About Insurance

All About Insurance. Insurance coverage, types, claims and more from local agent, Austin Insurance Group.

Ask Austin Insurance Group: Building Ordinance or Law

“Building Ordinance or Law — 50% of Coverage A. What is “Coverage A” and what is the amount?  My current policy simply identifies $5k for the coverage. How does your policy differ, if at all?  Uncertain what the coverage  actually is…”— S.L. (Austin, Texas) 3/18/16

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What is Building Ordinance or Law on a Texas Home Insurance Policy?

Building Ordinance or Law Coverage applies whether you suffer a total or partial loss to the structure. This valuable coverage can save you thousands of dollars in upgrades that you would have to pay out of pocket. Ordinance or Law limits are usually a percentage of your Coverage A Dwelling limit. For example, if the Dwelling amount on your home is $200,000 a 50% option will allow up to $100,000 in upgrades due to building code requirements; a 25% option will allow up to $50,000 and some companies offer a flat coverage amount.

Did you know rebuilding your home to meet current codes or demolishing what is left of it might increase your costs up to 50%? Your state or city may have laws or building codes that greatly affect the reconstruction of a damaged home. These building codes change over time and they usually become more demanding. If a windstorm or other loss event damages your home, these local ordinances may increase the cost to rebuild, repair or demolish your home and add to your out-of-pocket costs. Building Ordinance or Law Coverage can help protect you from these increased costs due to new regulations.

Most homeowners policies will limit the amount of coverage for the following increased costs caused by adherence to current ordinance or law.

  • The construction, remodeling, demolition, renovation or repair of a structure or building
  • The reconstruction or demolition of the undamaged portion of a covered structure or building
  • The removal, remodeling or replacement of the portion of the undamaged part of a structure or building needed to complete your repair

Here is an example of how the Building Ordinance or Law Coverage applies. Your home sustains damage to the roof when a tree falls into your bedroom during a windstorm. Roof repairs will probably require costlier shingle replacement and minimally, hurricane roof straps or specific size roof nails. These more expensive items will add significant costs to your repair bill. Building Ordinance or Law Coverage pays for those costs, which insurance carriers would otherwise consider an improvement to your property absent the coverage. Without this endorsement, you must pay the additional costs. Add these costs to your deductible and you can see why this coverage can be critical to your budget.

As safety research grows, building codes reflect that new knowledge of how to make property safer and better able to withstand wind and other natural forces. The older your home, the more likely it is to have code upgrades after a loss. For example, a home built in 1990 would have had much less stringent local building codes governing your plumbing, electrical, or roof systems. To bring a 1990 home up to today’s standards would cost more than simply repairing the damage.

You don’t want to learn the hard way, after you have suffered a loss. Talk to your agent today about this important coverage. If you would like to learn more about Homeowners Insurance from Austin Insurance Group, please contact our office at 512-339-2901 or get a quote online.

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Ask Austin Insurance Group: All Risk Insurance or Named Peril

All Risk Insurance vs. Named Peril Policies

What is the difference between all risk insurance policy and named peril policies?  Read more to find out the difference and why we recommend the all risk home insurance policy.

From Ask an Agent

“I highly appreciate your offer to assist clarifying home insurance for my house. Will you please check out the attached offer and tell me what is different than AIG one?” — W.S. (Austin, Texas) 3/9/16

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Basically, insurance companies write two kinds of policies for homeowners:

  • all risk insurance
  • named peril policies

All Risk Insurance Policies

All risk insurance policies are also referred to as an open peril policy or comprehensive policies. (All risks are typically HOB and HO3 policy types) vs. (Named peril policies, HOA policy types).

An all-risk insurance or open peril policy covers everything that’s not “excluded.”  Every thing is covered except what is specifically excluded in the policy. The all-risk insurance policy usually costs more than the named peril policy because it offers more coverage and is more comprehensive. Under an all-risk policy, the burden is on the insurance company to prove that the peril causing the damage is not excluded.  If it’s not excluded, coverage applies. Since the limitations and exclusions are the key to determining what coverages are provided by an all-risk policy, it could be called a “named exclusions” coverage. The most common perils excluded in an all-risk policy include:

