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 Tue, Feb 03, 2009
So you’ve decided to buy a car, truck or minivan. Now for the ultimate question, which one will you choose? Not only are there hundreds of makes, models, colors and sizes to pick from, but also each car comes with its own set of special features such as speed, handling and safety. When buying a car, the best rule of thumb is to keep safety first. According to the National Highway Transportation Administration, car crashes result in over 40,000 fatalities each year. Choosing a car on looks alone can be a dangerous and costly mistake.
In addition to shopping for a safer car, purchasing a comprehensive auto insurance policy to compliment your vehicle is ideal. As a driver, you are not only responsible for the car, but the passengers as well. Tri Star Insurance Professionals Inc., servicing North Dallas, Frisco, Allen and the surrounding areas, can help you determine what auto insurance coverage is right for you at a competitive price.
Every car must meet certain federal safety standards, so whether you are buying a new or used car, there are many things to take into consideration such as:
Design: A car’s structural design says a lot about how safe it is. In the event of an accident, the front and rear ends are designed to absorb the force of the crash. So purchasing a vehicle with a solid, well-built occupant compartment is essential to decreasing the likelihood of an injury.
Size: One would think that a larger, heavier car would fare better in a collision and they’d be right. Depending on the accident, smaller cars have a tendency to take the full force of an impact, leaving larger cars less damaged. However, as this is not always the case, don’t just write off a smaller car as a death trap. If you are partial to compact cars, look for one that is equipped with the latest safety hardware, such as stability control and side air bags.
Restraint: Everyone knows that wearing a seatbelt dramatically cuts down the risk of death in a collision, and in most states not wearing one is against the law. Seatbelts, airbags and head restraints work as one to protect you by reducing the chance that you will slam into something or fly through the window shield. In the interest of buying a safer car, always check that the restraint systems are working properly.
Brakes: Conventional brakes are no longer considered as safe because of their tendency to lock up causing skidding and lack of vehicle control. Newer cars are usually equipped with anti-lock brakes that automatically pump the brakes every few seconds to prevent lock up and let you retain control. The only downside to anti-lock brakes is that while safer, they won’t help you come to a stop more quickly.
When you need auto insurance for your safer car, truck or minvan remember that Tri-Star Insurance is ready to assist you. Call 214-387-0600 or visit www.tristarins.com today to speak with an agent to find out more about auto insurance policies. Fill out the form below for more information.
Posted by Roger Harkins on Wed, Oct 15, 2008
Insurance policies are a necessary evil, but why do they have to be so confusing? If you’ve ever tried reading page after page of your auto policy and suddenly find yourself lost in a sea of mystifying insurance jargon then stop right now. There is no use giving yourself a headache when professional agents such as the professionals at Tri-Star Insurance in Plano, Frisco and North Dallas can walk you through it step-by-step. In the meantime, why not brush up on the basics of a standard insurance policy?
Every auto insurance policy is made up of several sections that define the many coverage options available and how they can be used.
Liability – Up to a specified limit, this clause covers property damage or bodily injury incurred from an automobile accident for which you are deemed legally responsible.
Personal Injury Protection – Also called “no-fault insurance”, personal injury protection covers medical bills and sometimes lost wages due to an accident that leaves you unable to work . There is a limit to the amount you receive as specified in your policy.
Medical Payments – No matter the person at fault, medical payment coverage pays for reasonable medical bills as the result of a car accident. There are certain limitations to this form of coverage including a specified amount available to use and a time limit of around three years following the accident to continue receiving payments.
Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist – With the countless number of drivers on the road cruising around with no auto insurance driving can be pretty risky. Not available in all states, uninsured motorist coverage provides reimbursement for damages caused by a person devoid of insurance. Essentially, you would receive the amount payable if the person did have insurance.
Collision – If your vehicle has a run in with a pole or another car then you can use collision coverage to pay for repairs. There is usually a somewhat hefty deductible in the range of $250 - $500, but with the massive cost of parts and labor then it may be worth the slight blow to your pocketbook. You can always specify the amount of your deductible when working with your agent such as the experts at Tri-Star Insurance.
Comprehensive – Not all accidents involve other vehicles so in the event of fire, theft, vandalism, hail, or flood damage comprehensive coverage really does come in handy. Furthermore, if your car is stolen, comprehensive covers the cost of a rental.
Roadside Assistance – Dead batteries, flat tires, mechanical failure and lockout are just some of the nightmares that can occur in the world of driving. If you’ve ever been stuck in the middle of nowhere with a car that refuses to work then this type of coverage can be a lifesaver.
When you need insurance for your vehicle in the North Dallas, Plano and Frisco area don’t forget that Tri-Star Insurance is ready to help you find what you need. Call 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-880-4600 today to find out more about the language of auto insurance policies.
Related Links
Texas Department of Insurance
Car Maintenance Tips
Roadtrip America
Posted by John Coyle on Fri, Oct 03, 2008
You may not consider a broken bone, nervous condition or bout with influenza completely disabling, but such afflictions may cause you to miss work for an extended period of time, which could put undo stress on your finances and quality of life. Should an accident or illness ever render you unable to work and generate income, disability insurance could truly be a lifesaver. Many people believe that their workplace will provide necessary reimbursement in the event of a misfortune, but that is not always the case. Even if available, company-issued disability insurance is not always sufficient and may only provide a very small portion of your earnings each month. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. of Plano, Frisco and North Dallas can give you the full rundown regarding supplemental policies to find one that best fits your needs.
According to the Health Insurance Association of America, about 30 percent of middle-aged Americans will suffer a disability of at least three months at any point in their careers. That being said, a quick lesson on disability insurance may come in handy someday.
What exactly is disability insurance?
Individual disability insurance is in place to provide you with a high, tax-free percent of your income if you cannot work due to a legitimate reason. As the details of every disability insurance policy differentiates between providers, aiming for the cheapest rate is not always the best idea. A quality contract will increase the likelihood of higher monthly benefits.
How Long Can I Receive Disability Benefits Through My Policy?
Monthly benefits are payable for a fixed period depending on the severity of the claim. Following a short waiting period after filing your benefits may last as long as a lifetime or as little as a two years. Generally, longer waiting periods are a result of a cheap policy. The most commonly available benefit periods are two years, five years, and to age 65.
How Much Disability Income Coverage Do I Really Need?
Experts recommend that a policy should replace 60 to 70 percent of taxable earnings. If purchased with after-tax dollars, your monthly reimbursement will usually be income tax free unless you have a group policy through your employer, which is always taxed.
What are some tips to obtaining coverage?
As insurance usually gets more expensive as you get older due to diminishing health, buying young is a smart move because you will be able to lock in a lower premium. Also, consider purchasing a noncancelable policy, which is protected from cancelation or adjusting premiums as long as you pay your premiums on time. Finally, comparing policies from at least three different insurers is ideal, and an independent insurance agency such as Tri-Star Insurance can do all the work for you.
If you want to learn more about individual disibility insurance contact Roger Harkins of Tri-Star Insurance today at 214-387-0600 or visit them on the web at www.tristarins.com. Give yourself peace of mind by knowing you will be financially covered in the event of an accident or illness.
Related Links
National Organization on Disability
Disability Resources
Texas Department of Insurance