Demystifying Auto Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Coverage and Policies

If you’re in Houston, TX, and looking for auto insurance, Heydari Financial Group is here to help. But what kind of coverage is best for your situation, and which policy suits your needs? It all depends on what you’re looking for, the kind of vehicle you have, and other factors, including state requirements for vehicle coverage. Fortunately, working with a professional agent can help you find the right policy so that you can have good coverage and plenty of peace of mind.

Liability coverage is the most basic level of coverage, and it’s designed to help the driver and passengers in the event of an accident. It also helps protect the driver and passengers in the other vehicle and has some coverage for damage to property. This coverage often isn’t enough, though, and many drivers choose limits that are higher than the minimum required, along with other types of coverage on their policies.

Comprehensive coverage is another kind that typically protects fire, theft, glass breakage, and other issues that aren’t part of a basic liability policy. While it’s not required on vehicles that aren’t financed, it could be a good idea to have the added protection. That’s also true of collision coverage, which protects your vehicle and the other car if you’re in an accident.

Contact us today at Heydari Financial Group if you need auto insurance in the Houston, TX area. Our trusted agents understand that you may have questions about your insurance coverage and the type of policy you need or want. With that in mind, we can work with you on finding the perfect policy for your needs to protect you and your vehicle for the long term.

Safe driving tips for new drivers

New drivers may be understandably nervous while they adjust to the rules of the road and get comfortable behind the wheel here in the Houston, TX area and around the country. To help people master driving safety, here are a few tips from us at Heydari Financial Group: 

  1. Make sure you’re familiar with all local traffic laws. You’ll need to know what signs mean, how fast you can go in certain areas, and other information that may be specific to your area. 
  2. Be aware of your surroundings at all times by watching for pedestrians, bicyclists, other vehicles, animals, and anything else that could present a potential hazard on the road. 
  3. Always use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning at an intersection, and check your rear-view mirror every time before doing so. 
  4. Don’t speed – not only will this put yourself and others at risk, but it could also lead to hefty fines! Stick to the posted speed limit whenever possible. 
  5. Never drive distracted – this means no texting or talking on the phone while driving (if it’s allowed in your state). Eat meals or snacks before or after your drive, if possible, so that you can keep both hands on the wheel and remain focused on the task of driving safely. 

By following these tips, new drivers can feel more confident as they navigate their way around town safely and responsibly! For more tips on staying safe behind the wheel, call us at Heydari Financial Group today. We proudly serve the Houston, TX area and would gladly help.

Four Reasons You Need Collision Insurance in Texas

Many people wonder if they should invest in collision insurance. The truth is that skipping this essential coverage can result in high replacement costs you’ll otherwise pay out of pocket. At Heydari Financial Group in Houston, TX, you can speak with an experienced agent to learn more about adding collision coverage to your auto insurance policy.

Consider Purchasing Collision Insurance for These Reasons

In some cases, you might not have any choice. For instance, your lender or leasing company may require it. Therefore, it’s important to determine the minimum insurance necessary when buying or leasing a vehicle. However, you also may want to add collision insurance to a vehicle you drive for the following reasons:

  • You can’t afford a new car if you crash the one you drive.
  • You don’t have enough savings to cover extensive repairs.
  • You drive in heavy traffic areas with high accident rates.
  • You have had one or more at-fault accidents in your driving history.

How Collision Insurance Works

Collision coverage typically pays for damage to your vehicle minus the deductible. When you file a claim, the insurance company usually covers most of the cost up to the vehicle’s market value.

Collision insurance covers events in your policy, including non-vehicular incidences related to road conditions and other factors. So, if your car gets hit in the parking lot or receives damage due to an icy patch, you may be glad you invested in collision insurance.

Getting Collision Insurance in Houston, TX

Contact Heydari Financial Group in Houston, TX, to find out how to get collision coverage for your vehicle. An experienced agent can help you with all your auto insurance needs.

How to Choose the Right Auto Insurance Policy for You

There are a lot of choices to make when it comes to choosing an auto insurance policy. You want to find the one that fits your needs and provides the best coverage for you and your family. But with all the options available, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are four tips to help do just that.

1. Know Your State’s Minimum Coverage Requirements

Regarding auto insurance, every state has its minimum coverage requirements. This is the absolute minimum amount of insurance you must have by law. Make sure your policy meets or exceeds these requirements.

2. Decide How many risks You’re Willing to Take

No one wants to think about being in an accident, but it’s essential to be prepared for the worst. Decide how much risk you’re willing to take regarding your auto insurance policy. If you have a newer car or can’t afford to replace your vehicle, you may want to consider a policy with higher limits.

