Tips to prepare your boat for a storm

Preparing your boat for a storm is a crucial step to ensure your and your vessel’s safety here in the Austin, TX area. Here are some tips from us at TAB Insurance Agency LLC to help get you ready: 

  1. Clean the Boat – Before a storm, it’s important to give your boat a good cleaning, removing any excess dirt or sediment that could cause damage during the storm. 
  2. Check all Equipment – Ensure all equipment on board is functioning correctly, including lights, trailers, anchors, and other safety equipment. 
  3. Secure Items – Move all loose items away from the boat’s sides and secure them with bungee cords or straps to prevent them from becoming projectiles during a storm. 
  4. Lower Anchors – If possible, lower two anchors far enough apart to hold the boat in place against strong winds and waves during a storm; tying off somewhere solid is also vital for extra stability. 
  5. Check for Damage – Once you have taken steps to secure your vessel, check for any visible signs of damage, such as dents or missing parts that may need repair, before taking the boat out again. 

By taking these steps in advance, you can rest assured knowing that your boat has been well-prepared for whatever nature throws at it during a summer storm season! For more tips, call us at TAB Insurance Agency LLC today. We are proud to serve the Austin, TX area. We can help keep you and your boat safe, and can help you find an insurance policy for your boat that meets both your needs and your budget.

Boat insurance Questions

If you are a boat owner, it is crucial to understand how to care for and protect your boat. One of the ways you can protect your boat is with insurance. With all of the options around, how do you know what you need? Below, we will answer that question and other frequently asked questions about boat insurance.

Frequently asked questions about boat insurance.

Here are the most commonly asked questions about boat insurance:

How do I know what boat insurance I need?

The best way to find out what you need for your boat is to talk to your insurance company. At TAB Insurance Agency LLC, we can help you determine the best coverage for your boating needs.

What does boat insurance not cover?

Boat insurance may cover a lot, but there are some things it doesn’t cover.

  • Maintenance
  • General wear and tear
  • Damage from animals
  • Mold
  • Insect damage

Does boat insurance cover hitting a dock?

It depends on your policy. Some policies don’t cover you if you hit a dock, while others do. Even if your insurance company doesn’t cover hitting a dock, you might still be able to purchase separate coverage for docks.

What are the two types of boat insurance?

There are two main types of boat insurance: Agreed value and actual cash value. Agreed value is the amount the insurance company and the boat owner agree on when the insurance policy is purchased. The actual cash value takes into account depreciation and is the cash value of the boat at the time of the claim.

Contact TAB Insurance Agency LLC

Stop by or contact us at TAB Insurance Agency LLC in Austin, TX to get an insurance quote.

Safe driving tips for motorcycle riders

As a motorcycle rider in the Austin, TX area, it’s important always to be aware of your surroundings and take proper safety precautions. It can be easy to get carried away while riding, but there are specific steps that you can take to ensure the best possible outcome for yourself.

Here are some safe driving tips for motorcycle riders from TAB Insurance Agency LLC:

  1. Wear protective gear – Make sure you’re wearing all the necessary riding gear, like a helmet, gloves, boots, and reflective clothing.
  2. Be aware of blind spots – Motorcycles have many blind spots that drivers often overlook when they share the road with cars and trucks.
  3. Always be conscious of your surroundings and look over your shoulder before changing lanes.
  4. Remove distractions – It’s important to focus on the road while riding, so remove any potential distractions such as music or cell phones.
  5. Be visible – Make sure that other drivers can always see you by wearing bright colors, reflecting striping, and reflective tape.
  6. You should also use your lights during the day and night for extra visibility.
  7. Follow traffic laws – Always obey the speed limit, use turn signals when indicated, and always come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs.
  8. Stay alert – Avoid driving while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as these can impair your judgment and reaction time.
  9. Check your bike regularly – Check your motorcycle before every ride to ensure it’s in good working order. Check tires, brakes, lights, and other components.

Call us at TAB Insurance Agency LLC today for more safe riding tips. We proudly serve the Austin, TX area. 

How to Protect Your Boat From Severe Weather Damage

Severe weather can damage your boat in many ways. High winds can break moorings, heavy rains can cause flooding, and thunderstorms can produce dangerous lightning. Before severe weather hits, take these tips from Austin, TX’s TAB Insurance Agency LLC to protect your boat.

How to prevent storm damage to your boat

If you live in an area prone to severe weather conditions, it’s important to take measures to protect your boat from storm damage. The first step is to identify a safe storage location for your boat. This may be a garage, shed, or other covered structure on your property. If you don’t have a suitable storage option on your property, you may need to rent space at a local marina or storage facility.

