About Insurance

All About Insurance. Insurance coverage, types, claims and more from local agent, Austin Insurance Group.

Texas Home Insurance – Trampolines

Texas Home Insurance Trampolines

Before you buy a trampoline, here are some facts you should know about Texas home insurance trampolines.

1. Trampolines are dangerous.

Insurance companies do not want to insure a homeowner that owns a trampoline, because they are dangerous.  If you own one, you should consider getting rid of it.  They are extremely dangerous.  Look up trampoline injuries on the internet.  Most injuries include broken teeth, broken bones (repaired w/ pins and plates).  These are major and very expensive injuries. Some injuries also include fractured spines, fractured coccyx, paralyzation, even death.    There is a reason insurers won’t insure people with trampolines, they have HIGH claims payouts.

Texas Home Insurance - No Trampolines

A trampoline is just an accident waiting to happen. It’s not “if”… it’s “when.”

2. Trampolines may not be covered under your Texas Home Insurance

Coverage depends on what state you live in.  It also depends on which company insures your home.  Most companies in Texas will not insure you if you own a trampoline.  Or they will cancel or non-renew your home insurance when they find out that you have one.  And when you purcase home insurance,  without disclosing the trampoline, if something does happen and you file a claim related to the trampoline, the insurance company will most likely cancel your policy once the claim has been settled unless it’s something that is covered.  If any member of your household gets injured on the trampoline, your homeowner’s insurance will not cover it.

The best way to find out if trampoline injuries are covered on your policy and whether their will be a premium increase or cancellation,  is to contact your carrier or agent.  Whatever they tell you, you should confirm their statements in writing just in case it is ever an issue in the future.

3. Why would a Trampline affect your rates?

Basically the insurance companies do not want to cover potentially dangerous risks around your home.  It’s a liability issue.   Since trampoline injuries are a common reasons for emergency room visits in the US, you can see why some companies would shy away from this type of coverage.  Trampolines are the second highest claim cause, and the highest claim dollars paid out.

If you cannot afford your insurance premium because you have a trampoline, you may want to consider removing it from your property.

4. Legal issues regarding trampolines.

If you decide to get one — we would recommend not letting anyone, who is not a resident of your household, use it.

When they use it and get hurt, they could sue you. You can be held responsible for their injuries (especially minor children). If you want to let others use it, I’d recommend you see a lawyer.  Pay him to draw up a waiver and have the person who wants to use the trampoline sign the waiver. If a minor wants to use the trampoline, have both of their parents sign the waiver. Then keep the waivers on file.  The waiver might help if you get sued when a person hurts themselves, but there is no guarantee. A lawyer can tell you better if this would help.

Even if you have all of the waivers signed by people you KNOW will be jumping, it is an attractive nuisence, meaning, even if you are not home & post no trespassing signs, if someone trespasses & jumps & gets hurt, you are 100% liable.  You have no defense. If you do not tell an insurance company about the trampoline & you have a claim (any claim – doesn’t have to be trampoline related, coverage will most likely be denied & your policy voided for material misrepresentation. )   If someone is injured while using your trampoline,  it  could be financially devastating.

Insurance companies simply consider trampolines too high of a liabilty risk.  Your own kids would not be covered anyway, it’s the other kid’s parents who will sue you.   So, tell your kids it is dangerous & get rid of it.

5. Compare Texas Home Insurance rates before you buy a Trampoline.

If you own a home with a trampoline, you will most likely pay more money for your insurance.  Or you may find out that your insurance policy has a trampoline exclusion and will not pay for any injuries resulting from a trampoline. You need to make sure you discuss this with your insurance agent when you are shopping around for home insurance policy.

If you do not already own one, you may want to check with your current company to see if it will be covered and then shop around to see if it’s worth it. After doing the research, if you have a trampoline or still want to purchase one, Austin Insurance Group represents companies that will provide home insurance for homeowners who own a trampoline.

Make sure you understand your insurance policy and all of the items that are covered.

