Fall Maintenance Tasks For Your Car and Motorcycle

As the cooler months approach and the weather starts to change, there are some steps you should follow to protect your motorcycle or car.

1. Oil Change

Now is an excellent time to change the oil in your car or motorcycle. You don’t want your motorcycle stored with bad oil all winter. Similarly, you don’t want debris circulating through your car’s engine, which the cooler weather could exacerbate.

2. Battery Check

It’s an excellent time to have the battery tested and see if it needs to be replaced. The change in weather patterns can impact your battery, causing it to underperform. You certainly don’t want to be stranded with a dead battery when winter temperatures arrive.

3. Top Off Fluids

This is an excellent opportunity to top off the other fluids in your car or motorcycle. Low fluid levels could make it difficult for the vehicle to start and prevent the motorcycle from starting when you plan to drive it next.

4. Check Your Tires

Not only do you need to inflate your tires and check the pressure, but you should also evaluate your tires’ condition. Examine the remaining tread and determine if you need to replace your tires for the winter. As the weather cools down, tires can wear down faster if they are already deteriorating.

5. Use a Cover

If you plan to park your motorcycle for the fall, ensure you have a tarp or heavy-duty cover to put over it. Leaving it exposed to the elements can lead to unwanted rust.

If you live in the Dallas, TX area and are looking for a quote on auto/motorcycle insurance, contact us at Alloy Insurance Partners for more information.

Residential Insurance Add-Ons

Unique living conditions or specialized upgrades could require more home insurance coverage. Review some common residential insurance add-ons. Then, contact one of our agents representing the Dallas, TX area for assistance upgrading your insurance policy.

Swimming Pool Coverage

A new swimming pool will increase the value of your property. It will also increase the risk of someone becoming injured on your land.

If your home insurance policy doesn’t cover the type of water feature you are adding to your land, seek an add-on that will provide you with the coverage you need.

This type of coverage will protect against damage and injuries when the swimming pool is used.

Buried Utility Coverage

Digging in your yard can damage underground plumbing and electrical wiring. If planning an excavation project, you may want to purchase buried utility coverage.

This coverage will protect you if any underground materials are damaged on your property.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage

Washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and other appliances may break down unexpectedly. Equipment breakdown coverage will reimburse you for the cost of having equipment repaired or replaced.

Extended Reconstruction Coverage

A rebuilding project that you have planned may cost more than you intended. Extended reconstruction coverage will absorb the excess cost of rehabilitating your property.

Agent Assistance

Contact one of our Alloy Insurance Partners representatives to discuss your unique living situation. During your consultation, you will be advised if you qualify for any add-on insurance products. You will also have the opportunity to upgrade your existing insurance policy, which will ensure that your home is provided with plenty of protection.

Does Auto and Motorcycle Insurance Cover Single Vehicle Accidents?

Single-vehicle accidents are more common than many realize, accounting for nearly one-third of Texas traffic deaths. Both automobile and motorcycle operators can be involved in single-vehicle accidents. While the same coverage and liability issues apply to both types of vehicles, it is essential to know what to do if you are involved in a single-vehicle accident and how insurance treats these incidents. The Alloy Insurance Partners team, serving Dallas, TX, is here to answer your insurance questions and provide the coverage you need.

Understanding Fault in Texas Single-Vehicle Accidents

Texas is an at-fault state, meaning we determine who is at fault for vehicle accidents. Identifying the fault is critical to determining who is legally responsible for the cost of injuries or damages resulting from an accident. Even in single-vehicle accidents, more than one person or entity may be legally at fault. Surprisingly, the vehicle operator might not be partially or wholly at fault for the accident. The fault may be attributable to the following scenarios:

  • Weather conditions like snow, ice, rain, or fog, even when moving slowly
  • Road issues such as broken pavement, potholes, or other faults
  • Hidden street signage
  • Running into an animal or items falling from another vehicle
  • Forced to swerve due to another vehicle negligently pulling into your path
  • Vehicle manufacturer or mechanic errors resulting in a faulty vehicle

We strongly recommend obtaining a police report for all accidents. Safely documenting the accident scene can significantly help determine what is at fault. Do take pictures and videos to demonstrate the events you perceive caused the accident, especially when contributing factors exist.

Working with Alloy Insurance Partners

If you live in or near Dallas, TX, the team at Alloy Insurance Partners will ensure you have the correct automobile, motorcycle, and other insurance coverage. Stop by our office today or call us at (800) 527-2209 to get started.

Can Home Insurance Cover Lodging During Repairs?

At Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX, we’ve served plenty of homeowners who may not know exactly what they can expect their home insurance policy to cover. Although you may be aware of the limits of your policy and liability coverage, you might not know that it may be possible for your home insurance policy to cover lodging when qualifying repairs are happening. Of course, before you believe that your insurance policy covers this, you should check with our qualified insurance professionals about what your policy offers.

Why You May Need Lodging During Repairs

While small repairs like fixing a door handle or stopping a faucet from leaking may allow you to be in the home while they’re happening, larger repairs like replacing the flooring in a key room in your home may not allow you to be there. Additionally, some repairs may involve materials that are unsafe for you to be around. In these cases, having somewhere else to stay might not only be helpful for your peace of mind but also necessary for your health and safety.

Can Home Insurance Cover Lodging During Repairs?

Although every insurance policy is different, some home insurance policies may cover lodging at short-term accommodations or other approved places during repairs. In most cases, it depends on the reason for repairs and what the policy explicitly agrees to cover. For purely cosmetic renovations, it’s unlikely that insurance policies will cover lodging, but it never hurts to ask our professionals for clarity on what your policy provides. We’ll always be glad to explain what you can expect from your policy and what is definitely not covered.

For more information on our home insurance policies, call our office at Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX, today!

How Whole Life Insurance Works

Everyone who has people who rely on them needs to have a life insurance policy. Two main kinds are available: term life insurance and whole life. Term life insurance is only valid for several years. After that time, it will expire. However, a whole life policy works very differently. Many aspects of these policies are unique and not found in term policies. Call us at Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX, if you need life insurance.

No Term, No Expiration

A whole life policy is there for your whole life. It’s a policy that doesn’t expire and can stay in effect no matter how old you get. It will remain active if you keep paying to keep your policy. Because it never expires, you never have to worry about getting another life insurance policy later, as many people have to do when they have term life policies. This can bring policyholders a lot of peace of mind. 

Cash Value

Another major benefit of this type of life insurance is that the policy will slowly build up a cash value. Throughout the policy, the insurance company invests the amount you pay for premiums and makes a profit from those investments. A small percentage of that profit becomes available to you as a cash value you can borrow against when needed. This can also bring peace of mind because policyholders know they will have access to important funds if they have a financial emergency later. 

Get Life Insurance 

Having life insurance to leave something behind when you’re gone is essential. To get started with a policy, call Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX.

Three Types of Protection in a Home Insurance Policy

Investing in a home insurance policy is more than necessary to protect your valuable assets. It shields you from potential losses due to various unexpected events, thus securing your home and belongings. For comprehensive coverage, consult the experts at Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX.

Home Coverage

Home coverage is a fundamental feature of homeowner insurance. It safeguards your house against certain damaging occurrences, such as disasters, calamities, and accidents. Establishing this coverage from the inception of homeownership until sale mitigates the risk of exorbitant repair costs.

Possessions Coverage

An essential part of your home insurance policy is possessions coverage. It steps in after damaging incidents to reimburse for damaged or destroyed household items. This coverage will provide financial relief, aiming to return normalcy to your life as soon as possible.

Liability Protection

Liability protection is often overlooked, yet it is vital to your home insurance policy. It covers costs associated with accidents occurring on your property. For instance, if a guest incurs injury on your property, home insurance can cover the medical costs, thus sparing you from sudden financial strain.

If you haven’t secured home insurance yet, now is the time to act. Call the professionals at Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX, to start structuring your ideal policy.

How to Teach Your New Teen Driver About Auto Insurance

A child with a new driver’s license has entered an exciting time of life. They have more freedom than ever. To ensure your child is ready for that experience and minimize financial risk to you and your assets, ensure you have the right type and level of auto insurance in place. Then, educate your child on auto insurance and its importance.

At Alloy Insurance Partners, we help clients in Dallas, TX, and the surrounding area purchase quality insurance that meets their needs.

What Is Auto Insurance?

Start by teaching your child what auto insurance is, including how it works as a backstop for claims made against you and protects the asset. Discuss the various types of coverage, especially the types they have, including liability, comprehensive, and collision. Make sure they know that there are limits and how claims work.

What Is the Value of Auto Insurance?

Discuss the importance of auto insurance to protect from financial losses during an accident. Everyone is at risk, and everyone needs to have proper coverage to minimize the financial risks. It’s also important to discuss the legal requirements of maintaining insurance to meet state laws as well as lienholder laws, such as if there is a loan on the vehicle. 

Discuss What to Do in an Accident

Finally, ensure your child can drive safely and avoid accidents. This is a great time to discuss ways to reduce auto insurance costs, such as being a good driver and avoiding claims. Then, talk to them about what to do when there is an accident so they are ready to handle any situation that could occur.

