auto insurance

By The Lambert Agency | Austin, Texas

Being involved in a car accident, whether it’s a mere minor fender-bender, or a very serious roll-over accident, can be very stressful. In the immediate moments that follow the car accident, there are certain actions which should be taken which will likely make a major difference in protecting your insurance claim and also ensuring you receive the right level of coverage you’re entitled to. Here at The Lambert Agency, we’ve seen way too many Texans lose out on rightful compensation, simply due to mistakes made after the initial car accident. Here’s what you should do immediately after a car accident to protect both yourself and your insurance claim.

Make Safety Your First Priority

Safety is paramount in nearly every accident type, but it’s especially important after a car accident. Try your best to move your vehicle to a safe location if it’s still operable. If it’s not, relocate yourself to a safe spot while you await the arrival of police, fire, and EMTs. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there’s significant damage to either car(s) or surrounding property. Even if the accident seems to be a minor accident, being checked out by a trained medical professional is very important. They may be able to see telltale signs of something wrong and recommend a trip to the hospital for further monitoring. Some injuries will take hours or even several days to show up.

Contact Law Enforcement

You should always call the police to visit the crash scene, even for smaller accidents. A police report will provide you with official documentation and records of what happened. This information can be critical for when filing your initial insurance claim. Always ensure to write down the responding officer’s name, badge number, and the report number prior to leaving the scene. 

Document Everything

The more information you collect, the better protected you are later on down the road.
Here’s what you should always try to document:

• Clear photos of any vehicle damage, license plates, the scene, and any and all visible injuries
  
• Names, phone numbers, and insurance details for all parties involved
  
• Contact information for witnesses, if any involved
  

If you’re too shaken or injured to take notes, use your phone’s voice memo app to record any and all details while they’re still fresh in your mind.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Emotions may certainly run high after the initial accident, but you should try to resist the urge to apologize or make any statements which could be misinterpreted as admitting fault, as this could be used against you in future proceedings. Even simple statements where you say “I didn’t see you there…” could hurt your case later on. Allow the investigation and insurance adjusters to properly determine responsibility. 

Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Texas insurance policies require you to always report accidents within a “reasonable timeframe”. Waiting too long may lead to an inevitable denial in claim or a delay in processing. When you contact your insurance company, always stick to the facts of the situation, and avoid speculating about fault or damage costs.

Keep a Record of All Communication

Create a simple folder which is easily accessible and can store digital files for your claim. Add copies of the police report, medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with your insurer. Additionally, any notes from phone calls should be accurately recorded as well. Organization is crucial when it comes to having your claim processed quickly and accurately.

Get Professional Guidance Before Accepting a Settlement

Insurance companies may try to offer a quicker payout to close your case expeditiously. With this being said, the first initial offer may not truly reflect the full value of your damages. This is especially true if medical treatment or vehicle repairs are ongoing. Prior to accepting any settlement from an insurance company, you’ll want to speak with an experienced insurance professional or legal professional who can better help you understand the process and ensure you’re being treated fairly.

Choose the Right Coverage for the Future

The best way to properly protect your claim after an accident occurs is to have the right level of coverage with your insurance policy before an accident actually happens. Here at The Lambert Agency, we assist drivers throughout the greater Austin, Texas and Central Texas region find the most comprehensive and affordable auto insurance coverage possible, all designed to protect you in real-life scenarios, not just on paper.

Contact The Lambert Agency Today to Learn More About How We Can Help

Accidents can be truly chaotic, yet when you take proactive, informed steps after an accident occurs, it can truly make a world of difference. Protecting yourself, documenting all aspects of the accident thoroughly, and not rushing into any immediate settlements without fully understanding your rights can help you better protect your insurance claim. If you have been recently involved in a car accident and need help navigating your insurance claim or reviewing your coverage, reach out to The Lambert Agency today. Our Austin-based team is always here to guide you through each step of the process and ensure you’re fully protected. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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• Auto insurance
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What type(s) of insurance do you currently have?

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By The Lambert Agency | Austin, Texas

When it comes to purchasing auto insurance, misinformation and straight up incorrect information is easily spread. Whether it’s social media advice from “insurance gurus” to well-meaning family or friends regurgitating outdated rules surrounding auto insurance. It’s easy to make a decision based on an auto insurance myth which could actually end up costing you money, or leaving you in a position where you’re underinsured.

Here at The Lambert Agency in Austin, Texas, we hear many of these common misconceptions all of the time. In this post, we’re setting everything straight with five of the most common auto insurance myths purported across society, and the truth behind them. 

