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Insurance for your trailer in Dallas, TX

Why You Should Carry Insurance on Your Trailer

September 23, 2019/in blog/by Tosten

In order for you to be best protected, it is always recommended that you carry a separate trailer insurance policy. Because of the countless situations that may occur with a trailer, it is not entirely possible to say that your auto insurance policy will provide liability protection if your trailer causes damages or personal injury.

Common Trailer Types Include:

Conventional Trailer: The most common type of travel trailer between 12-40 feet.
Fifth Wheel Trailer: Attached to a vehicle using a hitch in the bed of the tow vehicle.
Pop-up Tent Trailer: Collapsible trailer used for camping & recreation.
Truck Camper: Mounted in the bed of the truck with an over-cab area for sleeping.
Horse Trailer: Trailer used primarily to haul horses.
Toy Hauler: An RV type trailer with living space as well as ability to haul ATVs or Motorcycles.
Cargo or Utility Trailers: Small trailers used for moving or landscape jobs odd jobs.

What types of coverage should I have for my Recreational Trailer, Camper or other trailers?

Liability insurance may be provided to your trailer while it is attached to your vehicle. Check with your agent to see if your insurance company provides coverage while the trailer is in use and attached to your vehicle.

It is always recommended to have a separate trailer insurance policy to avoid any gaps in insurance coverage and trailer insurance is typically inexpensive. Some common options include:

Comprehensive Coverage: Can provide coverage for your trailer if it catches on fire, is vandalized or damaged by severe weather.

Collision Coverage: Can provide coverage if your trailer is damaged by you while being towed, or while unattended and parked.

Liability Insurance: Can provide coverage for injuries or property damage caused by you. Many companies will have “liability follow the tow vehicle” for trailers since trailers can’t drive themselves.

Optional coverages to discuss with your agent include:

Roadside Assistance
Total Loss Replacement
Replacement cost/personal effects
Vacation Liability
Full timer’s Liability

& many more!

Exploring the country in a trailer or just going camping on the weekend can be great fun. Be sure that before you leave you talk to your licensed insurance agent about insuring your trailer correctly to avoid any surprises.

Lower your risk for carbon monoxide poisoning in your Dallas, TX home

Seven Ways to Lower Your Risk for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

September 6, 2019/in blog/by Tosten

We all know the importance of having a smoke detector in our home, but what about a carbon monoxide detector?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal. Carbon monoxide can build up in your home whenever you burn fuel from a stove, grill, furnace, fire place or from your vehicles in the garage. Obviously, we need to use these appliances every day, as well as drive a vehicle, so how can we keep safe?

Simple tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Install a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home. Check the batteries every 6 months, however, it should alert you with a beep with batteries are low.
Ensure you get your fuel burning appliances checked every year by a qualified technician. You should get in the habit of looking for rust on vents or loose/disconnected pipes on appliances like your water heater, heating system or any other gas, oil or wood/coal burning appliance.
Use portable gas stoves or burn charcoal outside only.
Keep generators outside and away from open windows only. Using them in a garage or carport can be dangerous.
Don’t attempt to heat your house temporarily by turning on your oven or gas stove.
Get your chimney checked every year. Debris can block your chimney and cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home. You can check your chimney yourself for any cracks.
Never leave your car running while it sits in the garage.

Did you know they make a battery operated combination detector for both a smoke and carbon monoxide? Combination detectors can save space and batteries in addition to lives.

Even a single carbon monoxide detector in your home could save lives. If you rent a home or apartment that does not currently have a carbon monoxide detector, ask your landlord to provide one. Many states require that homes have them installed. Review your state laws here.

If you have questions about your home or renters insurance, contact our agency. We can go over your current coverage or provide you with an insurance quote.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renters Insurance

August 26, 2019/in blog/by Tosten

Renters insurance is a great thing to have if you’re not a homeowner. We’ll answer the top questions we get about renters insurance below.

How Much Is Renters Insurance Per Month?

The cost of renters insurance can vary depending on what your coverage limits are and what you want covered. It can also vary because of your credit score or previous loss history. In general, a policy with average limits with clean credit and no loss history will run you about $15-25 a month.

What Is The Best Renters Insurance Policy?

The best renters insurance policy is a policy that provides you the best coverage at a price that you’re comfortable with.

Should I Get Renters Insurance?

Everyone should carry renters insurance if they rent a home or apartment. Renters insurance covers more than just your things. It provides you with a liability insurance policy to protect your assets. Renters insurance will protect you with coverage from theft and fires too.

Is Renters Insurance Worth It?

