4 Areas Covered by Motorcycle Insurance

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If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you already know the fun, the open-door adventure and the ultimate freedom of hopping on the bike. But I believe you also know the safety risks it poses. Yes, you’ve purchased all the protective gear, but that may not be enough in an unthinkable event. That said, motorcycle insurance is a significant consideration as long as you want to enjoy your bike. It’s the best deal that offers financial protection for you and your bike.

That said, choosing the right insurance coverage is like choosing the right bike. You certainly want a policy that fits your lifestyle and needs. To help you find the best, Heaton Bennett Insurance has prepared the four common areas covered by motorcycle insurance.

Liability coverage

The state of Texas requires that you carry at least liability coverage for you to be on the road with your bike. Liability coverage covers property damage and bodily injury sustained by others if you are at fault for an accident. 

Collision coverage

Motorcycle collision coverage will reimburse the damages caused to your bike if you get involved in a collision with another vehicle or a stationary object. This way, you won’t incur out-of-pocket repairs when your bike is damaged.

Protection from non-collision risks

Motorcycle insurance doesn’t protect your bike on the road only. Comprehensive coverage pays for the physical damage or loss to your bike by non-collision perils like vandalism, falling objects, theft, fire, and natural disasters.  

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

Even with the law stating that all motorists must carry liability insurance, you will still find some who drive uninsured or with inadequate insurance. Luckily, motorcycle insurance pays for the resulting bike damages, lost wages in some cases and medical expenses should you collide with an at-fault uninsured motorist.

Motorcycle insurance in Austin, TX

If you are involved in an accident, you will be glad you had insured your bike. The aftermath costs and hustle after the accident makes motorcycle insurance a worthwhile investment. Ready for your motorcycle insurance? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Heaton Bennett Insurance for an affordable quote.

Flood insurance FAQs

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Floods are becoming more common and people who would have never considered flood insurance are now finding it is something they need to consider. Since it isn’t something most people know a lot about, many questions come to mind. when the discussion turns to flood insurance. At Heaton Bennett Insurance in Austin, TX, we are a full-service independent insurance agency. We will do the work to find the best insurance products for our customers. 

Doesn’t my home insurance cover me for a flood? 

The sad truth is that a traditional home insurance policy does not cover flooding from surface water. It will cover for flooding due to a burst pipe but not an overflowing stream. 

Can I get flood insurance for my condo? 

Yes, you can buy one or both types of flood insurance as long as your community is part of the NFIP. If you are in a flood plain area, your condo association should also have a master flood policy to protect the exterior of the building. 

Can I get flood insurance on a rental?

Absolutely, and if you are in an area where it is a potential danger, it is a good idea to do so. You can only buy content coverage which maxes out at $100,000 since you don’t own the building. 

What is the most NFIP flood insurance will cover for property damage?

The maximum coverage for damage to a home with the NFIP policy is $250,000. If your property is worth in excess of that amount, you can talk to your insurance agent about getting another type of flood insurance policy 

What is the maximum content coverage with NFIP policies?

The maximum content coverage is $100,000. 

Contact Heaton Bennett Insurance in Austin, TX, when you have questions about flood insurance and how it could benefit you. 

Three Things You Should Know About Boat Insurance

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As far as insurance goes, most residents of Austin, TX understand how important it is to ensure their homes and automobiles are properly covered. However, some people don’t realize the importance of having proper coverage for their boats. In fact, it may even be required in some areas of the country. The team at Heaton Bennett Insurance wants to ensure that you are all familiar with the basics of boat insurance.

Boat Insurance Covers Property Damage

Similar to auto and home insurance policies, some boat insurance policies will provide coverage for property damage. This can save you money in the event that your boat is involved in a collision.

While most people assume that boat accidents occur on the water, they can also take place off the water, such as while being transported to the marina. Property coverage can assist in paying for repairs or even compensate you in the event that your watercraft is vandalized, damaged, or stolen within the limits of your policy.

