What dog breeds are not covered by home insurance?

Owning a dog can be a rewarding experience, but it is essential to remember that not all dog breeds are covered by home insurance policies in Ft. Worth, TX. To protect yourself and your pet correctly, it is crucial to understand why dog breeds are not covered by home insurance. In this post, Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc explains.

A few of the most common dog breeds not covered by home insurance include Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Chows Chows, German Shepherds, and Wolf Hybrids. It’s important to note that these breed restrictions vary from one insurance company to another. Additionally, some insurance companies may have breed-specific exclusions or limits on how much coverage they will provide for a specific breed. 

Certain insurers also require homeowners to sign liability waivers if they own certain types of dogs deemed "high-risk" or "dangerous." Additionally, many homeowners aren’t aware of the fact that their existing policy may already include exclusionary language related to specific breeds of dogs.

Pet owners need to check with their homeowner’s insurance provider to determine which breed exclusions exist and whether there are any additional restrictions regarding specific breeds of dogs. This way, you can be sure that you and your beloved pet are adequately protected should an incident occur involving your furry friend. 

Being a responsible pet owner includes knowing which dog breeds may not be covered under your home insurance policy in Ft. Worth, TX. Knowing this information can save you significant stress and hassle down the road should an incident involving your pet occurs. Contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc so we can check your policy and ensure you have the coverage you need.

What to Expect from the Auto Claims Process

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. wants to ensure our Ft. Worth, TX customers are prepared for what may come, so we’ve created a basic overview of what to expect from an auto claim. 

You’ll Need to Talk to the Insurer

  1. Call the insurance companies as soon as possible to file a claim. You may be able to file online or via the insurer’s app. 
  2. Answer the phone when the insurer calls. The faster you complete the interview, the quicker they can approve your claim.
  3. Be honest. Resist the urge to spin the truth, processors use multiple methods of investigation, and it will delay the decision if they have conflicting accounts. 

You’ll Need to Have an Inspection 

  1. Follow the insurer’s inspection process. 
  2. For simple accidents, they may provide an app that allows you to take necessary photographs for rapid claim approval. 
  3. Do not take your car to your mechanic unless you know the insurer works with them. Insurers must pay out fair market value and typically work with vetted inspectors. 
  4. If you are a claimant – you will pay nothing out of pocket and be able to pick up a rental while your car is being repaired.
  5. If you are the responsible party – your repairs will require a deductible owed when you go to pick up your car. 
  6. Prior damage and mechanical wear & tear will not be covered. ‘Betterment’ applies to damaged tires, meaning you’ll only get a percentage of the replacement cost unless the tires are brand new. 

There May Be Supplements

Once repairs start, the shop may find additional damages not visible on the surface. Don’t fret. They will send a supplemental invoice to the insurer, and as long as it’s reasonably related to the claim, the insurer will pay the shop directly. 

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. is here for our Ft. Worth, TX clients. Call us if you have any questions, and we’ll ensure you are prepared for what life brings. 

How commercial insurance can save your small business

Texas has an excellent climate for small businesses. The tax burden is lower than in most other places, which gives you a leg up, but many small companies will still fail despite that. Commercial insurance adds a layer of protection that can help save your small business because of the protection it offers. At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in  Ft. Worth, TX, our business is to help you protect your business. 

Commercial property insurance

Commercial property insurance can save your business by protecting it from things that could damage your location. You don’t have to own the building your business is in to benefit from this type of insurance. Beyond just the physical building that houses your business, it also covers everything you use to do business. That will be different for every small business since a store uses different things than a plumber. It covers tools, inventory, fixtures, machinery, and lots more. It will get you back into business much quicker than if you didn’t have commercial property insurance. 

Commercial liability insurance

Being sued is a real danger to small businesses. Your risk of being sued is much greater than you probably realize, and you can be put out of business quite easily if you get into legal proceedings. Your liability insurance will cover a judgment up to its limit and legal expenses. 

Business interruption insurance

When a covered hazard hits your business, it may have to close for an extended period. No income will be coming in. You still have expenses. Business interruption insurance helps you pay bills, rent, and even employees. It can be a lifesaver and a business saver. 

Contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX to discuss your commercial insurance needs. 

How is roof replacement covered by most homeowners’ policies?

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. is here for residents in the greater Ft. Worth, TX area. If you have questions about your homeowner’s policy or are in the process of purchasing a home in the area, we are here to help you with all your insurance needs. Call or come by our office today.

Roof replacement and homeowners’ policies

When it comes to roof replacement and homeowners’ policies, there can be a lot of confusion about what is and isn’t covered. Every insurance policy can provide different types and levels of protection, and it’s important to understand your coverage exactly. 