Myth #1: “Your Insurance Covers Everything After an Accident”

The Truth: Auto insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your auto insurance coverage truly depends entirely on your specific policy. An example of this is, you only carry liability insurance (the Texas minimum), it covers any damages to other vehicles and property, yet not your own. To fully protect your car, you need collision coverage or comprehensive coverage.

Many Texans will discover this fact the hard way, post-accident. For this reason, we always encourage our clients to fully review their auto insurance coverage annually and ensure it actually matches up with real-world needs, not just the bare minimum, legally allowed coverage.

Myth #2: “Red Cars Cost More to Insure”

The Truth: It’s often rumored that flashy cars, or red cars will be assigned higher premiums with their auto insurance. The truth is that auto insurance companies do not care about the color of the vehicle itself. What actually matters is the make of the car, the model of the car, the year of the car, the engine’s size, estimated repair costs should something fall into disrepair, and national theft rates of the specific vehicle being insured. 

If your auto insurance premiums do seem to be higher than you anticipated, your car’s color is not to blame. Your vehicle’s performance rating, your individual driving record, and your total claim history with previous insurers are the likely cause of higher auto insurance premiums. 

Myth #3: “Your Insurance Follows You, Not Your Car”

The Truth: In many cases, insurance will follow the vehicle, not the driver. This means that if someone borrows your car and is involved in an accident, your insurance is more often than not the one which will kick in first.

As with anything, there are exceptions to this rule, especially when it comes to alternative types of driving such as rideshare driving, rental cars, or commercial vehicle use. Prior to letting someone else drive your car, it’s always the smart decision to double-check your auto insurance policy’s “permissive use” clause embedded within your auto insurance policy. Or, feel free to give us a call at The Lambert Agency to have us review your auto insurance policy and provide guidance.

Myth #4: “Older Cars Don’t Need Comprehensive Coverage”

The Truth: While older vehicles may not need the fullest amount of coverage, the decision on whether or not comprehensive coverage should be applied should be based on your older car’s value, not its age alone. Comprehensive coverage will cover acts of theft, vandalism, flooding, and other non-collision incidents which can still occur, regardless of the age of your car.

If replacing your older car would create a financial hardship, electing to choose comprehensive and collision coverage would likely be worth every cent.

Myth #5: “Minimum Coverage Is Enough in Texas”

The Truth: 

Texas law requires drivers to maintain a minimum level of liability coverage at 30/60/25 ($30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage). However, this is often not enough coverage in most scenarios. A single accident involving multiple parties can easily exceed those state-required minimum limits, leaving you holding the responsibility for the rest of the associated costs.

For many Austin, Texas-based drivers, we recommend increasing your liability coverage to add further protection and adding an uninsured/underinsured motorist protection rider to your policy for additional peace of mind.

Protect Yourself with Facts, Not Myths

When you’re able to understand how auto insurance actually works, it can save you time, reduce your stress, and save you money. At The Lambert Agency, we take great pride in helping Texans make the most informed, confident decisions possible when it comes to selecting their auto insurance coverage.

Whether you’re shopping for a new auto insurance policy, wanting to review your current auto insurance policy, or you just need an honest answer regarding what’s actually covered and what’s not covered with your policy; we’re here to help. 

Get a Free Auto Insurance Review Today from The Lambert Agency

Your auto insurance coverage should work for you, not against you. Start having your auto insurance policy provide the right level of coverage today by contacting The Lambert Agency today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation auto insurance policy review. We’ll be able to help you uncover any and all savings opportunities, correct any outstanding coverage gaps, and ensure you’re fully protected on Texas roads. We look forward to working with you soon and we’re eager to begin helping you navigate the myths and truths of auto insurance coverage in Austin, Texas.

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What type(s) of insurance are you interested in?

• Homeowners Insurance
• Auto insurance
• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Employee Benefits
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• Retirement Services
• IULs (Indexed Universal Life Policies)

What type(s) of insurance do you currently have?

• Homeowners insurance
• Auto insurance
• Life insurance
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• Business Insurance
• Retirement Services
• IULs (Indexed Universal Life Policies)

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By The Lambert Agency | Austin, Texas

When many people think about what influences their car insurance rates, they’ll often picture things such as their driving history, age, or the type of car they drive. One fact which may often surprise drivers is how much their credit score may end up influencing the price of their premiums.

Here at The Lambert Agency, we always believe in transparency, first and foremost. In this post, we’ll be breaking down exactly how your credit score may play a role in your car insurance rates, why it matters in the state of Texas, and what you can do to keep your premium costs as low as possible.

