Posted by John Coyle on Sun, Aug 31, 2008
"Without personal umbrella insurance we couldn't pay all the medical bills!" More and more Americans would be financially devastated if they had an accident and personal umbrella insurance can change that for your family today. Being able to afford insurance premiums and co-pays is hard enough, but when you're stuck with another person’s medical bills on top of that, it can really feel like an impossible situation. Don't let this happen to your family. Talk to an insurance expert who can help you get the personal umbrella coverage you need at a rate you can live with. John Coyle at Tri-Star Insurance has been helping families all over the N. Dallas-Frisco-Plano TX area with all of their insurance needs. Let John and his associates help you avoid a situation like this one:
It all started as a simple boat ride with friends on a summer day. Everyone was having a great time. Tom and Mary had invited Bob and Suzanne over for a ride on their new boat. Bob and Suzanne brought their friends, the Smiths.
The three couples were getting ready to leave the water, because the waves were picking up a bit and the wind was starting to blow. Suddenly, the boat hit a tree that was barely protruding out of the water. The accident caused some real damage and the three couples in the boat were thrown around on impact.
Thankfully, everyone made it out alive, but Mrs. Smith wound up with some injuries that required extensive plastic surgery. The bills were enormous and they sued Tom and Mary for the medical costs. Thank goodness, Tom had insisted on that personal umbrella insurance when they bought their boat insurance.
Tom made a smart decision when he opted for personal umbrella insurance. Even though they had boat owner's insurance, Tom and Mary S. were saddled with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of medical bills. Personal umbrella insurance saved their family from financial disaster. Many people don't realize just how much they need a personal umbrella policy to protect their assets from being lost to bills incurred during an accident. Face it, if you are operating any type of vehicle, including your boat, and you have an injury producing accident, life gets stressful in a hurry. Health care costs have sharply increased and an injury that requires a hospital stay, surgery or specialized treatment can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Personal umbrella insurance can help you with that.
Don't be shocked to find out that your existing homeowners, car, boat and health insurances may not cover all the expenses occurred in an accident. With personal umbrella insurance, you are protected against medical bills of up to five million dollars or more depending on the amount of coverage you choose.
It's difficult to think about being liable for an accident, especially when someone suffers major injuries. On top of that, if someone else is injured, you may find yourself in a courtroom with a judge deciding how many zeroes you need to tack on the check. That's why it's so important to have personal umbrella insurance. What a safety net! Without this extended coverage, an injury producing accident could wind up costing you your home, your vehicle – even money you earn in the future to satisfy the bills. You can avoid this type of disaster by talking with an insurance expert who can help you choose the best coverage options for your personal circumstances. Call John Coyle and his associates at Tri-Star Insurance at 1-800-880-4600. John and his staff have been helping people all over the N. Dallas-Frisco- Plano, TX area for years and they can help you too. Call 1-800-880-4600 today.
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Posted by John Coyle on Tue, Aug 12, 2008
For the best deals on low cost auto insurance and low cost home insurance, an independent agency is the place to look. Independent agencies provide coverage from several different companies, so they can offer some great rates.Tri-Star Insurance is an independent agency and can help you put together affordable coverage for everything in your life- auto, home and other specific coverages you may need.
Combining coverages with a reputable agency like Tri-Star Insurance can save you money on your overall insurance costs. When you work with Tri-Star Insurance, you can depend on John Coyle and his associates to put together the best insurance package for your needs at a rate that will suit your budget. For low-cost insurance rates and low-cost home insurance rates, call 214-387-0600 or call toll-free at 1-800-880-4600 today and find out how Tri-Star Insurance can help you save money on your insurance needs.
Did you know that your insurance rates are affected by several different factors including your credit rating, past insurance claims and your driving record? It's tough to find low cost auto insurance with a poor driving record, but are you aware that your credit rating works for you or against you when you are shopping around? The same goes for low cost home insurance- for some companies good credit equals lower premiums.
Most auto insurance companies, and now home insurance companies, consider your credit score when they determine your premium - or even whether or not you can get coverage at all. It's a bit controversial, but insurance companies believe that poor credit means you are more likely to file insurance claims. Whether it's fair or not, insurance is all about risk and the theory is that if you are a poor credit risk, you may be a financial risk to the insurance company. The good news is that 2/3 of policyholders have lower premiums because they have good credit scores. It is becoming more common for low cost home insurance premiums to be based, in part, on credit score as well, so you are really much better off to keep your credit score as high as possible.