Several different factors can affect your coverage. For example, there are some limitations due to the year your current roof was installed, the materials used, or the manufacturer’s warranty. Depending on the details of your policy, your roof replacement may or may not be covered. Additionally, the replacement cost could be covered up to a certain level.

Every policy is different, so it is crucial to understand the parameters for your roof coverage. This is an excellent example of a situation that is helped by working with a local insurance agent. They can review your policy with you to determine if you have the proper protection.

We look forward to working with you!

Ft. Worth, TX area homeowners can rely on Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. team for all of their home insurance needs. If you have questions about your current home policy or if it’s time to upgrade to more comprehensive coverage, stop by our office or call us. We are here to help you with all of your insurance needs.

How To Get the Most Out of Your Auto Insurance Policy

Anyone who has ever been in a car accident knows that it is a stressful and often traumatizing experience. In the aftermath of an accident, the last thing you want to deal with is dealing with your insurance company. However, the claims process can be much less stressful if you understand your auto insurance policy. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your auto insurance policy.

1. Know Your Coverage

The first step in getting the most out of your auto insurance policy is to understand what your policy covers. Some policies will cover damage to your vehicle, medical expenses, and liability. However, there may be some coverage that you are not aware of. For example, some policies also cover rental cars if your vehicle is damaged in an accident. It is important to understand all the coverage available to you so that you can make the best decision for your needs.

2. Shop Around

Shopping around is the next tip for getting the most out of your auto insurance policy. There are many different insurance companies out there, and they all offer different rates. Shopping around can help you find the best rate for your needs. It is important to remember that the cheapest policy is not always the best policy. Make sure you compare coverage and rates before you make a decision.

3. Ask Questions

Never decide on your auto insurance without first asking questions. Ask your agent or insurance company for clarification if you do not understand something. You must understand all of the terms and conditions of your policy before you agree to anything.

4. Review Your Policy Annually

Your needs will change, and so will your auto insurance policy. It is important to review your policy annually to ensure that it still meets your needs. If you have moved, gotten a new car, or had any other significant changes in your life, be sure to update your policy.

If you follow these tips, you will be well on your way to getting the most out of your auto insurance policy. Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX can help you find the right policy for your needs and ensure you get the best coverage possible. Give us a call today to get started.

Tips For Choosing The Right Commercial Insurance

Commercial insurance is a vital part of any business. It protects your company from financial losses if something goes wrong. However, choosing the right commercial insurance can be tricky. Many different policies and options are available, and knowing which is right for your business can be challenging. This article will discuss some tips for choosing the right commercial insurance policy.

1. Understand What Risks You Need Protection Against

The first step in choosing the right commercial insurance policy is understanding the risks you need protection against. Every business is different and therefore has different risks. You must ensure that you are covered against your business’s specific risks. For example, if you run a construction company, you’ll need different coverage than a software company.

2. Work With an Experienced Insurance Agent

When choosing the right commercial insurance policy, working with an experienced insurance agent is crucial. They will be able to help you understand the different options available and find a policy that is right for your business. Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX has a team of experienced agents that can help you find the right coverage for your business.

3. Get Quotes from Multiple Insurance Companies

Once you understand the coverage you need, getting quotes from multiple insurance companies is vital. This will allow you to compare rates and find the best deal for your business. Moreover, it’s important to remember that the cheapest policy is not always the best. Read the fine print and understand what you are getting for your money.

Conclusion

Choosing the right commercial insurance policy is vital for any business. By following the tips above, you can be sure that you are getting the best coverage for your specific needs. Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX can help you find the right policy for your business. Give us a call today to get started.

What Is The Minimum Amount of Car Insurance Required In Texas?

Buying a car is an exhilarating experience and a substantial financial commitment. However, before you can enjoy the thrill of owning a car, you are required by law in 48 states (except New Hampshire and Virginia) in the United States to have some minimum auto insurance to drive a vehicle on public roads. As a resident of Ft. Worth, TX, you might be wondering – what is the minimum amount of car insurance in this state? Here is what to know;

Minimum Car Insurance Amount in Texas

Texas legislation requires all drivers to have adequate insurance for their vehicles. According to the state’s law, adequate car insurance means coverage of at least $30,000 for every injured person and not less than $60,000 per accident. Moreover, drivers in Texas must have property damage coverage of not less than $25,000. In the insurance and legal circles, the Texas minimum auto insurance requirements are defined as 30/60/25 in shorthand.

