
Q&A
Insurance Agent
What’s a practical amount of car insurance I should carry beyond the Texas minimum?
With $25,000 as the minimum, think about this: How many cars on the road cost just $25,000? Not many. Imagine a scenario in which you accidentally bump into someone who then hits the car in front of them. Now, $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 property damage starts to sound more practical, right? It’s about protecting yourself. Most folks opt for 100/300/100. Accidents happen, and you don’t want to risk a small oversight turning into a major headache. A small investment in your coverage can provide peace of mind on the road.
Living in DFW, what additional home insurance coverage should I get?
First, check your deductibles. You want to make sure the deductible you have selected is an amount you can cover in the event you need to make a claim on your home. Make sure your coverage includes replacement costs for your home. Many people overlook this and end up with an actual cash value or a depreciated calculator factor. With rising repair and home prices, you want to avoid being underinsured in case of a disaster. Opt for replacement cost, not a depreciating calculator, to guarantee your home’s value stays protected.
Should I consider a telematics device in my vehicle?
Safe driving telematics programs offer incentives for safe driving practices, such as not speeding or not texting and driving. We are constantly looking for ways to provide the best rates and want to give discounts, and telematics programs allow us to provide this discount to our policyholders. Safe driving monitoring fosters improved driving behaviors, enhancing road safety. If we can encourage safe driving habits for all drivers, that makes the roadways safer for everyone, ultimately making roadways safer for all.
Does “full coverage” really mean everything is covered?
It’s a common misconception that “full coverage” means every possible scenario is covered. Your policy is like a buffet of coverages. What’s included depends on what you choose. When someone says, “I want full coverage,” they often mean protection for everything. However, it’s crucial to understand the specifics. Typically, there are nine key coverages, ranging from medical expenses to vehicle damage to emergency roadside assistance. Give us a call to explore your options. We want to make the process easy and find you the best savings while giving you the peace of mind that your assets are safeguarded.
How often should I review my insurance policies?
Check them at each renewal, which is typically annually for home and every six months for auto. Don’t forget about jewelry coverage either, especially for items like watches and rings that appreciate faster. They’re often underinsured because they’re overlooked. Look beyond the price to ensure your coverage matches the value of what you’re insuring. You never want to be caught underinsured when it matters most. I recommend taking a day or two to shop the rates. It takes just five to 10 minutes to get a quote.
About The Expert

Victoria Elliot
GEICO
Victoria Elliott is your local GEICO insurance agent in Mesquite. She has more than 20 years of experience working in sales, service, underwriting, and claims. She has also managed various GEICO divisions and received numerous credentials and awards, including the Leading Women DFW Award and the United Way Women’s Council Award.