Is It Time to Update Your Vehicle’s Insurance?

If you’re like most people, you may be renewing your auto insurance automatically without taking the time to review your policy. If you’ve had changes in your lifestyle, however, your old coverage may no longer provide the protection you need. Talk to your Versatile Insurance Planners agent about changes in your personal situation to see if you need to update your auto insurance policy.   

Here are a few examples of when an update may be necessary to maintain the protection you need.

Add a New Driver to Policy

If your teen recently got his license, you’ll want to update your insurance to add him or her to your policy. This way he or she will be fully protected by your coverage in the event of an accident.

Marriage

If you’ve gotten married, you’ll need to update your insurance if you want to add your spouse to your policy. Putting your spouse on your policy could qualify you for a multi-car discount to reduce auto insurance costs.

Move to a New Location

A move to a safer part of town could qualify you for reduced premiums on your auto insurance. If you purchased a home in your new location, you can bundle your home and auto coverage to save even more. If you moved to a new state, we’ll make sure your coverage meets the minimum requirements of your new location and that you have all the protection you need.   

Change of Vehicles

If you purchased a new vehicle in San Antonio, TX, you’ll need to add your new car to your policy. You may even want to increase your coverage to fully protect your new investment. We’ll work with you to determine how much protection you need.

To update your auto insurance in San Antonio, TX, contact Versatile Insurance Planners today.

Three things to know about filing a home insurance claim

As a homeowner, it’s important that you understand the home insurance claim process. It’s a good idea to learn about the home insurance claim process when you purchase home insurance. You don’t want to add to the stress of experiencing home damage by not knowing how to go about filing a claim after an accident occurs. 

At Versatile Insurance Planners, we offer home insurance in San Antonio, TX. The following are three things that policyholders should know about filing a home insurance claim. 

You’ll need to contact your home insurance provider to get things started.

The first step to filing a claim is contacting your home insurance provider and providing details about the incident that led to home damage. You can typically file a claim over the phone. Some providers also will allow policyholders to file a home insurance claim over the Internet. 

It’s important to document the accident and the resulting damages carefully.

As part of the claim process, an adjuster from your home insurance company will come to your property and assess the damage. You should carefully document damages by photographing or videotaping them. If you have any repairs done, keep receipts to show the amount that you had to spend on them. 

Damages need to be covered under the terms of your policy. 

It’s a good idea to look over your policy and read the fine print before you file a claim. Your home insurance policy should detail exactly what types of damage are covered. Make sure that your policy does not deny coverage for damages resulting from the type of accident or incident your home has just experienced. 

If you’re looking for the right home insurance policy in San Antonio, TX, contact us at Versatile Insurance Planners. We can find the best home insurance option to protect the investment you’ve made in your home. 

When It Comes to Motorcycle Insurance, It Makes Sense to Go Big!

Summer is here and it’s time to get out on your bike! The team at Versatile Insurance Planners is here to provide motorcycle owners in the greater San Antonio, TX area with the insurance they need. Motorcycle insurance can be confusing, especially because the state-required levels are often inadequate for most people’s needs. Typically, a comprehensive policy is the better option for motorcycle owners who want to make sure they’ve got all their bases covered.

When it Comes to Motorcycle Insurance, Bigger is Usually Better

A primary motorcycle policy that meets all Texas state guidelines may seem like the way to go when you are selecting your insurance coverage. However, that is usually not the case. Many motorcycle owners don’t realize that their coverage is inadequate until it is too late. What makes matters even worse, is the fact that you may be personally responsible for damage if your policy levels are exceeded.

If you want to ensure that you have the protection you need for property and vehicle damage as well as medical coverage for yourself and your passengers, it’s time to look at a comprehensive policy. With a comprehensive policy, you are more likely to avoid a situation where you are personally liable for damages. This can give you the peace of mind you need to get out on your bike and enjoy the open road! Reviewing all of your policy and coverage level options on a regular basis is an effective way to ensure that you have the coverage you need. 

If you are a motorcycle owner in the San Antonio, TX area, give Versatile Insurance Planners a call today. We are here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance to cover all of your needs!

Basics of Flood Insurance

Many mortgage lenders require that you carry homeowner’s insurance. This protects their investment in the property. With this in place, you may feel adequately covered.  There is one further step that you need to take. You need to understand what level of risk your home has for flooding. Flood damage is something that home insurance policies don’t cover.  Our agents at Versatile Insurance Planners work with homeowners like you in San Antonio. We can help you decide if flood insurance is right for you. 