Boat Insurance Protects You from Liability

Accidents can happen anytime, and if you are held responsible, these accidents can lead to expensive legal fees. Boat insurance offers protection to you from liability in the event that you are found responsible for an accident that results in damage to someone else’s property. It will also pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses that are incurred as a result of the accident. Some boat insurance policies may offer uninsured boat coverage that helps to pay expenses in the event your boat gets into an accident with another watercraft that isn’t insured.

Boat Insurance May Be Required

Boat insurance is not required in all 50 states, but there are certain instances when it may be required. For example, if you are purchasing a new boat with a loan from the bank, it is likely that the lender will require that you have boat insurance on the watercraft for the duration of the loan. In addition, if you intend on storing your boat at a boat storage facility or marina, they may require that you have a current insurance policy. Even if boat insurance is not required, it may be something that you seriously want to consider to protect your investment.

For more information on boat insurance, contact our team at Heaton Bennett Insurance, who serves the Austin, TX community and surrounding areas.

An Introduction to Group Health Insurance

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You might think of Heaton Bennett Insurance as the place for Austin, TX families to obtain the insurance they need for financial protection. You can also obtain commercial types of insurance from us though, including group health insurance that serves the employees you hire.

While the government now mandates you to offer this type of health insurance once your organization hires a certain number of employees, you benefit by offering this valuable employee benefit. Your employees can obtain coverage for their spouses and children under these types of policies.

When you offer group health insurance, you improve your organization in the following ways:

  • Increase employee retention by providing a sense of security,
  • Ensure improved financial security during emergency situations, such as the ongoing pandemic,
  • Motivate your employees by providing a happier workspace,
  • Enhance their mental and emotional wellbeing by letting them know they have insurance that provides for their medical needs,
  • Protect them in cases when they develop severe illnesses.

You make your company more attractive to the best potential employees when you provide health insurance. This makes it more competitive within your industry.

You also can ultimately reduce costs by purchasing a group health plan. You negotiate flat-rate premiums that apply to every employee. That means you help yourself since you pay the employee’s premiums. They pay any premiums for family members they add to the insurance that isn’t covered in the negotiated plan.

Make your company more attractive to the best employees. Contact Heaton Bennett Insurance serving Austin, TX today to learn more about finding the ideal group health insurance plan for your business. Help yourself attract and retain the best employees while you provide them with the health protection the government requires.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover in Austin, TX?

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Most people have home insurance if they own their home or have a mortgage. But what about renters insurance for renters? If you rent a home or apartment, how do you protect the contents of your domicile?

What can happen?

It’s hard to think about something that could destroy or damage your rental property. But the truth is that theft, fire, flood, or other mishaps can occur anytime. If you don’t have the proper insurance in place before the event, you will be forced to pay expensive out-of-pocket expenses for your loss. Liabilities from others’ claims may also be applicable in certain instances. 

Insurance in Texas for Renters

In Texas, renters insurance can vary, depending on the policy, limits, and exclusions. But Heaton Bennett Insurance is your contact point for renters insurance in the Austin, TX area. 

Coverage Types

In general, renters insurance usually covers the following:

  1. Personal Property that is damaged due to various reasons such as vandalism, theft, or storm
  2. Personal Liability protection where someone’s property or person is injured due to your actions
  3. Some policies, depending on the coverage limits, may offer a temporary place to stay while you are getting your rental property repaired in some cases.

It covers your personal property, protects against personal liability, and can pay for a place to stay if your home is uninhabitable following a disaster. Basically, it protects you financially against catastrophes. 

Who to See

To find out how renters insurance can protect you and others from liability and loss for your rental properties, see the insurance experts at Heaton Bennett Insurance, covering the Austin, TX location for many years. They can help you look at your rental situation and decide which policy is right for you. But don’t wait too long. 

