4 things you should always ask your auto insurance agent

Most people let the premium rates influence their decision when choosing an auto insurance policy. This is, however, not advisable as it could lead to you being underinsured thus prone to dangers and accidents on the road just to cut costs. At Versatile Insurance Planners serving San Antonio, TX, insurance agents guide you on balancing adequate coverage and an affordable policy for your car.

Things to ask your auto insurance agent

The following are some of the questions you should ask your auto insurance representative.

Is it the ideal coverage?

Depending on the state, your agent will guide you on the suitable coverages for your car. You’ll need minimum liability coverage for any accident-related issues and to cover the legal fee. If need be, your agent should recommend ideal additional coverage plans depending on your personal needs.

What is covered In case of an accident?

You need the right coverage to get all the benefits of auto insurance after an accident. Ask your insurance representative which policy covers what. Ask about optional coverages like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance and if they are necessary for you. 

Am I eligible for discounts?

Ask your auto insurance agent whether you qualify for a multi-policy discount and whether you have options to minimize the premiums. Find out about your premiums and deductibles so that if you ever file for a claim, the out-of-pocket costs will be within your budget.

Do I need an umbrella policy?

Depending on your assets and personal preferences, you may require protection above and beyond your regular policy coverage. Ask your insurance agent for comprehensive coverage, uninsured and underinsured motorist protection, and collision coverage. There is an option for excess liability coverage for people with valuable personal assets.

An insurance agent is an indispensable resource, so ensure you have the best one to help answer some of your questions regarding the policy. Consult Versatile Insurance Planners serving San Antonio, TX for all your auto insurance needs.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options in Texas

The Versatile Insurance Planners in the San Antonio, TX area want people to know all about the auto insurance options that are available in Texas as well as the auto insurance requirements set forth by the state.

In Texas, each driver must have at least an auto liability insurance policy in place that will cover a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage claims if you are involved in an accident that is determined to be your fault.

It is also a great idea to have underinsured and uninsured coverage in place in the event you are involved in a crash that is deemed to be the fault of the other driver and that person either has no insurance at all or very little and cannot cover the damages to your vehicle or the medical bills for you and your passengers for injuries sustained in the crash.

Other Auto Insurance Coverage Options

There are several other types of auto insurance you can choose from, including comprehensive insurance. This type of insurance will pay for any damage to your auto if it is damaged or destroyed a fire, vandalism, or a natural disaster. It will also replace your vehicle if it is stolen. If you have an active loan for your vehicle, your lender or bank may require you to have this type of coverage in place to protect the investment that has been made in your vehicle when they loaned you the money to purchase it.

Collision insurance is another type of coverage you can obtain. This type of coverage will help pay for damages that occur if you are involved in a collision with another vehicle or an object. For example, if you back your vehicle into someone’s garage door and damage it, this type of coverage will help pay for any damage to the garage door as well as the damage to your vehicle.

Call For a Quote Today!

To create the best auto insurance coverage for you and your situation, you should enlist the help of an experienced auto insurance agent to secure your auto insurance policy. The agents at the Versatile Insurance Planners in San Antonio, TX are ready to assist you with all of your auto insurance needs. Call for a quote and appointment today to get your policy started.

4 Auto Insurance Add-ons To Consider

When you buy auto insurance from Versatile Insurance Planners of San Antonio, TX, you hope that it covers every aspect of risks facing your car. Unfortunately, car insurance is broad. As such, it has numerous coverages to consider depending on your situation and budget. For this reason, if you want to boost your auto insurance coverage, here are four add-ons to put your money on. 

Zero depreciation add-on

If your car were involved in an accident today, you would receive compensation less the depreciation factor. This means you have to fork out the depreciation amount from your pocket. However, you can buy zero depreciation coverage to cushion you from depreciation. 

Roadside assistance coverage

Assume your car has broken down far away from home. What would you do? Call friends and relatives? You might do that, but they may not be in a position to help. For these situations, you need roadside assistance coverage to bail you out when your car stalls miles away from home. This coverage provides services like towing, gas delivery, jumpstarting, and other minor repairs.

Engine protect add-on

If you live in an area prone to flooding or waterlogging, this endorsement is suitable for you. While collision or comprehensive coverages may cover your engine against perils like accidents and falling objects, these coverages may not help for calamities like flooding, which fall under consequential loss. And that’s when you need an engine to protect the rider to save the day.

Consumables add-on

Your car uses several consumables, including oils, bolts, pipes, filters, and so on. Unfortunately, these consumables are not covered by the standard auto insurance policy during repairs. Luckily, if you have consumables coverage, your insurance pays for the consumable costs.

Car insurance in San Antonio, TX

Standard car insurance is good, but it’s not enough. That you said, you need to strengthen your car insurance policy with add-ons depending on your situation. If you are in San Antonio, TX and its environs, contact Versatile Insurance Planners for an affordable quote.