The National Flood Insurance Program was created by Congress to protect homeowners and renters from losses.  Legislators recognized that floods are the most common and expensive disasters facing homeowners. Financially, floods can cause a financial disaster. On average, a 1,00 sq. ft. house that sustains 1 ft. of water will result in $27,150 in damages. Also, 20% of claims for flood damage come from low to moderate risk areas. This is why it is so important to look at the risk data for the location of your home and thoughtfully consider additional flood coverage.

At Versatile Insurance Planners, our agents understand the flood risks in the San Antonio, TX area. They help home and businesses assess their level of risk and whether flood insurance is needed. They can answer any questions that you have and provide options for you. As flood insurance only covers buildings on a property, they can also ensure that your home insurance adequately covers your possession inside of the home. To get started, browse through the information on our website.  When you are ready, contact us! You’ll be presented with the information you need, get questions answered, and be able to make your own decision about flood insurance. It’s good to have a knowledgeable partner to help with the process. Don’t wait until its too late!  Contact us today!

Is it time to upgrade your auto insurance plan?

Some purchase auto insurance plans in San Antonio, TX and never look back. There are many benefits associated with paying your monthly premium on time. You can, however, benefit from having auto insurance, even more, when you monitor your insurance rates and upgrade as necessary. The agents at Versatile Insurance Planners can help you determine when it is time to update your coverage so that you are fully protected. 

What makes a good insurance policy?

The best auto insurance policies meet the state’s minimum requirements while also protecting your personal finances from detriment in the instance of an accident. Texas is not a “no-fault” state, which means that drivers are expected to take responsibility for damages they cause in an incident. 

At a minimum, drivers should show proof of at least $30,000 per person worth of coverage for bodily injuries ($60,000 per accident). Drivers should also provide proof of property coverage that pays at least $25,000 per accident. 

In addition to the state minimum, San Antonio TX drivers should also consider uninsured motorist protection along with higher policy limits. Choosing higher policy limits raises the monthly premium, but such an amount may prove beneficial if you have an accident that causes substantially more damage than the state’s minimum requirements. 

When is it time to upgrade?

You should consider upgrading your policy if you have purchased a new car. It may be necessary to increase your policy’s limits to accommodate the new purchase. You should also consider an upgrade if you add a teen driver or have recently moved. 

There are times when an upgrade to your policy alone is not enough. It is during these times that you may want to consider going with another provider altogether. The agents at Versatile Insurance Planners can help you find an auto insurance plan that best fits your lifestyle. Call them today if you need to upgrade your indemnity plan. 

How to Protect Your Business While It’s Under Construction

Significant amounts of financial resources and time commitment is involved in starting and running a business. Protecting your investment should be a priority so your hard work is not ruined by an accident or incident. Understanding what types of coverage that will protect your business will help you make an informed choice when you choose insurance. Choosing a reliable insurance company is a good starting point when you are seeking this kind of coverage.

At Versatile Insurance Planners in San Antonio, TX, finding the right coverage for your growing business is easy. It is important to protect major assets and your business is likely very important to you. We can help you with your insurance needs through all stages of construction.

Commercial insurance

Getting a small package can give you liability coverage which will protect from accidents involving visitors and others who frequent your business. Auto insurance can be included in this type of package. This can be a good standard option for business owners who want to ensure they have basic coverage.

Short-term insurance 

You may only need insurance for a short period of time during construction. There are options for this type of plan. Also, if your business is interrupted by around move or renovation, there are types of plans that can compensate for lost time. There are different options for short-term coverage that can match your needs.

At Versatile Insurance Planners in San Antonio, TX, we have skilled agents that are well versed in all types of insurance for your home, business, or auto and everything in between. We are to help you understand your insurance options and we can answer any questions you might have. Give us a call to speak to an agent today to inquire about a quote for your next policy.

Is it time to upgrade your home insurance policy?

Homeowners in the greater San Antonio, TX area are finding a benefit in reviewing their home insurance policies each year. The team at Versatile Insurance Planners recommends that residents do this review regularly to ensure that their policy coverage amounts are keeping pace with the value of their home. Don’t find out after it’s too late that you don’t have the coverage levels that you need!

