Choosing the right insurance agent can make a big difference.
An Independent Agent gives you more choices.
With a captive insurance agent, you only get the guidance of one company that sells one brand of insurance.
An independent insurance agent represents multiple brands, and can compare coverage and prices to find the best possible value for your individual circumstances.
We are a member of your community and committed to doing business face-to-face and being your advocate in times of need.
We also:
Work for you when you have a claim.
Are not beholden to any one company. This means you don’t have to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
Are your consultants, working with you as you determine your needs.
Are value-hunters who look after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage, and service.
Offer one-stop shopping for a full range of products, including home, renters, auto, business, life, health, and retirement plans.
Can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
Are committed to customer satisfaction-it’s the key to their livelihood
Treat you like a person, not a number.
Are licensed professionals with strong customer and community ties.
There is a difference. Discover it with Austin Insurance Group. To find out more about working with an independent insurance agent, please contact us.
Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent | 512-339-2901 | Independent Insurance Agent
Shop Austin car insurance quotes, rates, policies and coverage with Austin Insurance Group and Progressive online in 6 minutes or less then buy 24/7. Austin auto insurance quotes are easy and only take a few minutes.
Compare Austin car insurance rates to find a policy that meets your needs. Get a free car insurance quote from Progressive now.
Our Austin car insurance policies include:
Terrific rates & discounts Texas drivers spent an average of $854 a year on auto insurance in 2008, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. By choosing Progressive and Austin Insurance Group, you can protect yourself, your passengers and your car—and make sure you get the most for your money. Not only could you save hundreds on Austin car insurance just by switching to Progressive, you’ll get auto insurance discounts and free extras, too.
Austin car insurance coverage options As you complete your Progressive quote, you can have us recommend Austin car insurance coverage for you, use the Name Your Price option if you’re shopping on a budget, or create a custom package. With Progressive behind you, you’ll be prepared for many unexpected situations on the road, from breakdowns to collisions.
24/7 claims & customer service With instant online and mobile access to your Progressive auto insurance policy, you can quickly and securely make a payment, update account information and more—anytime.
You can report an accident online, too, and with a Progressive auto insurance claims office right in Austin, we’ll be there to start your claim so you can get back on the road quickly.
For your repairs, you can choose one of our network shops or our concierge level of claims service, available through our Austin Service Center and we’ll guarantee your repairs for as long as you own or lease your car. Plus, with our concierge level of claims service, you’ll save time and effort by having us manage the entire repair process. You can also choose your favorite repair shop, if you prefer.
“Everything you need to know to about Texas Car Registration”
What do I need to do for Texas Car Registration? The State Law Requires You to Register and Title Your Vehicle in Texas if:
You need to establish residence, or,
You become gainfully employed.
Your vehicle may be operated with current out-of-state license plates for 30 days. Immediate registration is required at the end of such 30-day period.
You are not required to register and title your vehicle in Texas if:
You are a nonresident member of the U.S. Armed Forces or,
You are a nonresident student attending an accredited Texas college or university on a full-time basis. Part-time employment is allowed. NOTE: However, your vehicle must display valid license plates and remain currently registered.
Before you register your vehicle in Texas, it must pass a vehicle safety inspection and vehicle identification number inspection made by a state appointed safety inspection station. A Form VI-30-A, Vehicle Identification Certificate certifying the correct vehicle identification number will be completed by the inspection station. This form must be submitted to the County Tax Assessor-Collector along with your evidence of ownership, valid proof of liability insurance, application for registration and certificate of title.
How to Register your Car in Texas.
Texas Titles
Your application for certificate of title and vehicle registration must be filed with the County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office located in the county where you reside.
You are required to submit the following items with your application.
An out-of-state title or foreign ownership document
Vehicle Identification Certificate, Form VI-30A
Valid proof of financial responsibility in the form of: a. a liability insurance card b. an insurance policy c. an insurance binder, or d. certificate of self insurance
Your vehicle’s current odometer reading, if the vehicle is less than 10 years old
If your vehicle is from a foreign country, a bond release letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation(DOT) may be required, confirming that the vehicle conforms with federal safety standards, and 6. If your vehicle has not been previously registered by you in another state, sales or use tax verification is required.
Texas Car Registration and title forms are available at your local County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office.
To save yourself time and trouble, you may wish to telephone your county tax office beforehand. The following questions may be helpful.
