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What Are the Dangers of Driving in Hot Weather?

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Summer is upon us, and with it comes the oppressive heat and humidity all citizens of Tyler, TX know so well. Driving in this season is a challenge. You feel like you’re driving around in a sauna, but your car is also facing down hazards that are more prevalent and more dangerous.

Before packing up for your summer road trip, EasTex Insurance has some tips to help you stay safe and protect your vehicle.

1. Stay Hydrated!

It’s easy to get dehydrated when you’re driving in the heat, and when you’re dehydrated, your ability to drive safely is compromised. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and slow reflexes.

Take plenty of water along with you on your trip. Make sure you have an emergency supply of drinking water in your vehicle. Every passenger should at least have one gallon of emergency drinking water.

2. Keep An Eye On Your Fluids!

The big one is coolant. Without enough coolant, your engine will overheat, leading to engine failure. This can leave you stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. For hours. With no A/C.

Before hitting the road, it’s good to check your other fluids, such as oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid.

3. Watch Your Temperature!

Ideally, your temperature gauge should remain at the centerline. If your temperature gauge is in the red, it’s time to pull over and stop the car. After waiting for 20 minutes, restart the vehicle.

If the temperature warning light is on, drive to the nearest service station and have the car checked. NEVER continue to drive when the temperature gauge is in the red.

EasTex Insurance in Tyler, TX is here for you no matter what the weather is like. If you need to discuss your auto insurance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Choosing a Life Insurance Policy in Tyler, TX

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When choosing a life insurance policy in Tyler, TX, there are many things to consider. What type of policy is best for you and your family? How much coverage do you need? What are the premiums going to be? These are all critical questions that need to be answered before deciding. Here are a few things to think about when choosing a life insurance policy.

What Are Your Needs?

The first thing to consider is what your needs are. Do you need life insurance for a specific purpose? Maybe you want to make sure your family is taken care of financially if you pass away. Maybe you need it for a business purpose. Whatever the reason, knowing why you need life insurance will help you choose the right policy. A representative from EasTex Insurance can help you determine your needs and what type of policy would be best for you.

What Are the Different Policies Available?

There are two main types of life insurance policies: term life insurance and whole life insurance.

Term life insurance

These policies are enforced for a specific period, usually 10-30 years. Term life insurance is the cheaper option and ideal for people who need life insurance for a particular purpose, like covering a mortgage or providing for a family during a child’s college education.

Whole life insurance

This type of policy doesn’t have a set timeframe and will last as long as you continue to pay the premiums. Whole life insurance policies also have a cash value component, which can be borrowed against or used to pay premiums if needed. This type of policy is more expensive but can be a good option for people who want peace of mind knowing they and their families are taken care of financially, no matter what.

 EasTex Insurance can help you determine what type of policy is best for you and your family. Call us today to get started.

Protect Your Home and Belongings in Tyler, TX

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As a homeowner in Tyler, TX, protecting your home and belongings from potential risks is essential. One way to do this is by carrying homeowner’s insurance. A home insurance policy can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if there is damage to your home from a covered event, such as a fire or severe weather. Keep reading to learn more about homeowners’ insurance policies.

What Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover?

A typical homeowner’s insurance policy covers damage from events like fires, severe weather, theft, and vandalism. It can also help cover temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable due to damage from a covered event. Most policies also include personal liability coverage if someone is injured on your property and you’re held liable.

An EasTex Insurance representative can help you choose the right coverage for your needs.

What Type of Coverage is Available?

Several types of homeowner’s insurance policies are available in Tyler, TX, each with its own coverage set. Some of the most common policies include:

HO-1:

This basic policy provides coverage for damage from select events, such as fires, storms, and vandalism. It does not offer coverage for other risks, such as floods or earthquakes.

HO-2:

This policy provides coverage for damages from a broader range of events than an HO-1 policy. Besides the coverage in an HO-1 policy, it also offers protection from wind damage, hail, and water damage (from leaks and pipe bursts).

HO-3:

This is the most common type of homeowner’s insurance policy. It offers broad coverage for damages from many events, except those expressly excluded from the policy. Examples of events not covered by HO-3 in Tyler, TX, policies include floods and earthquakes.

To learn more about your options, contact EasTex Insurance.

What You Need to Know About Classic Car Insurance

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If you are a classic car enthusiast, you want to be able to protect the investment you have made in your vehicles. It is important to know that a classic car needs special auto insurance. At EasTex Insurance, serving Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas, we can help you better understand the insurance products available. Keep reading to learn more. 

Is Regular Auto Insurance Good Enough?

