Why Most Texans Drive & Text

Posted on February 28, 2017 by AgentInsure

Distracted driving has become a dangerous practice on the streets and highways of Texas. The popularity of mobile smartphones have resulted in unintended and deadly consequences for a driver and other surrounding automobiles on the road. An increased number of traffic accidents have occurred due to a driver’s continuous correspondence with another individual via text messaging.

A Recent Study Reveals…

A recent study conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute has revealed a high number of Texans admitting to routinely texting with a friend, loved one or work while driving a vehicle. Approximately, 3,000 drivers took part in the study, and two out of four drivers confessed to reading and sending corresponding texts during their time navigating on the road. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that text messaging has accounted for 1.3 million traffic accidents, as nine people die each day from being distracted behind the wheel. Unfortunately, many of those victims are under the age of 25 years old.

Types of Distractions That Occur on the Road

Usually, a distraction falls under three categories: visual, cognitive and manual. Visual distraction occurs every time a driver’s eye is taken off the road. A cognitive distraction is when a driver fails to react to an action taking place in front of them on the road. Finally, manual distraction is when a driver’s hands are off the steering wheel while the vehicle is moving.

Local Government’s Reaction to Distracted Driving

Cities in Texas have implemented their own laws against texting while driving. No one under the age of 18 years old is permitted to text while behind the wheel of a vehicle. Other driving restrictions include permit-holders are prohibit from using a smartphone inside a car during their first six months after passing the written portion of the driver’s test, school bus drivers cannot use a cell phone if children are present and no cell phone usage is permitted inside a school’s crossing zone.

Strack Insurance Services in Arlington, TX can provide the type of car insurance that meets your standards. They have the experience to provide the right features that will help to take the stress off your mind.

Auto Insurance Lone Star State

Posted on January 31, 2017 by AgentInsure

In the United States, there is nowhere bigger for road touring than Texas. Auto insurance is mandated under law in the Lone Star state.

Minimum insurance coverage for Texas drivers is liability for coverage of another driver’s injury once an accident is established as an “at faulty” collision. Have knowledge of your driving record when requesting an auto insurance quote. Depending on a driver’s record, Texas rules to insurance registration with the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may require that a driver is covered by a comprehensive auto insurance policy. These are the main categories of auto insurance coverage available for drivers in Texas:

Liability Coverage – basic auto insurance every driver must carry in Texas. Liability insurance is mandated under law, and covers injury and property damage claims made by another driver.

Property Coverage – coverage of repair and replacement of property after a vehicle has sustained accident or vandalism.

Medical Coverage – compensates for medical and hospitalization bills, and sometimes lost wages due to injury, and funeral expenses.

Comprehensive Coverage – combined liability, property, and medical auto insurance policy covering all costs associated with an accident or theft claim.

Premium obligations are generally indexed higher on comprehensive auto insurance agreements, yet there are no future medical, property repair, or attorney fees for the insured out-of-pocket once covered. Drivers with a record of traffic tickets, accident incidences, or those categorized as a risk, may be obliged to meet Texas DMV comprehensive auto coverage requirements. Drivers with good driving records, may find discount insurance incentives offered by insuring companies. Ask your insurance broker if about discount eligibility on an auto insurance agreement.

To find out about auto insurance coverage in Texas, and to request a quote, contact Strack Insurance Services, Arlington, TX.

Car Insurance Options to Consider

Posted on December 14, 2016 by AgentInsure

When selecting a car insurance policy while living in Arlington, TX you want to pick out the best policy for your personal needs. What you need will differ from what other drivers, which is why sitting down and considering how much you drive, how you drive and what you drive is important. With this in mind, your car insurance provider can help indicate what may cover your needs.

Uninsured/Underinsured

This is one of those insurance policies you probably don’t like to pay for, but it is important. Essentially, it covers you in the event of being involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. If the driver is illegally driving without insurance and causes the accident, they likely will not have the money to pay for your repairs. Furthermore, you can take the driver to court, but if they don’t have insurance they also likely won’t have the money through court either. Having uninsured/underinsured coverage protects you against this problem.

Collision

The collision is different from your traditional car insurance as it covers accidents where you are the only vehicle involved. Perhaps you backed into a guard rail or skid into a curb that bent your alignment. Collision covers this kind of accident.

Personal Injury Protection

Often referred to as PIP, this is a kind of medial coverage that pays for a wide range of costs. It will help cover medical bills, rehabilitation (such as therapy), work loss, replacement costs and even funeral costs. This might be something you want to consider if you drive a considerable amount, have less than desirable health insurance or just want peace of mind knowing you will have the necessary medical coverage required to pay for your medical bills, which can grow rather steep after a car accident.

Contact Strack Insurance Services to learn more today.