Your driving record can also affect your ability to get low cost auto insurance. Insurance companies use a point system to help them determine premium rates. The more violations or accidents you have, the higher your rate is going to be. Many companies are moving toward absolving the first at fault accident you have, but this is not the standard, so shop around.
Both auto insurance and home insurance are affected by past claims made, although the purpose of having insurance is for just that. When you have more than one type of insurance through the same company, you may receive a preferred customer discount. Some companies will eliminate this combined discount if you have any sort of claim in a set number of years. Different companies have different criteria they use in determining premium and coverage, so you need to place this question to your agent. Tri-Star Insurance can answer all of your questions regarding how past claims will affect your rate.
Many other factors are taken into consideration when an insurance company determines your coverage and rates. Because Tri-Star Insurance is an independent agency with several different companies, they can provide you with both low cost auto insurance and low cost home insurance. Call 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-880-4600 today to find out more about how you can start saving money today with Tri-Star Insurance in Plano, Frisco, and North Dallas.
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Posted by John Coyle on Fri, Jun 06, 2008
As you plan your family travels, thoughts of relaxation and faraway destinations are probably foremost on your mind. To avoid the hassle and expense of airport travel, renting a car and driving to a nearby vacation spot is an attractive alternative. However, there are certain responsibilities to take into account when traversing the open road. As we all know, driving can be dangerous, so you may want to consider the need to purchase car insurance for rental cars. It may not always be necessary to buy extra coverage when you already have an auto insurance policy that is all-inclusive, but it does warrant some investigation. When departing for your vacation from the North Dallas, Plano, and Frisco areas, Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. is a leading source of information on all aspects of auto insurance. Rental car insurance packages vary from state to state, but the professionals at Tri- Star are here to help you choose, no matter where you go.
According to car rental companies such as Alamo Rent -A -Car, drivers need to be sure that they have comprehensive coverage with their existing policies to avoid purchasing unnecessary insurance when renting a car. There are countless options to choose from, and depending on the place, some of the packages may be combined. If your current auto insurance policy lacks full coverage, here are some of the common packages available to ensure that you are adequately covered on your next road trip:
- CDW (collision damage waiver) and LDW (loss damage waiver): Covers the cost of loss or damage to a vehicle up to a certain amount to be determined by the rental company.
- SLI (supplemental liability insurance): Provides liability coverage up to $1 million.
- PAI (personal accident insurance): Covers the driver and all passengers' medical expenses in the event of an accident up to a specified amount.
- PEC (personal effects coverage): Provides reimbursement for theft or damage of personal items inside the rental vehicle.
For those who do not own a car or rent often, another option may be a non-owner liability policy, which covers any damage inflicted upon another motorist while driving an un-owned vehicle.
Another thought to consider is whether or not your credit card company offers any collision protection. When renting a car, paying with a credit card may come with the added benefit of doubling as a form of rental car insurance. However, the coverage offered may not be much, or may be considered secondary, which risks the possibility of out of pocket expenses. Also, the amount of coverage depends on the bank or credit company that issued the card. There are also advantages to traveling for work purposes. Drivers are usually guaranteed full coverage when on company business, but must verify with their workplace in advance.
To learn more about general auto insurance policies so that you can experience a truly worry-free vacation, contact Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. today at 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-990-4600.
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Posted by John Coyle on Mon, Apr 07, 2008
Now that the perfect riding weather has arrived, it’s time to get your motorcycle out on the highway and enjoy the natural rugged landscape of Texas and the surrounding areas. You may be wondering if you should insure your motorcycle and if so, what kind of insurance you should consider. Also, there may be some doubt as to whether or not motorcycle insurance is even required in the state of Texas. You need someone you can trust to help you to make an informed decision, and Tri-Star Insurance in Plano is here to show you your Texas motorcycle insurance options. Enjoy the freedom of the road, knowing that you’re covered!
At Tri-Star Insurance, we believe that insuring your motorcycle is extremely important in that it’s not only the peace of mind you need should anything happen to your bike, but it’s a good investment to protect your assets in the event of a major occurrence.
Texas motorcyclists must have insurance to operate their bikes on public roads and highways. Without it, they not only risk being ticketed, but will be liable for any bodily injury or property damage if an accident occurs when they are at fault.
