Texas Prime Insurance Blog

Texas Prime Insurance Bloghttp://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/blog/View Texas Prime Insurance's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.texasprimeinsurance.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:900ddc1d-32d0-4ecc-9079-4d341fad1672urn:uuid:0c9b2357-4eec-4fdf-9bac-d7305ee04db2Texas RV Insurance: Don’t hit the road without it If you bought a tractor trailer, you wouldn’t add it to your car insurance policy. It’s a specialized vehicle and needs special coverages and claims handling. So why do more than half of the RVers surveyed by Progressive Insurance add th...Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:12:32 -0600If you bought a tractor trailer, you wouldn’t add it to your car insurance policy. It’s a specialized vehicle and needs special coverages and claims handling. So why do more than half of the RVers surveyed by Progressive Insurance add their RV to their car insurance policy?   “We don’t know why, but we know why they shouldn’t,” says Cathy Pelfrey, <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/category_clean.aspx?id=MISC50">RV Insurance Texas</a> product manager with Progressive.   For example, what if … … your RV breaks down on a trip? While a lot of car insurance policies offer roadside assistance, many may not include coverage for your RV. Even if your policy covers some roadside expenses, it may not cover them all. For example, it may pay for towing only up to the amount it costs to tow a car. RV tows can cost three times more. That means out-of-pocket expenses you’re responsible for paying.   “Through Progressive Insurance, we can offer specialized roadside assistance for RV’s, says Jesus Olivares, agent at Texas Prime Insurance, an independent insurance agency out of Austin, TX. “a simply blow out on an RV can be very costly.  One of my customer had a blow out that cost $700 and it required special handling.  Progressive Insurance covered this!” … your RV is involved in a crash? Auto insurers typically have someone who normally handles car insurance claims inspect your RV. Specialty RV insurers train claims rep to look for damage and write estimates specific to RVs. They also work with repair facilities in Texas that know how to repair an RV and guarantee the work.   “You really need an expert to handle an RV claim,” says Jesus.  “RV parts and repair is a completely different animal compared to autos.  Also, in an RV policy, you have the option to select replacement cost.  An auto insurance policy typically only offers actual cash value, this can mean a lot of money for an RV owner.” … the stuff in your RV is stolen? You may keep things inside your RV that you never keep in your car like jewelry, laptops and camcorders. Your auto policy won’t pay to replace these items if they’re lost, stolenurn:uuid:ed889d7b-cb1a-469f-98c6-5785ef99128bTips To Ensure Your ATV Is Properly Covered When it comes to your all-terrain vehicle (ATV), it pays to keep your feet on the ground when it comes to insuring it. You may think it’s covered by your home-owners policy, but are you really protected? Your “toy” wasn’t che...Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:25:25 -0600<div class="Section1"> When it comes to your all-terrain vehicle (ATV), it pays to keep your feet on the ground when it comes to insuring it. You may think it’s covered by your home-owners policy, but are you really protected? Your “toy” wasn’t cheap, and lacking the right type of insurance coverage could lead to a sticky financial situation. “Some coverage is provided by your homeowners policy, but it is very limited.  In most cases it will only cover the ATV if it is damaged while in the property.  Also, the homeowners liability insurance will not always extend; especially if the ATV is being used as a motor vehicle on the streets. It get tricky so I highly recommend a motorcycle insurance policy for your ATV.  Its not that expensive at all!” says Jesus Olivares from Texas Prime Insurance a local independent insurance agency out of Austin, TX. “Owners should think of ATVs the same way they think of motorcycles,” said Lucas Ziegler, of Texas Prime Insurance. “You’d never consider getting on a motorcycle without the proper <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/motorcycle/default.aspx">motorcycle insurance in Texas</a>, and you shouldn’t ride an ATV without the right coverage either.” If you’re not sure what to do about your <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/motorcycle/default.aspx">ATV insurance in Texas</a>, here are a few things to consider: Your homeowners policy might not be enough. Most likely, your homeowners policy only covers your ATV if trouble occurs on your property. Anywhere else and you’ll be exposed. Look for an affordable ATV insurance policy that offers coverage no matter where you are. Trail riders should be aware that many states require ATV insurance for vehicles operated on state-owned land. What about theft? ATVs are portable and can be easy targets for thieves. You should consider ATV insurance that provides coverage for things such as theft, fire and vandalism—just like the kind you can get for a motorcycle. Theft, fire and vandalism are covered by Comprehensive coverage, an optional physical damage coverage on a Texas motorcycle insurance policy.   Consider uninsured and underinsured coverage. You never know what can happen in the great outdoors. This relatively inexpensive coverage protects you if another rider causes damage to you and he or she lacks adequate coverage. Keep your rates low. You can do a number of things to save money on your ATV insurance, including maintaining a clean driving record, staying free of claims or choosing a less “sporty” ATV. In addition, most insurers offer a discount if you insure more than one vehicle on your policy, or have more than one policy with the company. This could mean additional savings on your car, motorcycle, boat or RV insurance. “Most insurance companies also offer a multi policy discount.  This discount can mean the ATV insurance policy can pay for itself because you can receive up to a 10% discount on the auto and a 5% discount on the home.  It simply makes economic sense and it makes sense from a protection point of view to have a motorcycle insurance policy for your ATV,” says      For more information about ATV insurance visit the <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">www.TexasPrimeInsurance.com</a> </div> urn:uuid:acd1aa82-e8a5-41ec-a55f-2b8be761c58eEight Tips For Getting Ready For RV Season In Austin Texas If you enjoy roaming the Texas roads with your recreational vehicle (RV), you have lots of company. Millions enjoy that same freedom. Here are some general tips that will help to steer you towards a stress-free season on the road: Clean it up and a...Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:41:17 -0500<div class="Section1"> If you enjoy roaming the Texas roads with your recreational vehicle (RV), you have lots of company. Millions enjoy that same freedom. Here are some general tips that will help to steer you towards a stress-free season on the road: Clean it up and air it out. Open all roof vents and windows and then remove any pest control items you may have placed during winter storage. It is also a good idea to clean or replace air conditioner filters. Check for damage. §  Look for deterioration of seals around doors, roof vents and windows and reseal as necessary. §  Check awnings for damage, mildew and insects. §  Examine the hitch system for wear, loose bolts and cracks. Change the engine oil and spark plugs. Many manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter prior to storage and again in the spring. During storage, oil can separate and cause condensation buildup that may harm the engine. While replacing spark plugs, be sure to set the gaps to the recommended manufacturer’s setting. Inspect the engine. §  Check the battery. §  Check the cooling and fuel systems. §  Drain and flush the entire system of the nontoxic antifreeze you used before placing the RV into storage and replace with the proper coolant. §  Check for cracks in hoses and fan belts and replace if necessary. §  Replace fuel filter, and examine the fuel lines and fittings for cracks and leaks. §  Change the transmission fluid and filter. §  Flush the water system. Inspect the tires. Check for cracks, worn treads and correct tire pressure. Check all lights. Make sure headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are all functioning properly. Prepare for a safe season. After checking all mechanical components, it’s always a good idea to inspect your safety equipment. This means installing new batteries in flashlights and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and restocking the first-aid kit. Check your coverage. After making these routine checks, don’t forget to review your Texas RV insurance policy to make sure it meets your current needs. Texas Prime Insurance has been insuring RVers for years and understands their needs and wants. For more information about specialized RV insurance coverages, visit www.TexasPrimeInsurance.com </div> urn:uuid:34c7baf7-60a4-412f-8be7-7da5582d9ec3Ways To Lower Student Driver Car Insurance Cost In TexasTeens who pass their driving test may feel as if they have finally gained some freedom in life.  However, soon they will realize how expensive this freedom can be.  Due to high student car insurance rates, owning and driving a vehicle can b...Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:58:57 -0500Teens who pass their driving test may feel as if they have finally gained some freedom in life.  However, soon they will realize how expensive this freedom can be.  Due to high student car insurance rates, owning and driving a vehicle can be very expensive for young adults.  Here are some simple yet effective ways to lower the cost of <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/automobile/default.aspx">car insurance in Austin, TX</a> for teens and students.   1. Reduce daily driving mileage.   Consider using free public transportation or a campus bus system to decrease the amount of mileage driven per day.  Car insurance companies consider the amount of time that the student drives the car when quoting insurance rates.  Reducing the annual mileage can also reduce car insurance cost.  Cutting out these unnecessary trips may decrease mileage enough that the student is listed as an occasional driver.   2. Maintain a good credit score.   Before insurance companies quote car insurance rates, they will pull the student's credit score.  A low score on a credit report can result in a higher monthly premium, so it is important to keep a good credit score.  Unfortunately, most students have relatively low credit scores simply because they are not old enough to have adequately developed their credit history.  Therefore, students must be focused on doing things to improve their credit scores like paying all credit card bills on time.   3. Trade cars.   Although driving an SUV or a stylish new hot rod may be cool, it can also significantly raise car insurance rates.  New vehicles with lots of special features and luxuries are more expensive to insure than slightly older, more basic cars.  Students should consider trading in high-liability cars to receive significantly lower car insurance premiums.   4. Get good grades.   Many car insurance companies offer discounts to students who prove to be responsible in the classroom.  In most cases, this means that students must maintain at least a B average or be in the top 20% of their graduating class.  Students must be prepared to prove their GPA or class rank to the insurance company by submitting documents such as official report cards or transcripts.   5. Get added to a family member's policy.   For some students, it is cheaper to be added to their parents' <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">Texas car insurance</a> policy than it is to get a separate policy of their own.  However, it is always best to get several quotes and do some comparison shopping before making a final decision.  Young drivers should obtain quotes from several car insurance companies and compare the cost of getting an individual student car insurance policy with the potentially lower cost of being added to a family member's policy.   The relatively high cost of most student car insurance premiums can be a burden on some students who are just starting out on their own.  Students already have a lot of other bills to pay that consume most of their available income.   However, students who use these tips and keep a clean driving record should be able to enjoy car insurance at a reasonable price.   For more information about student car insurance, please call our local Austin office at 512-454-7799 or visit us online <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a>.urn:uuid:365d5ce0-d39e-4a82-a0c9-b775d8ba8619How to Choose the Right Renters Insurance in AustinRenting a residence is a wise financial decision for many people.  A hefty mortgage is avoided, and the renter is free to pick up and move when the lease expires.  Whatever the reason for renting a home, apartment, or townhouse, renters sho...Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:10:06 -0500Renting a residence is a wise financial decision for many people.  A hefty mortgage is avoided, and the renter is free to pick up and move when the lease expires.  Whatever the reason for renting a home, apartment, or townhouse, renters should insure their belongings with <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/renters/default.aspx">renters insurance in Texas</a> while living in the residence.  Most people assume that the landlord's insurance on the dwelling will also cover the renter's property in the event of a claim.  However, any insurance that the landlord has on the building will only cover the building structure itself, and renters need to insure their personal belongings with a separate policy.  There are many different types of policies, and renters should consider the following points before signing a contract with an insurance company.   1.  Decide between actual cash value and replacement cost.   In the event of a claim, insurance companies will either pay actual cash value or replacement cost.  Actual cash value is the amount of money that the item was worth at the time it was damaged.  This means that the renter may only receive $50 for an older television that was originally purchased for $300.  In contrast, replacement cost is the amount of money that it will cost to replace that item.  People who own a lot of electronics are advised to choose a policy that pays the replacement cost.   2.  Consider liability coverage.   Liability coverage is a good safety net to have if the residence is used to entertain or host.  This covers things like medical and legal costs in the event that someone gets hurt while visiting the home.  Discuss liability coverage with an insurance agent to determine an appropriate amount, because insurance companies will only pay for medical and legal fees up to the liability limit.   3.  Ask about additional living expenses.   In the event that the home is damaged and the renter needs to vacate the premises, a good renters insurance policy will pick up the cost of the additional housing.  Most policies include this coverage, however, it is in the renter's best interest to confirm this before signing a contract.    4.  Asses the need for flood insurance.   Standard renters insurance covers events like fires and frozen pipes, but it does not extend coverage to damage from a flood.  The cost of flood insurance varies depending on where the rented residence is located.  It can either be fairly cheap, or it may cost just as much as the renters insurance premium.  This kind of coverage needs to be purchased separately from the basic policy, so renters should investigate flood maps to evaluate the need for flood insurance.   Regardless of the amount of property that a person or a family owns, it is a wise decision to purchase <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">renters insurance in Austin</a> when renting a home, apartment, or condominium.  