Our Advice:

Do not own one, unless you want to open yourself to the law suit when someone takes a bad bounce (and no, the nets won’t prevent these injuries,) The fact that the home insurance companies do not want to insure you, if you have a trampoline, should be a tip off.

However, if you have a trampoline and do not want to remove it, make sure you have a net around the trampoline and even a fence to keep out uninvited neighborhood children.

Call Austin Insurance Group for a free quote.  The last thing you need is a lawsuit from the neighbor, and then you find out that your insurance won’t pay.

Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent | (512)339-2901 | Texas Home Insurance and Trampolines

Home Insurance Policy Coverages

Understanding Insurance Quotes

Understanding Insurance Quotes

Austin Insurance Group provides homeowners insurance quotes, flood insurance, auto insurance and umbrella policies.  Understanding insurance quotes will help make choosing the right agent, coverage and company a breeze.

Understanding Insurance Quotes - Get a Quote

Homeowners Insurance Quote

There are two basic types of homeowners insurance policies – “named peril” and “all risk” policies. Named peril policies, such as the HO-A Plus form, will only cover the perils that are specified in the policy.  All risk policies, such as the HO-3 form, will cover everything that is not specifically excluded in your policy. If you compare the inclusions in a named perils policy side-by-side with the exclusions in an open perils policy, you’ll find that the two types provide basically the same level of protection with the exception of options and endorsements.  Two important ones are foundation coverage and water backup.

Austin Insurance Group will quote companies who provide both types of policies, however, we highly recommend “all risk” policies.

Flood Insurance

Floods are not covered under any home insurance policy.  Flood insurance is written as a separate policy and FEMA regulates the premiums.   If your home is in a flood zone, you will need to provide an elevation certificate in order to provide a quote.  Most mortgage companies will require flood insurance for homes in a flood zone, and they often have elevation certificates on hand.   If your home is not in a flood zone, there is a flat pricing structure.

Auto Insurance

The Texas Personal Auto Insurnace Policy offers eight types of coverage. Each coverage only pays up to the dollar limit chosen for that coverage.

Liability Coverage:  The current Texas state minimum for liability insurance is $30,000 per person / $60,000 per incident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 for property damage. This coverage pays for other people’s expenses for accidents caused by drivers that are covered under your policy.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: UM/UIM pays your expenses when an accident is caused by an uninsured motorist or an underinsured motorist driver whose liability limits were insufficient to cover your bills. It also pays for damages caused by a hit-and-run driver in accidents that are reported promptly to the police.

Medical Payments Coverage:  Medical payments insurance covers the cost of doctors, hospitals and funeral expenses for you and/or your passengers that are a result from an accident, regardless of who was at fault.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage: PIP is basically medical payments coverage plus coverage for lost income and the cost of hiring a caregiver for an injured person. PIP is automatically included in the Texas personal auto policy unless rejected in writing by the applicant.

Collision (Damage to Your Car) Coverage: Collision coverage pays for damage to your own auto that results from having an accident with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. Payment is limited to your car’s actual cash value, less your deductible. Actual cash value is the market value of a car like yours before it was damaged.

Comprehensive (Physical Damage Other than Collision) Coverage:  Comp coverage pays for damages that are caused by something other than a collision. This includes theft and vandalism, and disasters such as fire, flood, hail or hitting an animal. Like Collision, Comprehensive pays Actual cash value minus your deductible.

Towing and Labor Coverage:  Towing and Labor pays for towing charges when your auto can not be driven, plus it includes labor charges, like changing a tire, at the site of the disablement.

Rental Reimbursement Coverage:  Rental car coverage pays a set daily amount for a rental car if your car is stolen or is being repaired because of damage covered on your policy.

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides added liability coverage beyond the liability on your home and auto insurance policies, usually in increments of $1 million, $2 million or $5 million. Umbrella insurance policies are typically tied to an auto policy,  but we can also quote umbrella coverage for customers who need a stand alone policy. Most companies require $250,000/$500,000 auto liability limits and $300,000 in liability on your home policy as underlying limits.   When you are involved in a liability claim that exceeds the limits on your underlying (auto or home) policies, that’s when the umbrella kicks in and pays up to the limit chosen.

Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent

(512)339-2901 | Understanding Insurance Quotes

Understanding Insurance Quotes

Mexico Insurance Tips

Remenber these Mexico Insurance Tips when Purchasing Mexico Insurance

  1. Read the disclosures. They are important. The most important things you must understand are that the claim must be filed in Mexico, and know the cancellation policy.
  2. Remember the auto policy form in Mexico is different. Mexico Laws are different. Things in Mexico work differently than they do in the US. This is a named peril policy. It isn’t the open peril policy we know in the US. This policy is different than your comp and collision coverage in the US.
  3. One of the most important things you can do is to insure that the value of your vehicle is calculated correctly. Remember that the company will pay the Actual Cash Value of the vehicle or the policy limits, whichever is less. It would be wise to make sure those are the same. To do so, we recommend using the Kelly Blue Book link that is provided on the quote application to verify the value of the vehicle.

We hope you have a happy and enjoyable trip and we are here to help, if there is anything we can do, if you have any questions or issues, please let us know. We appreciate your business.

mexico-insurance-quote

Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent | (512)339-2901 | Mexico Insurance Tips

 

Texas Independent Insurance Agent

Texas Independent Insurance Agent

Austin Insurance Group is a Texas independent insurance agency that represents a wide variety of insurance companies.  We will compare rates and work with you to find the best plan, saving you time and money.

Texas Independent Insurance Agent

What We Will Do For You:

1. Independent Insurance Agents help you make the right choice:

  • Because we work with many top-rated carriers in Texas allowing us to compare rates and plans that best fit your needs.
  • We will check rates with multiple companies, saving you time and money.
  • We’ll compare rates and coverages to find the best deal for you.
  • If the prices are close, we will advise you on the best coverage.
  • We also, compare bundling auto and home insurance to save more.

2. We will help you understand insurance coverages:

  • Expert recommendations.
  • Based on price and coverage.
  • We will take you through the pros and cons of each policy.
  • Help you make an informed decision.
  • More info on “Understanding Your Insurance Quote” post.

3. We can protect your long-term interests:

  • We work with a variety of insurance carriers
  • If your rates go up or your needs change, we are your first resource.
  • We can recompare your rates to make sure you are getting the best rates.
  • We will keep you informed of available discounts on your policy.
  • Austin Insurance Group can manage your entire personal and business insurance portfolio.
  • We save you stress, time and money.

We shop.  You save!

Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent | (512)339-2901 | Texas Independent Insurance Agent

Financial Responsibility Verification System – FRVP

Financial Responsibility Verification System – FRVP

The Texas Department of Insurance launched the pilot program of the Financial Responsibility Verification System by mid February.  Initially, only Travis county police officers will have access to the system.  If you are not insured, you need to be. 25% of the vehicles being driven on Texas roads today are uninsured.  And now DPS knows who you are. Get Insurance today!

EZ Online Auto Insurance Quote

Some studies are as high as 60% in areas such as San Antonio and El Paso.

In 2005, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1670, requiring the Financial Responsibility Verification System (FRVP)  to be implemented. 

The FRVP is a database of all active personal automobile insurance policies in Texas.  Every insurer has been required to report their active policy records to the state as of last June.

 

Are Proof of Insurance Cards still required? 

Lt. Sanchez of the Travis County Department of Public Safety clarified vehicle operators are still required by law to carry proof of insurance cards.

What about the what ifs?

During the pilot program, officers have been instructed to first check the FRVP to see if insurance coverage is confirmed.  If it comes back unconfirmed, but the vehicle operator can provide a proof of insurance card. The officer will then make an attempt to verify whether the card is valid.

This may be done at the time of the traffic stop or after the officer returns to the station. “If the officer has a cell phone, he most likely will attempt to contact the agent or insurance company listed on the insurance card to verify if the card is valid.” Lt. Sanchez explained, “it is our main goal though, after the pilot program is complete, to rely solely on the FRVP system.”

