Understanding Car Insurance Requirements for Auto Loans in Texas

Texas requires a minimum level of car insurance for every driver, but the state isn’t the only entity drivers need to listen to. If you’ve got a car loan, your lender may require higher levels of coverage as long as you have the loan. You may also have to get specific types of coverage that aren’t required by the state, too. Insurance companies like Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX want you to be aware of how this could affect your overall budget when purchasing a car.

More Coverage and Higher Premiums

In general, adding more coverage to your insurance policy increases your premiums. The insurance company you choose to buy a policy from may have lower or higher rates than others, so you want to shop around if you don’t already have insurance. Those are basic facts, but people often find out about their insurance premiums after getting a car. This can place more financial stress on people because they may not have expected their insurance premiums to be that high. Combined with monthly loan payments, the car’s overall cost can suddenly be too expensive.

If you’re about to buy another car, find out first what the lender will require in terms of insurance, and then speak with agents before you make your purchase. When you know what you’d have to pay for insurance, that can help you decide which payment terms for your car loan may be easier to handle.

Contact Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX, to discuss coverage and premium costs. Based on your potential car payment, an agent can help you determine which payment plan best suits your budget.

Your vehicle is often your second home. Given the amount of time most people spend in their cars, having certain essentials within reach can be extremely helpful. One such essential is a well-stocked glove box that prepares you for a variety of situations. At Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX, our aim is to ensure you have all the auto insurance you need.

If you have an accident

In the event of an auto accident, it’s crucial to have certain items readily available in your glove box. These include your vehicle registration, auto insurance card, a pen and paper for exchanging information, emergency contact information, and medical information in case you are incapacitated.

When you encounter car issues

Not all car issues are severe, but they can be perplexing nonetheless. In such cases, having your owner’s manual in your glove box can be quite handy. If you need to understand a warning light signal on the dashboard or check the correct tire pressure, the manual can provide immediate help.

Necessities

Other useful items to have include a flashlight, pocket knife, small tool kit, extra fuses, sewing kit, and a device like the Halo that can jump-start your battery or inflate your tires.

Eating on the go

Let’s face it—we all end up eating in the car frequently. To make this experience less messy, be sure to keep napkins, plastic cutlery, wet wipes, condiment packs, snacks, and bottled water in your glove box. These can be a lifesaver during a traffic jam!

To look good

A lint brush or roller is a must-have, especially for pet owners. A quick touch-up can make you look presentable for an important appointment, and a hairbrush can come in handy, too!

If you need help with your auto insurance, contact our team at Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX.

Unexpected weather events, natural disasters, and the nature of an urban lifestyle mean the likelihood of mishaps and accidents on the road is high for Houston, TX, drivers. An increased likelihood of accidents in an overcrowded city means Houston’s drivers must protect their passengers and autos from the devastating economic effects of accidents and non-collision-related events before venturing out into the heart of our beloved city, uninsured. 

Insurance experts at Insurance Over Texas help local drivers understand their best coverage options and choose comprehensive insurance policies that protect their vehicle and its passengers in the event of auto accidents and other covered events, including thefts, flooding, damage from natural disasters, and even vandalism. 

Get Houston-Ready with Comprehensive Auto Insurance

The first step to choosing the right policy for you and other drivers in your household is to speak with a knowledgeable and trusted insurance agent who can advise you of available coverage options. You will need to provide a trusted agent with important details related to your driving history so they can provide you with a comprehensive insurance quote. 

Starting a new auto insurance policy in Alabama is as easy as contacting a trusted insurance agent at Insurance Over Texas and providing a few driving-related details to receive your free quote. You can activate a new policy after selecting your desired coverages and deductible levels and be covered with comprehensive protection as soon as the same day. 

Auto Insurance Quotes in Houston, TX

Don’t wait until the inevitable happens and you find yourself facing out-of-pocket costs for damages in at-fault or non-collision-related accidents. Contact the knowledgeable and friendly insurance agents at Insurance Over Texas and ensure your vehicle is Houston-ready today! 

Our agents at Insurance Over Texas, serving the Houston, TX area, want you to know that auto liability insurance is required in Texas. You must have a minimum amount of liability insurance to legally drive on public streets so that if you cause an accident, any injuries or property damage you cause will be covered by your insurance policy. They also want you to know that there are several other auto insurance coverage options to choose from. Read on for more information.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Comprehensive Auto Insurance

This type of coverage pays for damages to your vehicle caused by vandalism, fire, or a natural disaster. It will also help you replace your vehicle if your vehicle is stolen.

Collision Auto Insurance

Collision insurance pays for damages that result from a collision with another vehicle or stationary object.

