Car Insurance and the Law

Auto insurance is not just a wise consideration; it may also be a legal requisite. Understanding Texas auto insurance laws is vital for drivers to avoid severe penalties for not carrying adequate insurance and complying with Texas car insurance requirements. Penalties can be as stringent as a $1000 fine, seizure of their vehicle for 180 days, or even a two-year suspension of their driving privileges. Given these steep consequences, it’s prudent to have insurance.

Essentials to Keep in Mind

As a driver in Texas, you must have proof of insurance and be prepared to present it to a law enforcement officer if asked. If stopped, inform the officer that you’re reaching for your insurance before doing so. If you have a driving-eligible teen in your home, they must be included in the policy. In the event of an accident that results in injury or damage exceeding $1000, it’s necessary to file a report with a police officer. This also applies in case any involved driver is uninsured. After an accident, it’s wise to call the police (and paramedics if needed), exchange insurance details with the other driver, and, if it’s safe, take pictures of the damage. Committing insurance fraud and committing a hit-and-run could get you into deep trouble.

Entrust Your Auto Insurance Needs to Roberts Family Insurance, Serving Friendswood, TX

If you need auto insurance in Friendswood, TX, please contact Roberts Family Insurance. Our friendly, well-informed, and helpful agents will go above and beyond to help you secure the policy you need.

Financial Assistance in Legal Fees with Home Insurance Related Issues

Home insurance protects property from damage and offers financial assistance in legal matters. The scope of coverage for legal fees in various situations is essential for homeowners around Friendswood, TX.

Legal Defense Coverage

Many home insurance policies include coverage for legal defense expenses in case of lawsuits related to damages or personal injury happening on the home or landowner’s property. This coverage aids in paying for legal fees, court costs, and settlements if you are found liable for damages.

Liability Protection

Home insurance liability coverage covers legal expenses and filing a lawsuit against you after getting hurt on your land. This coverage aspect safeguards your assets and provides financial aid during legal proceedings concerning personal injury claims. 

Laws vary between states regarding no-trespassing rules. Not everyone wants someone walking through their property. These cases are the most unfortunate because sometimes the property owner doesn’t know someone is on their property until it’s too late. 

Coverage for Property Disputes

Home insurance may also offer coverage for legal fees arising from property disputes, such as boundary disputes with neighbors or disagreements over property lines. This coverage assists in meeting legal expenses incurred in resolving such disputes, including attorney fees and court costs.

Most cases involve tree branches or other overhanging items over property lines. Then, these items become the culprits behind injury or property damage. 

Additional Legal Assistance

Some home insurance policies provide optional coverage extensions or endorsements that furnish additional legal assistance. These may include coverage for contractor disputes or legal expenses related to landlord-tenant issues, especially if you rent a property.

Let Roberts Family Insurance Give You the Information

Roberts Family Insurance is here to assist you with all your home insurance queries. We cover the Friendswood, TX, area. Contact us today. 

Auto Insurance Initiatives to Combat Rising Accident Rates and Fatalities

The increasing prevalence of distracted driving poses significant challenges for road safety around the Friendswood, TX, region. Rising accident rates and fatalities are the result. Insurance companies are implementing innovative initiatives to address this epidemic and promote safer driving behaviors among motorists. 

Education and Awareness Campaigns

Insurance providers are actively educating the public about the dangers of distracted driving through awareness campaigns and outreach efforts. These courses push to raise awareness concerning the risks of using electronic devices, eating, or other distractions while driving. 

Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) Programs

Usage-based insurance programs leverage telematics technology to monitor driving behaviors and provide personalized feedback to policyholders. Insurers can analyze data on acceleration, braking, speed, and phone usage to assess distraction while driving. Policyholders who demonstrate safe driving habits may qualify for discounts or rewards.

Policy Incentives and Penalties

Insurers may offer lower premiums to policyholders who commit to safe driving practices and avoid distractions on the road. Conversely, drivers with a history of distracted driving incidents may face higher premiums or policy restrictions, encouraging accountability and risk management among insured individuals.

Collaborative Partnerships

Insurance providers collaborate with government agencies, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations to implement comprehensive strategies for combating distracted driving. By partnering with stakeholders in the transportation and safety sectors, insurers can support regulatory efforts, promote enforcement of distracted driving laws, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize road safety.

Technology Integration

Advancements in vehicle technology, such as hands-free communication systems and driver-assistance features, help mitigate distractions. Insurance companies may promote the adoption of safety technologies through policy incentives or discounts, encouraging drivers to leverage technology responsibly while minimizing distractions.

Let Roberts Family Insurance Inform You

Roberts Family Insurance helps answer auto insurance questions and serves the Friendswood, TX, region. Call us today. 

Home Fire Statistics

At Roberts Family Insurance, we are proud to help protect some of the most valued possessions of our insured families in the Friendswood, TX, area. Fire damage is one of the disasters covered by a basic homeowners’ insurance policy.

How often do home fires occur, what are likely to be the causes, and what, on average, is the cost to repair home fire damage? Here is a closer look.

What Is the Main Cause of House Fires?

