If you have a teenager and you are thinking of adding them to your auto insurance policy, start preparing your budget for a premium increase. According to statistics, adding a teen to your insurance can increase your rates by up to 90%.
This is because teenagers are new drivers with no driving history and, thus, insurance companies view them as high-risk drivers. For instance, teen drivers between the ages of 15 to 19 are four times more likely to crash than older drivers.
Unfortunately, even if your teen has a clean driving record, they will face high car insurance rates due to their lack of driving experience. However, you can still save money on your teen’s auto insurance.
Here are three tips that can help you reduce your teen’s auto insurance.
1. Compare insurance companies
The best way to find cheap auto insurance for your teenager is to compare quotes from different providers. However, when comparing insurance quotes, don’t go for the lowest price simply because it’s cheap.
Instead, compare the policies and the coverage each company provides before choosing one that best suits your teenager’s needs. The goal is to find cheap auto insurance with the best coverage.
2. Don’t put teens on their policy
Purchasing auto insurance solely for your teenager is very expensive. For instance, the average annual rate for a teen’s policy is $2,267 compared to a cost increase of $621 when you add them to your insurance policy. Therefore, you’ll be paying 365% more by placing your teenager on their insurance policy.
3. Ask for discounts
When shopping around for teen auto insurance, ask your potential provider if they provide discounts such as:
• Good student discount: when your teen has a good grade point in school
• Driver training discounts: when your teenager takes certain driver-training classes
Additionally, purchasing a car with safety features, such as anti-theft and anti-lock, can lower your premium rates.
Need auto insurance?
EZ Insurance is a local insurance company providing cheap auto insurance, home insurance, and commercial insurance to clients in Austin, Texas. Contact us today to get the best auto insurance quotes for your teenager.
Shopping for car insurance online can be overwhelming since the market is saturated with endless options. However, getting the right policy for your vehicle is vital in ensuring you get adequate compensation in case of an accident.
Additionally, choosing the right insurance company can ensure you get affordable premium rates and the best coverage your money can buy. Therefore, before purchasing your auto insurance policy, try and compare car insurance quotes from different providers. This ensures you find a policy that fits your budget and needs.
What is an auto insurance quote?
This is a rough estimate of the price of your auto insurance policy from your provider, based on the personal information you provide. Some of the data that determines your insurance quote includes your:
• Driving history
• Where you reside
• Car
• Age
Each insurance company has its formula for calculating your auto insurance quote. Therefore, even if you provide the same information to three different providers, the quote won’t be the same. However, it’s advisable to get as many auto insurance quotes as you can, as this increases your chances of getting cheap auto insurance.
What information do you need to get an auto insurance quote?
The following information goes into determining your final premium:
• Primary data such as your name, occupation, birth date and address
• Driver license information for anyone on the policy
• Vehicle information, e.g., whether you lease or own your car, and car identification number
• Driving history for all individuals in your policy, including accidents and tickets. It’s essential to be upfront with this information as your provider will check your driving history before issuing your policy
• The amount of coverage you need
Choosing the right coverage for your insurance quote
How much coverage you need for your vehicle depends on your personal needs. Unfortunately, buying full coverage can be expensive. Hence, perform your due diligence to determine if you need and can afford either liability, collision, or comprehensive coverage. You can get a combination of two or one if that’s what you need at the moment.
Need car insurance quote?
Contact EZ Insurance today to get an instant auto insurance quote.
If you’re a business owner with a fleet of vehicles, you’ll need to make sure that they’re insured. However, your personal car insurance policy might not cover them, which means that you’ll need commercial auto insurance. Here’s what you need to know about these policies:
What does commercial vehicle insurance cover?
Commercial vehicle insurance will cover damage that’s caused by an accident or natural disaster, which will protect your company’s bottom line. Not only that, but it can also help to ensure that you’ll be able to get your company’s vehicles repaired or replaced quickly.
If you don’t have commercial vehicle insurance, damage to your vehicle(s) that are used for business purposes might not be covered by your personal car insurance policy, which could lead to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. Severe damage to uninsured company vehicles could even put you out of business.