Tips When Purchasing Texas Auto Insurance

Purchasing auto insurance can seem overwhelming at first glance. From determining the right amount of coverage to establishing the appropriate auto coverage options to carry, car insurance can be a daunting task even to the best planners. However, here at Versatile Insurance Planners located in San Antonio, it’s our passion to advise car owners on what to look out for when shopping for car insurance to make an informed decision. That said, below are tips to consider when shopping for car insurance in Texas.

Shop for car insurance before going to the dealership

It’s a smart choice to purchase car insurance before heading to the dealership. Otherwise, you may not be able to drive your car away from the lot because auto insurance is mandatory in Texas. But for you to purchase car insurance, you need to arm yourself with the below ahead of time:

  • Have a make and model in mind
  • Understand the auto coverages you need
  • Compare quotes from several insurance companies

While you can still get auto insurance from the dealership, this isn’t the ideal choice if you are looking for affordable car insurance. For instance, if your car is being financed, the lender may only offer car insurance options from one or two companies, limiting your chance to explore various discounts provided out there.

Understand factors affecting your auto insurance premium

This is very crucial when looking to lower your auto insurance premium. While factors out of your control, like your age, gender, occupation, and model of your car, determine the car insurance premium, factors like credit rating and driving record are within your control. As such, you can work towards being a responsible driver to lower your car insurance premium. 

Understand legal requirements

Just like most states, Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. While it’s essential to observe the state’s minimum, your agent should advise on the right amount of coverage you should have for optimal coverage. Again, liability coverage only covers third parties and not you or your car. That said, ask your agent for different auto coverage options to obtain all-around protection.

Where to buy auto insurance in San Antonio, TX

If you are looking for auto insurance, please contact Versatile Insurance Planners. Here, we will introduce you to various auto coverage options and help you chose those that meet your unique needs.

What auto insurance coverage should I have

Auto insurance is a type of insurance that can be tailored to fit the need of the customer. It consists of several different basic parts and additional add ons that make it fit your particular needs. Some insurance is required by the state of Texas to comply and having a trusted insurance agent who makes sure you have the required coverage is important. In San Antonio, TX, Versatile Insurance Planners is your local independent agency. 

You definitely must have the means to pay for any damage to people or property that results from an accident where you are at fault. Most people chose to carry insurance to take care of those requirements. You need to have 30/60/25. The medical coverage for injuries is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage. This is pretty basic and if you have assets you should consider a higher liability limit. 

If you have an old or low-value vehicle, this may be all the coverage you should have. If however, you count on your vehicle to get around or have a loan or lease, you may need to have collision and comprehensive auto insurance. These two types of insurance protect your vehicle. If you have an accident where you are at fault you need to repair your own vehicle. Without collision insurance, you will have to pay for the repair yourself. 

Comprehensive insurance protects you from bad things that happen to your car that are beyond your control like a hail storm, a limb from a tree falling on your car, and other perils listed in your policy. You can choose to add on things like gap converge and roadside service. 

If you live in or near San Antonio, TX Versatile Insurance Planners can help you to make sure you have the auto insurance you need. Give our team a call and make an appointment for a sitdown with us to get a no-obligation quote. 

How can I choose a San Antonio auto insurance policy?

In the San Antonio, TX area, owning a car is a necessity for a lot of people. Without one, getting to work, school or get around town can be very challenging. When you are looking to purchase a car here, you should spend time also considering your auto insurance policy. There are several tips that you can follow that could help you to choose a new auto insurance plan that is best for your situation. 

Consider Coverage Needs

One factor to consider when picking an auto insurance policy is your coverage needs. All people in Texas need to at least get the minimum level of auto liability insurance. Beyond that, those that have taken out a loan or want to protect their investment in their car should also get a full collision and comprehensive insurance policy. This will ensure you are covered if the vehicle is stolen, damaged, or destroyed. 

Consider Deductible Level

When you get auto insurance with a collision and comprehensive policy, you should also consider your deductible level. The deductible is the amount of money that you will need to come out of pocket before a claim is paid. Deductibles can range from $0 to thousands of dollars. While higher deductibles result in lower premiums, you do need to make sure that you have the funds set aside to pay the deductible if you do need to file a claim. 

There are plenty of choices that need to be made when you are looking for a San Antonio, TX area insurance policy. The team at Versatile Insurance Planners can make this process easier for you. When you do call Versatile Insurance Planners you will receive the guidance and support that is needed to choose a policy that meets your needs. 

Is It Time to Update Your Vehicle’s Insurance?

If you’re like most people, you may be renewing your auto insurance automatically without taking the time to review your policy. If you’ve had changes in your lifestyle, however, your old coverage may no longer provide the protection you need. Talk to your Versatile Insurance Planners agent about changes in your personal situation to see if you need to update your auto insurance policy.   

Here are a few examples of when an update may be necessary to maintain the protection you need.

Add a New Driver to Policy

If your teen recently got his license, you’ll want to update your insurance to add him or her to your policy. This way he or she will be fully protected by your coverage in the event of an accident.

Marriage

If you’ve gotten married, you’ll need to update your insurance if you want to add your spouse to your policy. Putting your spouse on your policy could qualify you for a multi-car discount to reduce auto insurance costs.