Where is the local County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office located?
What are the normal office hours?
What is the exact cost to register and title my vehicle?
Auto Insurance
You cannot legally operate a motor vehicle in Texas without liability insurance coverage. You must present valid proof of liability insurance coverage to receive or renew your:
Motor vehicle registration
Driver’s license
Vehicle safety inspection
Acceptable evidence of such proof may be an original or photocopy of one of the following: a liability insurance card, an insurance policy, an insurance binder, or a certificate of self-insurance.
The minimum amounts of coverage prescribed by Texas law are: $30,000 bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident, $60,000 bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, subject to $30,000 limit for one person, up to $60,000 per accident because of injury in any one accident and up to $25,000 for property damage.
Vehicle Safety Inspection
Every car, truck, bus, motorcycle, moped, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or travel trailer registered in Texas and operated on a public roadway must display a valid vehicle inspection certificate at all times. Trailer-type vehicles with a gross weight of 4,500 pounds or less are exempt.
Vehicle inspections are conducted at official state appointed vehicle inspection stations.
Defects disclosed during the inspection may be corrected by the vehicle owner or by a repair facility of the owner’s choice. When a vehicle passes the inspection, an inspection certificate displaying the month and year of expiration will be affixed to the windshield. The windshield certificate expires 12 months from the date of the inspection
Getting a Texas driver’s license
If you are a driver establishing residence in Texas, you are required to obtain a Texas Driver’s License within 30 days.
You may apply for a driver’s license at any Texas Department of Public Safety Driver’s License Office. By law, if you are required to take the driving test when applying, you will be required to present proof that your vehicle has been registered in Texas along with valid proof of liability insurance.
When making initial application, you must present a certified copy of your birth certificate or other qualified evidence which documents the date of your birth.
At the time you make application, you must pass an examination for vision, rules, signs, and driving skills. Your thumb prints are required at this time.
To prepare for the driver’s license examination, a driver’s handbook containing all of the necessary information is available at any Texas Department of Public Safety office.
Proof of Driver Education Completion and parental authorization is required for minors ages 15 through 17.
For further information about driver’s license fees and vehicle safety inspection, you may wish to contact your local TX Department of Public Safety office or headquarters in Austin at (512)424-2000.
Overview-Texas Car Registration
STEP 1: Obtain Texas Insurance. STEP 2: Get a vehicle safety inspection, which can be done in a garage rlocal service station. STEP 3: Take the vehicle inspection certificate, evidence of ownership, and proof of insurance to the county courthouse.
Unfortunately, auto fire damage occurs more often than you might think.
To find out how your auto coverage applies in the case of auto fire damage, review your auto insurance coverage summary—which you can usually access online. Most insurers include coverage for car fire damage with your comprehensive coverage, which pays for vehicle damage that’s caused by something other than a collision less your deductible.
If you do have a vehicle that has been damaged by fire, and you have comprehensive coverage, contact your insurer immediately to report your claim. Your insurer will assess the damage and will help you rent a car, if your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage. Make sure you know the amount of your deductible—what you pay out of pocket when you have a claim—and whether there are any additional costs. Your insurer can recommend a quality body shop for your repairs.
What to Do After Your Vehicle is Damaged by a Fire
If fire damages your vehicle, you should report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
To get the process started have the following information available:
Contact information for any emergency agency that responded to the fire — If you are able to obtain a copy of the fire report, please have it available as well.
Information on injuries caused by the fire, or other damaged vehicles or property.
Information on recent repairs performed on the damaged vehicle.
A description of the damaged vehicle, including mileage, options, and upgrades.
A list of personal property damaged in the fire. Coverage for personal items varies from state to state, and your homeowners or renters insurance policy may provide additional coverage for personal items destroyed in the fire. If you do not have home or renters insurance, you can obtain a quote now.
Please include any finance or leasing company contact information and your account number, if applicable.
During the process of filing your claim, your claims examiner may require additional information regarding the damaged vehicle, such as:
Certificate of Title for the vehicle.
Service records and receipts.
Receipts for any upgrades or custom items installed in the damaged vehicle*.
If the damaged vehicle is financed or leased, make sure to report the fire to your finance or leasing company. To expedite your claim’s process, inform your finance or leasing company to discuss the case directly with your insurance company.