Compared to other common bills like car insurance, renters insurance is a relatively low expense that can really help when disaster strikes.  Doing some simple research and gaining a complete understanding of what options are available for renters insurance will help renters choose the best policy for their new home.   Contact Texas Prime Insurance at 512-454-7799 or go to <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a> for additional questions.urn:uuid:1d5d7435-85f5-4666-b09c-fc7a9d86f78dHow to Keep Motorcycle Insurance Costs LowTypically when a person buys a motorcycle, insurance costs are not a high priority.  The average rider is more interested in the freedom a bike provides–the exhilarating liberation of riding on two wheels and having direct control of a mac...Mon, 10 May 2010 17:51:54 -0500Typically when a person buys a motorcycle, insurance costs are not a high priority.  The average rider is more interested in the freedom a bike provides–the exhilarating liberation of riding on two wheels and having direct control of a machine whose power pulses directly beneath them.  Nevertheless, insurance is an important consideration, and many factors dictate its cost.  In fact, a motorcycle can be considerably more expensive to insure than an automobile, depending on such variables as rider’s age, experience, and the specific motorcycle.   As a rule, most states require at least liability insurance for motorcycles with an engine displacement over 50cc.  This takes you out of the category of mopeds–essentially motorized bicycles–into the land of serious machines that run on the streets with major traffic.  If you do not want to pay to play, then stick with a low-power cycle.  Further in your quest to keep costs low, do not scrimp on coverage.  It may be tempting to purchase only liability, required in case you cause a loss to another person.  But what if your bike is stolen or you sustain physical injuries in a high-side fall?  Comprehensive and medical coverages will protect you here.  A good insurance agent will honestly discuss the benefits of the various coverages.    Unfortunately, the first consideration associated with <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/motorcycle/default.aspx">motorcycle insurance</a> is increased risk; that is, the greater mortality rates motorcyclists face than automobile drivers.  As the likelihood of death or profound injury is magnified in a motorcycle crash, insurers charge more for their coverage.  However, those rates change with other factors.    Unfair though it may seem, younger riders pay more for their insurance.  The sad truth is that, although they have quicker reflexes, they often demonstrate poor judgment.  So they make more mistakes, and mistakes equate to accidents.  Without being cavalier, the best solution is to live long enough to earn lower rates.  Obey the traffic code, do not drive recklessly, wear a helmet and other safety gear.  The longer you avoid accidents (usually referred to as “crashes,” as “accident” implies something unavoidable), the lower your rates will be.  Seldom does one see an older driver on a “crotch rocket” popping wheelies on a city street.  Similar driving behaviors, associated with young riders, drive up their insurance costs.   Tied to the rider’s age is the rider’s experience.  Statistically, most severe crashes and motorcycle deaths happen with individuals who have been riding less than six months.  Although you learn the basics of riding quickly, experience increases your chances of longevity.  Past behavior being an indicator of future performance, insurance companies reward a good riding record with lower premiums (a safe driver or accident-free discount) with the expectation that you will continue riding safely.   Another way to lower your premiums is to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s riding courses.  Aside from the inherent value of these courses, most insurance companies give a significant discount to persons who complete the Basic Rider’s Course.   Finally, consider the type of bike you want to ride.  As with automobiles, exotic, sportier bikes carry pricier insurance premiums.  The same applies to larger engines.  Think about your reason for riding before you make your purchase.  If you just want to cruise around the city avenues, a smaller displacement bike will cost less to insure, yet still provide the freedom of motorcycling.   So here’s a checklist for a long, happy career as a biker.  Take the MSF’s riding course and get your motorcycle endorsement.  Make regular inspections of your bike to avoid unpleasant surprises when you are riding.  Strap on your helmet and riding gear.  Fill your tank.  And get adequate insurance.  Although that should be the least of your concerns on a beautiful autumn day on a winding road, if the unexpected happens you will be glad you have it.   To find <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/motorcycle/default.aspx">Motorcycle Insurance in Texas</a> contact Texas Prime Insurance at 512-454-7799 or go to <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a>.urn:uuid:bac23a30-17d6-4ff9-b2c6-adb3d414b8f8Factors Influencing Motorcycle Insurance RatesGetting the best insurance rates for motorcycles is much like getting good insurance rates for any other vehicle. However, motorcycle owners do have some special factors to consider. In all cases, check your state’s minimum requirements.   Gene...Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:25:38 -0500Getting the best <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/motorcycle/default.aspx">insurance rates for motorcycles</a> is much like getting good insurance rates for any other vehicle. However, motorcycle owners do have some special factors to consider. In all cases, check your state’s minimum requirements.   General guidelines for getting the best rates One of the best ways for anyone to get the lowest possible rates for <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/motorcycle/default.aspx">motorcycle insurance in Texas</a> is to keep your credit score in good shape. As insurers see it, if you are careful with your finances, you are probably careful in other areas of your life. If you are careless with your finances, you may be careless in aspects of your life, including how you drive.   Along these same lines, insurers look at your driving record in determining your premium charges. Drivers who are accident free and do not get frequent traffic citations generally enjoy lower premiums on motorcycle insurance.   High performance and luxury motorcycles mean high premiums. Theses bikes cost more to repair or replace following an accident. Exotic motorcycles may also be more tempting to thieves!   If possible, stick with one company for all your insurance coverage. Most companies offer discounts based on total coverage. If you insure your car, house and boat with one company, most likely you are saving money on all your coverage. If you have insurance on a car or home, check with that company to see if you qualify for a lower rate on your motorcycle.   If you are financing your motorcycle, you will have to carry enough insurance to cover the full amount of the loan. If you are paying cash for your motorcycle, you may decide you only need the minimum amount of insurance required by law.   As with other insurance, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Maybe you can comfortably handle a high deductible. However, if a high deductible will strain your budget if you have an accident, you might want to choose a low deductible and buy yourself some peace of mind.   Specific ways to reduce motorcycle insurance rates Taking a motorcycle safe driving class will lower your premiums to some extent. Check out motorcycle clubs for a driving class and get an estimate of how much you will save.   As with all insurance purchases, shop around. Check rates on the Internet and with local agents. Consider your individual financial situation as well. Call <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">Texas Prime Insurance</a> with any questions or concerns at 512-454-7799.   urn:uuid:117c3572-f069-4af9-a797-2345a846cbc3How To Save Money When Buying a New CarOne way to avoid sticker shock or buyer’s remorse when purchasing a new car is to consider expenses you may encounter down the road. For instance, experts say that while most people anticipate the purchase price, taxes and registration fees associat...Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:32:38 -0500One way to avoid sticker shock or buyer’s remorse when purchasing a new car is to consider expenses you may encounter down the road. For instance, experts say that while most people anticipate the purchase price, taxes and registration fees associated with a vehicle, many forget that the insurance they need to protect their vehicle could come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are ways to keep insurance costs down while maintaining the type and amount of coverage a new car typically requires. To help consumers control car costs—from sticker price to insurance premiums—The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies and Texas Prime insurance offers these tips: <ul> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> Decide ahead of time how much money you can spend and what type of vehicle best suits your needs. </div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> Research crash test and acci-dent data. You can see crash test video and analysis from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety online at progressive.com. </div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Check with several dealerships and get firm quotes in writing. Having quotes from several places can help you negotiate your best deal.</div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Shop around for financing. Rates vary between institutions.</div> </li> </ul> Insurance Cost: Before you buy a car, you should check into how much it would cost to insure. Try talking with an independent insurance agent—it may save you some money. Unlike “captive” agents who represent only one company, independent agents and brokers offer products from many different insurance companies. That means more choice and more opportunities for you to find the best coverage and service at the right price. Here are a few questions to ask an independent agent or broker. Can I get any discounts for my car’s safety features? Your auto insurance premium is based in part on the car’s value, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for safety features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. How does this insurance company handle claims? Price isn’t the only factor to consider. It’s a good idea to deal with a company that will be there for you when you need it around the clock. What coverage do I need? Your specific needs may vary by the age of the car, your personal situation and other factors.   Select an agent or broker who takes the time to answer your questions and who can help you find the combination of price, service and coverages that you need. Call Texas Prime insurance at 512-454-7799 or go to <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a>. urn:uuid:60ad1acd-be8e-41a3-8699-3655ca097a10Personal or Commercial Car Insurance? Personal Or Commercial Car Insurance: Which Is Right For You?   If, like many Americans, your family car is also used for purposes that could be considered commercial use, you may want to steer yourself into a chair and look over your insuranc...Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:10:43 -0500<div class="Section1"> Personal Or Commercial Car Insurance: Which Is Right For You?   If, like many Americans, your family car is also used for purposes that could be considered commercial use, you may want to steer yourself into a chair and look over your insurance policy. You’ll need to consider buying a commercial policy or making sure that your existing <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/automobile/default.aspx">personal auto policy</a> covers the vehicle for business use. Whether or not you need a commercial policy depends on how you use your vehicle and what company you have it insured with. Every company has different guidelines and may surcharge for business-use coverage on a personal auto policy. If you’re not sure whether business use is covered on your personal policy, it’s important to call your insurance company or agent. Texas Prime Insurance and Progressive Insurance has put together these four questions you may want to ask: <ul> <li>How do companies determine commercial use? One definition could include “engaging in transporting goods for compensation or a fee,” which includes pizza or newspaper delivery, catering, door-to-door consulting services, landscaping or snowplowing services, logging business, day care/church van services or farm-to-market delivery. People who do these kinds of work should consider purchasing a commercial vehicle policy. </li> <li>Do you need more liability coverage than a personal auto policy provides? Generally, a commercial auto policy offers higher limits of liability, but less or no coverage in areas that are typically not associated with commercial auto risks. </li> Generally, a commercial auto policy offers higher limits of liability, but less or no coverage in areas that are typically not associated with commercial auto risks. <li>Do you need special coverage for situations encountered while conducting business? Commercial auto policies usually offer these coverages, and they’re normally not available with personal auto policies. These include hired and nonowned auto coverage and coverage for towing a trailer for business use. </li> Commercial auto policies usually offer these coverages, and they’re normally not available with personal auto policies. These include hired and nonowned auto coverage and coverage for towing a trailer for business use. <li> Do you need to list any employees as drivers? Commercial auto policies allow you to list anyone that you employ. You don’t have that option with a personal auto policy. In general, you’ll need commercial auto coverage if the vehicle you use is owned by a corporate partnership or driven by employees, or if it’s used to haul tools or equipment weighing more than 500 pounds, make deliveries or heavy enough to require state or federal filings. </li> </ul>   For more information about commercial auto insurance, visit <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a> </div>   Did You Know? If, like many Americans, your family car is also used for purposes that could be considered commercial use, you may want to steer yourself into a chair and look over your insurance policy. For more information about commercial auto insurance, visit progressiveagent.com. urn:uuid:ae894a4f-e32e-48be-9d78-1521a6a7715610 Distractions To Avoid While Driving Like most drivers, you probably live out of your car as you shuttle between work, school and home. Your car is your dressing room, your nightlife on wheels, your restaurant, and at times your quiet space away from it all. People in Austin find thems...Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:36:01 -0600Like most drivers, you probably live out of your car as you shuttle between work, school and home. Your car is your dressing room, your nightlife on wheels, your restaurant, and at times your quiet space away from it all. People in Austin find themselves in traffic for hours, so finding a distraction from the daily hour long drive to get home is easy. But, unfortunately, as many drivers discover each year, driving is a task that requires your undivided attention, especially those young or inexperienced drivers. Fact is, drivers between the ages of 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to be involved in car accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety stats still list car crashes as the leading cause of death for teen drivers and attribute this to driver inexperience and immature behavior (i.e. tailgating, speeding, etc.). Throw multitasking in the mix and you're asking for trouble. The following are driving distractions you may be familiar with and ways you can maintain focus when driving: 1. Cell phone use: Regardless of whether you have a headset, save that phone conversation for later, preferably when you're stopped or, even better, out of the car. Turns out, conversing is a bigger distraction than messing with a phone or headset. But if you just have to take the call, tell the person on the other end that you're on the road and will call them back. 2. Text and go: Texting is one of the best ways to communicate: instant gratification without disturbing others. But typing while you're driving? Horrible idea — you only have two hands, and they're better off on the steering wheel. Save this for when you can safely compose a note. If you can say it in a text, it can wait until you're parked. 