Posted by John Coyle on Mon, Jul 26, 2010
RE: Dallas Morning News July 2010
State Farm is raising auto insurance rates an average 2 percent next month (Aug 2010) for nearly 3 million drivers it insures in Texas, citing raising medical costs as the primary factor.
State Farm County Mutual, another subsidiary that primarily insures higher-risk drivers, will increase rates an average 6.8 percent in August (2010).
Kevin Davis, a spokesman for State Farm, said the increase was filed "primarily to address rising cost associated with bodily injury liability claims, such as medical cost."
Deeia Beck, whose office represents Texas Insurance Consumers, filed objectionsto the rate hike. Beck, in her letter of objections, noted that "this is the company's third rate increase in a two-year period of stable or declining auto insurance loss costs." "The filing would, if implemented, produce rates that are excessive, unreasonable and unfairly discriminatory."
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John Coyle of Tri-Star Insurance Professionals of Plano said of the recent Dallas Morning News artical, "With the economy today, it is important for consumers to review thier current policies and seek help from an independent agent who can show them offereings from several insurance companies." Independent agents work for the consumer not the insurance company. If rising insurance rates are affecting your budget, it's a good time to look at alternatives. You'll be surprised at what the independent agencies like Tri-Star Insurance can find for you. Call Tri-Star at 214-387-0600 or go online for quotes www.tristarins.com
Posted by John Coyle on Thu, Mar 05, 2009
Most people are under the impression that middle-aged women driving inexpensive sedans save the most money on their car insurance, but like many wives tales, that’s just not true. Not entirely anyway. There are several reasons that your Dallas car insurance rates may be higher than others, but driving a luxury sports car isn’t the only one. Tri Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. located in North Dallas and servicing the Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen and surrounding areas knows what makes insurance rates go up and can help you find a policy that won’t bust your budget.
Several important factors that are taken into account in every car insurance policy include:
Price tag: The type of car you drive and it’s record or claim history actually has a greater impact on your auto insurance rates than does the car’s sticker price. If your car is the unfortunate victim of repeat theft or vandalism, then your rates will most likely increase. If you are an accident magnet and are always taking your car into the shop, the same consequence applies.
Cost of repair: If you are cruising around in a hot-rod red Alfa Romeo imported directly from Europe, then first of all, congrats. But know that the cost of replacing the car in the event of an accident may impact your car insurance rates for the worse. As most automotive shops don’t have high-end European car parts readily available, the price to fix or replace such a vehicle could be quite costly. Subsequently, driving a less specialized car such as a Toyota Camry wouldn’t be that difficult to replace therefore would not greatly affect your rates.
Your location: Whether it’s fair or not, where you live has a lot to do with the car insurance rates available to you. Areas high in crime and vandalism tend to have higher car insurance premiums. The less risk that an insurance company has to take means the more you benefit. According to MSN Autos, the number one stolen vehicle in the United States is the Honda Civic. There is no definitive reason for this statistic, save to say that Civics’ are solid, affordable cars that are quite popular among drivers.
You: Your age, gender and driving record are all top-level factors in your car insurance rate. Young males (sorry, fellas) are more likely to suffer from higher car insurance rates than their female counterparts. Is it fair? Not really, but based on statistical facts, males have a higher tendency of getting in a wreck or owing hundreds of dollars in speeding tickets. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety car crashes are the number on killer of teenagers, especially males.
Whether you’re 19 and driving a pick-up truck with "character," or 55 and driving a luxury sedan with GPS capabilities, Tri Star, an independent insurance agency, can help you find a fair and competitive Dallas car insurance rate. To speak directly to an agent call 214-387-0600 or for more information visit www.tristarins.com.
Posted by John Coyle on Thu, Jan 29, 2009
Before Texas tornado and hurricane season strikes, make sure you have enough coverage on your insurance policy to give you and your family peace of mind in the event of a storm. Hurricane Ike, the third most destructive hurricane to make landfall in the United States, hit the Gulf Coast with a vengeance leaving thousands of people without a place to live. During the devastation, many people took comfort in the fact that their insurance company would help them get back on their feet after the storm. Sadly, that wasn’t always the case. If you are currently insured with Geico or Farmers Insurance, you may want to rethink your choice of insurance company before you end up down the creek without a paddle.
