6 Types Of Auto Insurance

When a driver is involved in an accident, if the car needs any repairs or the driver has needed medical attention, insurance will seem like a godsend. There is a broad range of insurance options available to drivers, and some can find choosing between them quite difficult. When you are looking for auto insurance, you don’t want to go for the first option that you come across. Make sure to shop around and see what different insurance companies can offer you. You want to pick an auto insurance policy that best suits your needs.

If you aren’t sure about the different types of auto insurance that are available, below is a list of 6 different types and everything that you need to know about them.

1. Collision insurance

If you are involved in an accident and you have a collision insurance policy, your insurance company will pay for any repairs that your vehicle needs. If you are in an accident, and your car is totaled, this type of insurance policy will also pay you the value of your vehicle before it was involved in the crash.

Collision insurance is worth having if your car is a lot newer and is still great in value. If your vehicle is older and its value is low, that particular insurance probably isn’t worth paying for, since if you were to get into an accident and the car was totaled, you wouldn’t get much of a payout.

2. Protection against uninsured or underinsured motorists

Although auto insurance is mandatory, it still doesn’t mean that everyone has it. There are a lot more uninsured drivers out there than you will realize. There are also many drivers who, in the event of an accident, are underinsured and would not have enough money to cover the expenses. Without protection against underinsured or uninsured drivers, you run the risk of being left with hefty bills for an accident that wasn’t your fault.

3. Liability insurance

When a state requires that you have some form of auto insurance for your vehicle, liability insurance is often the one that drivers select. If you were involved in an accident and you are found to be the one at fault, liability insurance would cover any necessary costs of damage or medical bills.

One of the problems with having liability insurance only is that if you are involved in an accident, you may end up not having enough money to repair your vehicle as well. If any claims exceed the limit of your coverage, you must take personal responsibility to pay for them.

4. Comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive insurance covers more than just a car accident. Whether your vehicle is damaged due to weather, an animal collision or by theft, comprehensive insurance will cover you. Comprehensive insurance can be a bit costly, but if you can afford it, it’s worth getting – especially if your car is new and is not easily replaced.

5. Medical and personal injury insurance

When a driver is involved in a car accident, injuries are almost inevitable – they may suffer anything from whiplash to a life-threatening injury. Medical and personal injury insurance will cover any medical bills of the driver and also the passengers.

6. No fault insurance

No fault insurance is not available in all states – it doesn’t matter who is to blame, this auto insurance will cover medical bills and property damage. No-fault insurance can be a bit pricey, so you need to compare all of your other options before making a decision.

Saving Money On Young Driver Car Insurance

Statistically, young drivers are a lot more likely to be involved in car accidents – this can significantly increase the cost of auto insurance for teen drivers. When it comes to getting car insurance, new drivers don’t necessarily need their own insurance policy. It’s very common for the parents of these youngsters to add them to their insurance coverage as it works out a lot cheaper.

When parents add a young driver to their insurance policy, the premiums will increase, but not by a huge amount. The price that it increases by will still be a lot lower than a young driver getting an individual insurance policy. Here are some ways both the drivers, and their parents, can help reduce the cost of insurance.

How to reduce auto insurance

When it comes to insuring a young driver, many people automatically think of how costly it can be. There are many ways that young drivers and their parents can keep their insurance premiums down and affordable.

Young Drivers and Car Insurance

● Safe driver training course – Taking a safe driver course and successfully passing it is an excellent way to reduce your auto insurance. By passing the course, you are seen as a more reliable driver and less of a liability.

● Good grades – There are many auto insurance companies now that have a perk called good student discounts. If you are getting good grades in your education (a B average or higher), depending on your insurance company, you could get some well-earned discount.

● Higher deductible – Paying a higher deductible will help to lower your auto insurance premium. If you are on your parent’s insurance, you will need to get them to agree to increase the deductible.

● Driver’s Ed – Some states require young drivers to have driver’s ed but if your state does not, it’s worth enrolling in. If you can complete the driver’s ed course, depending on the insurance company you are with; you may be able to get some discount on your auto insurance.

