Rent a Car with Confidence

January 16th, 2012
Austin Insurance Group Agent

Jennifer Boes-Torabi Agent

January 16,  2012

Approach the rental counter with confidence knowing whether you really need to get the supplemental insurance offered by the rental car company.   Austin Insurance Group offers these tips to help you make a smart decision.

  • Before you leave on your trip, call your agent or insurance company. They’ll give you the details for your policy.   Generally, if you have liability and physical damage coverages, there’s a good chance you don’t need to buy the supplemental coverage.   If you review your policy, you might see a coverage called rental reimbursement listed. Keep in mind that this coverage doesn’t protect you in a rental car; rather, it pays for a rental in case your car needs to be repaired following a claim. 
  • Check with your credit card company. Some credit cards provide free coverage if you use their card to pay for the rental. This coverage applies in many, but not all situations, so be sure to ask for an exact description of what’s covered.
  • If you end up choosing to buy insurance from the rental car company, check to see what’s covered. If personal effects aren’t covered, they’ll likely be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance.
  • You may also want to bring a copy of your insurance declarations page with you as a reference.  If you don’t need supplemental insurance, pass it up and put the money towards your trip.

For more information, talk to your independent agent or broker.  

Brought to you by Austin Insurance Group/Progressive Auto Insurance Group

512-576-5968 – www.aigtexas.com

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Allstate Raising Homeowner Rates Beginning in January

December 18th, 2011

Jennifer Boes, Local Independent Agent

According to  The Dallas Morning News—December 16th, 2011, Allstate Insurance is raising premiums, again, for homeowners coverage in January, with ranging from 3.5 percent to 7 percent under a rate plan filed with the Texas Department of Insurance.

The company’s filing indicated that customers of Allstate Texas Lloyds will see a 5.7 percent statewide, while those insured by Allstate Fire and Casualty face an increase of up to 9.8 percent statewide. …

“At what point is enough enough,” said Alex Winslow of Texas Watch, which closely follows insurance issues in the state. “This is exactly what we expected would happen after the commissioner refused to stand up to State Farm on their rate plan,” he said, referring to recent premium increase by the state’s largest insurer. “Now we have another big insurance carrier coming in for another big rate increase. Consumers shouldn’t be surprised, but we should expect better.” http://www.texaswatch.org/2011/12/allstate-raising-homeowner-rates-beginning-in-january/

Call Austin Insurance Group at 512-339-2901 to compare rates with top rated Texas Insurance companies (including ASI/Progressive home advantage, Mercury, Travelers, Metlife and The Hartford (AARP) or get an instant home insurance quote at http://www.aig.agentinsure.com

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Boat and Personal Watercraft Insurance Coverages

April 18th, 2011

A Progressive boat and personal watercraft insurance (watercraft insurance) policy provides boaters with specialized coverage designed for your boat or personal watercraft. Insurance options range from personal effects replacement to fuel spill coverage, which means you can relax on the water knowing you’re protected.

Tips to Choosing Watercraft Insurance

Watercraft insurance protects several kinds of boats and PWCs, which means watercraft insurance policies can differ based on what you have. Here are a few tips to help you find the right boat or watercraft insurance:

Look beyond your homeowners policy.

Your boat or personal watercraft may be too big or too expensive to be covered through a homeowners policy, which means you may need watercraft insurance to protect it. Progressive accepts boats up to 50 feet long and up to $250,000 in value, as well as personal watercraft up to 15 feet long and $27,000 in value. Even if your boat is eligible for watercraft insurance coverage under your homeowners policy, you still may want specialized coverages that you just can’t get with a standard homeowners policy.

Consider specialized coverages.

Watercraft insurance coverages go beyond the scope of a standard homeowners policy to include Roadside Assistance, which covers towing of your boat or personal watercraft for free, as long as your trailer is covered; On-Water Towing, in case you’re stranded on the water; and Uninsured Boaters coverage. You can also choose Fuel Spill Liability and Wreckage Removal coverage with Progressive watercraft insurance. Without these watercraft insurance coverages, you may end up getting stuck with the bill for cleanups and removals. Personal Effects and Fishing Equipment coverages are also available.

If you travel, make sure your watercraft insurance coverages go with you.

Some insurance companies limit where you can go with your watercraft and still be covered, or they charge you extra if you travel. With Progressive’s watercraft insurance policy, you can follow the sun because you’re covered at no extra charge on all inland lakes, rivers and navigable waterways of the continental United States and Canada, including ocean waters within 50 miles from the coast of the U.S. or Canada.

Think about replacement costs.