Why Insurance Companies Look at Credit Scores

Insurance companies do not actually check your credit report the same way lenders will check your credit report. Instead, insurance companies will utilize what’s known as an insurance-based credit score.

The specific score helps insurance companies predict how likely you may be to file a claim. Research has shown that people with higher credit scores will tend to file fewer insurance claims. When those people with higher credit scores do file a claim, it’s often less costly than those with lower than average credit scores.

Through these methods, insurers will use credit profile information as one of several factors to set their car insurance premium rates fairly and pre-determine overall risk profiles.

How Your Credit Score May Impact Your Auto Insurance Premium

In most cases, the better your credit score, the lower your car insurance premiums will be. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what that may end up looking like:

• Excellent credit (750+): You may receive the best available rates
  
• Good credit (700–749): You’ll still qualify for favorable rates with many carriers
  
• Fair credit (650–699): Your premium may be moderately higher, depending on included factors as well
  
• Poor credit (<650): You may end up paying significantly more over time, sometimes hundreds of additional dollars per year
  

This difference in premium costs can certainly add up quickly, especially for families with multiple vehicles under the same insurance policy.

Is It Legal in Texas to Use Credit Scores for Insurance?

Yes. Texas is one of many states which allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores as a factor in calculating the rate of premium. With this being said, insurers cannot use credit scores as the only reason to deny, cancel, or non-renew your auto insurance policy.

Insurers must also consider other key factors such as your driving record, insurance claims history, vehicle type, and how many miles per year you drive on average.

How to Improve Your Credit Score, and Lower Your Rates

The good news? You do have control over your credit score. Even the smallest of improvements can end up resulting in better insurance rates over time. 

Here are a few ways to begin improving your credit score and subsequently lowering your auto insurance rates:

• Pay your bills on time: Late payments will likely have a large impact on your credit score
  
• Keep balances low: Try to use less than 30% of your available credit at any given time to demonstrate to creditors you’re not overextending yourself financially
  
• Limit hard inquiries: Avoid applying for multiple new credit accounts, as this could end up temporarily lowering your score; as multiple hard inquiries are viewed as a possible risky credit profile
  
• Check your credit report: Review your credit report regularly for any errors which could be hurting your score
  
• Build consistency: Credit improvement does take time, yet insurers reward consistency and stability when it comes to improving your credit score
  

If your credit has actually improved since your last policy issuance, it’s certainly worth exploring new policy adjustments and also having your agent review your rates. You very well could be eligible for lower car insurance premiums.

Other Factors May Influence Car Insurance Costs

While credit definitely plays an important role in calculating insurance costs, it’s only one piece when factoring the equation. Insurers will also consider:

• Driving record and accident history
  
• Age and experience behind the wheel
  
• Type of vehicle and repair costs
  
• Coverage limits and deductibles
  
• Where you reside (urban vs. rural ZIP codes in Texas)
  

Here at The Lambert Agency, we work with a large array of carriers to compare and contrast these factors side-by-side, and determine the best overall value for your unique situation.

Let Us Help You Receive a Better Auto Insurance Rate Today

Your credit score is not exclusively related to borrowing power, it’s also an important part of your overall financial picture; including your car insurance costs. Through gaining a greater understanding of how your credit score is used and taking the right steps to improve it, you may be able to save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year.

If you’re curious about how your credit score may end up impacting your current premium or you would like to explore better coverage options, you’ll want to reach out to us at The Lambert Agency. We’re here to help!

Get a Free Auto Insurance Quote in Austin, TX

You do not have to pay more than you have to. By contacting The Lambert Agency today, you can request your free, no-obligation quote. We’ll thoroughly review your auto insurance policy, check for any and all discounts, and help you find the right level of coverage which fits into your needs, and your budget.

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• IULs (Indexed Universal Life Policies)

What type(s) of insurance do you currently have?

• Homeowners insurance
• Auto insurance
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By The Lambert Agency | Austin, Texas

If you have ever shopped for car insurance, you’ve most likely heard the phrase “full coverage”. It’s one of the most commonly used terms in the auto insurance industry, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood terms in the car insurance industry. Many Texas drivers will assume “full coverage” means they’re absolutely protected from any and all incidents which may occur on the roadways. This is not exactly true.

Here at The Lambert Agency in Austin, Texas, we believe every driver should know exactly what they’re paying for, so let’s explore what “full coverage” actually means, and what it does not mean as well.

There’s No Such Thing as “Full Coverage”

Despite how often the term “full coverage” may be used in the auto insurance industry, it’s not a specific type of auto insurance policy. It’s quite simply a way of referring to a combination of coverages which will go beyond the state imposed minimum requirements.

