What comes with an auto insurance plan in Texas?

If you live in or around San Antonio, TX, you will likely want to have a car, as it will make it a lot easier to get around the area. Along with this, you need to have insurance for the vehicle. There are multiple forms and types of coverage you will receive when getting an auto insurance plan. 

Liability Coverage

When you get an auto plan here, one form of coverage you will get is liability insurance. Like other states, Texas requires you to carry a certain level of coverage. Here, you will need $60,000 for bodily injury coverage and $25,000 for property damage liability coverage. When you choose to get insurance, you need a specific level of insurance, but it is often a good idea to obtain higher levels of insurance than this.

Comprehensive Coverage

As you seek coverage, you can also get comprehensive insurance for your vehicle. When you have a comprehensive insurance plan, you will get coverage if your car is damaged in an accident, stolen, or you incur another type of loss. Since a vehicle can be a significant purchase and investment, having this coverage in place to protect your car is always a good idea.

Other Coverage

Depending on your chosen plan, you can also get various other forms of coverage and benefits. These include rental car coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, towing, and labor coverage. These forms of insurance will come in handy in various situations.

As you are looking for a new auto insurance plan in the San Antonio, TX area, it would be wise to call Access Insurance Services. The professionals with Access Insurance Services will give you the guidance you need to build a plan to protect you and your vehicle. 

The Best Driving Tips to Help You Avoid an Accident

At Access Insurance Services, serving the greater San Antonio, TX area, one of the insurance products we offer is car insurance. One of the questions that we are often asked is whether we have tips or suggestions that we think may help to minimize accidents. Here are a few of the best tips to help you avoid an accident. 

Always Ensure Your Car Is In Safe and Operable Condition

Anytime you hit the roads, ensure that your car is in safe and operable condition. If there is a crack in your windshield, that may prevent you from seeing the road. As such, you should replace your windshield. Having under-inflated or over-inflated tires increases your risk of a blowout. As such, you should always ensure your tires are properly inflated. 

Learn Safe Driving Techniques

Another tip that can help you to avoid an accident is to learn safe driving techniques. Safe driving techniques, or defensive driving techniques, have dramatically decreased your risk of being in an accident. Take a defensive driving course to learn safe driving techniques. 

Minimize Distractions While You Are Driving

Lastly, always minimize the number of distractions you face when you are driving. This includes avoiding using your cell phone, avoiding eating, and avoiding putting on make-up. Simply focus on the roads to help keep yourself safe. 

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent every auto accident from happening. As such, you need to ensure you have the right auto insurance policy to fully cover you in case you are involved in an accident. Here at Access Insurance Services, serving the greater San Antonio, TX area, we can help to ensure you have the right policy for your needs. Reach out to us today to get started. 

What Are Some Common Auto Insurance Terms?

If you are in the market for auto insurance, you may be wondering what those terms mean. Don’t worry – we’re here to help! This blog post will define some of the most common auto insurance terms. Understanding these terms enables you to make more informed decisions about your car insurance policy. Let’s get started.

Bodily Injury Liability

This type of coverage pays for the other driver’s and passengers’ medical expenses in the event you’re at fault for an accident.

Property Damage Liability

This type of coverage pays for the damage you cause to another person’s property, such as their car or home.

Collision Coverage

This type of coverage pays for repairing or replacing your vehicle if damaged in an accident. This is essential coverage you need from a professional company such as Access Insurance Services in San Antonio, TX.

Comprehensive Coverage

This type of coverage pays for damage to your vehicle caused by something other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This type of coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages.

Adjuster

An adjuster is a person who reviews the details of an insurance claim and decides how much the insurance company should pay.

Deductible

A deductible is the amount of money you’re responsible for paying in case of a claim. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and your car is damaged in an accident, you’ll be responsible for paying the first $500 of the repair bill.

Conclusion

Now that you know some of the most common auto insurance terms, you can confidently start shopping for a policy! If you need help finding the right policy for your needs, contact Access Insurance Services in San Antonio, TX. We are here to help you find the best coverage at the most affordable price. Give us a call today.

Do all people in San Antonio need auto insurance?

The San Antonio, TX area has continued to be a growing part of the state. Those who choose to move here will want to own a car so they can get around efficiently. When you are choosing a new vehicle, you also need to choose a new auto insurance plan. You need to have this type of insurance for several reasons when you are here. 

Needed to Comply with State Law

A reason people in this area of Texas will need auto insurance is so they can comply with state law. If you are going to purchase a car and drive in Texas, you will need to carry liability insurance. This coverage provides the protection you need to cover damages that you could cause in an accident. If you do not continue to carry this insurance, you will be in violation of the law and will face various penalties. 