● Avoid fancy vehicles – It’s every young driver’s dream to be able to pick out a brand new fancy car. If you are lucky enough to be able to do this, don’t. As a young driver, you’re much better off going for an older model. New models can be extortionate for young drivers to insure, so until you have a few more years of experience on your license, resist temptation and go for a car that costs less to insure.

Parents:

● Increasing your deductible – By increasing your deductibles, your auto insurance rates will automatically lower.

● Multiple vehicle discounts – With most insurance companies, if you add another car to an insurance policy, you can receive some discount.

● Encourage a sensible vehicle – A luxury car will be expensive for your teen to insure. Encourage them to invest in a car that is an older model and one that also includes safety features, as this will cost a lot less to insure.

● Collision and comprehensive cover – If your teenager is driving a car that isn’t of much value, collision and comprehensive cover may be some insurance options that you don’t need. If your teen is driving a newer car that is not easily replaceable, then definitely consider having collision and comprehensive cover.

A Guide To Buying Insurance For Your RV

The cost for insurance on a recreational vehicle (RV) will depend on what class your RV is. There are three different categories, class C, B and A. An RV can be anything from a motor home to a converted bus. Many different factors will be taken into account when insuring your RV, one of these being how often you use your RV – whether you use it for vacations only or if you live in it full time.

Recreational vehicle classes

● Class C – Vehicles that have the camper extending over the cab area and that also use the cargo van for the driving section are in class C. Fifth wheel vehicles are also included in class C.

● Class B – Recreational vehicles that are under class B are often camper vans and travel trailers. These RV’s don’t have the cab over.

● Class A – The types of RVs that are a class A are those that are up to 75 ft long. They are often classed as luxury vehicles, and they’re the most expensive and largest. These include motor coaches and converted buses.

Average costs of RV Insurance

● For class B vehicles such as camper vans, an average auto insurance policy can cover the vehicles. Depending on the location, the value of the camper, the type of coverage and also the insurance company, the rates can vary quite significantly.

● For RV’s that are under class A, the average annual cost for an RV that is gas powered and used 140 days a year is around $1000 to $1300. The cost is determined by how old the RV is, what it’s value is and also by the size of the vehicle.

● When it comes to insuring travel trailers and fifth wheel vehicles, the cost is quite low compared to the cost of insuring an RV that is motorized. Depending on the age, size, value, and frequency of use of the trailer, the premium charges can differ. For those that own a fifth wheel vehicle that is of an older age and valued at around $8000, for annual coverage, it will cost around $170. A fifth wheel vehicle that is considered luxury will cost around $1300 annually if used for around 140 days a year.

● For an average sized motorized RV, they would typically come under class C. The premium cost can vary quite widely as it depends on the age of the vehicle, its location, its value, and its size and how often you use it. For a motorhome valued at around $120,000, depending on the location, the cost could be anywhere from around $800 – $3000 annually.

What does RV insurance cover?

How much coverage you receive from your RV insurance depends on what type of insurance you go for and also on the company you choose. Insurance for your RV is very similar to auto insurance, but it can also include some additional coverage that is comparable to home insurance. Additional coverage could cover any accessories that are attached to your RV, or it could be used to cover your personal belongings. Below are some other additional protection options that you can receive:

● If you live in your RV full-time, full-timer coverage could be included.

● Coverage for if you’re on vacation or in a campsite.

● Replacement coverage if your RV suffers a break-in and items are stolen.

● Coverage for if you’re in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver.

● Coverage for if you break down and need roadside recovery or towing.

● Coverage for any emergency expenses.

If you have any question concerning Insurance of an RV, wether you already own one or are thinking about buying a new one. Call Ed Cuellar @ (210) 647-7112

Car Insurance For The Most And Least Expensive Vehicles

Owning a car normally means you will need to purchase car insurance very soon after you have purchased the Vehicle. Car Insurance is mandatory in all states of the US. As useful as car insurance is, it can sometimes cost quite a bit. The price of your insurance can depend on several factors; ranging from the model of the vehicle you drive, to where you live. The companies that insure you will charge higher rates if you reside in an area where car accidents are more common, crime rates are higher, and extreme weather frequently causes damage to vehicles.