Unlike several other states, Texas doesn’t require its drivers to be insured against uninsured and underinsured drivers. Keep in mind that you are required by Texas state law to produce proof of insurance at the request of a police officer. 

Is Minimum Insurance Sufficient?

At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we advise against settling for the state’s minimum car insurance requirements because it doesn’t provide sufficient coverage. Firstly, if you only have minimum insurance and get into an accident and damage your vehicle, you will have to pay out of pocket to repair it. Additionally, if the accident results in property damage exceeding $25,000, you have to pay for the extra damages out of pocket. Moreover, minimum vehicle insurance in Texas doesn’t protect against theft. You will need additional coverage like liability coverage, collision coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to have excellent car insurance protection.

Call Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. for more info on car insurance in Ft. Worth, TX.

What is Hazard Insurance?

If you want to own a home in Forth Worth, you should know that some mortgage lenders will require you to own a homeowner’s insurance plan. If you’re curious about available plans, we’ll be exploring hazard insurance today.

How Hazard Insurance Works

Hazard insurance is a type of homeowner’s insurance that protects your property in the event of a hazard. A hazardous event can count as a fire, a severe storm, a hail storm, a snowstorm, or other natural disasters. If a dangerous event occurs in your home, this insurance will cover your damage expenses.

How it Differs From Other Insurances

This kind of insurance usually focuses on repairing and replacing structural problems. Hazard insurance doesn’t always provide coverage for personal property such as lost belongings or stolen items. If you want to know more details, consult an agent at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. 

Should You Get Hazard Insurance?

Depending on what your needs are, yes. If you live in a high-risk area, this kind of insurance will give you peace of mind and protection against unfortunate events. For example, California homeowners are at a higher risk of experiencing fire damage. Those who live in Florida will benefit from having hazard insurance since their properties are particularly susceptible to hurricane damage.  

Hazard insurance is often a smaller policy that’s a part of a more extensive insurance package. If you are looking for more types of coverage, then you can search for a homeowner’s plan that covers personal property loss, medical expenses, liability, and dwelling damages. 

Shopping for Homeowner’s Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX

The Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies, Inc. provides a range of insurance services. Contact us at 855-662-6246 if you are interested in getting service in Texas, Colorado, or Arizona. 

Can Home Insurance Cover My Collectables in Ft. Worth?

If you’re a collector in Ft. Worth, TX, you might wonder if your home insurance policy can cover your valuable collectibles. The answer is maybe—it depends on the details of your policy. Here’s what you need to know about insuring your collectibles with home insurance.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

Home insurance is designed to cover your home and your belongings in the event of damage or theft. Most policies will cover the structure of your home and your belongings.

However, there may be limits to how much coverage you have for specific items. For example, many policies limit how much they will pay for jewelry or other valuables.

Where Do Collectibles Stand?

For collectibles, it’s essential to check your policy to see what coverage you have for your belongings. Some policies will provide limited coverage for collectibles, while others may not cover them.

If you’re unsure about the coverage in your policy, speak to your insurance agent at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. They can help you understand your policy and what coverage you have for your collectibles.

What If I Want More Coverage?

If you want more coverage for your collectibles, you may purchase a separate policy. This is a personal articles floater, and it can provide additional coverage for your valuables. It’s important to remember that this policy will only cover your collectibles. It will not protect your home in the event of a disaster, so it’s an add-on to your original policy.

At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we want to ensure you have the coverage you need for your home and belongings. Contact us today to learn more about protecting your collectibles in Ft. Worth, TX.

Is Commercial Insurance Needed in TX?

If you own a small business in Texas then you are going to want to know what the insurance requirements are to remain in compliance with state law. Unlike the vast majority of other states, Texas does not mandate workers’ compensation insurance which pays for the medical bills associated with a workplace injury or illness. With that said, these costs can quickly escalate and not having workers’ compensation insurance can quickly lead to financial ruin. Bear in mind, that if own a company that contracts with state or federal government agencies then workers’ compensation insurance is required. Additionally, any vehicles owned by the business must be covered by commercial auto insurance with the following minimum liability requirements:

  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Even though it is not mandated, personal vehicles that are driven for work related needs should be covered by hired and non-owned auto insurance. Personal auto policies often exclude business use and could leave your employee on the hook for thousands in damages if they are not adequately covered. 

In addition to the aforementioned coverages, Texas businesses can consult with Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX to learn about optional add-ons that may better protect their business. For example, cyber liability insurance is a must for any company that handles sensitive data and is at a higher risk of cyber attack or data breach. 

For further information and to learn how we can help, contact our friendly and knowledgeable team to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our insurance professionals.