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Protect Your Possessions While You Rent

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With the current high cost of real estate, many people are choosing to rent to save on housing expenses. However, your possessions are not covered by the insurance held by your landlord. Renters insurance has been designed to offer insurance protection for your possessions while you rent your housing.  At Great Southern Agency, serving the greater Tomball, TX community, we offer renters insurance for Texas residents.

Do I Need Renters Insurance?

Many individuals feel they don’t have enough possessions to justify the cost of renters insurance, but the fact is, you probably have more material goods than you realize, and replacing them all would be a burdensome expense. Other renters believe their possessions are covered under their landlord’s general insurance policy, but this is not the case.

Renters insurance offers protection for a wide range of items and also provides some liability coverage if anyone is injured while visiting your property, as well as alternate housing coverage if you need to live elsewhere while your apartment is being repaired. The policies provide this coverage at a very reasonable price.

Two Types of Renters Insurance Offer A Choice

You can choose between an “actual cash value” policy or a “replacement cost” policy. Actual cash value policies pay for your possession minus the depreciation due to age and wear-and-tear of normal usage. A replacement cost policy pays the amount to replace your possession at today’s cost. Replacement cost policies are more expensive but are worth the cost to restore your possessions after an event. 

Choose Great Southern Agency For Your Renters Insurance Coverage

You may have questions about renters insurance and how it can help you recover from a damaging event. Our trained insurance professionals in Tomball, TX can answer your questions and ensure you have the coverage you need. Contact Great Southern Agency today for a no-obligation quote on renters insurance that can help minimize losses from unexpected damage.

Usage Based Motorcycle Insurance

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Driving a motorcycle is an exhilarating and fun way to travel. It allows you to enjoy the outdoors without slowing down, but it can also be costly in terms of insurance and maintenance. Usage-based insurance programs reward you based on your riding habits, meaning that safe drivers are rewarded for being responsible on the road.

What is Usage-Based Motorcycle Insurance?

Usage-based insurance considers factors like speeding, acceleration, mileage, the time of day you drive, and forced braking. It uses that data to give you a driving score and tips to help improve it. Therefore, the better you ride, the more potential for it to pay off financially. 

Benefits of Usage-Based Insurance

Riders are drawn to this kind of insurance, typically for financial reasons. If you abide by traffic law by following the speed limit, keeping a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, and not slamming on the brakes, you may be eligible for a discount. However, usage-based insurance isn’t just financially beneficial. Incentivizing drivers to be safer benefits everyone on the road.

Is Usage-Based Motorcycle Insurance Right for Me?

Yes! That is to say, if you want to be held accountable for driving safely and potentially rewarded for it. It’s no secret that additional dangers are posed to motorcycle riders, but you can mitigate them by being a safe rider. Additionally, riding safely reduces your risk of costly accidents and painful injuries. 

Looking for Insurance in Tomball, TX?

At Great Southern Agency, we know how much you love riding your motorcycle on Texas highways and country roads. One of our expert agents will match you with the policy that fits your unique needs. 

Call Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX today to learn more about this vital coverage. 

Texas Boat Insurance: A Quick Guide

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As a boat owner in Texas, it’s essential to protect your investment and ensure you’re covered in case of accidents, theft, or damage. In this quick guide, we’ll provide an overview of boat insurance, including its importance, coverage options, and tips for finding the right policy with the help of our team at Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX.

Why You Need Boat Insurance in Texas

While Texas law does not mandate boat insurance, it’s a wise decision to have coverage in place to protect your assets and safeguard yourself from potential liabilities. Accidents can occur, and without proper insurance, you could be held responsible. Moreover, some marinas and lenders may require proof of boat insurance before allowing you to dock or finance your boat. By obtaining a policy from a reputable agency like Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX, you can enjoy peace of mind while out on the water.