If you’re a renter, getting a renters insurance policy is always worth it. At less than a dollar a day, it is an affordable insurance policy that protects you and your assets.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

Renters insurance covers a variety of things from your personal items like your computer and couch to your clothes. It also provides you with liability protection in the event you are found liable for injuries to others you’re found liable for as well as provides you with temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable for periods of time.

Can a Landlord Require Renters Insurance?

Yes, landlords can require you to carry a renters insurance policy. Many renters assume their landlord’s insurance policy will cover their personal items in the event of a loss, but that is not true.

Can I Use My Roommate’s Renter’s Insurance Policy?

No, roommates are specifically excluded from renters insurance policies unless they are listed on the policy by name. Roommates are excluded from coverage for personal property, loss of use and liability coverage.

We always recommend a renters insurance policy. If you have questions about your renters insurance or would like to get a renters insurance quote, please contact us.

If My Car Needs Mechanical Repairs, Does My Car Insurance Cover It?

August 13, 2019/1 Comment/in blog/by Tosten

The cost of repairing or replacing a transmission or engine in a car can be daunting. Many people wonder what exactly is covered by an auto insurance policy. Does an auto insurance policy cover things like transmission repairs, tires, faulty wiring or worn suspension parts?

In short, no, an auto insurance policy will not pay to repair wear and tear items on your vehicle. The only time some items may be covered are when they are damaged as a direct results of a covered loss such as a collision.

Insurance is not designed to repair damaged or worn parts due to normal wear and tear of your vehicle. There is no coverage for things like mechanical failures or maintenance.

So, what options are there to cover these items? When you purchase a vehicle, some dealers offer extended warranty coverage. These warranty policies essentially extend the manufacturer warranty of newer vehicles. This is the type of insurance program that would provide coverage for things like mechanical breakdown of your transmission or engine parts.

If you have questions about car insurance, contact our agency. There are an overwhelming number of choices for car insurance out there, don’t stress! Let the professionals at Insurance Source of Dallas gather quotes from several insurance carriers, presenting you with the best options for your budget and needs! Our agents are here to help guide you through rate comparisons, discounts, flexible payment options and they may have some money-saving tips as well. Get your quote today!

Roadside Assistance Insurance Coverage Agent Dallas, TX

Taking a Summer Road Trip? Consider Adding Roadside Assistance Coverage!

July 24, 2019/in blog/by Tosten

Oh, the great American road trip. Whether you are driving across the country, making a trip to visit our beautiful National Parks or simply just exploring different areas in your state, it is important to pack the right items on your road trip.

Basic safety and materials to have:

While you should always store papers like a copy of your car insurance and license and registration in your vehicle, you should also carry a first aid kit and a roadside emergency kit.

Other items:

Flashlight
Spare tire with useful tools+ make sure someone in the car knows how to change it
Owner’s Manual

Personal Items to pack:

It’s really nice and sometimes imperative to have the following items packed.

Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Car Phone Charger
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Car cooler with snacks
Popular road trip snacks: sunflower seeds, trail mix, jerky, hard candy or suckers or granola bars. Mints and gum are great too.
Anti-inflammatory medication
UV window shade
Thermos
Blanket or pillow
Cash
Lip Balm/ChapStick
Notebook, pen or pencil
Napkins or a roll of paper towels. A roll of toilet paper doesn’t hurt either!

Consider a Roadside Assistance Policy

Roadside Assistance can be added to your car insurance policy and is available from most insurance companies. It can also act as a standalone insurance policy. Roadside assistance can help you if you become stranded from a variety of things including but not limited to:

Flat Tires
Dead Battery
Run Out of Gas
Lock Yourself Out or Lose Your Keys
Disabled Vehicle
Towing if Vehicle Can’t Be Repaired Quickly
Winching if stuck in mud, snow or sand

We hope your summer road trip is a blast and that this article helps you prepare for your trip as well as stay safe on the road. If you have questions about your insurance, contact us before you leave!

How Can I Lower My Car Insurance Cost?

July 10, 2019/in blog/by Tosten

When it comes to insurance, most people think of how they can save money first. We get it, insurance can be expensive! You want good coverage, but at an affordable cost. Being a local insurance agency, we provide many choices since we represent many top insurance carriers. Here are some tips when it comes to saving money on your car insurance.

Shopping for a new car? Consider shopping insurance first.

If you have a few cars in mind when shopping for a new vehicle, consider reaching out to your insurance agent to compare possible insurance cost between the vehicles. The rough estimate of insurance cost every year could sway which car you decide on.

Save when you bundle.