In the state of Texas, the law really only requires you to carry liability insurance, which is what covers other people’s property and medical expenses if you are the one deemed to be at fault in an accident. “Full coverage” will usually refer to a policy which also includes: 

• Collision coverage: This level of coverage will protect your car after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
  
• Comprehensive coverage: This level of coverage will protect against theft, vandalism, storms, floods, fires, or striking an animal with your vehicle.
  

These two types of coverages, when combined, are what most people are referring to when they mention “full coverage”.

What “Full Coverage” Doesn’t Cover

Many drivers will be caught off guard when they hear “full coverage”, as full coverage does not protect you from each and every possible loss. Depending on your policy, you may still end up missing out on key protections such as:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): This protection offers coverage if another driver causes an accident, but is either underinsured or has no insurance coverage at all.
  
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This protection will help pay for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who is deemed at fault with the accident.
  
• Roadside Assistance: This protection assists with towing, lockouts, or flat tires.
  
• Rental Reimbursement: This protection will cover the cost of a rental car as your vehicle is being repaired.
  

If your end goal is true financial protection, you’ll want to add these optional coverages for complete peace of mind.

Why “Full Coverage” Means Different Things to Different People

What one person may call full coverage may not match another person’s definition. A driver with a newer vehicle may include gap insurance and rental car coverage, whereas someone with an older vehicle may only end up carrying liability and comprehensive coverage.

The key to this process is, “full coverage” should mean full protection for your unique situation. The right auto coverage policy is one which matches your car’s value, your budget, and your tolerance for risk, not just a simple label on a piece of paper.

Do You Need Full Coverage in Texas?

Texas law does require liability coverage, yet if you’re financing or leasing your vehicle, your auto financing group will nearly always require collision and comprehensive coverage.

Even if you own your car outright, you should consider the cost to replace the vehicle to an equivalent value of the car. If you would actually struggle to pay for major repairs or a total loss, full coverage is worth the investment itself. On the other hand, if your car’s value has dropped significantly, it may make more sense to drop collision coverage and save on your premiums.

A licensed insurance agent, such as The Lambert Agency, can help you run the numbers before making that decision.

How to Find the Right Level of Coverage

Here at The Lambert Agency, we don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” insurance policy. Instead, what we do is take the time to fully understand your vehicle, your lifestyle, and your financial goals. From there, we build a policy which will actually work for you, not just what is out-of-the-box and typical. Here’s what you can do right now:

Review your current policy: Verify what’s actually included under “Comprehensive” and “Collision” coverages

Look for gaps: Verify if you have uninsured motorist or PIP coverage

Get a professional review: Our team at The Lambert Agency can compare quotes from multiple top-rated carriers to ensure you’re receiving the best possible rate and protection.

The Bottom Line When It Comes to “Full Coverage” Auto Insurance

The phrase “full coverage” is certainly a convenient phrase, yet it’s not always a guarantee you’re fully protected. True coverage consists of knowing what’s actually included, what is not included. Here at The Lambert Agency, we’re helping Austin drivers navigate through the sometimes complicated pathways of auto insurance coverage. We want to educate and inform our clients of the best options available to them and build auto insurance plans which actually protect what matters most.

Get a Free Auto Insurance Review in Austin, TX Today!

Do not settle for vague promises of “full coverage” when it’s not actually full coverage. Allow us at The Lambert Agency to help you better understand how your policy works and let us uncover hidden savings embedded within your existing policy to strengthen your overall protection. We look forward to hearing from you soon and we’re eager to begin helping you with your auto insurance coverage in Austin, Texas.

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What type(s) of insurance are you interested in?

• Homeowners Insurance
• Auto insurance
• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Employee Benefits
• Business Insurance
• Retirement Services
• IULs (Indexed Universal Life Policies)

What type(s) of insurance do you currently have?

• Homeowners insurance
• Auto insurance
• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Employee Benefits
• Business Insurance
• Retirement Services
• IULs (Indexed Universal Life Policies)

When does your current insurance expire?

Are you willing to change your insurance agent?

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How much do you want to spend each month on your insurance?

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By The Lambert Agency | Austin, Texas

Auto insurance is one of the bills many people wish they could reduce, yet cutting corners on auto insurance coverage is not the answer. When you drop important protections, yes, it may save you a few dollars upfront in the present moment, but it could leave you financially exposed if a car accident were to occur.