Once you have a safe storage location for your boat, take the time to clean and winterize it before the start of the storm season. This will help to prevent damage from salt water and cold temperatures.

If a storm is forecasted, take action to secure your boat. Remove loose items from the deck and secure them inside the cabin or storage area. Double-check all lines and anchors to make sure they are secure.

Taking these steps to protect your boat from storm damage will help ensure you can enjoy many years of boating pleasure.

Does boat insurance cover storm damage?

If you have comprehensive boat insurance, your policy will likely cover storm damage. That said, it’s important to check with your insurer to be sure, as coverage can vary. It’s also worth noting that while your boat insurance may cover storm damage, it likely won’t cover damage caused by flooding, so it’s important to understand the difference.

TAB Insurance Agency LLC is a full-service insurance agency serving Austin, TX. We offer a wide range of products and services, including boat insurance. Contact us today to learn more about our boat insurance coverage options.

Why Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance?

Though you may be trying to save money where you can, the truth is that sometimes you can’t skimp and save. One of these is with your motorcycle insurance. 

Here are some reasons why you need motorcycle insurance. 

  • The law requires it. Most states require that everyone on the road has insurance. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even RVs. 
  • If you take out a loan, they may require insurance. They want to ensure they are protected so that they may require extra insurance on your motorcycle. 
  • Motorcycle insurance will cover medical bills. If you are involved in an accident, you may be held liable for all the expenses that come along with it. This may include hefty medical bills. 
  • You may also want to consider extra insurance, which will cover the repair or replacement of your bike. Collision insurance will help you pay to get your bike back on the road if it becomes damaged in an accident. 
  • There is also insurance if your bike gets damaged due to the weather or even vandalism. Comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of repairing your bike if it gets damaged during a windstorm or if someone does something to it while it is parked in front of your home. 

If you have a bike, you need to ensure that you have some protection. Not only does the law require insurance, but your loan company may also. You also may want insurance to help you protect yourself in an accident. 

To ensure that you are fully protected, no matter what happens, you need the right insurance policy. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at TAB Insurance Agency LLC in Austin, TX.

How Commercial Insurance Covers Cyberattacks

Whether you’re a sole proprietor or corporation in Austin, TX, you need commercial insurance. Also known as business insurance, a policy protects your organization’s property and personnel. Plus, specific versions of this insurance cover damages due to cyberattacks.

What are Cyberattacks?

Cyberattacks are unwelcome maneuvers targeting data servers, networks, or personal digital devices. Today, cybercriminals go beyond stealing or damaging data. For example, ransomware attacks take hostage computer data and infrastructures until payment is made. These activities cost companies and governments billions of dollars annually.

What Insurance Covers Cyberattacks on Businesses?

According to the TAB Insurance Agency LLC experts, companies should purchase cyber insurance that offers broad protections to help businesses recover from various technology-related risks. A standard policy covers financial losses due to cyberattacks. Furthermore, it helps pay for privacy investigations or lawsuits following an attack, as well as legal fees and settlements if a customer or employee sues your company.

Data Breach Insurance

Some companies bundle data breach insurance within a cyberattack policy while others keep it separate. In their case, it should be included in your portfolio since it responds to a breach of personally identifiable information (PII) or personal health information (PHI) being damaged or stolen. It’s useful if the issue is related to a cyberattack or if the information is accidentally removed and cannot be retrieved. 

Small businesses receive added benefits with a data breach policy. It helps cover the costs of notification, hiring a PR firm, and offers credit monitoring to affected parties. 

There’s more to understand about cyberattack insurance for an Austin, TX business. If you want to consider one, speak to a TAB Insurance Agency LLC representative. 

What Are Some Tips For Saving On Motorcycle Insurance?

Motorcycle riders can save money on insurance by purchasing liability coverage. This policy covers any property damage or injuries you cause in an accident. You can also save money on motorcycle insurance by increasing your deductibles, purchasing an additional collision or comprehensive policy, or installing an anti-theft device. For help in Austin, TX, consult TAB Insurance Agency LLC. 

Saving Tips for Motorcycle Insurance 

Motorcycle insurance rates depend on the bike’s model and year, age, driving record, and other factors. First, shop around and compare rates from at least three different insurers. Second, let your insurer know if you plan to leave the bike parked for an extended period. Many insurers offer reduced rates for motorcycles that are not driven often. Third, talk to your insurer about purchasing a policy with a non-standard rate. Policies with standard rates tend to be higher than non-standard rates, which can help you save money. 

One of the best ways to save on motorcycle insurance is to maintain a clean driver profile by keeping accidents and ticket-free for the last several years. You can also save money on motorcycle insurance by increasing your policy’s liability limits, decreasing your annual mileage, and getting Motorcycle ERP if you use public transportation frequently. Finally, you can save money on motorcycle insurance by choosing the right motorcycle. 

