Tips to Help You Increase Your Fuel Efficiency

Gas prices can be rough, and future prices are never set in stone. Here at Insurance Solutions of Texas, providing auto insurance to residents of the greater Sugar Land, TX area, we know that individuals are looking for ways to save on gas. It may be hard to believe, but there are a few simple things you can do to your vehicle that can help to increase its fuel efficiency. Here are a few of those tips.  

Inflate Your Tires to the Correct PSI

If your tires are over or underinflated, you may use more gas than you need. Inflating your tires to the correct PSI monthly is important to maintaining fuel efficiency. 

Drive the Speed Limit

Another way to increase your fuel efficiency is to drive the speed limit. Most speed limits are designed for safety and fuel efficiency. If you speed, you may get fewer miles per gallon compared to someone who pays attention and drives the posted speed limit. 

Properly Maintain Your Car  

Lastly, keep up with the maintenance needs of your vehicle. You may get fewer miles per gallon if you do not regularly get oil changes, change your fuel filter, or complete other similar maintenance tasks. 

Inflating your tires to the correct setting, driving the speed limit, and properly maintaining your car are just a few ways to increase your fuel efficiency and save gas. Another great money-saving tip is to shop for a new auto insurance policy at least once a year to ensure you get the best price for auto insurance. At Insurance Solutions of Texas, serving the greater Sugar Land, TX area, we can help you find a reasonable rate for your ideal policy. Call us to set up an appointment now. 

Do I Need Full Coverage Auto Insurance in Sugar Land, TX With a Car Loan?

Whether you need full coverage auto insurance in Sugar Land, TX when you have a car loan is a common question. The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple yes or no. It depends on various factors, including the terms of your loan and your lender’s requirements. That said, a few general guidelines can help you decide.

Loan Terms

The first thing you need to consider is the terms of your loan. Specifically, you need to look at the requirement for physical damage coverage. This coverage pays for repairs to your car if it’s damaged in an accident, stolen, or vandalized. If your loan doesn’t require this coverage, you don’t need it.

If your loan requires physical damage coverage, you have a few options. You can get a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, or you may be able to add a rider to your existing policy. An Insurance Solutions of Texas representative can help you decide what coverage is right for you.

Lender’s Requirements

Besides your loan terms, you also need to consider your lender’s requirements. If your lender requires full coverage, get a policy that meets their requirements. Some lenders require borrowers to have full coverage auto insurance, even if their loan doesn’t need it.

Personal Preferences

In addition to your loan terms and your lender’s requirements, you must also consider your personal preferences. If you want the peace of mind of knowing your car is fully covered, you may want to get full auto insurance, even if you don’t need it.

An Insurance Solutions of Texas representative can help you understand your lender’s requirements and find a policy that meets them.

Auto Insurance Myths

There are a lot of myths out there about car insurance. Some people think it is an unnecessary expense, while others believe they don’t need it because they’re never in an accident. But the fact is, car insurance is an integral part of being a responsible driver or car owner. Here are four of the most common auto insurance myths and their truth.

Myth #1: My Current Car Insurance Is All I Need

Many people assume they have complete coverage just by having liability insurance, which is often the minimum legally required for drivers in their state. However, it’s not enough to cover you in case of an accident, especially if the damage exceeds your limits or if you injure someone in the accident and they sue you. Your car insurance should include comprehensive and collision coverage, which covers damages to your car if it’s in an accident.

Myth #2: Car Insurance Is Just for Teenagers

Car insurance for teenagers is a hot topic because the teenage years are when you’re at your most accident-prone. But car insurance isn’t just for teenagers. You should have it as soon as you get your license and keep it as long as you own a car. Even if you’re an excellent driver with a clean record, you can’t predict when an accident might happen.

Myth #3: I Can Settle My Accident Claim Without Insurance

You can, but is that advisable? If you don’t have car insurance and an accident happens, you’ll probably be on the hook for paying the other person’s medical bills and repair costs. That could leave you seriously in the red. With car insurance, you’ll be covered and can focus on recovering from the accident.

Myth #4: Collision Insurance and Comprehensive Insurance Are the Same

Collision insurance will help you pay to repair your car if it’s damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object. In contrast, comprehensive insurance will cover damages from fire, theft, and hail damage.

Car insurance is a vital part of safe and responsible driving. Insurance Solutions of Texas can help you find the coverage you need in Sugar Land, TX. We’ll help you find the right coverage and price for your specific situation.

What every driver should know about auto insurance in Sugar Land, TX

If it’s your first time buying auto insurance in Sugar Land, TX, it’s essential that you learn what the law requires to ensure you comply with all the requirements. At Insurance Solutions of Texas, we recommend checking the Texas insurance department to learn more about auto insurance. To help you get started in the right direction, here are a few things we thought you should know.

