Boat Insurance: What It Does and Does Not Cover

If you own a boat in Austin, TX, understanding precisely what your insurance covers can make all the difference should your boat sustain damage. However, with the different policy types and coverage limits, it can be challenging to remember what’s covered and what’s not. That’s why the team here at Southwest Insurance Center has put together this brief guide to the most common things you can likely expect your policy to cover.

Common Situations Covered

Your exact coverage depends, of course, upon the type of policy that you have on your boat. Generally speaking, different boat insurance policies are available that cover things such as:

  • Damage and injuries to others and their property caused by you
  • Damage caused by events outside of your control, like fires and severe weather
  • Damage caused by collisions with other boats or objects
  • The medical bills of you and your passengers
  • The cost of replacing some personal property

Common Situations Not Covered

Though a variety of policy options cover just about every situation and event that could befall your boat, there are just as many things that nearly no policy will cover. This includes things like

  • Normal wear and tear
  • Damage caused by insects, animals, and mold
  • Damage caused by marine life
  • Damage caused by deterioration, improper use, lack of proper maintenance, and production or mechanical defects
  • Damage caused by improper storage and transportation

Protect Your Boat Today Through Southwest Insurance Center

If you’re shopping for boat insurance in Austin, TX, trust Southwest Insurance Center! Our team will work side-by-side with you to find the right coverage for your needs by comparing plans from the top insurance companies in the country. For more information or to receive a quote, contact us today!

Wisdom of Texas Homeowners Obtaining Flood Insurance

Due to unpredictable weather patterns, flood disasters are occurring more frequently than ever, even in non-flood zone areas. Over the past few years, flooding incidents have increased across the country with Texas being no exception to this ill-fated disaster. Fortunately, Whitesboro, TX  area home and business owners can prepare in advance for unforeseen flood events by purchasing flood insurance from SWH Insurance Agency LLC.

Importance of Flood Protection

Flooding can occur suddenly and unexpectedly in almost any area. However, flood damage caused by storm surges or river overflow isn’t covered by standard home or business insurance policies. That’s why we recommend that home and business owners in Whitesboro consider flood coverage.

If your property were destroyed by a flood disaster, without flood coverage, you would be left to deal with the consequences on your own. Considering the immense damage that a flood can cause, this could result in financial ruin. By adding flood coverage to your home or business insurance package, you can protect your assets from this catastrophe. With flood insurance protection, you’ll have the financial help to recuperate your losses quickly and get back on your feet after a flood event.

What to Expect from Flood Coverage

At SWH Insurance Agency, LLC, we can customize your flood coverage to meet your individual needs. You can obtain flood coverage for your:

  • Home
  • Business and
  • Contents (personal goods or business equipment, inventory, and other business assets)

This important coverage will help you to protect these items from the risk of water damage due to a flood disaster. Flood insurance makes it easier to repair or rebuild your home or business as well as recover your personal/business property without depleting your savings or going into debt after a major flood disaster.  

Reach Out To Us

To learn more about flood insurance for your home or business, contact SWH Insurance Agency LLC in Whitesboro, TX at your earliest convenience.

Retaining Vehicle Trade In Value

If you are like most people, you don’t plan on keeping one vehicle forever. Most people eventually trade in their vehicle to help with the expense of the next vehicle. If you plan to do this, you will want to focus on ways to retain your current vehicle’s value so that you can get the best deal. Here at SWH Insurance Agency LLC, serving Whitesboro, TX and the surrounding areas, we want to help our clients get the most out of vehicle ownership.

How to retain your vehicle’s trade-in value:

Regular Maintenance 

Staying up to date on the vehicle’s regular maintenance is one of the best ways that you can retain value. Regular maintenance will help to ensure that the vehicle does not start to experience major problems. If you do not feel confident doing your own vehicle maintenance, you need to connect with a trusted local mechanic who can put your vehicle on a maintenance schedule. 

Keep It Clean 

Keeping your car clean is not just about making it look great. There are several aspects of a vehicle that will start to deteriorate if they are not kept properly cleaned. Carpet, interiors, and paint jobs can all suffer if you allow them to stay dirty for long periods of time. Your car’s appearance will have a huge effect on trade-in value as well, so keep it clean for a better value. 

Safe Driving Habits

The safer you drive, the less likely you are to have a wreck. Once a vehicle has been in an accident, there is a chance that it can affect trade-in value. Accidents are often reported on services such as CarFax, and this could hurt your chances of getting the best trade-in value. 

Reach Out To Us

If you would like to learn about auto insurance, please contact us at SWH Insurance Agency LLC serving Whitesboro, TX and the surrounding areas. 

Keep Your Home on Wheels Safe: Importance of Preventive Maintenance for Motorhomes

Traveling in your motorhome gives you the freedom to explore new destinations near Whitesboro, TX or far beyond, the comfort of having your own space, and the joy of creating unforgettable memories. However, as much as we love our home on wheels, it’s important to remember that it’s a vehicle, and like any vehicle, it requires maintenance to ensure its safety on the road.

Here are some tips from SWH Insurance Agency LLC:

Preventive maintenance is key to keeping your motorhome in shape and avoiding unexpected breakdowns.