Boats and personal watercraft depreciate just like cars do. A homeowners policy will only pay you actual cash value for your boat or personal watercraft, which could make it difficult to replace if it’s destroyed. But with Progressive watercraft insurance, you have that option and more. With Total Loss Replacement, we’ll replace your boat or personal watercraft with a brand new model if the loss is within the first five model years. We also offer Agreed Value coverage no matter how old your boat is.

Look for loyalty rewards.

Consider doing business with a company that values its relationship with you and rewards you for sticking around. At Progressive, at each claim-free renewal, we decrease your deductible by 25 percent. The Disappearing Deductibles feature comes standard at no additional charge on Agreed Value and Total Loss Replacement policies.

Austin Insurance Group - Progressive Authorized Agent

512-339-2901

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Financial Tips for Parents

March 23rd, 2011

“As a parent, you may have more financial concerns than anyone else, because you’re responsible for your children’s needs as well as your own.”

Because you’re responsible for your children’s needs as well as your own, you may worry about making sound financial decisions. By acting on some of the tips below, however, you may feel more confident when it comes to taking charge of your family’s financial future.

Make Sure You Have Adequate  Life Insurance

Life insurance is a necessity for anyone with dependent children. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your children’s financial future will be secure. How much life insurance you need depends on the number and ages of your children, your income level, debt level, and the value of your assets. A good guideline is to buy coverage at six to eight times your annual salary. If you’re interested in replacing lost income or covering your debts, you can choose term life insurance, which is often the most cost-effective form of life insurance. Or, you could purchase cash value life insurance, which can help you save for retirement or your child’s education and also provide a death benefit for your survivors.

You’ll need to choose a beneficiary of your life insurance policy carefully. Naming your children as beneficiaries may create problems if they’re minors. Insurers generally won’t make settlements directly to minors. The probate court handling your estate will require that a guardian be appointed to manage the insurance proceeds and may also require that a trust be set up to receive the proceeds. Talk to your insurance agent and financial advisor to determine your best option.

Buy disability insurance

Disability insurance is critical for a parent. If you’re the sole breadwinner and an illness or injury forces you to stop working, your family may be financially crippled. Even a temporary loss of income due to an auto accident, a fall, or a medical problem can severely affect your family.

Your health insurance may cover your medical bills but won’t make up for your lost income. A disability policy aims to replace some part of your income–usually 50 to 70 percent–when you can’t work. You may already have short- or long-term disability coverage through your employer. If you don’t, look into buying it on your own. It can be expensive, but the protection it offers to your family is invaluable.

Update your estate plan
Having an estate plan and updating it periodically can ensure that your wishes for the future are followed. Among other things, an estate plan can provide financial security for your family, ensure that your property is preserved and passed on to your beneficiaries, and avoid disputes among family members. Even if you don’t have a significant financial estate, you should still have a will that names your beneficiaries and specifies guardians for your children. If your children are minors, you may also want to establish a trust to protect their interests after your death.

Save money on your taxes
Filing as a single or married and separate taxpayer when you actually qualify for head of household status is an expensive mistake you should avoid making. The head of household filing status carries lower tax rates than either the single filing status or the married and separate filing status. This allows you to take advantage of a more generous tax bracket and the larger standard deduction. Other tax rules are also more favorable to you if you can file as head of household.

If you have custody of your children, you may also be able to take the child dependency exemption for each of them, unless you have otherwise agreed to let your child’s noncustodial parent claim it instead. It’s a valuable tax deduction and a necessary prerequisite if you intend to claim other child-related credits that can also help reduce your tax burden, including the child and dependent care credit and the education tax credits (Hope Scholarship credit and Lifetime Learning credit).

Reorganize your finances
Whether you are married, divorced, widowed, or single, you should find an opportunity to review and organize your finances. Good planning can help you avoid financial problems that might otherwise create problems for your family.

  • Get a copy of your credit record and make certain it’s clean
  • Retitle the ownership of all your assets in your name if they were previously held jointly and you are no longer married
  • Update your beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, etc.
  • Contribute as much as possible to your 401(k) and IRA accounts
  • Set aside three to six months worth of living expenses in a savings or money market account for emergency use

Take advantage of alternative work schedules
Balancing a career and a family can be especially difficult when you’re a parent. Find out if your employer offers (or would be willing to offer) alternative work schedules such as flextime and telecommuting. Both options can help you save money on day-care costs and enable you to spend more time with your children. Flextime schedules allow you to work during hours other than the traditional nine-to-five. Your employer usually determines the level of flexibility, but many employers will allow you to set a schedule that fits your particular needs. For example, you might be able to arrive at the office at eight when your children leave for school, and work until three when it’s time to meet them at the bus stop. Telecommuting–either part-time, or more rarely, full-time–allows you to work from home and keep in touch with the office via phone, fax, or computer. In general, you set your own schedule. As long as you work a certain number of hours and get your work done, you can do it whenever you like–a big benefit if your family’s schedule is complicated.