Let’s take a further look at two popular types of insurance for motorcycles.
COLLISION:
Collision insurance covers damage to your motorcycle in the unfortunate event of an accident. When you purchase collision insurance, your insurance company pays for damages, minus your deductible if you should ever collide with another vehicle or object. Collision insurance usually covers the book value of the motorcycle before the loss occurred.
LIABILITY:
It’s not something we like to discuss, but an even more ominous thought than damaging your bike is incurring or causing damage to someone else, and risking your assets against a lawsuit. Having motorcycle liability insurance is the security you need when it comes to coverage of bodily injury and property damage when you are at fault. As opposed to collision insurance, it doesn't cover you or your motorcycle. An important consideration is whether or not your motorcycle insurance plan will include guest passenger liability, which provides protection in the event that a passenger is injured on the cycle.
- Next, we’ve put together some valuable tips for bikers from motorcycle expert Kenneth Cheek:
- Keep Your Bike Secure: What can you do to keep your bike more secure? If you can garage your bike, alarm it, or secure it somehow while it is parked, you may be able to secure yourself some discounts on your insurance.
- Find a Plan That Is Right For You: Remember, if something happens to your motorcycle, you will only receive the market value so over insuring will not help you get a higher price for your bike.
- Tracking Your Mileage Saves Money: If you only ride your bike once in a while during the summer for pleasure, you should be able to get a better rate if you can keep your mileage low. Also, if you do not carry passengers, this can lower your rate as well.
- Special Motorcycle Training: Taking special DMV or other motorcycle classes can help decrease your rate. Just make sure you keep your certification documents handy in your records.
- Provide Honest Information: Falsifying information is not only unethical, but it may lead to your coverage being dropped or a claim not being processed. Be sure to stay above board when providing information about yourself and your bike!
Remember, don’t just depend on the cyclist or salesperson who sold you the motorcycle to give you the most accurate and up to date information about an insurance plan. Call today for a free quote from Tri-Star Insurance. We are standing on ready to provide friendly service, great quotes, and set you off on the highway ready to ride!
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Posted by Roger Harkins on Thu, Mar 27, 2008
Soon, families all over Texas will be loading up the boat and jet skis and heading out for weekends and vacations designed for sun and fun. In order to relax and relieve your stress, you need to know that your family is safe and protected. That means knowing you have the right kind of boat insurance on all your watercraft before you head off for your family adventure. You need an insurance agency that will work closely with you to plan for the best coverage in your boat insurance policy for your boat, water toys and, even more importantly, your family. In the North Dallas, Plano and Frisco areas, Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. can be reached at 214-387-0600 for all your boat insurance needs.
John Coyle, of Tri-Star Insurance, has been in the insurance business for nearly 20 years and specializes in serving customers in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco, TX.
Boat Insurance Required By Law
When it comes to insurance for your boat and personal watercraft, the place to start is with Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability (BI/PD.) This coverage is required by law and covers injuries and property damage in the event of an accident. Your BI/PD coverage will pay for medical costs and lost wages in the event of injuries and will pay for any property damage sustained in an accident.
Texas law requires that you carry at least a 20/40/15 boat insurance policy for BI/PD coverage on your boat. The 20/40/15 coverage translates to $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for any one person with a total of $40,000 bodily injury liability maximum for any one event and $15,000 property damage liability coverage.
Additional Optional Coverage
In addition to BI/PD insurance, there are several other types of coverage that you should consider for complete protection and coverage.
- Collision coverage- This option will pay for damage to your own boat from a collision with another boat, vehicle or other property. You choose a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage begins.
- Comprehensive Boat Coverage- This coverage will pay for damages to your boat that is caused by risks other than an accident. These risks include theft, fire, earthquake, flood and other events that are beyond your control.
- No Fault Coverage- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – PIP coverage is not required by law, but it can be a very important option for you and your family. PIP pays medical expenses for injuries resulting from a boating accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage- This option will cover your injuries caused by another boater who has no liability coverage or in the case of a hit-and-run accident.
Don’t let the high cost of repairs and medical bills add to your stress should you have an accident or other damage to your boat. Make sure that you have all the boat insurance coverage that you need to cover your damages, should you need it. The best way to make sure that you have the best boat insurance options for your unique situation is to speak to the insurance experts at Tri-Star Insurance. 214-427-7231.