3. Consider Your Budget

Your budget is an important factor in choosing an auto insurance policy. You want to make sure you can afford the premium, but you also don’t want to sacrifice coverage. Find a policy that fits your budget and provides the coverage you need.

4. Read and Understand the Policy

Once you’ve chosen a policy, read and understand the contract. This is the only way to know what is covered and what isn’t. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your agent before you sign anything.

Your auto insurance policy could significantly impact your life if you are ever in an accident. Be sure to research and choose a policy that is right for you. If you’re looking for auto insurance in Houston, TX, contact Heydari Financial Group. We can help you find the right policy for your needs and budget. Give us a call today for a free quote.

Common Auto Insurance Exclusions

Your auto insurance covers you when involved in accidents or when any risk listed in your policy comes knocking on your doors. Unfortunately, just like other insurance policies, your car insurance doesn’t cover all risks — it has exclusions and limitations that you need to know for two reasons. Firstly, knowing what your insurance doesn’t cover smoothens the claim process. Secondly, understanding your policy exclusions helps you know what "riders" or "endorsements" to purchase.

Need to learn more about your auto insurance exclusions? Keep scrolling as Heydari Financial Group of Houston, TX highlights common risks not covered by car insurance.

  • Excluded driver: If you have a high-risk driver in your household that hasn’t been included in your car insurance, your claim may not be honored if such drivers crash your vehicle.
  • Intentional acts: If you intentionally harm someone else or your car, any damage or medical claims arising from this act will likely be turned down by your insurer.
  • Medical benefits exclusions: MedPay pays for the medical expenses for you and your passengers when injured in an accident. However, this coverage won’t come into play when you suffer auto injuries during racing events, illegal activities, or using your car for commercial purposes.
  • Mechanical failure: When your engine or transmission starts acting up, your insurer won’t come to your rescue even if you have collision or comprehensive coverage. Similarly, typical car insurance doesn’t cover normal wear and tear since it’s assumed you should take utmost care of your vehicle.
  • Unapproved modifications: If the modifications affect the stability and integrity of your car, any accidents resulting after such customizations will be voided by your insurer.

Need to learn more about auto insurance? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Heydari Financial Group for more information. You can also pop in our Houston, TX offices to speak to one of our sales agents.

Texas Auto Insurance – Is Texas A No-Fault Auto Insurance State?

Driving in Texas?  There are things to be aware of when operating a motor vehicle in the state of Texas that you may not encounter in other states.  Texas is known for its heavy thunderstorms and torrential rains, so flash floods are a distinct possibility in certain parts of Texas during a summer storm.  Those are just some of the situations to look out for, there are others such as who’s at fault during an accident?  You can purchase auto insurance at Heydari Financial Group in Houston, TX.

No-Fault Auto Insurance

There are 18 States which require PIP – No-Fault Auto Insurance coverage:  Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington State, and Texas.  PIP is known as Personal Injury Protection and is another name for No-Fault Insurance.

What’s So Special About These States?

No-Fault Auto Insurance States operate under the rules that there is no fault given in automobile accidents between two or more drivers.  In the case of an accident between two drivers, each insurance company would pay for the damages and liability to the other driver.  This way, both ends of coverage are covered in the case of an accident.  

Uninsured Drivers?

You can purchase uninsured drivers coverage to cover yourself in case you get into an accident with another driver and that other driver does not have auto insurance.  This scenario happens a lot more than you may think, so it’s always a good idea to protect yourself from any possible scenario that you may find yourself in.  

More Information

You can find more information about No-Fault Auto Insurance by contacting Heydari Financial Group in Houston, TX today!

How to Avoid Car Insurance Lapse

As money gets tight, everyone starts looking for ways to cut back and save a little money. One option many consider is letting their car insurance in Houston, TX expire for just a short period. However, allowing car insurance to lapse is not the best idea because many other unexpected problems can occur when car insurance lapses. Call the experts at Heydari Financial Group to discuss the dangers of letting a car insurance lapse. 

Is Car Insurance Required in Texas? 

All car owners with a registered vehicle in Texas must satisfy the Texas Financial Responsibility Law and maintain proper car insurance. When pulled over, drivers must show proof of insurance and have their insurance card on them at all times. If stopped without insurance, drivers face a fine of up to $350 for the first time pulled over. In addition to penalties, repeat offenders not having proper insurance could face having their license revoked. 

How Do I Avoid a Lapse in Coverage? 

There are two main reasons car insurance gets canceled — multiple driving offenses and not paying the premiums. The best way to avoid a lapse in auto insurance coverage is to make the payments on time and maintain a clean driving record. If money is an issue, speak with an insurance provider to discuss discounts to help make premiums more affordable or shop around with other insurance companies for a cheaper rate. 

