West Texas Insurance Agency
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West Texas Insurance Agency

3702 Mockingbird Ln
Amarillo, TX 79109

How Auto Insurance Helps You Navigate Accidents While Traveling Abroad

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Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating experience, but what happens if you’re involved in a car accident in a foreign country? At West Texas Insurance Agency, serving the Amarillo, TX area, we understand that knowing your auto insurance coverage while traveling internationally can save you from unexpected stress and financial burdens.

Understanding Your Auto Insurance Coverage Overseas

Many drivers assume their existing auto insurance will protect them anywhere, but that’s not always the case. Standard U.S. auto insurance policies often have limited or no coverage outside the country, especially in places like Europe, Asia, or South America. Some policies may extend coverage to Canada and Mexico, but even those come with restrictions. Before heading abroad, it’s crucial to check whether your policy provides protection in your destination country.

Rental Car Insurance: Is It Necessary?

The rental company will likely offer insurance options if you’re renting a car while traveling. While it might seem unnecessary if you already have coverage at home, international rentals often require additional protection. Some credit card companies provide rental car insurance as a perk, but these policies may not cover everything, such as liability for injuries or damage to other vehicles. Reviewing your options beforehand can prevent costly surprises.

Preparing Before Your Trip

To avoid complications, contact your insurance provider before you travel. If your existing policy doesn’t cover international accidents, consider purchasing temporary international auto insurance. This extra step can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of an accident.

At West Texas Insurance Agency, serving the greater Amarillo, TX region, we’re here to help you find the right coverage before your next trip. Contact us today to ensure you’re fully protected, no matter where the road takes you!

Types of Commercial Insurance: Which Policies Does Your Business Need?

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Having the right commercial insurance for your business is extremely important. If you’re in the Amarillo, TX area and unsure which policies are best for you, West Texas Insurance Agency is here to help. We understand that businesses come in all different types, and our dedicated agents are focused on ensuring you can get the coverage you need to protect your company.

Coverage for Your Building

Your building is one of your company’s biggest assets, and you want to protect it fully. A commercial property policy is a great way to do that. If you’re leasing the building or a part of it from someone else, some policies can protect the contents, such as your equipment, office furniture, inventory, and more.

Protecting Your Customers and Employees

Another important policy is one that keeps your employees and customers safe. You want to protect them and yourself from liability if someone gets injured at your business. Our agents can help you keep yourself and others safe and increase your peace of mind.

Keep Your Company Safe Online

Unfortunately, online threats like cyber attacks and hacking are very common, and you want to reduce the chances of this kind of problem happening to you. There’s no reason to hope a hacker won’t try to victimize your company when you can get policies that help protect you from online hacking damages.

Work With Trusted Professionals for Support

If you’re in the Amarillo, TX, area and looking for commercial insurance, contact West Texas Insurance Agency today. We’ll be happy to discuss all the different policies available for your business so that you can choose the right options.

How Does Home Insurance Differ From a Home Warranty

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When it comes to safeguarding your home, it’s easy to confuse home insurance with a home warranty. While both provide homeowners with a sense of security, they serve distinct purposes. At West Texas Insurance Agency, serving the greater Amarillo, TX, region, we aim to help you understand the key differences.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

Home insurance protects you financially from unexpected events that could damage your home or belongings. It acts as your safety net for significant incidents like fire, theft, storms, or vandalism. It even provides liability coverage if someone gets injured on your property. For instance, if a hailstorm damages your roof or a pipe burst and floods your home, your home insurance policy can help cover the repair or replacement costs.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Unlike home insurance, a home warranty is a service contract that helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing major appliances and systems in your home. This includes heating and cooling systems, plumbing, or your refrigerator. A home warranty typically covers wear and tear, while home insurance covers unforeseen disasters.

For example, a home warranty may cover the repair if your water heater breaks down due to age. However, home insurance will cover it if it is damaged in a fire.

Do You Need Both?

While home insurance is essential, a home warranty is optional. However, both can work together to provide comprehensive protection for your home. For expert advice on home insurance, contact West Texas Insurance Agency, providing home insurance in and around Amarillo, TX, today. We’ll help you find the best coverage to secure your home and peace of mind.

What To Do If You Find Your Car Sliding On Icy Roads

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Icy roads are a hazard that drivers in Amarillo, TX occasionally face during cold winter nights. While it’s not a nightly occurrence, it’s common enough that drivers should know how to handle their vehicle if it begins to slide on icy roads. Here’s some advice from the West Texas Insurance Agency on the steps you should take if your car is sliding on icy Texas roads.

Remain Calm and Ease Off the Gas

If your car starts to slide, staying calm and avoiding panicking deep breaths can help you think clearly. Remove your foot from the gas pedal to allow the vehicle to slow down naturally. Avoid pressing the brakes hard, as it can exacerbate the slide.

