Having your identity stolen is one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can have and it’s something we hope will never happen to us. Even in places like DFW and Coppell, identity theft is fast becoming one of the most prevalent crimes out there. Not only is it easy for criminals to commit identity theft, it doesn’t help that there’s a vast amount of personal information that’s easily available to criminals. By the time you discover your identity’s been stolen, the damage has already been done.

How Can I Prevent Identity Theft?

You can’t completely prevent identity theft, but you can make yourself less of a target. Here are a few tips that can help you reduce your risk of being an identity theft victim in Texas:

  • Make sure your Social Security card is kept somewhere safe. Only bring it along with you if you need it.
  • Collect your mail as soon as it arrives in your mailbox. Consider a post office box if you can’t be there to pick up your mail immediately.
  • Always shred documents that contain personal or financial information.
  • Be wary of phone calls or e-mail correspondence with companies you’ve never done business with.
  • Never click on links found within your e-mails. Verify the validity of the link and copy/paste it into the address bar instead.
  • Keep your credit card and debit card receipts in a safe place until you’re ready to shred them. Go through each receipt at the end of the month, tally up your expenses and compare those to your current balances.
  • Never give out your banking information online via e-mail or through unfamiliar and unverified links.

Give us a call to speak to an independent agent about other ways to prevent ID theft, as well as to find out more about the benefits of having home insurance.

What Does Replacement Cost Coverage Mean on my Home Insurance Policy?

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Regardless of whether you are living in Coppell, elsewhere in the DFW area, or anywhere else in the state of Texas, you have several options as to the extent of insurance coverage you get with a home insurance policy. Your independent agent will educate you regarding the different types of home insurance you can get for your Texas home. We will help you see where and how you might benefit from having coverage that includes replacement cost rather as opposed to actual cash value coverage for your property. Named Perils Home Insurance A named perils home insurance policy will only cover you for damages that are related to things that are specifically named in the policy. Because you get substantially less coverage with this type of home insurance, you will pay less for your policy. All Risk Home Insurance All risk is the most comprehensive type of home insurance you can get. It is designed to provide you with coverage for everything. Any exemptions must be clearly stated in the policy. Comprehensive protection is significantly more expensive, but in the long run, it can wind up saving you money. If you opt for a higher deductible, the rates for your coverage in Coppell, the DFW metroplex or elsewhere will be lower. Understanding the Meaning of Replacement Cost Texas homeowners and renters can choose between replacement cost or actual cash value for their property. Replacement cost is significantly more expensive, but it will pay for the cost of replacing your personal property — or your home as long as the damage was caused by something that is covered. The essential difference between actual cash value and replacement cost coverage is that a policy that only reimburses you for actual cash value will consider what you paid for the damaged property. Since things depreciate over time and with use, a home insurance policy that only covers the actual cash value of things will deduct depreciation for however long you’ve owned the item(s.) If your home was totally destroyed, as long as the cause of that devastation is covered under your home insurance plan in Coppell, DFW or anywhere else in Texas, and you opted to insure your home and its contents for replacement cost, you would get the full cost of replacing the home and its contents from your insurance company. You could easily afford to rebuild your home, something you couldn’t do if you opted for actual cash value.

Should I buy insurance when renting a car?

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One of the most common questions that is asked of an insurance agent is “Should I buy insurance when renting a car?” The car rental agency will often try to talk you into an additional policy when you rent the car. The agents are trained to make it seem like you need to purchase this insurance or you will not be covered if you have an accident in the rental car. This is not always the case.

It may be that you are already covered for a rental car with your normal auto insurance policy. Read through your current policy and find out if it includes coverage for these situations. If you are covered with this policy, you do not need to worry about paying for the coverage through the rental agency. Just make certain you inform them of your existing coverage and perhaps you will even need to give them your policy number.

Another way you could be covered is through a credit card. Some of the major cards include rental car insurance as a benefit for holding the card. This is another case where you need to look through your documentation and find out if this is the case.

No matter what your situation, talking with your independent agent is always a good idea. If you are located in or around Coppell or DFW Texas, let our agents discuss your options with you. We can run a real-time scan of your insurance options and we may be able to find you a better rate or find a policy that includes benefits such as rental car insurance. Come in and experience our excellent customer service and our dedication to meeting your needs. Auto insurance does not have to be a hassle when you work with us!

What Should Homeowners Do After Wind Damage in Texas?

