A car insurance claim is a request made to your insurance provider for compensation after an accident. Your insurance claim not only covers the damages sustained during an accident but also represents you when you are liable for damages (at-fault accidents).

However, each time you file for a claim, you have to pay a deductible out-of-pocket before your provider covers your expenses. Therefore, you may have a damaged side mirror that is worth $300 when your deductible is $250.

Moreover, while there is no limit as to how many auto insurance claims you can make in a year, the more you file, the higher the chances your premiums will go up. Besides, some providers penalize you when you make too many claims in a year.

Here are some dos and don’ts that can help you file auto insurance claims correctly.

Do

1. Inform your agent

As soon as an accident takes place, call your insurance provider and inform them of the damages caused. Failure to do this on time can result in denial of your claim. Some of the questions your agent will ask you include;

• Was anyone hurt?
• Where is your vehicle located?
• Is your car damaged?
• What happened in the accident?

2. Get contact information of other people involved in the accident

It’s vital to get the name, address, insurance provider, and telephone number of the parties involved in an accident. This way, you can reach them in case your insurance provider needs their information.

3. Take pictures

Taking photos of the accident scene can help in supporting your claim to your insurance provider.

Don’t

1. Admit fault

It’s common to be in shock and confused after an accident. Therefore, avoid admitting you’re at fault immediately, until you know what exactly happened.

2. Negotiate with the person that caused the accident

If an accident wasn’t your fault, avoid negotiating with the person at-fault since they want to get out of the situation as painlessly as possible. Instead, submit your claim to the individual’s insurance company.

Hire us

Contact EZ Insurance today for more information about filing auto insurance claims.

Auto insurance in Austin, Texas, can get expensive when you are a senior citizen. Some insurance providers do not take into account your years of experience as proof of your ability to drive without having multiple accidents every year. These indemnity companies, instead, view older drivers as more of a risk than middle-aged drivers.

You do not have to expect to pay astronomical prices simply because of your age. Use these three tips to get affordable insurance in Texas.

Tip #1: Consider a driving class

Some mature drivers bypass the notion of a driving class because they have been on the road for so long. Your experience as an independent driver, however, is precisely why you should consider a course.

A driving class teaches you about new laws in your state in addition to serving as a refresher about the basic rules of the road. You may have forgotten what a rolling stop looks like because of your many years of driving without formal supervision. A crash course may be just the thing that you need to renew your commitment to safety.

Tip #2: Buy a cheaper car

This tip is not just for individuals over the age of 65. Many drivers purchase the most expensive vehicle that their budgets can afford only to feel overwhelmed when the insurance bill arrives. An economically-friendly car does not cost as much to insure because repairs for damages are considerably less than those of a luxury or sports car. Buying a cheaper vehicle, then, saves you money by default.

Tip #3: Drive less

There is nothing wrong with taking road trips a few times during the year. You should, however, consider making the most of your retirement by driving less. Auto insurance companies reward drivers who take public transportation during the week with cheaper premiums. Make sure that you report your reduced driving habits to your indemnity provider to reap the full benefits of such a lifestyle change.

You have to purchase auto insurance if you plan to operate your vehicle in Austin, Texas. You do not, however, have to pay premium prices for coverage just because you are a senior citizen. Use these tips to get affordable insurance.

Texas is not a no-fault state, which means that who caused an accident plays an important role in determining who pays for the damage. If you were at fault, you will be the party responsible for payment. Luckily, if you’re insured, the insurance company will cover most of it.

How is fault determined?

Insurance adjusters will examine both the site of the accident and the damage to the vehicles. The information that is gained from these observations will allow them to determine who was at fault in most cases. If one of the drivers was committing a traffic violation that led to the accident, they’ll be ruled to be at fault.

Can you admit fault in a car accident?

If you were at fault in an accident, it is possible to admit fault. However, you should not do this unless you are certain that you’ll be ruled at fault by the adjusters otherwise. In most cases, it’s best to avoid admitting fault because you might not know about all of the factors that led to the crash.

What happens if you were at fault?

