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.

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.

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.

Differences Between Auto and Motorcycle Insurance

At Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX, we insure all types of vehicles. From Harleys to Jeep Wranglers, our team of qualified professional insurance agents has seen all sorts of vehicles in our parking lot as their new owners have sought us out to protect their most prized possession and reliable transportation. If you’re unfamiliar with vehicle insurance, you might wonder if there’s even a difference between auto and motorcycle insurance. Thankfully, we’ve helped plenty of car and motorcycle owners differentiate between these two common types of insurance policies.

What Is Auto Insurance?

Auto insurance policies cover cars such as trucks, SUVs, and sports cars. For most car owners, auto insurance is the most popular insurance coverage choice. While every policy is different, auto insurance policies tend to provide a mix of coverage that involves liability, damage, and theft coverage. You can speak with an agent at your provider for specific information about what your insurance policy covers.

What Is Motorcycle Insurance?

Motorcycle insurance covers motorcycles and related vehicles. While every policy has its own terms and limits, they usually cover at least liability. Some motorcycle insurance policies also offer coverage for theft, personal injury, and more. 

The Difference Between Motorcycle and Auto Insurance

The difference between motorcycle and auto insurance lies in the types of vehicles they cover. Other than that, they may have different limits depending on the policy. They may also provide different coverage for upgrades and replacing a stolen vehicle. Motorcycle coverage may have restrictions on the types of vehicles covered. Auto insurance may have similar restrictions.

Contact Alloy Insurance Partners

For more information on our motorcycle and auto insurance policies, call our office at Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX today! We’re happy to help find the appropriate policy for you.

What Are the Differences Between Collision and Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

At Alloy Insurance Partners, we provide auto insurance policies in the greater Dallas, TX area. We are committed to helping our customers find the best policies and coverage limits for them. However, we have found that one of the biggest hindrances for customers when finding the right policy is not understanding what insurance terms mean. Read along as we describe the differences between collision and comprehensive auto insurance. 

Collison Auto Insurance

Collision auto insurance is exactly what it sounds like. Depending on the type of collision coverage you select, collision auto insurance helps to cover any vehicles you may have been involved in a collision or accident with or personal property that may have been damaged during a car accident. It may even cover your vehicle if it is involved in a car accident. Accidents happen, and collision auto insurance protects you if you are interested. 

Comprehensive Auto Insurance

While accidents are one of the most common reasons why cars are damaged, collisions are not the only reason for damaged vehicles. Cars can be damaged if they are vandalized, if a tree limb falls on your vehicle, or if a flood happens. Comprehensive auto insurance helps to cover your vehicle from non-accident-related issues, including vandalism, weather, and theft. If you have a loan out on your car, you are likely required to carry both collision and comprehensive auto insurance. 

Are you looking for a new auto insurance policy in the greater Dallas, TX area? If so, reach out to Alloy Insurance Partners today. We can help answer any questions you have, helping to guide you toward the best policy for your needs. Give us a call now to start the process. 

Common Auto Insurance Exclusions

Like any other insurance coverage, your car insurance isn’t flawless. It has exclusions and limitations — meaning it doesn’t cover you against all risks. Alloy Insurance Partners of Plano, TX expounds on risks not covered by your typical car insurance. Understanding the exclusions of your car insurance helps you avoid frustrations during the claim process. Plus, knowing your car insurance exclusions aid you in deciding what "add-ons" you should consider to boost your car insurance.

Normal wear and tear

When your car engine fails or the paint chips off, any attempt to seek compensation from your insurer won’t be honored. The same goes for damage due to mold or pest infestation.

Racing events

When injuries or damages occur during racing events, stunts, and other enthusiasts’ events, your typical car insurance won’t step in to cover the loss. However, you can consider add-ons when participating in such events.

Acts of God

Your car insurance policy may exclude natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, tornados, and other natural threats listed in your policy.

Family member exclusion clause

Suppose you have liability coverage and cause an accident hurting other people on the road. Your liability coverage will cover other people’s medical expenses, but not that of you and any family member in the vehicle.

Intentional damage

This is rather obvious, but we will say it because you find motorists, especially first-time car owners, filing claims after intentional damage. Note this: your insurer will not honor your claim after damaging your car intentionally. This includes using your car as a weapon, setting it on fire, or kicking it out of frustration.

Car insurance in Plano, TX

Before getting behind the wheel, it’s pivotal to understand the ins and outs of your insurance policy. But if you are not familiar with your policy, don’t hesitate to contact Alloy Insurance Partners for more information.

Three things to know about auto insurance quotes

One of the most important things you need to do when you’re on the market for auto insurance is to get quotes on policies from a few different insurance providers. At Alloy Insurance Partners, we are a provider of auto insurance in Dallas, TX. 

The following are three things to know about auto insurance quotes. 

Getting an auto insurance quote typically doesn’t take long.

