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Category: Insurance

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What Options Do I Have for RV Insurance?

Here at Whiteside Insurance Agency, we have the right policies available for whatever you need as an RV owner in the Spicewood, Texas area. If you are wondering what type of coverage your RV requires, here is a bit of information that should be helpful:

Basic Collision

Let’s say you have an older camper/RV, and you want to use it a few times a year for some camping trips nearby. If you want to spend the minimal amount on insurance, you will probably get by just fine with a Collision Policy. This should cover damage done to your vehicle due to any accidents you cause. This is not the type of policy you want if you own a newer model, or if you are still making payments on your RV.

Comprehensive Policy

With a Comprehensive Policy you will have more options as far as what you want to cover. This can replace your RV if it is stolen or vandalized. It can also cover damage caused by fire, fallen trees, etc. Depending on your budget, you can choose to include roadside assistance, towing, and even rental vehicles to use during repair time. Dealing with a stranded RV can be a daunting predicament, and these options are often well worth their cost.
There are more things we would be glad to discuss with you as you choose the coverage that works best for your needs. Be sure to ask about Bodily Injury coverage, how to protect your valuables, and how to best insure an RV that is used as your primary living quarters. There are so many different uses for recreational vehicles, and we are always available to help you find what is best for your specific circumstances. Give Whiteside Insurance Agency a call. We are here for you!
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What Factors Will Affect My Car Insurance Rates?

You may have heard of the myth that red cars cost more to insure than other cars, but that myth has been officially busted. Would you like to learn about the real factors that affect the rates you pay on Auto Insurance? At Whiteside Insurance you will find agents with helpful advice. We want to work with you to keep your rates as low as possible.

So, while the type of car you drive can affect your insurance rates, the truth of the matter is…
You, yourself, are the biggest factor!
Yes, there is a lot about you that will influence what your rates will be. It all comes down to what type of people tend to get in the most accidents. Young, unmarried men will pay the highest amounts for auto insurance. If they keep a good driving record, and find the right spouse, they can just about cut those rates in half! The funny thing is, older men usually pay less, since elderly ladies have been proven to get into more minor accidents than the guys do.
Another factor will be where you chose to live. Quiet, rural towns have a much lower risk of vehicle damage and theft than busy, urban cities. Also, in the highly populated areas, there are often more unemployed and uninsured drivers out on the roads, which affects everyone else’s rates.
Are you a commuter? If your lifestyle includes putting many miles on your car, you will probably end up paying more than the person who leaves their vehicle in the garage while they use public transportation.
And, of course, your driving record makes the biggest difference in what your rates will be. The more incidents you have on record, the higher your costs.
So, even though you may end up paying more for a small sports car than for a medium sized SUV, regardless of the color… the truth of the matter is, if you keep a clean record and drive safely, that is your best bet for saving on your insurance premiums.

We cover a wide area around Spicewood, Texas including the Bee Cave area. Give Whiteside Insurance a call today to talk with a friendly agent, and discuss the best way to lower your rates.

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Flood Insurance for the Spicewood, Texas Area

Are you aware that your regular homeowner’s policy does not cover the cost of flood damage? Your homeowner’s insurance may cover some damage due to rain, but only if it happens as the rain is actually falling from the sky. Any type of damage done once that rain hits the ground and begins to fill your house will need to be covered by flood insurance.
Texas does not require you to purchase a flood insurance policy, but often it will be required by your lender if you are taking out a mortgage in a high-risk area. Flood insurance can be a wise choice no matter where you live, given the statistics that prove one out of every five claims due to flood damage occur in low to moderate risk areas. One third of the federal disaster assistance due to flooding is received by those who live outside areas of high flood risk. Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States, as ninety percent of all natural disasters include flooding.

The agents at Whiteside Insurance are here for you, and we would be glad to discuss the options you have available. We will find the best policy for the coverage that fits your specific needs. There may be several options depending on if you need only your home and buildings covered, or if you are looking to protect your personal possessions as well. Give us a call, or stop in to discover what choices are available to you.

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Why is Renters Insurance Important?

Renters often assume that their landlord’s insurance covers any damage that occurs to their possessions when tragedy strikes their home. That is not the case, so let’s talk about how renters insurance will protect your personal belongings.
If you are renting a home in the Spicewood and Bee Cave, Texas area, Whiteside Insurance is here to help you find the right coverage.
Renters insurance covers damage that happens due to many natural disasters, fire, lightning, theft, etc. One of the most common problems renters run into is water damage. Renters insurance will come to the rescue for you when your kid leaves the sink running, or when the neighbor above you has a toilet that overflows, leaving your ceiling all soaked. It can be helpful if you have a guest who is injured while staying with you, and you are found responsible for their medical bills. It can also cover your hotel if something happens to your home, leaving it uninhabitable for a time.
Ask Whiteside Insurance about adding a floater or endorsement to your renters policy if you own extra expensive items, such as jewelry, musical instruments, sports equipment, etc.
We are here for you, so give us a call to find a policy that will fit best for your needs.
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The Benefits of Texas Renters Insurance

Many renters in Spicewood, TX aren’t aware that they can insure their personal belongings in the exact same way as a homeowner. Renters insurance from Whiteside Insurance Agency, LLC is available to almost any renter, regardless of the type of property you are renting, including mobile homes, apartments, single-family homes, and duplexes. Here are just a few of the benefits that come with buying renters insurance.