1. Regular Inspections:

You can do this on your own or hire a professional to check your motorhome’s engine, brakes, tires, and electrical system. Regular inspections can help you identify and fix problems before they become severe, minimizing the risk of costly repairs or accidents.

2. Fluid and Filter Checks:

This includes engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and air filters. Neglecting these can result in engine failure, overheating, or losing control of the vehicle.

3. Tire Maintenance:

Your motorhome’s tires are your only contact with the road, making them one of the critical components to keeping your home on wheels safe. Regularly checking the tire pressure, tread depth, and alignment can help prevent blowouts or accidents. Also, don’t forget to inspect the spare tire and replace it if necessary.

4. Electrical System Inspection:

The electrical system in your motorhome is responsible for powering all the essential appliances and devices, including the lights, fridge, aircon, and entertainment systems. Regular inspections can help you identify and fix electrical issues, such as short-circuiting or fire hazards before they become serious.

Reach Out To Us

Keeping your motorhome safe and reliable! If you’re in Whitesboro, TX, contact SWH Insurance Agency LLC! We’d love to hear from you!

Why Recreational Insurance is a Must-Have for Your Next Adventure

Are you planning a fun and adventurous trip? Before you go, make sure to protect yourself with recreational insurance. Recreational insurance is a great way to minimize risk and give yourself peace of mind while engaging in leisure activities like camping, hunting, fishing, boating, skiing, and more. So, listen up Whitesboro, TX residents, because this one is for you!

Why Do You Need Recreational Insurance?

Recreational insurance helps protect you from financial losses that can result from personal injury, property damage, or personal liability. It covers both you and your loved ones in the event of an unfortunate accident or a costly mistake. With recreational insurance, you can go on your next adventure knowing you have the coverage you need to protect yourself and your loved ones in case of an unplanned event.

What Does Recreational Insurance Cover?

Recreational insurance covers a variety of activities and is tailored to your individual needs. Coverage typically includes medical expenses, liability protection, property damage, and more. Depending on the policy you choose, recreational insurance can also provide coverage for other activities like ATV riding, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.

Types of Recreational Vehicles Generally Covered by Insurance

Recreational insurance can provide essential coverage for your recreational vehicles, including boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles. This type of coverage is designed to guard against physical damage and liability, so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about the potential costs of an accident. Whether renting or owning your recreational vehicle, you’ll need to ensure it is adequately covered.

Protect Your Next Adventure with SWH Insurance Agency LLC

At SWH Insurance Agency LLC, we understand that you’re excited to start your next adventure, and we want to help make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. Our recreational insurance policies are designed to give you the peace of mind that comes with having coverage in place before your next big trip. Whether you’re going camping, fishing, or on a road trip, get the coverage you need to protect yourself and your loved ones. Call us today to learn how we can cover your Whitesboro, TX registered recreational equipment.

Getting Your RV Prepped For Summer: Three Pro Tips

Summer sun is right around the corner, and it’s key that your RV is prepped to take you and your family everywhere you want to go this summer. SWH Insurance Agency LLC takes a look at a few tips to help you get your RV in tip-top shape before you hit the road for your first summer trip. 

Getting Your RV Prepped For Summer

Inspect the battery. 

Before you get started on prepping your RV for summer, you’ll want to make sure that it’s running well. Test the battery to ensure that it didn’t fail over the winter (and replace it if your RV isn’t starting well). 

Give the exterior a good wash. 

If your RV has been sitting in the elements all winter, you’ll want to give it a good wash before you hit the road for summer. Take your time and dig into the details of the exterior of your RV while cleaning. 

Check your appliances. 

Get inside your RV and ensure that all appliances still work just like they did last summer. Doing this now can give you the time that you need to make any replacements or repairs, and can save you from unwanted surprises when you hit the road.

Looking for RV insurance for your Whitesboro, TX vehicle? We’ve got you covered. 

If you’re searching for the right RV insurance for your vehicle in Whitesboro, TX, we’re excited to get to know you. At SWH Insurance Agency LLC, we’re proud to serve our RV customers. Reach out to us today or stop by to learn more about how we can create the perfect RV insurance policy for your needs. 

Three things you might not know about boat insurance

Boat owners need to be informed about boat insurance. There are a few things that you might not already be aware of when it comes to boat insurance in Whitesboro, TX. At SWH Insurance Agency LLC, we can help you to navigate the complexities of boat insurance.

The following are three things you might not know about boat insurance:

Hurricane coverage is not always automatically included in boat insurance policies.

Hurricane coverage is an important type of coverage to have for boat owners who live in an area of the country where hurricanes are common. However, hurricane coverage is not typically included in standard boat insurance policies.

If you want coverage for hurricane damage to your boat, you may have to purchase such coverage as an add-on policy feature. 

Boat insurance coverage is limited to certain waters.

The most important aspect of boat insurance to understand is the geographical limitations that it goes along with. Boat insurance policies usually specify that boat usage is only covered in certain waters.

You need to make sure that your policy will cover you in all of the waters in which you’ll be navigating. 