You can generally get an auto insurance quote quickly from an insurance provider. You just need to provide some basic information about yourself to get a policy quote.

You generally just need to provide some basic information on what type of vehicle you drive, where you live, and what your driver’s license number is to get a quote. 

You can get a quote on an auto insurance policy over the Internet.

The Internet is a great resource when you’re looking for a quote on auto insurance coverage. You can take advantage of comparison websites on the Internet to get quotes from numerous providers at the same time. This is a great way to find the most cost-effective policy for your needs. 

You can specify coverage preferences when you get a quote. 

You’ll generally need to enter some information on what types of coverage you want to purchase when you get a quote. This way, the quote that you get will specify the types of coverage you’re hoping to purchase. You’ll specify whether you want collision or comprehensive coverage. You could also specify how much coverage you want and what your deductible will be. 

Do you need a quote on an auto insurance policy in Dallas, TX? Let us help you out at Alloy Insurance Partners. Contact us today for a quote on a policy to cover your vehicle. 

Do I need auto insurance in Dallas, TX?

In a recent study, Dallas finished in the bottom 15% of the 200  cities where you are least likely to have an accident, it was ranked number 172.  Another sobering fact is that Texas leads the nation in motor vehicle deaths. The cold fact is that at least one person dies on Texas roads every day. It should not come as a surprise that the state of Texas mandates liability auto insurance coverage. Texas has a 30/60/25 requirement. That means $30,000 in bodily injury per person with a max of $60,000 per accident and additionally $25,000 in property damage. Having an insurance agent who is knowledgeable is a must and the team at Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX fits the bill perfectly.

Given the statistics about driving in Dallas, expanding your insurance coverage beyond what is required is an excellent idea. If you have a vehicle loan, your lender will require that you carry collision and comprehensive coverage. Even when your loan is paid off, keeping this important coverage is a good idea Ask yourself if your car was damaged or totaled would you be able to repair or replace it easily? If the answer is no then collision and comprehensive is a good option for you. If you have assets, you may also want to consider increasing the amount of the liability coverage that you carry as well. The minimum is what is required but it may not be what is right for you. 

Whether you are a new driver or looking to talk to a new agent, at Alloy Insurance Partners in Dallas, TX, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your needs and the products that we have to offer. You can stop by our office or give us a call to set up an appointment for a no-obligation quote. 

Do you Have to Add Extra Liability Coverage for Passengers?

Liability insurance does a lot to help protect those that are riding along with you in your car or on your motorcycle. A standard liability policy covers a great deal, but do you need more coverage? For those in the Dallas, TX area, the agents with Alloy Insurance Partners can help you to determine how much liability insurance you need and what type of coverage is going to work best for you.

How Much Do I Need?

Liability coverage is something that is built into most policies for both auto and motorcycle. You may have enough liability coverage that you feel comfortable with a standard policy or you might feel that you want to add more coverage. For the most part, it is not necessary to add more liability coverage to your standard policy unless you simply want to. Many standard policies come with around $10,000 liability for each person that is riding in the car or on the bike should there be an accident. If you feel that this coverage is not enough, you can add more liability to suit your needs.

Liability coverage is something that everyone can benefit from having. The right liability coverage can help pay for medical bills, time off work, and any other expenses that might be associated with an accident. A full-coverage policy is, of course, going to have more coverage than a standard liability only policy would have, but you do not have to add extra liability coverage unless you want to. For those in the Dallas, TX area, the agents with Alloy Insurance Partners can help you to get a great policy for your insurance needs. We can make sure you have enough liability coverage for any passenger and for yourself. Contact our office for a quote.

Are the Minimum Amounts of Liability and Personal Injury Insurance the Same for Both Cars and Motorcycles?

No matter what type of vehicle you drive, you need to be properly insured with the minimum amount of insurance in place at all times. The agents of Alloy Insurance Partners serve residents living in Dallas, TX and many of the surrounding communities. Whether you drive a car or motorcycle, the agents can help you get the coverage you need to drive legally within the state of Texas.

Same Amounts

Both automobiles and motorcycles require the same amount of insurance when it comes to personal liability and property damage. In Texas, you must have at least $30,000 of personal injury liability insurance (up to $60,000) and at $25,000 property damage liability per accident to drive legally. Just like an auto insurance policy, you will have the choice between PL/PD and collision or comprehensive type policies.

Two Different Policies

Motorcycles are not insured under an auto insurance policy. They have a policy designed to cover the unique needs of a motorcycle. Even though they are covered under two separate and unique policies, they can be bundled together with an auto insurance policy under a multi-policy plan. By bundling your home, auto, motorcycle, and boat insurance into one large policy, you may receive certain discounts that will reduce your monthly premiums. 

In Dallas, TX, turn to the agents of Alloy Insurance Partners when you have questions about an existing motorcycle policy or are in the market to buy a new one. They have the answers you have been looking for and can customize or bundle your policies so you have one convenient monthly premium. Call today and talk to an agent!