West Texas Insurance Agency
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West Texas Insurance Agency

3702 Mockingbird Ln
Amarillo, TX 79109

Buying a Home? Why You Need Homeowners Insurance Rather Than Renters Insurance

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Buying a home in Amarillo, TX, is a major purchase, and it’s important to protect your new home against potential damage. While renters insurance may provide protection for you and your belongings, you’ll need homeowners insurance to protect against damage to your house.

Insurance Requirements for Your New Home

If you’re financing the home purchase with a mortgage, the underwriting lender will require you to carry certain homeowners insurance coverages. Generally, you need to protect the house at least up to your remaining mortgage balance.

Of course, homeowners insurance is strongly recommended regardless of any lender requirement. Your house is likely your most valuable asset, and few new homeowners could afford to make major repairs if it were damaged or destroyed.

Renters Insurance’s Protections

Renters insurance may provide the protections you need when leasing a residence. Renters’ policies regularly include personal liability coverage for you and personal property coverage for your possessions.

Renters’ policies don’t cover the building you’re living in. It is your landlord’s responsibility to insure the building.

Homeowners Insurance Adds Structural Coverage

Homeowner insurance can also include personal liability and personal property coverages. It also adds structural coverage to your home. There are at least a couple of important coverages that a homeowners policy could add:

  • Dwelling Coverage: Normally insures your house itself against damage.
  • Secondary Structures Coverage: Normally insures other structures on your property.

At West Texas Insurance Agency, we can help you determine whether to include secondary structure coverage in your policy.

Find Homeowners Insurance

If you’re purchasing a home in Amarillo, TX, you’re going to need homeowners insurance. Let us at West Texas Insurance Agency help you find a policy.

Auto Insurance: EV Vehicle Limitations

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Understand the Auto Insurance Limitations for Electric Vehicles

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) could be cost-efficient, but it also has its caveats. Auto insurance is required for all vehicles, including EVs, yet there are specific limitations when it comes to insuring electric vehicles. Let us at West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX explain these limitations and the coverage you’ll need to ensure comprehensive protection.

Limitations on EVs

Electric vehicle drivers often pay higher premiums than conventional vehicle drivers due to the costly maintenance and replacement of EV components. This factor sets certain restrictions on the amounts covered by insurance.

One of the most significant limitations concerns EV battery replacements. The replacement could be expensive if the battery is damaged, stolen, or fails. Insurance companies often charge significantly high premiums if you want battery coverage.

Additionally, auto insurance for EVs generally doesn’t cover charging accidents. These incidents are often attributed to the owner’s fault and aren’t typically covered by standard auto insurance. Policyholders will need to add other types of insurance to ensure their vehicle is comprehensively covered.

Ensuring Comprehensive Coverage

Investing in additional policies is the optimal way to ensure comprehensive protection for your EV. Drivers should incorporate comprehensive, collision, and even umbrella insurance into their existing policies. By adding this extra layer of protection, drivers can rest assured that their vehicle is as covered as possible.

Contact West Texas Insurance Agency

With EVs growing in popularity, drivers need to comprehend how this affects their insurance coverage. Being well-informed facilitates the best decisions for both your vehicle and financial security. If you’re in Amarillo, TX, our West Texas Insurance Agency team is here to help. We’re devoted to providing the knowledge you need to protect your EV, so contact us today.

What Commercial Insurance Products Are you Legally Required to Carry?

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Running a business involves navigating a maze of responsibilities; insurance is vital to this journey. We’re here to guide you through the essentials at West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX. Let’s explore the commercial insurance products you’re legally required to carry.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If your business has employees, workers’ compensation insurance is typically mandatory. This coverage protects your employees by providing benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses. It also safeguards your business from potential lawsuits, ensuring you comply with state regulations and avoid hefty penalties.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Does your business own vehicles? If so, commercial auto insurance is a legal necessity. This coverage protects against liability in the event of an accident involving company vehicles, ensuring that both your business and employees are covered for damages and injuries. It’s crucial for businesses that rely on transportation for delivery or client visits.

General Liability Insurance

While not universally mandated, general liability insurance is often a requirement for leasing property or securing contracts. It covers claims related to bodily injury, property damage, and advertising mistakes, offering essential protection for your business operations. Many landlords and clients insist on this coverage as part of their agreements.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance (or errors and omissions insurance) may be required for businesses providing professional services. This coverage protects against negligence or inadequate work claims, ensuring your business can handle potential legal challenges without financial strain.

Understanding these insurance requirements can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We offer tailored advice at West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX, to ensure your business meets all legal obligations. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and secure the right coverage for your enterprise.

3 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Roof

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Deciding when it’s time to replace your roof can be challenging for many homeowners since it is often seen as a daunting project. If you are uncertain but know that you’ll soon need a new roof, below are some reasons to consider making that upgrade sooner rather than later.