3. Playing Radio DJ: There's nothing like driving to your favorite songs. But that split-second you change a CD or switch to a different radio station is just enough time for an accident to occur. To prevent this, invest in a CD changer with your albums of choice at the ready. Program your favorite radio stations into the presets so you don't have to use the "Seek" or "Tune" buttons to scroll through them. If you have an iPod and your car is equipped with an auxiliary input, create a playlist of favorite tunes so you're not scrolling through the menus as you drive. 4. Chatting with friends: Research has shown that young drivers with young passengers tend to have more accidents than those driving alone, Makes sense, since there's nothing like a friend to say something that gets you to take your eyes off the road. And while no one wants to be the car disciplinarian, when you're behind the wheel, it's OK to say, "hush up, I'm driving." 5. Feeling the tunes: We’re all guilty of blasting tunes in the car to accompany singing and super-cool chair-dancing moves. Unfortunately, car karaoke can put you in danger since you can’t hear the horns of other motorists or emergency vehicle siren. Instead, save that earth-pounding bass for your home. Enjoy your in-car tunes at a reasonable level since you need to hear, as well as see while driving. 6. Drive-thru take out: Sometimes you have limited time to enjoy a meal so it's another visit to the drive-thru. But instead of juggling your soda with your fries with your burger, wait until you're parked before you chow down. It's hard to give the road the attention it needs when you're focused on eating. 7. Fidgeting with the knobs: It's only natural to tune-in your situation while on the road, but spend too much time messing with various car controls could be dangerous. If you want to turn down the thermostat, turn on cruise control or hit the re-circulating button while behind the wheel? Also, memorize your control center beforehand so that you can program functions without intently staring at the dash. 8. Primping on the road: You may think you're saving time by putting on makeup or brushing your hair while you drive. But what you could be doing is setting yourself up for a costly lesson in distracted driving. All it takes is a split second while you look in the mirror for a wreck to happen. Simply wait until you get to your destination before you make those final, awe-inspiring appearance adjustments. 9. Road rage: Sometimes a long drive seems to be the right thing to ease your nerves. Actually, it could be the worst thing to do when you're angry. Driving angry is like driving intoxicated. Your judgment is off, you're probably amped up and don't realize your speeding. To prevent an ugly situation, stay away from anything with wheels until are calmed down. 10. Lost in the directions: Reading maps or printed directions with one hand on the wheel is risky business. Instead, map out your location and get an idea of where you're heading before you get in your car. Map sites like <a href="http://maps.google.com/" target="new">Google Maps</a> and MapQuest make getting lost a thing of the past by giving you turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Or, buy a GPS device which gives you verbal commands, reducing your need to view a map or diagram. Find the most affordable auto insurance in Austin, TX. Contact your local agent, Texas Prime Insurance. We provide auto insurance, home insurance, and commercial insurance. We can be reached at 512-454-7799. urn:uuid:d427adc4-93e2-461f-ab6a-ba3b34690829Should You Keep Your Boat Insurance Afloat In The Off Season?Summer is over, and you’ve taken your boat out of the water. To save a few dollars, you cancel your boat insurance. After all, what could possibly happen to your baby while it's hibernating? A lot, according to Texas Prime Insurance.   “You'd b...Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:11:44 -0600Summer is over, and you’ve taken your boat out of the water. To save a few dollars, you cancel your boat insurance. After all, what could possibly happen to your baby while it's hibernating? A lot, according to Texas Prime Insurance.   “You'd be shocked at the number of claims filed in colder months," says Lucas of Texas Prime Insurance. "Nearly two out of every 10 boat claims filed in the Austin area happen between Labor Day and Memorial Day."   Don’t take a gamble on nothing bad happening. Common off-season claims include: Fire, theft, vandalism and flooding Most claims are filed for one of these reasons, which can occur anytime of year. Without coverage, boats damaged by fire, theft, vandalism or flooding aren’t protected. Injuries that occur on or around your boat Some boaters don’t realize they could be responsible for injuries that occur on or around their boat — even if the injured person was there illegally. Without liability coverage, you could be responsible for the damages or the injured person’s medical bills.   Keeping your policy all year round might also save you a few bucks.   For example, Progressive's disappearing deductibles reduce your Comprehensive and Collision deductible 25 percent for every claim-free policy period. Four policy periods in a row without a claim equals a $0 deductible. Canceling your policy could mean paying more or the entire deductible, generally $500 or $1,000.   Check your policy and consult with your independent insurance agent before making any decisions.   To learn more, visit www.texasprimeinsurance.com. urn:uuid:48f934f1-3a70-4d02-9d93-098d39267cf1Insurance for ATVs When it comes to your all-terrain vehicle (ATV), it pays to keep your feet on the ground when it comes to insuring it. You may think it’s covered by your homeowners policy, but are you really protected? Your “toy” wasn’t cheap, and lacking the right...Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:47:40 -0600<div class="Section1"> When it comes to your all-terrain vehicle (ATV), it pays to keep your feet on the ground when it comes to insuring it. You may think it’s covered by your homeowners policy, but are you really protected? Your “toy” wasn’t cheap, and lacking the right type of insurance coverage could lead to a sticky financial situation. “Owners should think of ATVs the same way they think of motorcycles,” said Lucas Ziegler, product manager, Texas Prime Insurance. “You’d never consider getting on a motorcycle without the proper insurance, and you shouldn’t ride an ATV without the right coverage either.” If you’re not sure what to do about your ATV insurance needs, here are a few things to consider: Your homeowners policy might not be enough. Most likely, your homeowners policy only covers your ATV if trouble occurs on your property. Anywhere else and you’ll be exposed. Look for an affordable ATV insurance policy that offers coverage no matter where you are. Trail riders should be aware that many states require ATV insurance for vehicles operated on state-owned land. What about theft? ATVs are portable and can be easy targets for thieves. You should consider ATV insurance that provides cover-age for things such as theft, fire and vandalism—just like the kind you can get for a motorcycle. Theft, fire and vandalism are covered by Comprehensive coverage, an optional physical damage coverage. Consider uninsured and underinsured coverage. You never know what can happen in the great outdoors. This relatively inexpensive coverage protects you if another rider causes damage to you and he or she lacks adequate coverage. Keep your rates low. You can do a number of things to save money on your ATV insurance, including maintaining a clean driving record, staying free of claims or choosing a less “sporty” ATV. In addition, most insurers offer a discount if you insure more than one vehicle on your policy, or have more than one policy with the company. This could mean additional savings on your car, motorcycle, boat or RV insurance. For more information about ATV insurance or to get a quote, www.texasprimeinsurance.com. </div> urn:uuid:c8a2f274-a94f-4bdf-bf57-a6f160005432The Most Common Mistakes Made While Traveling In AMistakes happen, especially when you’re somewhere unfamiliar, but the results of a recent survey may still surprise you.   The survey found that among RVers, a spouse is more likely to be accidentally left behind than the dog.   A leading R...Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:41:35 -0600Mistakes happen, especially when you’re somewhere unfamiliar, but the results of a recent survey may still surprise you.   The survey found that among RVers, a spouse is more likely to be accidentally left behind than the dog.   A leading RV insurer surveyed more than 1,000 RVers countrywide to uncover amusing mishaps they’ve experienced while traveling.   The survey found that the most common blunders made while traveling are: •driving away with the steps extended; •backing into something; •misjudging overhead or side clearance space; •not connecting taillights correctly; and •running out of gas.   The survey found that 53 percent of RVers spend a month or more each year traveling the open road, and 42 percent travel more than 500 miles per trip.   Traveling the open road in an RV can be a great adventure, but sometimes it gets a little bumpy. That’s why RVers were also asked about their insurance. When mishaps happen, you want to get back on the road fast—ideally with all of your passengers on board.   Only 28 percent bought a stand-alone insurance policy with specialized RV coverages. In fact, 54 percent simply added their RV to their auto policy, and 14 percent didn’t buy any RV insurance.   Although mishaps can sometimes be funny, they can also lead to costly damages. Simply adding your RV to your auto policy can leave you woefully underprotected. It’s important to know what coverages are available to adequately protect yourself and your vehicle.   “There are huge differences in coverage and services from companies that specialize in RV insurance,” says Lucas, RV product manager at Texas Prime Insurance.   To learn more, visit www.keepaustininsured.com. urn:uuid:98486c1b-22b8-4337-9292-154a0fcd0186Preparing Austin For Icy Roads Its winter time in Austin TX and that means bad weather and icy roads. Unpredictable weather can cause reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions that make it challenging for even the most experienced drivers. Fortunately, there are ways to...Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:45:01 -0600<div class="Section1"> Its winter time in Austin TX and that means bad weather and icy roads. Unpredictable weather can cause reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions that make it challenging for even the most experienced drivers. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself, your passengers and your car.   The following tips can help you stay safe when faced with treacherous roads:   · Assemble a winter emergency kit. At a minimum, it should contain a blanket, boots, shovel, nonperishable food and a flashlight.   · Plan ahead for stopping and turning. “Feather” the brakes when approaching a stop, especially if the road is slick. If turning, accelerate very gently through the turn.   · Don’t make any sudden moves. Keep it slow and steady to maintain control.   · Be cautious when braking in icy conditions. Coast over ice. Brake after reaching bare pavement. And never slam on the brakes. Brake gently in a pulsing fashion.   · Steer into a skid. Remember: Locked wheels lead. If your rear tires are in a skid and “locked,” the rear of your car will start sliding to lead the car down the road. If this happens, steer into the skid, not away, and remember, don’t brake during a skid.   If you follow these tips but still find yourself in a crash, just remember that what you do after an accident can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe and in helping you and your insurance company work through a claim. </div> <div class="Section2">   Remember to follow these tips from the experts at Texas Prime Insurance if you get into an accident in Austin or while traveling:   · Stay calm. Stay at the scene but move off the roadway. Warn oncoming traffic by activating your hazard warning lights and/or setting flares.   · Call the police.   · Contact your insurance company to file a claim. The earlier your insurance company knows about the accident, the earlier it can get to work to resolve it.   · Do not admit fault. Only discuss the accident with the police and your claims representative.   · Exchange information with the other driver(s). And remember to get contact information for any witnesses.   To learn more, go to www.keepaustininsured.com. </div> urn:uuid:0bd437ba-e8f9-458f-bd7e-4c0c87241ef4The Benefit of Homeowership in Your Car InsuranceAustin Home Insurance - I have typically seen homeowners get a better rate on their auto insurance. There are several factors which make this happen. Homeowner Discount: Statistics say home owners tent to be a little more careful when it comes to dr...Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:32:07 -0600<a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/" target="_self" jQuery1258068690515="8">Austin Home Insurance</a> - I have typically seen homeowners get a better rate on their auto insurance. There are several factors which make this happen. Homeowner Discount: Statistics say home owners tent to be a little more careful when it comes to driving. In part this can attributed to the responsibility of owning a home. Multi Policy Discount: Having your home and auto insurance with the same insurance company may get you a discount and save you money. Credit: I have seen credit reports, and have noticed ownership of real estate and having a mortgage positively contribute to your credit score. When can owning a home negatively impact my insurance rate? Zip Code: Insurance companies use many factors to determine your auto insurance rate. Based on your zip code, insurance companies can determine: accidents in the area, hazard for natural disasters (hail, hurricane), theft, traffic, number of vehicles in the area. If the zip code where you live or own your home is considered higher risk, you may notice your auto insurance rate will be higher. Negative Activity on Your Credit: Late payments on your mortgage or a foreclosure will negatively affect your credit which in term may result in higher insurance pricing. For more information regarding <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/" target="_self" jQuery1258068690515="10">homeowners insurance in Austin </a>contact Texas Prime Insurance in Austin at 512-454-7799. urn:uuid:95a69a9b-74ce-45eb-ba81-428cacf8952fDoes Combining Your Home and Auto Insurance Save?Austin, TX Insurance - Very often I hear people say “I have my car insurance, home insurance, and life insurance in a package, therefore I must be getting the best deal.” The reality is that this is not necessarily the case. Insurance companies ...Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:55:23 -0600<a href="http://www.austinautoandhome.com/" class="ApplyClass">Austin, TX Insurance</a> - Very often I hear people say “I have my car insurance, home insurance, and life insurance in a package, therefore I must be getting the best deal.” The reality is that this is not necessarily the case. Insurance companies have convinced consumers in Austin that by bundling all of their insurance products with one company, they will get the best rate. The reality is you may be paying more for having everything combined. Think of it this way; what is the likelihood you will change banks when you have your: credit card, checking and savings account, car loan, mortgage, online banking, etc, probably not, its too much hazel. Insurance companies know consumers are slow at making any kind of drastic change. Insurance companies know the statistics of a customer leaving if per say, they increase the rate on the home insurance, but not the auto insurance and/or increase the auto insurance, but not the home insurance. They use this tactic to increase your rate and have you convinced you are getting the best deal. There are many <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">insurance agents in Austin</a> who can help you shop your rate. I am not saying you should not bundle all your policies together. I am advising not to believe you are getting the best rate because you have it bundled. For more information about insurance coverage, contact Texas Prime Insurane in Austin, TX: 512-454-7799. <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com" target="_blank">Austin Homeowners Insurance</a> urn:uuid:fc42bb3e-fa3c-4cbd-a6f3-7ca53c6627aeCommercial Auto Insurance - When Do I Need ItAustin, TX Insurance - Using the right tool for a job is key to success in any profession. Experts say the same principle applies when selecting an Austin auto insurance policy. Having the right type of policy can help ensure that you, your employees...Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:52:07 -0500Austin, TX Insurance - Using the right tool for a job is key to success in any profession. Experts say the same principle applies when selecting an <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">Austin auto insurance policy</a>. Having the right type of policy can help ensure that you, your employees and your business are all protected in the unfortunate event that one of your vehicles is involved in an accident.   If you’re a business owner and you or your employees use a vehicle for business-related deliveries or to carry certain materials to and from a job site, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy that’s tailored to more closely suit the needs—and risks—of a business vehicle operator.   Here are some questions that can help you determine if you might need a commercial auto policy instead of a personal auto policy, courtesy of Texas Prime Insurance   • Do you need more liability coverage than your personal auto policy provides? Generally, a commercial auto policy provides higher limits of liability, but less or no coverage in areas that are typically not associated with commercial auto risks.   • Do you need special coverage for situations associated with con-ducting business? Commercial auto policies also usually offer certain coverages—such as hired and non-owned auto coverage and coverage for towing a trailer for business use—that are not available with personal auto policies.   • Do you need to list any employees as drivers? You can do this with a commercial auto insurance policy.   • Do you use your vehicle for business purposes? If you use your vehicle for things like pizza or newspaper delivery, catering, door-to-door consulting service, landscaping or snowplowing service, logging business, day care/church retreat van service and/or farm-to-market delivery, you might need a commercial auto policy.   Texas Prime Insurance is an independent insurance agency – trained, licensed insurance professionals who offer personal service and advice. We can help match you with the type of policy that best suits your needs and those of your company.   To learn more about all an independent agency offers, visit <a href="http://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/admin/www.texasprimeinsurance.com%20">www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a> or give us a call. We represent companies like Progressive Insurance, Travelers Insurance, Unitrin Insurance and more!   urn:uuid:4b76fdff-e239-4f1f-95ec-2064aa02caebIs Insurance Needed When Renting a Car?Insurance Austin, TX: Is optional insurance needed when you’re renting a car?   You’re standing at the car rental counter waiting to start your vacation when you’re asked a tricky question. Do you want to buy damage waivers, also known as car ...Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:07:21 -0500Insurance Austin, TX: Is optional insurance needed when you’re renting a car?   You’re standing at the car rental counter waiting to start your vacation when you’re asked a tricky question. Do you want to buy damage waivers, also known as car rental insurance? How will you answer?   “Knowing if you need to buy rental insurance can save you money and give you peace of mind,” says Lucas Ziegler with Texas Prime Insurance. “Optional insurance could nearly double the cost of the rental. Do your homework and know before you leave Austin.” Here are some pointers:   • Review your policy with your Texas Prime Insurance agent. Your agent can evaluate your personal car insurance policy to find out if you are covered in a vacation rental car.   • Check with your credit card company. Some credit cards provide coverage at no charge if you use their card to pay for the rental. However, some restrictions may apply. Be sure to ask for an exact description of what’s covered.   • Take your insurance policy “Declarations Page” with you to the rental counter. You may be asked a question that these papers can answer. If you’re not sure of an answer, you’ll have your agent’s name and phone number readily available.   “Generally, if you have comprehensive, collision and liability coverages on your personal car insurance policy, there’s a good chance you’ll be covered in a rental car,” says Lucas Ziegler. “Check with your agent to be sure. If you are covered, you would be liable only for the deductible on comprehensive and collision coverages, just like your personal vehicle.”   To learn more, speak with one of our <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com" class="ApplyClass" target="_blank">Austin insurance agents</a>. Or visit us online at www.keepaustininsured.com. urn:uuid:f8b466fb-b175-4714-88eb-ecbe1bbc6c57Car Buying Strategies for AustinNew car shopping in Austin can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re a car enthusiast. But others can find the experience stressful and tedious. Either way, there’s a lot to think about. According to a survey of car shoppers, overall purchase price i...Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:51:59 -0500New car shopping in Austin can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re a car enthusiast. But others can find the experience stressful and tedious. Either way, there’s a lot to think about. According to a survey of car shoppers, overall purchase price is the most important factor when shopping for a new car (46 percent), followed by make and model (31 percent).   Safety and performance come in a distant third, tied at seven percent. But whether you’re turned on or turned off by the dizzying array of car choices, trim options, “expert” reviews, incentives and other deals, it definitely pays to approach car buying strategically.   So if you’re in the market for a new vehicle in Austin and you find yourself having trouble keeping a clear head, just keep these strategies, courtesy of Texas Prime Insurance, in mind:   1. Decide how much money you can spend and what type of vehicle best suits your needs. Just looking for the basic transport capability of a small or medium sedan? Or do you need the hauling capacity of a van or SUV? Something practical? Something sporty? Something in between?   2. Research crash tests and accident data available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Purchasing a vehicle with good rating will end up helping you get a <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/default.aspx" class="ApplyClass" target="_blank">better rate in your auto insurance</a>. 3. Shop around for financing. If you can, apply for and get approval for a loan from a bank, credit union or other financier before you even visit the dealership. Being a “cash buyer” gives you an advantage when you do finally meet with the dealership’s financing person.   4. Test drive the car. Try to drive in conditions that will be similar to those under which you’ll drive every day.   5. Check pricing for your desired make and model at two or three dealerships and use that information to help you negotiate the best deal.   6. Get a firm quote, in writing. This should include not only the cost of the car, but any fees and the sales tax.   7. Inspect your new car carefully before driving off the lot. Make sure all the options you’ve ordered are included and that the body and paint are free of scratches or dents.   Finally, it’s important to consider the <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">cost of auto insurance</a>, although it seems that few people realize that what they pay for insurance can add significantly to the vehicle’s total cost. Keep insurance in mind especially if you have a driving record, not the best credit, or if you are in a higher risk age bracket.   Wise car buyers know to shop around for insurance in and find out how costs compare. They also know to visit an independent insurance agency in Austin – like Texas Prime Insurance who knows which insurance companies offer the best deals in Austin. We can check with several companies to find the best combination of coverage and price.   To get an auto insurance quote with Texas Prime Insurance, visit <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.texasprimeinsurance.com </a>or call us at 512.454.7799. urn:uuid:9949c19a-cc14-4228-841c-7fcc7859b5a7Auto Insurance Made Easy for Austin Understanding insurance can often be like trying to learn a foreign language. Many find it confusing and intimidating. Fortunately, there’s help. Here is a quick reference designed to help you understand some of the most common kinds of coverages. ...Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:16:38 -0500<div class="Section1"> Understanding insurance can often be like trying to learn a foreign language. Many find it confusing and intimidating. Fortunately, there’s help. Here is a quick reference designed to help you understand some of the most common kinds of coverages. Liability covers bodily injury and property damage to others (BI/PD). This covers your legal liability, up to the dollar limits you select, for damages caused to others in a covered vehicle accident. In Austin, TX, liability insurance is mandatory. Under BI/PD, your insurance company pays for damages to an injured person and for property damage that you are legally obligated to pay as a result of an accident. If your insurance policy covers you in the event you’re sued after an accident, your insurance company will pay for a lawyer to defend you. Liability limits generally appear as three numbers, for example, 25/50/25 or 100/300/100. The first number refers to the maximum amount, in thousands, that your insurance company is obligated to pay for bodily injury per person. The second number is the maximum that would be paid out for bodily injury per claim and the third number represents the maximum amount your insurance company is obligated to pay for property damage you cause. Collision. When you buy collision coverage, your insurance company pays for damages if your vehicle collides with another vehicle or object. Collision coverage involves a deductible amount you select when you purchase your policy. This amount is what you are required to pay before your insurance company starts picking up the tab. Remember, the deductible amount is the amount you need to pay in the event of a claim.   Comprehensive covers damage caused by events other than a car collision—such as fire, theft, vandalism, hail or flood. It also covers damage caused by your vehicle colliding with an animal. And if your car is stolen, it will cover the cost of a rental, subject to a daily limit. Like collision coverage, a deductible usually applies. Medical Coverage. In Austin, TX Medical Payments coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage are available. While these both work differently, they provide coverage for medical care provided to you as a result of a car accident. Texas Prime Insurance can help you determine the price, coverage and service that best meets your needs. To speak with an <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com" class="ApplyClass">insurance agent in Austin</a>, go to www.texasprimeinsurance.com. </div> urn:uuid:7928d355-ef53-4647-ba9c-7c0e15f24a66Prepare Young Austin Drivers for Winter DrivingMany young drivers will hit the Austin roads this winter season, some for the first time. In fact, there are almost 3 million drivers in Texas and between the ages of 16 and 23. That's why it's important for parents to prepare teenagers and young dri...Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:07:15 -0500Many young drivers will hit the Austin roads this winter season, some for the first time. In fact, there are almost 3 million drivers in Texas and between the ages of 16 and 23. That's why it's important for parents to prepare teenagers and young drivers for the difficult Texas winter months, by making sure their vehicles are properly maintained and they've been given helpful instructions and well-stocked emergency kits. First and foremost, have their vehicles checked thoroughly. Belts, hoses, water pumps, batteries and spark plugs need to be properly maintained. Winter tends to magnify any problems a vehicle might have. One simple routine that helps maintain fuel efficiency and engine performance is spark plug maintenance. Once a thorough under-the-hood inspection is complete, make sure your new Austin Driver checks their tire tread and windshield wipers as well as fluid levels like washer solvent and antifreeze. Many Austin motorists are under the impression that antifreeze is only needed in the warmer season to avoid overheating, but the proper mixture is necessary to avoid engine freeze-ups in frigid temperatures. A recommended concentration of 50% solution protects your vehicle down to –36.8C. Antifreeze can be adjusted to give protection down to –64.4C if it is required. Windshield wipers and washer fluid are also vital. It's a good idea to switch to a winter wiper blade. They are more durable and designed to handle the snow and ice better than a regular blade. If wipers aren't working properly or if there's a lack of fluid in the reservoir, the combination of salt, ice and sleet may reduce the driver's ability to see other vehicles or objects in the road. Use a concentrated washer fluid additive designed specifically for cold weather driving. Unlike many "blue" washer fluids that aren't as effective in extreme cold, this concentrated deicer melts frost and light ice and boosts the freeze protection of your regular washer fluid. It also guards against re-freeze on windshields. Although these preventative maintenance tips do help, they by no means serve as a complete deterrent to potential problems. Prepare for a roadside emergency with a special winter kit that includes: <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;">A cell phone – for calling you in case of emergency </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;">A portable jump starter – in case of a dead battery, they won't be stranded alone in the cold </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;">A flashlight and extra batteries </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;">Emergency flares – so other motorists can see their vehicle </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;">Sand bags – highly recommended for vehicles with rear-wheel drive </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;">A tire inflator and sealer </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;">Warm clothes and blankets </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;">Extra de-icer washer fluid and a spray de-icer </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;">Ice scraper with a snow brush </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;">Tire traction product </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;">Shovel </li> </ul> Even though Austin young people today are always on the go, emphasize the significance of these safety tips. It may change what could be a disastrous situation into a simple inconvenience. For more information regarding how to protect your young driver call Texas Prime Insurance for an <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">Austin Auto Insurance Quote</a>. If you want to get an Auto Insurance quote from <a href="http://www.progressive4texas.com" class="ApplyClass" target="_blank">Progressive Insurance Click Here</a> urn:uuid:a9595ea1-041c-4948-bb32-6a830e9bfae7Auto Insurance and CreditToo often I hear insurance companies advertise how proud they are about not using credit as a rating factor in an auto insurance quote. I then receive a phone call from a customer asking me if I am going to run their credit and confess to me they ju...Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:36:18 -0500Too often I hear insurance companies advertise how proud they are about not using credit as a rating factor in an <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">auto insurance quote</a>. I then receive a phone call from a customer asking me if I am going to run their credit and confess to me they just took a hit on their credit score.   The reality is that credit is a good method to measure risk. Don’t stop reading this if you have less than perfect credit! Don’t Forget, this article is meant to help you understand how credit affects your rating, so don’t get upset with me yet!   Why do insurance companies use credit to determine if I am a good driver? Insurance companies do not determine if you are a good driver based on credit. Insurance companies determine you are more prone to make a claim if you have lower credit. There is a correlation between bad credit and financial instability. Example: If somebody is financially unstable, they are more likely to not perform preventative maintenance on their vehicle such as new tires or new brakes.   Now, most people will probably replace their tires and brakes, but if one out of 1000 in the bad credit category has a tire blow out and they severally injure somebody, the insurance company will loose money.   What is the solution? Most (if not all quality insurers) run credit. Depending on the financial stability of the company, a specific insurer may be more open to accept a customer with lower credit. My recommendation is for you to shop you rate until you find a quality insurer who will not consider your less than perfect credit as high risk. You can do this online or call a <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/glossary.aspx?alpha=C">local independent agent</a> who usually represents more than one company. One of these companies may give you a better price!   Don’t Fall in the trap of cheap advertisement! Please don’t fall in the trap of advertisements, “we don’t run your credit.” With my experience in the insurance world, not running credit usually means the insurance company is selling a limited product, which opens up loop holes for the insurance company to not pay a claim. Companies with a bad reputation and possibly a low rating tend to advertise like this and offer inferior coverage to the people who most need insurance protection (sad news).   Keep in mind, credit is not the only factor in your insurance rate. Folks over 30 (all else constant) can usually get away with an excellent rate although they might have bad credit. It all comes down to responsibility, and we can all admit that over all people over 30 might be more responsible than somebody in their 20’s.   For more information contact your local independent agent<a href="http://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/admin/Keep%20in%20mind,%20credit%20is%20not%20the%20only%20factor%20in%20your%20insurance%20rate.%20%20Usually%20older%20folks%20(upper%2030’s%20and%20above)%20can%20usually%20get%20away%20with%20getting%20an%20excellent%20rate%20although%20it">, Texas Prime Insurance</a> or visit our <a href="http://www.progressive4texas.com/">Progressive Insurance dedicated website</a>. urn:uuid:33c3a371-a4c7-403d-807b-655b0c1db1ffCombining My Homeowners and Auto Insurance Saves? Very often I hear people say “I have my car insurance, home insurance, and life insurance in a package, therefore I must be getting the best deal.” The reality is that this is not necessarily the case.     Insurance companies have convin...Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:27:49 -0500Very often I hear people say “I have my car insurance, home insurance, and life insurance in a package, therefore I must be getting the best deal.” The reality is that this is not necessarily the case.     Insurance companies have convinced consumers that by bundling all of their insurance products with one company, they will get the best rate. The reality is you may be paying more for having everything combined. Think of it this way; what is the likelihood you will change banks when you have your: credit card, checking and savings account, car loan, mortgage, online banking, etc, probably not, its too much hazel. Same with insurance companies know consumers are slow at making any kind of drastic change.     Insurance companies know the statistics of a customer leaving if per say, they increase the rate on the home insurance, but not the auto insurance and/or increase the auto insurance, but not the home insurance. They use this information to increase your rate and have you not even complain because they have lead you to believe, “you get the best rate because everything is bundled”.     On the contrary, if you are a home owner, this means you probably get the best insurance rates in the market because you probably have good credit and there are a few other insurance discounts and benefits that come with being a home owner. I do caution everyone though, insurance companies rate home insurance heavily on credit. If you do not have excellent credit or if your credit score has recently dropped (like a lot of people in a bad economy), it may be time for you to shop your homeowners rate with a company who does not rate heavily on credit.     So the moral of this article is that in order to get the best rate, you as a consumer may have to work a little harder and have two different companies for your homeowners insurance and car insurance. I recommend you periodically shop your insurance rate just to make sure you are getting a deal, maybe once a year. If you don’t have good credit, I recommend you shop your insurance policy at every renewal since there are companies who will periodically lower their rates for people with bad credit, and you want to make sure you get a good deal.   Feel free to contact me, Jesus R. Olivares, agent at Texas Prime Insurance if you have any questions. I can be reached by phone at 512-454-7799, email <a href="mailto:quote@texasprimeinsurance.com">quote@texasprimeinsurance.com</a> or go to <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a> urn:uuid:90f09700-6c27-4983-ae68-245c20f8d324Vacation and Insurance Claims With so many people on the road during peak vacation months, it may be a good time to brush up on what you should do in the event you’re involved in a crash. Here are some tips from Texas Prime Insurance. Preparedness starts before you leave the d...Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:21:06 -0500<div class=Section1> With so many people on the road during peak vacation months, it may be a good time to brush up on what you should do in the event you’re involved in a crash. </div> Here are some tips from Texas Prime Insurance. Preparedness starts before you leave the driveway: • Put a disposable camera and pen and paper in your glove box. Car insurance claims can be set-tled faster if there’s a good record of what happened. If you can take photographs or collect license plate numbers, or even names and phone numbers of witnesses, these can all help your insurance company establish facts faster. If you’re involved in a crash: • Move your vehicle out of the roadway, if you can. If your car is able to be driven, move it off of the road a safe distance. By getting off the road, you can help to avoid a second collision. • Turn on your flashers or your lights. You want to be certain your vehicle is visible to other drivers. • Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If someone is injured, call 911 immediately. • Call local police to report the crash. • Call your insurance company to report the crash. The earlier your insurance company knows about the crash, the faster it can get to work to resolve your claim.  • Start documenting what happened, if you can. If you’re able to do so safely, take photographs, make notes, ask witnesses for names and phone numbers. If you’re not able to do so safely, stand as far from the roadway— and the crashed cars—as you possibly can. • Exchange only your insurance company name. Don’t discuss the details of your coverage with anyone at the accident scene. • Exchange vital information with the other driver(s). Names, addresses, phone numbers are all useful to your insurance company in settling the claim.  For other tips to keep you safe on the road and keep your insurance rates down or to find an independent agent or contact Texas Prime Insurance at 512-454-7799 or <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com">www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a>.  urn:uuid:7dd22a19-b287-48aa-baab-159c16f56048Shedding Light On Car Insurance Savings It can be easier than you think to put the brakes on high auto insurance rates – an independent insurance agency can help! Independent agents can review your policy and possibly help you find a variety of illuminating ways to save money. Here are som...Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:36:04 -0500It can be easier than you think to put the brakes on high auto insurance rates – an independent insurance agency can help! Independent agents can review your policy and possibly help you find a variety of illuminating ways to save money. Here are some things you may want to consider:  • Ask agents to check several companies’ rates. This is the single most important thing you can do to get the best possible rate—and they can do it for you quickly and easily. The difference between the highest and lowest rate available to you from different companies could vary by hundreds of dollars. • Reduce or drop physical damage coverage on an older car. Depending on your car’s age and where you live, comprehensive and collision coverage may not be worth keeping. We can give you advice on whether it makes sense to reduce or drop this coverage altogether.   • Raise your deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15 to 30 percent. In addition, because the average driver files a collision claim only once every ten years, odds are that over the lifetime of your car, a higher deductible will save you money. We can show you how raising your deductible will lower your premium. • Look for discounts. Many insurance companies reduce premiums for certain driver traits or car features. For example: being a homeowner for more than three years, students with good grades, senior citizens who have taken an approved defensive driving course, people who only drive for pleasure, cars kept in garages, antilock brakes, antitheft devices, air bags, etc. Ask us to check.   • Don’t assume having your car and home insured by the same company is the best option. Because auto insurance rates vary so much from company to company, it may make sense for you to have your car and home insured by separate companies. Let’s talk about it. To learn more about all an independent agency can offer you, contact Jesus R. Olivares with Texas Prime Insurance at 512-454-7799 or visit www.KeepAustinInsured.com.    urn:uuid:36498b9f-b1a8-44cb-a629-576bea1a840aDo You Need A Commercial Auto Insurance Policy?Using the right tool for a job is key to success in any profession. Experts say the same principle applies when selecting an auto insurance policy. Having the right type of policy can help ensure that you, your employees and your business are all pro...Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:54:01 -0500Using the right tool for a job is key to success in any profession. Experts say the same principle applies when selecting an auto insurance policy. Having the right type of policy can help ensure that you, your employees and your business are all protected in the unfortunate event that one of your vehicles is involved in an accident.  If you’re a business owner and you or your employees use a vehicle for business-related deliveries or to carry certain materials to and from a job site, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy that’s tailored to more closely suit the needs—and risks—of a business vehicle operator.  Here are some questions that can help you determine if you might need a commercial auto policy instead of a personal auto policy, courtesy of Texas Prime Insurance:  • Do you need more liability coverage than your personal auto policy provides? Generally, a commercial auto policy provides higher limits of liability, but less or no coverage in areas that are typically not associated with commercial auto risks.  • Do you need special coverage for situations associated with conducting business? Commercial auto policies also usually offer certain coverages—such as hired and non-owned auto coverage and coverage for towing a trailer for business use—that are not available with personal auto policies.  • Do you need to list any employees as drivers? You can do this with a commercial auto insurance policy.  • Do you use your vehicle for business purposes? If you use your vehicle for things like pizza or newspaper delivery, catering, door-to-door consulting service, landscaping or snowplowing service, logging business, day care/church retreat van service and/or farm-to-market delivery, you might need a commercial auto policy.  Texas Prime Insurance is an independent insurance agency – trained, licensed insurance professionals who offer personal service and advice. We can help match you with the type of policy that best suits your needs and those of your company. urn:uuid:af8dc86d-8d51-4a7f-8054-60219fd142faFact vs. Fiction about Your Auto InsuranceLike a teenager eager to try a new video game, playing before reading the rules, many drivers buy insurance without really understanding what they’re buying.  In the rush to feel “covered,” they can skip the details. That can lead to frustration...Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:05:02 -0500Like a teenager eager to try a new video game, playing before reading the rules, many drivers buy insurance without really understanding what they’re buying.  In the rush to feel “covered,” they can skip the details. That can lead to frustration.  Following are five insurance myths heard by some of the more than 13,000 claims people at Progressive, one of the country’s largest auto insurance companies: Myth: I bought “full coverage” so everything’s paid for. Reality: There is no such thing as “full coverage.” In most states, only liability insurance is mandatory. There are a lot of other coverage options out there, so select what you need and can afford based on your personal situation.   Myth: I need three estimates before my wrecked vehicle can be repaired. Reality: Not necessarily. Very few insurers actually require this, although some might. If you decide to use a shop that’s in an insurance company’s “network” of pre-approved shops you may just have to get an estimate from that shop.  