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. 

4 Auto Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

Even if you are an experienced motorist, buying car insurance is never fun. There is a lot to figure out about car insurance. While purchasing car insurance can be intimidating, there are pitfalls you can avoid to get the most out of your coverage. Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. of Ft. Worth, TX, has listed important things you should know about car insurance.

Failing to understand your policy

It’s a big mistake failing to understand your policy. It’s best to understand the ins and outs of your policy to avoid surprises when filing a claim. Understand the risks covered by your policy. Likewise, get to know what isn’t covered by your policy.

Read your policy to understand what it covers, exclusions, and limitations. Equally, talk to your insurance agent to know more about your policy.

Lying about the personal information

When your records aren’t right, there is always the urge to falsify things here and there. The reality is that you will be found, at least when filing a claim. When the insurance underwriters do a background check and realize that speeding ticket or the fact that you are not a student, you will pay for your lies by paying high premiums.

Sticking to the state-minimums

You will pay less premiums by adhering to basic car insurance, but you will pay dearly when involved in a significant accident. Basic car insurance can only do so much when faced with significant liability claims or when your car is written off.

Being lazy in research

When looking for any insurance, including car insurance, you don’t fall for the first offer you receive. Carry out basic research and compare offers from different insurance companies. Don’t be tempted to sign up for the first service you find.

Need more guidance on auto insurance? Please contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX for all your car insurance needs.

Protection From Burglars: Does Your Home Insurance Help?

Robberies are a frightening situation that can put you on high alert and make it hard to adjust to everyday life. Thankfully, at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we can help Ft. Worth, TX, residents protect their homes from serious burglary risks and avoid long-term dangers.

Protection Your Policy Provides 

Most homeowner’s insurance policies should have coverage options that help to protect you from burglaries and much more. Understanding your options here is critical because they can vary based on your company and their needs. They typically include:

  • Dwelling Coverage – Did a burglar damage your home during a break-in, such as breaking a window or removing siding? Your dwelling coverage policy should help to pay for these repairs. 
  • Property Protection – If a burglar stole your items from your home, you could pay to get them replaced. You need to make sure that you have proof of ownership for these items in many cases.
  • Personal Injury – Were you hurt when a criminal broke into your property and attacked you during a robbery? Your homeowner’s insurance may pay for your medical treatment needs. 
  • Other Structures – Even if your robber didn’t break into your home but instead focused on your garage or storage shed, other structure policies will pay for necessary damage repairs. 

This type of protection is critical to work out with your agent before anything terrible happens. While most people never experience a break-in or robbery, you never know when it may happen to you.

Learn More About Your Coverage 

If you want to protect your home and your belongings from burglars, contact us at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. to learn more about how we can help Ft. Worth, TX residents get the help they need. 

7 Tips to take after an auto accident in Ft. Worth, TX

Getting in an accident can be stressful. Yet, having a plan helps.

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. knows the value of being prepared. Serving Ft. Worth, TX, the agency shares seven steps to follow immediately after an automobile accident.

Stay calm

It sounds simple, but an accident is already a highly-charged situation. No need to make it worse by worrying. Focus on the plan you’ve created.

Check for injuries

Personal safety should be a chief concern. Determine immediately if you, another driver, or any passengers are injured. If so, call 911. Avoid moving them and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

Move vehicle safely

If possible, pull your vehicle to an area that doesn’t impede traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. Again, do not move or get out if it’s unsafe or there is an injury present.

Call the police

Even if not required, notifying the police helps protect your interests. Having a report may speed up the claims process. 

Exchange information

You’ll want to collect some basic facts. Talk to the other driver to get their name, driver’s license, and any insurance information. Also, write down the other car’s make, model, and license plate number.

Document the accident 

Record the accident’s time and location too. Photos and video are encouraged to accurately capture any damage. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well.

Report the incident

Call your insurance agent right away. Doing this while still at the scene is preferred. If you can, they can walk you through the process and make sure you’ve gathered everything you need.

Call Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. today

These professionals offer more than just auto insurance to the Ft. Worth, TX area. If an accident does occur, their agents are only a phone call away.

5 Home Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

Your Ft. Worth, TX home is a safe haven to you, your family, and your pets. However, if left unprotected, it can become vulnerable to risks like fire, theft, and natural disasters. Many people usually think that danger is always far until it strikes close to home. With this in mind, you better stay ahead of risks by investing in home insurance from Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. And when getting coverage from us, here are five blunders to avoid.

Buying inadequate coverage

Whether by mistake or design, buying insufficient home insurance coverage is a recipe for disaster. In case of a major event, you will receive less compensation for your damaged home. Not sure how much home insurance you need? Consult with your insurance agent.

Thinking home insurance covers everything

While your home insurance policy is pivotal in covering you against various risks, it has exceptions and exclusions. Typical home insurance doesn’t cover damage from floods, earthquakes, intentional damage, and nuclear war. That said, knowing what your home insurance covers is integral in purchasing “riders” to boost your policy.

