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Why Your Motorcycle Insurance Should Be Separate From Auto Insurance

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If you own a motorcycle and one or two cars in San Antonio, TX, you might wonder why you can’t place them on the same policy. Although these vehicles essentially serve the same purpose, getting you from one place to another, each has a unique dynamic of risk and protection. Ellis Insurance Agency can help you choose an appropriate policy for your bike to keep you fully covered.

Motorcycles are More Vulnerable to Risks

There is a significant difference between motorcycles and autos in terms of weight. Autos weigh considerably more, causing more damage during crashes, while lighter motorcycles are more susceptible to road hazards, conditions, and weather. Motorcycles also require a higher level of skill to operate. This vulnerability, especially in terms of what motorcyclists experience while riding, is central to why you need a separate policy for your bike.

Motorcyclists Experience More Severe Injuries

The larger size and weight of sedans and SUVs, even subcompact models, better protect their occupants. When a motorcycle is involved in a high-speed accident, the rider is more likely to suffer severe or life-threatening injuries, requiring higher medical coverage. Medical payment coverage often addresses this issue and is a key difference between auto and motorcycle policies.

Other Considerations

Several other differences also come into play for motorcycle policies. These include:

  • Differences in accident rates
  • Repair costs
  • Motorcyclist demographics
  • Accessory coverage
  • Differences in value

In addition, many riders only use their bikes for leisure purposes and frequently store them in garages during cold and inclement weather. Drivers use their autos almost daily for commuting and errands.

If you recently purchased a motorcycle, contact Ellis Insurance Agency to learn about the differences in coverage in San Antonio, TX. Call our agents today to get started on your customized policy.

If Watercraft Insurance is Not Required in Texas, Why Should I Get It?

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Just like when you’re driving a vehicle, unforeseen situations can arise, leading to accidents. While your car insurance provides peace of mind, watercraft insurance is not required in Texas, leaving you unprotected.

Texas Watercraft Coverage

Although Texas does not require watercraft to be insured, owners can purchase coverage. The types of watercraft that owners often inquire about include powerboats, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, fishing boats, cabin cruisers, and sailboats.

When you contact our agents at Ellis Insurance Agency, serving the San Antonio, TX community, we can answer any questions you may have about watercraft coverage, such as the types of insurance available and additional options. You can also request a quote using our convenient online form.

Benefits of Watercraft Coverage

There are many unexpected situations where having your watercraft insured can make a significant financial difference. Insurance can help if your watercraft is involved in an accident, damaged due to fire, stolen or vandalized, or affected by weather-related situations such as lightning, or if you and property damage cause injuries to others.

When you speak with our agents, we can discuss different policies, such as collision, comprehensive, property damage liability, personal property coverage, medical payments, bodily injury liability, and incidents involving uninsured and underinsured boaters.

Contact Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio

If you need information about watercraft insurance in San Antonio, TX, contact our customer-friendly team at Ellis Insurance Agency. Our staff stays up-to-date on what customers need to know about coverage for watercraft. With this information, you will be better informed about what type of coverage suits your needs while providing protection.

Household Member Extended Coverage in Umbrella Insurance

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Umbrella insurance delivers supplementary liability coverage beyond the confines of your standard home, auto, or other personal insurance policies. This is particularly beneficial for residents of San Antonio, TX. A standout feature of umbrella insurance is its extended coverage for household members, which amplifies protection for family members residing in your home. Given the frequent and popular litigation culture, this could be instrumental in warding off financial loss resulting from lawsuits.

Scope of Household Member Extended Coverage

Household member extended coverage applies to all household members, including spouses, children, and other family members who share the same address. This coverage stipulates that if one such member gets tangled in an accident or incident invoking a liability claim, the umbrella policy can take care of the costs exceeding the limits of their existing policies.

To illustrate, if your teenage child gets into an accident while driving and is held liable for damages exceeding the coverage scope of your auto insurance, your umbrella insurance can cover the remaining costs. This also extends to other scenarios, such as a family member being sued for accidental injury or property damage inflicted on someone else.

Significance for Families

Household member extended coverage is particularly relevant for families as it shields against financial risks associated with potential lawsuits or high-stake claims. With children, especially teen drivers or other dependents in the household, the probability of liability claims can escalate. In such situations, umbrella insurance can provide peace of mind by extending coverage beyond standard policies’ limits.

Reach Out to Ellis Insurance Agency for a Deeper Diving into Insurance

At Ellis Insurance Agency, we offer extensive insurance-focused knowledge. Serving San Antonio, TX, we can help you understand and choose the right insurance. Contact our team today for expert insurance advice.

Why Flood Insurance Is A Hot Topic

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Flood insurance is often a hot topic because there is a lot of misinformation about this important type of coverage. Here at Ellis Insurance Agency, serving San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding areas, we want customers to be well-informed so that they can make confident decisions based on facts, not fear. Here are a few things you should know about flood insurance. 