Medical Payments

This coverage can go towards any medical expenses and passengers in your vehicle that you may incur from an accident.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This type of auto insurance will help cover your injuries if you are involved in an accident with a driver who is not insured or underinsured.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

This type of auto insurance is very similar to the medical payments option since it does help you pay for the medical bills of you and your passengers. The difference is that it will also pay for things like lost wages and other nonmedical costs. Texas auto policies normally include this type of coverage, but you can drop it if you refuse it in writing.

Contact Insurance Over Texas

To create an auto insurance policy that works best for you and your situation, contact our experienced auto insurance agents at Insurance Over Texas, serving the Houston, TX area, today!

Several insurance products exist for motorists, though some will be mandatory. Drivers are required by law in Houston, TX to obtain liability coverage in the amount of $30,000 for injuries or death per person, $60,000 per wreck, and $25,000 in property damage. 

A basic liability policy will not protect your interests or those of your lender, and you will generally be required to purchase further indemnification when you carry a balance. Your Insurance Over Texas representative can help you select the appropriate insurance. 

Collision coverage extends to situations where your vehicle has suffered impact with another object. This can be a stationary item like a signpost, light pole, or mailbox. When you hit another car, this protection helps pay for repairs to your vehicle.

If your automobile is totaled, you may be entitled to the actual cash value, or ACA, before the wreck. You will be responsible for meeting your deductible before any payments are made. 

Comprehensive indemnification will cover costs associated with natural occurrences, termed acts of God, such as fallen tree branches. Wind storms, ice, or hail can also wreak havoc. 

Other drivers may sometimes not have insurance at all, and uninsured coverage is meant to protect your investment in these scenarios. A completely optional indemnification is similar to underinsured protection, which helps cover costs if another party has insurance but lacks adequate limits. 

Insurance Over Texas Can Help you with Auto Insurance.

We individualize your insurance package and listen to your needs when discussing your situation. We invite you to contact us today for more information about insurance around Houston, TX. 

Driving is a privilege, not a right. To operate a vehicle on public roads, drivers must purchase auto insurance. While the cost of insurance may seem unnecessary, it’s a vital investment.

Without insurance, drivers face several severe consequences if they are involved in an accident. From financial burdens to legal penalties, the risks of driving without insurance far outweigh the cost of a policy. For anyone still on the fence about whether or not to purchase coverage, consider the following four consequences:

1. License Suspension

A license suspension is one of the most common consequences of driving without insurance. In most states, motorists must provide proof of insurance when registering their vehicle. If caught driving without insurance, your license will be suspended until you provide proof of financial responsibility. Sometimes, you may also be required to attend a driver improvement course, pay a reinstatement fee, or file an SR-22 form with your state’s DMV.

Losing your license can have a significant impact on your life. You may struggle to make ends meet if you rely on your vehicle to get to work or school. A suspended license can also lead to higher insurance rates, making getting back on the road even more challenging. 

2. Fines and Penalties

If caught driving without auto insurance, you will be subject to fines and penalties. The fine amount will vary from one state to another, but it is typically a few hundred dollars. The fine is often much higher than the cost of purchasing a policy, so there is no reason to take the risk. In addition to the fine, you may also be required to attend traffic school or have your license suspended.

3. Your Vehicle May be Impounded

If caught driving without auto insurance, your vehicle may be impounded. This means the police will take your car and you will have to pay to get it back. In some cases, you may also have to pay a fine.

Having your vehicle impounded can be a significant inconvenience, and it can also be costly. If you can’t afford to pay the impound fee, you may have to sell your car or borrow money from friends or family. Either way, it’s crucial to ensure that you are always adequately insured. Otherwise, you could end up paying a lot of money in fees and fines.

4. Jail Time

Driving without auto insurance is a huge gamble. If caught, you could be looking at serious penalties, including jail time. That’s right—if you can’t show proof of insurance and you’re involved in an accident, you could end up behind bars. Not only that but you could also be hit with some hefty fines. So, if you don’t have auto insurance, think twice before getting behind the wheel. It’s just not worth the risk.

Ensure You Get Auto Insurance Now!

Auto insurance is a vital form of financial responsibility for all drivers. If caught driving without it, you could face several severe consequences. From license suspension to jail time, the risks far outweigh the cost of a policy.

If you need help finding affordable auto insurance in Houston, TX, contact Insurance Over Texas today. We can help you find the coverage you need. Give us a call today at 281-752-6704 to get started.

In the Houston, TX area, having a vehicle is a necessity for a lot of people. Due to the size of the city, having a vehicle will be needed to get around efficiently. If you are looking to get a vehicle in this region, it is important that you also have the right insurance for it. Your auto insurance plan in this area of Texas will be able to protect your car in various ways. 

Cover Against Theft

If you are a car owner in this state, you likely will rely on it heavily to get around the town. One very frustrating experience can be if your car is stolen. If you have a car that is stolen and you do not have proper insurance, you will need to replace the car by purchasing a new one. With comprehensive insurance, you will get the support you need to replace your car. 