Factors that May Increase Your Coverage Needs

Property Values – As your home value increases, so do your coverage needs. A regular review of your policy will make sure that your insurance protection is keeping pace with your needs. This is a factor that’s often overlooked by homeowners until they have a covered event and find out that their policy levels are now insufficient for their protection needs.

Improvements and Renovations – If you have contracted an addition on your home, installed a new kitchen, or updated your bathrooms, your coverage requirements have likely increased. Smaller home improvements, like installing new flooring, may also affect your coverage levels.

Personal Belongings – The more expensive gadgets and items that are purchased through the years, the more insurance coverage will be necessary. Keep in mind that items and devices that you use every day, such as personal electronics, can add up very quickly. TVs, computers, and other technological items also carry a high value, especially when each member of the family has their own devices.

Are you a homeowner in the greater San Antonio, TX area? Contact the team at Versatile Insurance Planners today and schedule a consultation to review your home insurance policy. It’s essential to make sure that your coverage continues to be adequate for your needs.

Tips for Buying a Motorcycle Out of State

Long gone are the old days when you would just go down to the local San Antonio, TX motorcycle dealerships and pick one out. The internet has widened our options considerably, and there’s a good chance that your next bike will be found with just a swipe of your finger. But what happens when you find a great motorcycle in a different state? The good news is that you can purchase it legally and still get it registered in Texas, but you’ll need to make sure you’re doing everything right.

Follow these tips from the experts at Versatile Insurance Planners to make the whole process a breeze!

Do Your Research and Ask Questions

Legitimate sellers will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible and answer all your questions. If you’re buying a used motorcycle, you should always be able to get its full history. 

Don’t Buy the Motorcycle without Seeing It

As internet motorcycle sales have risen, so have scams. Even if the seller seems reputable, never make the purchase without going to see the motorcycle in person. If you’re unable to do so, have someone you trust go look at it for you. If you simply must buy from an online-only marketplace, make sure it is one specifically meant for vehicle sale (i.e. not Craigslist) and is BBB certified. 

Plan for Legal Transportation

Many people choose to have their motorcycle shipped to Texas so they don’t have to register it anywhere else first (you can find reputable motorcycle shippers on Chopper Exchange). If you plan to ride it all the way back to San Antonio, TX, then you will need temporary registration in the state it is purchased in. Call their state DMV ahead of time and bring all the necessary documents with you. You will later be able to register it fully in Texas. 

Talk with Your Insurance Agent Ahead of Time

Every situation is different, and it is important to make sure you’re not heading out on the road without proper protection. Give us a call at Versatile Insurance Planners today to learn more about your motorcycle insurance coverage options both during transportation to Texas and after you get the bike registered here. Don’t let your new purchase go to waste with a lack of good coverage! 

 

 

Are there different types of motorcycle insurance?

Do you have a one of a kind motorcycle in San Antonio, TX?

Standard auto insurance is not going to do much to protect your bike in the event of an accident. What are the different types of motorcycle insurance, though? Also, how much coverage is necessary to enjoy the road with peace and confidence? The agents at Versatile Insurance Planners can help with these questions and more!

What is motorcycle insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is an indemnity policy that specifically covers motorcycles in a car accident. These plans are similar to standard auto insurance policies in that they come with policy limits and deductibles that owners must pay before coverage kicks in after an accident. 

Motorcycle coverage differs from a standard auto insurance plan by offering bike owners the chance to cover the gear that is necessary to ride safely. A motorcycle indemnity policy also allows owners to save money on cooling-off periods. It is during these times that owners remain insured for damages that their bikes may sustain while in storage. The policy does not cover car accidents and other incidents on the road during the cooling-off period. 

What are the different types of coverage?

Liability insurance is an absolute must for motorcycle owners who use their bikes to commute on the highways or in the inner city of San Antonio, TX. The state of Texas requires drivers to show proof of at least $30,000 worth of insurance coverage for bodily injury per person. Drivers must show proof of at least $25,000  worth of coverage for property damage. 

Comprehensive and Collision coverages are options for motorcycle owners looking for full coverage. There are also add-ons, such as total loss coverage and trip interruption protection, that further guard you from significant financial loss in an accident. 

The agents at Versatile Insurance Partners can help you find the motorcycle insurance policy to fit your needs. Call us today to get started with a quote!

Why It’s Time to Review Your Auto Policy

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.