Posted by Roger Harkins on Fri, Sep 26, 2008
If you’ve just received a homeowners insurance quote and find that you don’t understand a word of it then you are probably in the majority. Reading an insurance policy can be a daunting task, especially with the many exclusions, inclusions and deductibles sprinkled throughout. Usually, a standard quote begins with a list of basic coverage’s from A through F with an additional list of options to consider below. The knowledgeable staff at Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc. in Frisco, North Dallas and Plano will walk you through a homeowners insurance quote step by step to ensure that you fully understand your options.
Basic Coverages Include:
- Coverage A - The coverage A section of your homeowners insurance policy, also known as Dwelling Coverage, is the replacement cost estimate of the physical structure of the primary dwelling of a home. Since Coverage A only covers structures that are attached to the home by a wall or roof, other buildings such as a guest house, fence or detached garage aren’t included. Determining the right amount of Dwelling Coverage is important because many of the subsequent coverage’s of your homeowners policy are based on a percentage of this figure. You must purchase enough coverage to cover the cost of completely rebuilding your home in the event of a disaster. Bear in mind that rebuilding costs won’t necessarily reflect the market value of your home.
- Coverage B - Coverage B applies to any edifice or other structure that is on your property yet not connected to the home itself including a detached garage, pool house, shed, barn, fence or anything of that nature. The typical coverage limit for other structures is about 10 percent of the Coverage A Dwelling amount.
- Coverage C – Coverage C falls under the personal property category, which basically pertains to any item that you own that is not considered a permanent part of your home’s configuration. Insurance agents usually refer to things such as furniture, clothing, electronics and other valuables as “contents”.
- Coverage D – Coverage D refers to the loss of use of your home due to damage caused by a covered loss and pays for any reasonable expenses incurred from living elsewhere while waiting for repairs.
- Coverage E – In the event of a mishap that occurs on or off your property, you will need to be adequately covered in case of a lawsuit. Coverage E, or personal liability coverage, covers bodily injury or property damage for which you are legally responsible.
- Coverage F – Coverage F pays for the medical payments of others who were injured while on your premises or for the activities of the insured. For example, if your dog runs off and bites someone or a friend is swimming in your pool and falls off the diving board you will be covered.
To learn more about the intricacies of your homeowners insurance quote so that you can feel confident in your coverage, contact Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. today at 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-990-4600. Stay tuned to learn more about the additional coverages available!
Related Links
Homeowners Blog
Texas Department of Insurance
Consumer Reports
Posted by John Coyle on Wed, Sep 24, 2008
Recreational vehicles are an exciting way to travel cross-country without dealing with the hassle of flying or the cramped quarters of a car. If you long to experience the open road in your recreational vehicle but are concerned about getting specialized motor home insurance, let Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc. in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco find you the perfect package that will fit all your RVing needs.
The amount of coverage you will need on an RV insurance policy depends on several factors and differs by state. Whether or not you want to protect your vehicle, family or both will play an integral role in the type of policy you will get.
RV coverage to protect your vehicle includes:
- Collision coverage
- Towing and Labor
- Gap coverage
- Permanently attached items coverage
RV coverage to protect you and others includes:
- Uninsured and underinsured drivers
- Medical expenses
- Personal valuables coverage
There is a distinction between a standard automobile policy and recreational vehicle insurance even though you can use the auto policy on an RV. Motor home insurance will cover parts of the vehicle such as the awnings, slideouts and stairs that an auto policy will not cover at all. If you have a towable camper you will need a separate policy altogether, although some insurers will combine it with an RV policy. In order to get an accurate quote, furniture, appliances and other personal items should be appraised beforehand.
Even if you think having an extended warranty on a recreational vehicle may be enough coverage, you may want to consider an actual insurance policy. A warranty will cover engine repairs and appliances but not accidents. Tri-Star Insurance will give you all the information you need to make a smart decision.
The cost of a motor home insurance policy will vary depending on the make and model of the RV, the total value of the vehicle and how many additional drivers will need coverage. The driving history of the principal driver is also an important factor. Naturally drivers with a large amount of tickets and accidents on their record will pay more. As different states have various requirements for RV coverage, the primary location of the motor home will affect the cost as well. When everything is taken into consideration, a good policy will offer complete replacement of an RV less than five years of age that is totaled in an accident. For an older model, you should be able to get back the purchase price.
The amount of time you spend in your motor home also is important when choosing the right policy. Fulltimers, people who claim their RV as a primary residence, will need the same type of coverage as any homeowner. This includes property protection for the space in and around the vehicle. At the opposite end of the spectrum is suspension of coverage which is perfect for people who only venture out in their RV a few times a year and only want to pay for coverage when they need it.
When you leave the North Dallas, Plano and Frisco area on your RV adventures, don’t forget that Tri-Star Insurance is waiting back home. Have a great time with your family without worrying about what may happen while you are traversing across U.S. highways. Call 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-880-4600 today to find out more about motor home insurance and the coverages available.
