West Texas Insurance Agency

3702 Mockingbird Ln
Amarillo, TX 79109

Do I need an auto insurance plan in Texas?

Those that are living in the Amarillo, TX area should consider buying a car as it will make it a lot easier to get around this area of Texas. If you do decide to invest in a vehicle, there are a lot of responsibilities that come along with it. One responsibility that all people will have will be to carry a proper insurance plan. There are several reasons why this coverage is a necessity.

Coverage is Needed to Comply with State Law

A good reason to get an auto insurance plan when in Texas is so you can comply with the state law. Any driver in Texas is obligated to at least carry the basic minimum level of liability auto insurance coverage. If you do not carry this protection at all times you are risking a variety of penalties. 

Coverage Needed to Protect Car

Buying a car is a very big investment and is one that you should aim to protect as well as possible. If you get a full auto insurance plan in this area, you can receive collision and comprehensive protection as well. This insurance coverage will help to offset many risks including the risk of theft, accident damage, or vandalism. 

If you are a resident of the Amarillo, TX area, it will be a good idea to always have auto insurance. If you are looking for a new plan when you are in this area, speaking with the team at the West Texas Insurance Agency is a good option. If you do call the team with the West Texas Insurance Agency you can learn a lot about how this insurance can protect you. They can give any support needed for you to build an appropriate plan that meets your needs. 

Why do you need auto insurance in Texas?

In the Amarillo, TX area, owning a car can be a good option for anyone. Those that would like to buy a car here will find that it is a lot easier to get around town and complete your required tasks. Along with a car, you also need to pick a quality insurance plan. There are a few different reasons why you should choose an auto insurance plan when you are here. 

Insurance Protects Vehicle

A primary reason that you need to get an auto insurance plan is that it will protect your vehicle. A vehicle is an important investment that people in Texas need to protect. If you get a full policy with collision and comprehensive protection, the plan will give you protection for virtually any scenario that could result in a loss. 

Insurance is Required by State

You will also need an auto insurance plan because it will be required by state law. Those that want to drive a car in Texas will always need an auto insurance plan to be in place at all times. State law requires that all drivers have liability coverage, which ensures that someone at fault in an accident will be able to pay for the damages that were caused in the collision. 

Those that want to own and drive a car in the Amarillo, TX area clearly need to get auto insurance for it. When you are going to look for a new policy in this area, you should call the professionals with West Texas Insurance Agency. It is always an important decision when you need to choose a new plan. The team with West Texas Insurance Agency can help you better assess your options and choose an insurance plan that is right for you. 

The Essentials of Safe Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 36,000 traffic accidents that resulted in death in 2018. It’s imperative to make sure you’re safe every time you get into your vehicle. In Amarillo, TX, the independent agents at West Texas Insurance Agency would like to give you a few tips that are essential to driving safely.

Obey the Speed Limits

It’s just as dangerous to drive fast as it is to drive too slowly. Don’t go too far under the speed limit on highways or interstates. If you find that you are driving slower than others, you should get into the far-right lane. If your car is in distress, then you should turn on your hazard lights until you get to where you are going.

Always Wear Your Seatbelt

Seatbelts are meant to protect drivers from serious injury if ever you were in an accident. Seatbelts were designed to keep you restrained while the car is being impacted. Without a seatbelt, you could hit the steering wheel or the windshield. Some crash victims have been thrown from the vehicle entirely as a result of not using their seatbelt.

Never Drink or Use Drugs

Drinking while driving can alter your perception when you’re behind the wheel. Drugs can do the same. Not just illegal drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, but legal drugs prescribed by a doctor. Prescription medications, such as painkillers or muscle relaxers can slow your reaction time. Find out how your body reacts to them before getting behind the wheel.

One of the safest ways to drive is to have insurance. Just in case you’re involved in an accident you’d be covered. Check out the West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX for your auto insurance needs.

How your driving record affects your auto insurance policy

Did you know that insurance providers use your driving record to calculate your auto insurance premiums? Being an aggressive, reckless, and unlucky driver In Amarillo, TX can cost you more than you can imagine. No company wants to ensure a driver who is always filing claims. West Texas Insurance Agency is all about helping you stay safe on the roads. That is why it will cost you more for having a poor driving record.

My driving record and my insurance policy, how are they connected? 

How does your insurance company know that you slipped in the first place? Auto insurance companies are thorough enough to check how you have been behaving on the roads. Therefore, any car infraction you are involved in is tagged to your driving record by the government. The more the violations, the more tarnished your driving record becomes. However, not all violations are included. Simple violations like busted taillights, parking tickets, or failure to update insurance paperwork only come with fines.