The aftermath of Hurricane Ike resulted in large payouts and claims that are now being passed on to Geico and Farmers policyholders, even if they did not file a claim. Whether or not you filed a claim against damages suffered from a storm, your rates are getting higher. Is that fair? Tri Star Insurance, which services the North Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Allen and surrounding areas, doesn’t think so. The whole point of having insurance is to protect you against expensive damage and loss caused by forces out of your control. Why should you have to suffer from rate hikes just because you actually use the insurance you pay for every month?
It’s time to take good look at your current policy and make sure you are getting your money’s worth. If you aren’t sure where to start, let the good people at Tri Star Insurance help you. With over 70 years of combined experience in the insurance industry, the agents at Tri Star know how to bring you the best value, price and service for your money. You have every right to make a legitimate claim on your insurance without getting penalized from insurance companies such as Geico and Farmers. Tri Star believes that when you undergo a loss, especially due to devastation from severe storms in Texas, the last thing you need is to get the runaround from your insurance company.
Tri Star Insurance is an independent agency that works with over a dozen different carriers including Travelers, Hartford and Safeco to locate the most competitive rates. Unlike captive agencies such as Geico or Farmers, they have the ability to shop around to find you a policy that won’t break the bank. For an even greater savings, Tri Star has the same multi-policy discounts as Geico or Farmers. As a member of the IIAT or Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, Tri-Star offers a diverse range of insurance plans at competitive prices.
Forget worrying about rate hikes and get an insurance policy that fits your needs and your budget from a company that cares. With ample staff and a lot of know-how, Tri Star Insurance can handle your claim swiftly and with concern.
Leave increased premiums from Geico and Farmers in the dust and call the agents at Tri Star Insurance today at 214-387-0600 or log on to www.tristarins.com. Contact them directly using the form below.
Posted by Roger Harkins on Tue, Jan 27, 2009
Hurricane Ike did his damage – and if you are insured by Allstate or State Farm as your current provider, he’s not finished with you yet. The large payouts & claims that were a result of Hurricane Ike last year are now being passed on to their policy holders, whether they made a claim or not.
That’s right, even if you didn’t file a claim against damages incurred by Hurricane Ike, your premiums are going up! The good folks at Tri-Star Insurance just don’t think that’s right. After all, the reason you have insurance in the first place is to protect you against expensive damages and loss caused by things out of your control, right? Raising prices just because you actually use the insurance you pay for is outright ridiculous!
It’s time to take a fresh look at your policy by a company who knows insurance and knows how to bring the best value, price and service to their clients: Tri-Star Insurance does just that!
Tri-Star Insurance believes that you have every right to make a legitimate claim on your insurance. After all, that’s why you bought it! We believe that when you experience a loss, especially a catastrophic loss, the last thing you need is a hassle from your insurance company. They have the staff to handle your claims and questions with the appropriate knowledge, speed and concern.
When Hurricane Ike inundated over 100,000 Texas homes, people were facing devastation as a result of the storm. Being protected by insurance was probably one of the few things that brought any level of comfort to those who suffered losses. Having the tables ruined now and being required to pay a higher premium- even for those who didn’t file a claim- is like rubbing hot sauce into a mighty big wound!
The good news is you don’t have to just sit back and take it! There is an excellent alternative to Allstate or State Farm in the Plano- N.Dallas and Frisco area- and you really can’t afford to miss it. Rather than simply accepting the rate hikes from the big agencies, you can choose to move to an insurance agency that deals with people first- not premium rates.
Tri-Star is an independent agency who works with over a dozen different carriers and provides an array of services. They are not a “captive” agency like All State and State Farm. Tri-Star will shop the different carriers so you don’t have to do any dirty work. Also, Tri-Star offers the same multi-policy discounts that the others do. Let Tri-Star handle your home and auto policies for an even greater savings.
