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4 Times You Should Buy Flood Insurance

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Flood insurance is increasingly important, considering that the climate seems to be less predictable than ever. Ellis Insurance Agency, serving San Antonio, TX, offers flood insurance any time of the year; there’s no need to wait for a special flood insurance enrollment period.

Here are four times when you should consider this important investment:

1. You Hold Business Inventory

Flood insurance isn’t just for homeowners. It’s also available for commercial buildings, such as warehouses and distribution centers. If you hold business inventory inside a separate building, you should definitely buy flood insurance to cover that premises. There’s no reason you should risk your business to flooding.

2. You Live in a Low-Lying Area

Even if your property isn’t technically in a flood zone, you should consider flood insurance if it’s in a low-lying area. Freak rainfall and flash floods can occur almost anywhere, including in arid climates like San Antonio. Valleys and other low-lying areas are particularly susceptible to these weather events.

3. Following Certain Regional Environmental Changes

If there have been recent changes in your local environment, such as new construction, deforestation, or changes in nearby water systems, these can actually alter water runoff patterns and increase your flood risk.

4. If Flooding Has Occurred in the Past

It pays to research the historical records of both flooding in the area and flooding in your property. The previous owners may be able to tell you if your property has flooded in the past, but local town hall records might be more accurate and reliable. In any case, past flooding can be an indicator of future risk.

Call Today To Discuss Your Options

For help assessing your need for flood insurance, contact your insurance professionals at Ellis Insurance Agency serving San Antonio, TX. We look forward to serving your needs.

Why Condo Owners Are Required to Have Condo Insurance

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When you own a condo, there are a lot of things that can happen to it. You need condo insurance to protect the investment you’ve made in your home and your belongings. If you’re like most condo owners, this insurance is required for you. It’s likely required by at least two entities, so it needs to be in place as soon as you buy your condo. When you need to get a condo policy, call us at Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio, TX.

Your Mortgage Lender

When you get a mortgage for your condo, the mortgage company will require that you have condo insurance for your new home. It’s important to them that you have this coverage because it covers the investment that they’re making in the property. If you didn’t have condo insurance and the home was damaged or destroyed, you may be unable to get it repaired because of the cost. This would mean they own a damaged property that you may abandon because of the damage. This would cost them a lot for repairs or rebuilding. 

Your Condo Board

Because your condo is a part of a larger building, the condo board will also require you to have condo insurance for your property. This will prevent a damaged condo from staying damaged and bringing down the rest of the building. They will want to know that the funds will be available for repairs if they’re needed. With condo insurance, repair funds will be there after a covered event causes damage to your condo. 

Get Condo Insurance Today

It’s generally required for condo owners to have this coverage. But even if it isn’t, you need this insurance to protect yourself financially. To get started with a condo policy, call us at Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio, TX. 

On the Front Lines: How Auto Insurance Supports Emergency Services

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Emergency services in and around San Antonio, TX, including police, fire, and medical response teams, are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to serve their communities, often responding to life-threatening situations and emergencies. However, their critical work comes with unique challenges, one of which is reliance on vehicles for rapid response. Auto insurance supports emergency services and ensures their operations run smoothly.

The Importance of Auto Insurance for Emergency Services

Emergency services heavily rely on vehicles to respond quickly to incidents. Whether it’s a police cruiser, a firetruck, or an ambulance, these vehicles are essential to their work. Auto insurance for emergency services provides:

1. Vehicle Replacement: In the event of an accident or damage to a vehicle, auto insurance covers the cost of repair or replacement. This ensures emergency services can maintain their fleet’s readiness and respond to calls immediately.

2. Liability Protection: Liability coverage protects emergency service personnel and their organizations from potential lawsuits in the event of an accident while on duty. This safeguard allows emergency services to focus on their critical work without the burden of legal and financial consequences.

3. Personal Injury Coverage: Auto insurance covers personal injuries sustained by emergency service personnel while on duty. It ensures that medical expenses and rehabilitation costs are handled, allowing first responders to recover and return to service as soon as possible.

4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage safeguards emergency service vehicles and personnel if involved in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. It ensures that medical care and vehicle repair costs are covered, even when the responsible party lacks adequate insurance.

Ellis Insurance Agency Can Help You

At Ellis Insurance Agency, we can help answer questions concerning auto insurance. We serve the San Antonio, TX area. Contact us today. 

Renters Insurance for Gamers: Protecting Your Setup

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Are you a passionate gamer who has invested countless hours and hard-earned money into building the ultimate gaming setup? Whether you’re a console enthusiast, a PC gamer, or even a retro collector, your gaming equipment is more than just a hobby; it’s an integral part of your life.

But have you ever considered how vulnerable your gaming gear is to unexpected events like theft, fire, or accidents? That’s where renters insurance comes into play, and here at Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio, TX, we want to help you protect your gaming setup. 