Setting a too low deductible

If you set a deductible that is too low, you will pay higher premiums. While choosing a low deductible isn’t a bad thing, it just means high premiums that you could have difficulties keeping up with.

Failing to update your insurance policy

We usually recommend homeowners review their home insurance at least once every year. But sometimes, you don’t need to wait for a year to lapse to update your policy. If you incur significant renovations, introduce a dangerous pet, or start a home-based business, you should inform your insurer immediately.

Getting it wrong with an insurance agent

An insurance agent is a lifelong financial partner. In light of this, you should opt for a knowledgeable and trusted insurance agent that has your interests at heart.

Learn more about home insurance

Need to learn more about home insurance? Please get in touch with Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. You can also visit our offices in Ft. Worth, TX to chat with one of our agents in person.

Is Commercial Insurance Required in Texas?

Owning your own business offers a certain amount of freedom and to fully enjoy it, you should have the proper commercial insurance in place to protect your business.

There are many commercial insurance coverage options that are available to Texas business owners that you can choose to obtain. The commercial insurance agents at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX tout the importance of having a commercial insurance policy in place for your business.

Worker’s Compensation

While most states in the United States require that all business owners have worker’s compensation in place, Texas does not require it but it’s a good idea to have it anyway. This type of commercial insurance will help pay the wages and medical bills of anyone who works for you and becomes injured on the job.

Liability Insurance

It is very important for all business owners to have commercial auto liability insurance in place for all vehicles that are driven for use by the business or are owned by the business. This will protect you in the event that a car accident occurs while the vehicle is in use for business purposes. You should also have a liability policy in place that will protect customers or others that could be injured at your business or because of an incident that occurs involving your business.

Property Insurance

It is important to have business insurance that covers the property where your business is located as well as your merchandise and other equipment and items that are part of your business. This will help you in the event that a fire, natural disaster, vandalism, or burglary occurs.

Other Options

You can also obtain other commercial insurance coverage options including cyber liability. This would help you in the that your client’s personal information is stolen due to a breach of security through your website or computer programs. You can also obtain insurance that will help protect you from slander and other legal issues that can happen that involve your business.

To determine what types of commercial insurance coverage you need for your particular business, contact the trusted and experienced commercial insurance agents at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX to get your policy started.

What Are the Risks of Not Having Home Insurance?

There are a lot of expenses associated with owning a home besides your monthly mortgage payments. One of them is home insurance that covers costs of damage to homes and personal belongings of homeowners. If you are uncertain about getting home insurance and do not want to spend money on it, keep on reading to find out what are the risks of not carrying this type of insurance:

You Will Have Problems Selling Your Home

Most realtors will not accept a home without proper home insurance. And that is because if something happens to the property during the selling process, the home will not be sold and a creator will not get any commission. 

You May Not Be Able to Afford to Fix Your Home

If you do not have enough money in your bank account to cover the costs of your home and belongings, then having home insurance is extremely important to you. A standard home insurance policy pays for most repairs and rebuilding costs, as well as the costs of personal belongings. 

You May Get Sued

If your guest or visitor gets injured in your home, you will be liable for it. You will definitely regret not having home insurance because one of its purposes is to defend a homeowner in court against lawsuits and provides financial coverage if a homeowner is found responsible for someone’s injuries or property damage. 

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. serving Ft. Worth, TX – Our Mission Is To Help You Find  Your Perfect Insurance

If you own a property in Ft. Worth, TX and you want to protect it with the help of home insurance, Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. is ready to help you. We have helped hundreds of clients to find their perfect insurance policies, and we are looking forward to helping you. If you have any questions, or you want to know more about the available policies, feel free to contact us. 

Why safety features of a car matter

If you have never thought about it, the smaller things such as buckling your seatbelt save thousands of lives every day. Apart from safety belts, there exist many safety features in cars to help prevent road accidents or injuries.  Every day, cars are fitted with new technologies to improve safety, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and backup cameras. If it’s your first time buying a car in Ft. Worth, TX or looking to buy a safety-enhanced car for your teenager, here are a few benefits of different safety features.

Save lives

The main reason manufacturers work so hard to improve safety features in cars is to save lives. It doesn’t matter if it’s yours, your passengers or other motorists. Every safety feature is designed to save a life somewhere. The last thing you want is to deal with a series of lawsuits for deaths you caused to other people. The entire process is not only financially overwhelming but also emotionally draining. Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., however, recommends having enough auto insurance to cover such incidents.

Prevent severity of injuries

If you’re involved in an accident, the chances are that you will escape with bruises, fractured legs or arms, or severe head injuries, depending on the nature of the accident. Most cars in Ft. Worth, TX have basic features that help prevent or reduce injury severity, such as airbags that protect the head from hitting the windshield or the dashboard.

Prevent crashes or collisions

Safety features like a forward-collision warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) brake assist, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning are all great features that help prevent collisions. They help stop or slow the car down whenever you exceed the required speed or get too close to another car.

 At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we care about your safety, and that’s why we recommend checking and learning how each safety feature in your car works to use it properly when the need arises. Please feel free to check out our website or call to book an appointment with us today.