Boat insurance coverage offers only limited coverage for personal belongings.

If your personal belongings within your boat become destroyed in an accident, boat insurance will cover them up to a specific amount.

However, personal property coverage included in boat insurance is often fairly limited. You might want to invest in added personal property coverage if you keep especially valuable items in your boat. 

Give Us A Call

Let us help you find boat insurance. If you are a boat owner in Whitesboro, TX with questions about insurance, we’re here to help at SWH Insurance Agency LLC. Give us a call today so that you can get a policy quote.  

Three important facts about flood insurance

Floods are a threat to your home and family. There’s no denying that fact. Yet misinformation can be even more dangerous. Many incorrectly assume they are safe, failing to take even the most basic precautions. Even in The Lone Star State, you are at risk of flooding under the right conditions.

Fortunately, SWH Insurance Agency LLC can help. Serving Whitesboro, TX, the agency wants to set the record straight when it comes to flood insurance.

Here are three important flood insurance facts that everyone should know:

Flood insurance is for everyone, everywhere.

It’s not just for homeowners. Renters may have some protection under their landlord’s policy, yet this is limited to the exterior of the building. And flooding can impact everyone at a moment’s notice. In fact, according to FEMA, individuals who live in low-to-moderate risk zones are still five times more likely to face a flood than a fire. Although it’s rarely required, flood insurance is always a necessity. 

Flood insurance is missing from most other policies.

You aren’t already covered. This is a common misconception. In reality, standard homeowners’ and renters’ plans exclude flooding. Only dedicated flood insurance coverage can safeguard your belongings and your residence from rising water.

Flood insurance is easy to add.

It’s often as simple as contacting your local, private insurance company. Your agent will evaluate your location and conduct a risk assessment to determine what policy is right for you. But each flood insurance policy is federally supported and backed by the National Flood Insurance Program.

Give Us A Call

SWH Insurance Agency LLC, serving the greater Whitesboro, TX community, provides more than just information. Our team of insurance experts can find a flood insurance policy that can keep you afloat if disaster strikes. Call us to set up an appointment today.

Steps to Take After an Accident

Whitesboro, TX residents are required to have automobile liability insurance by law, and the minimum requirements are $30,000 per injury for each individual and $60,000 per wreck, along with $25,000 in property damage. Most lenders will require full coverage if a balance is owed on a vehicle, though many motorists whose vehicles are paid for also opt into these protections. Our team of insurance experts at SWH Insurance Agency LLC is here to help. 

What To Do After An Accident

The very first imperative when involved in an accident is to make sure all parties are safe. Moving the vehicles is recommended when it is possible to do so safely, as these can cause other collisions when left on the road. When it isn’t possible to relocate the automobiles, utilize the hazard lights, cones, or flares if available. 

Those without injuries should get to an area off the road and away from traffic. Care should be taken not to handle those with injuries unless absolutely necessary due to dangers from fire, congested roadways, or other life-threatening situations. 

Call 911 and speak to dispatch about what happened, answering all questions to the best of your ability. Filing a police report can help you later on, as details can be hard to recall later on, and it provides a written account provided by a third party. Obtain the officer’s name, badge number, and phone number as well as the police report number. 

Do not admit fault, and document the wreck with photographs. Be sure to exchange information with the other driver, and write down their contact details and insurance carrier information. Lastly, contact your SWH Insurance Agency LLC agent. 

We Can Help 

SWH Insurance Agency LLC faithfully serves the Whitesboro, TX region and can help automobile owners with their insurance needs. Reach out to us today by phone, email, or by stopping in the office. 

What Types of Vehicles Are Covered Under Recreational Insurance?

If you love to spend time exploring the outdoors, you may have many large toys that you have purchased to help you when you are exploring the wilderness and all mother nature has to offer. Recreational insurance can help to cover these toys. One of the questions that we at SWH Insurance Agency LLC, serving the Whitesboro, TX region, are often asked is what types of vehicles are covered under recreational insurance policies.

Here are some of the most common vehicles that are covered under this type of insurance:

RVs, Motor Homes, and Campers

One of the types of vehicles that are covered under recreational insurance policies is RVs, motor homes, and campers. If you enjoy camping or spending time outdoors, you may have one of these vehicles. Typically, RVs with their own motor home get covered under their own policy. RVs, motor homes, or campers that are pulled behind your vehicle are covered under recreational insurance. 

Boats and Jet Skis

Another type of vehicle that is often covered under recreational insurance is boats, jet skis, and other types of watercraft. Basically, if the watercraft has a motor, it needs to be insured before you can operate it on the water. 

Off-Road Vehicles

Lastly, off-road vehicles, including things such as ATVs, sand buggies, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles can be covered under recreational insurance. If you have any other types of vehicles that you use in sand, on dirt, or off-road, it likely is also covered under this type of policy. 

Give Us A Call

Recreational insurance usually covers the large toys that people use recreationally or for fun. If you are looking to cover one or more of the items listed above, a recreational insurance policy may be perfect for you. Reach out to SWH Insurance Agency LLC, serving the greater Whitesboro, TX area, to learn more about obtaining a policy.