You may also be provided with a rental vehicle if you have rental coverage. Contact your claims examiner for more detailed information.
* Coverage for upgrades and custom items may be limited — your claims examiner can provide you with more information.
If you do not have comprehensive coverage but would like to know the cost for adding it to your insurance policy, by clicking this button you can start an instant quote with Progressive Insurance.
Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent | 512-339-2901 | Auto Fire Damage
The following information outlines Texas’ rating system. We offer tips on cutting Texas car insurance costs and we describe how your driving record affects your premium.
What are County Mutual Companies?
Most county mutuals specialize in high-risk drivers and generally charge more than other companies. Check your auto insurance policy’s Declarations page for the words county mutual. If you and your covered family members have good driving records, you probably don’t belong in a county mutual and should shop for insurance coverage with a standard or preferred company that offers lower rates.
What are standard and preferred companies?
A preferred company usually offers the lowest rates.
A standard company’s rates are somewhat higher than a preferred company’s.
A high-risk company sells at high rates to drivers with poor driving records or other problems. In Texas, high-risk companies are likely to be a county mutual.
Many insurers actually are groups of companies. An insurance group might consist of a preferred company, a standard company and a county mutual.
What factors affect my premium?
When a company applies their rates to your particular situation as a driver, the resulting total is your premium. Several factors determine the premium you are quoted or ultimately charged:
Your age and, for younger drivers, your marital status. Unmarried male drivers under 21 pay the highest rates. Also, single men between 21 and 25 and unmarried women under 21, will pay higher rates. On the other hand, drivers over 50 may get discounts from some companies.
The county and zip code where you keep your auto. Texas is divided into 52 rating territories. Urban counties usually have more accidents and auto thefts, therefore they usually have higher rates than rural areas.
Your auto. Collision and comprehensive rates are highest for luxury cars, high-performance cars and sports cars. Rates also reflect the fact that some cars damage more easily or cost more to repair than others. On older, paid-for, lower-value cars, you should consider dropping collision insurance. An insurer will not pay for repairs that cost more than the car’s value. When repair costs exceed the car’s market value, the insurer will total the car and send you a check for its market value.
How you use your auto. Rates are higher for autos driven to work or used in business than for cars used only for errands and pleasure trips.
Your deductibles, if you have collision and comprehensive, are your out-of-pocket share of the cost of a claim. You can reduce your premium by raising your deductibles.
Surcharges. Penalties are added for accidents and certain traffic violations.
Discounts. Some are required by the state, others are optional. Ask your agent.
Credit Scores. Some companies also use credit scores.
Other Factors. These are among the top factors used to determine rates, but other factors may be considered as well.
How can I check out a company or agent?
A low rate is no bargain if you buy from a fraudulent company or agent. To find information on auto insurance companies in Texas, call the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) at: 1-800-578-4677in Austin, (512)463-6169.
The Texas Department of Insurance can tell you whether an agent or company is authorized to sell auto insurance in Texas. They can also tell you a company’s complaint record and its letter grade from a national financial rating service.
How does my driving record affect my premium?
A good driving record can save you money. Preferred companies, which usually charge the lowest rates, accept only applicants with good driving records.
A good driving record can get you a discount from some companies when you renew your policy. Ask your agent.
Tickets and accidents can mean higher premiums if companies classify you as “high-risk.” You could end up in a county mutual or the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA), also known as the assigned risk plan. TAIPA provides basic liability coverages for drivers rejected by at least two insurance companies. Motorists in the TAIPA pay higher surcharges and higher rates than other drivers, but sometimes less than drivers insured by county mutuals.
Accidents or major driving offenses can add surcharges to your premium. Surcharges are mandatory and stay on your premium for three years.
Austin Insurance Group | Local Texas Auto Insurance Agent | 512-339-2901 | Cutting Texas Car Insurance Costs
Car leasing vs car buying is an increasingly popular way to get a new auto.
A down payment may not be required.
Monthly payments are generally lower.
Enjoy a new car more often.
Conveniently turn in the auto at the end of the lease than negotiating a trade-in value or sale.
Disadvantages:
You get no trade-in or resale value at the end of the lease.
Steep charges to break the lease early.
May be charged for excess mileage or excessive wear and tear.
If you choose to purchase the auto at the end of the lease, you may end up paying more than if you purchased the car in the first place.