  • Earthquake or earth movement
  • War
  • Flood, seepage, mudslide, and sewer backup (and sometimes surface water that builds up after heavy rains, underwater springs, groundwater, burst water pipes, overflowing toilets, and wind or wave-driven water)
  • Boiler explosion
  • Governmental seizure or destruction of property
  • Off-premises utility service interruption
  • Building ordinance or law
  • Seepage or leakage of water over a period of time
  • Electrical damage to electrical devices
  • Wear and tear; rust, corrosion, fungus, decay, deterioration, hidden or latent defect smog; settling, cracking, shrinking, or expansion; nesting, infestation or release of secretions by insects, birds, rodents or animals
  • Damage to building interiors by rain, snow, sleet, ice, sand, or dust unless the roof or walls are first damaged – except damage by thawing of snow, ice or sleet
  • Mechanical breakdown
  • Theft of building materials and supplies not yet attached to buildings
  • Employee dishonesty
  • Pollution

Named Peril Policies

Named peril insurance covers only  what is specifically noted in the policy. For example, if it doesn’t say you’re covered for backup of sewers or vandalism damages, you are not covered. The named peril insurance policy only covers certain and specific perils, and this type of policy is usually less expensive  than an all risk home insurance policy.

A typical named peril policy typically would cover:

  • fire
  • hail
  • windstorm
  • aircraft
  • vandalism
  • smoke

Earthquake and Flood insurance are two other common type of named peril policies and are written as separate policies.  When your property insurance coverage is written on a named peril basis, the burden is on the insured.  You must prove that one of the named perils caused your loss

Which coverage is the better choice?  Lenders recommend an all risk home insurance policy.

If you’re paying a mortgage, you probably do not have a choice.   Most lenders require that you protect your investment with a comprehensive policy, all-risk policy.

For others, the type of insurance to purchase should be need-based depending on the type of property you have and your location.

The advantage of an all risk home insurance policy is that it covers you in the event of a loss you did not predict. Even though it will cost more, in a world where freak accidents happen, the broader your insurance coverage, the better off you’ll probably be.

Just be sure to read the fine print so that you’re clear about the stated exclusions.

Ask Austin Insurance Group to compare policy types for you. Or visit The Texas Department of Insurance to see for yourself.

All risk insurance vs Named Peril policies - Get an Online Home Insurance Policy Quote now.

Or get a free review today, call 512-339-2901!

Home Insurance Policy Coverages

Texas Car Insurance FAQs

Texas SR22 Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility

Texas SR22 Auto Insurance is Financial Responsibility for Crash, Conviction or Judgment. 

According to the Safety Responsibility or Evidence of Financial Responsibility law, persons whose driving privilege has been suspended or revoked are required to file and maintain a Form SR22 with the Department. Form SR22 insurance is usually mandatory for a minimum period of two (2) years from the date of conviction. Check with the DPS for your Texas SR22 Auto Insurance filing requirements.

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About SR22 Insurance

NOTE: An insurance card or policy cannot be accepted in place of the Form SR22.

  • Has your driver’s license been suspended for an accident, DWI, or any other reason in Texas?
  • Are you feeling stressed and uncertain about what to do?
  • Do you need a Texas SR22 auto insurance policy or out-of-state filing?

We can help!

Get your Texas SR22 auto insurance policy online, in person or by phone from Austin Insurance Group, a local Progressive insurance agent. SR22 filing is included for any state in the US.

 

Let Austin Insurance Group restore your peace of mind.

It’s simple!

  1. Contact our office today for more information on Texas SR22 Auto Insurance.
  2. Request a quote online or by phone.
  3. For an online quote, ever your zip code to start a Texas SR22 Auto Insurance quote.
  4. On the driver’s tab, Simply check “yes” for SR22 statement.
  5. The SR22 will be included in your quote.
  6. Get Rates Instantly with Progressive.
  7. You can purchase a policy online, over the phone, or by appoinment.
  8. Your SR22 will be electronically filed with the DPS within 24 hours.
  9. We will email  you the SR22 immediately.
  10. You will also have online access to your documents within 24-48 hours.
  11. Contact our local office at 512-339-2901 for additional questions or to compare rates with other top-rated Texas Insurance Companies that we represent.

Texas SR22 Auto Insurance

Texas SR22 Insurance - Progressive

Same Day SR22 Filing any state in the US

Austin – Cedar Park – Pflugerville
Texas SR22 Auto Insurance For All Texas Counties
(Texas and Out-of-State Filings)

Compare SR22 Insurance Rates

What is SR22 Insurance?