Coverage Needed to Meet Lender Standards

You also will need to have an auto insurance policy to comply with your auto loan provider’s standards. When providing an auto loan, your lender will be counting your vehicle as collateral for the loan. To ensure the collateral is protected, they will require you to obtain collision and comprehensive coverage. If you do not have this coverage at all times, you will violate the loan agreement.

As you are assessing your auto insurance needs in the San Antonio, TX area, you should call the team with Access Insurance Services. There are always going to be a lot of choices to make when looking for coverage and Access Insurance Services can make it easier for you. They are able to help by giving the support you need to understand your needs and options and build an appropriate plan. 

Do all San Antonio drivers need auto insurance?

The San Antonio, TX area is a vast metropolitan area that offers a lot of great activities, local amenities, and job opportunities. To ensure that you are able to enjoy all that it has to offer, you need to have a vehicle. While a vehicle can make it easy to get around the city, it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. One responsibility that all car owners have here is to get insurance. Drivers here need auto insurance coverage for a few reasons. 

Legal Requirement

A reason people in Texas should have an auto insurance plan is that it is a legal requirement. The state does require that all drivers continue to carry auto liability insurance. With this coverage, you will have support to pay damages that could be caused during an accident. If you do not have this insurance, you could be penalized and would need to pay for damages out of your own savings. 

Lender Requirement

You also will need auto insurance if you have taken out a car loan. Vehicles today can be quite expensive and taking out a loan can be the best way to ensure you are able to finance the purchase. While a car loan can help you get a vehicle, loan agreements do come with various requirements. This can include requiring that you get a full insurance plan and keep it in place until the loan is paid off.

A San Antonio, TX car owner is always going to need to have coverage. As you are looking for a new insurance plan in this area, you should speak with the team at Access Insurance Services. As you are looking to build your insurance plan here, Access Insurance Services can help you evaluate your options and determine which policy is best for your situation. 

Do I Need To Carry Insurance On A Car That Won’t Run?

Whether it’s a project car, an old classic you’re going to put together someday, or it just needs a few repairs, you may wind up with a non-running car in your garage, and you’ll be wondering if you are required to carry insurance on it.

The short answer: No, you don’t. At least not in San Antonio, TX. You can go ahead and call Access Insurance Services and cancel your policy until you have that thing back on the road again.

Auto insurance is required by law in order to provide liability protection so that if you cause an accident, the other party is covered. They don’t have to come after you, personally, to have their losses compensated.

That said, if your car isn’t covered, then it’s not covered.

That means that if you drop your insurance and leave your car out in the driveway and it gets stolen or vandalized, you’re not going to have anyone to call to cover the loss.

If you store that old car in the garage, it may be possible to get it covered by your home insurance, but not all home insurance providers will cover a car as a possession. You could also talk to your auto insurer about getting limited protection on your auto so that it’s still covered, but you don’t have to pay for liability insurance that you’re not using.

You have plenty of options in San Antonio, TX, so if you have any questions, get in touch with Access Insurance Services. Whether it’s a project car or your main ride, Access Insurance Services can get you the coverage you need.

Importance of Auto Coverage for Texas Drivers

When you drive a car, there’s always the risk of accidents. Even minor accidents can be costly due to injuries or property damage they cause. Auto insurance from Access Insurance Services protects you against road mishaps that can put a big dent in your budget. Here’s why auto insurance is so important to San Antonio, TX drivers.

Accidents Can Derail You Financially

A serious auto accident can totally derail your finances. Between paying for injuries and property damage, you could suffer substantial financial loss. Auto insurance provides financial compensation for medical expenses and vehicle repairs so you don’t have to pay for everything out of pocket. A policy from Access Insurance Services can provide you with the following coverage to protect your assets:

  • Collision – to cover damage to your vehicle caused by crashes
  • Comprehensive – to protect you against vehicle theft and non-collision damage to your car
  • Uninsured motorist – to cover damage to your vehicle caused by drivers with no insurance coverage
  • Medical payments – to cover your medical costs if you are injured in an accident

A well-rounded auto insurance policy in San Antonio, TX will safeguard you against any eventuality on the road.

Fulfills Texas Auto Insurance Requirements

Auto liability coverage is mandatory in the Lone Star State. Driving without it could lead to being fined or suffering penalties. Liability insurance covers injuries and damage to others in accidents that are your fault. It also covers your legal fees if you are sued for damages. Texas requires that you carry minimum liability coverage. To protect you against serious accidents, however, we recommend you purchase as much of this coverage as you can afford.

Auto insurance offers an affordable, practical means of protecting your assets against accidents. To purchase a policy, call your Access Insurance Services agent today. 

What will Happen if You get Caught Without Auto Insurance?