Texas follows the "fault" system

Texas uses the "fault" rule when it comes to liability, which means that the driver at fault pays the victim. The injured passenger or driver may decide to file a claim (first-party claim) from their insurance company and have their company seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance policy (third-party claim). If unsatisfied by the outcome, the injured party may also decide to sue the other driver seeking compensation for the suffering, property damage, medical bills, and other losses associated with the accident.

You need to carry insurance to drive around Texas

All drivers in Texas must carry the minimum liability coverage as proof of financial responsibility in case of an accident. The law requires you to have a minimum of $25,000 for property damage per accident, $30,000 for bodily injury per person, and $60,000 when more than one person is injured in the accident.

Insurance prices vary by company

Insurance companies in Sugar Land, TX use different criteria to assess risk and determine how much you pay for coverage. That means that no two insurance companies will have the same prices for the same policy, and the difference can be hundreds of dollars.

You can skip uninsured/underinsured

Texas doesn’t require drivers to have motorist coverage. However, it does require insurance companies in Texas to offer the coverage. Uninsured/underinsured coverage can benefit you if you’re hit by a driver with no car insurance or if their policy is not enough to cover the damages or injuries.

For more information, queries, quotes or new policy discussions, please feel free to contact Insurance Solutions of Texas.

How to Find the Most Beneficial Auto Insurance Policy

Auto liability coverage is required in the state of Texas. But what other types of coverage do you need? Remember that liability (as its name suggests), only covers damages that others incur as a result of an auto accident that is deemed your fault. 

Other Types of Insurance You May Want

Even though liability is the only type of auto insurance that is required for your vehicle in Texas, you may want to look into other types of insurance such as:

  • Collision insurance
  • Comprehensive insurance
  • Uninsured
  • Underinsured
  • Medical Payments

Collision insurance covers damages to your own vehicle, whether it was your fault or not. If you incur damage from an accident that was the fault of an uninsured or underinsured driver, you will still be able to replace or repair your loss with your insurance policy if you deal with a company like Insurance Solutions of Texas in Sugar Land, TX. The medical payments option helps cover hospital or medical costs due to an accident and is optional coverage. 

What’s the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured?

Uninsured is insurance you carry that covers loss when the other driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured covers loss or damage due to not having enough insurance to cover the loss. 

Which is Right for Me?

Insurance is a personal thing. Other than the obvious required and state-mandated coverage (liability in Texas), how much of the other types of insurance you carry is up to you. You should consider the level of risk you take based on the amount of driving you do, how much you take other people in your vehicle with you, your likelihood of accident based on statistics such as age and other factors, and how much insurance you can afford.

Speak to your Sugar Land, TX insurance expert of Insurance Solutions of Texas to learn more and know that, when the unexpected happens, you’re covered!

Auto Insurance Requirements and Options in Texas

In the state of Texas, all drivers must have at least a liability insurance policy that will cover injuries and property damage sustained by other people in a crash that you caused. The auto insurance agents at Insurance Solutions of Texas in Sugar Land, TX can explain the additional liability auto insurance coverage that you can obtain.

Underinsured/Uninsured Auto Insurance Coverage

You can also get uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If you are hit by someone in an accident who does not have insurance or does not have enough to pay for damages, your policy will pick up the difference.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance will pay for your vehicle if damaged or destroyed in an unforeseen circumstance, such as a fire, vandalism incident, or natural disaster. It will also pay to replace your vehicle if it is stolen.

Collision Insurance

Collision insurance will pay for damages to your vehicle if you collide with another auto or object.

Medical Payment Insurance Coverage

Medical payment insurance will pay medical bills for you and your passengers and will pay your medical bills if you’re injured while riding in someone else’s vehicle.  

Other Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

There are a few other auto insurance coverage types that you can opt to add to your policy, including towing and labor coverage and personal injury protection coverage, which is similar to the medical payment coverage. Still, it also pays for lost wages and even some non-medical costs.

Call For a Quote

To obtain the types of coverage you need and to provide you with the security you deserve, contact the experienced and trusted auto insurance agents at Insurance Solutions of Texas in Sugar Land, TX.

Are Comprehensive and Collision Required Auto Insurance Coverages?

You already know that you need liability to stay legal on the roads of Sugar Land, TX. But what about other auto insurance coverage? Our team at Insurance Solutions of Texas has created a guide to help you learn more about comprehensive and collision insurance.

Are Comprehensive and Collision Required on Your Auto Policy?

The short answer to this is no. Comprehensive and collision are considered first-party insurance, which means they pay to fix your vehicle in the event of a collision, no matter who is considered at-fault.

The State of Texas requires you to carry liability insurance. This is a third-party coverage that pays for the other person’s medical bills and property damage if you’re deemed the one who caused an accident. Thus, it is not legally required to have comp and collision on your Texas auto insurance policy.

You Might Still Be Required to Carry It By Your Lender

While the government doesn’t care if you have coverage for damage to your own vehicle, your lender probably does. Most have a clause in their contract with you that states you’re required to carry it on your auto insurance policy. Why? If you get into an accident and the vehicle is totaled, they want to make sure they can still get money out of their investment.