Umbrella Insurance for Austin, TX

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One thing that’s sure about life is that nothing is sure! Pardon the play on words, but it’s true. Things can be going fine one day and the next day, everything is in chaos. Or perhaps your auto insurance has a $25,000 limit and you are sued for $35,000 due to the damages or injuries someone sustained in an accident that was your fault. What can you do?

That’s why it’s important to get to know your friends like the folks at Heaton Bennett Insurance. Serving Austin, TX and the surrounding area, we take every situation and do the work to find the best insurance solutions. But we don’t stop there.

We know insurance is a personal thing. No two situations or lives are alike. We offer any type of insurance you need for a great price, including umbrella insurance. We visit with you to get an idea of your current coverages and find out just how much you need to feel secure if the unexpected happens.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella Insurance is a type of insurance that covers any of the unexpected events that might come along, including those that already involve your other primary insurances. 

Some examples of areas that umbrella insurance might cover include:

  • Home insurance
  • Auto insurance
  • Motorcycle or RV insurance
  • Commercial or business insurance

Some policies even cover gaps in flood insurance.

It’s important to note that it does not serve you as a complete insurance solution, but it is meant to be there to fill in the gaps for the coverage that is not fulfilled by your standard policies.

Contact a member of Heaton Bennett Insurance today if you’re in the Austin, TX area and sleep better tomorrow knowing that if your current policy is not enough, we will be there to fill in the gaps!

When do condo owners in Austin need condo insurance?

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Those that are in the Austin, TX area likely know how hot the real estate market has been for a long time. Those that would like to take advantage of the strong market should look into purchasing their own property. A good housing option in this area of the state is to purchase a condo, which offers some advantages compared to other options. If you are going to buy a condo, you need to have condo insurance for a few reasons. 

Insurance Will Protect Owners

One reason to have condo insurance is that it can protect a condo owner. If you are a condo owner, you are going to own a valuable asset and various personal assets. Further, you will have some liability risk as a leak or other mechanical flaw in your property could cause damage to another unit or public parts of the community. With a condo insurance plan, you will have appropriate coverage to protect against all those risks.

Insurance is a Requirement

It would also be wise to have a condo insurance plan as it will be a requirement for many condo owners. Most condo owners will live in an association that will have specific insurance rules. Additionally, many owners will take out a mortgage when they purchase a condo. In either situation, you will be required to have condo insurance in place. 

Choosing a condo insurance plan in the Austin, TX area is a big decision. If you are looking for a new policy when you are in this area, it would be wise to contact Heaton Bennett Insurance. There are many factors to consider when looking for coverage and Heaton Bennett Insurance can ensure you are aware of your options and needs. This will help you pick a plan that is right for your situation. 

Reasons your life insurance policy may be cancelled

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Life insurance is your way of helping your family to survive in case you pass away. It can make the difference between being able to continue living in as normal a way as possible and having to give up the life they now have. Getting your life insurance policy canceled can really throw a wrench in your plans. Life insurance is more than just a death benefit. It is part of your financial planning. At Heaton Bennett Insurance in Austin, TX, we are committed to providing exemplary service with a high standard of ethics. 

Non-payment

The most common reason for a life insurance policy to be canceled is the premium hasn’t been paid. The company will usually allow a 30-day grace period. They will send you a late payment notice. If you ignore this and don’t contact them, rest assured, they will cancel your policy. If you want to reinstate the policy, you need to act quickly. Once it has lapsed, the company can make you get another medical exam, ask additional questions, and raise your premium. To avoid this, set up automatic payments. 

Fraud

When you apply for a life insurance policy, be completely truthful. Don’t lie, and don’t leave things out. If this is discovered during the contestability period, your policy will be canceled. Even if it isn’t discovered, the policy can still be canceled if it is discovered later. When the death benefit is claimed, they can refuse to pay if they have discovered anything fraudulent in your application. 