Coverage Options for Texas Boat Insurance

When choosing a boat insurance policy, consider the following coverage options:

  1. Liability coverage: This type of coverage protects you if you’re found responsible for causing bodily injury or property damage to others while operating your boat.
  2. Collision coverage: This covers damages to your boat resulting from a collision with another boat or a stationary object.
  3. Comprehensive coverage: This protects your boat from damages caused by events other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
  4. Non-insured or underinsured boater coverage: This covers you if you’re involved in an accident with another boat operator who doesn’t possess adequate insurance or any insurance.
  5. Medical payments coverage: This covers medical expenses for you and your passengers if injured in a boating accident.

Finding the Right Boat Insurance Policy

To find the right boat insurance policy, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable and experienced insurance agency like Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX. We can help you assess your needs, evaluate various coverage options, and select a policy that offers the best protection at a competitive price.

Remember that factors such as the type, age, and value of your boat, along with your boating experience and history, will impact your insurance premiums. It’s important to discuss these factors with your insurance agent to ensure you receive the most suitable coverage for your unique situation.

Texas boat insurance is a crucial aspect of responsible boat ownership. By partnering with us, you can secure the right coverage that allows you to enjoy your time on the water with confidence, knowing that you, your boat, and your passengers are well-protected.

5 Most Common Mistakes When Buying Umbrella Insurance For The First Time

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Most people are aware that they require insurance to protect their homes, cars, and health. However, far too few people understand the value of umbrella insurance. Umbrella insurance protects you against major liability claims and lawsuits, which can quickly deplete your savings and assets. If you’re considering buying umbrella insurance, Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX can help guide you on five mistakes to avoid.

Umbrella Insurance: Mistakes To Avoid

1. Not Understanding What Umbrella Insurance Covers

Umbrella insurance is intended to protect you from large liability claims and lawsuits. It usually covers expenses for bodily harm, property damage, and certain personal liability situations. However, umbrella insurance does not cover everything; be sure to read the fine print to understand what is and is not covered.

2. Not Reading The Fine Print

When purchasing umbrella insurance, it is critical to carefully read the policy to understand what is and is not covered. If you have to file a claim, you may be faced with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Buying The Wrong Amount Of Coverage

Many people underestimate how much umbrella insurance they require. A good rule of thumb is to purchase coverage equal to 1-2 times your net worth. This ensures that you are adequately protected in the event of a major liability claim or lawsuit.

4. Lying Or Omitting Important Information

It is critical to be truthful about your assets and income when applying for umbrella insurance. If you lie or omit critical information, your policy may be voided if you need to file a claim.

5. Going With The First Policy You Find

Before purchasing umbrella insurance, it is critical to shop around and compare policies. Because not all policies are created equal, find one that meets your needs and budget.

We Are Here To Help!

Umbrella insurance is crucial for financial protection, but only if you avoid these five mistakes. Great Southern Agency can help you find the right umbrella insurance policy for your needs in Tomball, TX. Contact us today for a free quote.

Is Flood Insurance Required in Texas?

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Whether you’ve just put a down payment on a home in Texas or you’ve been a proud Lone Star State homeowner for years, it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your property. While you may already have homeowners insurance, the truth is that it may not cover every damaging situation, like flooding. But do you actually need flood insurance?

In order to make the right decision for your home, it’s important to understand what Texas law says about flood insurance as well as other circumstances where it may be required. Serving the Tomball, TX area and beyond, our knowledgeable team at Great Southern Agency is here to help.

Is Flood Insurance Required in Texas?

For general homeowners, flood insurance is not legally required in Texas. But just because the law does not mandate flood coverage, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook just yet! If you have a mortgage, there’s a strong chance you’re required as per the agreement to get flood insurance. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to go over your mortgage documents carefully with an insurance agent or give your lender a call for clarification.

Are Homes in Texas at Risk of Flooding?

Texas is a large state with a diverse landscape, not to mention differing amounts of precipitation. Many homes are in regions not considered at high risk of flooding, but many others are. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), about 7 percent of homes in Texas are at high risk. 

