West Texas Insurance Agency
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West Texas Insurance Agency

3702 Mockingbird Ln
Amarillo, TX 79109

Commercial Insurance for Multiple Locations

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For many businesses that have commercial operations in more than one location, it may be advantageous to have all the locations covered under a single insurance policy. This works for business locations that have similar operations and similar risk profiles, such as a chain of retail stores or restaurants. If the business locations do very different things, for example, if one location is for administrative work and another location is for manufacturing, then there is a need for separate insurance policies for each location.

Moreover, if a business has locations in different states, they may be insurable by a single carrier only if the insurance company and the insurance agent are licensed to do business in those states.

Contact your agent at West Texas Insurance Agency serving Amarillo, TX and the surrounding area to determine if your business would benefit from having a single insurance policy that covers more than one location.

Commercial Insurance in Texas

Texas does not have a statewide standard for commercial insurance. There is a wide variation between commercial insurance policies from different insurance carriers. Each commercial insurance policy will protect against specific risks. To understand the details of the coverage offered, discuss the insurance policy terms with your agent. You may need more than one policy to cover all the potential risks to a business that may not be covered in basic commercial insurance policies, such as windstorm damage, floods, hurricane risk, and crimes.

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When evaluating commercial insurance for a business located in Amarillo, TX, be sure to review the coverage details carefully and talk with your agent at West Texas Insurance Agency to find the coverage that is adequate for your needs. Contact us today, while these issues are on your mind, to be sure your business has sufficient coverage for all of its locations.

Can My Home Insurance Claim Be Denied?

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Your homeowner’s insurance plan is supposed to relieve you of the financial stress that occurs once your home is damaged by disasters like theft or fire. However, the worst news you can get is finding out that your insurer cannot pay your claims. Disputes between home insurers and customers over claim payments occur for various reasons.

When a claim is denied you will probably learn about it through a letter from the assigned adjuster. This letter explains the reasons why the claim has been denied including the reference section of your plan that supports the decision the insurer has made.

Here are common reasons for home insurance claim denials in Amarillo, TX:

Non-payment of policy premiums

It’s important to keep up with the premium payments. If the premiums are not paid on time, your insurer may use this as an excuse not to pay your claim.

Failing to file on time

You are supposed to notify your insurer of any losses promptly. Remember that there are other time-sensitive requirements for the documentation and filing of any claim.

Questionable claims or false statements

After a disaster has occurred, you can be sure your insurer will send their adjuster to launch an investigation into your claim. In case they find anything that’s questionable or suspicious as far as the claim or original application is concerned, your claim may be denied.

Insufficient proof of damage

It is your responsibility as a property owner to file and prove the claim to your insurer. The insurance provider will not bother proving your claim to themselves. You are required to accurately document all the damages that were done to your property and in a detailed manner. Consider taking photographs and submitting them to prove your case. At West Texas Insurance Agency, we always walk our clients through the claim process to cover any loopholes that may lead to denial.

Property damage claims are time-consuming and can be difficult if you are not familiar with how they are conducted. West Texas Insurance Agency serves the Amarillo, TX area and will help in processing your claims as long as you document your damages appropriately.

 

Why is scheduled maintenance important for auto safety?

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Let’s face it. Nothing that can happen to you can be quite as aggravating as getting into your car and not being able to start it or, having started it, finding out something is wrong, such as overheating or transmission trouble. If your car fails while you are on the road, you will find yourself in physical danger until you can get to the side of the road and start waiting for a tow truck.

The West Texas Insurance Agency, serving Amarillo, TX, advises you to take your automobile in for scheduled maintenance as your owner’s manual stipulates. A trained and experienced mechanic will be able to spot potential problems before they affect you on the road and suggest fixes. Scheduled maintenance is also the time when you get the fluids, filters, and belts replaced in your vehicle as needed.

The old adage that, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," is especially true for the vehicle that you depend upon to get around. You may find it easier to spend a few hundred dollars to fix a problem before it strands you than to spend several thousands of dollars afterward.

