Personal Auto Insurance
Liability Coverage
Liability insurance coverage protects you if you cause, or are responsible for, an accident. It pays for property damage and injuries you cause to others if you're found responsible for a car accident. It can also cover related legal expenses. Liability coverage is required for all drivers in most states. In Texas, you are required by law to carry at least $30,000 in liability coverage for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Example: You cause an accident with another car. The other driver's arm is hurt from the impact and their car is damaged in the accident. Your liability coverage can pay for their related medical care and car repairs up to your policy's liability limits.
Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Comprehensive (sometimes referred to as Other-than-Collision or OTC) and Collision Coverages protect your car from accidents and the unexpected. Often purchased together, if you have a new car or high-value vehicle, comprehensive coverage and collision coverage protect you financially from unexpected damage to your car. State law doesn't require this coverage, but your car lease, loan, or finance company probably will.
Comp and Collision are vehicle specific coverages. And the coverage is measured by the deductible amount. An auto insurance deductible is what you pay “out of pocket” on a claim before your insurance covers the rest. You typically have a choice between a low and high deductible. A low deductible means a higher insurance rate, whereas a high deductible means a lower insurance rate.
Example: If your car is stolen or damaged by a non-collision event (including hitting an animal, fire, hail damage, other acts of nature, vandalism, and theft), comprehensive can cover your car repairs.
Example: If your car is damaged in an accident, collision can cover your car repairs regardless of who's at fault.
Medical Payments and Personal Injury Protection
Medical payments coverage, also known as Med Pay, can help pay for injuries or funeral expenses that you or your passengers suffer in an accident, regardless of fault. It can also help pay for injuries you suffer as a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Med Pay is available as an optional coverage in most states.
Example: You're in a fender bender on your lunch break and your co-worker is injured in the passenger seat. Your medical payments coverage can cover your co-worker's hospital bill up to your policy's limit.
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, can cover medical bills for you and your passengers from injuries sustained in a car accident, regardless of who's at fault. It can also provide coverage for lost wages, household services, death benefits, and other expenses related to your injuries.
Example: You're injured in a car accident and need to take time off from work to recover. We can cover your medical bills and lost wages up to the limits of your policy.
Medical payments coverage and personal injury protection aren't the same thing, and your coverage options will vary by state. Unlike PIP coverage, medical payments coverage generally only covers medical bills and funeral expenses. PIP coverage is typically more expansive and may include coverage for lost wages, household services, disability and rehab benefits.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage protects you from drivers who can't pay for damages due to insufficient coverage, drivers who have no insurance coverage, and from hit-and-run drivers. Required in some states, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can pay for your injuries if you're hit by a driver with too little or no car insurance. UM/UIM can offer peace of mind in case you're in an accident caused by someone without enough liability coverage to cover your injuries and damages.
Example: You're rear-ended by a driver who doesn't have car insurance. UM/UIM can cover your medical bills and car repairs up to your limits.
Rental, Towing, and Roadside Assistance
Rental Reimbursement: If you have rental car reimbursement coverage on your car insurance policy, you can get a rental car and submit your receipts to your insurance company after a covered accident damages or totals your car. Typically a company will reimburse your rental car fees up to 30 days at a daily limit, depending on your policy.
If another driver was at fault for the accident, their liability insurance can also pay for your rental, but determining fault can take time. If the other driver is ultimately held liable for the accident, you may be reimbursed by the other driver's liability insurance for the portion of rental expenses you paid out of pocket.
Towing Coverage: Most people tend to think that Towing Coverage and Roadside Assitance are the same thing, when in-fact they are not. Towing coverage covers towing the disabled vehicle for a set amount per disablement, ONLY IF the disablement occurs due to a covered loss, such as an accident. Furthermore this coverage can only be added to a policy if you have purchased comprehensive and collision coverage.
Example: You hit a steel barricade, damaging your front axle and disabling your vehicle. Towing coverage can be utilized to tow the vehicle to a destination of your choosing.
Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance is a much broader coverage that includes towing, and a wide array of other features such as battery service, flat tire service, fuel and fluid delivery, lockout service and more. And unlike towing coverage, roadside assistance does not require comprehensive and collision coverage in order to be added to your policy.
Homeowners and Renters Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance protects against damage to your home and belongings from covered perils, and safeguards your assets if you're liable for someone else's injuries or property damage. Additionally, your homeowners policy may pay for an increase in living expenses if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
Renters Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Typically a renters insurance policy is seen as a way to protect your personal belongings, but a policy's coverage goes beyond that. A renters insurance policy may also pay for medical bills if someone is injured due to an occurrence, or additional living expenses if your home is unlivable due to a covered loss.