On average, sedan owners pay more for their insurance than anyone else. SUV, crossover and truck owners, tend to pay less for their insurance premiums than sedan owners. In fact, studies show that sedan owners spend on average over $100 more for their insurance than those other vehicle owners do for theirs. This lower cost may be because larger vehicles usually have higher safety ratings than the smaller varieties. The model of car that tends to cost the most to insure is predominantly Toyotas.

Insurance prices in Texas vary greatly. It costs individuals in Houston more than anyone else in Texas to insure their vehicles. Out of the nine most popular cars driven, it costs an average of $1,614 per year to insure them. Dallas is the second most expensive city in Texas to insure, with an average of $1,598 per insurance premium. Drivers in the other four Texas cities that are part of the survey sometimes pay up to $200 less than the others. These cities include San Antonio, Fort Worth, Austin, and El Paso.

According to studies taken from 15 different cities, including locations in California, SUV or crossover owners generally spend less to insure their vehicles than sedan or pickup owners do.

Insurance rates can vary by location

Insurance companies calculate how much you will be charged depending on how likely it is that you will make a claim. Even if your driving is flawless, you can still be charged a higher price if other drivers in the same area as you have accidents often.

If your vehicle has a higher chance of being stolen because of the area you live in, then the insurance price will rise. Some areas have extremely high rates of theft compared to others, and this will inevitably impact the price of insurance.

If the area where you live has frequent bad weather, such as heavy snow or rainfall, you’ll probably find yourself having to spend more on insuring a sedan. SUVs, crossovers, and pickups fair better in bad weather, so they are less likely to have an accident in dangerous weather.

How you can save money on car insurance

Despite which area you live in, or what make or model car you drive; it can save you a considerable amount of money if you thoroughly shop around for different insurance quotes. Companies vary massively on prices, while usually offering the same amount of coverage. There are a few different insurance comparison sites that you can put your details in, and then compare the prices that you are offered. These sites can be found through the use of search engines. For any questions call Ed’s office at 210-647-7112 in San Antonio

Ed Cuellar Insurance

The Cost Of Insuring A High-Performance Car

High-performance cars are thrilling to drive, and many people love to drive them due to the heavy horsepower they have. There aren’t many people who would say no to taking a Porsche out for a spin. Although driving the car may be oodles of fun and owning it might make you feel cool – your happy face will drop when the auto insurance bill arrives your way. They typically cost a great lot more to insure than an average mass produced car.

Factors that affect the insurance premium

When an insurance company is insuring a high-performance car, they take several different factors into account:

● When a car has more power, it means there is more risk. When you factor in the risk, auto insurance costs can rocket.

● If you were to be involved in an accident when driving a high-performance car and your vehicle needed repairs, the car parts are likely to cost a lot more. Some of the parts may even be hard to come by, as they are not mass-produced.

● High-performance cars are at a much greater risk of being stolen than a regular car. Auto insurance to cover theft of these types of vehicles can be extremely pricey.

● Where you live will also be taken into consideration. If you reside in an area where car accidents are high, you will have to pay more money. If you live in an area where car accidents are rare, you will pay less. You will also pay more for auto insurance if the crime rate is high in your area.

● Some high-performance cars lack safety features, and this is especially prevalent in the older vehicles. Safety features help to lower auto insurance premiums so if your car has none or very few, expect your auto insurance to be even more expensive.

● Insurance companies may consider you as less of a risk if the vehicle is your second car. If you drive up to 4,00 miles every year, your premiums will be lower, if you drive it more than 4,00 mile per year, you will be considered more of a risk.

How to reduce auto insurance on a high-performance car

● Don’t use the high-performance car as your everyday car – use it as a second car. The fewer miles you drive in your sports car, the less your auto insurance will cost.

● When people own high-performance vehicles, they find it hard not to speed. Although all that horsepower seems like a waste if you don’t get to use it, control yourself. Driving over the speed limit can result in accidents or speeding tickets. If either of these events were to happen, the auto insurance on your sports car would inflate.

