West Texas Insurance Agency

3702 Mockingbird Ln
Amarillo, TX 79109

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

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

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

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. 

Keeping Your Car Running Safely When the weather Turns Cold

Maintaining your car’s safety and performance during cold weather is essential to ensuring its smooth operation when driving in winter. According to the Amarillo, TX-based West Texas Insurance Agency professionals, these tips will help keep your car running safely as the colder weather arrives.

Tips to Keep Your Car Running Safely in Winter

In addition to modifying your driving habits for slippery roads (i.e., avoiding sudden movement or braking, increasing following distance, etc.) and following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, consider these valuable suggestions-

Check the following:

  • The Battery – Cold weather can strain the car’s battery, so check terminal connections and replace the battery when necessary.
  • The Tires – Cold weather can reduce tire pressure. Keep your tires properly inflated or improve traction with winter tires.
  • The Antifreeze/Coolant Level/Concentration – the proper mixture of antifreeze and water prevents engine freeze-ups.
  • The Engine Oil –thickens from low temperatures. Use winter-grade oil to help oil flow in cold temps.
  • Lights and signals – Make sure these are working correctly.
  • The Brakes – inspect the brake system, including brake fluid, pads, rotors, etc.
  • Check Wiper Fluid/Blade – replace worn blades and switch to winter-grade windshield washer fluid to prevent freezing.
  • The defroster, the heating systems, and related belts/hoses are in working order.
  • Keep Fuel Tank Full – a full tank can prevent a fuel line freeze-up and provides a margin of safety should you be stuck in traffic or delayed.
  • Carry Emergency Supplies – including blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, ice scrapers, snow shovels, and essential tools.

Contact a Leading Amarillo, TX Insurance Company Today

If you’re unsure about any aspect of your car’s readiness for winter, consult the insurance professionals at the West Texas Insurance Agency at 806-352-2090 (Amarillo, TX) or 806-5896454 (Lubbock, TX).

How Do I Know What Commercial Insurance Products Will Most Benefit My Business?

Selecting the ideal commercial insurance products for your business is essential for safeguarding your assets and financial stability. West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX, is here to help you determine the most beneficial insurance products for your unique business needs.

Assess Your Business Needs

Begin by assessing your business’s specific requirements. Consider factors such as your industry, business size, and operational risks. Recognize that legal requirements for insurance may apply depending on your location and industry.

Common Commercial Insurance Products

Key commercial insurance products to consider include:

  1. General Liability Insurance: Protects against third-party claims involving injury, property damage, and advertising injury.

  2. Commercial Property Insurance: Covers losses related to business property, including buildings, equipment, and inventory.

  3. Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Provides coverage for employee injuries and medical expenses.

  4. Business Interruption Insurance: Replaces lost income and covers operating expenses during business interruptions.

  5. Commercial Auto Insurance: Protects business-owned or used vehicles.

  6. Professional Liability Insurance: Safeguards against errors and omissions in professional services.

Customized Coverage

Tailor your insurance coverage to your business’s unique needs. An insurance agent can help you design policies like cyber liability insurance, inland marine insurance, or product liability insurance, ensuring your specific requirements are met.

Navigating the complexities of commercial insurance is more manageable with the assistance of professionals. They possess local expertise and will effectively guide you through the process. To secure the right commercial insurance for your business, contact West Texas Insurance Agency, serving Amarillo, TX, today. Our dedicated team is ready to evaluate your needs and provide the protection your business deserves. Your business’s success is our top priority.

Can I File a Claim Through My Homeowners Insurance if I Don’t Live in the Home?

If you’re not familiar with all the rules regarding homeowners insurance, you might have many questions about when you can or cannot file a claim. Sometimes, if you’re not sure about something regarding your insurance, you can easily contact your agent to ask questions for clarification. If you’re wondering whether you can file a claim through your homeowner’s insurance for a home you don’t live in, here is an overview that answers this common question. 

If Your Home is Rented Out to a Tenant

If you have rented your home out to a tenant and burglary, a fire, or some other event that results in damage to the home occurs, your tenant should file a claim with their renter’s insurance. However, you can file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance if your tenant doesn’t have renter’s insurance, but in most cases, you will need a copy of the police report. 

If Your Home is Vacant

If your home is vandalized or otherwise damaged while sitting empty, then once you file a police report, you can most certainly file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. This is one of the reasons to maintain coverage on your home, whether it’s vacant or not, as it will enable you to make repairs on your home without paying out of pocket. 

If you’re an Amarillo, TX homeowner and you’re seeking a new homeowners insurance provider, you should consider giving West Texas Insurance Agency a call. At West Texas Insurance Agency, we take pride in offering top-quality insurance services of all types to our customers, as well as providing excellent customer service. Give us a call today to request a quote.

Telematics and Auto Insurance: How Technology is Changing the Game

Telematics is transforming and changing the auto insurance industry. Here at West Texas Insurance Agency, serving the greater Amarillo, TX area, we want to help you understand more about telematics.

Understanding Telematics

Telematics involves merging telecommunications and informatics, enabling real-time monitoring of vehicles using GPS and onboard diagnostics. This technology provides detailed insights into driver behavior and vehicle performance, sending this information to insurers to help assess risks more accurately.