Don’t let the damage from Hurricane Ike hit you a second time. Whether you are rebuilding, have moved or were lucky enough to be spared from the storm, you don’t have to take another beating from Ike.
Pick up the phone right now and call the agents at Tri Star Insurance at (214) 387-0600 and (800) 880-4600. What have you got to lose- except a bill for increased premiums from Allstate or State Farm?
Related Links
Insurance Information Institute
National Weather Service
Texas Deartment of Insurance
Posted by Roger Harkins on Tue, Dec 30, 2008
When shopping for insurance, theft is probably not your number one concern. More likely you are worried about accidents or weather-related calamities. Your home or automobile insurance has got you covered in the event of an accident, but what about theft? Whether called stealing, filching or pilfering, theft is the taking of another person’s property without consent, which is highly illegal. To avoid the emotional distress and hassle brought about by theft, make sure you are covered by your insurance policy. The knowledgeable staff at Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. in Frisco, North Dallas and Plano knows just what you need to feel safe and secure about leaving your home or automobile unattended. Through Tri-Star and their status as an independent agency, you can get the most coverage for the best available rate. Tri-Star agents have the ability to shop around and compare rates from other companies, including the big guns, in order to find you the perfect policy.
Having a comprehensive insurance policy is ideal, but there are also steps you can take to lessen the chance of your car or home getting broken into or vandalized.
Auto
Car insurance policies do not often cover property theft, but rather theft of the vehicle itself. Ironically enough, most homeowners or renters insurance policies cover the theft of items from inside your vehicle. Aside from that, you can try to make your car less of a target to avoid a break-in.
Thief-proofing your car begins with locking it at all times, even when you are in it. Thieves usually act on opportunity; so don’t give one a reason to strike by leaving your possessions in plain view. Valuables such as cell phones, MP3 players, GPS devices, computers and anything that would fetch a price should always be kept hidden from view. Also, remember to keep purchases out of sight by placing such items in the trunk or glove compartment, not in the back seat or on the floorboards. Vehicle security in the form of installing a car alarm may be your best defense in the long run.
Home
A comprehensive home insurance policy is ideal, if not a bit pricier, because it covers everything from fire damage to vandalism and everything in between. The amount of coverage is based on a percentage of the limit of insurance you place on your home. In most cases, it is probably worth it to get more coverage, but you can also try to minimize the risk of a robbery by making your home appear less appealing to thieves.
According to the Burglary Prevention Council, the peak time for break-ins is during the summer months, when many people are on vacation. Even so, you need to be vigilant at all times. Pay extra attention to any unknown persons or vehicles lurking in your neighborhood and form a crime watch group to keep on the lookout. Make your yard unfriendly territory to thieves by keeping your bushes and trees trimmed back. Also, install motion-detector lights on or near the front of your home.
To learn more about protecting your personal property from thieves with a comprehensive insurance policy contact Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. today at 214-387-0600 or visit them online at www.tristarins.com.
Related Links
Insurance Information Institute
Independent Insurance Agents of Texas
National Crime Prevention Council
Posted by John Coyle on Mon, Nov 24, 2008
Whether in a severe collision or just a simple fender bender, thousands of people are involved in car accidents on a daily basis. Despite the severity of the accident, the steps you need to take directly following the incident rarely change. There are numerous questions that will need to be answered regarding who is at fault and if the parties involved have auto insurance. Good coverage is essential to coming out on top in the event of an accident. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. of North Dallas, Plano and Frisco is an independent insurance agency that can shop around to find you the best auto insurance rates available.
First-rate auto insurance coverage aside, a car accident may still be a costly and frustrating trial. To ensure that the other party does not take you for a ride, remain calm and take the following steps:
Survey Damage: First things first, make sure that no one is in need of immediate medical attention before moving on to inspect each vehicle. Be sure to document any damage with a camera to use as evidence if the need arises. Also, never admit fault. As tempting as it is to say, “I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault,” don’t. Professionals will determine who is at fault after reviewing all the facts.