Accident Repair Estimates

Accident Repair Estimates TexasWalking into a body shop without a handle on how to read a repair estimate can be pretty daunting. We want you to know exactly what’s involved in the repair process, so we’ve compiled a few common elements of repair estimates to build your knowledge — before you step into a body shop.

How Estimates Are Determined

An estimate is just that — an estimate of the cost involved to safely repair your vehicle to pre-accident condition. Repair estimates vary depending on several factors including labor rates, parts prices and the amount of time necessary to perform certain repairs, but the main elements are the initial estimate, the supplemental estimate and an agreed price.

The Initial Estimate

Your claims representative will prepare an initial repair estimate so the repairs can begin. Your claims rep also can help you understand your choices to repair your vehicle. You have a choice in how you want your vehicle repaired: You can choose your own repair shop.

The Supplemental Estimate

If the body shop you choose discovers additional damage when repairing your vehicle, your claims representative will “reinspect” the vehicle. Re-inspection is not unusual — a vehicle involved in a crash may have damaged parts that are not visible when the initial estimate is written but become visible once the repairs begin. At this point, the claims representative and the body shop representative review the damage to your vehicle together and make appropriate revisions to include all damaged parts that are found.

Agreed Price

Claims representatives write estimates based on parts and labor costs associated with the repair. If the body shop’s estimate is higher or lower, your claim’s representative will discuss this difference with the shop, and they will agree on a price for repairs. Your claims representative will keep you informed of the repairs every step of the way.

Accident Repair Estimates

Texas Commercial Auto Filing Form MCS-90

Auto Filing Form MCS-90

Get Business Insurance Quote with Form Filing

Fill out form or Call Agent
1-512-339-2901

The Texas Commercial Auto Filing Form MCS-90 is an endorsement that must be attached to Liability insurance and Cargo Liability insurance policies if you are required to have a federal filing in the State of Texas. The MCS-90 endorsement guarantees the minimum required protection for members of the public who are involved in accidents that you are legally responsible for.

The MCS-90 is not filed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The BMC-91 or BMC-91X filing is submitted to the FMCSA as certification that the MCS-90 endorsement has been issued.

Unified Carrier Registration Filings, the UCR (Uniform Carrier Registration) Plan replaced the SSR (Single State Registration System) September 2007. It simplified the payment of multiple state fees by allowing private motor carriers and for-hires, brokers, leasing companies and freight forwarders to submit their financial responsibility information and a registration fee to a single state.

Under the UCR Plan, motor carriers conducting interstate operations must be registered in a base state. Your base state is the state in which the largest number of your vehicles operate during the year.

If your base state is one of the participating states, you must register in that state. Exempt and private  who were not required to register under the SSR must register in a base state under the UCR Plan.

The registration fee paid to your base state will be shared between all the states in which you operate.

The UCR Plan does not affect a state’s regulation of intrastate trucking within that state, including its motor carrier financial responsibility laws for intrastate trucking.

Texas does participate in the UCR Plan.  If you are based in another state, states that participate in the UCR Plan can change over time. Call 1-888-806-9598 for help determining if your base state participates in the UCR Plan and to learn more about state truck filings.

If you need insurance with an MCS-90 filing, please contact our office at 512-339-2901 for more information, a quote or to purchase on insurance policy with the state filing.  We are local Texas Progressive agents, but also offer a variety of coverages with other preferred carriers, including business auto insurance, general liability insurance, cargo insurance, general business insurance and more.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Texas Home Insurance Costs Vs. Other US States

Texas Home Insurance Costs Vs. Other US States

The suburbs are often a first choice for homeowners who want to work in the city while maintaining a backyard and plenty of space.  But what are the Texas Home Insurance Costs to live in the suburbs?

As it turns out, you could pay up to three times as much for coverage than the owner of a comparable house in another suburb, depending on where you live.  Natural disaster risks, local building costs, and the area’s loss history have a lot to do with the cost.

The following areas were included in this study and rates are based on a 3 bedroom/2bath 2,000-square-foot brick home.  

10) Arlington (Dallas), Texas
Average Premium $1,761

Dallas’ suburbs  are the most expensive areas to insure a home in Texas, and in the US.  Why?  Because the Dallas area has experienced high property damage costs for the past 10 years ($1.601 billion in repairs) and ranks high in total FEMA declared disasters. In some areas, insurance premiums may be even higher because of the flood insurance requirements.

9) Lakewood (Denver), Colorado
Average Premium $1,379

Denver experiences something called the Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone, an area susceptible to tornadoes, high winds, and other extreme weather.

