West Texas Insurance Agency
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West Texas Insurance Agency

3702 Mockingbird Ln
Amarillo, TX 79109

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Will I Lose My Auto Insurance if I Make a Theft Claim?

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When your car is stolen or broken into, your first instinct is usually to call your insurer. But then another thought kicks in: could this claim cost you your policy? For drivers in Texas, the answer is almost always no. Your insurance representative at West Texas Insurance Agency, serving Amarillo, TX, explains:

Texas Rules Protect Drivers

Texas insurance laws set firm limits on when a company can cancel a policy, and filing a theft claim isn’t one of them. If your policy has been active for a couple of months, it can’t simply be dropped because you reported a stolen vehicle or a break-in. Companies can still raise rates in certain cases, but outright cancellation over a theft claim is highly unlikely.

Claims Don’t Work Against You When They’re Legitimate

It’s important to remember that the entire point of auto insurance is to protect you when something goes wrong. A theft claim is considered a legitimate use of your coverage, not an abuse of it. As long as the claim is filed honestly and with proper documentation, it shouldn’t be viewed as a red flag. Insurers expect these situations to happen occasionally, which is why comprehensive coverage exists in the first place.

The Value of Reviewing Your Policy

So what should you do? File the claim if you need the protection; that’s why you have insurance. But it also makes sense to review your coverage and ask your agent how your company handles theft claims. Every insurer weighs risk a little differently, and having that clarity before an incident happens can save you some stress.

At the end of the day, a theft claim in Texas shouldn’t cost you your policy. What it may affect is your wallet, which makes knowing your options just as important as carrying the right coverage. Contact your insurance representative at West Texas Insurance Agency, serving Amarillo, TX, for more information.

Do Insurance Providers Work With Businesses in High-Risk Industries?

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In business, there’s always the potential for accidents to occur. Whether it involves property damage, lawsuits due to faulty products, employee injuries, or other unforeseen issues, commercial insurance exists to provide the protection and financial support you need to navigate these challenges without risking the closure of your business. But what happens when your business is considered riskier than average? What do you do when commercial insurance providers hesitate to offer the coverage you need? Here’s why insurance providers may shy away from businesses in high-risk industries and what you can do about it. If you need help finding commercial insurance, you can rely on us at West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX!

What to Do If You’re in a High-Risk Industry

Insurance providers often avoid high-risk businesses because the likelihood of claims is significantly higher compared to businesses in low-risk industries. If your business is prone to frequent claims due to accidents or other issues, insurers may view it as a less cost-effective option and prioritize low-risk businesses instead. However, this doesn’t mean you’re left without protection. High-risk commercial insurance is a tailored solution that provides the coverage you need for your specific business. While it may come with higher premiums, you’ll still have access to customization options and coverage flexibility similar to standard commercial insurance.

Shop Commercial Insurance With Us!

The team at West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX, is ready to help you find the insurance coverage you need to operate your business confidently. Compare quotes for commercial insurance with us today!

Why You Should Talk To Your Home Insurance Company Before Upgrades

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Home insurance in Amarillo, TX provides essential protection to ensure you’re covered in case of an accident or emergency. Many homeowners choose to upgrade their homes over time, such as installing a pool or replacing their roof with a metal one. However, it’s important to consult your insurance company before making any upgrades.

Premium Increases

Certain home upgrades can lead to higher monthly premiums. For instance, adding a pool may increase liability risks, requiring additional liability coverage. Similarly, your insurance policy will need to account for potential damages to upgraded areas, which may be more expensive to repair or replace. An agent at West Texas Insurance Agency can help you understand how these upgrades might impact your premiums, ensuring there are no unexpected increases.

Lapse of Coverage

It’s crucial to notify your insurance company about any upgrades to ensure your policy provides proper coverage. Failure to inform them can result in a lapse of coverage, leaving you unprotected. For example, if you face a liability lawsuit due to a trampoline but didn’t notify your insurance company about the addition, they may deny your claim.

Ensuring Proper Coverage

Your home insurance policy is designed to cover your current assets and the cost of replacing them. Many upgrades require higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection for items like a more expensive roof or a swimming pool. Insurance agents can work with you to adjust your policy accordingly. If you don’t notify your insurance company about upgrades, you may not have sufficient coverage to replace these items in the event of a natural disaster.

We understand that upgrading your home is part of creating your dream space. Knowledgeable insurance agents at West Texas Insurance Agency are here to assist you with home upgrades. Contact us today to learn more. We’re proud to serve the Amarillo, TX area.

The Widow Penalty: How the Texas Law Empowers Surviving Spouses

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After losing a spouse, widowers in Amarillo, TX often face a challenging period filled with grief, taxes, final expenses, and unexpected financial burdens. For years, auto insurance companies have added to this strain by drastically raising premiums for widowers. However, in May 2025, Texas passed a bill that changes how insurance companies treat widowers after their spouse’s passing.