Myth: My insurance premium always increases if I’m involved in an accident. Reality: It depends. Your rate can increase, decrease or stay the same. The information about your accident is combined with other information about you, your car and your driving history to determine your rate. Myth: If I lend my car to someone and he/she crashes it, I’m covered. Reality: Not so fast. If you or your friend don’t have optional physical damage coverages, damage to your vehicle generally won’t be covered. Myth: If I buy a new car, my auto insurance company automatically knows; and my new car is covered. Reality: No. Most insurance companies require that you notify them or your agent within a specified number of days. Generally, you have 30 days to add the new vehicle to your policy. “Insurance is tedious,” says Jesus R. Olivares of Texas Prime Insurance. “You are better off contacting your agent so she/he can give you the specifics.” To learn more, contact Texas Prime Insurance at <a href="http://www.keepaustininsured.com/">www.keepaustininsured.com</a> or by phone at 512.454.7799.urn:uuid:df1c6e86-733f-472f-814a-4ec65720f17dAuto Insurance Buying TipsThere are several factors which impact insurance premiums, some of which you can control. Starting with the ones you can't, know that demographics are one. Males pay more than females, and the middle-aged pay less than the young or the old (ages 25 ...Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:36:27 -0500There are several factors which impact insurance premiums, some of which you can control. Starting with the ones you can't, know that demographics are one. Males pay more than females, and the middle-aged pay less than the young or the old (ages 25 and 56 seem to be milestones). If you want to decrease your rates, it certainly helps to move to a better neighborhood (less theft and/or traffic congestion) or get married (only responsible people tie the knot, right?) Now for what you can control. As far as the type of car, dullness pays. The lowest rates go to the most innocuous vehicles – minivans and low/mid-priced <a href="http://www.automotive.com/auto-insurance/73/insurance-tips/auto-insurance-buying-tips.html" target=_blank>sedans</a> – because of what they imply about their drivers: mild personalities make for mild risks. Another element at work is how much damage one vehicle can do to another. Battering ram-like trucks and SUVs do not fare well. These factors mostly impact liability, which in nearly all states, is the mandatory piece of the insurance equation. Consequently, ultra-cheap lightweights like the Kia Rio don't have stellar rates either because they do a mediocre job of protecting the driver. Another major point is the value of the car. This impacts collision coverage, which covers repairs to your car. It also reduces another type of coverage called comprehensive, which basically covers your car in any loss that doesn't involve crashing. Another way to lower comprehensive is to pick a car with a low theft rate. Example: a recent study found the Ford Taurus <a href="http://www.automotive.com/auto-insurance/73/insurance-tips/auto-insurance-buying-tips.html" target=_blank>wagon</a> and Saturn LS at the bottom of the theft list. Don't get tickets. Insurance companies look for any excuse to raise those premiums, of which tickets are the most common and reviled. Remember, this is the industry that gives radar detectors away for free so that cops can take down your speed. It shouldn't be hard to trace the motivation. Don't wreck. As if you needed another reason not to, getting involved in a crash (even ones that aren't officially your fault, in some cases) is the most sure-fire way to inflate your premiums. The label of "high-risk driver" stains your record, typically for about three years. Get a car packed with safety features. Like air bags, traction control, antilock brakes, and stability control. Don't drive excessively. Risk increases with exposure and premiums increase with risk, so if you can, don't drive more miles per year than you have to. Don't get too caught up in this point, though; it's broken down by brackets of every few thousand miles, the impact isn't tremendous, and there isn't always a discount for driving below average. If you have kids, cover them under your policy. Utilize the standard practice of giving discounts for insuring multiple cars on one policy. Try to not make those accident-prone minors the stated primary driver of any car – especially an expensive one. Do your homework. Literally. This can give a much-needed discount for drivers who are stuck with the lowest incomes and the highest rates: students. Maintaining a 3.0 GPA is the common requirement, and maintaining is a must, since applicants will be prompted to send in annual proof of their good study habits. Shop for the best company. Some consumers stay with the same insurance company for life. But, they could be missing out on hundreds of dollars in savings per year. Once you've found an ideal match, try to stick around because loyalty discounts eventually kick in. Pay your bills on-time. It might seem odd, but many companies, insurance premiums vary with credit scores. The belief is that someone irresponsible with money would be irresponsible behind the wheel. This has aroused all sorts of controversy. Take a class. A certified driver training or defensive driving class can lower your rates. Contact Texas Prime Insurance at (512) 454.7799 or go to <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a> for more information.      urn:uuid:752d2e3e-e7fa-467b-8222-78a99505b6dcWays to Save on Car InsuranceIt can be easier than you think to put the brakes on high auto insurance rates – as an independent agency, Texas Prime Insurance can help! We can review your policy and possibly help you find a variety of illuminating ways to save money. Here are som...Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:29:18 -0500It can be easier than you think to put the brakes on high auto insurance rates – as an independent agency, Texas Prime Insurance can help! We can review your policy and possibly help you find a variety of illuminating ways to save money. Here are some things you may want to consider: • Ask us to check several companies’ rates. This is the single most important thing you can do to get the best possible rate—and we can do it for you quickly and easily. The difference between the highest and lowest rate available to you from different companies could vary by hundreds of dollars. • Reduce or drop physical damage coverage on an older car. Depending on your car’s age and where you live, comprehensive and collision coverage may not be worth keeping. We can give you advice on whether it makes sense to reduce or drop this coverage altogether. • Raise your deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15 to 30 percent. In addition, because the average driver files a collision claim only once every ten years, odds are that over the lifetime of your car, a higher deductible will save you money. We can show you how raising your deductible will lower your premium. • Look for discounts. Many insurance companies reduce premiums for certain driver traits or car features. For example: being a homeowner for more than three years, nonsmoker, nondrinker, students with good grades, senior citizens who have taken an approved defensive driving course, people who only drive for pleasure, cars kept in garages, antilock brakes, antitheft devices, air bags, etc. Ask us to check. • Don’t assume having your car and home insured by the same company is the best option. Because auto insurance rates vary so much from company to company, it may make sense for you to have your car and home insured by separate companies. Let’s talk about it. To learn more about all an independent agency can offer you, call Texas Prime Insurance at 512-454-7799 or visit texasprimeinsurance.com.    urn:uuid:18ecc98b-1831-488c-84d6-b2c85e2a9eeeSpecialty Business InsuranceBusiness insurance quotes are a vital step in obtaining the liability coverage that is right for your needs. Whether you have a large business, partnership, or home-based company; business liability insurance is crucial to your survival. Business ins...Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:17:32 -0500Business insurance quotes are a vital step in obtaining the liability coverage that is right for your needs. Whether you have a large business, partnership, or home-based company; business liability insurance is crucial to your survival. Business insurance quotes are usually a means to help owners find a middle ground. That is because the quotes are completely objective, and sometimes an eye-opener to some uninformed entrepreneur. By simply answering questions about your business and its products or services -- you will get a quote that should contain not only the type of coverage that is best for you, but also the amount that you should pay for your premium. By first identifying the type of risks that your establishment faces, this type of quotes will help you and the insurer both, come up with better policy. Since a business may face a wide range of liability related risks, the quote helps tailor the liability coverage offered to your business to your particular risks. For example, Company Y may need contractual liability as a part of their overall liability coverage, whereas, Company Z may require a component for their directors and officers. Under the umbrella of general business liability insurance there can be a number of smaller provisions meant to address your specific needs. Though the particular needs of your establishment will be unique, some of the most common insurance products that can be included within business liability insurance are cyber liability, professional liability, auto liability, and contractual liability. Business liability insurance was created to protect owners from lawsuits or claims in which their establishment causes damage or injury. This protection is created by shifting the financial risk to a third party for a monthly or annual fee. And, with the number of people becoming more and more litigious, the need for this type of liability coverage has sky-rocketed. Let's face it; even frivolous lawsuits cost money to defend. With all of the advantages they provide many business-owners still forget the important step of getting a business insurance quote. But, you can get a free quote online, which allows you to contact a broker through online forms, or phone calls which gets you one step ahead of the game. Business insurance quotes give you power, by giving you options. Yet, you are also equipped with knowledge about the type of liability coverage and additional insurance products that you may need. Good business quotes will show you the potential premium from a number of underwriters -- so you know that you are getting the best coverage possible. And, getting a free business liability quote is often quick and simple. Though you may be tempted to cut corners in order to get the lowest premium, quotes are only effective if there is an accurate presentation of your company's potential liability. In these days of economic upheaval, who wouldn't want to protect their belongings? Getting the right business liability insurance coverage is like staying one step ahead of risk -- it's just plain common sense.urn:uuid:7e8a0bc8-15e3-4ce5-a65a-22a4e28ec534Eight Tips For A Long-Distance Road TripWhether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories w...Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:41:20 -0500Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile. If traveling down the “holiday road” is in your plans, take the time to prepare for your trip. You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips, courtesy of Texas Prime Insurance:  1) Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.  2) Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.  3) Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip.  4) Take precaution with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.  5) Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.  6) Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices.  7) If you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately.  8) Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence. urn:uuid:9efabfb2-2b34-4d67-8664-df1beb52d7acProtecting Your Boats and MotorcyclesBefore you take your motorcycle on the road or put your boat on the water, it may pay to be certain your insurance is ship-shape.  Motorcycles and boats are often significant investments, and the right insurance policy can help protect them. He...Fri, 29 May 2009 16:55:21 -0500Before you take your motorcycle on the road or put your boat on the water, it may pay to be certain your insurance is ship-shape.  Motorcycles and boats are often significant investments, and the right insurance policy can help protect them. Here are a few tips, courtesy of Texas Prime Insurance.  Evaluate your specific needs. Insuring a boat or a motorcycle is different than insuring your car or home. A specialized motorcycle policy, for instance, can provide coverage for custom paint jobs and aftermarket equipment that might not be covered if the bike were just added to a generic auto policy.  Similarly, a specialized boat policy could cover things like the cost to replace lost or damaged fishing gear and costly services such as emergency on-water towing and fuel-spill cleanup. You probably wouldn’t get this coverage by adding a boat to a homeowner’s policy.  Consult with an independent agency – like Texas Prime Insurance. Unlike “captive” agents who represent only one company, independent insurance agents and brokers are licensed insurance professionals who represent several companies. They can offer you a variety of coverages, review and evaluate your policies, suggest new coverage options that meet your changing needs and answer your questions.  “An independent insurance agent or broker can make sure you have the specialized coverage you need to protect your boat or bike,” said Jim Lloyd, of the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies. “Some insurance companies provide only bare-bones protection for your boat or motorcycle by simply adding it onto your existing auto or homeowner’s policy, but independent agents and brokers can review and evaluate your needs to help match you with the company that will provide you with the combination of specialized coverage, service and price that’s best for you.” urn:uuid:b8d720b1-8500-47b7-bcec-77a69c1b9b31Choosing the Right Insurance Company 1) Choose an independent agent. Independent agents represent several insurance companies and do not have a vested interest in selling you a policy from one particular company. The main advantage in having your own agent is that this p...Fri, 15 May 2009 17:34:18 -0500 1) Choose an independent agent. Independent agents represent several insurance companies and do not have a vested interest in selling you a policy from one particular company. The main advantage in having your own agent is that this person has a vested interest in keeping you happy. An independent agent can become familiar with your situation and guide you toward a suitable policy. An independent agent would become aware of less advantageous conditions with one company [and help you move to another]. You can change carriers without changing your agent. 2) Find out which insurers are recommended by body shops. One of the best ways to identify reliable insurers is to contact local body shops that you trust. Body shop managers have a unique perspective to offer, since they regularly interact with insurance adjusters. They know which companies have the smoothest claim processes, which affects how quickly the work can be completed on a damaged vehicle. And they know which companies are pushing aftermarket parts, in lieu of genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, to cut costs. 3) Visit your state's department of insurance web site. Although you may not be familiar with it, your state has a department of insurance. Most departments have web sites, and many publish "consumer complaint ratios" for all of the insurance companies that sell policies in their state. This ratio tells you how many complaints a car insurance company received. The experts recommend that consumers use complaint ratios to screen prospective insurers. If you've done your homework, you should already have a list of car insurance companies with the lowest premium quotes. Now jot down the companies with the lowest (or best) complaint ratios. Then, compare your two lists — the companies that rank best on both lists likely deserve your strongest consideration. 