8) Highland Park (Chicago), Illinois
Average Premium $876

Highland Park experiences temperature swings and storms (wind, snow and ice that can be crippling in the winter) and they have high construction costs. For example a home in this area with a $352,000 replacement cost, would cost only about $250,000 to replace in another area. This has a huge impact on premiums.

7) Franklin (Nashville), Tennessee
Average Premium $844

FEMA has declared 16 natural disasters for the area in the past 10 years ($1.593 billion in property damage losses from thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other disasters). But local construction costs are lower than in other parts of the country, so the homes in the area don’t require as much dwelling coverage as they would in other cities.

6) Hudson (New York City), New York
Average Premium $837

Hudson experiences lower property damage costs and fewer total weather events. However, it also has the highest number of major disaster declarations by FEMA and some of the highest local construction costs.

5) Merion Station (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania
Average Premium $704

FEMA only declared 17 total disasters for Pennsylvania in the past 10 years and Pennsylvania typically sets low rates statewide. However, they do have relatively high construction costs which may counteract some of the low risks involved.

4) Alamo Heights (San Antonio), Texas
Average Premium $702

Texas typically has higher statewide rates because it is vulnerable to every major natural disaster: tornadoes, thunderstorms, hurricanes, wildfires, drought, and even earthquakes, causing property damage and with considerable insurance risk. However, Alamo Heights is one of the least expensive areas for home replacement costs.  This means homes in the area require less dwelling coverage, so rates are typically lower.

3) West Hollywood (Los Angeles), California
Average Premium $684

West Hollywood frequently experiences dry spells and droughts don’t generate many insurance claims. The Los Angeles area has only experienced nine natural disaster days with injury in the last 10 years. They do have high replacement costs compared with the same home in other cities (3 bedroom/2 bath 2000sf brick home: $388,000).

2) Chula Vista (San Diego), California
Average Premium $628

Chula Vista has a low frequency of major natural disaster declarations by FEMA, they have a low crime rate and Mediterranean-style weather. Residents might be required to purchase either earthquake or flood insurance or both, which will cause rates to increase.

1) Mesa (Phoenix), Arizona
Average Premium $555

Mesa is in the Sonoran Desert, so it’s hot but not as prone to violent storm damage. Of the states evaluated, Arizona had the lowest statewide rates. However, high winds, wildfires, and even floods can impact Arizona.  A standard home insurance policy excludes coverage for flood damage, so a separate flood insurance policy, may be required.  Mesa had a low number of major disasters and low insured losses, which help to keep the insurance rates down.

How does your suburb compare?  In general, if your area has a history of large insured losses, a high risk of natural disaster, and higher than average building costs, your premiums will be effected.

Rates change all time, based on natural disaster risks, local building costs, and your area’s loss history.  So you may save some money by comparing rates and reviewing your coverages on a regular basis.  Let one of our experts help.

Compare Texas Auto and Home Insurance Rates

Compare Rates in Texas

Compare Rates in Other States

Data Sources:

1. Insured loss risk was tabulated from the Verisk Analytics ISO Property Claim Service Map. A rating of 1-10 was assigned based on the risk designations.

2. Total recorded weather events from 1/1/04 to 1/1/14, 2014 NOAA National Climatic Data Center Storm Events. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/

3. FEMA major disaster declarations from 1/1/04 to 1/1/14.

4. Total cost of property damage from 1/1/04 to 1/1/14: NOAA National Climatic Data Center Storm Events Database.

5. Total weather event days with personal injury or death from 1/1/04 to 1/1/14: NOAA

6. Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A) was calculated by comparative rater quoting tools, using one standard home size in each suburb analyzed. (3 bedroom/2 bath, 2000sf brick home)

7. Average premiums were compared with up to four carriers in each location by comparative rater quoting tools.

 

Progressive Lowers Insurance Rates for Landscapers

Buy Progressive Landscapers Insurance today and save!

Progressive Landscapers Insurance

Austin Insurance Group – Local Agent

Progressive Landscapers Insurance, truckers, contractors and more

We’ve expanded bill plans and updated rates.

More bill options – We have more bill plan options to help you.

  • Our installment bill plans are back–we’re lifting bill plan restrictions for all For-Hire Transportation risks.
  • Find out about our new seasonal bill plans. You can pay monthly up front and leave the remaining months bill-free.
  • New electronic funds transfer (EFT) bill plans.