Texas drivers have to be insured
If you do not have an insurance policy for your personal vehicle or one that you use for your business, you could face serious consequences. In fact, driving an uninsured vehicle in Texas can result in serious fines, which could be highly damaging to your company’s bottom line.
What types of commercial vehicle insurance are there?
There are commercial vehicle insurance plans that are designed to cover contractors, towing, for-hire transportation, for-hire specialty services, and business auto coverage. Some commercial vehicle insurance plans offer all five types of coverage, which is perfect for many business owners who offer multiple services.
How much will it cost?
Your commercial auto insurance rates will depend on the type of business that you own, where you’re located, and how much you tend to drive. However, the fact that you usually will need to insure multiple vehicles makes it somewhat more expensive than personal auto insurance policies.
We offer commercial auto insurance that’s designed for Texas residents
We’re based out of Austin, Texas and offer commercial insurance that can protect the assets of business owners, including their vehicles! So, give us a call today if you’re interested in a commercial auto insurance plan from EZ Insurance!
A car insurance claim is a request made to your insurance provider for compensation after an accident. Your insurance claim not only covers the damages sustained during an accident but also represents you when you are liable for damages (at-fault accidents).
However, each time you file for a claim, you have to pay a deductible out-of-pocket before your provider covers your expenses. Therefore, you may have a damaged side mirror that is worth $300 when your deductible is $250.
Moreover, while there is no limit as to how many auto insurance claims you can make in a year, the more you file, the higher the chances your premiums will go up. Besides, some providers penalize you when you make too many claims in a year.
Here are some dos and don’ts that can help you file auto insurance claims correctly.
Do
1. Inform your agent
As soon as an accident takes place, call your insurance provider and inform them of the damages caused. Failure to do this on time can result in denial of your claim. Some of the questions your agent will ask you include;
• Was anyone hurt?
• Where is your vehicle located?
• Is your car damaged?
• What happened in the accident?
2. Get contact information of other people involved in the accident
It’s vital to get the name, address, insurance provider, and telephone number of the parties involved in an accident. This way, you can reach them in case your insurance provider needs their information.
3. Take pictures
Taking photos of the accident scene can help in supporting your claim to your insurance provider.
Don’t
1. Admit fault
It’s common to be in shock and confused after an accident. Therefore, avoid admitting you’re at fault immediately, until you know what exactly happened.
2. Negotiate with the person that caused the accident
If an accident wasn’t your fault, avoid negotiating with the person at-fault since they want to get out of the situation as painlessly as possible. Instead, submit your claim to the individual’s insurance company.
Hire us
Contact EZ Insurance today for more information about filing auto insurance claims.
Auto insurance in Austin, Texas, can get expensive when you are a senior citizen. Some insurance providers do not take into account your years of experience as proof of your ability to drive without having multiple accidents every year. These indemnity companies, instead, view older drivers as more of a risk than middle-aged drivers.
You do not have to expect to pay astronomical prices simply because of your age. Use these three tips to get affordable insurance in Texas.
Tip #1: Consider a driving class
Some mature drivers bypass the notion of a driving class because they have been on the road for so long. Your experience as an independent driver, however, is precisely why you should consider a course.
A driving class teaches you about new laws in your state in addition to serving as a refresher about the basic rules of the road. You may have forgotten what a rolling stop looks like because of your many years of driving without formal supervision. A crash course may be just the thing that you need to renew your commitment to safety.
Tip #2: Buy a cheaper car
This tip is not just for individuals over the age of 65. Many drivers purchase the most expensive vehicle that their budgets can afford only to feel overwhelmed when the insurance bill arrives. An economically-friendly car does not cost as much to insure because repairs for damages are considerably less than those of a luxury or sports car. Buying a cheaper vehicle, then, saves you money by default.
Tip #3: Drive less
There is nothing wrong with taking road trips a few times during the year. You should, however, consider making the most of your retirement by driving less. Auto insurance companies reward drivers who take public transportation during the week with cheaper premiums. Make sure that you report your reduced driving habits to your indemnity provider to reap the full benefits of such a lifestyle change.