Homeowner's Insurance
Coverage For Your House
Coverage Against The Elements
Coverage Against The Elements
Dwelling Coverage protects the physical structure of your home. It may pay to repair or rebuild your house in the event of a loss caused by things like a fire, severe weather, falling trees, ice dams, and more. As well as sudden and accidental water damage, such as a sudden plumbing issue and appliance overflows. (Note: When water damage comes from flooding, it’s typically not covered on a standard homeowners insurance policy. This type of damage is usually covered by a separate flood insurance policy.)
Example: A short in an in electrical outlet causes a fire in your home, damaging interior components such as walls, kitchen cabinets, and countertops.
Coverage Against The Elements
Coverage Against The Elements
Coverage Against The Elements
Dwelling Coverage can also protect your home from the wrath of mother nature, such as if your roof caves in from the weight of ice, snow, or sleet. Or if a severe hailstorm damages or destroys parts of your home or roof. Standard home insurance policies cover a variety of situations like this, up to your coverage limits and minus any deductible.
Example: A brutal windstorm causes a tree to collapse onto your house, caving in a large portion of your roof.
Coverage For Your Belongings
Coverage For Your Belongings
Coverage For Your Belongings
Personal Property Coverage helps pay to repair or replace furniture, clothes, electronics, tools, and other belongings if they're lost destroyed in a covered loss, such as those mentioned above. But if your home is burglarized or vandalized, personal property coverage may also pay to repair or replace stolen or damaged items. (Note: For more expensive items, such as jewelry, art and collectibles, you may need to "schedule" the item, also known as adding an insurance rider to your homeowners insurance policy.)
Example: Someone breaks into your car and steals your cellphone and work tools/equipment. Your home insurance policy may pay to replace the stolen items, up to the limits of your policy and minus your deductible.
Coverage For Your Liability
Coverage For Your Belongings
Coverage For Your Belongings
Personal liability Coverage helps protect your assets if you or your family members are liable for someone else's damage or injuries. It can help cover accidents that happen away from your home if you're held legally responsible for them. If you accidentally damage a hotel lobby or injure someone else's child on a playground, your policy may protect you. This coverage can help pay for legal bills, settlements, and lawsuit judgments, up to your policy's liability limit. Additional coverages may be available to purchase for libel, slander, and other lawsuits. (Note: If you need more than a $500,000 liability limit, a separate umbrella policy may provide additional coverage.)
Example: A delivery person falls on your steps and breaks their arm. If you're found to be liable, your homeowners insurance may cover their medical bills and lost wages.
Renters Insurance
Personal Property Covearage
Personal Property Covearage
Personal Property Covearage
Much like the Personal Property Coverage in a homeowners policy, this coverage, as part of a renters policy, aims to secure your belongings. It provides coverage for items such as clothing, electronics, furniture, tools, and appliances. These types of items may be covered against incidents including fire, theft, vandalism, tornadoes, and water damage. (Note: You may need extra coverage for furs, jewelry, art, collectibles, or other high value items.)
Example: Your place is burglarized, and your couch is stolen. Your personal property coverage may reimburse you the cost to replace the couch, up to your policy’s limits, minus your deductible.
Loss of Use Coverage
Personal Property Covearage
Personal Property Covearage
Loss Of Use Coverage assures that if you and your family are displaced due to a loss, you won't find yourself scrambling to find a place to stay. If your place is damaged and uninhabitable due to a covered loss, loss of use coverage may help pay for lodging, groceries, and other expenses (above what you'd normally pay). Once again, this is a coverage afforded to both renters and homeowners.
Example: Your apartment's kitchen is damaged due to a cooking fire, and you're forced to stay in a hotel for a week during repairs. You may be reimbursed for hotel and dining expenses above what you would normally spend on groceries or dining out.
Coverage for your liability
Personal Property Covearage
Coverage for your liability
Same as with a homeowner's policy, If you're responsible for someone's injuries at your residence, Personal Liability Coverage may pay for their injuries up to the limits of your policy.
Example: You host a party and one of your guests slips and falls. If you're liable, renters insurance may pay for medical expenses, lost wages and court/legal fees if you're sued.
Commercial and Business Owners Insurance
General Liability
General Liability Insurance (GL) protects you and your business against lawsuits and other claims arising from your operations. Also called business liability insurance, it covers a wide range of risks that small business owners may face including:
- Bodily injury and property damage.
- Personal and advertising injury.
- Medical payments.
- Products-completed operations.
- Damage to premises rented to you.
A commercial general liability policy is a good fit for businesses that work with clients, sell products, advertise, and more. While not required by law, general liability is the most common type of business insurance because it protects from a variety of third-party claims and lawsuits. Occupations such as contractors typically need some form of business liability insurance to protect from risks that arise during their work. Matching liability coverage to your exposure can give peace of mind against unexpected lawsuits.
Example: If a pedestrian trips over tools a landscaping company left on the sidewalk, a general liability insurance policy can help pay their medical expenses and the business’s legal costs.