Insurance carriers tend to give great discounts when you bundle your auto insurance with your home/renters/other lines of insurance. Need to insure several vehicles? Multi-policy discounts could earn you some substantial savings. Ask your agent!

Don’t drive much? Seek a low mileage discount.

If you drive less than 10,000 miles a year, ask your agent if you qualify for a discount.

Choose a higher deductible.

If your finances allow you to pay a higher deductible in the event you have a claim, you could save money by making this switch.

Ask your agent about other discounts. Do you qualify for any?

Paying your insurance coverage in full
Paperless option
Safe driver (accident free)
Electric or hybrid vehicle owner
Great credit score
Good student
Higher education
Advance quote

Did you experience a higher premium at renewal?

Reach out to your agent and ask to get a re-quoted on your policy. Since we can quote many top-rated insurance carriers, you can likely get same or similar coverage with a new carrier to save money. Life changes, so can your insurance company – but you don’t need to change your agent.

We do like to note that sometimes loyalty to the same company for 3+ years can be beneficial too. Over time, you could earn yourself a discount for every loyalty milestone you hit. Typically these rewards not only include a discount on the cost of your policy, they can sometimes include accident forgiveness!

If you have questions about your auto insurance, reach out to Insurance Source of Dallas. Our goal is to ensure you have the proper coverage.

6 Ways to Prep Your Camper Trailer for Summer Use

June 25, 2019/in blog/by Tosten

With summer around the corner, avid campers are ready to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer. If you own a camper or trailer, it’s time to complete a quick tune up to ensure your vehicle is ready for summer use. While some people may pay to service their camper every year, it’s definitely doable to do it yourself too. Here are six areas to check when it comes to prepping your camper for summer use.

Service your axle and hubs – One of the most common things you see with camper trailers is someone on the side of the road missing their entire wheel! Grease in the hubs can dry out and if your bearings fail, the entire wheel can come off! This is a dangerous and scary situation. This can be avoided by having your bearings repacked by your local tire shop.
Inspect tires – Most camper trailers sit most of the year unused. Because they sit, the tires develop flat spots and cracks that can be dangerous. Inspect your camper tires for cracks as well as any flat spots. Flat spots can be avoided by using special tire savers. They’re widely available for under $100.
Check for mold – If your camper is stored outside or if you put it away when it was wet, you may have some mold to deal with. Fortunately, getting rid of mold in campers is easy if it is just on the surface. More extensive mold issues may require a professional. If you have some surface mold, use a water and bleach solution to spray on and kill the mold. Be careful to not spray surfaces that may be discolored such as upholstery. Check along the bottom of your walls, behind curtains, under the sink or inside cabinets too for dampness. If you find it, leave a fan running over night in the camper while it is open to get circulation through the camper and dry it out.
Inspect & test your lights – Before you hit the road, always check your lights for functionality. This should be done every time, not just at the beginning of the season.
Check propane for leaks- Your propane system can become damaged by rodents or simply by your lines drying out or becoming bent. Your best detection for a propane leak is your nose and ears. Also, if you suspect a leak, use a soapy water solution to check your lines if you see any bubbles form from damage or suspected leak. All campers should be equipped with a propane detector for safety. If you suspect a leak, contact your local dealer to fix the issue or unplug your propane until you have time to get it fixed.
Flush your water system- If you’ve winterized your camper, be sure to flush your potable water system well. The antifreeze in your water lines should be the non-toxic variety using propylene glycol. Regardless, flush the system well and dispose of the antifreeze in a manner consistent with federal and state regulations – not in a drain or stream.

If you are looking for a policy review on your camper, be sure to reach out to Insurance Source of Dallas. A RV policy review allows us to ensure you are getting the best coverage at the best price. We also can add additional coverage if you need it. Contact us today.

Switching insurance companies in Dallas, TX

5 Things to Consider Before you Switch Your Insurance

June 11, 2019/in blog/by Tosten

Switching your insurance policy can save you hundreds of dollars a year. But, make sure you consider these things before you make the switch.

Tip #1: Compare Apples to Apples

You’ve seen the commercials – “average savings of $500 a year for those who switched…” Absolutely you can save money. However, be sure that your new quote compares your current policy to the new policy – all coverages, driving records and vehicles the same. Any one thing can make a big difference. Many companies will try to lure you with great savings, but a CLUE report (comprehensive loss underwriting exchange – also known as your claims history) is not completed until after the application is submitted. Online companies are notorious for doing this.