Benefiting the Safe Driver

One of the standout features of telematics-based auto insurance is personalized pricing. Rather than relying on traditional factors like age, gender, or location, insurers use actual driving data. This means safer drivers can be rewarded with lower premiums, encouraging more responsible driving habits.

Enhancing Claims Processing

In the event of an accident, telematics can provide a detailed snapshot of the moments leading up to the collision, including speed, direction, and force of impact. This real-time data can streamline the claims process, ensuring quicker resolutions and possibly reducing fraudulent claims.

Data Privacy Concerns

While the advantages are numerous, there are concerns about data privacy. Consumers may feel uneasy about insurers having continuous access to their driving habits. Insurance companies need to remain transparent about data usage and storage, emphasizing customer trust and security.

As telematics technology evolves, its impact on the auto insurance industry becomes increasingly profound. Offering a unique blend of personalized pricing and enhanced claims processing is a win-win for insurers and policyholders. If you’re looking to purchase a new auto insurance policy in Amarillo, TX, the West Texas Insurance Agency team can help you find the best policy for your needs. Call today to get started.

Understanding Business Interruption Insurance: Safeguarding Your Operations

Business interruption insurance from West Texas Insurance Agency is an indispensable resource that safeguards Amarillo, TX businesses from unforeseen events that may result in loss or damage. This coverage helps mitigate financial losses during interruptions or suspensions of regular business operations. It encompasses lost revenue, rent or lease payments, relocation expenses, employee wages, and loan payments that persist even when operations are paused.

Why You Need Business Interruption Insurance

A sudden halt in operations can cause a significant financial impact, jeopardizing the stability of your business. Whether it’s a natural disaster, such as a flood or fire, unexpected property damage, or any unforeseen event that disrupts your operations, having business interruption insurance can be a financial lifesaver.

For example, imagine that your business suffers extensive water damage due to a burst pipe and has to close for repairs. With business interruption insurance, not only would the physical repair costs be covered, but the lost income from being unable to serve customers during the repair period would also be compensated for.

This essential coverage provides a safety net, helping you maintain financial stability and recover more quickly after the event by covering lost income, ongoing expenses, and additional costs to get your business back on track. With business interruption insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your business is protected from unforeseen disruptions and can bounce back stronger than ever.

In all these cases, business interruption insurance proves invaluable, providing the financial buffer businesses need to recover and return.

Act now to protect your business’s future.

To learn more about how business interruption insurance can protect your business in Amarillo, TX, contact West Texas Insurance Agency. We’re here to help safeguard your operations and financial well-being.

Making your Texas home a safer place to live

When it comes to making your Texas home a safer place to live, it can mean protecting yourself from things in your house and outside of your house. At West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX, we can help make your home safer by ensuring you have the correct home insurance to protect your biggest asset. 

In the home

Safety comes in a lot of different forms. One of the significant safety issues in any home is fire. Every home should be equipped with smoke detectors. They should also have backup batteries if the power is out when a fire starts. It would be best to have a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location. 

Trips and falls are a significant safety concern. Ensure the lighting is good in all dark areas, such as hallways. Don’t let clutter accumulate on stairs and in heavily trafficked areas. Don’t use throw rugs; they pose a trip and fall hazard. If you must use extension cords, ensure they are tucked close to the wall. Use a no-slip bath mat or stickers. Having a grab bar in the shower or bath is a good idea if you are unsteady. 

Outside the home

Outside your home, lighting is essential. Motion detector lights will guarantee that when you move into their range, they will turn on for you to light your way. 

Installing a home protection system is one way to make your home a safer place from the outside. It can be as simple as a digital locking system that you can activate with your phone or a doorbell camera. Using the locks on your windows is also important. 

Contact West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX for all your home insurance needs. 

Documents you should always have in your vehicle

Certain documents should be in the vehicle with you when you are out and about on the roads in Western Texas. If, for any reason, you get pulled over by the police, you will need to produce these documents, and you should have them all handy in your vehicle. At West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX, we are independent insurance agents who put our customers first. 

Vehicle registration

When you purchase a new or used vehicle, you will need to register it with the state. This proves your ownership. You must produce the title to register it for the first time. If you are pulled over, you must be able to produce the registration, including your vehicle’s VIN number. 

Insurance card

When you purchase auto insurance, the insurance company will send you a card identifying you and your vehicle. This will also be required if the police pull you over for a violation or if you have an accident. 

Driver’s license

You always need to have your driver’s license with you when driving. Most people keep their driver’s license on their person in a wallet or their purse. It is an accepted form of identification that most people use regularly. 

Vehicle maintenance record

When you change the oil in your vehicle or do other repairs, the paperwork should be kept in your glove box. If you buy new tires and then have an issue with one of the tires, the paperwork can prove that a warranty still covers you. It is a good idea to have any proof of roadside assistance you may have in your vehicle. 

For advice about auto insurance, you can count on our West Texas Insurance Agency team in  Amarillo, TX to provide the customer service you deserve. 

Servicing States

  • Texas
  • Oklahoma
  • New Mexico