If you have any questions about life insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, or any other type of insurance, please contact our office for assistance. 

We look forward to being of service.

Austin Insurance Group

 Serving Texans since 1994

512-576-5968

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Uninsured Motorist and Texas Laws

February 17th, 2011

Contact Austin Insurance Group for all of your insurance needs - www.aigtexas.com

Local Agent, Friendly Service

 

 The law of the land in Texas requires motorists to have automobile liability insurance, this is the type of insurance that pays for another person’s expenses if you cause an accident. 

In theory, every driver on Texas highways is covered by liability insurance to protect other drivers. 

In reality, some people drive without insurance, or they hit and run, or, even if they have the minimum coverage required by law, it is not enough to cover the damage.

 Texas law gives you the opportunity to buy insurance coverage to protect yourself against both uninsured and underinsured motorists.   This coverage is optional, but your insurer must offer you the opportunity to purchase it, and your refusal to purchase it must be in writing.   This coverage protects you, your family members, passengers in your vehicle, and anybody driving your vehicle with your permission.  It pays your medical and funeral expenses, car repairs, car rental, the replacement of damaged contents, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and permanent or partial disability up to the dollar limits that you have purchased.

You can buy uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in the minimum amount or in a larger amount up to the dollar limits of your liability policy. If you are not sure what choice you made when you were offered the opportunity to buy this coverage, talk to your insurance agent or call Austin Insurance Group 512-339-2901.

Your liability coverage protects you from having to pay damages to someone if you cause an accident.  But it will not pay your expenses resulting from an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Uninsured motorists often have few assets, and you could face significant financial hardship if you do not have this coverage and you are injured by such a driver.

Even if the other driver has liability insurance, it may be only the minimum amount, and this coverage can quickly be exhausted. Medical care is expensive. The replacement cost of even a single vehicle easily can be $30,000 or more.

Your underinsured coverage kicks in to pick up all or part of the difference once the other person’s liability limits are exhausted.

Our recommendation:  Purchase at least the minimum amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist liability coverage and property damage.  If possible, have as much uninsured and underinsured coverage as you have liability coverage. This may be your only protection against uninsured and underinsured motorists. 

Do You Have Enough Coverage?

Get a free quote today!

And make sure that your uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage limits exceed the cost to replace your vehicle.  If your vehicle is valued over $25,000, then you should carry the next level of $50,000, and so on.

If you are unsure about the limits to carry, contact our office today.  We’re here to help make sure you have the coverage you need in the event of an accident. 

Your Local Agent

Austin Insurance Group

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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Critical Coverage or Scam?

February 14th, 2011

There seems to be two schools of thought on uninsured coverage: Either drop it completely, or buy as much as you can afford.

1. Drop It Completely, It’s a scam
This line of thinking states that you don’t need this if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, because

a) Your health insurance will cover your medical bills.
b) Your collision insurance will cover your car damages, although you have to pay your deductible. With uninsured coverage, the deductible in Texas is $250.

There are a couple problems with this theory. First, you need good health insurance that covers you in a car accident. Some actually specifically exclude car crashes where it is someone else’s fault. Also, many people these days have a very high annual deductible, or even just have to pay 20% flat of all medical bills. And what about lost pay and also future wages? That can get pricey.  And what if you had passengers.  If they have no health insurance, they have no coverage.

Also, if you do not have collision coverage, your vehicle damage would not be covered at all.

2. Buy as much as you can afford
This theory basically focuses on the idea that this is where you are buying insurance for yourself and your family, versus liability coverage for others. Now, if you get hurt in an uninsured accident, you don’t have to depend on the guy with no or even the legal minimum $30k of coverage. You have your own $30k, $50k, $100k, $250k, or even $1M of coverage. No need to get your health insurance involved and pay and deductibles. Of course, this means you will be asking your own insurance company for money, and will probably want a lawyer on your side. You want to get everything you can, lost wages, future wages,”pain ansuffering” damages, etc.

And even if you only carry liability insurance and do not carry comprehensive and collision on your own vehicle, you should purchase uninsured motorist property damage to cover damages to your vehicle when hit by someone who has no insurance, or who doesn’t have enough.

It’s all about how much you’re paying and that risk/reward balance… What do you think?