Tip #2: Status Changed

If you’ve recently received a ticket or an accident, moved or purchased a new vehicle, have your current policy changes made prior to shopping. It is entirely possible that your new ride may get you some savings, or result in a price increase. In addition to this, if you’ve recently had a ticket fall off of your driving record, it would be worth calling the company to see if they can remove it now and save you some money for the remainder of your policy term. Regardless, if something changes, be sure to revert to tip #1.

Tip #3: Work with an Independent Insurance Agent

Independent insurance agents are discount detectives and have access to multiple companies. Even better, they know your current situation, history and can give you recommendations across many of their companies. They can compare rates between each of their carriers and let you know the benefits of each company.

Tip #4: Multi-Policy Discounts

When you’re looking for a new policy, be sure to take all things into consideration. You may be focused on your auto insurance, but if you have a package policy (multiple policies with the same carrier) you are likely getting discounts. If you move your auto insurance policy to another carrier, your home insurance may increase as much as 20% eliminating any saving you received. Take all of your policies into consideration. One additional item to consider here is if you have an umbrella policy, this is typically required to follow your home insurance policy. Some carrier require the home and auto to write the umbrella, so talk to you agent about your specific situation.

Tip #5: Your Relationship with your Agent

Knowing your insurance agent and having a business relationship with them is important. They are the ones who will go to bat for you in the event you have a claim or accident. Often times they can help you file that claim or give you recommendation on local companies to help fix your issue. If you have your insurance directly with the company handling your loss, you don’t get this representation. Having a local independent insurance agent is the way to go.

Contact Insurance Source of Dallas with questions about your insurance. We can review your current policy or help you shop and save for coverage that works best for you.

Proper Insurance Coverage for Food Delivery in Dallas, TX

My Child Is Delivering Food With His Car. Do I Need to Share This With My Insurance Agent?

May 30, 2019/0 Comments/in blog/by Tosten

It is great that your child has a job and is earning their own money. The modern world of convenience is offering us many new ways to get food and almost instant retail deliveries, but what you should know is that your standard auto insurance policy likely does not cover you for delivery type services.

Regardless of what you deliver, a personal auto insurance policy doesn’t provide coverage for paid delivery drivers. For this, you need a commercial auto policy.

A commercial auto insurance policy is needed for:

Freight delivery
Food delivery services
Courier delivery services
& many more!

Some people think that simply not telling their insurance company means they won’t be able to charge them the extra premium and that they will pay the loss. Don’t kid yourself. Simply not telling your insurance company that you or your child is using their vehicle for delivery does not mean they will cover you when a loss occurs using the vehicle. In fact, when it comes to insurance, it is a black and white coverage decision. Either there is coverage or there isn’t.

When deciding what coverage you need, ask yourself these questions:

Who owns the vehicle you’re using for delivery? If it is owned by the company, they probably have a commercial policy. If you own it, you need to carry the right insurance.
How are you using this vehicle? Delivery drivers need a commercial insurance policy.

Your best bet is to talk to a licensed agent in our office to discuss your insurance needs. Remember, simply not telling your agent or your company that you or your child is using the vehicle for delivery doesn’t mean you’ll be provided coverage regardless of any auto insurance claim you have to deal with.

I’m Starting Out My Trucking Business. What type of Insurance Do I Need?

May 16, 2019/0 Comments/in blog/by Tosten

Whether you’re an owner-operator just staring out, or perhaps a towing operator you need great truck insurance coverage. Insurance Source of Dallas offers great options from some of the nation’s top truck insurance companies regardless of the type of trucking business you operate. Consider some of these great coverage options for truck insurance:

Truck General Liability – This coverage pays for injuries or property damage you cause as a result of business related activities not directly related to your truck.
Truck Cargo Insurance – Coverage for your freight from loss due to fire, collision or striking of a load.
Non-Trucking Liability – Covers you when you’re using your truck for non-trucking activities such as running to the grocery store or visiting friends.
Trailer Interchange – Coverage for trailers being pulled as part of a trailer interchange agreement.
Rental Reimbursement & Downtime Coverage – Covers the cost of renting a truck if yours is out of commission due to a covered loss.
Physical Damage Coverage – Coverage for your truck when involved in a collision, fire, theft or vandalism.
Mechanical Breakdown Coverage – Coverage to help cover costs associated with mechanical breakdown such as towing.
Many more! Visit our website to learn more about coverage options that may fit your needs.

Insurance Source of Dallas in Dallas, TX can insure your business regardless of where you live or where your business operates. We work with the top truck insurance carriers in the country to offer you unparalleled coverage and pricing options that fit your needs to ensure you can be safe on the road and that your trucking business stays afloat if you’re involved in a major accident.