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Posted by John Coyle on Wed, Mar 26, 2008
Personal Injury Protection is insurance coverage that pays for your medical expenses in the event of an accident. With PIP coverage, it doesn’t matter who is at fault for the accident; you will have coverage for the policyholder and household members and all authorized drivers and passengers. PIP insurance is a mandatory coverage in the state of Texas, but you can sign a waiver declining the coverage.
When you are wondering whether you need Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage, you need a good insurance agency that knows the answers and can give you all the help you need. In the North Dallas, Plano and Frisco areas, that agency is Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. John Coyle, the owner of Tri-Star Insurance, has been in the insurance business for nearly 20 years, serving people and businesses in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco, TX. Contact Tri-Star Insurance Professionals today at 214-387-0600.
Why Do You Need PIP Insurance Coverage?
PIP pays for your medical expenses such as medical and surgical treatment, dental and eye treatment, ambulance, nursing services, medications needed because of the accident, medical supplies and prosthetic devices. It also helps you or your passengers recover compensation for lost wages and for the cost of someone to perform services like household tasks that the injured party is unable to do on their own. PIP insurance also helps to pay for funeral expenses, should lives be lost in the accident.
Your policy will tell you the coverage limits of your PIP insurance, which refer to the maximum amount paid per person for their total expenses.
Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Necessary?
In Texas, PIP insurance is mandatory, unless you sign a waiver declining the coverage. The mandate is there to protect drivers in the event of an accident of their own fault or if the other driver has no coverage. The exception is available because in many situations, these injuries are covered by an individual’s health insurance coverage.
If you have sufficient health insurance that will cover your necessary medical expenses in the event of serious injury, then you may not want PIP coverage. Before electing to sign off on PIP insurance, however, consider whether you can afford any lost wages from a job if you were not able to return to work for an extended period. In addition, PIP insurance covers substitute help and funeral expenses, which your other insurance may not help with.
If these expenses are not of major concern to you, then you can safely choose to waive PIP insurance coverage.
Don’t be caught making an uniformed decision about PIP coverage, however. If you live in the North Dallas, Plano or Frisco area, call the insurance professionals at Tri-State Insurance today at 214-427-7231. Let John Coyle and his friendly staff help you make the best auto insurance decisions for your busy lifestyle.
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Posted by John Coyle on Mon, Mar 03, 2008
When you need comprehensive insurance and collision insurance coverage, you need a good insurance agency that knows the answers and can give you all the help you need. In the North Dallas, Plano and Frisco areas, that agency is Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. John Coyle, the owner of Tri-Star Insurance, has been in the insurance business for nearly 20 years and he specializes in people and businesses that operate in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco, TX. Contact Tri-Star Insurance Professionals today at 214-387-0600 or call toll-free at 1-800-880-4600. They will work with you to make sure your comprehensive and collision insurance needs are handled professionally and with the best customer service you can find.
- What is Comprehensive Insurance?
Comprehensive insurance is generally optional insurance coverage that you can choose as part of your inclusive auto insurance policy.
Comprehensive insurance provides coverage for damage to your vehicle that is caused by incidents other than a collision. Your comprehensive insurance will cover damage to your vehicle if it is stolen, or damaged by fire, flood or animals. Several things- one being the amount of your insurance deductible- determine your annual premium for comprehensive insurance. Generally, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Choose a deductible that you can afford to pay out of pocket should your car be damaged by circumstances beyond your control.
Collision insurance provides coverage to your car when it hits or is hit by another car or object. Again, the amount of the premium you will pay for this coverage will be lower if you choose the highest
deductible you can afford if your vehicle is damaged in an accident.
- Do I Need Comprehensive and Collision Insurance Coverage?
If you finance your car through a dealer or a bank or if you lease a car, you will probably be required to carry both comprehensive insurance and collision insurance. If you have a new car or if your car is in excellent condition, you may want to consider both of these options to repair or replace your car if it is damaged or destroyed. If you are driving an older car or a car that is in poor condition, you probably don’t need this type of coverage.
The best way to make sure you are carrying the best auto insurance coverage possible, you should talk to an insurance agent who specializes in auto insurance. If you are in the N. Dallas, Plano or Frisco, TX area, call an agent at Tri-Star Insurance Professionals today at 214-387-0600 or call toll-free at 1-800-880-4600. They will help you determine if you need comprehensive or collision insurance as well as help you with any other insurance needs you have.
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