If you are at fault, your insurance company will pay for much of the damage, but you’ll be responsible for your deductible if you have one. In addition, the accident will impact your future car insurance rates, and the specific increase in your rate will depend on the severity of the accident and the circumstances of the crash.

What happens if the other driver was at fault?

If the other driver was at fault for the accident, your insurance policy will not be responsible for covering damage to the other driver’s vehicle or their medical bills. In addition, the accident will not be likely to result in a significant increase in your auto insurance premium.

We’ll cover expenses that are associated with an accident

As a Texas auto insurance agency, we are familiar with the unique needs of people who reside in the state, Furthermore, you can get a quote quickly by filling out the contact form on our website or giving us a call!

You know that your bad credit prevents you from getting the best rates when it comes to auto loans and other advances. Did you also know that poor credit history affects auto insurance as well? Your ability to pay your bills on time comes with more benefits than you think.

Why it is important to maintain good financial credibility

The average American living in Austin, Texas, stays within his means and strives to pay bills in a timely manner. Some consumers, however, do not deem it necessary to maintain such good credibility. These individuals may view dedication to good credit as important only when attempting to purchase a home or car.

There is more to financial health than showing good numbers when you want to buy a new house or car, though. Auto insurance providers consider your track record on paying bills when determining how much to charge in monthly premium fees. It is not uncommon for those with low credit scores to pay more for the same coverage that individuals with better credibility get for a fraction of the price.

What does it mean to have “good” credit?

Financial credibility is affected by multiple factors such as the length of your accounts and spending frequency. It is possible to have better credit with fewer revolving accounts than the person who has multiple credit cards with high balances.

Those looking for cheap auto insurance in Austin, Texas, may want to keep their credit scores above 650. Those with credit scores above 700 may save even more money.

Other factors that affect auto insurance

Of course, affordable insurance in Austin, Texas, does not solely depend on a consumer’s financial credibility. Your driving record also has a lot to with how providers rate and charge you for monthly premiums. Those with poor driving records are sometimes viewed as higher risks for accidents. Thus, auto insurance providers may be inclined to charge more for monthly premiums.

Your occupation and marital status also determine how much you pay for car insurance every month. Those with careers that require advanced degrees may find themselves with hidden discounts that individuals without such education cannot obtain.

It is best to speak with an auto insurance agent to determine just how much you can save with a plan.

Shopping for auto insurance can feel a little overwhelming at times – there are so many options to choose from, and it can be difficult to determine which will truly be the best policy for you. The best way to find reliable and affordable insurance is to ask questions. Don’t hesitate to sit down with your insurance agent and have an in-depth conversation about what makes the most sense for you as a customer. Here are some of the best questions to ask when shopping for auto insurance.

What discounts do you offer?

Almost every car insurance company has a list of discounts they offer for things like good driving history, being a student, or having safety features on your car. When shopping around, you should always ask about the different types of discounts that your car insurance company offers. You can leverage these discounts to get a more affordable insurance policy with a reliable company.

What factors are causing my premiums to go up?

If you feel like you keep getting unfairly high quotes for car insurance, it may be worth asking your agent what exactly is causing them. In many cases, these are things you can change. Knowing exactly what factors into the cost of your policy will give you more control when shopping for your insurance.

How will my work and lifestyle affect my insurance?

There are a number of different factors that affect the type of insurance you need and how much it is going to cost. For example, if you use your car for work, you’ll need to make sure that your policy has commercial coverage. If you have kids or other family members that may drive your car, it’s important that they’re included on the policy. Love to go on long road trips? Make sure you have enough coverage for extensive use.

One of the best ways to find a great auto insurance policy is by going through a local direct agency. At EZ Insurance of Austin Texas, our team can give you the personal attention you need to find affordable insurance that fits your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our car insurance policies!

Commercial auto insurance is essential for any business, small or large, that deals with or uses vehicles. It covers vans, trucks, cars, and an entire fleet of vehicles in case of any damage. Many business owners assume their personal auto insurance policy covers any claims made during business operations.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case since personal auto insurance is limited to an individual when it comes to coverage. If you want a policy designed for business entities that can cover personal injuries, collisions, other liabilities, and uninsured motorists, commercial auto insurance is your best option.