Often Not Included in Homeowners’ Insurance

The first thing you need to know about flood insurance is that it’s often not included in homeowners’ policies. There are many reasons behind this, but it’s most important that you don’t assume you have coverage. You need to talk with the home insurance provider and find out everything you need to know about flood coverage. 

There Are Different Types of Flooding

You also need to be aware that there are different types of flooding in the world of insurance coverage. There is naturally occurring flooding and indoor flooding. Indoor flooring is caused by problems with your plumbing or appliances. Naturally occurring flooding is caused by a natural disaster. Homeowners’ policies often cover indoor flooding but do not cover naturally occurring flooding.  

Coverage Is Based On Many Factors

One of the reasons why flood insurance isn’t included in homeowners’ policies is because so many factors need to be considered. Each flood policy is very unique. To get a quote on flood insurance, you’ll need to sit down with knowledgeable insurance professionals to discuss all of your risk factors. 

If you’d like to learn more about flood insurance, please contact us at Ellis Insurance Agency, serving San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding areas. 

How Condo Insurance Differs from Homeowner’s Insurance

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It is a common misconception that those downsizing from a single-family home to a condominium in San Antonio, TX, need the same type of policy to cover their dwelling. However, homeowner’s insurance and condo insurance have major differences. Ellis Insurance Agency can explain these differences and guide you to the appropriate policy.

Protecting Your Building

When you own a single-family home, you need to protect the entire building, meaning your insurance policy must cover the exterior, the roof, and the property surrounding it. This is not the case with condo insurance. Your homeowner’s association (HOA) master policy covers damage to your unit’s exterior, roof, building hallways, common areas, and the property surrounding the building. The one exception involves loss assessment fees. More HOAs are implementing this measure, charging their members a percentage of what the HOA must pay if there is a loss involving the common areas. You can add loss assessment coverage to your condo policy to cover this risk.

Your Insurance Responsibilities

Condo and townhome owners are still responsible for covering risks inside their units. This includes liability. While the association’s master policy insures accidents that happen in common areas, the liability portion of your policy covers what happens in your unit. Your condo policy will also cover your personal belongings, such as clothing, furniture, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables. Like a homeowner’s policy, you can schedule high-worth items to ensure they are covered if stolen, damaged, or lost. Familiarize yourself with your HOA policy and the terms of your condo policy to ensure full coverage.

If you’re wondering whether you have sufficient coverage for your condo, contact the experienced agents at Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio, TX. Our staff will gladly review your policy and recommend any changes you need for full coverage.

How Auto Insurance Can Protect You From The Most Dangerous Intersections in San Antonio, TX

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San Antonio is located deep in the Lone Star State, where rustic charm meets the hustle and bustle of city life. Local motorists know that navigating the city’s streets can sometimes feel like maneuvering through an unmarked obstacle course.

The professionals at Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio, TX offer a few tips on how auto insurance can protect local drivers from some of the most dangerous intersections in the city in the guide below.

Examples of San Antonio’s Most Hazardous Intersections

  • Wurzbach Road and Fredericksburg Road: This intersection is known for having multiple lanes, which produce heavy traffic and pose a significant risk for auto accidents, especially during peak times and rush hour.
  • Loop 410 and Interstate 10: The junction where these two major highways intersect poses a high risk of accidents for distracted or speeding drivers.
  • Bandera Road and Loop 1604: The intersection of Bandera Road and Loop is known as a hotspot for traffic congestion, which causes frequent fender benders, sideswipes, and rear-end collisions.

How Auto Insurance Can Protect You

Having adequate auto insurance in San Antonio is one of the best ways to safeguard your auto against collisions that can happen in the city’s most dangerous intersections.

  • Liability Insurance: helps local drivers meet legal requirements for state insurance minimums and protects at-fault drivers from accident-related legal fees, medical claims, and property damage claims.
  • Collision insurance: can help motorists who have been in an accident to offset the costs of repairs to their vehicle – regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive insurance can cover a wide range of incidents.

Contact the insurance professionals at Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio to learn more and get a quote today!

Protect Your Space: Why Renters Insurance is Key in San Antonio

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Renters insurance may not be required by law in San Antonio, TX, but we strongly believe in its importance at Ellis Insurance Agency. To learn more about the unique advantages associated with renters insurance, be sure to read on. There is no shortage of good reasons to obtain these policies; we are here to tell you why.

Access to a Wider Range of Housing

While it is true that San Antonio residents are not legally required to purchase renters insurance, several modern-day landlords do require it. Renters insurance is a must to gain access to a wider range of housing. The policyholder will have far more options when searching for a new place than those without renters insurance.

Personal Property Protection

Tenants often make the mistake of assuming that their personal property is always covered. In reality, the landlord will not be responsible for your personal effects. Sit down with an experienced insurance agent and learn more about the coverage you will need for all of your most valued possessions.

Assistance With Living Expenses

Times are complex, and it can be challenging to receive the necessary help when it comes to living expenses. This is especially true when unexpected problems arise. For example, if the residence cannot remain inhabited, a renters insurance policy provides the assistance you will need to avoid any major out-of-pocket costs.