Why Winter Tires Are Your Vehicle’s Best Friend in Winter

Posted on November 17, 2016 by AgentInsure

When it comes to snow, ice, water and everything wet on the road, one thing matters the most (and it’s not the power of the car engine) – traction. If a vehicle driver has no ability to achieve grip on the road, bad things happen very quickly in the car or truck being driven, especially at speed. However, in many conditions, it simply isn’t practical to be using snow chains. Obviously, when it’s not snowing, chains are pretty much useless. And regular car tires with a bit of wear often end up sliding far too easily, and much more if they hit black ice in a curve. This is why winter tires are so important; they provide the middle point between a regular tire and a fully-chained vehicle. With winter tires a driver has the flexibility and movement of a regular car tire but far greater traction that digs into the road, funnels water out with deeper groves and proves a greater contact point to propel the car with. And they can go at regular speeds, which is pretty much impossible with chained tires, even with snow cables.

Of course, the added benefit of winter tires is that they help prevent the situations that often lead to car accidents and vehicle damage during wet and ice conditions. And that means lower insurance costs for a driver and safe transport from point A to point B, even if Jack Frost is throwing his worst rain or snow along the way. For those in the Arlington, TX region, Strack Insurance Services can help with suggestions and local service references that provide winter tires and can handle the installation for them. Don’t take unnecessary risks during the winter; get the right tires for the season and drive safe. Agents at Strack Insurance Services have repeatedly handled winter car accidents and know from experience the benefits of winter tires for their clients.

Why Invest in Auto Insurance Coverage in Arlington, TX Beyond Basic Liability?

Posted on October 13, 2016 by AgentInsure

In Texas, the law states that all drivers must pay for the accidents that they cause. The State requires drivers to demonstrate financial responsibility. The basic coverage required by the state is called 30/60/25. This means that each driver needs $30,000 coverage for injury to a person, $60,000 coverage for an accident and $25,000 coverage for property damage. Most people do this by purchasing liability insurance. This provides coverage for accidents and medical costs should the policy holder injure someone else. It will not, however, cover the policy holder’s medical costs if they are injured.

The costs associated with medical care and repairing or replacing a car as growing each day. These are the basic reasons that Texas drivers should consider more comprehensive policy coverage. Also, basic liability coverage may not cover all of the costs of an accident and related medical costs. If this is the case, the injured person can sue the policy holder for the additional monies. Additional insurance can protect the driver from these situations. Other types of additional coverage that are available include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury coverage, comprehensive and collision. Most lenders will require automobile owners to retain comprehensive or collision coverage while they are paying on their car. This ensures that the car will repaired or replaced should an accident occur. Collision coverage provides the actual cash value of the car minus depreciation if it is destroyed. It will also cover having the car repaired following an accident. Comprehensive coverage is more encompassing. It will pay for the repair and replacement of car that is stolen or damaged in a variety of situations except an accident such as hail, vandalism or fire.

The pros at Strack Insurance Services in Arlington, TX help clients get the coverage they need. Easily compare quotes on the Strack Insurance Services website then give them a call today!

Key Features to Look For in Your Teen’s Auto Insurance

Posted on September 24, 2016 by AgentInsure

When it comes to finding an auto insurance company that you can trust for your teen, there are some important features that are required. Auto insurance companies like Strack Insurance Services, for example, cater to parents and their teens in the Arlington, TX area. They provide a number of benefits that are hard to pass up.

Excellent Customer Service

You want an insurance company you can reach at a moment’s notice; an insurance company that will make you feel like family when you’re on the phone with one of their agents. It’s not hard to provide great customer service, so that’s a feature you’ll want to watch out for when looking for your teen’s auto insurance.

Fair Discounts

A teen’s automobile insurance can be fairly pricey if the insurance company doesn’t have discounts that are fair to all age brackets. Keep an eye on "good grade" discounts for your teens that are in high school or college, among many other secret discounts you may not be aware of. Simply ask the agent you set up with what specific discounts are available.

Comfortable Coverage

Just because the insurance plan you choose for your teen is affordable doesn’t mean it has to limit what’s covered. On the contrary, the insurance you want to get for a teenager should have coverage that will protect them and the vehicle no matter what accident they encounter.

Strack Insurance Services can provide your teen’s auto insurance that meets all of the standards you have in place ahead of time. Ensuring that the insurance company you choose in Arlington, TX has all of the features you need will take all of the stress off you and your teen going forward.

Ideas for Keeping Your Car Clean in Arlington, Texas

Posted on April 27, 2016 by AgentInsure

Keeping your car clean in Arlington, Texas is an important thing for a number of reasons. For one, it keeps your car looking nice for friends and family who may end up riding in it. But more importantly, it makes it safer to drive to ensure that the auto insurance policy you set up with a company like Strack Insurance Services isn’t affected because of an accident you had due to dirty windows or mirrors. Below are some ideas for how to best keep your car clean in Arlington, Texas.

PARK IN A GARAGE

Parking your vehicle in a garage is one of he best ways to keep your clean for a longer period of time, on average. Most of the dirt or grime that gets on a vehicle is due to dust settling or birds pooping on the car. This doesn’t happen to the same extent inside a garage. If you don’t have access to a garage, then purchase a car cover to keep your car clean while it is parked outside. This way you will only need a soft, clean rag to clean your vehicle most of the time.