● Install some safety features – a car alarm, airbags, etc. – the more safety features your vehicle has, the more discount you will get off your insurance. By installing a car alarm, it also reduces the risk of your sports car being stolen.

Most expensive cars to insure

The style and horsepower of a high performance car can alter auto insurance premiums. Below are some of the most expensive cars to insure, including their average annual premium:

● Porsche 911 Carrera GT3 RS – Av annual premium $3,212

● Audi RS7 Quattro Prestige – Av annual premium $3,229

● BMW M6 Gran Coupe – Av annual premium $3,309

● Nissan GT-R Nismo – Av annual premium $3,476

● Porsche Panamera S Executive – Av annual premium $3,484

● Mercedes S600 BI-T – Av annual premium $3,539

● Mercedes SL65 AMG – Av annual premium $3,797

● Dodge GT Viper – Av annual premium $4,048

The 10 Most Expensive Suburbs For Home Insurance

Homeowners in the U.S. who want to both work in the big city and have a backyard with lots of free space, will more often than not choose the suburbs to live in. The price of insuring a suburban home varies depending on where it is, so how much would living in one suburban area compare to another in price?

Depending on your location, the coverage price for your home can vary hugely. Where your home lies can have a great effect on the cost of your home insurance. For example, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 2,000-square-foot home can cost up to three times as much on your coverage if your home is in a certain area. What impacts your price the most is the risk of natural disaster in the area that you live, the location’s insured loss history, the crime rate, and the local building costs.

10. Arlington (Dallas), Texas – Average Premium $1,761

The suburbs in Dallas are the most expensive to find coverage for your home. In the past ten years, the Dallas area has accumulated the highest cost of property damage, its repairs costing $1.601 billion. In some areas of Dallas, the insurance rates may be even higher due to the flood insurance requirements some properties will meet.

9. Lakewood (Denver), CO – Average Premium $1,379

Denver’s number of natural disasters is quite low, but despite this, the area experiences some of the most expensive property damage, reaching up to nearly $147.782 million in the last ten years. The Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone is something that Denver experiences throughout the area; it means that a place is particularly susceptible to high winds, tornadoes, and other forms of extreme weather. This makes the Lakewood suburban area, along with other Denver suburbs, an expensive place to find coverage for your home.

8. Highland Park (Chicago), IL – Average Premium $876

Highland Park is located on Lake Michigan, north of Chicago. The lake in this area acts as a managing force for temperature swings and storms, but it can also mean there is terrible snow and ice, making winters uninviting. This and the addition of construction costs in the area being the highest on the list keeps the insurance prices high in the Highland Park area. For example, a home in Highland Park that carries a $352,000 replacement cost would only cost $250,000 to replace in other cities.

7. Franklin (Nashville), TN – Average Premium $844

In the last ten years, there have been sixteen official natural disasters in this area. $1.593 billion has been reported in damages in this state from tornadoes, thunderstorms, and other various natural disasters. Contrary to this, the local construction costs are lower here than any other places in the country. This means the properties don’t need as much dwelling coverage as they would do if they were in other states on the list.

6. Hudson (New York City), NY – Average Premium $837

Hudson shares similar weather problems to New York, and it’s in between two extremes. Hudson has the lowest costs in property damage, which accumulates to $1.434 million in the last ten years. It also has the smallest number of weather events. Despite this, it has the highest number of major disaster declarations, and some of the priciest local construction costs. This balance of extremes is what keeps Hudson in the middle of the list.

5. Merion Station (Philadelphia), PA – Average Premium $704

There have only been seventeen total disasters in the last ten years for Pennsylvania; that’s the lowest on the whole list. This area generally sets low rates across the whole state, second to Arizona on this list. But the relatively high construction costs sometimes counteract the low risks of the area.

4. Alamo Heights (San Antonio) – Average Premium $702

Texas is vulnerable to tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, drought, wildfires, and thunderstorms. Since this area is prone to every major natural disaster and they cause considerable property damage, it means that the statewide rates are typically higher. San Antonio shares the top number of occurring natural disasters along with Dallas. Even so, Alamo Heights has got one of the lowest rates for home replacement costs, and this results in homeowners needing less dwelling coverage.