1. Improve Energy Efficiency

One of the first signs indicating the need for a new roof could be an increase in your home’s heat or a noticeable loss of cool air. If your roof is damaged and the insulation isn’t working correctly, it’s time to consider a new roof. With a new roof, your insulation would be improved, and you would likely see a change in your energy bill. Without a new roof, your energy will continue to escape during winter and summer.

2. Prevent Water Damage

A damaged roof can cause water damage in your home. You can expect water damage if you’ve noticed leaks on your ceiling. Depending on its severity, it could lead to mold, necessitating thorough clean-up and potentially jeopardizing your family’s health. If you are experiencing water damage, then it’s time to consider a new roof.

3. The Patches Need To Be Repaired

If you’ve been dealing with roof problems for a while, you’ve likely had minor repairs and patches made by a roofer. However, if those repairs now need to be replaced due to damaged shingles or storm damage, then it’s time to consider replacing your roof. Trying to fix an already patched area will only extend the inevitable and potentially cause more damage to your roof before it’s replaced.

If you’re in the Amarillo, TX, area and need a personal quote for home insurance, our agents at West Texas Insurance Agency are ready to assist you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Auto Insurance Claims

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After an accident around Amarillo, TX, the last thing you want to do is file a claim and deal with the headaches. However, it is necessary to avoid common mistakes when filing those claims.

Delaying the Claim

One of the most significant mistakes is delaying the filing of your claim. It’s crucial to report the accident to your insurance company immediately. Prompt reporting helps preserve details and evidence while also complying with policy requirements. Delays can result in complications or even denial of the claim.

Inadequate Documentation

Ensure you collect all necessary information at the accident scene, including photos of the damage, other parties’ contact details, valuable notes, and witness statements. Having a police report can also be invaluable. Incomplete documentation can weaken your claim and lead to delays.

Admitting Fault

If you believe you were at fault, it’s wise to let the insurance companies determine liability based on their investigation. Admitting fault will hurt the process and affect your compensation.

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

You should always seek medical attention after an auto accident. If you delay treatment, your health and the claim may be in jeopardy.

Ignoring Policy Details

Know what your policy covers, including deductibles and limits. Ignoring these details can lead to surprises during the claims process, such as out-of-pocket expenses or uncovered damages.

Poor Communication with the Insurer

If requests are made to hand over information, you should always respond immediately, without delay. Poor communication will lead to problems affecting your claim and compensation.

West Texas Insurance Agency Helps Guide You

West Texas Insurance Agency will help guide you and show you how auto insurance can save you in the long haul. Our team covers the Amarillo, TX region. Get in touch with us today.

Temporary Insurance Adjustments During a Commercial Renovation

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A commercial business renovation may require adjustments to your existing business insurance policy. These adjustments will protect your place of business, the contents stored within, and the people who have access to your property.

Building

First, you should consider the building you own and operate. When renovating the space, you will likely choose many new structural materials to complete the upgrades.

Adding these materials to your commercial insurance policy will prevent monetary loss if any of the materials are ultimately damaged. In addition, the coverage will protect the materials from theft and vandalism. 

Contents

The next thing you should focus on is the type of items you plan on storing within your business. If you are going to swap old furniture out for new furniture, for instance, your new investments may require additional insurance coverage. 

One way to keep track of every item you need to insure is by documenting the purchases you make while the renovation project is underway.

Liability

A risk of injury or damage occurs while a renovation project is active. Having liability insurance coverage will protect you in the event of an unforeseen incident. This type of coverage will pay for costs associated with any injury or damage that occurs on or in your property while the renovation is underway.

Contact West Texas Insurance Agency

Contact one of our representatives at West Texas Insurance Agency. An agent who serves the Amarillo, TX, region will gladly assist you with selecting temporary insurance products that will increase the coverage that your existing commercial insurance policy provides for your place of business.

Do You Need Home Insurance if Your House is Paid For Already?

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West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX, is staffed by our dedicated team, and our goal is to provide you with the best homeowners’ insurance coverage without any hitch. Since we are dedicated and committed to offering the best services, we remain proactive by providing tailored insurance policies to suit your unique needs by offering peace of mind for your most important asset – your home. One-on-one service from our highly experienced agents gives you confidence that your insurance is serving you purposefully and protecting what matters to you. Reach out to us now to learn more about our full range of home insurance solutions. 

Homeowners’ Insurance Protection 

It is a must for Amarillo, TX, residents who own a home to obtain insurance coverage from a recognized agency like West Texas Insurance Agency for their house, even if it is already paid off. Generally, the lenders demand insurance to protect their investment, and for the homeowners who own their property outright, it is also equally important to acquire coverage. Homeowners’ insurance is a kind of protection that reimburses for any damage caused by storms, fires, or theft. It also protects you from liability cases if someone gets hurt on the property. 