Steer in the direction of the Slide

Turn the steering wheel in the direction your car is sliding. If the rear of your car slides to the right, steer to the right. This helps you regain control. Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go, not on objects you want to avoid.

Make Slow, Careful Movements

Use the steering wheel and brakes in small, gentle movements. Quick or sharp turns can cause the car to spin out of control. If you need to slow down further, tap the brakes lightly. Also, maintain a significant distance between yourself and other vehicles to give yourself time to react.

Icy roads can lead to car accidents. Unfortunately, many drivers are unsure of what to do if they encounter icy roads and start sliding. At West Texas Insurance Agency, we are here to assist you with all of your auto insurance needs in the greater Amarillo, TX region. Contact us today to discuss your policy needs.

Theft and Vandalism Protection for Your Place of Business

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Analyzing your business from the perspective of a potential intruder is a valuable way to determine how much commercial insurance protection you need. Perform an inspection that covers the inside of your commercial business and the property on which it is situated.

Address The Access Points

Consider the access points that can be used to enter and exit your business. Your inspection should also include doors and windows installed on exterior walls.

Check the materials used to construct each access point. Determine whether the locks and other security equipment installed on doors and windows work properly.

Assess The Inventory and Placement

Assess the inventory you store in your facility. Examine the placement details concerning where inventory is stored. High-ticket items could entice a potential intruder, making these items important ones to add to your commercial insurance policy.

Items stored in high-traffic areas may be at risk of damage or theft. For this reason, you may want to increase the protection highly visible items are equipped with.

Inspect The Equipment

Inspect the automated and non-automated equipment that is essential for business operations. Equipment that could easily be removed from your business or commercial property should be provided with adequate security measures. Equipment that is prone to theft and vandalism should be added to your insurance policy.

Consult With An Agent Who Serves Amarillo, TX

Schedule an appointment with an insurance agent who serves the Amarillo, TX region. During your appointment, an agent will outline the various types of commercial insurance coverage to protect your business place against theft and vandalism.

Reach out to one of our West Texas Insurance Agency consultants at your earliest convenience to find out more.

Buying a Home? Why You Need Homeowners Insurance Rather Than Renters Insurance

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Buying a home in Amarillo, TX, is a major purchase, and it’s important to protect your new home against potential damage. While renters insurance may provide protection for you and your belongings, you’ll need homeowners insurance to protect against damage to your house.

Insurance Requirements for Your New Home

If you’re financing the home purchase with a mortgage, the underwriting lender will require you to carry certain homeowners insurance coverages. Generally, you need to protect the house at least up to your remaining mortgage balance.

Of course, homeowners insurance is strongly recommended regardless of any lender requirement. Your house is likely your most valuable asset, and few new homeowners could afford to make major repairs if it were damaged or destroyed.

Renters Insurance’s Protections

Renters insurance may provide the protections you need when leasing a residence. Renters’ policies regularly include personal liability coverage for you and personal property coverage for your possessions.

Renters’ policies don’t cover the building you’re living in. It is your landlord’s responsibility to insure the building.

Homeowners Insurance Adds Structural Coverage

Homeowner insurance can also include personal liability and personal property coverages. It also adds structural coverage to your home. There are at least a couple of important coverages that a homeowners policy could add:

  • Dwelling Coverage: Normally insures your house itself against damage.
  • Secondary Structures Coverage: Normally insures other structures on your property.

At West Texas Insurance Agency, we can help you determine whether to include secondary structure coverage in your policy.

Find Homeowners Insurance

If you’re purchasing a home in Amarillo, TX, you’re going to need homeowners insurance. Let us at West Texas Insurance Agency help you find a policy.

Auto Insurance: EV Vehicle Limitations

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Understand the Auto Insurance Limitations for Electric Vehicles

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) could be cost-efficient, but it also has its caveats. Auto insurance is required for all vehicles, including EVs, yet there are specific limitations when it comes to insuring electric vehicles. Let us at West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX explain these limitations and the coverage you’ll need to ensure comprehensive protection.

Limitations on EVs

Electric vehicle drivers often pay higher premiums than conventional vehicle drivers due to the costly maintenance and replacement of EV components. This factor sets certain restrictions on the amounts covered by insurance.

One of the most significant limitations concerns EV battery replacements. The replacement could be expensive if the battery is damaged, stolen, or fails. Insurance companies often charge significantly high premiums if you want battery coverage.

Additionally, auto insurance for EVs generally doesn’t cover charging accidents. These incidents are often attributed to the owner’s fault and aren’t typically covered by standard auto insurance. Policyholders will need to add other types of insurance to ensure their vehicle is comprehensively covered.

