What Insurance Policy Covers Dent Damage in Texas?

An independent agent in Coppell, Texas will tell Coppell residents those insurance policies in Texas and throughout the United States work about the same way. As long as the vehicle owner carries full coverage on their vehicle while residing in Texas, dent damage should be covered if taken care of in the stated time frame allowed. In Texas some damages such as dents that are done by another driver may be covered under that driver’s insurance policy, as Texas is not a no fault insurance state.

Dents created by environmental issues such as a tree, another car or hail may be eligible for a dent removal technique that use no paint. This process of dent removal uses no bond or paint. However, if the car is too damaged and the dent has taken the paint off or caused cracks to the vehicles finish then this process would not work. This process offers a lifetime warranty, and insurance companies appreciate this. Texas insurance companies like this procedure used if possible, because it saves them money and saves the body shop some work.

Most body shops in Texas work with all insurance company policies as long as they are a fully covered policy and include dent damage. If the vehicle has a deductible to meet before the insurance company pays, some body shops will even pay this deductible or pay a portion of the deductible for the vehicle owner.

When a vehicle is paid off, many people obtain PL and PD insurance in order to decrease their monthly premium, and this type of coverage would not cover dent damage. The vehicle owner must carry collision and comprehensive coverage. The collision pays for debts incurred by accidents by the owner or other drivers on the road. Comprehensive pays for dents created by non moving accidents, and dents related to hitting an animal on the road.

If an automobile owner residing in or near Coppell, Texas, needs further information regarding dent damage in Texas they will need to contact their independent agent.

Precaution from the Coppell Police

Be smart when going to sporting events, dropping off your kids at school, etc. in Coppell, (and any Dallas/Ft. Worth surrounding cities). There have been cases of people getting into cars to steal purses, wallets, briefcases, etc. Carry your purse/wallet in with you at all times. Keep other items out of site, and lock your car doors.

Get the Facts on the Minimum Auto Coverage Requirements in Coppell, Texas

The insurance facts are as follows, if you reside in Coppell, Texas and have automobile insurance coverage. It is important to know that it is the same in Coppell, Texas as any other city in Texas one may reside. Every state does carry a minimum automobile coverage insurance policy and is state specific, but also keep in mind that if one does not carry at least the minimum insurance policy for their car in any state and the vehicle is on the road, there could be very stiff fines and or jail time.

Some states have made it mandatory for the insurance company to report any client coming to them for auto insurance to the states DMV department. The insurance company is required to tell the DMV that the driver has had their car on the road without automobile insurance.

The minimum amounts of automobile insurance coverages are now $25,000, $50,000 and $25,000 dollars, known as a 25/5025 policy. As of four years ago the minimum insurance coverages for an automobile in Texas was increased. These new minimum totals are known as a 25/50/25 policy.

If you have 25/50/25 minimum insurance coverage for your automobile and you are driving within another state and are involved in an automobile accident and that state’s minimum coverage is 30/60/30 then your insurance company will increase your insurance minimums to meet that state’s minimum requirements.

You must also be aware if the state you are driving in is a no fault state. There are essentially two types of insurance policies liability to purchase, full tort or limited tort. For limited tort policies one will pay less in premiums but this will bar you from any lawsuits. In a full tort policy it will enable one to sue the other driver no matter what their policy pays and the amount of damages.

Adhere to the requirements for the minimum coverage amounts for automobile insurance policies in Coppell, Texas, as you would in any other city in Texas. Contact a local Coppell independent agent today for rates.

Prepare for Winter Driving in Dallas/Ft. Worth and North Texas

Here are some tips for driving this Winter…

  • Have a mechanic check your car’s battery, brakes, fluid levels (antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil), as well as the heating and exhaust systems to ensure that your car is in good, safe working condition.
  • Try to keep your gas tank full during the winter months. Don’t allow the gas to go below half a tank. Not only will this prevent damage from freezing, you’ll avoid running out of gas if you’re stuck in a traffic jam during the dead of winter.
  • Install snow tires or all-weather radials with adequate treads.
  • An adequate supply of windshield washing liquid is critical to wash away the mud and melted snow that can severely limit visibility.
  • Prepare for an emergency. Keep blankets, flares, a sack of sand for traction, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, towrope, booster cables and a flashlight with extra batteries in your trunk. You should also stock your car with material for survival, such as waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, a first aid kit, dry clothing and a brightly colored cloth (to tie to the antenna).

Source: Insurance Information Institute; www.iii.org

 

What Are Some Practical Things I Can Do to Lower the Cost of Homeowners Insurance?

If you are a living in Coppell, or anywhere else in Texas and are looking for ways to lower the cost of your homeowners insurance policy, there are some simple, but very important things to consider before actually purchasing a plan. You want to be sure you get all the coverage you need without paying for things you don’t need .