USE OLD NEWSPAPERS ON WINDOWS

With a mix of vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water you can make the perfect spray for cleaning windows, the windshield and mirrors inside your vehicle. With old newspaper, you can finish the job, as this paper surface gets rid of any smudges or streaks that could impede visibility while driving in the future.

MAKE SURE THERE IS WAX

A good coat of wax is key for keeping a car clean and in the best condition possible. The wax on the surface of the vehicle will allow dirt to settle on top of it and be easily wiped or washed off with soap and water. Try to replenish the wax on monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Cleaning Your Car: Keeing It Shiny and Clean in Arlington

Posted on April 26, 2016 by AgentInsure

When was the last time you gave your car a good cleaning? If it’s been more than a few weeks, you should know that a washing and vacuuming will likely be needed to keep your car looking its best. Not only will cleaning your car and keeping it shiny help you feel better about yourself, but it will also increase resale value of the vehicle in the event you want to sell it. Here’s a quick look at a few tips you can follow to make sure you are getting top dollar for your car if you ever go to sell it.

Wash it at least once a week

Sure, washing your car at least once a week may seem extreme, but truth is, this will help it to look its best, no matter the time of year. You may find that you can get away with washing it less during the wintertime, but still yet, if there is salt on the roads, you will need to wash it at least once a week to make sure the salt doesn’t cause your car to rust.

Keep the tires looking good

Another part of the car that you’ll want to keep looking good is the tires. You should also check them for their pressure on a regular basis. Not only does this help you feel safer, but it actually improves the safety of the car. Keeping your tires filled with the right amount of air is key to keeping both you and your passengers safe.

To learn more about keeping your car looking its best, contact Strack Insurance Services today.

Essential Car Safety Tools for Drivers

Posted on March 1, 2016 by AgentInsure

When you are on the road anything could happen. You could break down and be stranded along the side of the road with your family. If this has never happened to you, then consider yourself fortunate. However, you should prepare yourself just in case you become disabled on the side of the road in Arlington, Texas. The following are some tools that will help you get back up and running safely

Tool #1. Have a regular-sized tire in case of a blowout.

Many car manufacturers provide you with a spare tire just in case you experience a blowout or a flat while you are driving. Although these tires will help you get to safety, doesn’t it make sense to replace it once? Before you have a flat tire, purchase a regular tire and replace it with the smaller tire that comes with your car. By doing this, you can ensure that your family is safe if you ever need to replace your tire.

Tool #2. Have a tire jack handy.

Since there is a chance you will experience a flat, you should make sure you have the ability to change it. Purchase a tire jack that is sturdy and capable of lifting your car without placing you in danger. You can get a durable tire jack from your local auto parts supplier. It’s important to purchase a jack with all the necessary parts, such as a lug wrench and other things you will need to change your tire.

Tool #3. A speed charger for your battery

During the colder months, the weather can wreak havoc on your battery. It’s possible for the cold weather to kill your battery, preventing you from getting to work. However, if you have a battery charger that powers your battery quickly, you can reduce the time your vehicle is down and possibly make it to work on time.

At Strack Insurance Services, we want you to always be safe while you are on the road. In addition to having an essential toolkit, you should also have the right auto insurance coverage for your care while you are driving. You can visit our website to narrow down the choices for auto insurance coverage, and then call us when you are ready to make a purchase.

Can I Borrow Your Car?

Posted on March 1, 2016 by AgentInsure

The old saying, "Never a borrower or lender be," applies to lending or borrowing a vehicle. What may seem like an innocent thing to do, such as lending a car to a friend, may expose you to excessive liability when something goes wrong, and they have a car accident while driving your vehicle. The reverse is also true, you may borrow another person’s car, and then when you get in an accident have all kinds of unexpected problems, when you are without adequate auto insurance coverage.

Here are some important considerations, when borrowing or lending a vehicle, recommended by Strack Insurance Services:

Check Auto Insurance Coverage – Auto insurance policies are very specific about what they cover and what they do not. It is important to read the policy language carefully in regards to what happens when another person is the driver instead of the primary insured person(s) named in the policy.
There is Difference Between an Occasional Driver and a Driver that Must Be on the Auto Policy – Most, but not all, auto insurance policies cover the use of a vehicle by an occasional driver. The definition of "occasional," differs for each insurance company and may be subject to interpretation. Any use of a vehicle on a regular basis, even if infrequent, is not an occasional driver. Typically, this issue comes up, regarding parents letting their teenagers "borrow" the car. Teenagers who use the family car need to be on the auto policy as designated drivers. This causes auto premiums to go up, but you need this coverage if you let any teenager drive your car.
My Friend Wrecked My Car, Can I Be Sued? – The answer is yes. Because Texas is an "at-fault" state regarding auto accidents, the owner of a vehicle may become a party in any lawsuit when the vehicle is involved in an accident caused by the driver of the vehicle, no matter who that person is.

If you have trouble understanding your auto insurance policy regarding these issues, ask your insurance agent at Strack Insurance Services to explain the details.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Strack Insurance Services

Category Archives: Auto Insurance