What factors affect my driving record?

There are many factors that can affect your driving record—some being more detrimental than others. Additionally, insurance companies in Amarillo, TX have different policies for specific driving record tarnishes and may focus on particular factors. Some of these factors include:

  • DUIs
  • Accidents
  • Tailgating
  • Speeding tickets
  • Overdue bills or late payments
  • Getting a traffic ticket in a construction or school zone
  • Too many insurance claims

It is almost impossible to determine how much your insurance company can raise. Some violations can be forgiven while others may not. For instance, if it is your first time to get a speeding ticket, and it is the only violation in your record, your insurance company may forgive and keep the rates intact. If you have more than two violations, your insurance premiums will obviously go up.

Safe driving means owning a clean record. At West Texas Insurance Agency, we care about your safety and the safety of other road users. Feel free to contact us with questions about auto insurance.

Will my auto insurance cover me in a rental vehicle?

You have planned for this vacation for months. Here you are at the rental car counter with a line of other anxious vacationers behind you and the person at the counter is asking you to decide if you need the car insurance they offer. Talk about stress!! It will certainly make you wish you had read your auto policy before you left for vacation. At West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX we are here to help you to understand the coverage that your auto insurance provides. 

The answer to the question will my auto insurance cover me in a rental vehicle is it depends. If you are renting a vehicle that is similar to the vehicle that you currently own and you have full coverage, the answer is yes. However, if you rent a high-end car or you have more of a clunker at home then you are going to need at least some other type of insurance coverage. 

Liability coverage is required by almost all states so chances are if you have adequate coverage at home you will be adequately covered when you rent. If you don’t have collision and comprehensive coverage on your vehicle at home, you won’t have it on the rental and that could be a very expensive bill if you have an accident. 

Even though your personal auto insurance may not cover all of the auto insurance that you need for a rental, you may not need to buy the rental company insurance. Always check with your credit card to see if they offer Collision Damage Waiver coverage. 

With 25 years of experience, West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX has a team that is ready to help you with your auto insurance needs. Give us a call or stop by the office for a no-obligation quote. 

3 Ways to Help Your Car Hold Its Value

Helping your car maintain its value is beneficial in a number of ways, especially if you plan on selling or trading it in. In Amarillo, TX, agents from West Texas Insurance Agency offer their clients advice on how to maintain their car’s value for as long as possible. There are simple things you can do to ensure your car holds its value for as long as possible.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential if you want your car to continue running as efficiently as possible. All of the systems in your car have maintenance schedules including your lubrication, coolant, brakes, and transmission. Regular maintenance ensures each system is working efficiently and doing its job properly.

Prompt Repairs

If you are in an accident or something breaks on your vehicle, having it repaired promptly will help your car hold its value. This includes dents, broken windshields, or fender benders that leave visible damage that will detract from the appearance of your vehicle. 

Keep it Sparkling Clean

Keep your car clean! Throw away any trash you have on the seats and vacuum it out regularly. Wipe down the interior and run it through a car wash every couple of weeks to keep the outside shiny and looking like new. Keep an air freshener in your car to keep it smelling nice and fresh.

At West Texas Insurance Agency, residents who live in the Amarillo, TX area are encouraged to call an agent if they ever have questions or concerns about the value of their vehicle. Maintaining your car properly will help it hold its value and also keep it looking its best at all times. Call and talk to an agent today!

Auto Insurance for Teens

For teens, getting a driver’s license is an exciting time.  It signals the passage into the world with greater freedoms.  For parents, however, the realities of the danger for teen drivers is real.  Also, their policy rates will be higher.  This can lead to an anxious time for everyone.  The agents at West Texas Insurance Agency understand the excitement and concern that everyone is going through.  They work with parents and teens throughout the Amarillo, TX area.

To help teens understand their responsibilities as drivers and the importance of keeping a good driving record, it’s recommended that they are involved in the insurance process.  When they understand policy costs and the ramifications of poor driving habits, they are more invested in being good drivers. Over time, this will be reinforced when they see their rates go down for keeping their driving record clean.

In some cases, it may be better to simply add the teen to their parent’s policy. Talk with the agent to determine if that is the best solution.  Also, they will be able to discuss any available student discounts.  Some insurance companies give discounts to students who have had driver’s education classes or earn good grades.  College students are also offered discount programs best on how often they drive and their grades.   Another consideration is the type of vehicle the teen will drive.  While they may long for a sports car, a more sedate sedan or compact car will be easier and less expensive to insure.