For better clarification, it’s worth finding out what kind of flood zone your property sits in. For example, if you’re in a Special Flood Hazard Risk area, your home is considered to have a 25 percent (1 in 4) chance of flooding within 30 years.

Learn More About Your Flood Insurance Options Today

Even if your home is not in a high-risk zone, it’s important to be aware that your home may still have a chance of flooding. To learn more about your risk and your options for coverage, give us a call. At Great Southern Agency, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners across the Tomball, TX area get the right amount of protection for their homes.

Will my condo insurance cover the repair of my stove?

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Condo insurance is similar to homeowner’s insurance in that it provides coverage for your home, personal belongings, and liability coverage. However, it differs from homeowners insurance in that it only covers the interior of your condo and not the external, public areas of your condo. You pay a condo fee to cover the care and management of the external areas of your condo.

Our team at Great Southern Agency wants Tomball, TX condo owners to understand what’s covered by their condo insurance policy.

What is Condo Insurance?

Condo insurance is insurance designed to pay for the repair of your unit and/or belongings if they are destroyed or damaged by a covered circumstance or event. Theft, some natural disasters, fire, and vandalism or examples of some of the things covered by your condo insurance policy.

Condo insurance can also provide coverage for living expenses if a covered situation or circumstance occurs, as well as coverage for liability claims. 

Will my condo insurance cover the repair of my stove?

Yes. However, your condo insurance will only pay for the repair of your stove if it was damaged as a result of an incident that is covered by your insurance policy. Usually, a condo insurance policy will pay for your damaged appliance if it was damaged by lightning, fire, a damaged floor, burst pipes, or some other covered incident.

Your condo insurance will NOT pay for the repair of your stove if it’s damaged or not functioning as a result of natural wear and tear.

Give Us A Call

If you want to develop a better understanding of how your condo insurance works and what’s covered, call us at Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX. We’d be happy to answer your questions. 

I have a fifth wheel. Do I need recreational insurance?

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Many people enjoy having a home on wheels. They’re able to travel and take their homes with them, eliminating the need for a hotel. However, the type of travel trailer, camper, or RV you have will determine the type of insurance you’ll need. An RV or recreational vehicle with a motor will require RV insurance because it’s still a motorized vehicle like a car. If you drive a motorized RV, you’re legally required to carry RV insurance.

Our Great Southern Agency team understands that it may be confusing to determine insurance requirements for recreational vehicles. We’re committed to educating our Tomball, TX residents regarding state requirements. 

What is RV Insurance?

RV insurance, similar to auto insurance, provides protection for RV drivers from excessive costs from damage to their RV or others if they are found at fault for an accident. RV insurance can even help pay for out-of-pocket costs for damage to your RV. This includes any breakdown you may have while driving your RV.

Recreational vehicle owners should note that not all campers require owners to carry RV insurance. If you own a non-motorized camper or RV, you’re not required to carry RV insurance. However, it may still be beneficial for you to invest in insurance for your specific type of camper. 

I have a fifth wheel. Do I need recreational insurance?

A fifth wheel doesn’t have a motor. As a result, you’re not required to carry RV insurance. However, if you’re in an accident while towing your fifth wheel, your car insurance may not pay to repair any damage to your fifth wheel. As a result, it may be a good idea to invest in travel trailer insurance. Travel trailer insurance will pay for the repair or replacement of your fifth wheel if it’s damaged or stolen.

Contact Us Today

If you have questions about insurance for your fifth wheel, camper, or recreational vehicle, we’d be happy to answer them. Call us at Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX.

Are You a Renter? Protect Your Belongings with Renters Insurance

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Are you a renter that lives in the Tomball, TX area? Did you know that renters insurance is as important to you as homeowners insurance is to a homeowner? Let the professionals at the Great Southern Agency explain why.

Why Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance, sometimes called tenants’ insurance, provides some of the benefits of a homeowners’ insurance policy. However, it does not cover the dwelling or structure. The owner of the building has insurance to cover the structure and has no responsibility for the tenant’s personal property.