Move to a New Location

A move to a safer part of town could qualify you for reduced premiums on your auto insurance. If you purchased a home in your new location, you can bundle your home and auto coverage to save even more. If you moved to a new state, we’ll make sure your coverage meets the minimum requirements of your new location and that you have all the protection you need.   

Change of Vehicles

If you purchased a new vehicle in San Antonio, TX, you’ll need to add your new car to your policy. You may even want to increase your coverage to fully protect your new investment. We’ll work with you to determine how much protection you need.

To update your auto insurance in San Antonio, TX, contact Versatile Insurance Planners today.

Is it time to upgrade your auto insurance plan?

Some purchase auto insurance plans in San Antonio, TX and never look back. There are many benefits associated with paying your monthly premium on time. You can, however, benefit from having auto insurance, even more, when you monitor your insurance rates and upgrade as necessary. The agents at Versatile Insurance Planners can help you determine when it is time to update your coverage so that you are fully protected. 

What makes a good insurance policy?

The best auto insurance policies meet the state’s minimum requirements while also protecting your personal finances from detriment in the instance of an accident. Texas is not a “no-fault” state, which means that drivers are expected to take responsibility for damages they cause in an incident. 

At a minimum, drivers should show proof of at least $30,000 per person worth of coverage for bodily injuries ($60,000 per accident). Drivers should also provide proof of property coverage that pays at least $25,000 per accident. 

In addition to the state minimum, San Antonio TX drivers should also consider uninsured motorist protection along with higher policy limits. Choosing higher policy limits raises the monthly premium, but such an amount may prove beneficial if you have an accident that causes substantially more damage than the state’s minimum requirements. 

When is it time to upgrade?

You should consider upgrading your policy if you have purchased a new car. It may be necessary to increase your policy’s limits to accommodate the new purchase. You should also consider an upgrade if you add a teen driver or have recently moved. 

There are times when an upgrade to your policy alone is not enough. It is during these times that you may want to consider going with another provider altogether. The agents at Versatile Insurance Planners can help you find an auto insurance plan that best fits your lifestyle. Call them today if you need to upgrade your indemnity plan. 

Why It’s Time to Review Your Auto Policy

Buying a new car is an exciting event, and it’s likely that when you selected your policy for that new vehicle, you did a thorough review of all of the features and benefits. As time goes on, it’s typical that owners simply renew their current policies without too much of a review. It may have been years since you’ve done a full review of your auto policy, and it may not meet your current needs. Versatile Insurance Planners is here to help the greater San Antonio, TX community with all of their insurance needs. An annual policy review is a great idea for all insurance types!

  • Value of your car — your car has likely decreased in value now that it is older and has more miles. Make sure that you have adequate collision and replacement coverage in the event that it is deemed a total loss.
  • Driving habits — have you changed jobs and now have a shorter commute? Or has something in your life changed and you are now driving your vehicle a lot more? Let’s take a look and make sure your policy protection is consistent with your current driving habits.
  • People using the vehicle — teenage drivers require a different level of insurance coverage than experienced adult drivers. If you have added or dropped a teenage driver, you’ll want to update your policy coverage.

Let the team at Versatile Insurance Planners help you with an auto policy review. It’s important that your San Antonio, TX area car is fully insured with the right type of coverage. Life changes, and it’s easy to overlook the need for an annual policy review. Give us a call today and let us help you make sure your current auto policy provides the appropriate protection.

How Much Car Insurance Do You Really Need?

If you want to protect yourself, you need to know the basics of the different types of auto policies. Whether you are driving an old beater or a brand new car, you have considerations to make about which policy will prove the most valuable to you. The primary categories of car insurance are basic, extended, and premium. Versatile Insurance Planners of San Antonio, TX will examine all of your options and answer any questions that you may have about the policy that is right for you. 

Basic Auto Insurance Policy

Three basic types of auto insurance include:

  • Collision – This covers any damage that occurs to your car that is your fault. Sometimes you may be driving an old beater and decide not to use this coverage and retire the car instead because the deductible may outweigh the actual value of the vehicle.
  • Liability – Doesn’t protect you but protects anyone that you are "at fault" for hitting including property and bodily damage.
  • Comprehensive – Recover damages from theft, fire, or natural disaster.

This is the bare minimum in insurance that most can’t risk not to have. 

Extended Auto Insurance Policies

After you have your basic policy covered, you may decide to add on additional policies. Here are some options:

  • Guaranteed Auto Protect (GAP)
  • Medical Expense Coverage (MedPay)
  • Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Premium Auto Insurance

Sometimes this is called full coverage. If you have a car with a loan, you will be required to have this policy with the bells and whistles included. Here are some things that may be included in this policy.

  • Rental Reimbursement
  • Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Coverage
  • Mechanical Breakdowns
  • Custom Equipment Coverage
  • Roadside Assistance
  • Umbrella Insurance
  • Glass Coverage

Versatile Insurance Planners in San Antonio, TX has You Covered

We will ensure that you don’t spend more money on coverage than you need. We work with several insurance companies so that we can get you precisely the right kind of insurance that you need that is most valuable to you and your lifestyle. To find out more, visit our office or give us a call at  210-858-9860.