Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Auto Insurance in San Antonio: Coverage Beyond Your Vehicle

August 31, 2011: San Antonio, TX - Many people searching for auto insurance in San Antonio know that by law, you must carry auto insurance. What some do not understand is just how important it is to properly insure your assets. There are many different options when choosing how to insure your automobile, but your vehicle is not the only thing that needs protection. As it pertains to coverage, what is adequate?

Recent research has shown that only about 3 percent of drivers purchase the state minimum (25,000/50,000) of insurance. Ellis Insurance Agency, a company that has been in business for 30 years, says with the cost of repairs to vehicles "carrying 50,000/100,000 is more of the norm". To illustrate why this is important, let us examine a multitude of scenarios drivers might find themselves in.

Imagine this: You have recently purchased state minimum auto insurance in San Antonio and are driving your vehicle, just as you do every morning on your way to work. Sitting in the same monotonous traffic you do everyday, you take a sip of your coffee and spill a little bit on your seat. While still in motion, you reach over to the glove box for a napkin to wipe it up and you collide with the car in front of you. You look up and notice that you have rear-ended a brand new Lexus that has a mother driving her 10-year-old son to school inside. You were going about 20 MPH, and there is noticeable damage to the back of the vehicle. What you do not notice, is how bad the damage is to the passengers inside the Lexus. The force from your vehicle caused the child to have a broken back. Your insurance, the state minimum, will only pay $25,000 to the child, but the medical bills are $50,000. That extra $25,000 will be taken directly from your pocket when they sue you. Not to mention the damage to the Lexus is $35,000, so you will owe another $10,000 out of pocket for the repair to the vehicle.

Imagine this: Continuing with the previous example. You were driving a 2007 Nissan Altima when you smashed into the back of the Lexus. Even though you have paid off your vehicle in only two years, it is still worth $19,000. Still trying to save money, you only purchased state minimum liability, because by law in Texas that is all you are forced to carry when you own your car with no debt. The front of your car is badly wrecked and you are unable to drive your car. After getting towed to the repair shop (which is paid out of your pocket unless you purchase roadside assistance), they tell you it will cost you $8,500 to repair your vehicle. Since you do not have full coverage (which usually comes with a $500 deductible) you are responsible for all of that out of your own pocket.

Being well informed of all options is the surest way to avoid insurance pitfalls. Speaking with an agent, such as those at Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio can help you to understand all of your options and make sure that you properly insure your assets. Give them a call today to guarantee you are not falling into the common insurance traps. Proper coverage does not mean more expensive; achieve security today!

Ellis Insurance Agency
15335 San Pedro
San Antonio, TX 78232
Phone: 210-979-9000
Website: www.ellisinsure.com