If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, you’ll likely need to purchase comprehensive and collision insurance. Failure to do so could mean force-placed insurance, which gets added to your monthly car payment and often costs more than just adding it to your normal auto insurance policy.

Ready to learn more about how a policy from Insurance Solutions of Texas can help keep you legal while out on the road? Please contact us today to schedule a Sugar Land, TX auto insurance evaluation.

Three features to look for in an auto insurance policy

Auto insurance coverage is essential if you want to be a vehicle owner in Sugar Land, TX. We offer auto insurance coverage at Insurance Solutions of Texas that gives you the financial protection you need. 

The following are three key features you should look for when you’re deciding on the right auto insurance policy. 

Roadside assistance

Roadside assistance comes in handy if you ever break down while out on the roads. With roadside assistance, you can call up your insurance company, and they can send someone out to tow your vehicle to a garage.

With roadside assistance, you don’t have to worry about becoming stranded because of an accident or a mechanical failure. Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an added feature on their policies. This is one of the most useful features to look out for when it comes to auto insurance policies. 

Rental car coverage

If you’re in an accident and your vehicle needs to undergo repairs at the garage for a while, you’re going to be stuck without transportation. One perfect solution is to have rental car coverage on your auto insurance policy.

With rental car coverage, your auto insurance provider will pay for a rental car that you can drive until your vehicle is out of the garage and functioning properly once again. 

Automatic payment capabilities

You mustn’t forget to make a payment on your auto insurance policy. If you forget to make a payment, your policy could be canceled. 

Many auto insurance providers offer an automatic payment feature. With this feature, payments will be automatically deducted from your bank account so that you don’t forget about them. 

Are you interested in learning more about auto insurance in Sugar Land, TX? We’re here to offer assistance. Contact Insurance Solutions of Texas to explore your options. 

3 Types of Texas Auto Insurance

Sugar Land, TX is a beautiful place, but it has some very dangerous roads and intersections. Your friends here at Insurance Solutions of Texas want you to be safe on the road. We also want you to be protected in case you are involved in an auto accident. The following are three basic insurance types to consider when choosing your auto insurance coverage:

Liability

Liability is the minimum amount of insurance required by law. Liability insurance covers damages, medical costs, and other expenses incurred due to an accident in which you are at fault. Basic liability coverage includes bodily injury liability- usually a set amount per person and accident- and property damage. The level of coverage required for each category varies by state.

Collision

Collision coverage takes care of your vehicle in the event of an accident, no matter who is at fault for the event. This includes accidents involving other cars, buildings, stop signs, trees, and more.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive insurance coverage is designed to replace a vehicle that is damaged by covered events, which usually include things like fire, vandalism, theft, weather damage, and more depending on the policy.

Usually, when people use the term “full coverage,” it means that you have added both collision and comprehensive coverage. However, the term can mean different things to different companies, so it is essential to ask what specifically comes with a full coverage policy.

There are additional coverage types that you should consider adding to your policy. These include:

  • Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists– This helps cover damages and expenses caused by another driver that cannot pay.
  • Roadside Assistance– It comes in handy if you are broken down on the side of the road.

Protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your vehicle in the event of an accident is very important, and Insurance Solutions of Texas wants to help you choose the best coverage for your needs. If you are in Sugar Land, TX, stop by or give us a call today for a no-obligation, free quote! We look forward to serving you.

Winterizing Your Car? Don’t Forget Your Auto Insurance

When you’re in Bellaire or Sugar Land, TX, you want to make sure that you do a few things to prepare your car for the winter. This includes building an emergency kit and taking care of preventative maintenance. You don’t want to forget your auto insurance, either, and that’s where Insurance Solutions of Texas can help.

Pack Your Emergency Kit

It’s a good idea to have an emergency kit in the car in case you have an accident. Whether you need a shovel to move some of the snow out of the way or a flashlight to see in the dark, it should be in your car when you need it. A few other things to consider adding to your kit includes gloves, a windshield scraper, jumper cables, and road flares.

Schedule Your Preventative Maintenance

Your car should be ready to handle all of the inclement weather. As such, it’s a good idea to get your vehicle scheduled for some preventative maintenance. Have your oil changed, your tire pressure checked, and your windshield wipers replaced. You should have your battery checked, too, so your car doesn’t die on the coldest day of winter.

Review Your Auto Insurance Policy

It’s vital that you not only have auto insurance but the right insurance. Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional in most instances. However, when there are snow and ice on the roads, it can lead to your vehicle slipping and sliding more than average. Added coverage allows you to feel better protected in the event that you lose control and collide with a guard rail or another vehicle.

Contact us at Insurance Solutions of Texas today to get free quotes on auto insurance. With our help, you can be prepared for winter in Sugar Land, TX with a higher sense of security.