Additionally, you can purchase insurance that can cover you in case of damage caused by theft, fire, floods, and hail. Here are some reasons why you should buy commercial auto insurance for your business.

1. Insures employees

Commercial auto insurance provides coverage for both you and your employees. For example, if you have drivers for your business, they are covered under your insurance policy’s terms. If your employees also use their vehicles for business purposes, most commercial auto insurance policies cover them.

However, ensure you consult with your insurance provider to understand the circumstances of coverage for your employees.

2. Compliance

Texas law requires all vehicles on the road to have insurance. Therefore, getting commercial auto insurance for your business ensures it’s compliant with the local and state laws.

3. Specialized coverages

Through commercial auto insurance, your business can get many specialized coverages. Some insurance providers also include these without any extra charges. They include;

• Loan or lease gaps: this gap occurs when a leased car is completely wrecked, and its actual cash value is less than the amount you owe to a bank or rental company
• Physical damage to borrowed or hired vehicles: if you rent a car for your business and it gets damaged, a commercial auto insurance policy protects you financially.

Hire us

Commercial auto insurance ensures your business is financially protected from any unforeseen circumstances when running operations. EZ Insurance offers both cheap auto insurance and commercial auto insurance to vehicle and business owners in Austin, Texas. Contact us today to request a quote.

One of the first steps to take after purchasing your new car is making sure you’re covered by quality auto insurance. If you already have insurance, ensure you renew your policy since you can’t predict what could happen while you are on the road.

However, when it comes to purchasing online auto insurance, you can easily get confused about your car insurance plans. Here are some dos and don’ts that can help you navigate the online insurance buying process.

Dos

1. Fill the proposal form yourself

Ensure you fill this form by yourself and don’t provide any misleading or false information that may affect your premiums in the future. You should also keep a copy of this form for personal records.

2. Check who else is covered?

If you own a family car, chances are you share it with your family members. Always check whether the policy you choose covers other drivers. Some insurance plans don’t cover drivers under the age of 25 who have a bad driving history.

Thus, try asking your online insurance providers for policies that cover such high-risk drivers.

3. Update your policy

Many vehicle owners forgo minor changes in their lifestyle, forgetting they can affect their premium rates. For example, if you get a new job in a low traffic area, it means your chances of getting an accident are lower.

This can save you a lot of money since your insurance rates will be lower. Whether you’re looking for a new online insurance provider or renewing your policy, ensure you update it to get cheap auto insurance.

Don’ts

1. Making false declarations

Making false declarations about the use of your vehicle to get low premium rates can significantly increase your premiums if caught. Your provider may also cancel your plan.

2. Sharing payment details over the phone

Most online insurance companies have security systems in place that protect the buyer when it comes to making payments. Avoid sharing any credit card information with an agent via phone and only go through the payment process on their website.

Hire us

EZ Insurance provides cheap auto insurance for all car owners seeking an affordable option. Contact us today to get quality car insurance.

The insurance industry is a frequent target for fraudulent activities because of the lump sum amount of cash people collect each year. Auto insurance fraud, for example, is estimated to cost many car owners between $400 and $600 in premium costs each year.

Unfortunately, even if you aren’t directly involved in auto insurance fraud, it can significantly increase your premium and drag out legitimate insurance claims. It’s essential to avoid auto insurance cases at all costs and report to your insurance provider in case of any fraudulent suspicions.

You should also learn to protect yourself from car insurance fraud to ensure you get low premiums and affordable insurance. Here are some types of auto insurance you should avoid.

1. Staged accidents

When you deliberately stage a car accident, theft, or injury to collect some money, it’s considered insurance fraud. However, at times you may find yourself in the middle of a staged accident without your knowledge.

For example, two vehicles trap you in a rear-end collision, or another car hits yours deliberately. In such cases, always take pictures and get the contact details of the persons involved in the accident.

2. Fake and exaggerated claims

Due to the rising number of insurance companies in the market, there are a lot of fraudulent insurance agents that want to collect from unsuspecting clients. Such agencies collect premiums for insurance policies that don’t exist.