What you need to know is that structural coverage comes with more elements that protect your personal goods and also offers a payout for the additional living expenses when your home becomes uninhabitable. Furthermore, having homeowners insurance will improve the resale value of your home while at the same time providing you with the comfort of knowing that you are financially covered. Contact West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX, to determine the best insurance coverage tailored to your needs so that your valuable investment will be fully protected.

Quality Insurance Near Amarillo, TX

If you need the best insurance services to suit your needs, look no further than West Texas Insurance Agency, serving Amarillo, TX. Our team is committed to delivering top coverage and keeping our promises regarding customer relationships. Feel free to contact us to have the ideal solution tailored to your insurance needs. Our experienced professionals are available every step of the way to give you confidence that you are in good hands. Your satisfaction is our priority, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

If My Car Breaks Down, Does Auto Insurance Cover It?

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When your vehicle breaks down, you can get caught alongside the road and face hefty bills for car repairs. What does your auto insurance cover if your car breaks down?

At West Texas Insurance Agency servicing Amarillo, TX, we’re happy to help you understand what’s included with your auto insurance and what isn’t. We also offer a range of insurance types, so you can choose the best type of auto insurance for your needs. 

Can My Auto Insurance Cover My Vehicle If It Breaks Down?

A typical auto insurance policy does not cover the cost of repairing a vehicle that has broken down due to maintenance problems. However, if you have comprehensive auto insurance, your policy may cover the cost of roadside assistance, including towing the vehicle to a repair shop.

If your car is covered under the vehicle warranty, you may be able to use the warranty to cover the repair cost. Speak to your car dealership to determine if your vehicle is still covered under warranty. In addition, if a recently replaced car part breaks down, it may be covered under its warranty. Speak with the mechanic who performed the installation. 

What Does My Auto Insurance Cover?

There are different types of auto insurance. Liability-only auto insurance is the minimum amount of insurance and will only cover the cost of repairing the vehicle you hit if you are at fault in an accident. Typically, comprehensive auto insurance will cover the cost of repairing your vehicle if it is damaged or stolen. 

Need to Review Your Auto Insurance? Contact Us

Wondering what your auto insurance covers? Call West Texas Insurance Agency, servicing Amarillo, TX. We can help you understand your policy and get the best coverage for your needs. 

Three Types of Commercial Insurance You May Need

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Commercial Insurance: Protecting Your Business Across All Fronts

As a business owner, safeguarding various aspects of your business is essential. Considering the many liability forms, having the right insurance in place is paramount to managing your business risks. If you’re a business owner in Amarillo, TX, and need advice on how to shield your business best, don’t hesitate to contact us at West Texas Insurance Agency.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: A Vital Necessity

An integral type of commercial insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, is mandatory for all businesses with employees. Regardless of your headcount, you’re accountable for any on-job accidents or occupational illnesses your employees may contract. It’s prudent never to be without this crucial risk protection.

Cyber Insurance: An Underestimated Safety Net

Today’s digital landscape holds numerous threats that can jeopardize businesses of all scales. A common misconception among business owners is presuming their business won’t be a hacking target due to its size. However, all businesses, irrespective of their scale, are potential cyberattack victims. In the unfortunate event of a data breach, the penalties can be financially draining, which underscores the importance of cyber insurance.

Commercial Auto Insurance: Coverage for Your Corporate Vehicles

When your business operates company-owned vehicles, a commercial insurance policy is critical. It provides coverage for incidents not typically paid for by a personal auto policy. Each vehicle in your fleet requires this specific insurance.

Investing In Commercial Insurance

It’s time to bolster your business protection if your current insurance coverage falls short. To learn more about identifying and managing the risks faced by your Amarillo, TX business, contact us at West Texas Insurance Agency.

Homeowners Insurance: How to Make the Claim Process Easier

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Filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance can be an extremely stressful experience. Many homeowners believe that they’ve filed accurate claims, only to have them denied for reasons that aren’t obvious. Here is an overview of some intelligent ways to make the claim process more accessible to get what you’re entitled to faster and without much hassle. 

Provide as Much Documentation as Possible

When filing any claim with an insurance company, the more documentation you can provide, the better. That means that if you are filing a claim that states that a fire damaged your personal items, you should include a copy of the police report that you hopefully filed, any documentation the fire department may have given you, clear and concise pictures of the damage, a full list of everything that was damaged or destroyed and their approximate worth, receipts for any lost items, and as much other documentation that you have access to. 

Be as Honest as Possible

Being as upfront and honest as possible is important because if your adjuster finds gaps in your story, it could result in a delay or even a denial. If your adjuster requests to view the damage in person, then you need to allow them to do so. The more cooperative you are, the quicker the process will be.

We are a West Texas Insurance Agency providing homeowners and other types of insurance for the Amarillo, TX, area, among others. If you want to contact us at West Texas Insurance Agency, and you’re an Amarillo, TX, resident seeking homeowners insurance, we would be more than happy to provide you with a quote and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today to get things started. 

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