You have to purchase auto insurance if you plan to operate your vehicle in Austin, Texas. You do not, however, have to pay premium prices for coverage just because you are a senior citizen. Use these tips to get affordable insurance.
Texas is not a no-fault state, which means that who caused an accident plays an important role in determining who pays for the damage. If you were at fault, you will be the party responsible for payment. Luckily, if you’re insured, the insurance company will cover most of it.
How is fault determined?
Insurance adjusters will examine both the site of the accident and the damage to the vehicles. The information that is gained from these observations will allow them to determine who was at fault in most cases. If one of the drivers was committing a traffic violation that led to the accident, they’ll be ruled to be at fault.
Can you admit fault in a car accident?
If you were at fault in an accident, it is possible to admit fault. However, you should not do this unless you are certain that you’ll be ruled at fault by the adjusters otherwise. In most cases, it’s best to avoid admitting fault because you might not know about all of the factors that led to the crash.
What happens if you were at fault?
If you are at fault, your insurance company will pay for much of the damage, but you’ll be responsible for your deductible if you have one. In addition, the accident will impact your future car insurance rates, and the specific increase in your rate will depend on the severity of the accident and the circumstances of the crash.
What happens if the other driver was at fault?
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, your insurance policy will not be responsible for covering damage to the other driver’s vehicle or their medical bills. In addition, the accident will not be likely to result in a significant increase in your auto insurance premium.
We’ll cover expenses that are associated with an accident
As a Texas auto insurance agency, we are familiar with the unique needs of people who reside in the state, Furthermore, you can get a quote quickly by filling out the contact form on our website or giving us a call!
You know that your bad credit prevents you from getting the best rates when it comes to auto loans and other advances. Did you also know that poor credit history affects auto insurance as well? Your ability to pay your bills on time comes with more benefits than you think.
Why it is important to maintain good financial credibility
The average American living in Austin, Texas, stays within his means and strives to pay bills in a timely manner. Some consumers, however, do not deem it necessary to maintain such good credibility. These individuals may view dedication to good credit as important only when attempting to purchase a home or car.
There is more to financial health than showing good numbers when you want to buy a new house or car, though. Auto insurance providers consider your track record on paying bills when determining how much to charge in monthly premium fees. It is not uncommon for those with low credit scores to pay more for the same coverage that individuals with better credibility get for a fraction of the price.
What does it mean to have “good” credit?
Financial credibility is affected by multiple factors such as the length of your accounts and spending frequency. It is possible to have better credit with fewer revolving accounts than the person who has multiple credit cards with high balances.
Those looking for cheap auto insurance in Austin, Texas, may want to keep their credit scores above 650. Those with credit scores above 700 may save even more money.
Other factors that affect auto insurance
Of course, affordable insurance in Austin, Texas, does not solely depend on a consumer’s financial credibility. Your driving record also has a lot to with how providers rate and charge you for monthly premiums. Those with poor driving records are sometimes viewed as higher risks for accidents. Thus, auto insurance providers may be inclined to charge more for monthly premiums.
Your occupation and marital status also determine how much you pay for car insurance every month. Those with careers that require advanced degrees may find themselves with hidden discounts that individuals without such education cannot obtain.
It is best to speak with an auto insurance agent to determine just how much you can save with a plan.
Shopping for auto insurance can feel a little overwhelming at times – there are so many options to choose from, and it can be difficult to determine which will truly be the best policy for you. The best way to find reliable and affordable insurance is to ask questions. Don’t hesitate to sit down with your insurance agent and have an in-depth conversation about what makes the most sense for you as a customer. Here are some of the best questions to ask when shopping for auto insurance.
What discounts do you offer?
Almost every car insurance company has a list of discounts they offer for things like good driving history, being a student, or having safety features on your car. When shopping around, you should always ask about the different types of discounts that your car insurance company offers. You can leverage these discounts to get a more affordable insurance policy with a reliable company.
What factors are causing my premiums to go up?