You may be required to carry higher liability limits and for newer vehicles, you are usually required to insure your car for comprehensive and collision with certain deductibles.
Second Hand Rose. Buying used is very similar to buying new. You need to assess your needs, estimate what you can spend and do your homework.
You have one additional variable to consider–wear and tear. If the car hasn’t been in an accident, has been well-maintained and runs well, you may have yourself a first-class car at a discount price. However, if you think you’ve found a good one, have your mechanic check it our before buying.
To figure out the going price for a used car, check your local classified ads and consult one of the used car price guides available at the library, such as the Kelly Blue Book Used Car Price Manuel (commonly called the Kelly Blue Book), which lists estimated values for used cars based on what car dealers are paying for various makes and models. Keep in mind that price guides aren’t the final word on a car’s fair value and that factors such as mileage can change a car’s value considerably.
With the Multitude of Make, Model and Option Choices Available today read up on our car buying tips…
…buying an auto is enough to make your head spin.
Obviously your emotions–your feelings about driving and your preference for certain auto makes or models–will play a role in the decision process. But, the smartest place to start is by thinking about you and your needs. To be sure you make the smartest choices, you’ll need to do some homework. We put together some car buying tips to consider.
Know Your Car Style. Don’t necessarily think auto model, think auto use. If you know the answers to the following questions, you can help yourself determine which auto best fits you.
What are the primary and secondary uses of the auto?
What will be in the auto most of the time?
How often will the auto be used?
Where will you be driving?
What features do you consider most important?
What are you willing to give up?
The Education Process. Once you have a clean picture of what you need, you may be tempted just to head to a dealership. Think again. Investigating your choices ahead of time will save time and aggravation–and maybe even money.
Visit the library, a bookstore or go online and do some basic research. Becoming familiar with current prices and features can be especially helpful if you haven’t purchased a car in a few years.
Make a list of all the important features and options you personally want or need in a car. Then write down all the models that have those features. You may find a few more cars on the list than you expected, giving you a bigger pool from which to choose. Or you may find that only a few autos fit your needs, which will save you time when you do head to the dealership.
Budgetary Issues. New or used, buy or lease, you need to know all the costs involved in getting your next car. Even if an auto is a great deal and the financing options unbeatable, you may find that making those monthly payments puts an impossible strain on your budget. And don’t forget to compare car insurance rates on different makes and models BEFORE you purchase a new or used car.
If you are not sure how much you can afford, talk to a financial advisor or get pre-approval on an auto loan from a bank. Professional advice in the area of financing will let you know ahead of time how much you can really afford.
Once you set your price range, stick to it. The trick is getting the car you need, for the price you can afford.
You’d Better Shop Around. Compare sticker prices with the estimates from your research. Review the standard and optional features listed. When you are ready, get brochures, take test drives and ask the salesperson for information. Ask about everything from warranties to service department hours and loaner policies.
Next, it’s time to negotiate a deal. The difference between a dealer’s invoice(estimates are available from automotive magazines and auto pricing services) and the price listed on the sticker is your bargaining range. The more information you have on exactly what the dealer pays for the standard package and for each option, the stronger your negotiating position. It also helps to know whether the manufacturer is offering any cash rebate offers or factory-to-dealer incentives.
The popularity and availability of a particular car will also factor in how willing the seller is to negotiate. And keep in mind that when you shop may make a difference in the final price you pay. The end of the model year (September and October) favors consumers because that’s when dealers are reducing inventory to make room for next year’s models. December, when more folks are worried about holiday shopping than car shopping, is another good time. Then end of the month, when salespeople are trying to fill their quotas, is also prime deal-making time.
Don’t forget that owning an auto costs more than the monthly payments. Gas, maintenance, taxes and insurance should all be figured into the cost of ownership. Ask your insurance agent for an estimate of auto insurance costs.
Keep these car buying tips in mind with your next purchase.
Contact Austin Insurance Group for a no-obligation insurance quote. Online or 512.339.2901
The following information outlines Texas’ rating system. We offer tips on cutting Texas car insurance costs and we describe how your driving record affects your premium.
Obviously your emotions–your feelings about driving and your preference for certain auto makes or models–will play a role in the decision process. But, the smartest place to start is by thinking about you and your needs. To be sure you make the smartest choices, you’ll need to do some homework. We put together some car buying tips to consider.