Renters insurance provides liability coverage in the event someone gets hurt while visiting you. If you couldn’t pay their medical expenses and they sued you, how could you cover court costs? You will have coverage to cover an injury to a visitor, or if your dog bites someone.

The tenant’s personal belongings are covered against theft, fire, vandalism, or weather event.

It will also provide temporary accommodation if the unit becomes uninhabitable while repairs are made. Most renters insurance includes coverage for any additional expenses incurred during that time. If your rent is $950 per month, but you are unable to live in it for the next month while repairs are underway, your renter’s policy would cover additional living expenses beyond the $950 for hotel, meals, etc.

Because renters insurance mainly protects the renter’s personal property against loss and provides liability coverage, it is considerably less expensive than a homeowners’ policy. Premiums across the country average between $15 and $30 per month based on the size of the unit, your possessions, and the location. For the cost of two movie tickets or the cost of a lunch or two, you can protect your personal property and have liability coverage as well.

Contact Us Today

Don’t leave your personal property unprotected. Contact our team at Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX to get the protection you need for your belongings.

Who needs motorcycle insurance in Texas?

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If you reside or work in the Tomball, TX area, you will likely know how important it is that you have a reliable way to get around town. As you are looking for a new mode of transportation here, choosing a motorcycle can be a good option. If you do have a motorcycle, it will give you a fun and efficient way to get around. When you drive one of these vehicles, you also need insurance for it in various situations.

Why Motorcycle Insurance?

When Taking Out a Loan

A situation when you will need to have an insurance plan for your motorcycle will come when you take out a loan. As a motorcycle can be an expensive asset, taking out a loan to finance it is common. If you do take out a loan, you will need to meet any requirements set by the lender. In most cases, this will include having a motorcycle insurance policy as it helps to protect the lender’s collateral.

When Driving on Public Road

You also will need to have a motorcycle insurance plan when you intend to drive the car on a public road. If you want to use any type of vehicle on a road in Texas, you need to carry liability insurance. This coverage is important as it ensures you can cover the costs of damage that may be caused during an accident. Without coverage, you will also be in violation of state law. 

Get Motorcycle Insurance Today

Those that live in the Tomball, TX area need to ensure they always have proper insurance. Once you are ready to start looking for coverage, it would be wise to call the Great Southern Agency. There are a lot of important choices to make and the Great Southern Agency can help you build a plan that will meet your needs. 

What To Do If You Damage Someone Else’s Property With Your Boat

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No one likes to think about the possibility of damaging someone else’s property, but it’s always best to be prepared for the worst. So, what happens if you accidentally damage another person’s property with your boat? Great Southern Agency in Tomball, TX is here to explain the steps you should take.

What Steps You Should Take

The first thing you should do is assess the situation and determine whether or not anyone is hurt. If there are any injuries, call 911 immediately. Once you’ve determined that everyone is safe, you should try to locate the property owner so that you can let them know what happened and offer to pay for any damages. If the owner isn’t around, leave a note with your contact information and an explanation of what happened. 

Next, you’ll need to contact your insurance company to inform them about the incident. They will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much your policy will cover. Once you have an estimate of the damages, you can begin making repairs. 

If the repairs are minor, you may be able to handle them yourself. However, if the damage is more severe, you’ll need to hire a professional. Be sure to get multiple estimates before making a decision, as repair costs can vary significantly from one contractor to the next. 

Contact Us Today

No one wants to think about damaging someone else’s property, but it’s always best to be prepared for the worst. If you accidentally damage another person’s property with your boat, you should first assess the situation and determine whether or not anyone is hurt. If there are any injuries, call 911 immediately. Once you’ve determined that everyone is safe, try to locate the owner of the property so that you can let them know what happened and offer to pay for any damages.

Contact Great Southern Agency or come to our offices in Tomball, TX for comprehensive insurance services.

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