Read below to learn more about New Texas Vehicle Inspection laws starting January 1, 2025, Hurricane Helene update and hurricane preparedness, and the difference between an Insurance Agency vs. Insurance Company.
New Texas Vehicle Inspection Law
Starting January 1, 2025, Texas will eliminate the requirement for annual safety inspections for most non-commercial vehicles, as part of House Bill 3297. This means vehicle owners will no longer need to visit inspection stations for annual checks. However, a $7.50 fee, known as the “inspection program replacement fee,” will still be applied during vehicle registration. The collected fees will support state funds such as the Texas Mobility Fund and the Clean Air Account.
Despite the elimination of the safety inspections, vehicles in certain counties, including Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery, will still be required to undergo annual emissions testing to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Commercial vehicles, however, are not affected by these changes and will still need to complete annual inspections.
Click HERE for more information.
Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene made landfall on the night of September 26, 2024, in Florida’s Big Bend area as a powerful Category 4 storm. With sustained winds of 140 mph, the storm caused widespread damage, particularly along the northwestern coastline. Officials issued warnings about life-threatening storm surges, which resulted in catastrophic flooding, while hurricane-force winds knocked out power to nearly a million homes and businesses. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other southeastern states declared states of emergency as the storm’s impact extended into Georgia and the Carolinas.
For detailed guidance on staying safe during hurricane season, check out our previous blog on hurricane preparedness. It covers essential tips and strategies to help you protect your home and family before, during, and after a storm.
Insurance Agency vs. Insurance Company
An insurance agency and an insurance company serve distinct roles in the insurance market. An insurance agency acts as an intermediary between customers and insurance companies. Agencies represent multiple insurers and work to find the best policies for their clients, tailoring coverage options to meet individual needs. They essentially sell and manage policies on behalf of insurance companies.
An insurance company, on the other hand, is the entity that underwrites and provides the insurance policies. It assumes the financial risk, collects premiums, and is responsible for paying out claims. While agencies focus on selling and servicing policies, insurance companies are the ones that create and back the coverage financially.
Referrals and Reviews
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