Understanding the Types of Coverage There are two types of insurance that homeowners in Texas can purchase for their homes. Named Perils will only provide coverage for the specific perils named in the plan. This type of plan typically covers things such as fire, lightening, windstorm damage, hail, hurricane damage, smoke, or damage from vehicles. It probably won’t cover damage incurred from a leaky roof, broken pipe, flooding or that sort of thing. Named Perils plans usually only cover the actual amount of the damages, minus a certain percentage for depreciation. You can choose to bolster your plan by adding total replacement coverage, and although the premium is considerably higher, that type of coverage will pay to rebuild your home, as well as debris removal and incidental costs. All Perils is a more comprehensive type of plan that will cover everything except things that are specifically excluded. This type of insurance covers complete replacement for damaged and/or destroyed property. This type of policy is typically more expensive, but you also get much more protection for your premiums. Bundle Your Policies One simple way to lower the premiums of your homeowners plan (and your other insurance plans as well,) is by purchasing all of your policies from the same provider. Most insurance companies will give consumers a discounted price for purchasing a "bundle" as opposed to going with separate providers for different types of policies. Other Discount Incentives Some insurance companies will give homeowners a discount for taking measures to ensure the safety of their homes. That would include installing a security system, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and installing a roof that is made of impact-resistant materials. Other Factors Other factors that may impact the cost of a policy include the amount of the deductible, how the house and roof are constructed, the age of the home, and where it is located. The higher the deductible, the lower the cost of your premiums will be. The age and overall construction of the house are things to consider when purchasing the home. Shop around to see what different companies offer. Know, too, that cheap isn’t always better. You want to get a good price for your policy, but you also want to be assured of getting the coverage you need. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has useful information for each state. A Coppell independent agent can also help you find the homeowners insurance policy that best suits your needs.

What should I look for when purchasing umbrella insurance in Coppell, TX?

Having the right type and right amount of insurance really can make a difference in anyone’s life. You buy policies to cover your car, home and life. For many people who own a home or have other assets they want to protect, buying umbrella insurance can be the smart thing to do.

Coppell, Texas residents can reduce their liability risk against large judgments in personal injury lawsuits by buying a very affordable umbrella policy that extends the limits on a home or auto insurance policy. Typically, you can get several million dollars of coverage for only a few hundred dollars. An independent agent can help you find the most affordable policy.

Umbrella policies are sold in one million dollar increments and are stacked on top of your other coverage. For instance, if you have a million dollar umbrella policy and a hundred thousand dollar auto insurance policy, your Coppell auto policy will pay out on claims up to its maximum $100,000 limit. That may be sufficient for most accidents, but not all.

If, you are found responsible for an accident where someone is severely injured, you could wind up being held liable for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages above the $100,000 auto coverage. Other judgments, such as slandering the reputation of a professional or being on the wrong end of a business deal, can result in massive jury awards.

Most Coppell, Texas umbrella insurance policies come with a deductible. That should not discourage you from buying this type of valuable protection. Even if your deductible is $2,500, you are still protected against a million, or maybe more, dollars of liability.

It makes sense and will give you peace of mind to have the extra coverage of an umbrella insurance policy. For further information, contact a Coppell, Texas independent agent.

Tips for Your Home When Winter Weather Hits Coppell and North TX

Keep the house warm.  The temperature in your house should be at least 65 degrees. The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. Temperatures lower than 65 degrees will not keep the pipes from freezing.

Check heating systems.  The proper use and maintenance of furnaces, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can prevent fire and smoke damage. Have furnaces, boilers and chimneys serviced at least once a year. Make sure that smoke and fire alarms are working properly and consider installing a carbon monoxide detector.

Holiday Help in Coppell, TX

Here are some ways we can all help out in our community this holiday season:

Make a Child Smile, benefitting Coppell children by providing gifts for families who need extra help. Choose your paper ornament at Town Center now through Dec. 7.

Holiday Food Drive, benefitting area food pantries. Now through Jan. 2, leave non-perishable items in the drop box at Town Center or the Coppell Public Library.

What are the Benefits of being part of AARP in Texas?

Just before Texas residents turn 50, they start receiving offers in the mail to join AARP. The politically powerful and influential advocacy group for seniors, provides a host of benefits for members. There is a small annual fee to become a member.

AARP provides access to insurance products at favorable rates. You can purchase health, homeowners or auto insurance through a preferred AARP provider. In addition to great deals on insurance, members also receive discounts on travel, phone plans and a number of other services and products.

As a national organization, AARP is a powerful group that represents the best interests of its membership in Washington D.C. and is also involved in state and local issues that affect our older population. Medicare and Social Security are always important issues. When new legislation is introduced, threatening to reduce Medicare coverage, this group is there to stand up and object. When the government says there is no inflation and does not give seniors a cost of living (COLA) raise on their monthly Social Security checks, guess who investigates the matter.

Other extras for Texas seniors that come with membership include human interest stories and coverage of the things that are an everyday part of the senior lifestyle. A monthly magazine covers topics such as consumer protection, caring for aging parents and even gardening.

AARP is also involved in Texas communities. They hold informative seminars, conduct driver safety courses and hold different events throughout the year. Individuals can access the organization online or, if they have questions can call and talk to someone on the phone.

If you are not yet eligible to join the AARP and need insurance coverage at an affordable rate, your best bet is to seek the help of an independent agent. Whether you live in Houston, Dallas or Coppell, Texas, you can get the right policy at the right price by visiting your local insurance agent.