Business Owners Insurance
Business Owners Insurance, also known as BOP insurance, is a policy that combines both property and liability coverage into one package. It’s popular among a variety of small and medium-sized businesses, such as restaurants, wholesalers, retail stores and contractors. A business owners policy has two primary coverages:
Liability: The liability coverages available on a BOP are the same as those on a general liability policy. This includes protection against liabilities like customer injury and property damage, advertising injury and product-related claims.
Property: This coverage protects commercial buildings and business personal property, which is the movable property owned by and used for the business. It can also pay for other things like debris removal, loss of income and pollution cleanup as part of a covered loss.
(Note: A BOP doesn’t cover your employees. You’ll need a separate workers’ compensation policy.)
Workers Compensation
Workers’ Compensation Insurance, commonly known as workers’ comp, provides financial support for employees who get hurt or sick on the job. It helps pay for their medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and more. This insurance also protects employers from potential lawsuits related to workplace injuries. Businesses with employees are required to carry this coverage in most states.
Workers’ compensation insurance covers employees who become sick or injured at work. Benefits typically include:
- Medical Expenses: This coverage can help pay for related doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and other treatments.
- Lost Wages: If an employee can’t work due to their injury or illness, it can cover a portion of their regular wages.
- Rehabilitation Costs: It can cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of rehab that the employee needs to recover.
- Disability Benefits: Workers’ compensation coverage may pay short- or long-term benefits if a work-related injury disables an employee. However, this payment is subject to the policy contract.
- Death Benefits: If an employee dies because of a work-related injury or illness, workers' comp coverage can help the employee's dependents with funeral expenses and other forms of financial support.
An employee can only receive benefits if their injury or illness relates to their job duties or employment. For example, workers’ comp insurance could cover injuries caused by lifting heavy equipment, slipping on a wet or oily surface, or sustaining injury due to fires or explosions. If an employee becomes injured outside the scope of their employment, such as playing football with friends on a day off, workers’ compensation insurance won’t cover them.
Workers’ compensation insurance is required by law in almost every state. Some worker exemptions exist, so you’ll want to check with your state to find out if coverage is mandatory for your business.
Choosing to forgo workers’ comp coverage puts you at high financial risk. Not only can you face a lawsuit for workplace injuries, but you’ll likely be fined for breaking the law. You can protect your business from these risks by getting workers’ compensation insurance.
Commercial Auto
Commercial Auto Insurance is liability and physical damage protection for vehicles used for business, such as cars, trucks, and vans. Commercial vehicles require a separate policy because they’re typically exposed to more risk than personal ones.
Businesses that use vehicles for their operations usually need commercial auto insurance. This includes companies that own or lease cars, trucks, vans, or other vehicles for the purpose of transporting goods, equipment, or people. Common professions that need commercial auto insurance include:
- Contractors: Contractors, landscapers, construction companies, and other tradespeople that use trucks or vans to take tools and equipment to job sites typically need commercial vehicle insurance.
- Delivery companies: Businesses that use cars or trucks to deliver goods to customers should have commercial auto insurance to protect their drivers, vehicles, and cargo.
- Transportation services: Companies that use cars or vans to transport passengers, such as taxis, limousines, and other livery services, need protection for their commercial cars.
- Food services: Restaurants, food trucks, and caterers that use vehicles for delivering food or operating mobile kitchens usually require a commercial auto policy.
- Non-profit organizations: If you use buses or vans to drive volunteers or clients, commercial auto insurance might be necessary for your business.
It’s important to note that personal auto insurance policies typically do not cover vehicles that are used for business purposes. If vehicles are necessary to your work, get commercial auto insurance to protect them.
You may also require a commercial auto policy if you're engaging in rideshare or on-demand delivery services such as Uber, DoorDash, Lyft, or Grubhub. While rideshare companies can offer insurance when you’re driving for them, it may have restrictions. To make sure you’re well protected, you can purchase a commercial auto policy. (Note: in some cases, this coverage can be added to a personal auto insurance policy through an endorsement.)
NPN 8947118
Life And Health Insurance
Life is a precious, beautiful thing. But an unexpected emergency or tragedy can turn your whole world upside down. It is imperative to have the coverage in place so that minor ailments or conditions don't turn into major emergencies, tragedies, or insurmountable financial burdens. Associates will get you covered.