If you feel like you keep getting unfairly high quotes for car insurance, it may be worth asking your agent what exactly is causing them. In many cases, these are things you can change. Knowing exactly what factors into the cost of your policy will give you more control when shopping for your insurance.
How will my work and lifestyle affect my insurance?
There are a number of different factors that affect the type of insurance you need and how much it is going to cost. For example, if you use your car for work, you’ll need to make sure that your policy has commercial coverage. If you have kids or other family members that may drive your car, it’s important that they’re included on the policy. Love to go on long road trips? Make sure you have enough coverage for extensive use.
One of the best ways to find a great auto insurance policy is by going through a local direct agency. At EZ Insurance of Austin Texas, our team can give you the personal attention you need to find affordable insurance that fits your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our car insurance policies!
Commercial auto insurance is essential for any business, small or large, that deals with or uses vehicles. It covers vans, trucks, cars, and an entire fleet of vehicles in case of any damage. Many business owners assume their personal auto insurance policy covers any claims made during business operations.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case since personal auto insurance is limited to an individual when it comes to coverage. If you want a policy designed for business entities that can cover personal injuries, collisions, other liabilities, and uninsured motorists, commercial auto insurance is your best option.
Additionally, you can purchase insurance that can cover you in case of damage caused by theft, fire, floods, and hail. Here are some reasons why you should buy commercial auto insurance for your business.
1. Insures employees
Commercial auto insurance provides coverage for both you and your employees. For example, if you have drivers for your business, they are covered under your insurance policy’s terms. If your employees also use their vehicles for business purposes, most commercial auto insurance policies cover them.
However, ensure you consult with your insurance provider to understand the circumstances of coverage for your employees.
2. Compliance
Texas law requires all vehicles on the road to have insurance. Therefore, getting commercial auto insurance for your business ensures it’s compliant with the local and state laws.
3. Specialized coverages
Through commercial auto insurance, your business can get many specialized coverages. Some insurance providers also include these without any extra charges. They include;
• Loan or lease gaps: this gap occurs when a leased car is completely wrecked, and its actual cash value is less than the amount you owe to a bank or rental company
• Physical damage to borrowed or hired vehicles: if you rent a car for your business and it gets damaged, a commercial auto insurance policy protects you financially.
Hire us
Commercial auto insurance ensures your business is financially protected from any unforeseen circumstances when running operations. EZ Insurance offers both cheap auto insurance and commercial auto insurance to vehicle and business owners in Austin, Texas. Contact us today to request a quote.
One of the first steps to take after purchasing your new car is making sure you’re covered by quality auto insurance. If you already have insurance, ensure you renew your policy since you can’t predict what could happen while you are on the road.
However, when it comes to purchasing online auto insurance, you can easily get confused about your car insurance plans. Here are some dos and don’ts that can help you navigate the online insurance buying process.
Dos
1. Fill the proposal form yourself
Ensure you fill this form by yourself and don’t provide any misleading or false information that may affect your premiums in the future. You should also keep a copy of this form for personal records.
2. Check who else is covered?
If you own a family car, chances are you share it with your family members. Always check whether the policy you choose covers other drivers. Some insurance plans don’t cover drivers under the age of 25 who have a bad driving history.
Thus, try asking your online insurance providers for policies that cover such high-risk drivers.
3. Update your policy
Many vehicle owners forgo minor changes in their lifestyle, forgetting they can affect their premium rates. For example, if you get a new job in a low traffic area, it means your chances of getting an accident are lower.
This can save you a lot of money since your insurance rates will be lower. Whether you’re looking for a new online insurance provider or renewing your policy, ensure you update it to get cheap auto insurance.
Don’ts
1. Making false declarations
Making false declarations about the use of your vehicle to get low premium rates can significantly increase your premiums if caught. Your provider may also cancel your plan.
2. Sharing payment details over the phone
Most online insurance companies have security systems in place that protect the buyer when it comes to making payments. Avoid sharing any credit card information with an agent via phone and only go through the payment process on their website.
Hire us
EZ Insurance provides cheap auto insurance for all car owners seeking an affordable option. Contact us today to get quality car insurance.