Renters Insurance for Gamers

Renters insurance isn’t just about covering your living space; it’s also about safeguarding your personal property. Your gaming equipment – consoles, gaming PCs, monitors, controllers, and game collections – all qualify as personal property. In the event of a covered loss, renters insurance can help you recover the cost of repairing or replacing your gaming gear.

Renters (and gamers) are often surprised to find that renters insurance is surprisingly affordable. For just a small monthly premium, you get peace of mind knowing that your gaming setup is protected. Plus, you’ll have coverage for your other personal belongings and liability protection, which can be crucial in case someone gets injured in your rental space.

Consult With Us

In the world of gaming, where your setup represents years of dedication, renters insurance is a smart investment. Don’t leave your gaming gear vulnerable; contact Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio, TX today, and let us help you choose the right renters insurance policy to safeguard your gaming kingdom. With the right coverage, you can game with the confidence that your setup is secure no matter what life throws your way.

Does “Full-time” RV Insurance Apply To You?

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It does if you plan to or actually live in your San Antonio, TX RV three-quarters of a year to full-time. You need full-time RV insurance if you travel in your vehicle rather than parking it. In fact, 150 nights constitute a full-time residence parked or moving.

There isn’t a huge difference between part-time and full-time coverage. Even if you live in your RV, you’re technically not "vacationing," so you don’t need vacation liability coverage. However, getting an RV insurance policy would be a good idea, and Ellis Insurance Agency will show you why.

How An RV Differs From A Home

Your home insurance covers the structure’s contents in case of an emergency. RV insurance doesn’t. Full-timers RV insurance will pay for damages in the area on someone else’s property in which your vehicle is parked. This is called loss assessment coverage and differs completely from home insurance. 

You’ll need full collision, comprehensive, and liability in addition to covering the contents. All this will pay for damages you cause in an accident including medical. 

What To Look For In Full-Timers RV Coverage

San Antonio, TX RVers need to recognize that if they’re living in their vehicle, then part-time or vacation RV insurance won’t apply. Also important are:

    • Medical coverage and mandatory personal liability coverage are very important.

    • Emergency expenses cover the cost of food and hotels if you’ve filed a claim for covered emergencies in excess of 100 miles from home.

    • Roadside assistance comes in handy if your vehicle breaks down or for some other reason requires towing. 

    • Coverage exists for RV accessories such as a TV antenna, satellite dish, awning covers, and more.

Schedule A Consultation Today!

Living in your RV is fun and adventurous. Protect those adventures by calling or dropping by Ellis Insurance Agency to learn more about full-time RV insurance.

Why Motorcyclists Love Texas

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Whether as a fuel-efficient way to cover ground in our large state or as a lifestyle, motorcycle riding is extremely popular in the Lone Star State. At Ellis Insurance Agency, our San Antonio, TX motorcycle insurance clients appreciate our passion for the activity. But what exactly makes riding in Texas so enjoyable? The answers are all around us.

Why Motorcyclists Love Texas

Interesting and Scenic Roadways

Texas is filled with places to venture out for a weekend or a week. There’s the Big Bend Region, Hill Country, Twisted Sisters, and a range of sprawling cities and interesting small towns.

Expansive Open Roads

Sometimes it is nice just to hit the open highway, and few states offer more expansive roads than Texas. Whether traveling in a pack, with that special someone, or solo, you can get away from it all in Texas.

Motorcycling-Friendly Weather

For the most part, you can enjoy riding a motorcycle for more months in Texas. This adds value to riding in the state.

A Vibrant Biking Community

It is easy to join a fun run or charity ride on just about any weekend. There are plenty of places where Texas bikers can gather and enjoy the activity and fellowship together.

Rider-Friendly Laws

Texas is considered biker-friendly, with no specific laws against lane-splitting and lenient helmet laws. As long as bikers respect other drivers and the rules of the road, they should have no problems enjoying their two-wheel adventures.

Ready To Begin Your Texas Adventure? Get Motorcycle Insurance Today!

If you own or are considering purchasing a motorcycle in the San Antonio, TX area, Ellis Insurance Agency can help with the appropriate coverage for your bike. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote. We look forward to assisting you.

The Positives of Boat Insurance

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There are positives to getting boat insurance in San Antonio, TX and other locations throughout Texas. Few states in the US require boat owners to have boat insurance, but Texas is not one of those states. The option, however, is available to boat owners as it has many beneficial factors. 

The primary benefits cover the repairs or replacement if something happens to the boat. It all depends on what is underwritten within the policy.

The Various Benefits

Any damages covered in the policy of boat insurance can call the boat a total loss if the damages exceed the boat’s value. The entire book value of the boat may be compensated when filing a claim minus the deductible. That payment can go towards getting a new boat.