4) Check the J.D. Power Ratings.  J.D. Power and Associates collects data from individual policyholders nationwide and rates them according to coverage options, price, claims handling, satisfaction with company representatives and the overall experience. A quick visit to the J.D. Power Consumer Center will give you a feel for how the major carriers stack up. J.D. Power also publishes an annual survey of major auto insurers. 5) Consider an insurers' financial strength ratings. As a final check, you can take a look at the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings. Both companies publish financial strength ratings for all insurance companies — these "measure" an insurance company's ability to pay out a claim (they have nothing to do with the way a company treats its customers). For the general consumer, looking up these ratings is only a formality, since most of the well-known carriers are going to be a safe bet. But, if you're considering a smaller, unfamiliar insurance carrier, you might consider this research time well spent. Insurance companies often provide this information on their web sites, but if not, you can run a search at the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's sites. The A.M. Best rating is expressed as a letter grade from A++ (the highest) to D. Some companies may be assigned ratings of E (indicating regulatory action regarding the company's solvency), F (in liquidation) and S (suspended). In any case, you should only work with companies that have at B+ rating or higher.urn:uuid:f4852aef-4c3c-4183-bb0b-f62211dc6666SMALL VEHICLE SAFETYNEW CRASH TESTS DEMONSTRATE THE INFLUENCE OF VEHICLE SIZE AND WEIGHT ON SAFETY IN CRASHES. Three front-to-front crash tests, each involving a micro car or minicar into a midsize model from the same manufacturer, show how extra vehicle size and weight...Fri, 01 May 2009 18:55:57 -0500NEW CRASH TESTS DEMONSTRATE THE INFLUENCE OF VEHICLE SIZE AND WEIGHT ON SAFETY IN CRASHES. Three front-to-front crash tests, each involving a micro car or minicar into a midsize model from the same manufacturer, show how extra vehicle size and weight enhance occupant protection in collisions. These Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests are about the physics of car crashes, which dictate that very small cars generally can’t protect people in crashes as well as bigger, heavier models. “There are good reasons people buy minicars,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “They’re more affordable, and they use less gas. But the safety tradeoffs are clear from our new tests. Equally clear are the implications when it comes to fuel economy. If automakers downsize cars so their fleets use less fuel, occupant safety will be compromised. However, there are ways to serve fuel economy and safety at the same time.” The Institute didn’t choose SUVs or pickup trucks, or even large cars, to pair with the micro and minis in the new crash tests. The choice of midsize cars reveals how much influence some extra size and weight can have on crash outcomes. The Institute chose pairs of 2009 models from Daimler, Honda, and Toyota because these automakers have micro and mini models that earn good frontal crashworthiness ratings, based on the Institute’s offset test into a deformable barrier. Researchers rated performance in the 40 mph car-to-car tests, like the front-into-barrier tests, based on measured intrusion into the occupant compartment, forces recorded on the driver dummy, and movement of the dummy during the impact. Laws of physics prevail: The Honda Fit, Smart Fortwo, and Toyota Yaris are good performers in the Institute’s frontal offset barrier test, but all three are poor performers in the frontal collisions with midsize cars. These results reflect the laws of the physical universe, specifically principles related to force and distance. Although the physics of frontal car crashes usually are described in terms of what happens to the vehicles, injuries depend on the forces that act on the occupants, and these forces are affected by two key physical factors. One is the weight of a crashing vehicle, which determines how much its velocity will change during impact. The greater the change, the greater the forces on the people inside and the higher the injury risk. The second factor is vehicle size, specifically the distance from the front of a vehicle to its occupant compartment. The longer this is, the lower the forces on the occupants. Size and weight affect injury likelihood in all kinds of crashes. In a collision involving two vehicles that differ in size and weight, the people in the smaller, lighter vehicle will be at a disadvantage. The bigger, heavier vehicle will push the smaller, lighter one backward during the impact. This means there will be less force on the occupants of the heavier vehicle and more on the people in the lighter vehicle. Greater force means greater risk, so the likelihood of injury goes up in the smaller, lighter vehicle. Crash statistics confirm this. The death rate in 1-3-year-old minicars in multiple vehicle crashes during 2007 was almost twice as high as the rate in very large cars.“Though much safer than they were a few years ago, minicars as a group do a comparatively poor job of protecting people in crashes, simply because they’re smaller and lighter,” Lund says. “In collisions with bigger vehicles, the forces acting on the smaller ones are higher, and there’s less distance from the front of a small car to the occupant compartment to ‘ride down’ the impact. These and other factors increase injury likelihood.” The death rate per million 1-3-year-old minis in single-vehicle crashes during 2007 was 35 compared with 11 per million for very large cars. Even in midsize cars, the death rate in single-vehicle crashes was 17 percent lower than in minicars. The lower death rate is because many objects that vehicles hit aren’t solid, and vehicles that are big and heavy have a better chance of moving or deforming the objects they strike. This dissipates some of the energy of the impact. Some proponents of mini and small cars claim they’re as safe as bigger, heavier cars. But the claims don’t hold up. For example, there’s a claim that the addition of safety features to the smallest cars in recent years reduces injury risk, and this is true as far as it goes. Airbags, advanced belts, electronic stability control, and other features are helping. They’ve been added to cars of all sizes, though, so the smallest cars still don’t match the bigger cars in terms of occupant protection. Would hazards be reduced if all passenger vehicles were as small as the smallest ones? This would help in vehicle-to-vehicle crashes, but occupants of smaller cars are at increased risk in all kinds of crashes, not just ones with heavier vehicles. Almost half of all crash deaths in minicars occur in single-vehicle crashes, and these deaths wouldn’t be reduced if all cars became smaller and lighter. In fact, the result would be to afford less occupant protection fleetwide in single-vehicle crashes. Yet another claim is that minicars are easier to maneuver, so their drivers can avoid crashes in the first place. Insurance claims experience says otherwise. The frequency of claims filed for crash damage is higher for mini 4-door cars than for midsize ones. Here’s how the pairs of cars fared in the Institute’s new crash tests: Honda Accord versus Fit: The structure of the Accord held up well in the crash test into the Fit, and all except one measure of injury likelihood recorded on the driver dummy’s head, neck, chest, and both legs were good. In contrast, a number of injury measures on the dummy in the Fit were less than good. Forces on the left lower leg and right upper leg were in the marginal range, while the measure on the right tibia was poor. These indicate a high risk of leg injury in a real-world crash of similar severity. In addition, the dummy’s head struck the steering wheel through the airbag. Intrusion into the Fit’s occupant compartment was extensive. Overall, this minicar’s rating is poor in the front-to-front crash, despite its good crashworthiness rating based on the Institute’s frontal offset test into a deformable barrier. The Accord earns good ratings for performance in both tests. Mercedes C class versus Smart Fortwo: After striking the front of the C class, the Smart went airborne and turned around 450 degrees. This contributed to excessive movement of the dummy during rebound — a dramatic indication of the Smart’s poor performance but not the only one. There was extensive intrusion into the space around the dummy from head to feet. The instrument panel moved up and toward the dummy. The steering wheel was displaced upward. Multiple measures of injury likelihood, including those on the dummy’s head, were poor, as were measures on both legs. “The Smart is the smallest car we tested, so it’s not surprising that its performance looked worse than the Fit’s. Still both fall into the poor category, and it’s hard to distinguish between poor and poorer,” Lund says. “In both the Smart and Fit, occupants would be subject to high injury risk in crashes with heavier cars.” In contrast, the C class held up well, with little to no intrusion into the occupant compartment. Nearly all measures of injury likelihood were in the good range. Toyota Camry versus Yaris: There was far more intrusion into the occupant compartment of the Yaris than the Camry. The minicar’s door was largely torn away. The driver seats in both cars tipped forward, but only in the Yaris did the steering wheel move excessively. Similar contrasts characterize the measures of injury likelihood recorded on the dummies. The heads of both struck the cars’ steering wheels through the airbags, but only the head injury measure on the dummy in the Yaris rated poor. There was extensive force on the neck and right leg plus a deep gash at the right knee of the dummy in the minicar. Like the Smart and Fit, the Yaris earns an overall rating of poor in the car-to-car test. The Camry is acceptable. Fuel economy implications: One reason people buy smaller cars is to conserve fuel. Gasoline prices skyrocketed last year, and there’s no telling what the price at the pump might be next week. Meanwhile, the gears are turning to hike federal fuel economy requirements to address environmental concerns. The conflict is that smaller vehicles use less fuel but do a relatively poor job of protecting people in crashes, so fuel conservation policies have tended to conflict with motor vehicle safety policies. A problem with the current structure of fuel economy standards for cars is that the target of 27.5 miles per gallon is applied to an automaker’s whole fleet, no matter the mix of cars an individual automaker sells. This encourages manufacturers to sell more smaller, lighter cars to offset the fuel consumed by their bigger, heavier models. Sometimes automakers even sell the smaller — and less safe — cars at a loss to ensure compliance with fleetwide requirements. In response, the Obama administration announced it is boosting the fuel economy standard for cars, beginning with 2011 models, and instituting a size-based system to set fuel economy targets like the one already in effect for SUVs, pickups, and vans. This system will mandate lower fuel consumption as cars get smaller and lighter, thus removing the incentive for automakers to downsize their lightest vehicles to comply. It also could mean that technology currently used to enhance horsepower would go instead to reduce gas consumption — a direct safety benefit because less powerful cars have lower crash rates. Another way to conserve fuel, and serve safety at the same time, is to set lower speed limits. Going slower uses less fuel to cover the same distance. The national maximum 55 mph speed limit, enacted in 1974, saved thousands of barrels of fuel per day. It also saved thousands of lives. Highway deaths declined about 20 percent the first year, from 55,511 in 1973 to 46,402 in 1974. The National Research Council estimated that most of the reduction was due to the lower speed limit, and the rest was because of reduced travel. By 1983 the national maximum 55 mph limit still was saving 2,000 to 4,000 lives annually. “Fifty-five was adopted to save fuel, but it turned out to be one of the most dramatic safety successes in motor vehicle history,” Lund  concludes. “The political will to reinstate it probably is lacking, but if policymakers want a win-win approach, lowering the speed limit is it. It saves fuel and lives at the same time.”urn:uuid:2f347303-af5e-4299-be95-6756f148059cThree Easy Steps to Protect Your BusinessA business is only as safe as the tools it uses. One of the best tools a business can use to protect its assets is commercial auto insurance. Understanding insurance can be tricky. One of the first steps toward making an informed decision is to under...Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:59:14 -0500A business is only as safe as the tools it uses. One of the best tools a business can use to protect its assets is commercial auto insurance. Understanding insurance can be tricky. One of the first steps toward making an informed decision is to understand coverage and service options. Here are three easy steps to help figure out your commercial auto insurance needs: 1. Choose an insurer with the right combination of price and service. Insurance isn't just about price. It's about service, too. How are claims handled? How long will it take to get your vehicle back on the road? Can you get questions answered outside of business hours or online? Know the answers to these questions. Your time is money. 2. Research your policy options. Having the right coverage is important. A standard commercial auto policy generally includes coverage for: •injuries or damage that you cause; •your driver's injuries; •injuries and damages caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers; and •damage to or theft of your vehicle(s). When it comes to damage that you cause, you may be required to purchase certain limits based on who you work for. For instance, if you work for certain home builders, you may be required to carry $1 million in liability limits. Consider how much you are willing to pay out of pocket if your liability in an accident is more than your policy limits. 3. Know how the policy is priced. You can control your insurance costs. To get the best rates, run motor vehicle reports on potential drivers. If you let your insurance lapse, you'll probably pay more for your next policy. Ask about discounts, including paid-in-full and renewal discounts. Just like your customers rely on your professional skills, call a professional independent insurance agent who will be in your corner, researching and recommending the best options. Commercial auto insurance is complicated, but it is vital to protecting your livelihood. For more information about commercial auto insurance, visit http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com urn:uuid:5633d711-50a5-493d-b72f-90187ca8afc1Eight Tips To Gear Up To Motorcycle Season (NAPS)—To steer this riding season in the right direction, you’ll want to make sure your motorcycle—and your motorcycle insurance policy—are in good working order before hitting the open road. While you should always check your owner’s manual for s...Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:09:40 -0500 (NAPS)—To steer this riding season in the right direction, you’ll want to make sure your motorcycle—and your motorcycle insurance policy—are in good working order before hitting the open road. While you should always check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines, here are some general tips for getting ready: 1.       Change the oil and filter. Many manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter before storing a bike for any extended period of time and again when you bring it back out for riding season. Be sure to first start up the motor-cycle to warm the engine and then shut it off before changing the oil and filter. 