Why It’s Time to Review Your Auto Policy

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Buying a new car is an exciting event, and it’s likely that when you selected your policy for that new vehicle, you did a thorough review of all of the features and benefits. As time goes on, it’s typical that owners simply renew their current policies without too much of a review. It may have been years since you’ve done a full review of your auto policy, and it may not meet your current needs. Versatile Insurance Planners is here to help the greater San Antonio, TX community with all of their insurance needs. An annual policy review is a great idea for all insurance types!

  • Value of your car — your car has likely decreased in value now that it is older and has more miles. Make sure that you have adequate collision and replacement coverage in the event that it is deemed a total loss.
  • Driving habits — have you changed jobs and now have a shorter commute? Or has something in your life changed and you are now driving your vehicle a lot more? Let’s take a look and make sure your policy protection is consistent with your current driving habits.
  • People using the vehicle — teenage drivers require a different level of insurance coverage than experienced adult drivers. If you have added or dropped a teenage driver, you’ll want to update your policy coverage.

Let the team at Versatile Insurance Planners help you with an auto policy review. It’s important that your San Antonio, TX area car is fully insured with the right type of coverage. Life changes, and it’s easy to overlook the need for an annual policy review. Give us a call today and let us help you make sure your current auto policy provides the appropriate protection.

How Much Car Insurance Do You Really Need?

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If you want to protect yourself, you need to know the basics of the different types of auto policies. Whether you are driving an old beater or a brand new car, you have considerations to make about which policy will prove the most valuable to you. The primary categories of car insurance are basic, extended, and premium. Versatile Insurance Planners of San Antonio, TX will examine all of your options and answer any questions that you may have about the policy that is right for you. 

Basic Auto Insurance Policy

Three basic types of auto insurance include:

  • Collision – This covers any damage that occurs to your car that is your fault. Sometimes you may be driving an old beater and decide not to use this coverage and retire the car instead because the deductible may outweigh the actual value of the vehicle.
  • Liability – Doesn’t protect you but protects anyone that you are "at fault" for hitting including property and bodily damage.
  • Comprehensive – Recover damages from theft, fire, or natural disaster.

This is the bare minimum in insurance that most can’t risk not to have. 

Extended Auto Insurance Policies

After you have your basic policy covered, you may decide to add on additional policies. Here are some options:

  • Guaranteed Auto Protect (GAP)
  • Medical Expense Coverage (MedPay)
  • Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Premium Auto Insurance

Sometimes this is called full coverage. If you have a car with a loan, you will be required to have this policy with the bells and whistles included. Here are some things that may be included in this policy.

  • Rental Reimbursement
  • Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Coverage
  • Mechanical Breakdowns
  • Custom Equipment Coverage
  • Roadside Assistance
  • Umbrella Insurance
  • Glass Coverage

Versatile Insurance Planners in San Antonio, TX has You Covered

We will ensure that you don’t spend more money on coverage than you need. We work with several insurance companies so that we can get you precisely the right kind of insurance that you need that is most valuable to you and your lifestyle. To find out more, visit our office or give us a call at  210-858-9860. 

 

3 Tips for Buying Commercial Insurance in Texas

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Owing to a business in San Antonio, TX means you need commercial insurance to protect this asset. You don’t know what the future could bring; liability, damage, theft, fire, and other events could put you out of business. With commercial insurance, however, you’re covered. At Versatile Insurance Planners we’ve listed three easy tips to help you find the right commercial insurance policy in San Antonio, TX for a price you can afford.

1. Bundle Your Insurance Policies

By bundling your insurance policies, you’ll save money on your policies. Insurance companies will sometimes reward loyal customers and this is just one way they go about it. Bundle your life, auto, home, boat, umbrella, condo, and other insurance policies together to get maximum savings. Stick with the insurance company you have now or switch to a new one for additional savings. 

2. Compare Several Insurance Quotes

Policy prices and coverage vary so it’s important to compare many quotes. An insurance agent can help you do this by first finding the right quotes to view and then helping you go over them to compare coverage and price. Take your time and fully understand the coverage before making a decision.

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

Each business is unique. You could own a specialty business that requires a very different policy from another kind of business. A reputable insurance agent understands this and will help you find the right policy for your particular business needs.

To learn more about acquiring commercial insurance, contact the team at Versatile Insurance Planners. Our team is standing by to take your call and answer all your questions. We can be reached today at 210-858-9860.

3 Renovations That Positively Impact Your Homeowner’s Policy

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Renovations make your San Antonio, TX home more valuable, comfortable, a fit for the needs of your family and lifestyle. However, some changes affect more than how your home feels. Here are some renovations that also have a big impact on your home insurance.