Other benefits can pay for repairs on the boat if something breaks or is damaged. The insurance company considers the book value, and the balance after the deductible goes to the repair payment. The third benefit that the underwriters may have in a clause is to pay the total agreed-upon capped value at the time of the insurance purchase. Likewise, this may cover either the repair or replacement of the boat. 

Let Ellis Insurance Agency Assist You

The positives come with knowing that the boat is covered if damage or an accident happens. Owning a boat is a favored luxury for boating and fishing. When something happens, and it stops you from these hobbies, you want to know that you can get back out on the water as soon as possible. 

Here at Ellis Insurance Agency, we create an environment filled with knowledge to assist you in getting the proper coverage in San Antonio, TX and surrounding areas. Once we know the book value of the boat, we can take it from there. Contact us today!  

When does umbrella insurance kick in?

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Umbrella insurance from Ellis Insurance Agency is a type of extra liability coverage that can provide additional protection when your existing auto or home insurance policies here in the San Antonio, TX area don’t cover the full extent of a liability claim.

When does umbrella insurance kick in?

It can kick in when the amount you are liable for exceeds the limits of your existing insurance policies, protecting you from potential financial ruin. 

It’s important to remember that umbrella insurance does not replace any other policies you may have. It’s designed to supplement and extend the limits of your existing auto, home, and other liability policies, helping you protect yourself from claims that exceed those limits. 

When it comes to knowing when umbrella insurance kicks in, there isn’t a single answer since it depends on various factors such as the policy limits of your existing coverage and claims made against you. Generally speaking, if there is a claim made against you resulting in damages greater than what your existing policies cover, umbrella insurance will cover any remaining costs up to its limit. 

Umbrella insurance can be an essential layer of additional protection for those who need more coverage than their existing policy provides. However, it’s important to speak with an experienced and licensed insurance agent who can help you determine what type and how much umbrella coverage is right for you.

Reach Out To Us

For more information or to find a policy that is right for you, give us at Ellis Insurance Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the San Antonio, TX area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets both your needs and your budget. So call us today!

Three things you’ll like about having flood insurance

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Purchasing flood insurance is important so that you can protect your finances. We at Ellis Insurance Agency offer flood insurance to those who own a home in San Antonio, TX. 

Homeowners can benefit in numerous ways when they invest in flood insurance.

The following are three things you’ll like about having flood insurance.

Being less stressed out about possible flood damage.

Not carrying adequate flood insurance is stressful. If your area experiences flooding, you’ll be worried that your home will be severely damaged. Without flood insurance, this could be a huge financial setback that has a significant negative impact on your future. 

When you’re carrying flood insurance, you experience less stress about flooding and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your property is covered. 

Avoiding financial loss if there is a large flood in your area

Flooding can wreak havoc on a home. Flood damage can often be so severe that it makes it so that a home is no longer safe to live in.

Flood insurance is an important investment that will help to minimize the financial consequences you face if your home becomes damaged or destroyed by flooding. 

Meeting the requirements of your mortgage lender

Some homeowners are required to carry flood insurance. If you live in an area with a high risk of flooding, your mortgage lender probably requires you to purchase a flood insurance policy. 

You’ll need to carry flood insurance until you pay off your mortgage loan if your lender requires flood insurance coverage. 

Reach Out To Us

Let us answer your flood insurance questions at Ellis Insurance Agency. We can protect your home in San Antonio, TX by offering you a flood insurance policy that meets your needs. Get in touch with us today to get a quote on a policy. 

Tips to make your condo more energy efficient

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Energy efficiency is a great way to save money on your monthly bills and help the environment at the same time. Making your San Antonio, TX area condo more energy-efficient can be as simple as changing a few habits or making a small investment in energy-efficient home appliances and fixtures. Here are a few tips from us at Ellis Insurance Agency to get you started.

Tips to make your condo more energy efficient

1. Install LED light bulbs, which use less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Not only do LED lights last up to 25 times longer, but they also save around 75 percent of the electricity used by traditional incandescent bulbs. 

2. Invest in energy-efficient windows and doors. These products will help keep air from escaping or entering your home, which will reduce energy costs. Additionally, if you opt for double-paned windows, you’ll have better temperature control throughout the year. 

3. Make sure all of your appliances are ENERGY STAR certified. This certification indicates that an appliance has been tested for energy efficiency and meets certain criteria set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

4. Use power strips to control electricity flow in your condo and switch them off when not in use. Doing so will prevent any electronics from drawing unnecessary power (known as “phantom loads”), which will help you save money on your electric bill each month! 

Give Us A Call

By following these tips, you can start making your condo more energy-efficient today! For more energy-saving tips, or if you want to review your insurance policy, give us at Ellis Insurance Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the San Antonio, TX area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and your budget.