Health Insurance
Having health insurance is crucial for protecting your financial well-being and ensuring you receive the medical care you need. Without insurance, a single unexpected illness or injury can lead to significant financial burden and stress. Health insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that you have a safety net in place to cover unexpected medical expenses. With insurance, you'll have access to preventive care, routine check-ups, and a network of providers who can help you manage chronic conditions and stay healthy. Moreover, having insurance can also help prevent financial ruin in the event of a serious illness or accident, allowing you to focus on your recovery rather than worrying about mounting medical bills. By investing in health insurance, you're not only safeguarding your physical health, but also your financial security
Life Insurance
Life insurance is a vital part of a comprehensive financial plan, providing financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing. Without life insurance, the burden of funeral expenses, outstanding debts, and living expenses can fall on your family, potentially causing significant financial hardship. Life insurance ensures that your family is protected and can continue to live comfortably, even if you're no longer there to provide for them. Additionally, life insurance can also provide a tax-free death benefit to help pay for final expenses, including funeral costs, estate taxes, and other financial obligations. By investing in life insurance, you're not only securing your family's financial future, but also giving them peace of mind knowing that they'll be taken care of, no matter what the future holds.
Notary Public Services
Authenticating Life's Important Moments
As a Notary Public, Associates Insurance is a trusted and impartial third-party official who plays a vital role in verifying the authenticity and integrity of important documents. Notaries Public are commissioned by the state to perform various tasks, including witnessing signatures, taking acknowledgments, and administering oaths. We ensure that all documents are properly executed and signed, and that all parties involved understand the contents of the document. This added layer of authentication is crucial in a variety of situations, such as real estate transactions, wills and estates, business agreements, and international trade. By verifying the authenticity of documents, we help to prevent fraud, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide peace of mind for individuals and businesses alike.
Notary Public Frequently Asked Questions
What is a notary?
A notary public is a public official appointed by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing various official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents. In Texas, notaries are appointed and commissioned by the Secretary of State.
What is the purpose of a notary public?
A notary public is a person of integrity who is appointed to act as an impartial witness to the signing of an important transaction and to perform a notarial act, which validates the transaction. A notary’s primary purpose is to prevent fraud and forgery by requiring the personal presence of the signer and satisfactorily identifying the signer.
What types of documents can a Notary Public sign?
A Notary Public can sign a variety of documents, including wills, property deeds, powers of attorney, contracts, and more.
Can a Notary Public notarize digital documents?
No, traditional Notary Publics cannot notarize digital documents. However, some electronic notarization platforms allow for remote notarization.
Can a Notary Public translate documents into different languages?
No, Notary Publics are not linguists and cannot translate documents. However, they can witness the signing of translated documents.
Can a Notary Public verify the identity of an individual signing a document?
Yes, a Notary Public must verify the identity of the individual signing the document using valid identification.
Can a Notary Public charge me extra fees for their services?
Yes, Notary Publics may charge fees for their services, which vary by state and location. These fees are usually minimal and can range from $5 to $20 or more per document.
Are Notary Publics required to perform background checks on individuals signing documents?
No, Notary Publics are not required to perform background checks. However, some states may have specific requirements for certain types of documents.
Can a Notary Public certify photocopies of documents?
No, a Notary Public can only certify original documents. Photocopies must be certified by the original issuer or another authorized entity.
Can a Notary Public notarize documents for out-of-state residents or foreign nationals?
Yes, a Notary Public can notarize documents for out-of-state residents or foreign nationals as long as they are physically present in front of the Notary.
How do I know if a document is legitimate and authentic?
A document is considered legitimate and authentic if it is properly executed in front of a Notary Public and contains the proper signatures and seals.
Did You Know?! Here are 10 fun facts about notaries.
- Scribes that Notarize: In ancient Egypt, “scribes” or “sesh” were the earliest known chroniclers of official communications in recorded history with personal letters, official proclamations, tax records, and other important documents all going through them.
- Do As The Romans Do: The true ancestors of Notaries come from the Roman Empire, with history’s first Notary being a Roman named Tiro. He developed a shorthand system, which he called notae, for taking down the speeches of the famed orator Cicero.
- Few More Notaries Today: There are currently over 4.5 Million Notary Publics in the United States with over 1 billion notarizations completed each year!
- Holy Notary: Notary publics were once church officials appointed by the Pope.
- Notary Private: In the Middle Ages, Notaries were sometimes asked to be witness to the consummation of marriages involving royalty or members of the peerage.
- Land No’tary!: Notaries joined Christopher Columbus on all of his voyages, as well as all early Spanish explorers, to ensure all discovered treasures were accounted for.
- Signature Pro: Thomas McKean, the last person to sign the Declaration of Independence, was also a Notary Public.
- Cereal Notary: To allow legendary baseball player Pete Rose to appear on the cover of the famous Wheaties box, executives of the company made Rose sign and swear in the presence of a Notary that he’d eaten the cereal ever since he was a kid.
- Who Runs The Notary World: While more than two-thirds of American Notaries today are women, it wasn’t until the early 1900’s that women were even allowed to be Notaries.
- Not Your Average Notary: William Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Jennifer Lopez, and Dwight Shrute are some of the most famous Notaries!