Security Upgrades

Adding security features is a great way to keep your property safe from malicious invaders. Floodlights, cameras, and defensive landscaping prevents unauthorized access and makes it easier to catch culprits in the act. Your insurance company may also look favorably on your upgrades. Increasing security means it’s less likely they’ll have to pay for theft damages.

Pools and Spas

Relaxing in an outdoor pool or spa is the best way to take the stress away. However, the installation of an outdoor pool could change your premiums. Pools are associated with high-risk activities that could trigger the need for a payout. In these cases, your insurance agent might look closely at your new addition and consider higher premiums.

Additional Rooms and Indoor Spaces

Adding an extra room onto your main dwelling gives you the space you want for bedrooms, storage, or a special area for friends and family. However, that structure may not fit into your current policy coverage. The agents at Versatile Insurance Planners use a formula to determine the proper amount of coverage for your home. Adding to your property changes this formula. Talk to our agents before you begin your build to ensure your new addition is fully covered.

Versatile Insurance Planners offers homeowners insurance coverage to residents in the San Antonio, TX area. Talk to our agents for more personalized information on how your renovation plans might affect your policy.

Choosing a Car Insurance Provider

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Whether you want to change your car insurance or just purchased a new car, you now need to shop around for insurance. You want a company that’s reputable, among other assets. At Versatile Insurance Planners, serving San Antonio, TX and the surrounding area, we desire to educate individuals looking for insurance on what to look for in an insurance provider.

Level of Coverage

Before you begin the process, you want to choose how much coverage you need. You also want to consider how new your car is and the funds you have if you should happen to need to make repairs or purchase a new one. At this point, you should also take into consideration if want your insurance to cover natural disaster and theft. Keep in mind, not all insurers offer the same level of coverage. 

State Insurance Providers

If you visit your state’s department of insurance, you can find a list of providers who serve your state. You’ll want to narrow down your options to the ones who offer the level of coverage you desire.

Check Reviews Online

Often, one of the easiest ways to compare insurance providers is to search online for reviews. You’ll find information regarding the experiences that previous customers had. You may want to look them up on the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) website to see if they’re accredited and if they have any disputes against them. The AM Best Company offers information regarding the financial strength of an insurance provider. 

Get a Quote

The next step to comparing car insurance providers is to get quotes from different companies that had high ratings and the level of coverage you require. 

Contact Versatile Insurance Planners, serving San Antonio, TX and the surrounding area, for a quote for insurance by contacting us at 210-858-9860.

 

Planning a Cross-Country Bike Trip? What You Need to Know

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Getting out on your bike for an epic road trip is a fantastic way to spend part of your summer. Before you get out there come and meet with the professional agents at Versatile Insurance Planners to make sure that your motorcycle insurance policy provides the protection you will need. Whether you are sticking close to the San Antonio, TX area this summer or will be traveling cross-country, it’s always a good idea to review your motorcycle insurance. We can help you get the coverage you need whether you are riding across the country or will trailer your bike out West.

Hitting Up Sturgis this Summer, or Getting Your Kicks on Route 66? Make Sure You’re Protected

Summer is the perfect time to get your bike out on the road. Who doesn’t love a road trip? There are a number of interesting options, from taking a cross-country route that takes you up to Canada or sticking to one spot. Sturgis is on a lot of people’s bucket list, and this trip provides some breathtaking scenery along with some great camaraderie. There are endless possibilities, and the planning can be half the fun. If you are looking to get out there this summer and fall, make sure that you have the protection you need. A comprehensive motorcycle policy can protect you in the event of a mishap, theft, or loss, you will be able to get back on the road before you know it.

Make sure you have a full motorcycle insurance review at the top of your to-do list for this summer. Don’t get out on the road until you meet with San Antonio, TX area Versatile Insurance Planners and know that you have your insurance ducks in a row.

Flood Insurance: What do you need to file a claim?

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There is nothing worse than experiencing a storm that takes nearly everything and not knowing what to do next. The agents at Versatile Insurance Planners can help you get through what may be one of the worst days of your life. Read on to learn what you should do when you need to file a claim for flood insurance coverage.

Step 1: Notify your insurer

Your insurance company has no way of knowing that you have suffered a loss due to flooding. You need to contact them so that you can get started with processing a claim. You should have the following information when contacting your insurer:

  • Your policy number

  • A telephone number or email address where they can reach you for further information

There are instances where everything, including your insurance papers with the policy numbers, is destroyed. You should still contact your insurer as a skilled agent in San Antonio TX can retrieve your information and determine the best way to help you file a claim.