Ready for the good news? You can lower your auto insurance premium without having to sacrifice the level of quality coverage. Here at The Lambert Agency, we help Austin, Texas-based drivers optimize their auto insurance coverage every day. Here are some of the best ways to keep your auto insurance rates low and your level of protection strong.

Bundle Your Policies

One of the simplest ways to reduce your auto insurance premium is to bundle your auto insurance with other types of insurance coverage. These types of coverages may consist of homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance coverage.

Many major carriers will offer multi-policy discounts which could save you up to 25% or more. Additionally, it keeps things simplified when you have all of your insurance policies under one roof with one insurance agent, one renewal date, and one trusted team (The Lambert Agency) to call on when you need assistance.

Raise Your Deductible with the Right Steps

Your deductible is the amount you will pay out of pocket prior to insurance kicking in to cover costs. Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 may significantly lower your monthly premium costs. Always ensure you select a deductible which still fits comfortably within your emergency savings bandwidth. The goal is always to lower costs now without creating unexpected financial stress later on.

Improve Your Credit Score

In the state of Texas, your credit-based insurance score may end up affecting how much you pay for auto insurance. A strong credit history usually translates to lower rates than someone who has a poor credit score. Always try to pay your bills on time, reduce your debt load, and regularly check your credit report for any errors at least once per year. Even when you make a mild improvement to your credit score with best practices, it can result in a noticeable amount of savings when it comes time to renew your insurance policies.

Review (and Remove) Unnecessary Add-Ons

It’s easy to end up accumulating extra coverage options you may not need, such as roadside assistance when you already have AAA or built-in roadside assistance through your credit card. It’s always a good idea to review your policy line by line and determine if you’re actually paying for duplicate or outdated add-ons. Trimming the fat could lower your insurance premiums by a good amount without affecting your essential protection.

Take Advantage of Any & All Discounts Available to You

Insurance companies will often reward safe drivers who are loyal to their company with a variety of discounts. You may qualify for savings you were unaware of, including the following:

• Safe driver or accident-free discount
  
• Good student discount (for younger drivers)
  
• Low-mileage or work-from-home discount
  
• Anti-theft device or vehicle safety feature discount
  
• Paperless billing or autopay discount
  

Here at The Lambert Agency, we ensure every eligible discount is applied to your policy; so you can save the most money possible while maintaining adequate levels of coverage.

Drive Safer & Keep a Clean Record

Your driving history is one of the most important factors in determining your auto insurance rate. Try your best to avoid tickets, at-fault accidents, and excessive amounts of claims over time; as these have a major impact on how much you’ll end up paying. If you have had a recent infraction, don’t worry too much, as many insurers who operate in Texas will reduce the potential surcharge after three years of clean driving patterns.

Review Your Coverage Annually

Life evolves, and your insurance coverage should too. Whether you’ve recently moved house, changed jobs, paid off your car, or started to work remotely; your risk profile will have shifted as well. Through reviewing your policy on an annual basis with a trusted local insurance agency like The Lambert Agency, you can better idnetify unnecessary coverages or missed discounts and keep your auto insurance premium best aligned with your actual needs.

Shop Around with an Independent Agency

Not every insurance carrier will choose to rate risk the same way. Some will favor newer cars, others may choose to reward experienced drivers with clean records. As an independent insurance agency, The Lambert Agency works with a wide array of highly-rated carriers, not just one insurer, so we’re able to best compare rates and find the most suitable match for you. This is how we help our clients save hundreds, if not thousands, each year.

Lowering your car insurance premium does not have to mean cutting corners and losing out on valuable protection. With a few properly planned adjustments and a proactive insurance partner (The Lambert Agency), you’re able to maintain strong levels of coverage while also saving money. Here at The Lambert Agency, we help drivers all across the greater Austin, Texas area.

Get a Free Auto Insurance Review Today from The Lambert Agency

Let’s see just how much you could be saving when you choose to work with The Lambert Agency. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation policy review and a truly personalized rate comparison. We look forward to hearing from you soon and we’re eager to begin saving you money while maintaining the best levels of protection.

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Name *

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Last

Date of Birth

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Phone

Occupation

Occupation How each

What type(s) of insurance are you interested in?

• Homeowners Insurance
• Auto insurance
• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Employee Benefits
• Business Insurance
• Retirement Services
• IULs (Indexed Universal Life Policies)

What type(s) of insurance do you currently have?

• Homeowners insurance
• Auto insurance
• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Employee Benefits
• Business Insurance
• Retirement Services
• IULs (Indexed Universal Life Policies)

When does your current insurance expire?

Are you willing to change your insurance agent?

• Yes
• No

How much do you want to spend each month on your insurance?

Submit