What Is the Widow’s Penalty?

The "Widow’s Penalty" refers to the practice of increasing auto insurance premiums for individuals who become widowed. When a spouse passes away, the surviving partner’s filing status changes from married to single, often resulting in a decrease in income. State income brackets indicate that single-status policyholders pay higher insurance premiums than married couples. Auto insurance companies identify this status change and raise rates by 10% to 25%, even for widowers with good to excellent driving records. This practice has left many widowers confused and frustrated.

How Texas Law Changed the Widow’s Penalty

The Texas Legislature addressed this issue by passing a bill that prevents insurance companies from using the Widow’s Penalty to justify premium increases. Under the new law, widowers will retain their married status for insurance purposes, ensuring that their rates do not rise due to their change in marital status. Auto insurance carriers currently classifying widowers as single must update their records to reflect married status. While the law officially takes effect on September 1, 2025, West Texas Insurance Agency is implementing this change immediately.

This legislation allows widowers to focus on grieving and managing their spouse’s final expenses without the added burden of higher auto insurance premiums. Texas is now the seventh state to pass such a law, following the lead of six other states.

Contact West Texas Insurance Agency

At West Texas Insurance Agency, we believe your auto insurance premiums should reflect your driving habits and claims history, not circumstances beyond your control. Our agents are here to discuss how this new law can ease your financial burden and eliminate discriminatory practices. Contact our Amarillo, TX office today to learn more about our auto insurance plans and how we can help.

Small Business Health Insurance Guide

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If you’re a business owner in Texas, one of your key responsibilities is to secure commercial insurance. If your business is located near Amarillo, TX, our team at West Texas Insurance Agency is eager to help you select the right insurance options. We’ve been serving businesses like yours since 1995.

Texas Small Business Health Insurance Guide

When selecting the right health insurance for your small business’s employees, consider solutions specifically designed for small businesses. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, a small business is defined as a company with two to fifty employees, irrespective of the number of hours your employees work. If you offer health insurance to your employees, you must extend this offer to every employee who works 30 hours or more per week. The same source also advises you to offer insurance to the dependents of those employees.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, although you can require employees to wait 90 days after their employment begins, you can offer it upon employment. If your employees choose not to enroll in your health insurance plan thirty-one days after their eligibility date, they are not permitted to apply for insurance until the next open enrollment unless they experience a significant life change, such as marriage.

Contact West Texas Insurance Agency Today for Your Appointment

Every business is unique, so it’s important to work with a team that understands the need to identify your company’s specific insurance needs. Our team at West Texas Insurance Agency has the experience and dedication to help you find the right solutions. Companies near Amarillo, TX have come to trust our team. Contact us for an appointment today, and let us have the privilege of working with you.

Understanding Personal Property Coverage In Homeowners Insurance

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Homeowners’ insurance is designed to protect one of your most significant assets. Most people are aware that homeowner’s insurance can compensate for repairs due to tornado and fire damage. Many policies also include something called personal property coverage.

Understanding Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage covers your personal belongings. Many other parts of homeowner’s insurance, such as flood coverage, will provide ample coverage for structural damage and repairs in Amarillo, TX. Personal property coverage is a certain percentage of the reimbursement that can be used to cover damaged belongings.

What Does It Cover?

Personal property coverage covers any personal belongings, from your laptop to your favorite pair of shoes. Anything in your house counts as personal property. However, there are policy limitations. Each homeowner’s policy will only provide a specified amount of reimbursement. Speak with a West Texas Insurance Agency professional agent to learn more about how much coverage is provided.

Covered Events

Personal property coverage only covers certain events, known as covered events. For example, many homeowners’ insurance policies cover fire or natural disasters. Some cover things like theft, but others specifically exclude theft. Insurance policies may exclude natural disasters unless you have natural disaster insurance, such as flood insurance.

Every insurance company is different regarding personal property coverage and what the fine print says. That’s why working with an insurance company that strives to meet your needs is important. Our agents at West Texas Insurance Agency will discuss your personal property coverage needs. Then, we’ll work with you to make sure you have a policy that works for you. Contact us to learn more today. We’re currently serving the Amarillo, TX area.

How Auto Insurance Helps You Navigate Accidents While Traveling Abroad

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Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating experience, but what happens if you’re involved in a car accident in a foreign country? At West Texas Insurance Agency, serving the Amarillo, TX area, we understand that knowing your auto insurance coverage while traveling internationally can save you from unexpected stress and financial burdens.

Understanding Your Auto Insurance Coverage Overseas

Many drivers assume their existing auto insurance will protect them anywhere, but that’s not always the case. Standard U.S. auto insurance policies often have limited or no coverage outside the country, especially in places like Europe, Asia, or South America. Some policies may extend coverage to Canada and Mexico, but even those come with restrictions. Before heading abroad, it’s crucial to check whether your policy provides protection in your destination country.