Step 2: Write down the damage

Your insurer has no way of knowing how much damage the storm and subsequent flooding caused. You must, therefore, document the damage by taking note of the property that was damaged. It is best to make a list of personal as well as structural property damage so that you are not trying to think off the top of your head when asked about the items that you lost.

Pictures are also helpful in this instance. A photo can articulate what you may not be able to put into words. Many homeowners in San Antonio, TX take pictures of damaged property before making a list of things that need to be repaired or replaced.

Step 3: Submit a Proof of Loss form

Most insurance companies will not issue a check to close out a claim without the Proof of Loss form. This document is important because it is your sworn statement that stipulates the amount that you are claiming to have lost in the storm. Your form must have specific details that directly tie the amount that you are claiming to the actual value of the items or structure damaged. Insurance companies usually require that you file your Proof of Loss form within 60 days of the event.

A storm that ruins nearly everything that you love is devastating. Let the agents at Versatile Insurance Planners help you find the flood insurance plan that works best for your situation.

Influencing your car insurance rates

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Insurance companies have a basic rate they charge for automobile insurance.  The State of Texas requires basic liability coverage, and you may want comprehensive and collision if you have a newer car or are still paying off your vehicle.  While they are some basic rates, there are several things in your life that can affect how much you will pay. VersatileInsurance Planners in San Antonio, TX can help you put yourself in the best light and get you the coverage you need.

Where you live, or where you drive the most, is one of the major factors in determining insurance rates. Your credit score is also very important and is often the biggest factor in determining how much of a discount you qualify for.  The age of the primary driver is also a major consideration. Teenagers cost more because they have more accidents.

A driving record can also have an influence on how much your insurance will cost. Speeding tickets or moving violations will make you seem like a greater risk so your premiums will cost more. Some offer discounts if you have not had an accident in several years.

The type of car you drive will also affect your rates, as well as the value. Some cars are stolen more often than others. Whether the car is used for business is another factor. Some other factors include your occupation, whether you are a parent, and whether you are a homeowner. Whether you have a garage or park on the street, is yet another consideration.

Visit or call Versatile Insurance Planners of San Antonio, TX today to find out how you can get the best car insurance for your situation. You may also use our online tool to help you get an idea of what the insurance will cost.

 

Insurance Needs for The Small Business Owner

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As a small business owner in Salma, TX, you may be wondering exactly what your insurance needs are. Versatile Insurance Planners is happy to help. We understand the individual needs of the small business owner and look for new ways to provide insurance coverage for you.

General Liability and Property Insurance from Versatile Insurance Planners

The minimum coverage you would want to consider as a small business owner would be General Liability and Property Insurance. This is the basic insurance to make sure that you are protected from liability should an accident take place on your property. This policy will also protect you if significant damage is sustained to your property.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

Depending on how many people you employ, you may be required by law to carry worker’s compensation insurance. This type of insurance will protect your employees in the event that they are injured at work. This will provide for medical expenses and provide payments while the employee is out of work. In addition to this, it protects you as the employer if an employee sues you for injuries sustained on the job.

Equipment and Automobile Insurance

If you use any type of equipment or use vehicles in the execution of your business, then you will need to protect these investments as well. Equipment is usually a massive investment in your business. You do not want to risk losing this equipment in the event of an accident or through wear and tear. Equipment insurance will cover these items. If your employees are required to drive in order to do their job, then they and the vehicles they drive will need to be insured. This is both for your protection as well as the protection of anyone who may be involved in an accident with one of your employees.

Please call us today at Versatile Insurance Planners serving Salma, TX and the surrounding areas to discuss your policy.

The Benefits of Having a Home Security System

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Home security systems are designed to protect your home and your belongings. They work around the clock, whether you are at home or away. At Versatile Insurance Planners, the agents can help residents living in the San Antonio, TX area discover the benefits of having a home security system installed in their home.

A Deterrent for Burglars

Many home security systems offer small signs for the yard or stickers for windows that will alert potential burglars that the home has an active security system. Many won’t take the risk and will leave the property alone. 

Notifies the Authorities If An Alert is Triggered

Home security systems that are monitored by a third-party monitoring center will notify the authorities if an alert is triggered. This is true for both break-ins and fire or smoke alarms. Although some systems notify the owner first, some will automatically send an alert to local emergency response teams.

Discounts on Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies realize the benefits of having a home security system and will offer discounted premiums to homeowners and renters who purchase and maintain a system. The additional security can save lives if the family is at home and a fire breaks out, or someone tries to break into the home. This dramatically reduces the risk of loss in terms of both life and property.

If you live in the San Antonio, TX area and are interested in learning the benefits of having a home security system installed in your home, call the agents at Versatile Insurance Planners today. We will schedule an appointment with you to go over your existing policy and find out if having a home security system will help to save you money.