Exchange Information: Even if there is little or no damage to your vehicle, make sure to request insurance information from the other person or persons involved the accident such as: name, address, phone number, insurance company name, policy number, license plate and drivers license number.
File a Police Report: Even in a minor accident it is wise to involve a third party. Police officers may not directly respond to an accident unless there are emergencies, but you can file a state vehicle accident report at any local police station. A valid police report can also help insurance companies like Tri-Star Insurance make the claims process easier.
Safety First: Never leave home in your vehicle without a first aid kit fit snugly in your trunk or glove compartment. There are many auto first aid kits that contain adhesive bandages, sanitary wipes and sterile gauze. In addition to a med kit, carrying an emergency kit consisting of a disposable camera, pen and paper, and contact information is a good idea.
Know Your Policy: Perhaps after an accident you find out too late that your policy doesn’t cover the cost of towing or a rental car and you end up paying out of pocket expenses. Knowing exactly what your auto insurance policy covers before an accident will make the whole ordeal easier. You can usually add rental car reimbursement coverage for only a couple of dollars a month.
When you need insurance for your car or truck in the North Dallas, Plano and Frisco area remember that Tri-Star Insurance is ready to assist you. Call 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-880-4600 today to speak with an insurance professional to find out more about auto insurance policies and what you need to be safe out on the open road.
Related Links
Texas Department of Public Safety
U.S. Department of Transportation
MADD
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.
Related Links
Free Credit Report
Texas Department of Insurance
Get Your Texas Driving Record
Posted by John Coyle on Mon, Jun 30, 2008
If you live in Texas and have a DUI on your driving record, you are going to see an increase in your car insurance premium--if you can get insurance at all! To make sure that you are getting the best possible insurance rates with a DUI on your record, you need to understand the ins and outs of insurance rates and Texas DUI laws. Tri-Star Insurance in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco wants you to know the basics of DUI regulations in Texas. John Coyle and the staff at Tri-Star Insurance have the experience and expertise to get you the best possible premium rates. Call Tri-Star Insurance Professionals at 214-387-0600 or toll free at 1-800-880-4600 and find out how John and his staff can help you with your DUI insurance needs.
Every year about 2000 Texans die due to accidents caused by someone driving while they are intoxicated. In Texas, you are considered too intoxicated to drive if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. If you are under 21, it is illegal to drive with ANY alcohol in your system. Several things contribute to how quickly a person becomes intoxicated including size, weight and age. Teenagers and young adults are more likely to reach a higher BAC faster than older adults and the age group that has the most accidents and the most alcohol violations is the group from 21-34.
What Happens To My Car Insurance if I Get a DUI?
In addition to the civil and criminal penalties for a DUI, which include fines, attorney's fees, license suspension and possibly jail time, your auto insurance and coverage will usually be affected. Your insurance company will probably either raise your rates or cancel your coverage.
In Texas, if you are convicted of driving while you are intoxicated, the Texas Department of Public Safety requires that you provide proof of insurance, in the form of an SR-22. An SR-22 is a certificate of insurance that the insurance company must provide to DPS before your license can be reinstated. If your policy is cancelled, terminated or lapses for any reason, the insurance company is required to notify DPS that coverage is no longer in effect. If that happens, your license and vehicle registration will be suspended. You will need to have an SR-22 for two years from the date of your conviction. You cannot simply provide your insurance card or policy as proof of insurance; the SR-22 must be sent from your insurance company. If you don't own a car, you will still need to provide a non-owner SR-22 form to DPS.
How Can I Find the Right DUI Insurance?
Your auto insurance can be severely affected by a DUI or DWI conviction. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals urges you not to drink and drive. They also understand that if you have a DUI/DWI conviction, you are going to have auto insurance problems. Let Tri-Star Insurance help you get the best possible rates for your insurance and connect you with an insurance company that will provide you with an SR-22.
If you are in the Plano, North Dallas or Frisco area, call John Coyle or one of his associates toll free at 1-800-880-4600 or visit www.tristarinsurancepros.com for more information on your auto insurance needs.
Related Links
Blood Alcohol Content Calculator
DMV.org
Texas Department of Public Safety