For a free auto insurance quote now click here!
Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent | (512)339-2901 | Financial Responsibility Verification System-FRVP

Financial Responsibility Verification System

Titan Low Cost Insurance

Titan Low Cost Insurance

Great Auto Insurance for as low as $1 a day! Get your Titan Low Cost Insurance Quote Today.

Four Good Reasons to Choose Titan – One of the Best Car Insurance Companies

We believe that drivers are more than their driving records.  And you have choices when it comes to finding a good auto insurance company. Here are four great reasons to choose Titan and our agency, Austin Insurance Group.

1. Great coverage and rates from Titan, an affordable auto insurance company

We know you have more things to spend your money on than auto insurance. That’s why we offer, Titan low cost auto insurance.  A great policy for as little as $1 a day.  Titan offers low cost auto insurance rates and helps you save your hard earned money for the things that are most important to you.

2. Customer service you can count on

Need help understanding what you’re getting for your money? Have a question about a claim? Just call us. Whether it’s helping to make insurance simple or assisting you with getting a claim processed quickly, you can count on our Titan Customer Service.

3. Convenient locations

Need to talk to an agent in person? Just stop by to see our #1 Texas local agent in Austin, Austin Insurance Group.  We will be happy to discuss the benefits of choosing Titan.

4. Titan is part of the Nationwide family of companies.

Titan, is a leading discount auto insurance company and affiliated with Nationwide®, one of the nations largest insurance and financial services companies in the world. Nationwide has been helping customers protect what’s most important to them and providing outstanding customer service for more than 80 years.

Get a Titan low cost auto insurance quote

Find out more information about affordable insurance coverage or request a free quote on insurance for high-risk drivers.

Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent | Titan Low Cost Insurance

Austin Insurance Group | Independent Insurance Agent

Austin Insurance Group

 

Titan Low Cost Auto Insurance

Nationwide Insurance

formerly TItan Insurance

Great Auto Insurance for as low as $1 a day!

Four Good Reasons to Choose Titan/Nationwide – One of the Best Car Insurance Companies

Here are four great reasons to choose Titan Low Cost Auto Insurance – Nationwide Insurance – by Austin Insurance Group.

1. Great coverage and rates from Titan, an affordable auto insurance company

Instant Auto Insurance QuoteWe know you have more things to spend your money on than auto insurance. That’s why we offer, Titan low cost auto insurance.  A great policy for as little as $1 a day.  Titan offers low cost auto insurance rates and helps you save your hard earned money for the things that are most important to you.

2. Customer service you can count on

Need help understanding what you’re getting for your money? Have a question about a claim? Just call us. Whether it’s helping to make insurance simple or assisting you with getting a claim processed quickly, you can count on our Titan Customer Service.

3. Convenient locations

Need to talk to an agent in person? Just stop by to see our #1 Texas local agent in Austin, Austin Insurance Group.  We will be happy to discuss the benefits of choosing Titan.

4. Titan is part of the Nationwide family of companies.

Titan, is a leading discount auto insurance company and affiliated with Nationwide®, one of the nations largest insurance and financial services companies in the world. Nationwide has been helping customers protect what’s most important to them and providing outstanding customer service for more than 80 years.

Get a Titan low cost auto insurance quote

Find out more information about affordable insurance coverage or request a free quote on insurance for high-risk drivers.

Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent | (512)339-2901 | Titan Low Cost Auto Insurance

Austin Insurance Group - Local Authorized Agent

Local Authorized Agent

 

Why Buy Car Insurance from a Local Agent?

Local Independent Insurance AgentMost people don’t know much about car insurance beyond the fact that you are required by law to have it.  And buying car insurance isn’t exactly a thrill to shop for.  But, when you get into a car accident (and that’s when, not if), even if it’s a little fender bender, you’ll be glad your car insurance company is there to help, that’s if you have the right coverage. A local agent can help you find the coverage that’s right for you and be there when you have an accident.

When you shop for car insurance, you should compare apples to apples.  Then make sure you have an agent that takes the time to find out what you have, and tell you about the coverages that you need.