Austin Insurance Group (512) 250-1660

Providing all types of insurance for Texans since 1994.

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Frozen Pipes

February 3rd, 2011

Preventing Freezing Pipes*

Frozen pipes can pose a problem anywhere temperatures hover around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. While the good news is that frozen or burst pipes do not endanger people, the bad news is that the damage to your home or property can be extensive –damaging floors, ceilings, walls, rugs and furnishings. Even a tiny 1/8-inch crack can spill up to 250 gallons of water per day. That’s why it makes sense to take whatever steps possible to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.

Before freezing weather sets in:

  • Review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have adequate protection and appropriate coverages.  One of  our agents can can assist you.
  • Homeowners policies provide coverage for valuables, up to certain limits. For maximum protection, you should have jewelry, furs, silverware, fine arts and other valuables appraised, then scheduled separately to your policy. You’ll get the broadest coverage possible, with no deductible. Ask your Austin Insurance Group agent for more information.
  • Take an inventory of your personal property. Document this inventory with a videotape or photographs. Store the information, and any other important documents, in a safe deposit box. Austin Insurance Group offers a brochure that will guide you room-by-room, through an inventory — call your Austin Insurance Group for a free copy.
  • Make sure adult family members know how to shut off water and call a plumber if needed.
  • Insulate pipes, especially those close to outside walls, in attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest. If you have an outside electrical water pump, don’t forget to insulate it as well.
  • Wrap pipes with heat tape.
  • Seal leaks surrounding or near pipes.
  • Remember to bring garden hoses in and turn off and drain water to outdoor spigots at the cutoff valve.
  • If you have an outdoor pool or spa, check with the manufacturer on how to protect it from freezing.

During a cold spell:

  • Keep heat at 55° F. or higher.
  • Turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night and, if seldom used, during extremely cold days as well.
  • Keep sink cabinet doors open to allow more heat to circulate around pipes underneath, particularly if located near exterior walls.
  • If you need to be away from home, leave the heat on or drain your water system before you go. Ask someone to check your house daily.

If your pipes freeze:

  • Open all faucets.
  • Remove insulation and wrap pipes in rags. If possible, pour hot water over pipes, starting where exposure to the cold is greatest. If that doesn’t thaw them, call your plumber. Don’t try to thaw pipes with an open flame of any kind.

If your pipes burst:

  • Shut off the water immediately to prevent additional damage.
  • Take proper precautions to avoid an electrical shock from being in or near standing water.
  • Call your plumber.
  • Take an inventory of any damaged property or possessions. Do not dispose of any items without the prior approval of your insurance adjuster.
  • In the event of a loss, contact your insurance claims office and a representative will assist you.

Note: Homeowners policies and coverages vary by state. An Austin Insurance Group agent will gladly explain the coverages provided by your policy and any regulations for the state in which you live.

*Source: Institute for Business and Home Safety, http://www.ibhs.org

Austin Insurance Group - 512-339-2900

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Keys to Financial Success

January 26th, 2011

Although making resolutions to improve your financial situation is a good thing to do at any time of year, many people find it easier at the beginning of a new year. Regardless of when you begin, the basics remain the same. Here are my top ten keys to getting ahead financially.

1. Get Paid What You’re Worth and Spend Less Than You Earn

It sounds simplistic, but many people struggle with this first basic rule. Make sure you know what your job is worth in the marketplace, by conducting an evaluation of your skills, productivity, job tasks, contribution to the company, and the going rate, both inside and outside the company, for what you do. Being underpaid even a thousand dollars a year can have a significant cumulative effect over the course of your working life.

No matter how much or how little you’re paid, you’ll never get ahead if you spend more than you earn. Often it’s easier to spend less than it is to earn more, and a little cost-cutting effort in a number of areas can result in big savings. It doesn’t always have to involve making big sacrifices.

2. Stick to a Budget

One of my favorite subjects: budgeting. It’s not a four-letter word. How can you know where your money is going if you don’t budget? How can you set spending and saving goals if you don’t know where your money is going? You need a budget whether you make thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.

3. Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt is the number one obstacle to getting ahead financially. Those little pieces of plastic are so easy to use, and it’s so easy to forget that it’s real money we’re dealing with when we whip them out to pay for a purchase, large or small. Despite our good resolves to pay the balance off quickly, the reality is that we often don’t, and end up paying far more for things than we would have paid if we had used cash.

4. Contribute to a Retirement Plan

If your employer has a 401(k) plan and you don’t contribute to it, you’re walking away from one of the best deals out there. Ask your employer if they have a 401(k) plan (or similar plan), and sign up today. If you’re already contributing, try to increase your contribution. If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, consider an IRA.