In the Amarillo, TX area, the team at West Texas Insurance Agency understands the challenges of insuring a teen driver. They can help!  Visit the website for general information then bring your teen into the offices for a visit.  Young drivers need the protection of adequate vehicle insurance before they ever hit the road.

How to Take Care of Your Car This Summer

Here at the West Texas Insurance Agency serving the Amarillo, TX area, we know a thing or two about taking care of cars. One of the smartest moves you’ll ever make to take care of your car is to put insurance on it. More importantly, insurance that is customized to meet your exact needs. Here’s a look at a few other tips you should follow for taking care of your car this summer. 

Take Care of Coolant System

It’s always important to ensure your car has enough coolant liquid in it. From the coolant hoses to the coolant reservoir, these parts of the car should be inspected regularly during the summer. If there is any damage to the coolant system, you will need an auto repair specialist to fix them as soon as possible.

Replace the Wipers

It might be sunny and hot in Texas, but it tends to rain some during the summer. There’s nothing worse than being stuck out on the road in the rain with no wipers. A great way to avoid this is by replacing the wipers now.

Take the Car to a Mechanic

Lastly, take the car to the mechanic at least once this summer for routine maintenance. Ideally, you’ll take it when you need an oil change. The mechanic can do everything from changing the oil to rotating your tires and more. 

Contact the West Texas Insurance Agency serving the Amarillo, TX area today to learn more about summer car care tips. You can also speak with one of our agents about taking care of your car with a customized insurance policy.

5 Ways To Protect Your Family With The Right Auto Insurance

As you’re driving around Amarillo, TX, it’s important that you have the right auto insurance policy. There are a few ways that policy can work to protect your family.

At West Texas Insurance Agency, we’re here to guide you towards the best policy. There are a number of auto insurance requirements in Texas, so it’s important to adhere to them.

First, remember that it’s important to meet at least the state minimums. Driving without insurance can result in being ticketed by a police officer.

Second, the right auto insurance policy will protect your finances if you’re involved in an accident. You don’t want to be financially responsible for car repairs, medical bills, and more if you’re at fault.

Third, you want to know that you have the ability to get your vehicle fixed if it gets hit by a shopping cart in a parking lot or a truck throws a rock at your windshield on the highway. Comprehensive coverage can protect you against all sorts of non-driving related incidents.

Fourth, you want to know that you have coverage if there’s a break-in. Unfortunately, vehicles do get broke into around Amarillo, TX from time to time. Having the right policy will allow you to file a claim.

Finally, you can protect your family by having coverage against the uninsured and underinsured. Although it’s a must to have insurance on the road, not everyone follows the laws. You can add this coverage so that you don’t depend on someone else having insurance even though they were at fault.

It can be overwhelming to find the right auto insurance. By talking to an independent insurance agent at West Texas Insurance Agency, we can help you find the coverage that you need. We’ll even help you comparison shop quotes for an affordable premium. 

Should You Add Your Teenage Child To Your Auto Insurance?

Having a teenager that drives in your home in Amarillo, TX can be scary enough. You don’t want to have to worry about whether they are covered as they drive around town. Knowing when to add them to your auto insurance is critical.

What about my teen driver?

At West Texas Insurance Agency, our goal is to answer questions and provide adequate coverage through insurance policies.

As soon as your teenager has their learner’s permit, they are going to be behind the wheel of your vehicle. If they get into an accident, you want to make sure that the insurance claim is taken care of.

Additionally, you want to make sure that you have plenty of coverage in place. You are a seasoned driver. Therefore, you may not need as much liability coverage. However, a teenage child has not had a lot of experience. They may cause more damage if they get into an accident. To avoid paying too much out of pocket, it may be a good idea to boost coverage limits on your policy.

Some parents wonder whether they should add a child to their own auto insurance or make the child get it on their own. Generally, it is more affordable to add them to your policy as opposed to them getting their own. This is because you will get multi-driver discounts. Plus, they benefit from you being a safe driver. Otherwise, they could end up spending a small fortune on insurance because they are identified as the new driver and, therefore, carry a lot more risk with them.

The best thing that you can do is to protect your teenager in Amarillo, TX. As soon as they have a learner’s permit, contact us at West Texas Insurance Agency. One of our independent insurance agents can take you through the process of adding a teenage child to your auto insurance policy.

 

Servicing States

  • Texas
  • Oklahoma
  • New Mexico