When you meet with the experts at Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio, TX, residents can learn everything they need about renters insurance. Contact our team today so that all of your questions can be answered as promptly and efficiently as possible.

Why You Should Take Out RV Insurance Before Hitting the Road

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If you’re traveling with an RV this summer, you need to ensure you have the right RV insurance policies. Should you need help selecting coverage, feel free to contact Ellis Insurance Agency, which serves San Antonio, TX, and other communities. Let’s take a closer look at why RV insurance is a must.

First, with only a few exceptions, most state governments require vehicle insurance. However, in many cases, the requirements only stipulate that you cover bodily damage (meaning injuries) and property damage for other parties. If you cause an accident and someone is hurt or their property is damaged, your insurance will cover some of the costs. If you should drive without such insurance, you can end up in serious trouble with the law.

You may not be forced to carry insurance to protect your RV or its property. If you should get in an accident or your RV is destroyed in a weather event like a tornado, you might be out a lot of money. RVs are expensive, and some cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. With so much at stake, taking out insurance is often prudent.

Finding the Right RV Insurance Policy

It’s smart to talk with insurance agents to see what is covered by any given policy. For example, not every RV insurance policy will cover property within the RV. You might be left footing the bill if someone breaks in and steals stuff. Thus, if you have a lot of valuables in your RV, you may want to select a policy or add-on to make sure the property is covered in such events.

Ultimately, owning an RV is a wonderful experience for many families. That said, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared before hitting the road. Among other things, that means making sure you have the right RV insurance coverage. If you need assistance with selecting RV policies, contact Ellis Insurance Agency, serving San Antonio, TX, and other communities in Texas.

 

Gear Up for the Road: Motorcycle Insurance Essentials in San Antonio

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Thrills of Motorcycling in San Antonio, TX

Driving around San Antonio, TX on a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience. Amid the joys of riding, it becomes absolutely crucial to have adequate motorcycle insurance. Choosing the right policy becomes straightforward when you collaborate with experts, such as our team at Ellis Insurance Agency.

Identifying Suitable Coverage Options

Texas law requires basic motorcycle insurance to include collision coverage and bodily injury protection. This allows you to claim insurance if an accident occurs or someone experiences a bodily injury, including a passenger on your motorcycle.

Even though Texas doesn’t mandate it, additional coverage options are worth considering. These include:

  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Provides protection when the other party involved in the accident is uninsured.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Handles damages to your bike occurring outside of driving scenarios.
  • Roadside Assistance: Comes in handy when your motorcycle breaks down and cannot be driven home.

Opting for more extensive coverage can give you increased comfort and peace of mind.

Enhanced Safety through Extra Protection

Though increasing protection might marginally raise your premiums, it could potentially save you a considerable amount in case of claim filing. Apart from insurance, additional steps can bolster your safety on the road.

  • Helmet: Always wear a protective helmet.
  • Boots: Choose boots with sturdy soles.
  • Jacket: Wear a jacket to prevent road rash in case of accidents.

The more precautions you adopt, the safer you will be.

Choosing the Optimal Insurance Policy

Several factors influence your choice of motorcycle insurance in San Antonio, TX. These include the type of bike you own, your riding experience, and even your neighborhood. Insurance companies consider all these when offering policies.

To procure a policy that gives you confidence on the roads, let our agents at Ellis Insurance Agency assist you in exploring the right coverage and obtaining quotes. Contact us today!

A First-time Buyer’s Guide to Boat Insurance

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Owning a boat is more than a luxury item as it is a way of life. Still, your investment needs protection. 

Boat insurance is more detailed than other types of insurance. The policies vary in coverage as the agreement’s content can be puzzling. Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio, TX offers their knowledge and expertise to create a policy that gives a first-time buyer peace of mind.

What is Boat Insurance?

A standard boat insurance policy will protect your watercraft from damage caused by a sea accident, destroyed by fire, or struck by lightning. The coverage protects your wealth. Without boat insurance, you would be legally responsible for paying for all damages and injuries suffered in the accident. It would be quite an expensive endeavor that could bankrupt you. But boat insurance will cover all repairs, medical care, and legal fees for a potential lawsuit.

Liability Coverage is a Must-Have

Your boat insurance policy should have liability coverage that exceeds the amount required by state regulation. Usually, it comes in the form of property damage and bodily injury liability coverage. Each protects policyholders by paying for all damage to another person’s boat or property in an on-water accident because you were at fault. Also, liability coverage will pay all medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.

Other Boat Insurance Coverage Options

Attaching additional coverage to your existing boat insurance policy is optional. But, it is wise to research and choose coverage options that further protect your watercraft. Collision coverage is a valuable addition if your boat is involved in an on-water accident. The addition covers the repairs and possible replacement of your boat. Salvage coverage assists when your boat is deemed unworkable and beyond repair. Most salvage companies request to be paid upfront before towing your boat away. The coverage pays for all expenses.

If you are unsure if boat insurance is needed to protect your watercraft, speak with Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio, TX. Our staff can assist in creating a policy that meets your boat insurance needs. Call and schedule an appointment today.