Ensuring Comprehensive Coverage

Investing in additional policies is the optimal way to ensure comprehensive protection for your EV. Drivers should incorporate comprehensive, collision, and even umbrella insurance into their existing policies. By adding this extra layer of protection, drivers can rest assured that their vehicle is as covered as possible.

Contact West Texas Insurance Agency

With EVs growing in popularity, drivers need to comprehend how this affects their insurance coverage. Being well-informed facilitates the best decisions for both your vehicle and financial security. If you’re in Amarillo, TX, our West Texas Insurance Agency team is here to help. We’re devoted to providing the knowledge you need to protect your EV, so contact us today.

What Commercial Insurance Products Are you Legally Required to Carry?

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Running a business involves navigating a maze of responsibilities; insurance is vital to this journey. We’re here to guide you through the essentials at West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX. Let’s explore the commercial insurance products you’re legally required to carry.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If your business has employees, workers’ compensation insurance is typically mandatory. This coverage protects your employees by providing benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses. It also safeguards your business from potential lawsuits, ensuring you comply with state regulations and avoid hefty penalties.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Does your business own vehicles? If so, commercial auto insurance is a legal necessity. This coverage protects against liability in the event of an accident involving company vehicles, ensuring that both your business and employees are covered for damages and injuries. It’s crucial for businesses that rely on transportation for delivery or client visits.

General Liability Insurance

While not universally mandated, general liability insurance is often a requirement for leasing property or securing contracts. It covers claims related to bodily injury, property damage, and advertising mistakes, offering essential protection for your business operations. Many landlords and clients insist on this coverage as part of their agreements.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance (or errors and omissions insurance) may be required for businesses providing professional services. This coverage protects against negligence or inadequate work claims, ensuring your business can handle potential legal challenges without financial strain.

Understanding these insurance requirements can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We offer tailored advice at West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX, to ensure your business meets all legal obligations. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and secure the right coverage for your enterprise.

3 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Roof

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Deciding when it’s time to replace your roof can be challenging for many homeowners since it is often seen as a daunting project. If you are uncertain but know that you’ll soon need a new roof, below are some reasons to consider making that upgrade sooner rather than later.

1. Improve Energy Efficiency

One of the first signs indicating the need for a new roof could be an increase in your home’s heat or a noticeable loss of cool air. If your roof is damaged and the insulation isn’t working correctly, it’s time to consider a new roof. With a new roof, your insulation would be improved, and you would likely see a change in your energy bill. Without a new roof, your energy will continue to escape during winter and summer.

2. Prevent Water Damage

A damaged roof can cause water damage in your home. You can expect water damage if you’ve noticed leaks on your ceiling. Depending on its severity, it could lead to mold, necessitating thorough clean-up and potentially jeopardizing your family’s health. If you are experiencing water damage, then it’s time to consider a new roof.

3. The Patches Need To Be Repaired

If you’ve been dealing with roof problems for a while, you’ve likely had minor repairs and patches made by a roofer. However, if those repairs now need to be replaced due to damaged shingles or storm damage, then it’s time to consider replacing your roof. Trying to fix an already patched area will only extend the inevitable and potentially cause more damage to your roof before it’s replaced.

If you’re in the Amarillo, TX, area and need a personal quote for home insurance, our agents at West Texas Insurance Agency are ready to assist you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Auto Insurance Claims

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After an accident around Amarillo, TX, the last thing you want to do is file a claim and deal with the headaches. However, it is necessary to avoid common mistakes when filing those claims.

Delaying the Claim

One of the most significant mistakes is delaying the filing of your claim. It’s crucial to report the accident to your insurance company immediately. Prompt reporting helps preserve details and evidence while also complying with policy requirements. Delays can result in complications or even denial of the claim.

Inadequate Documentation

Ensure you collect all necessary information at the accident scene, including photos of the damage, other parties’ contact details, valuable notes, and witness statements. Having a police report can also be invaluable. Incomplete documentation can weaken your claim and lead to delays.

Admitting Fault

If you believe you were at fault, it’s wise to let the insurance companies determine liability based on their investigation. Admitting fault will hurt the process and affect your compensation.

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

You should always seek medical attention after an auto accident. If you delay treatment, your health and the claim may be in jeopardy.

Ignoring Policy Details

Know what your policy covers, including deductibles and limits. Ignoring these details can lead to surprises during the claims process, such as out-of-pocket expenses or uncovered damages.

Poor Communication with the Insurer

If requests are made to hand over information, you should always respond immediately, without delay. Poor communication will lead to problems affecting your claim and compensation.

West Texas Insurance Agency Helps Guide You

West Texas Insurance Agency will help guide you and show you how auto insurance can save you in the long haul. Our team covers the Amarillo, TX region. Get in touch with us today.

Servicing States

  • Texas
  • Oklahoma
  • New Mexico