Get the Help You Need from Our Team

If you need auto insurance in Dallas, TX, our team at Alloy Insurance Partners can help you. Contact us now to learn how we can support you and your teen driver.

Prepare Your Residential Property For Floods

Adequate Flood Prevention Measures for Residential Properties

If you reside in a region susceptible to flooding, there are specific measures you can take to protect your residential land. Here are some guidelines to help prepare your property for potential flood impacts.

Employing Fencing

Fencing can serve as a barrier, blocking rising waters from invading your property. Non-porous fencing materials should be installed along the perimeter of your estate. Conduct yearly inspections and replace any damaged panels resulting from weather impacts.

Installation of Drainage Materials

You can considerably reduce potential flood damage by having a professionally installed drainage system on your property. Drainage materials installed underground won’t affect normal landscaping.

Arranging for Storage

Ensure sufficient storage for valuable items. For instance, consider purchasing a storage building for keeping recreational equipment safe. Should your property flood, this storage will save your possessions from damage.

Choosing Ideal Insurance Products

Review various insurance products that protect your land and home from floods. Insurance policies offer protection for the structural materials of your home and personal belongings, both indoors and outdoors. After reviewing different insurance products, you will better understand the type of insurance you need.

Reach out to Alloy Insurance Partners

Our insurance agents in Dallas, TX, are ready to answer any flood insurance queries you might have. Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX, will prepare the necessary paperwork associated with your flood insurance policy.

Five Strategies for Securing Your Business from Theft, Fraud, and Natural Disasters in Dallas

Five Strategies for Securing Your Dallas, TX Business

Strategy #1. – Talk to a Licensed And Knowledgeable Insurance Agent 

The first step to securing your Dallas business from the financial devastation associated with thefts, fraud, natural disasters, and other incidents leading to unexpected business shutdowns is to talk to a licensed and knowledgeable agent to learn about your options for getting comprehensive commercial insurance. 

Strategy #2. Choose a Comprehensive Commercial Insurance Plan 

Trusted insurance agents can walk you through the steps of choosing a comprehensive business insurance plan that protects your business in the event of the unexpected. Licensed agents can provide you with options for property insurance, liability coverage, business interruption insurance, and other forms of commercial insurance as needed. 

Strategy #3. – Learn About Commercial Insurance Add-Ons and Policy Discounts 

Get information about commercial insurance policy add-ons like automobile coverage and umbrella insurance, which can extend coverage for existing policies. Licensed agents can advise if you are eligible for additional discounts for policyholders with multiple policies. 

Strategy #4. Get a Free Commercial Insurance Quote from Alloy Insurance Partners

Once you and your agent have completed your commercial insurance consultation and selected the best options based on how your business runs, the next step is to get a free commercial insurance quote.

Strategy #5. Start Your New Commercial Insurance Policy to Mitigate Damages and Losses from Theft, Fraud, Natural Disasters, Vandalism, and More! 

After you’ve reviewed and accepted the terms related to your commercial insurance quote, a licensed insurance agent at Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX can activate your coverage and secure your peace of mind. Contact an agent, get a free commercial insurance quote, and start your new business insurance policy today! 

Are there any exceptions to the waiting period after you purchase flood insurance in Dallas, TX?

Flooding can cause massive damage to your Dallas, TX home and property. Nobody expects a flood, and cleaning up can be difficult and stressful. Unfortunately, many people do not have flood insurance to protect themselves and their families when there is a flood. 

Also, you cannot wait until you see a flood is coming to buy flood insurance. With some exceptions, you cannot use a new flood insurance policy for at least 30 days after purchase. Alloy Insurance Partners can help you understand those exceptions.

Exceptions to the 30-Day Rule

You will not have to wait 30 days under these circumstances:

  • If you purchase flood insurance while you are already in the process of renewing, extending, or creating your mortgage loan, there is no wait.
  • You will not need to wait 30 days if you change flood insurance coverage on your renewal bill.
  • You may be able to get a waiver if the flooding occurred due to flooding after a wildfire. 

There is only a 1-day waiting period if you purchase flood insurance within 30 months of a map update when your home or business is designated to be in a high-risk flood area.

Flood Insurance Terms

Your flood insurance policy will last one year and expire at 12:01 on the last day. However, your coverage will remain in effect for the next 30 days after expiration.

Claims during that lapsed period will be honored as long as you pay the renewal within the grace period.

Protect Your Dallas, TX Home From Flooding

When disaster comes, you want to be ready. Alloy Insurance Partners can help you find a policy to protect you and your family. Call today to compare options.