3. West Hollywood (Los Angeles), CA – Average Premium $684

West Hollywood experiences frequent dry spells, while these are terrible for local businesses, they don’t generally generate a great deal of insurance claims. In 10 years, there have only been nine natural disaster days where there has been an injury.

2. Chula Vista (San Diego), CA – Average Premium $628

There have very few natural disasters declared in Chula Vista by the FEMA. The suburb also has a very low crime rate. Chula Vista is great place to live as not only does it have low home insurance rates, it also has Mediterranean-style weather. The potential natural disasters that this suburb could suffer from are high winds, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes, but due to insurance losses being so low, insurance rates have stayed affordable.

1. Mesa (Phoenix), AZ – Average Premium $555

Mesa is mostly hot throughout the year, and not very prone to storm damage. Arizona has the lowest statewide rates out of all of the places listed. However, none of the areas looked at are free from natural disasters and losses. From time to time high winds, wildfires and floods can have effects on Arizona. Normal home insurance in Mesa doesn’t include flood damage, so that policy has to be purchased separately. Mesa overall has a low number of major natural disasters as well as low insurance claims. This helps keep the premiums down.

The Highest and Lowest Auto Insurance Throughout the States

If you’re looking at moving to another state, or you’re just curious to know how much auto insurance costs elsewhere, then keep on reading as we have put together the top 10 most and least expensive states for car insurance in the country. It is important to note that the following rates are only an average, so they are not exact. You would be surprised to find out just how much insurance premiums can differ from one state to the next.

Car Insurance Rates vary from State to State

If you were to move to one of these states and invest in auto insurance, you would receive a rate similar to the ones below. The cost of car insurance is mostly based on the motor vehicle owner’s personal profile, driving records, what car they drive and the car’s annual miles driven. If car owners keep their driving record clean and invest in a car that is cheap to insure in the state they are in, they can lower the cost of their annual insurance.

Depending on what state you are in, the cost of car insurance does vary massively. The state’s insurance regulations, how prone to severe weather the state is and many other factors can influence the cost of auto insurance from state to state. Another reason for insurance rates to be higher in certain states is if there are a lot of cars on the road that are uninsured. If the uninsured driver is the cause of a crash with an insured driver, the uninsured driver cannot pay, so the insured driver will need more money for repairs, medical bills, etc.

The top 10 most expensive states

The following states are the top ten most expensive when it comes to annual auto insurance rates:

1. Louisiana – Average Premium $2,536: Nationwide, Louisiana suffers from the highest car insurance premiums. Residents of Louisiana are said to pay an average of $2,536 annually to keep their cars insured. A lot of Louisiana is rural, so the crime rates are lower, and there are fewer cars on the road, which means there is a decreased chance of accidents happening. When it comes to natural disasters, Louisiana does suffer from the likes of hurricanes, high winds, floods and more; this is what increases the insurance rates.

2. Oklahoma – Average Premium $2,536

3. Michigan – Average Premium $2,013: When you get car insurance in Michigan, it includes lifetime personal injury protection with it. This is one of the reasons why auto insurance in Michigan is so expensive. Another reason why the insurance rates are costly is that Michigan has a very high number of drivers on the road who don’t have insurance.

4. West Virginia – Average Premium $2,002

5. Washington, D.C. – Average Premium $1,866

6. Montana – Average Premium $1,856

7. Rhode Island – Average Premium $1,830: Although Rhode Island is the smallest state, it does have one of the highest insurance premium costs for automobiles. There are around 15% of cars on the road in Rhode Island that are not insured, and this increases the rates for people who want or have insurance.

8. Wyoming – Average Premium $1,732

9. California – Average Premium $1,709

10. Georgia – Average Premium $1,694

The top 10 least expensive States

The following states are the top ten least expensive when it comes to annual auto insurance rates:

1. Maine – Average Premium $889: Out of all of the states, Maine is the cheapest for car insurance. One of the major reasons for Maine’s low car insurance rates is that it is a very rural area. There isn’t much city driving, so there’s not a high risk for accidents. The state has a graduated licensing program, so there are restrictions when it comes to young drivers.