Also, adhering to the scheduled maintenance plan in your owner’s manual is likely a condition for your car’s warranty. Failure to keep your vehicle running as smoothly as possible may void its warranty.

Finally, getting your vehicle maintenanced regularly will increase its resale value when you are ready to trade it in for a newer model. You will be able to present to the buyer proof that you have kept your now used vehicle maintained in peak running condition.

If you have any questions about auto insurance, feel free to contact the West Texas Insurance Agency, serving Amarillo TX. We also offer an online rating tool for quotes from home on auto and home insurance.

 

Five Commercial Insurance Success Tips

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The recipe for a successful business might not seem complicated, but modern business owners deserve a little information. Commercial insurance is essential, and it’s becoming even more important every year. Unfortunately, the modern business world is packed with risks. To protect your business, secure comprehensive coverage, and take full advantage of your benefits, check out these five tips provided by West Texas Insurance Agency.

Tip One: Compare Quotes

As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to stay fiscally conservative. Choosing a provider is just like any other big decision: You need to consider every option before making a choice. Compare quotes, make a deductible-based comparison and shop for competitive premiums.

Tip Two: Understand Your Risks

You should assess your business’s risks, too. By establishing your risk level, you’ll be able to shop competitively. You also might be able to pay a higher deductible, saving money on annual premiums.

Tip Three: Get an Annual Checkup

As your business grows in size, so will your liabilities. The key to ongoing insurance protection is to prepare for disaster constantly. You can prepare adequately by getting an annual checkup. Have you replaced any equipment? Have you expanded your operations? Let your provider know! Your coverage might’ve been affected.

Tip Four: Consider a Business Owner’s Policy

Business owners in Amarillo, TX often purchase a business owner’s policy to save money. A business owner’s policy, or a BOP, is a comprehensive coverage package. It includes liability coverage by default, but it also offers vital plans for your business’s continual success.

Tip Five: Don’t Forget About the Homeowner’s Policy

Even if you don’t work from home, a homeowner’s policy can sweep up extra expenses not covered by a business owner’s policy. In fact, some business owners can protect their business assets via a homeowner’s policy.

If you have any questions, contact West Texas Insurance Agency today. We’re outfitted to help our Amarillo, TX policyholders thrive, and we’re always ready to offer comprehensive, protective policy options.

Possible Exclusions for Texas Home Insurance Policies

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If you have a home insurance policy in the state of Texas, you’ll be able to replace your home and personal property if they get damaged or destroyed by specific perils. However, there may be only certain “covered losses” on Texas home insurance policies. You may think that you’re covered for a particular incident, but there’s a chance that you might not be.

What a Texas Home Insurance Policy Won’t Cover

While Texas home insurance policies will cover any replacement costs or medical expenses for many types of incidents, it won’t cover any of the following:

  • Floods
  • Earthquakes
  • Infestation of rats, mice, or insects (including termites)
  • Damage caused by a freezing pipe if your home isn’t occupied (unless the water has been turned off or if you heated the building)
  • Any losses that occurred on the property if it has been vacant after a certain number of days (which will be listed in your policy)
  • Damage caused by “wear and tear”
  • Damage to trees and shrubs if it’s caused by wind or hail
  • Mold (unless it’s necessary to complete the repairs)
  • Water damage that’s caused by continuous or repeated leakage

You can always buy windstorm or hail insurance, and you can buy separate coverage for any damage that’s caused by a flood. Be sure to speak to an agent to get more information on what you can do to cover any of these losses.

A Superior Home Insurance Broker in Amarillo, TX

If you want to find the best home insurance broker in Amarillo, TX, West Texas Insurance Agency can help you find a policy that will meet your needs and fit your budget. Our team has years of combined experience so that we can help you with all your insurance needs. If you want more information on how we can help you, please feel free to contact someone at West Texas Insurance Agency. We would be happy to speak with you!

Auto Insurance In Texas Vs. Other States

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You’ve probably heard the term "no-fault insurance state." A no-fault state is one where you are required to carry no-fault insurance. That part’s simple enough, but what is no-fault insurance, and how does that affect drivers in Amarillo, TX?

