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Sticker shock is hitting everyone as they open their insurance bills recently. Insurance rates are increasing at skyrocketing rates of 10 to 40 percent all over the state of Texas. The number one question consumers want to know is why? Explaining to customers why costs are rising is not easy. The problem is it's hard to put your finger on it; it's not an exact science. Insurance Companies typically look at a combination of past disasters to plan for the future. When it comes to homeowners insurance in the state of Texas there are some obvious reasons rates have jumped on average 21 percent. Hurricane Ike, several hail storms in Central and North Texas and the Bastrop County wildfires to name a few. These events have made it harder for insurance companies to cover claims.
There are several preventative measures customers can take to help save their pocketbooks.
- Shop around for the best insurance rate. This is why being with a reputable Independent Agent is so important. An Independent Agent will shop your insurance for you on an annual basis to ensure you always have the best value and coverage available.
- Bundle your insurance. By combining all of your insurance policies (home, auto, umbrella, etc.) with the same carrier you receive a multiline discount. This will provide a significant difference in your overall insurance premium.
- Have your Insurance Portfolio reviewed by an Agent. Take the time and arm yourself with the knowledge to understand your insurance policies. Ensure you have the proper coverages needed and have taken full advantage of every discount offered to you by your insurance company.
Insurance premiums are no doubt on the rise, but there is no reason to overpay for something when you can get the identical (or better) product elsewhere for less.
Food for Thought... Have you ever really thought about the mammoth insurance companies? Who do you think is paying for all of their advertising? How many more roofs do you think they replaced than some of their smaller A+ rated counterparts over the past few years? Want to save some money? Give us a call today!
As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans will take to the roads to visit family and friends. Since many will make the trip in a rented car, it's an appropriate time to discuss one of the most frequently asked questions of agents all over the country: "Should I buy the insurance from the rental car company?"
The good news... In most cases, a personal auto insurance policy will cover damage to a rented vehicle. However, there are other costs associated with damage to a rented vehicle that may not be covered by your personal insurance policy. For this reason, it has always helpful to understand your personal insurance coverages. Click here to read the full article.
Halloween is a fun time of year with costumes, pumpkins and decorations. But what makes October 31st so entertaining also makes the holiday dangerous. Homeowners need to beware and read more about the five biggest Halloween risks and how to avoid them. Click here to learn what these insurance risks are and how they effect you!
Texas employers are seeing a major reduction in workers' compensation insurance premiums, an insurance trade group reports.
The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) says reforms in House Bill 7, passed in 2005, and earlier legislation have improved the efficiency of the Texas workers' compensation system.
The Texas Department of Insurance reports premiums for workers' compensation policies have seen a 49 percent decline in rates since House Bill 7 was passed. The average premium was $1.38 per $100 dollars of payroll in 2010 as compared to $2.70 per $100 of payroll in 2004.
Teen drivers spend countless hours dreaming of owning their first car. As a parent, what is a good choice for your teen? Below are five tips to consider when choosing your teen's first car. These tips are designed to help protect young drivers, these suggestions focus on safety, which also help to lower the cost of car insurance for your teenager.
- Watch the speed. Driving fast cars with turbochargers and high horsepower carries significant risk. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among 15 to 20 year olds, and in 37% of those accidents the primary cause is speeding. Choose a vehicle with a four-cylinder engine and average horsepower,
- Grounded in reality. When it comes to buying a car, the bigger is not always the better. SUV's and pick-up trucks have a high center-of-gravity, which makes them less stable and more prone to rollover than traditional mid sized sedans - especially for inexperienced drivers. Reality Check: Pick-up Trucks are two times more likely, and SUV's are three times more likely, to rollover than traditional passenger cars.
- Buy 1997 or later. While pre-owned cars are less expensive, older models may be more costly to insure - and they often do not have the modern safety features on newer cars. Focus on models manufactured 1997 or later - the year airbags were required in all cars. Other important safety features include side airbags, anti-lock brakes and roll stability control.
- Know the Score: Whether shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle, always check the crash-test scores (rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Click here to access crash-test scores.
- Ask for a Rate Quote: Before you go car shopping, inquire about car insurance for your teen. Find out how much it will cost to insure your teen in his or her new car. Rates can often vary by hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Paschall Insurance Group offers some of the lowest rates available for families with teen drivers.
Following these tips will help reduce the risks often associated with teen driving as well as lessen parents anxieties.