Here’s what you need to know about car insurance and how to find the right policy for you.

Why You Need Car Insurance

Cars are expensive, and car accidents are really expensive. Plus, in addition to car damage, there are also medical expenses to consider. When you consider the cost of an accident, you need to remember that a car accident may involve more than one car.  And that can easily increase the cost of the damage.  And, if each car has more than one passenger and they all get injured, you can see how collision costs add up.

Car insurance helps you cover those costs. Basically, you pay for an insurance policy, which is much lower than the costs you would incur because of an accident. Then, when you have an accident, your policy covers some of the costs associated with it, as long as you carry the right coverage.  What your insurance policy covers depends on the type of coverage you buy. And the type of coverage you buy, may depend on the area that you live in. Your local insurance agent can help you make the best choice and take the time to determine what you need.

  • Types of Coverage
  • Who Pays for What?
  • What Do You Need?
  • What Should You Pay?
  • Bring Your Costs Down
  • Place Your Bets

Shopping for car insurance with Austin Insurance Group can save you time and money.   We offer instant Progressive car insurance quotes, you can buy a policy online, or we can compare your rates with the other companies that we represent.

It’s simple.  Start with an online quote, then contact our local agent to make sure you have the right coverage for your needs, and get a policy immediately.  It’s that easy.

Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent | (512)339-2901 | Why Buy Car Insurance?

Austin Insurance Agent

Employment Practices Liability Insurance

What Is Employment Practices Liability Insurance, or EPLI?

Legislation  such as the Family Medical Leave Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act,  plus a growing number of job-related lawsuits and claims, have created the need  for business owners to consider a type of insurance known as employment  practices liability insurance, or EPLI. An EPLI policy offers insurance  protection against claims and lawsuits that are brought against a business, its  officers or directors, or its employees and managers. These policies generally  cover charges in the following areas:

  • Gender, age and other types of discrimination
  • Sexual harassment
  • Wrongful termination or discipline
  • Negligent compensation, promotion or hiring       decisions
  • Breach of contract for employment
  • Emotional distress or mental anguish
  • Invasion of privacy
  • Libel or slander
  • Employee benefits mismanagement

While some  directors’ and officers’ insurance policies contain employment practices  liability insurance coverage, such coverage can be limited to directors and  officers, and may have greater exclusions than a standalone EPLI policy.

How does employment practices  liability insurance protect your business?

All companies,  regardless of size, should look to their personnel policies as the first line  of defense against both the number and severity of employment-related claims.  EPLI coverage is another valuable tool in a comprehensive risk-management  arsenal.

EPLI policies  are written on a claims-made basis. This simply means that covered claims must  be reported to the insurance company while the policy is in effect, or within  an extended period specifically described in the policy. In addition, the event  leading to the claim must have occurred either on or after a specific date –  typically the date when the EPLI policy commenced. Some insurers offer extended  retroactive dates or full protection for earlier claims, but you should be sure  you understand these terms.

The cost of  EPLI coverage will vary based on the type, size and risk profile of your  business. The insurance company may also want to see your written personnel  policies to help them determine the risk and cost of your EPLI policy.

Following are  additional factors that affect the value and cost of EPLI coverage. It is  important to review these exclusions and coverage limitations when evaluating  your policy:

  • You can generally purchase EPLI coverage with limits ranging from  $1 million to $25 million.
  • Most employment practices liability insurance policies include a  deductible. In addition, the cost of legal defense is typically included in the  aggregate insurance limits, along with the costs of judgments and settlements.

Some EPLI policies contain exclusions that limit  coverage during events such as a major work force reduction, acquisition or  merger. Generally, criminal conduct is not covered by EPLI.

This is an ever increasing risk and exposure for business owners.

Call Austin Insurance Group today for a free insurance quote.  Our Hartford Business Owners Policies automatically include this coverage at $10,000, and you can get up to $1,000,000 limit.  Does your policy have it?

Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent | (512)339-2901 | Employment Practices Liability Insurance

Employment Practices Liability Insurance