The most common cause of house fires in the U.S. is cooking. Cooking is the source of about half of all home fires. The second most frequent cause is electrical systems and lighting.

Are House Fires Becoming More Common?

House fires have actually reduced by almost half in the past several decades. Ironically, damage costs from those fires have almost doubled during that time.

Is There a Peak Season for House Fires?

The most popular months for house fires are December and January. House fires are also more likely to occur on a Saturday or Sunday.

What Are Average Damages From a House Fire?

Small house fires cost between $4,000 and $5,000, with larger fires costing an estimated $7,000 to $10,000.

What Types of Property Damage Can Result From a House Fire?

Besides the obvious damage from the fire itself, damage to a home from a fire can result from intense heat, smoke, water, and potentially mold. Houses that experience even larger fires may become uninhabitable until repairs are done.

Get Your Home Insurance Quote Today

If you have questions about your homeowner’s insurance and your coverage, we encourage you to contact Roberts Family Insurance. We can conduct a home insurance policy review and provide a no-obligation quote. If you live in the Friendswood, TX, area, reach out to us at Roberts Family Insurance today.

Insuring Teen Drivers

Auto Insurance Requirements for Teen Drivers in Texas

Every driver in Texas, including teenagers, is legally obligated to have auto insurance. This is a requisite irrespective of whether an adult accompanies them in the car to aid their navigation in traffic. Roberts Family Insurance, operating in Friendswood, TX, has a considerable client base composed of families with teen drivers and can assist you in choosing the most suitable policy. This ensures your teen is well covered should the Department of Public Services question them. The options for insuring your teen driver in Texas include:

  • Including your teenager on your household auto policy. List your teen— who resides with you and holds a driving license— on your existing policy. While this leads to a higher premium, the insurance cost is indisputably less than the potential costs of driving uninsured.
  • Utilizing Non-owned auto coverage. This form of insurance covers your teenagers when they drive any car without considering the car’s owner. Effectively, this rider protects your teens if they borrow a vehicle.
  • Using Waivers of exclusions and limitations. Some insurance companies avoid covering high-risk drivers, including the safest drivers under 25. Roberts Family Insurance can aid by adding a rider to your policy, or if impossible, guide you to a company willing to insure your teen.

It’s essential to note that full disclosure about all household drivers when buying your auto insurance policy is crucial. Not doing so could make you liable for damages caused by uninsured children, and your teen could face the repercussions of driving uninsured. Roberts Family Insurance offers support in finding the right policy at the most fitting price. Please visit us for coverage consultations.

Natural Disasters and Home Insurance: Ensuring Adequate Coverage

At Roberts Family Insurance, serving Friendswood, TX, and its neighboring areas, we are here to protect your home from natural disasters. Robust insurance coverage is our priority. Understanding how your home insurance shields you against these events is crucial for comprehensive protection.

Assessing Coverage for Natural Disasters

Your home insurance policy typically includes coverage for certain natural disasters like windstorms or lightning strikes. However, coverage for floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes may require separate policies or endorsements. Review your policy to understand the specific coverage and any limitations.

Customizing Coverage for Your Region

Living in an area prone to particular natural disasters necessitates tailored coverage. For instance, if you reside in a flood-prone region, obtaining separate flood insurance might be essential. Evaluate the need for additional coverage based on the prevalent risks in your area.

Reduce Your Risks Through Preparedness

Preventive measures can significantly reduce potential damage. Strengthen your home’s resilience against natural disasters by implementing protective measures such as reinforcing roofing, installing storm shutters, or elevating electrical systems.

Supplementary Flood Insurance

Standard home insurance often excludes coverage for flood-related damages. Considering a separate flood insurance policy can be crucial, especially if your area is susceptible to flooding. Explore and obtain adequate flood coverage to safeguard your home.

Protect Your Home Today!

Our team specializes in customizing policies to ensure comprehensive coverage against various natural disasters, securing your home effectively. Natural disasters pose a threat to your home’s safety. Make sure your insurance policy offers sufficient coverage to shield your most valuable asset.

Here at Roberts Family Insurance, serving Friendswood, TX and surrounding areas, we’re committed to assisting you in securing comprehensive protection against unexpected disasters that can occur. Connect with us today to safeguard your home effectively!

Benefits of Comprehensive Auto Insurance

Comprehensive coverage gives you added protection for your car or truck. Although it’s not required, comprehensive car insurance comes in handy because it helps you repair your vehicle if it’s damaged from vandalism, fire, or other hazards. Unlike collision insurance, comprehensive insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by other vehicles. The agents at Roberts Family Insurance in Friendswood, TX can help you understand all the advantages of investing in this type of auto insurance.

What Comprehensive Insurance Covers

Your actual coverage depends on how your policy is written. However, most comprehensive insurance policies cover the events listed above and other incidents. If your car is stolen or vandalized, for example, this coverage may kick in. Additionally, if you hit a deer or other animal, this type of insurance may help you pay for repairs.