2. Iowa – Average Premium $985: Iowa is another state that is very rural. Throughout the state, there are mostly only small towns so there isn’t much city driving or congestion that could lead to an accident.

3. Wisconsin – Average Premium $987

4. Idaho – Average Premium $1,011:

5. North Carolina – Average Premium $1,022

6. Vermont – Average Premium $1,063

7. Ohio – Average Premium $1,099

8. South Carolina – Average Premium $1,108

9. New Hampshire – Average Premium $1,133

10. Arizona – Average Premium $1,176

How Hail Storms Can Affect Car Owners In San Antonio

According to an insurance group, a recent hailstorm that hit San Antonio and northwestern Bexar County on the 12th of April has produced almost 1.4 billion dollars worth of damage. Hailstones resembling the size of grapefruits came pelting down from the sky and ended up causing nearly $560 million in insurance losses to motor vehicles.

Independent Insurance Agents director, Robert Crosby, stated that uninsured losses to motor vehicles were also expected to be high. The natural disaster has now made history as it’s been recorded as the most costly hailstorm in Texas to date.





The storm lasted for around ten minutes with some of the hailstones measuring up to 4 ½ inches. There were no serious injuries reported during the freak weather storm, but there was plenty of damage to homeowners’ and business owners’ property.

April 12th was only the first of the hailstorms as two other damaging storms followed on the 25th and 29th of April. Accumulated, the three hail storms damaged 136,000 vehicles. Several insurance companies have already announced that they’ve managed more hail and wind claims this year than they have in a long time.

What are hailstones?

Hailstones are chunks of ice. When a storm has strong updrafts, rain droplets move to a freezing level. Hailstones can grow in size as more rain droplets can attach themselves to the original stone. When the hailstones become too heavy, they will drop to the ground and create a hailstorm. The majority of the time, hail stones will not grow any larger than a penny, but occasionally we get freak weather where the hailstones can grow to a dangerous size and can cause enormous damage to property.

When abnormally large hailstones fall, they can do damage as great as putting large dents in cars, smashing car windows, putting holes in roofs and more. Insurance plans are a great help when extreme weather hits as most insurance policies cover a natural disaster.

Auto insurance and car damage

Cars are built to endure most types of weather but sometimes, when an extreme hailstorm hits, there are few things that remain undamaged. Hailstones can cause dents, broken windows, and scratches to your car. If you live in an area that is prone to extreme weather and natural disasters, it would be a good idea to get an automobile insurance policy that covers damage caused by hailstones. If the insurance policy has comprehensive coverage, it will protect you from not just hail damage, but theft and fire damage too.

What a car owner should do in the event of a hailstorm

When your car has been outside during a hailstorm, you will want to follow the points below:

● Check if there has been any damage to the car – When the storm has passed, go out and check your car. Look for any scratches, dents or smashes that the hailstones could have made. Scratches and dents in your car can decrease its value drastically.

● Take pictures of the car as proof of damage – If you find any hail damage on your vehicle, you should document it as evidence.

● Read your insurance documents – Look at your car’s insurance documents to see if you are covered for damage caused by hail.

● Contact your insurance company – If your insurance policy covers you for hail damage, get in touch with them as soon as possible.

How you can protect your car from hail damage

If you live in an area that is known for experiencing hailstorms, then you should take precautions to protect your car as best as possible.

● Park in a covered area – Park your vehicle in a garage or under some form of shelter, this will stop the hailstones from being able to have direct contact with your automobile. Keeping your car sheltered means you won’t have to go through the hassle of claiming on your insurance or having to spend a large amount of money.

● Find shelter – If you are out driving when a hailstorm hits, find temporary shelter and wait out the storm. Driving through the hailstorm could cause more damage to your vehicle, as the impact of the hailstone will be stronger if it hits a moving object.

● Use a blanket – If you don’t have anywhere to shelter your car, and it’s been predicted that a hailstorm is coming, you can use a blanket to protect your vehicle. Putting a blanket over your car will soften the impact when the hailstones hit your car. Remember to tape the blanket down or it will go blowing off down the street. The tape may leave some sticky residue, but this is better than your car being covered in dents and scratches.