Motorcycle insurance is much more risk-focused than car insurance, so it’s essential to put safety first. Keep your bike well-maintained and track its mileage. You can also take advantage of safety features like anti-theft devices and alarm systems. Most importantly, always wear a DOT-approved helmet, as they are proven to reduce the risk of head injury by up to 69%. 

Parting Words 

Purchase a collision or liability policy instead of purchasing a comprehensive policy. This will reduce your costs. Buy a motorcycle that has the lowest insurance rate. Stay risk-free by purchasing motorcycle insurance with a Motorcycle endorsement. For help in Austin, TX, consult TAB Insurance Agency LLC.

Is boat insurance in Texas a good investment?

The Austin, TX area is a popular place for people to move to and enjoy their lives. One of the draws to this area of Texas is that there are a lot of great lakes and rivers to enjoy throughout the year. As you are looking to purchase a boat here, you also need to ensure that you get the right insurance for it. Having a boat insurance plan will be a good investment for various reasons. 

Boat Insurance will Cover Asset.

A primary reason to have boat insurance is so it can cover your asset. Your boat is an important asset that you will need to invest capital into to acquire. When looking to purchase a boat, it is crucial that you adequately cover your investment with insurance protection. Boat insurance gives the support you need if the boat is damaged or stolen. 

Offset Liability Risks

It would help if you also got a boat insurance plan to mitigate your liability risk. There will always be liability risks that come with owning and operating your boat. If you cause an accident that damages property or causes injuries, you can be liable. Your boat insurance policy will give the coverage needed to mitigate this risk. 

As you are looking to get a new boat in the Austin, TX area, you will always want to know that you are adequately insured. A boat insurance policy is a good investment, but choosing the right plan can be complex. Once you are ready to start looking for a new plan, beginning your search by calling TAB Insurance Agency LLC is a good option. TAB Insurance Agency LLC professionals will give you the guidance you need to choose your next policy. 

Why do people in Texas need to get boat insurance?

The Austin, TX area continues to be one of the fastest-growing parts of the country. Many people love this area due to the warm weather, which is around for almost the entire year. If you are looking to move to this area of Texas, owning a boat can be a good investment as you can use all the local waterways. Along with your boat, you should also get insurance for it. Boat insurance is typically needed for a few reasons. 

Coverage is a Lender Requirement

Buying a boat can be a very big purchase. Due to this, it is common that a boat owner will need to take out a loan when they complete their purchase of the boat. If this is the case in your situation, you need to carefully assess your insurance requirements. Many boat loan providers will require that borrowers maintain full coverage until the loan has been completely paid off. 

Coverage is Required by Local Marinas

It is also common in this area of Texas for local marinas or waterways to require insurance. A local marina will want to ensure that all boats and boat owners are adequately protected. A great way this can be done is by requiring all owners and users of the marina to provide evidence that they have a full boat insurance plan in place. 

People that are in the Austin, TX area and want to get boat insurance will want to speak with someone experienced and that they can trust. A great group to speak with is TAB Insurance Agency LLC. If you do call TAB Insurance Agency LLC you can learn a lot about your different insurance needs. The team can then give any support you need to build your next boat insurance plan. 

Can I add a motorcycle to my auto insurance?

In the state of Texas, all drivers need to show financial responsibility in the event that they cause an accident. That includes motorcycle drivers as well as those who drive autos. This means they must either give a cash bond or have liability insurance. The required amount is 30/60/25. That is $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for a single person in an accident, with $60,000 for all the people injured in an accident. $25,000 is for damage to property. In Austin, TX,  TAB Insurance Agency LLC has experienced agents who can help make sure you have the coverage you need. 

Many motorcycle owners are also automobile or truck owners and have auto insurance. The question of whether you can add a motorcycle to the auto policy you already have is bound to come up. It seems like it would make sense to just add the motorcycle to your auto policy, the same way you would add any other vehicle you acquire. It isn’t that easy though. You can not just add a motorcycle to your auto policy the same way as a car. 

That is not to say that you can not add it, but you must do it a different way. You must add an endorsement for your motorcycle that has the same liability as you are required to have by the state of Texas.

Not every auto policy allows you to add a motorcycle as an endorsement. If you happen to have one that doesn’t allow it, you can always just get a motorcycle policy and then bundle your policies. It will give you a multi-policy discount which, while it is not as convenient as putting it on the same policy, is the next best thing.  

Contact TAB Insurance Agency LLC in Austin, TX for all your motorcycle insurance needs.