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Whether you live in Coppell, elsewhere within the DFW Metroplex, or anywhere else in Texas, you are certainly aware of the intensity of Texas winds. Additionally, Coppell and the entire remainder of the DFW area, and much of the rest of Texas are located in the heart of tornado alley. This means that there is a greater likelihood that those living in this area will incur some sort of weather-related wind damage. It also means that there’s a very good possibility that a standard homeowners insurance policy – even one that has additional endorsements, may not cover wind damage to your property.

With the exception of homes within the 14 counties along the Texas Gulf Coast that are most likely to incur flood or wind damage from hurricanes, most Texas homeowners insurance policies will cover windstorm and hail damage.

Things to Do to Be Prepared for Storm-Related or Other Wind Damage

A few simple tips will make the process of dealing with the aftermath of wind damage a lot easier. The things you do to prepare yourself will help you when dealing with your homeowners insurance company.

  • Keep an inventory of all of your property and personal possessions. The Texas Department of Insurance website has a checklist you can download and print, or you can create one for yourself. Go through each room and list the items in there.

  • Make sure you have all of your insurance cards and any documents related to your policy. Be sure you fully understand exactly what your policy covers. Keep all of this information in a safe place

  • Be sure you know the monetary limits of your policy, and whether or not you insured your property and possessions for actual cash value or replacement value.

When you call or go to see your independent agent to report wind damage to your property, be sure you have all of the paperwork with you. Unless you insured your property and possessions for replacement value, and unless your policy is an All Perils homeowners insurance policy, you may not have sufficient coverage to pay for wind damage to your home in the DFW area or Coppell, Texas.

Is Water Damage Covered on my Texas Home Insurance Policy?

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Residents of Coppell, the DFW Metroplex and elsewhere in Texas know how unpredictable the Texas weather is. Home insurance is designed to protect your home and other personal property, but there are limitations on what is covered, and how much you’ll be reimbursed. Weather conditions result in water damage. Although Texas home insurance never covers flood damage, homeowners in Coppell, DFW or other Texas communities can and should purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Other Water Damage

Since home insurance policies don’t cover flood-related damage, it is also likely that your home insurance won’t cover other types of water damage. If you want to protect yourself against various types of water-related damage, including water damage caused by air conditioning, heating or plumbing problems, or backed up drains and/or sewers, consider adding provisions to your home insurance policy that will cover you for all types of water damage, and for clean up related to mold.

Residents of all of Texas, but in particular, Coppell and the rest of the DFW Metroplex, know that there are all sorts of weather-related situations that can cause water damage, and that damage can extend beyond the inside of the house to your garage. If you keep your watercraft in your garage rather than docking it at a marina, you may need to add to your existing home insurance coverage to ensure that your watercraft and other vehicles are protected.

Talk to an independent agent in the DFW or Coppell, Texas area to find out whether you are living in a designated flood area, and whether you’d be required to have flood insurance. If you are about to purchase a home, and your home lies with in a designated flood area, your lender will require you to prove that you have purchased flood insurance in addition to your regular home insurance before you can take possession of the home.

Does filing bankruptcy lower my chances of getting insurance?

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Many people in Coppell, Texas wonder if filing bankruptcy will affect their ability to purchase insurance. While there is some reason to be concerned, in practical terms, you can still get insurance in Texas after filing for bankruptcy.

Over the past four or five years, DFW, Coppell and many other parts of the state were impacted by the weak economy. Although the state of Texas had a lower unemployment rate and a stronger overall economy than the nation as a whole, there was still a significant percentage of people living in DFW, Coppell and all parts of Texas that fell on hard times and had to file for bankruptcy.

When you file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and have all of your debts discharged, you are actually in a much better financial position than if you were behind or in default on payments to your creditors. As your independent insurance agent, here in Coppell, we can help you find affordable insurance even if you have filed for bankruptcy.

While you may have a more difficult time securing the most favorable rates, there are many insurance companies that are more than happy to work with people who have taken a misstep in their financial lives. In Texas, an insurance company can not discriminate against people with bad credit or people who have filed for bankruptcy. They can, however, charge higher premiums and also ask for more of a down payment when you take out a policy.

Insurers issue policies based on risk. One of the factors that they consider when evaluating risk is financial stability. People with bankruptcies on their record are considered to be in a higher risk group than people with perfect credit. Although a bankruptcy can affect your rates, if you are a safe driver and do not have any traffic violations, you should have no trouble finding insurance at a reasonable rate.

If bankruptcy forces you to initially pay a higher premium, as time goes by, your rates will come down, especially if you stick with the same insurance company that wrote your original policy.

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