Many people worry that getting a serious illness will make their life insurance company cancel their policy. This won’t happen. Companies are not allowed to cancel for health reasons. 

Life insurance is valuable protection, and it is important to make sure it doesn’t get canceled. Contact Heaton Bennett Insurance in Austin, TX for any life insurance you may need. 

What Are the Benefits of Getting Commercial Insurance?

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You’ve started your business successfully after putting so much effort into seeing it open. You’re proud of your achievement, and you’re now ready to begin recouping your initial investment cash through profits. However, there’s one thing remaining; you’re concerned about the safety of your business. 

The first step in running a successful business is to protect it from various risks. You’ll run into expected and unexpected threats, and you need to be prepared well. Commercial insurance coverage protects you financially from property damage and bodily injury claims.

Heaton Bennett Insurance in Austin, TX is ready to help you get a commercial insurance quote. But first, you need to know the benefits that accrue from having commercial insurance.

Minimize Financial Losses

The financial safety of your business is probably the most important reason for purchasing business insurance. You want to protect your business against risks that can ruin the future of your business. It would be best if you were sure that you could easily replace or repair your business damages when they happen. 

Legal costs can also strain a business financially, and you need a solution for them. Commercial insurance covers all your businesses’ legal fees arising from lawsuits filed by others. The same case applies to medical expenses. You’re liable for anyone injured within your business premises and need to pay their medical costs.

Increase Your Business Credibility

When in business, perception is everything. Your customers need to know that they’re partnering with an organization that makes sound financial decisions. It gives them peace and improves their trust in your business.

Depending on your line of business, you may need to show that your company is adequately insured. It’s crucial when seeking financing from lenders and signing some contracts. 

Purchase Commercial Insurance Today

Commercial insurance is all about protecting the future of your business. It’s an investment you’ve worked so hard to build that you can’t risk losing it knowingly.

Various risks can threaten the existence of your business, but with insurance, you’ll be safe and ready to make a comeback.

Heaton Bennett Insurance is a reliable insurance partner. We help business owners in Austin, TX to purchase commercial insurance policies necessary to protect their investments. Reach out to our team to discuss your options and get a quote.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Commercial Insurance?

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You’ve started your business successfully after putting so much effort into seeing it open. You’re proud of your achievement, and you’re now ready to begin recouping your initial investment cash through profits. However, there’s one thing remaining; you’re concerned about the safety of your business. 

The first step in running a successful business is to protect it from various risks. You’ll run into expected and unexpected threats, and you need to be prepared well. Commercial insurance coverage protects you financially from property damage and bodily injury claims.

Heaton Bennett Insurance in Austin, TX is ready to help you get a commercial insurance quote. But first, you need to know the benefits that accrue from having commercial insurance.

Minimize Financial Losses

The financial safety of your business is probably the most important reason for purchasing business insurance. You want to protect your business against risks that can ruin the future of your business. It would be best if you were sure that you could easily replace or repair your business damages when they happen. 

Legal costs can also strain a business financially, and you need a solution for them. Commercial insurance covers all your businesses’ legal fees arising from lawsuits filed by others. The same case applies to medical expenses. You’re liable for anyone injured within your business premises and need to pay their medical costs.

Increase Your Business Credibility

When in business, perception is everything. Your customers need to know that they’re partnering with an organization that makes sound financial decisions. It gives them peace and improves their trust in your business.

Depending on your line of business, you may need to show that your company is adequately insured. It’s crucial when seeking financing from lenders and signing some contracts. 

Purchase Commercial Insurance Today

Commercial insurance is all about protecting the future of your business. It’s an investment you’ve worked so hard to build that you can’t risk losing it knowingly.

Various risks can threaten the existence of your business, but with insurance, you’ll be safe and ready to make a comeback.

Heaton Bennett Insurance is a reliable insurance partner. We help business owners in Austin, TX to purchase commercial insurance policies necessary to protect their investments. Reach out to our team to discuss your options and get a quote.

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