What Happens if My Car Insurance Lapses? 

Should an insurance policy lapse, call the insurance agent immediately to discuss options to get it reinstated. When a lapse in insurance happens, drivers face financial consequences, such as fees and penalties, and risk losing their license. Additionally, when an insurance policy lapses, there is a risk of paying higher premiums in the future.  

When owning a car in Houston, TX, it is imperative to do everything possible to maintain the required car insurance. For additional information or help with a lapse in your insurance, call our experts today at Heydari Financial Group. 

What is basic auto insurance in Texas

Drivers in Texas are required to have at least basic insurance. Most states have basic requirements for insurance but they are not all the same. One thing they do have in common is they all require some form of liability coverage. At Heydari Financial Group in Houston, TX, we are an independent agency and believe in treating our customers with honesty and integrity. Our years of experience make us a great option when you have questions about your insurance coverage. 

The law in Texas mandates drivers show they are able to pay for any damage they may cause in an accident where they are responsible. Most people show this with auto insurance. The amount of liability insurance you must have is 30/60/25. In an accident where the driver or passengers are injured, you need $30,000 in personal injury converge with a total of $60,000 per accident if more than one person is injured. You also must have $25,000 for damage to property which in most cases will be the other vehicle. 

The 30/60/25 is the basic amount you must have but not necessarily the amount you should have. If the injuries or damage were to go beyond the limits of your coverage, you would need to pay the overage out of your own pocket. If that would be a hardship, you might want to have more than basic auto insurance. 

For vehicles with a lease or a loan, you will need to carry collision and comprehensive insurance as required by the lessor or the lender. This coverage protects the vehicle which protects their investment in your vehicle. 

When you are ready to change your auto insurance or get a policy review, the knowledgeable team at Heydari Financial Group in Houston, TX will be here for you. Contact us for a no-obligation quote. 

Most Common Auto Insurance Myths

Buying the right auto insurance is an important step because it helps to protect your vehicle, you as a driver, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, there is a lot of wrong information about car insurance that does not allow you to make the right decision and pick the policy you really need. Therefore, Heydari Financial Group serving clients from Houston, TX and other surrounding areas has prepared the list of few myths about auto insurance that need to be debunked: 

Color of Your Car Determine the Cost of Insurance

No, the color of your car does not have an impact on your insurance costs. The price of car insurance depends on many other factors, including the model, engine size, the cost to repair the vehicle, the age, and some others. 

Car Insurance is More Expensive for Older People

It is actually the opposite. In most cases, older drivers may be qualified for special discounts. For example, if you are 55 and you have successfully completed an accident prevention course, you can get a reduction in your car insurance premium. 

You Credit Score Does Not Have an Impact on Your Insurance Rate

Unfortunately, your credit may matter. Insurance companies use a credit-based insurance score to understand how likely a driver to file a claim or have an insurance loss. For this reason, a low credit score can raise your auto insurance premiums anywhere from 0% to 200%. 

If you are a car owner Houston, TX and you are looking for a trustworthy insurance agency to purchase a new car insurance policy or update the existing one, Heydari Financial Group will be glad to assist you. All you need to do is to visit our website or give us a call to talk to one of our experienced insurance agents. 

3 Reasons You Should Review Your Auto Insurance Annually

It’s important to be safe when you’re in Houston, TX. Auto insurance is a must if you plan on driving around. Your auto insurance has to be reviewed annually to keep you safe. There are quite a few reasons to do so.

At the Heydari Financial Group, we’re able to help you review your auto insurance policy. We’ll be able to get quotes from multiple insurance companies, allowing you to see what each will charge. It can make it easier for you to confidently choose a policy knowing that you’re getting the best possible deal.

It’s also a good idea to review your policy for coverage levels. For example, if you have had an accident in the past, you might want to add more coverage to avoid an out-of-pocket expense. You may even want to reduce the deductible for the same reason. If you’re not sure about the coverage levels and what kind of coverage you should have, ask an agent. We’re here to answer questions that you might have to ensure that you’re covered against any kind of situation that you might run into.

Finally, you want to make sure to review your auto insurance to find out if you qualify for any new discounts. You may have bought a home, allowing you to get a homeowner discount. You may have taken a safe driving course, qualifying you for money off of your premiums. Various discounts can add up quickly, giving you a more affordable monthly premium.

It doesn’t take long for you to review policy. Plus, it can be the best thing for you.

When it’s coming time for you to review your auto insurance, be sure to contact us at Heydari Financial Group. One of our insurance agents can help you to find the right policy to keep you safe on the roads in Houston, TX.