Whether you are looking for your first policy or simply changing to a different carrier, the first step any consumer should take when considering a new auto, and any insurance policy for that matter is to educate themself about car insurance – types, terminology, companies, different products on the market, common discounts, etc.
Familiarity with this information will help you better understand what your unique insurance needs and budget are, what insurance products fit your needs, and being informed will help you to protect your own interests throughout the process.
The following is a quick reference of common types of insurance protection. This list will provide you with a solid understanding of the insurance basics, and hopefully you will find it helpful in determining the auto insurance coverage that you need:
Texas Auto Liability Insurance – Texas auto liability insurance is also referred to as financial responsibility insurance. This is the minimum type of auto insurance coverage that is required of all Texas drivers. Auto Liability Insurance protects your assets if you are the responsible party in an accident involving injury to another person or damage to their property. This insurance pays medical, hospital, lost income, rehabilitative care, pain and suffering, and property damage costs to the victim only. It does not pay to repair or replace your car or for your injuries. Texas law requires all Texas drivers to carry a liability insurance policy, with a minimum coverage amount of $30,000/$60,000/$25,000. In other words, if you are involved in an accident in Houston, Texas, your Texas liability insurance will pay $30,000 for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. You can always increase the amount of liability coverage. Call today to get an Auto Liability Insurance quote from ABC Insurance and let us answer your questions.
Texas Comprehensive/Collision Auto Insurance – If you still owe money on your vehicle, your lender requires that you carry collision and comprehensive coverage. Even if you no longer owe on your car, you still may need collision and comprehensive auto insurance in order to protect the value of your car. Collision insurance covers the cost of damage to your car, resulting from an accident, no matter who is at fault. Comprehensive insurance takes care of the cost of auto damage from other causes such as theft, storms, floods and vandalism as well. Call ABC Insurance today for the lowest insurance quotes, and rates in Houston.
Texas Medical Payment / Personal Injury Car Insurance Protection (PIP) – This type of Texas auto insurance coverage protects both you and your passengers in the event of an accident. Medical Payment Insurance will cover the cost of medical, hospital or funeral expenses, resulting from an accident, for you and any passengers in your car. PIP covers medical care, lost income and replacement services for injured parties.
Texas Uninsured / Underinsured Car Insurance Protection – Texas “Uninsured Motorist”, refers to any driver of a motor vehicle not carrying current Texas liability insurance coverage, or to an unidentified driver in a hit-and-run accident, or to an insured driver whose insurance carrier has denied coverage or has become insolvent. Texas has the 9th highest overall numbers of uninsured drivers in the US. Texas law gives you the opportunity to buy insurance coverage to protect yourself against both uninsured and underinsured motorists. This Texas insurance coverage is optional, but your insurer must offer you the opportunity to add it to your policy, and your refusal to purchase it must be in writing. This coverage protects you, your family members, passengers in your vehicle, and anybody driving your vehicle with your permission. It pays your medical and funeral expenses, car repairs, car rental, the replacement of damaged contents, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and permanent or partial disability up to the dollar limits that you have purchased. The only stipulation for this type of auto insurance coverage to pay for claims is that the accident must be determined to be the fault of the other party. We definitely understand the budget constraints and considerations of our customers; however, this type of coverage should be regarded as a necessity for every driver that can manage the expense – especially for Houstonians, where the number of uninsured drivers exceeds 20%. Call ABC Insurance today for a fast, free and secure insurance quote or to let one of our expert licensed agents answer all of your questions in detail.
Rental /Towing Reimbursement Auto Insurance – Rental Reimbursement Insurance is typically designed to cover the costs of a rental car, in the event of an accident or if your vehicle is stolen. However, it does not cover the cost of a rental car when your vehicle is in the shop for maintenance, bodywork, or mechanical repair unrelated to a collision. Make sure your rental reimbursement policy is sufficient to cover a rental car that will accommodate your lifestyle in a manner similar to that of your own vehicle. Towing charges are covered as well, should your car be un-drivable. Likewise, it will pay for certain labor charges, such as changing a tire, onsite, if your car should break down.
Texas SR22 Auto Insurance – Texas drivers whose driving privilege has been suspended or revoked by the Texas Department of Public Safety are required to file and maintain a Form SR22 with this State Agency. Texas SR22 insurance is mandatory for a period of two (2) years from the date of conviction. If a driver does not keep his or her Texas SR22 auto insurance policy current, the insurance carrier will inform the Texas Dept. of Public safety and this driver will have his driving privileges taken away. ABC Insurance Agency issues Texas SR22 insurance on the spot. Call or email us today for an instant quote on your SR22 Insurance policy.
Texas Non-Owners Auto Insurance – Non-Owners Auto Insurance is designed for Texans who don’t own their own car, but occasionally borrow one. Coverage is very limited. Call or email us today for a fast, secure quote on Texas Non-Owners Insurance Coverage. Once you feel clear on both your insurance needs and the choices available, and have narrowed your selection even more based on the options you want and the discounts you deserve, it is time to get your auto insurance quotes – and choose. Be sure that all of your insurance quotes are for identical coverage amounts, so that you can make an accurate price comparison. Always make sure to ask your Auto Insurance agent about all of the discounts you may qualify for, and most importantly, ask about the quality of the claims handling services for each carrier you consider. Your efforts and due diligence will pay off in savings and the peace of mind that come with having chosen the best possible protection for you and your family.