You can carry a standard auto insurance policy on your classic car, but you should understand that this type of policy will not provide the appropriate coverage. A classic car is not valued the same way a regular vehicle is. When you purchase a typical auto policy, the vehicle will be valued based on narrow criteria. This means that the amount of coverage offered by the policy will not include the vehicle’s true value. 

How Does Classic Car Insurance Work?

Your vehicle will be valued individually when you get a classic car policy. This means that a standard value formula will not be used. Your car will be valued based on the specific investment that has been made into the car. The insurance agent will also consider how much the car is worth to collectors. 

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

To properly understand how much coverage you will need, you will want to sit down with an insurance agent trained in classic car valuations. This professional will be able to evaluate your particular car and give you a solid value for coverage. 

If you would like to learn more about classic car insurance or any of our other services, don’t hesitate to contact us at EasTex Insurance, serving Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. 

Auto Insurance Tips for Parents of Teen Drivers

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From the day they’re born, you work hard to keep them safe. But as they embark on the new adventure of being licensed drivers, there are a few new steps you’ll have to take. Which is why our EasTex Insurance team has put together this list of tips for Tyler, TX parents of teen drivers.

Tip #1: Remember That You’re Their Greatest Influence

In case you haven’t noticed, your kids watch every move you make. That means you should always strive to model good driving behavior while they’re in the car. This means following posted speed limits, minimizing distractions like cell phone use, and always wearing your seatbelt.

Tip #2: Start Them Slowly

In addition, make sure to start them slowly. Just because your teen has turned sixteen doesn’t mean they’re totally ready to drive alone. Instead, work to build good driving over time until you feel confident they have the skills to handle a variety of scenarios on the road.

Tip #3: Make Your Expectations Clear

As a parent, it is your job to make your expectations clear from the very beginning in regards to your teen’s driving. Set ground rules with any possible consequences for things like speeding, texting while driving, or whatever else makes sense for your family. To keep everyone on the same page, you can use special software with your child’s smartphone or even some newer vehicle features to track their driving.

Tip #4: Take a Deep Breath

Hey, we get it. Not everything about sending your teen out on the road is comforting. Instead, remember to take a deep breath and know that you’ve done as much as you could to prepare them for this big step in life.

Ready to see how we can help? Please contact our Tyler, TX insurance team at EasTex Insurance today to schedule an appointment.

Questions to ask when purchasing umbrella insurance

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Whether it’s your first time or your fifth time buying insurance in Tyler, TX, there will always be that one question whose answer you can’t find. The questions can triple, especially if you‘re looking to buy umbrella insurance for the first time. At EasTex Insurance, we recommend researching policy details and checking different insurance companies to determine which one is right for you. In this article, we will respond to some of the most commonly asked questions.

How much umbrella insurance do I need?

The amount of umbrella insurance to buy heavily depends on your needs. You can start by estimating the value of your assets, including your home, savings, cars, and investments. Check the limits of the existing liability coverage. If the value of your assets exceeds the current liability coverage limits, you should consider topping up with umbrella insurance.

Do renters need umbrella insurance?

Yes. People who live in rented spaces can also benefit from umbrella insurance. If you often have visitors in your Tyler, TX home, your renter’s insurance may not always be adequate to cover for injuries that your guests may sustain while at your house. Umbrella insurance can help pay the rest.

Does umbrella insurance cover my business?

Yes. If you are looking to add an extra layer of protection to your business, you can buy commercial umbrella insurance. Note that you need general liability, professional liability, commercial auto liability coverage, and other policies to act as the primary policies when buying umbrella insurance.

Can I be sued beyond the limits of my umbrella insurance?

Unfortunately, yes. That’s why it’s prudent to reach the maximum limit in your umbrella insurance policy.  If your umbrella policy has a limit of $1.5 million, a court can award damages in excess of that amount. Luckily, many insurance providers offer limits as high as $5 million.

For more information about umbrella insurance, contact EasTex Insurance today!

Protect your business with umbrella insurance

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Business owners in the greater Tyler, TX area can rely on EasTex Insurance for all of their commercial insurance needs. If you have found that your coverage levels have outgrown your primary policy, it may be time to take a look at umbrella insurance. Building a business takes a lot of hard work, and it makes sense to protect your time and effort!

Main benefits of umbrella insurance

Typically, commercial insurance policies have coverage limits and once they are exhausted, the policyholder can become responsible for any excess loss due to a covered event. When you have a commercial umbrella policy in place, that coverage will kick in when the primary policy is exhausted.