Always go for a licensed and experienced insurance company to avoid such fraudulent claims and confirm whether the agents work for the said company.

3. Accident repair fraud

When your vehicle is involved in an accident, it will require repair to reinstate it to its original condition. Some mechanics take advantage of this by charging more than is needed to fix the damages in your car.

Ensure you ask your provider for a reliable repair shop and ask the mechanic to write a damage report instead of a cost estimate.

Hire us

EZ Insurance is a licensed and professional auto insurance provider that can provide you with cheap insurance in Texas. If you’re looking for affordable insurance in Austin, contact us today to request a quote.

If you own or lease a car, purchasing car insurance is essential since it’s illegal to drive without it in many states. On the other hand, for states where it’s optional, it won’t be smart to be on the road with an uninsured car.

For instance, in case of an accident, you’ll have to pay for damages and injuries out-of-pocket, which can adversely affect your finances. Therefore, you need to buy auto insurance to protect yourself in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

There are several ways you can purchase insurance, and they include;

• Online from an insurance company
• In-person from an insurance agent
• From a local agent; this may be in person or online

Purchasing auto insurance online has become popular since it’s easy and convenient. However, before making this decision, it’s vital to assess the pros and cons of online insurance to understand how it works.

Below are some pros and cons you should be aware of when buying online insurance from a local agent.

Pros

1. Available 24/7

Online insurance companies provide services at any time, any day. Thus, if you are too busy to walk around looking for car insurance, you can search for local insurance companies on your web.

Online insurance agencies also provide 24/7 customer support. Therefore, if you have any queries regarding auto insurance, you can quickly contact them and expect a response within a short time.

2. It’s cheaper

When buying insurance online, you skip the insurance agent (middle man) that needs to be compensated by the insurance company. This lowers your insurance policy since your provider doesn’t have to pay an insurance agent.

3. Access to your documents

Purchasing car insurance online gives you access to your policy documents since you can print them online.

Cons

The main disadvantage of online auto insurance is that you have to file a claim on your own. While filing claims isn’t hard, at times, it’s nice having an agent filing it for you.

Hire us

Ultimately, the pros of purchasing auto insurance online outweigh its cons. Thus, the next time you need car insurance, buy it from EZ Insurance Agency. We are a local agency in Austin, Texas. Contact us today to get your insurance quote.

If you’re under 25, your car insurance rates could be quite high. In fact, car insurance rates for people under 25 can be several times the rate of people who are much older. This is especially true if you are under 25 and male. However, it is possible to get a relatively good deal on car insurance if you know where to look and maintain a clean driving record. You can also save money by bundling. For instance, if you purchase renter’s insurance from the same company that you get auto insurance from, you may be able to save some money because of a bundling discount.

What factors into your car insurance rate?

In addition to your age and driving history, your habits related to driving can have an influence on the rate that you pay. People who drive in areas where accidents are more common will have to pay higher rates, and people who are in areas that require you to drive long distances are likely to deal with higher rates.

Why are rates for car insurance higher for people who are under 25?

People who are under 25 pay higher rates on car insurance because people in this age range are statistically more likely to have a car accident. This is true for people who have recently got their driver’s license, especially drivers who are under 18.

Can young people save money by staying on their parents’ car insurance plan?

If you are under 25, you can save money by remaining on your parents’ car insurance plan. In many cases, the savings will be substantial.

If you’re under 25, do you have to have car insurance?

If you live in Austin, Texas, or anywhere else in the state, the answer is yes. Not only can insurance protect you in the event of an accident, but being insured is required by law. Driving without insurance can have serious penalties, which can include a fine that’s even more costly than getting your car insured.

EZ Insurance offers great rates for drivers under 25!

If you’re under 25 and looking for car insurance, EZ Insurance offers a great deal in terms of affordability and the comprehensiveness of the coverage. Furthermore, the fact that we’re a local insurance agency means auto coverage is tailored to the needs of Texas residents. So, give us a call or get a quote from us online today!