2.       Check the belt or chain. Make sure it is set to the manufacturer’s recommended tension. And if you have a chain, lubricate it. 3.       Check nuts and bolts. Start off the riding season with a solid bike. Make sure everything is tight. “A well-maintained motorcycle not only assures a fun time, it can save you money by avoiding accidents, which helps to keep your insurance rates down,” says Rick Stern, motorcycle product manager, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies. 4.       Inspect tires. Look for any damage and also make sure each tire is inflated to the correct pres-sure. You’ve only got two tires, so for maximum stability it is very important to avoid under inflation as well as over inflation. 5.       Look for fluid leaks. The easiest way to check for this is to look at the floor under the motor-cycle. Leaking oil or brake, radiator or clutch fluid can cause their own special problems. For example, being low on brake fluid could make it hard to stop your motor-cycle. You don’t want to find that out after you’re already on the road. 6.       Check all lights. Make sure headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are all functioning properly. 7.       Brush up on your riding skills. Find a safe place to practice riding skills such as fast stops, figure eights, U-turns, etc., so you’re ready for the season. You’ll be glad you did. 8.       Update your policy. Per-haps one of the most important things you can do at the start of the season is review your insurance coverage to be certain you, and your bike, are covered. Talk to your local independent insurance agent. Texas Prime Insurance represents many companies and they can help you to understand the cover-ages you need. We can also help you find the combination of price and service that’s right for you. Visit our Web site at <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a> Did You Know? To steer this riding season in the right direction, you’ll want to make sure your motorcycle— and your motorcycle insurance policy—are in good working order before hitting the open road. To find an independent agent, visit <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a>.urn:uuid:72e8fdbb-07f7-4704-99d0-368ae25f617bCar Insurance is a Lot Like MarriageBefore you commit, know what you’re getting into! With more than 3,000 auto insurers in the United States, how do you choose the one that best suits your needs for the best available price? Here are four questions to help guide you through the decisi...Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:01:03 -0500Before you commit, know what you’re getting into! With more than 3,000 auto insurers in the United States, how do you choose the one that best suits your needs for the best available price? Here are four questions to help guide you through the decision process. 1) Will the company be there when I need it? At its heart, an insurance policy is a promise to pay a claim if necessary. The promise, and therefore the policy, is completely worthless if the company is no longer in business when you have a claim. This is why rating agencies and smart insurance buyers pay very close attention to the financial stability of insurance companies. A.M. Best is the most well-known rating agency in the United States focused on insurance companies. Companies rated “A” or better by A.M. Best are considered to have “Excellent” financial stability and are likely to stay in good financial shape. These companies will be around when you need them. Be sure to ask your insurance agent or broker if the company that you are considering is rated “A” or better by A.M. Best. 2) Does the company focus on the kind of insurance I need? It’s easy for companies to get pulled into selling dozens of different kinds of insurance policies. While some companies provide just auto insurance and some just auto and home insurance or business insurance, others insure everything from cars, motorcycles and boats to mobile homes, houses and businesses. Just like heart patients are best served by a heart specialist rather than a general practitioner, insurance consumers are best served by agents and brokers who understand particular types of insurance. Specialty insurance providers can really focus on the needs of their customers and make sure they receive the best possible protection and service. 3) Is the company a leader in its field? Just as it is important to find a company that specializes, it is important to find a company that is a leader. Companies that provide a good value and a good product usually rise to the top in any industry, including insurance. Your insurance agent or broker can tell you if the company you are considering is one of the top five out of the hundreds of carriers that provide the type of insurance you need. A top-tier company is most likely to have the best mix of products, price, service and availability to meet your needs. 4) Is the company trusted by people I trust? The best recommendations come from professionals who know their industry and know their products. In the case of auto insurance, you can count on the advice of your local, independent insurance agent or broker. He or she can evaluate your needs and point you to the companies that fit your budget and requirements. Agents and brokers can tell you which companies are the best when it comes to: ·         Issuing policies accurately ·         Filing documents  ·         Paying claims fairly and promptly Contact your local independent agent, <a href="http://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a>, with additional questions regarding insurance company product availability, A.M Best ratings, and auto insurance rates.urn:uuid:28a50ca4-f5ff-4df4-ba88-802089513779What to do in Case of a Claim Spring is the time for unexpected weather including hail, flood, and tornadoes.  The affects on both your home, auto, and business can be devastating. Now is the time to plan for the unexpected. The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBH...Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:07:48 -0500 Spring is the time for unexpected weather including hail, flood, and tornadoes.  The affects on both your home, auto, and business can be devastating. Now is the time to plan for the unexpected. The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has outlined key steps to help residents and business owners work toward recovery. Protect yourself.  Always be careful when entering a damaged building.  If there is serious structural damage, contact local officials before entering.  Report downed power lines or gas leaks.  Keep electricity turned off if the building has been flooded. Protect your property.  Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage.  This could mean boarding up windows and salvaging undamaged items.  Your insurance company can tell you what they will pay for regarding protection. Report the loss as soon as possible.  Contact your insurance agent or insurer as soon as you can.  Provide a general description of the damage and have your policy number handy if possible.  Write down the adjuster’s name, phone number and work schedule as soon as you have them. Prepare a list.  Keep damaged items or portions of them until the claim adjuster has visited, and consider photographing or videotaping the damage to document your claim.  Prepare a list of damaged or lost items for your adjuster. Keep receipts.  If you need to relocate, keep records and receipts for all additional expenses.  Most insurance policies cover emergency living arrangements. Return claim forms.  After your insurance company has been notified of your claim, it must send you the necessary claim forms within a certain number of days (time period varies by state).  Fill out and return the forms as soon as possible.  If you do not understand the process, be sure to ask questions and write down the explanation. Cleanup.  When starting the cleanup process, be careful, and use protective eyewear and gloves if available. Adjusters may tell business owners to hire a professional cleaning service. Build stronger next time.  When you’re ready to start repairs or rebuild, work with your contractor to make the new structure disaster-resistant.  This information was taken from the IBHS publications “You Can Go Home Again” and “Getting Back to Business.” For more recovery and rebuilding information, visit the IBHS website <a href="http://www.disastersafety.org/">www.disastersafety.org</a>. Go to <a href="https://www.texasprimeinsurance.com/">https://www.texasprimeinsurance.com</a> for more information on insurance plans that will protect for the unexpected spring weather.urn:uuid:def3d103-c81a-4ea0-95e0-3395564f95caHail Damage? Should You Use a Repair Network?Information on Auto Body Repair Networks, and how they can help. When your car is damaged like in the recent hail storm in Central Texas, you want it repaired quickly, expertly and conveniently at the least possible cost to you. Insurers have establi...Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:34:36 -0500Information on Auto Body Repair Networks, and how they can help. When your car is damaged like in the recent hail storm in Central Texas, you want it repaired quickly, expertly and conveniently at the least possible cost to you. Insurers have established auto body repair networks, sometimes called “direct repair networks,” to do just that. These networks represent long-term business relationships that insurers have established with dependable, quality-oriented repair shops. Rather than blindly selecting a repair shop, consumers can select a shop from the network that has a proven record of good customer service and is close to home. Why Consumers Care About Quality Auto Repairs Auto body repair networks offer consumers many benefits, according to The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). The group represents insurers who write more than half of the U.S. auto insurance market. Faster turnaround means lower costs. By reducing the time automobiles are in repair shops, associated costs, such as rental car expenses and job completion time, are also reduced. Networks promote faster supplemental cash. Using pre-selected repair shops may allow for faster supplemental payments for damage found after repairs are started without reauthorization or additional inspections by the insurance company. Networks reduce opportunities for fraud. Controlling fraud helps insurers keep costs low for policyholders. Networks guarantee quality work. Network repair shops, together with insurers, guarantee the repairs for as long as you own or lease the car. Consumers have free choice. Insurers fully explain to customers that they are free to choose any auto body shop they wish. They are not bound to going to a network shop. How Auto Body Repair Networks Became an Industry Issue Opponents to insurer auto body networks, largely independent repair shops, have mounted a public relations and lobbying campaign against them. In many states, these opponents have pushed for legislation restricting or banning insurer use of these networks. Shaping the Issue: Keeping Repair Networks in the Loop The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) believes consumers should have a choice in auto body repair. But PCI supports insurer auto body repair networks because they foster competition in the auto repair industry, which helps control costs. The association also believes insurers should be able to encourage use of network repair facilities through the use of independent and appropriately determined premium discounts or guarantees of workmanship. PCI opposes laws that would restrict insurers’ ability to make recommendations or suggestions to consumers on individual repair facilities or that would impede insurers’ ability to manage the claim repair process on behalf of customers. Contact us if you have recently been affected by the Central Texas Hail Storm.urn:uuid:9848eb87-a7f9-4537-b4d1-2ed57971bf96Teen Drivers and Fatal AccidentsTeen drivers have the highest crash risk per mile traveled of any age group. The problem is worst among 16 year olds, who have the most limited driving experience and an immaturity that often results in risk-taking.  Characteristics of fatal cr...Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:47:36 -0500Teen drivers have the highest crash risk per mile traveled of any age group. The problem is worst among 16 year olds, who have the most limited driving experience and an immaturity that often results in risk-taking.  Characteristics of fatal crashes of 16-year-old drivers include: <ul type=disc> <li>Driver error. Compared with older drivers’ fatal crashes, those of 16 year-olds more often involve driver error. <li>Speeding. Sixteen-year-old drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes in which excessive speed is a factor. <li>Single-vehicle crashes. More of 16 year-olds’ fatal crashes involve only the teen’s vehicle. Typically these are high-speed crashes in which the driver lost control. <li>Passengers. Sixteen year-olds’ fatal crashes are more likely to occur when passengers are riding in the vehicle. This risk increases with the addition of every passenger. <li>Alcohol. Although this is a problem among drivers of all ages, it’s actually less of a problem for 16 year-olds. Typically, about 15 percent of fatally injured 16-year-old drivers have blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08 percent or more, but alcohol becomes more of a problem in later teen years. <li>Night driving. This is a high-risk activity for beginners. Per mile driven, the nighttime fatal crash rate of 16 year-olds is about twice as high at night compared with during the day. <li>Low belt use. Most teenagers who are killed in crashes aren’t using their safety belts.</li></ul> Teenagers perceive a driver’s license as a ticket to freedom. It’s momentous for parents, too. Though they often are aware of 16 year-olds’ high crash risks, they’re relieved not to have to chauffeur their children around anymore. But the price is steep. Crashes are the leading cause of death among American teens, accounting for more than one third of all deaths of 16 to 18 year-olds. An effective way to reduce this toll is to enact graduated licensing, under which driving privileges are phased in to restrict beginners’ initial experience behind the wheel to lower risk situations. The restrictions gradually are lifted, so teenagers are more experienced and mature when they get their full, unrestricted licenses.   The best graduated licensing systems include a learner’s stage that begins at age 16, lasts 6 months, specifies a minimum amount of supervised driving, limits night driving and teen passengers, and sets alcohol tolerance at zero. Graduated licensing laws have reduced teens’ crash rates in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Almost all U.S. states have such laws, but they aren’t all strong. What parents of teenagers can do With or without a strong graduated licensing law, parents can establish effective rules. In particular: Don’t rely solely on driver education. High school driver education may be the most convenient way to learn skills, but it doesn’t produce safer drivers. Poor skills aren’t always to blame. Teenagers’ attitudes and decision-making matter more. Young people tend to rebel, and some teens seek thrills like speeding. Training and education don’t change these tendencies. Peers are influential, but parents have much more influence than typically is credited to them. Know the law. Become familiar with restrictions on young drivers. Enforce the rules. To learn about the law in your state, go to <a href="http://www.iihs.org/laws/state_laws/grad_license.html">www.iihs.org/laws/state_laws/grad_license.html</a>. Restrict night driving. Most young drivers’ nighttime fatal crashes occur from 9 p.m. to midnight, so teens shouldn’t drive much later than 9. The problem isn’t just that such driving requires more skill. Late outings tend to be recreational, and even teens who usually follow the rules can be easily distracted or encouraged to take risks.