Cover Against Accident Damage

People that choose to buy a car will want to be safe when on the road. However, accidents can happen and even a minor collision can lead to major repair bills. To ensure that you are able to make these repairs, you will need to carry auto insurance. If you have a plan with collision coverage, it will offer the protection you need to make these repairs. 

There are clearly many important reasons to have an auto insurance plan when you are in the Houston, TX area. If you are looking for any type of insurance support in this area for your car, you should speak with Insurance Over Texas. There are a lot of choices that come when picking this insurance. The team with Insurance Over Texas will help you assess your options and build the right plan that will meet your needs. 

Everything’s bigger in Texas and when you hit the roads, so are your risks. Having the right auto insurance makes all the difference. You can drive with confidence that you are covered no matter what happens. With more than 30 years of experience, Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX is family-owned and operated. As an independent insurance agency, we are able to offer you more choices, and our complete loyalty. We work for our customers, not one insurance carrier.

Roadside assistance

If you have a breakdown when you are out on the road, it can be very disturbing. Being able to call to get the car towed or to get the flat tire fixed gives you peace of mind. You may already have this type of coverage through the auto club. The cost of roadside assistance from your auto insurance company is a fraction of the cost of the auto club. If you are looking for a way to save a little money, getting roadside assistance helps. 

Gap coverage

When you buy a new car, you often have an auto loan. Everyone knows that as soon as you drive your new car off the lot, it loses value. If you buy a car and then it gets totaled in 3 months, chances are very good that you will not get the amount that you owe from the insurance company. Gap coverage will cover the gap between what you get, minus the deductible, and what you owe on your car loan.

Rental reimbursement coverage

When you have an accident and your car is damaged, you need to have a rental to drive until yours is fixed or you buy a new one. Rental reimbursement coverage will provide you with a car for a predetermined number of days. 

Contact Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX for all your auto insurance needs. 

Given the price of buying a new car, your car loan may be as long as 6 years. After paying for such a long time a celebration is called for. Not having a payment every month is worth celebrating. When you have a car loan, you must have a fully loaded insurance policy. Once you are not required by the lender to have auto insurance you may be considering letting your coverage lapse. At Insurance Over Texas Houston, TX we put our customers’ needs first and will work with you to find quality insurance at a price you can afford. 

The answer to the question "Do I need auto insurance when my car loan is paid off?" is yes, in Texas you do. You need to carry liability coverage in the amount of 30/60/25 or if not liability insurance then provide proof of the financial means to pay out of your own pocket for any damage you cause. In Texas, a basic policy will also include PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage unless you specifically ask to have it not included. 

The other types of coverage available but not required are collision and comprehensive. Collision protects your vehicle in the event you are the responsible party in an accident. Depending on the value of your vehicle, this coverage makes sense. If your vehicle has a value of less than $1,000 then you can skip it. Comprehensive covers your vehicle from hazards you have no control over. If your car is stolen or vandalized, damaged by flooding, fire, or high winds and hail, this insurance will pay to have your vehicle repaired or replaced. 

Contact Insurance Over Texas in Houston, TX to get a no-obligation auto insurance quote and the answer to any insurance questions you may have. 

Few of us would debate the need for auto insurance if we’re currently navigating the streets and highways in a car. It’s an absolute necessity. However, many people may wonder exactly how much insurance coverage is actually a necessity. The answer to this question will vary according to where you live. States have their own requirements when it comes to the minimum auto insurance state residents are required to carry as drivers. However, there are other variables that you’ll need to consider when it comes to accurately answer the question. 

State Minimums

As a driver, how much auto insurance you are required to cover will initially be determined by the state in which you live. Texas residents, like residents in other states, are required to carry specific minimums in auto insurance. Auto liability coverage is a requirement in the amount of $30,000 for bodily injury liability, this is per individual. Liability insurance minims also include coverage of $60,000 per accident. This insurance also includes liability coverage that includes $25,000 for property damage. All Texas drivers must carry these minimums in order to legally drive in the state of Texas.

Other Considerations

The minimum coverage may be adequate for many Texas drivers. It meets the state’s legal requirements to operate a vehicle. However, you may have other obligations that extend beyond the state’s requirements. For example, if you took out an auto loan to finance your car, more than likely the lender will require you to carry comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive or full coverage insurance coverage protects the lender by ensuring that their investment is protected and they can be compensated if something happens to the vehicle before the loan holder has paid off his or her auto loan. Insurance Over Texas of Houston TX takes pride in educating Texas residents about the state’s auto insurance requirements. We are also committed to helping Texas drivers choose coverage limits that will be most beneficial to them and understanding what’s truly necessary and what isn’t. Give us a call. We can’t wait to answer your questions.