Here’s what you need to know:

Is Texas a No-Fault State?

No-fault insurance means that when two drivers get into an accident, they each have their own insurance providers cover their own expenses. No-fault states are the ones where everyone is legally required to carry this type of insurance. It’s enforced at a state level because if one person carries this insurance and gets into an accident with another person who doesn’t, then what does that accomplish? No-fault has to be engaged with as a state or else it doesn’t accomplish very much.

All that being said, Texas is not a no-fault insurance state. If you get into an accident in Amarillo, TX, you might have to make a claim with West Texas Insurance Agency to cover both your expenses and the other driver’s if you are found to be at fault.

There are some advantages to no-fault insurance, one of them being that it clears the courts up. If everyone covers their costs, then there’s no need to drag people to a civil claims trial. But, as of the moment, there’s no reason to worry about no-fault insurance when you give West Texas Insurance Agency a call to cover your new auto. On the upside, that means that, if someone else causes an accident that you happen to be involved in, your rates won’t go up.

Reach out to West Texas Insurance Agency to learn how to start an auto insurance policy right away. Also, try our online rating tool for quotes from home on auto insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Insurance

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What is Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance is commonly known as Business Owner’s Policy (BOP). It’s a type of insurance coverage that usually provides general liability and property protection to business owners. West Texas Insurance Agency’s commercial insurance is specific to Amarillo, TX, and businesses in the surrounding areas. Commercial insurance is a primary necessity for any business since it can suffer significant financial losses due to unforeseen circumstances.

Who Needs Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance isn’t a necessity for business owners only. The other group of individuals who must have this coverage in Amarillo, TX and surrounding areas includes any sole practitioner or firm who fulfills the conditions listed below:

  • Has employees
  • Has office equipment or property
  • Handles client’s property or records
  • Invite clients to visit their enterprise premises
  • Leases space for official business purposes
  • Provides company cars to employees or partners

What Does Commercial Insurance Cover?

Typically, West Texas Insurance Agency’s commercial insurance covers all the costs related to your business’ legal defense and compensates the third party if your business is found culpable of causing harm. It also includes bodily injury and property damage, personal and advertising injury, and even settles medical bills for any injuries sustained by another person as a result of them being exposed to harmful conditions related to your business.

How Can You Purchase Commercial Insurance?

You can purchase a commercial cover for your business by contacting a licensed insurance broker-agent who specializes in commercial insurance or by contacting the insurance provider directly.

What Kind of Insurance Do You Need to Buy for Your Business?

The individual risk characteristics of your business will determine the type of coverage you need to purchase. Although a broker agent may give you advice, it’s your responsibility to assess your business needs and make an informed decision on the type of insurance that will best fit your business.

Contact us today for more information regarding commercial insurance for expert advice.

Which Disaster are Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

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Homeowners insurance is a coverage that protects you from financial losses when your home is destroyed by the perils listed in the policy. Your home is perhaps your most valuable investment and you ought not to take chances with it.

Risks Covered by Homeowners Insurance

Risks covered vary with the insurance companies. West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX offers cost-effective home insurance options to cover your home against risks such as theft, fire, and effects of adverse weather conditions like tornadoes, windstorm, hail, lightning, and explosions or volcanic eruptions. The agency serves states like Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. It provides basic coverage options such as:

  • Liability Coverage – pays for damages caused by you, members of your family, or pets on other people’s properties.
  • Property Coverage – to protect all your belongings such as furniture and jewelry against damage caused by fire, lightning, smoke, vehicles, riots, explosion, theft, and falling objects.
  • Dwelling Coverage – covers your entire house and everything attached such as parking, sheds, and decks.
  • Additional living expenses coverage – provides for extra costs such as a place to stay after your house is damaged.

Remember, home insurance does not cover disasters such as floods, insects, earthquake, water leaks, nuclear hazards, war, wear and tear, or even neglect.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Home Insurance Coverage

The actual cash value or replacement costs are options that you can choose. Replacement cost helps to re-build your home in case of destruction. This coverage ensures that repairs are done using the exact materials and quality when initially constructed.