Comprehensive car insurance may also cover vandalism, fire, theft, civil disturbances, and natural disasters such as tornadoes. Our agents work with you to find the policy that will best meet your needs. We would also be happy to review your existing car insurance for potential gaps.

Comprehensive Insurance Benefits You Need to Know

Comprehensive insurance safeguards your vehicle against events beyond your control. That may include anything from theft to extreme weather. It also handles things like broken windshield wipers and break-ins that you cannot control.

If you have a new or newish car, this coverage gives you peace of mind if you travel through a high-crime area. Additionally, your car rental agency or lender may require you to carry comprehensive car insurance as a condition of your lease or financing terms.

Consult With Us

When you want the highest and best level of protection for your vehicle, include comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. Other advantages include financial assistance if your car is totaled and coverage for damage to your vehicle if you cause an accident. Find out more about comprehensive coverage, such as the possibility of including legal liability in your policy.

Make an appointment at Roberts Family Insurance in Friendswood, TX today to learn more about comprehensive insurance and obtain a free quote!

Does my home insurance cover my unattached buildings, such as my garage and shed?

Keeping up your Friendswood, TX homeowners insurance is just as important as any other home security. It’s also important to understand what exactly your policy covers and what your excursions are. At Roberts Family Insurance, we work to make sure our clients have all the information they need to make the best-informed choices for themselves and their families about their home protection.

Coverage B, Or Other Structures Coverage

Coverage for other structures on your property is part of every standard homeowners policy. This coverage protects any unattached structure, such as a detached garage, a gazebo, a storage shed, or even a guest house.

Attached structures are covered under the regular dwelling coverage. For instance, an attached garage or deck will be covered here. This distinction is important because your "other structures" coverage is usually set at 10% of your overall policy limits, so you need to make sure that your detached structures have enough protection,.

Is a Built-In Swimming Pool an "Other Structure?"

This depends on your insurer and should be spelled out in your policy.  Make sure that you understand how your pool is categorized by your insurance company.

You should also make sure that you are following any other rules your insurer may have about your pool. Swimming pools are "attractive nuisances," meaning that they are both potentially dangerous and attractive to children. Your insurer may also have a rule that you keep a fence around your pool.

Consult With Us

Making sure you have the right protection for your Friendswood, TX home can save you from a future disaster. If you have any questions about your homeowners policy or if you would like to add more protection to your other structures, call Roberts Family Insurance today.

Why basic auto insurance may not be the right choice

Basic auto insurance is the required amount of insurance the state says you need to have. This is usually liability coverage to protect other people from you and an accident you are responsible for. Which is all well and good but what about your vehicle?  If you live in Friendswood, TX, you can count on the Roberts Family Insurance to provide the auto insurance coverage you need. 

If you have an auto loan, you will need more than just basic auto insurance. You will need to carry collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. The same is true if you have an auto lease. But beyond that, what if you like most people count on your car every day to go about your normal activities, –  what would you do? 

Auto Insurance: Beyond The Basic

Collision coverage

If you have an accident where you are the responsible party, you need to get your vehicle repaired. If you can afford to do that on your own, all is well and good, but most people can’t. If you have collision coverage, it will pay for the repair or replacement of your vehicle minus the deductible. It will also cover you if you are a victim of hit-and-run. 

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive insurance covers a variety of different things that can damage your vehicle. If you run into a large animal like a deer, comprehensive coverage is what is needed. If your vehicle is stolen or vandalized, this is what will cover it.  Comprehensive will also cover hail damage, a branch falling on your vehicle, or anything else falling on it, and it also includes glass coverage after a deductible is met. 

If you need your vehicle, you need more than basic auto coverage. 

Contact our team at Roberts Family Insurance in Friendswood, TX when you are ready to discuss your auto coverage. 

Making sure your home is ready for an emergency

Emergencies happen no matter where you live, but Texas is the most disaster-prone state in the country. Being prepared is a necessity for most people. In Friendswood, TX, our team at Roberts Family Insurance helps by providing home insurance that can offer a level of protection that is necessary. For floods, flood insurance is an additional insurance necessity. 

It is hard to prepare for tornados and flooding which are common in Texas every year. But there are things you can do to prepare for these and any other emergencies that may come up. 

Preparation For Home Emergencies

Documents

Place all of your important documents, including your home insurance, in one place. Place them in a fireproof and water-resistant container. Know where it is and be able to grab it if you have to evacuate. This will save a lot of headaches later on if you do it before it happens. 

Floodproof your home

Boilers, utilities, and HVAC equipment are often located at the lowest level of a home. If possible move them off that level or place them on a raised platform to keep them out of the danger of water. 

Create a fire zone around your home

Wildfires are a potential emergency and making sure there is a fire-resistant barrier around your home is important and also having an outdoor water source. 

Find a safe place

If there is a tornado warning get to a safe place. A storm shelter or an interior without windows is best. 

Have supplies

Having a generator can provide the electricity that you need to keep your refrigerator or HVAC system operating. Keep an ample supply of bottled water and food for you and any pets you may have. 

Reach Out To Us

Contact our experienced team at Roberts Family Insurance in Friendswood, TX with all your home insurance needs.