Medical Help for Injured Guests

One of the lesser known benefits of having renters insurance is that it provides medical coverage for your guests that may get injured while visiting you. For example, if your grandmother comes to visit and falls down the stairs because her shoe gets stuck on the carpet, your renter’s insurance may pay her doctor bills.

Coverage for Stolen, Lost, and/or Fire Damaged Belongings

Unfortunately, mishaps happen. Whether your rental unit is burglarized and your expensive belongings are stolen, such as the television and computer, or there is a fire that destroys everything you own, renters insurance can help replace your lost, stolen, or damaged items. It is important to take a complete inventory of everything you own to submit to the insurance company in case there is an accident or incident.

Assistance With Lawsuits

Another benefit of renters insurance that many renters aren’t aware of is that your rental insurance may provide assistance with lawsuits that may incur from something on the property. For example, if your dog bites the neighbor and they sue you, your attorney will help you fight or negotiate a settlement dependent on your renter’s insurance.
Just because you’re not a homeowner doesn’t mean you have to settle. Renter insurance helps protect you against the risks of theft, fire, and other damages as well as gives you the peace of mind that you’ll be able to replace your belongings. An important note to keep in mind is that renters insurance is fairly inexpensive and there are several things you can do to reduce the premium costs, such as having deadbolt locks and a kitchen fire extinguisher.
Renters in Spicewood, TX and the surrounding areas interested in learning more information about renters insurance should contact Whiteside Insurance Agency, LLC.
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Why Do I Need Insurance the Whole Year If I Only Drive My RV During the Summer?

Whiteside Insurance Agency, LLC loves to help the people in Spicewood, TX with all their insurance needs, and enjoys helping people achieve their dreams by protecting their RVs. Texas is one of the best places to own and operate an RV, but many people wonder if it is worth the cost to insure their recreational vehicles even during the times they are not able to use them. Many people can only travel and enjoy vacations during summer and may ask about a policy that only includes those months.
You may not be required by law to have an insurance policy on your RV at all times unless it is being driven on public roads. However, if you are still paying on your RV, the company holding your loan may require you, as part of the contract, to provide full coverage until the loan is paid off. This protects their investment, and they can enforce this clause of your contract by forcing a more expensive insurance policy on you while your loan is active.
You may also want to consider that your RV is vulnerable to losses even when it is not being driven. As one of your most valued assets, you may keep it safely stored in a garage or other enclosed location when you cannot drive it. If that location suffers a fire, or if there is significant damage because of another reason, your losses may not be covered under your homeowner’s policy, which has limits.
At Whiteside Insurance Agency, LLC, we want to help you be comfortable while protecting your possessions in Spicewood, TX. If you want to talk about RV insurance or have any other general insurance questions, please feel free to call today.
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How To Inspect Your Motorcycle Before You Ride

Before you get on your motorcycle for a joyride, you must inspect it regularly. It can help prevent an accident, keeping you safe and your insurance rates stable. Whiteside Insurance Agency, LLC, serving the Spicewood, TX area, has a few tips for inspecting your bike.

License Plate and Registration Sticker

Check your license plate and registration sticker to ensure they’re securely on your bike. This can prevent you from receiving a fine. Others should have a clear view of both of them.

Fluid Leaks

Look underneath and around your motorcycle for any signs of a leak in any of the fluids in the bike, including water, oil, or other fluids. Evaluate the radiator and engine hoses for white marks that occur when they don’t receive an adequate amount of lubrication. Use your finger to check for any oil on the forks because this could signify broken seals.

Check for Loose Parts

Grab and gently shake your windscreen, rear racks, and chain guard, just to name a few. You want to make sure you don’t have any loose parts on your bike that could fly off while you’re riding. Any loose parts are a liability for you and dangerous for others.

Check Throttle, Brake Lever, and Clutch

Check your brake lever, throttle, and clutch to identify if it has the right amount of free play. You want all of these parts to move a bit because when they’re too tight it hinders your ability to use them.
Before you take your bike out for a ride, always make sure you have insurance, even if you’re only taking it up and down the road. If anything should happen, you want to be able to replace or repair your bike, and you don’t want to risk a fine.
Contact Whiteside Insurance Agency, LLC, serving Spicewood, TX and the surrounding areas, to receive a quote for a motorcycle insurance policy today by calling or visiting our office.
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Why Do You Need Boat Insurance?

Owning a boat can be exciting. Especially if you have boat insurance because it gives you peace-of-mind and a sense of security. Boating mishaps are not uncommon, and it’s essential to have your assets insured if your lake or river outing takes an unexpected turn. If you’re in an accident and the damage is substantial, your insurance coverage can mitigate the risk of financial loss.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, most homeowners policies will cover the damage to your boat, but only to a certain extent. This insurance may not cover your full financial liability, which is why having a separate boat policy makes sense. There are different options for boat insurance, including policies that recover the replacement cost of the boat. You can also choose a specified dollar amount to be reimbursed when you establish your policy.
Another option is to select a policy that pays out the actual cash value of your boat less depreciation. The premium on the policy you select is subject to the value of your boat. To determine which policy is right for you, it’s ideal to work with an experienced professional at Whiteside Insurance Agency, LLC in Spicewood, TX. Discussing policy options and features will help you protect your boat and optimize your insurance coverage, taking into account all of your current policies.
To learn more about the benefits of boat insurance and how it can make your leisure activities more enjoyable, please contact Whiteside Insurance Agency, LLC in Spicewood, TX. Boats are a source of fun and can make family outings more enjoyable. Opting for the proper amount of insurance coverage can provide you with peace-of-mind.