5. Have a Savings Plan

You’ve heard it before: Pay yourself first! If you wait until you’ve met all your other financial obligations before seeing what’s left over for saving, chances are you’ll never have a healthy savings account or investments. Resolve to set aside a minimum of 5% to 10% of your salary for savings BEFORE you start paying your bills. Better yet, have money automatically deducted from your paycheck and deposited into a separate account.

6. Invest!

If you’re contributing to a retirement plan and a savings account and you can still manage to put some money into other investments, all the better.

7. Maximize Your Employment Benefits

Employment benefits like a 401(k) plan, flexible spending accounts, medical and dental insurance, etc., are worth big bucks. Make sure you’re maximizing yours and taking advantage of the ones that can save you money by reducing taxes or out-of-pocket expenses.

8. Review Your Insurance Coverages

Too many people are talked into paying too much for life and disability insurance, whether it’s by adding these coverages to car loans, buying whole-life insurance policies when term-life makes more sense, or buying life insurance when you have no dependents. On the other hand, it’s important that you have enough insurance to protect your dependents and your income in the case of death or disability.  Also contact Austin Insurance Group, to review your auto and home insurance coverages or get a QUICK QUOTE and compare rates in minutes.

9. Update Your Will

70% of Americans don’t have a will. If you have dependents, no matter how little or how much you own, you need a will. If your situation isn’t too complicated you can even do your own with software like WillMaker from Nolo Press. Protect your loved ones. Write a will.

10. Keep Good Records
If you don’t keep good records, you’re probably not claiming all your allowable income tax deductions and credits. Set up a system now and use it all year. It’s much easier than scrambling to find everything at tax time, only to miss items that might have saved you money.

Reality Check
How are you doing on the top ten list? If you’re not doing at least six of the ten, resolve to make improvements. Choose one area at a time and set a goal for incorporating all ten into your lifestyle.  Regarding #7 call Austin Insurance Group today to review your insurance coverages.

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Get set for Disney’s “Tron: Legacy”

December 20th, 2010
Disney's Tron Sweepstakes by Progressive

Enter Disney's Tron Sweepstakes, brought to you by Progressive

Get set for Disney’s “Tron: Legacy” Disney’s “Tron: Legacy” premieres Dec. 17, and whether you’re a Tron fan or a total novice, here’s a great way to be part of the fun:

Enter to win one of more than 150 cool Tron prizes! Through the Tron: Legacy Get on the Grid sweepstakes, brought to you by Progressive, you could win an amazing prize, like:

•A vacation for four to experience ElecTRONica at DISNEYLAND® Resort

•A home technology prize pack, including a 3D TV, home theater system and Tron accessories

•A trip for two to a Red Carpet Disney Premiere

 •A gaming prize pack, including an Xbox360® and Tron accessories

And, if you create a Program on Disney’s Tron: Legacy Web site you can enter the sweepstakes 10 times a day — which could boost your chances to win! Visit Disney.com/GetontheGrid daily to enter; the sweepstakes ends Dec. 31, 2010.

Austin Insurance Group - 512-576-5968

Progressive Authorized Insurance Agent/Texas

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Buying Progressive Car Insurance Online

December 17th, 2010
Austin Insurance Group - Progressive Authorized Agent

Austin Insurance Group/Progressive Authorized Agent offers instant quotes online or call for Free Quote.

When shopping for online car insurance, the right information can go a long way. We give you the insurance basics — and more — to help you make informed decisions and to better understand your car insurance coverages and service options. 

Shop for Progressive Car Insurance Online

Customers can choose to shop for Progressive car insurance online and offline for our extensive offering of coverages, specialized claims service and competitive rates. Car insurance coverages include Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Comprehensive, Collision, Rental Reimbursement, Roadside Assistance, and much more. If you’re thinking about shopping for car insurance online, over the phone (call 512-576-5968) or in person, we’re here to help — no matter your age.

Car Insurance Features

A Progressive car insurance policy comes loaded with extra features at no extra cost, including 24/7 live support, local response claims service and our unique concierge level of claims service. Plus, some Progressive car insurance coverages involve perks like Total Loss Replacement, Accident Forgiveness, Pet Injury coverage and more.

Get an Online Car Insurance Quote and More

With so many online car insurance companies out there, choosing the right one for your car insurance needs is important. By getting an online car insurance quote from Progressive, you can also take advantage of car insurance comparisons, money-saving tips, automatic discounts, payment plans and more. Go ahead — find the car insurance rate and service that’s right for you. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Austin Insurance Group – Texas Authorized Progressive Insurance Agent

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