This type of coverage is well-suited for businesses that operate in highly litigious areas, such as those susceptible to slip and fall suits, or who carry a lot of inventory or equipment. This additional coverage can make a difference between having the coverage you need or having to have your business absorb the costs. 

However, the main benefit of an umbrella insurance policy is the complete protection that it provides. You can rest easy knowing that your hard work is protected, even if you exceed your primary policy limits. Today is a great time to discuss your complete insurance needs with your local agent.

Learn more about umbrella insurance today

The EasTex Insurance team is here to answer all of your questions pertaining to umbrella insurance and the protection it provides businesses. If you’d like to learn more about how this type of policy can help protect your Tyler, TX area business call or stop by today!

What Tyler, TX parents need to know about auto insurance for teens

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When your kids start to drive, it can bring up a wide range of emotions. You may be proud of their higher level of independence, but at the same time, you may worry more about their safety. EasTex Insurance understands these concerns that many Tyler, TX parents experience and are here to help. Knowing that your teenager and your family have appropriate auto insurance coverage can help you lessen your anxiety and give you a greater feeling of security. 

ABCs of teens and auto insurance

Securing the appropriate coverage for your teen requires the consideration of a number of factors. For instance, because of their inexperience, teens can often have more scrapes and dents than more seasoned drivers. Parents may also wish to consider a robust level of roadside assistance coverage. Additionally, if the car is going to be in a higher need of repair, rental car coverage can help to minimize the impact on your family’s transportation. 

In some instances, it can make more sense for a teenaged driver to have their own policy. This is just one example of the many ways that insurance coverage needs can differ from family to family.

Let us help you find the appropriate auto policy for your family

EasTex Insurance is here to partner with Tyler, TX area parents and help your family obtain the auto policy that is appropriate. We are here to serve your needs and look forward to working with you! Call or stop by today and learn more about the auto insurance policy options that are available to you and your family. 

Parents Need Life Insurance

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Raising a child can be a costly endeavor, and it is not one you want to take risks with. Life insurance can help you avoid a lot of the financial risks involved with raising a family. EasTex Insurance, which serves Tyler, TX, understands that you have a lot of fears surrounding your children and their financial future. Here’s why you should consider life insurance as a solution.

Working & Stay-at-Home Parents Should Have Life Insurance

Life insurance is a smart option for both parents to have, whether they both work or one stays at home with the children.

Parents who provide financial support should consider insurance to avoid allowing their children to miss out on financial support. If you pay rent or the mortgage, you should consider how your family would get by if you were to pass away suddenly.

Parents who stay-at-home should also get life insurance policies. This provides financial support that can be used to cover the costs associated with daycare and babysitting.

Your Life Insurance Policy Considers Many Factors

As a parent, you need to factor in a variety of issues and expenses as you consider how much insurance you need to buy. When you buy a life insurance policy, you should consider your financial contribution to your children, the costs of education for your children in the future, and the costs of childcare should you pass away.

Check Out Your Life Insurance Options

Parents have a lot to think about when they consider the future. You have many options for life insurance. EasTex Insurance can help families in Tyler, TX determine what kind of life insurance is right for them.

Things that home insurance doesn’t cover

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Home insurance is the safety net you purchase to protect your home. It offers lots of different protection from a variety of hazards. You may feel like you have all the bases covered, but unfortunately, like most other types of insurance, home insurance has exclusions. Knowing what they are can help you to make whatever other plans you need to make. At EasTex Insurance in Tyler, TX, we are independent insurance agents and we represent you, our customers. With more than 40 years in business, we have the experience you need and expect. 

Owner negligence

You may think that your home is your castle and the upkeep of your castle is your personal business. You are wrong. Your home insurance expects you to take care of your home and if you don’t, the insurance will not pay for any resulting damage. If you need a new roof but hold off on replacing it and get damage as a result, you won’t be covered. If termites do devastating damage to your home, you won’t be covered. You should have a termite bond. 

Floods

Floods cause millions of dollars of damage every year and your home insurance won’t pay. If a pipe bursts in your home and floods it, that is covered, but if you are inundated by surface water, you will only be covered if you have designated flood insurance. 

Earth movement

Earth movements include earthquakes, mudslides, and sinkholes. While these all cause a lot of damage, they are not covered under a standard home insurance policy. You can add an endorsement to cover them, however, or buy a totally separate policy. 

Limited coverage

Some specific areas have limits built into the policy. One of these is jewelry. Check the limits on your policy and expand it with an endorsement if necessary. 

When you have home insurance needs, contact EasTex Insurance in Tyler, TX.