Related Links
Driving Directions and Maps
Texas Escapees RV Club
Texas Department of Insurance
Posted by Roger Harkins on Wed, Sep 24, 2008
Car insurance is a necessary yet expensive evil that all automobile owners just can’t go without. Even though sometimes it may be tempting to just cancel your policy and take a ride on the wild side, it is extremely unwise to forgo coverage altogether. However, depending on your vehicle and the state you live in, you may not need to purchase the most comprehensive plan on the market. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc. in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco can help you choose a policy that will fit your needs without draining your wallet.
For most people just getting the bare minimum in insurance requirements is top priority such as liability insurance, which is required by most states. In the event of an accident, if you are judged to be the legally liable party, then you are at risk of being sued for the full cost of damages, which may include property, medical and lost income. Liability insurance protects you up to a certain amount from any negative financial impacts that a lawsuit may impose upon you. Unfortunately, if the total cost of damage exceeds the amount of your liability insurance, you might have to face paying out of pocket expenses. State liability coverage requirements differ greatly and are always specified as the minimum amount. It is up to you whether or not you want to raise the amount for extra protection.
Another form of coverage you may want to consider is collision coverage, which pays for the repair or replacement of your car regardless of who is at fault in an accident. The amount of coverage available depends on the market value of your car and how much it would cost to repair it. This kind of coverage is usually unnecessary for older cars because the coverage is limited to the cash value of your car, which may not be much. In some cases a deductible may even exceed the worth of an older vehicle. However, if you feel you need this kind of coverage and want to keep your premiums low, select a larger deductible that you are sure you can afford to pay out of pocket.
If your car is ever the unfortunate victim of a theft or subjected to the wiles of Mother Nature such as a flood, fire or animal attack, then a comprehensive plan will pay to fix your vehicle less the deductible you have chosen. This kind of coverage is perfect for people with newer cars because they are worth more. Also, if your car is leased the finance company will most likely require you to carry comprehensive coverage.
Whether or not you drive a luxury sedan or an old beater you should always consider purchasing Personal Injury Protection (PIP) even if you live in a state that does not require you to have it. PIP not only covers your own medical expenses in the event on an accident, but also any insured passengers. This kind of coverage is especially important for people that don’t have sufficient health insurance.
Always remember to study up on available insurance policies so that you don’t end up paying for unnecessary coverage. The experts at Tri-Star Insurance are willing to help you pick the perfect policy. Just call 214-387-0600 today!
Related Links
Insurance Information Institute
Consumers Union
Texas Department of Insurance
Posted by John Coyle on Wed, Sep 17, 2008
After the recent band of hurricanes, many homes have suffered untold amounts of damage that will no doubt take months to repair. To be certain that your home will be protected in the event of future storm damage you need to get a homeowner's insurance policy that offers full coverage. It's best to choose an agency that will work directly with you to find a plan that fits your specific needs. In the North Dallas, Plano and Frisco areas, Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc. works as an independent agency to find you the best plan for the best price. If you are concerned about how to file a storm damage claim with your insurance company, there are certain steps you can take before filing the claim to make the process easier on both you and your agency.
Make a phone call: As insurance policies usually place a time limit on filing claims, you need to phone your agent immediately to find out what that limit is and what needs to be done before filing the claim. Ask questions pertaining to the amount of coverage on your policy and whether or not you will need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage, which is also a great way to find out if your claim exceeds your deductible.
Report any crimes: If your damaged home as been vandalized in any way report it to the authorities immediately. Get a copy of the police report as well.
Do-it-yourself repairs: You can be proactive by making temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Remember to save receipts for money spent and submit them to your insurance agency for possible reimbursement.
Inventory damaged goods: In order to substantiate your loss, avoid trashing damaged items until an inspector has paid you a visit. Create an inventory of all household items if possible. Photographing the damage is a smart way to retain evidence.
Obtain claim forms: After you have notified your insurance agency about your claim, make sure they send you the necessary claim forms before your time limit has run out. Quickly return the filled out forms in order to avoid delays.
Get an inspector: As it is very important to have a professional examine your home for damage, your insurance company will most likely arrange for an adjuster to look over your property.
Relocate with receipts: If your home is so damaged that you need to find a place to stay while repairs are being done, keep a tab of any additional expenses you accrue while living elsewhere. Almost all homeowner’s insurance policies have coverage for the “loss of use” of your residence.
After you and your insurance agency see eye to eye on the terms of your settlement, you should be sent payment promptly.
Tri-Star Insurance Professionals will provide a professional inspector to do an inspection on your home and property to determine what storm damage has occurred. Call Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc., today at 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-990-4600 to make sure you have enough homeowner’s insurance to protect your home from storm damage. Rest easy by making sure that your property is properly covered!
Related Links
Texas Department of Insurance
National Weather Service
FEMA Evacuation Guide