Should I Get Liability Only or Full Coverage Auto?

Auto insurance is practically mandatory for driving a vehicle. Being adequately insured can protect you from potential liability issues in the event of an accident. However, choosing the right auto insurance amongst the many types available is vital. The team at Roberts Family Insurance, servicing Friendswood, TX, is committed to helping our customers make an educated decision and select the right type of auto insurance.

What Is Liability-Only Auto Insurance?

Liability-only auto insurance pays for the repair of the other driver’s vehicle if you cause an accident. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle.

What Is Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

Full-coverage auto insurance typically includes a variety of insurance types, including liability insurance, to provide as much coverage as possible for your vehicle. The coverage can vary, but typically, full coverage policies pay to repair or replace your vehicle under various circumstances, like after an accident or even if you collide with an object that isn’t another vehicle.

If your car is stolen, your full coverage auto insurance can replace it. If your car breaks down while in transit, your full coverage auto insurance may also cover roadside assistance to help get your car towed to a mechanic.

Full coverage auto insurance is generally required if you have an auto loan, so ensure you understand what your auto lender requires.

Which Type of Auto Insurance Should I Choose?

Our extensive range of auto insurance products at Roberts Family Insurance, servicing Friendswood, TX, can help our customers protect their vehicles effectively. Contact us today to learn more about your auto insurance policy options.

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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. 

Safe driving tips for new drivers

Driving is a great way to get around the Friendswood, TX area but it’s important to stay safe on the roads. New drivers often find themselves overwhelmed with all the rules and regulations, so here are some tips from us at Roberts Family Insurance for staying safe as a new driver. 

Safe driving tips for new drivers

First and foremost, always obey the speed limit. It can be tempting to go faster than what’s posted, but that’s a sure way to get into trouble with the law. Stick to the speed limit and avoid risky driving behaviors like tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic. 

Second, make sure you are alert at all times when driving. Avoid distractions like eating or drinking while behind the wheel and never use your phone while driving. Put away any items that could distract you so you can stay focused on the road ahead of you. 

Third, wear your seatbelt at all times. It may seem obvious but wearing your seat belt is one of the most important ways to ensure you’re safe while driving. No matter how short a trip may be, make sure you always buckle up before starting the engine. 

Finally, follow traffic laws and signs at all times. Many new drivers forget laws like stopping completely at stop signs or yield signs, and this can increase your chances of getting into an accident or being ticketed by law enforcement if they witness it happen. Always be mindful of other cars on the road too – try not to cut people off or drive in an unsafe manner that could put yourself or others in danger on the roads. 

Schedule A Consultation Today!

For more tips on safe driving, give us at Roberts Family Insurance a call today. We proudly serve the Friendswood, TX area.