Physical Damage Only (PDO) coverage returns We are now accepting PDO policies in our For-Hire Transportation program. Our PDO coverage is perfect for seasonal businesses that store vehicles for prolonged periods. This coverage is sold as an endorsement to our Truck and Tow policies rather than as a separate policy, saving you time and money and closing potential gaps in coverage.

NOTE: PDO risks that have a filing with another insurance carrier and two or more Vehicle or Driver Out of Service violations in the prior 24 months are not eligible.

We recently lowered rates on farmers, landscapers, wholesale trades and contractors Including the follwoing Texas businesses:

  • Artisan contractors
  • Farmers
  • Landscapers
  • Wholesale trades
  • Hotel shuttle services
  • And more

Get more details today – contact our commercial sales representative:

  • Austin Office: Crystal Perez (512)339-2901 (espanol/english)
  • Cedar Park Office: Mike Torabi (512)250-1660
  • The rest of Texas: Jennifer Boes (512)339-2900

Thank you for choosing to Progressive Commercial.

Austin Insurance Group - Local Authorized Agent

Local Authorized Agent

www.aigtexas.com

Recommended by Landscaping-Companies.com

Cheap Home Insurance

Cheap Home Insurance is Not Always the Best Choice

You may be able to purchase cheap home insurance online directly with an insurance company, you may be able to purchase it with your mortgage company, a local bank or a wholesale club, but they may not always know about all of the discounts, coverages, replacement costs, or endorsements for your area.  They may not have your best interests in mind and where will they be at the time of a loss?

 Buy Home Insurance from a Local Insurance Agent

Our expert local agents will help you protect your assets.  There’s alot to consider when purchasing Texas Home Insurance.  Find out more about the policy coverages, endorsements and discounts that are available to you and let us help you compare.  Our agents would be happy to review your current policy, or any quotes that you have.  We take the time to explain the options and coverages that are available to you to help you make an informed decision.  Your home is probably one of your most valuable assets.  Don’t skimp when it comes to protecting it.

Texas Residential Property Policies

Don’t buy Cheap Home Insurance without knowing what you are getting.   Price is a factor, and we will help you find the best plan for the lowest price.  You don’t want to find out that your policy is missing a coverage after a loss.

Remember, when shopping for insurance, cheap home insurance is not always the best insurance. Get a local agent today.

Get a Home Insurance Quote Online…

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then Contact our Local Agent – Austin Insurance Group!

Don't buy cheap home insurance!

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Austin Insurance today for a review of your home insurance to make sure you are getting the best plan.  Don’t be under-insured when it come stop a loss.

512.339.2901

 

Get a Texas SR22 Insurance Filing Today

Get a Texas SR22 Insurance Filing Today

Your insurance carrier will either file your Texas SR22 insurance online or through the mail.  By mail it could take you up to 21 days to get your SR22 processed in Texas, depending on which insurance company you use. However, you don’t have to wait that long, thanks to DPS Express, which allows your insurance company to file your SR22 in Texas immediately.

Our local Progressive agent offers an electronic SR22 service for you. When filed electronically, your SR22 typically hits the state databases within 12 to 24 hours. Austin Insurance Group can provide an instant Texas SR22 Insurance quote and filing.

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About SR22 Insurance

The Texas DPS:

Your Driving record

For speeding tickets or anything else on your driving record, you can order your driving record through DPS. This information can give you a good idea in advance of whether or not you will be paying a lot of surcharges on Texas SR22 insurance.

SR22 in Texas

Instead of hiring an attorney to fill out the paperwork for an SR22, your insuance company can handle the SR22 filing for you in Texas, or out-state. Contact Austin Insurance Group’s local Austin, Pflugerville or Cedar Park office.

License reinstatement

Before you get your SR22 in Texas, it is necessary for you to reinstate your license. The method of doing this isn’t exactly clear, so if you need some help navigating the paperwork, you can sign up for DPS.

Accident reports

Whenever you’re filing a car insurance claim, it can be handy to have the accident report as documentation to prove your side of the story. You can order an official copy  from the DPS.

SR22 Insurance Quote

Contact our office for more information on Progressive SR22 insurance.

Enter your ZIP Code to compare SR22 Insurance Rates.
Request a quote online or by phone.

Austin – Cedar Park – Pflugerville
SR22 Insurance For All Texas Counties
(Texas and Out-of-State Filings)

texas sr22 insurance

How Long Does It Take to Get  Texas SR22 Insurance?