Rental Car Insurance: Is It Necessary?

The rental company will likely offer insurance options if you’re renting a car while traveling. While it might seem unnecessary if you already have coverage at home, international rentals often require additional protection. Some credit card companies provide rental car insurance as a perk, but these policies may not cover everything, such as liability for injuries or damage to other vehicles. Reviewing your options beforehand can prevent costly surprises.

Preparing Before Your Trip

To avoid complications, contact your insurance provider before you travel. If your existing policy doesn’t cover international accidents, consider purchasing temporary international auto insurance. This extra step can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of an accident.

At West Texas Insurance Agency, serving the greater Amarillo, TX region, we’re here to help you find the right coverage before your next trip. Contact us today to ensure you’re fully protected, no matter where the road takes you!

Types of Commercial Insurance: Which Policies Does Your Business Need?

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Having the right commercial insurance for your business is extremely important. If you’re in the Amarillo, TX area and unsure which policies are best for you, West Texas Insurance Agency is here to help. We understand that businesses come in all different types, and our dedicated agents are focused on ensuring you can get the coverage you need to protect your company.

Coverage for Your Building

Your building is one of your company’s biggest assets, and you want to protect it fully. A commercial property policy is a great way to do that. If you’re leasing the building or a part of it from someone else, some policies can protect the contents, such as your equipment, office furniture, inventory, and more.

Protecting Your Customers and Employees

Another important policy is one that keeps your employees and customers safe. You want to protect them and yourself from liability if someone gets injured at your business. Our agents can help you keep yourself and others safe and increase your peace of mind.

Keep Your Company Safe Online

Unfortunately, online threats like cyber attacks and hacking are very common, and you want to reduce the chances of this kind of problem happening to you. There’s no reason to hope a hacker won’t try to victimize your company when you can get policies that help protect you from online hacking damages.

Work With Trusted Professionals for Support

If you’re in the Amarillo, TX, area and looking for commercial insurance, contact West Texas Insurance Agency today. We’ll be happy to discuss all the different policies available for your business so that you can choose the right options.

How Does Home Insurance Differ From a Home Warranty

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When it comes to safeguarding your home, it’s easy to confuse home insurance with a home warranty. While both provide homeowners with a sense of security, they serve distinct purposes. At West Texas Insurance Agency, serving the greater Amarillo, TX, region, we aim to help you understand the key differences.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

Home insurance protects you financially from unexpected events that could damage your home or belongings. It acts as your safety net for significant incidents like fire, theft, storms, or vandalism. It even provides liability coverage if someone gets injured on your property. For instance, if a hailstorm damages your roof or a pipe burst and floods your home, your home insurance policy can help cover the repair or replacement costs.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Unlike home insurance, a home warranty is a service contract that helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing major appliances and systems in your home. This includes heating and cooling systems, plumbing, or your refrigerator. A home warranty typically covers wear and tear, while home insurance covers unforeseen disasters.

For example, a home warranty may cover the repair if your water heater breaks down due to age. However, home insurance will cover it if it is damaged in a fire.

Do You Need Both?

While home insurance is essential, a home warranty is optional. However, both can work together to provide comprehensive protection for your home. For expert advice on home insurance, contact West Texas Insurance Agency, providing home insurance in and around Amarillo, TX, today. We’ll help you find the best coverage to secure your home and peace of mind.

What To Do If You Find Your Car Sliding On Icy Roads

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Icy roads are a hazard that drivers in Amarillo, TX occasionally face during cold winter nights. While it’s not a nightly occurrence, it’s common enough that drivers should know how to handle their vehicle if it begins to slide on icy roads. Here’s some advice from the West Texas Insurance Agency on the steps you should take if your car is sliding on icy Texas roads.

Remain Calm and Ease Off the Gas

If your car starts to slide, staying calm and avoiding panicking deep breaths can help you think clearly. Remove your foot from the gas pedal to allow the vehicle to slow down naturally. Avoid pressing the brakes hard, as it can exacerbate the slide.

Steer in the direction of the Slide

Turn the steering wheel in the direction your car is sliding. If the rear of your car slides to the right, steer to the right. This helps you regain control. Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go, not on objects you want to avoid.

Make Slow, Careful Movements

Use the steering wheel and brakes in small, gentle movements. Quick or sharp turns can cause the car to spin out of control. If you need to slow down further, tap the brakes lightly. Also, maintain a significant distance between yourself and other vehicles to give yourself time to react.

Icy roads can lead to car accidents. Unfortunately, many drivers are unsure of what to do if they encounter icy roads and start sliding. At West Texas Insurance Agency, we are here to assist you with all of your auto insurance needs in the greater Amarillo, TX region. Contact us today to discuss your policy needs.

Servicing States

  • Texas
  • Oklahoma
  • New Mexico