There are severe penalties when you drive without auto insurance. And for the state of Texas, the following includes penalties for not having auto insurance: 

1. First Offense 

You will be required to pay approximately $175 to $350. Some people may think that this fine is not such a stiff penalty. However, first offenders must also pay a yearly $250 surcharge for three years consecutively. 

To add more burden, you will be considered a higher risk due to receiving a ticket for not driving with auto insurance. So, now you will have to get an auto insurance policy that is more expensive. You will also be required to file an SR22 through your insurance company for verification to show that you are carrying state-required liability coverage. 

2. Second and Subsequent Offenses

With another offense, you will face the following offenses:

  • Fines ranging from $350 to $1,000
  • Three, consecutive, annual surcharges costing $250
  • A possible order by the court to impound your vehicle for 180 days in which you will be required to pay a $15 daily fee for impoundment. 

PLEASE NOTE: There is an indigency program for those with low income. And even though this program significantly reduces annual surcharges, you will still be responsible for the hefty fines. 

3. Being in an Accident and Uninsured

If you are in an accident and you are not insured, there will be fines, possible vehicle impoundment, and driving privilege suspension. Furthermore, if there is a serious injury or death and you are responsible for the accident, you may face a $4,000 fine and may spend a year in jail. You also must file an SR-22 for three years. You will have up to a two-year suspension of your license and vehicle registration. You also will be totally liable for all property damages and physical injuries due to being at-fault for the accident.

Conclusion

Don’t get caught up like this! Get insurance today from a proven insurance company today! For more information and to get your insurance needs met, Access Insurance Services is the one to turn to. Located in San Antonio, TX, Access Insurance Services is BBB-certified and has been serving San Antonio, TX and surrounding areas since 1993.  

Does Auto Insurance Cover Vehicle Upgrades in San Antonio?

When it comes to purchasing auto insurance in San Antonio, TX, you may have a few questions about what your coverage will be like and how it will be applied to certain situations. This is difficult to answer at times in that it can be impossible to predict the many scenarios that might arise during your ownership. But one thing that you should know about your coverage is that your insurance company does need to know about when you make improvements to your vehicle. Access Insurance Services wants you to know why this is and how you can communicate with your carrier. 

Talking It Out 

When you drive a new car off the lot, the conventional wisdom is that it starts depreciating immediately. So you may not think that you need to inform your insurance company of any improvements you make because the two factors will balance out. But the truth is that a premium stereo system or an after-market spoiler doesn’t necessarily have the same rate of depreciation. And if you haven’t your insurance company of the matter before it’s damaged, lost, or stolen, the reality is that they may deny part of the claim. 

Get in Touch with the Right Carrier 

If you’re a driver in San Antonio, TX and aren’t sure if you have the right coverage for you, Access Insurance Services is here to help. Our staff makes it easier to start a dialog about what’s going on with your car, so you’re sure you’re getting the most out of your auto insurance. Because your plan is more than just a requirement to be a safe driver on the road, it’s a way to protect the investment you’ve made both in the vehicle and any upgrades you’ve happened to make. 

What Auto Insurance Is Required In San Antonio?

At Access Insurance Services in San Antonio, TX, we have been offering insurance for several years. To drive your car in San Antonio, you must have insurance. In Texas, you must have bodily injury liability coverage and property damage.

Bodily injury liability coverage

When you damage a third party’s car and probably, cause bodily injuries to the occupants of the car in an accident, this coverage will pay the medical bills.

Property damage liability coverage

When you damage a third party’s car or other property with your car, this coverage will provide funds to repair the property.

However, there are several problems with auto insurance policies. For both coverages, the minimum amount required will not take you anywhere. To enjoy wider coverage you need to raise your limit much more than the required minimum.

Imagine a situation where you cause an accident that affects multiple cars. For instance, if you stop suddenly on an expressway at a time when visibility is poor, it is highly likely that several motorists will run into you one after the other. How much do you think it will cost to fix about four cars and to pay the medical bills of about eight people?

Also, both coverages are for the third party. What about you? Who will repair your car? In an accident, your car may also be damaged and you may also sustain an injury, who will pay your medical bills? That’s why you should also consider other types of auto insurance coverage in addition to the mandatory ones.

Here is another issue to consider. It is our business and we know that some motorists still move on the road without insurance or without adequate insurance. So, if any of such drivers hit your vehicle, how will you handle it? The good news is that we offer insurance coverage for under-insured or uninsured driver liability.

To conclude, the two auto insurance coverages required by law are grossly inadequate. Contact us at Access Insurance Services in San Antonio, TX. We will advise you on all the necessary auto insurance coverages to keep you and your vehicle safe on Texas roads.