Consider choosing a policy that you can easily afford while ensuring that the coverage offered is adequate. Conduct an annual review of your home insurance to make any adjustments if need be.

The best way to secure your home investments is by getting the services of a reliable insurance company. West Texas Insurance agency in Amarillo, TX offers its trusted services to states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. For more information or questions, visit our office or give us a call at 806-352-2090. Our website also offers an online rating tool for quotes on home and auto insurance from the comfort of your home.

4 Reasons Why Commercial Insurance Is Now Common

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The commercial insurance world can be very unforgiving at times since the requirements are sometimes very steep and hard to understand. Due to this reason, it is important to have an experienced commercial insurance broker on your side to guide you through the risks and coverage needs while looking for commercial coverage. At West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX, our agents can provide the answers you need to make the correct choices when selecting a policy. Here are a few reasons as to why commercial insurance is now common around the country.

1. Liability Coverage

Everyone can make a mistake regardless of their position in society. Such errors can result in a customer or employee becoming hurt and can also lead to equipment malfunction. To ensure that your company is secure from such liability risks, it is important that you employ the following coverage measures:

  • General Coverage: This will protect you from injury while you are on the company premises. 
  • Product Coverage: This offers protection in case your product causes harm or becomes defective.
  • Professional Coverage: This is a form of coverage which protects you in case your business is sued due to negligence, omissions, and errors which happen when you are performing your professional services.

2. Property, Vehicle, and Earnings Coverage.

Your assets and earnings need to be protected in case of an emergency or disaster which might destroy them. With the following insurance products, you will be protected from such scenarios.

  • Commercial fleet and vehicle insurance
  • Business interruption insurance
  • Surety Bonds
  • Content Insurance
  • Commercial property insurance

These insurance policies are self-explanatory, but it is important to consider purchasing a business interruption insurance policy which will protect you in case your business is closed temporarily by covering the loss of earnings during that time.

3. Protects you, your partners, and other employees

Losing a key individual can be very disastrous for your business. For this reason, you should purchase life insurance for your important business associates. The following policies can offer protection to such individuals.

  • Directors and officer policy
  • Key person insurance
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Life insurance

4. Medical Coverage.

Your employees will require a health insurance plan which will play a big role when it comes to recruiting and retaining the employees. Even though this is not classified as commercial insurance, it is a great way to ensure the safety of your employees.

It is high time you visited West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX to acquire quality commercial insurance packages and to have your questions answered. Our agents are ready to work with you and find a policy that suits your needs.
 

Are Relatives Automatically Covered on Your Auto Insurance Policy?

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Most people think nothing of loaning their car to a visiting relative or friend to enjoy the sights or take a quick trip to the store. Before loaning out your vehicle, you should make sure the driver is covered on your auto insurance policy.

In general, auto policies cover two types of drivers: those listed on the policy (household members) and those who occasionally take your car for a ride. Here’s a brief breakdown on insurance coverage for each.

Occasional Drivers

Relatives who drive your vehicle from time to time while visiting your Amarillo, TX home fall under the category of occasional driver. They are protected under your auto insurance coverage, according to the terms of your policy. Under some policies, limits for liability coverage may be lower for occasional drivers than those who regularly drive your car.    

If your visiting relative is involved in an accident while driving your vehicle and damages exceed your insurance limits, you (as the policy owner) could be held liable. You’re also expected to pay any deductible on the policy when making a claim, even if someone else was driving. Before loaning one of your vehicles to a visiting relative, make sure he or she is a responsible, licensed driver.  

Household Members  

Relatives who are licensed drivers and members of your household are covered under your insurance policy. This includes teen drivers, parents, grandparents or any other relatives who live with you and use your vehicle frequently for work, school, or leisure activities. At West Texas Insurance Agency, we encourage our policyholders to list all licensed drivers in their household on the same policy to ensure they receive full protection in the event of an accident.

If you have any questions concerning auto insurance coverage or costs, contact us at West Texas Insurance Agency in Amarillo, TX.

Servicing States

  • Texas
  • Oklahoma
  • New Mexico