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What is Car Insurance?
Car insurance protects you against financial loss if you have an accident. It is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your policy. Auto insurance provides property, liability and medical coverage:
A Car Insurance Policy is comprised of six different kinds of coverage. Most states require you to buy some, but not all, of these coverages. If you’re financing a car, your lender may also have requirements. Most auto policies are for six months to a year. Your insurance company should notify you by mail when it’s time to renew the policy and to pay your premium.
What Is Covered by a Car Insurance Policy?
Your car policy may include any or all of six coverages. Each coverage is priced separately.
Bodily Injury Liability
This coverage applies to injuries that you, the designated driver or policyholder, cause to someone else. You and family members listed on the policy are also covered when driving someone else’s car with their permission.
Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
This coverage pays for the treatment of injuries to the driver and passengers of the policyholder’s car. At its broadest, PIP can cover medical payments, lost wages and the cost of replacing services normally performed by someone injured in an auto accident. It may also cover funeral costs.
Property Damage Liability
This coverage pays for damage you (or someone driving the car with your permission) may cause to someone else’s property. Usually, this means damage to someone else’s car, but it also includes damage to lamp posts, telephone poles, fences, buildings or other structures your car hits.
Collision
This coverage pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with another car, object or as a result of flipping over. It also covers damage caused by potholes. Collision coverage is generally sold with a deductible of $250 to $1,000—the higher your deductible, the lower your premium.
Comprehensive
This coverage reimburses you for loss due to theft or damage caused by something other than a collision with another car or object, such as fire, falling objects, missiles, explosion, earthquake, windstorm, hail, flood, vandalism, riot, or contact with animals such as birds or deer.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage will reimburse you, a member of your family, or a designated driver if one of you is hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. Underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when an at-fault driver has insufficient insurance to pay for your total loss.
Driving in the Rio Grande Valley — What Local Drivers Need to Know
Auto insurance in the RGV comes with a few local considerations that matter. Here’s what McAllen-area drivers should understand before choosing their coverage.
Uninsured Drivers Are a Real Risk on RGV Roads
An estimated 20% of Texas drivers are uninsured, one of the highest rates in the country. If an uninsured driver causes an accident, their insurance won’t pay your bills because they don’t have any. Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage closes that gap, covering your medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle damage when the other driver can’t. Texas law requires insurers to offer it — but it’s not automatic. Ask your Safeguard agent to confirm it’s on your policy.
SR-22 Filings — Safeguard Handles It
Need to file an SR-22? We take care of it. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility, commonly required after a DUI, a lapse in coverage, or a license suspension, that your insurer files with the state on your behalf. Contact any Safeguard location and we’ll get you insured, file the certificate, and find you the most affordable rate available.
We Serve You in Spanish / Le Servimos en Español
All of our RGV agents are fully bilingual. Get a quote, compare coverage, and file claims in the language that works best for you. Nuestros agentes hablan español y están listos para ayudarle.
Cross-Border Driving — Your U.S. Policy Stops at the Border
Your U.S. auto insurance provides zero coverage in Mexico. Mexican law requires a separate Mexican auto policy, and driving without one can mean an impounded vehicle and serious legal liability, regardless of fault. If you cross regularly, ask your Safeguard agent about Mexican auto insurance options.
Contact Safeguard for a free auto insurance quote in English or in Spanish.
How Much is Car Insurance & Other Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about car insurance by exploring the answers to common questions, and then contact us for additional information.
- Look at quotes side-by-side
No more contacting multiple carriers to get comparable quotes. As a one-stop shop for insurance coverage, our experienced team gathers the very best deals for the customized coverage you need so you can choose from among many competitive offers. Easy-to-compare quotes and tailored coverage make getting the right insurance easy.
- Consider more than price
As a full-service insurance agent, SafeGuard is committed to tailored insurance solutions. No more finding quotes that offer too much or too little coverage. No more comparing quotes based only on price. Our dedicated team finds the solutions you need so you can look beyond price to get total peace of mind.
- What factors can affect my auto insurance rate?
A number of factors can affect your auto insurance rate. Some of the most common include the age and model of your car, your driving record, whether or not you have additional drivers on the policy, where you live, the deductible you choose and the specific coverages you select. Our insurance agents work with you to find coverage that may work with your individual circumstances.
- Can I get discounts on my auto insurance?
Sometimes you can earn discounts on your auto insurance premium. Examples of discounts you may be able to access include good driver discounts, student discounts, discounts for safety features and electric vehicle discounts. Our agents will work hard to identify any discounts for which you may be eligible in order to make your rate as affordable as possible.
- How much auto insurance do I need?
Texas requires drivers to have what is called 30/60/25 liability insurance. This provides coverage for accidents in which you are at fault in the following amounts: $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. However, you may want additional coverages, which our agents can help you explore.
- How do I know which auto insurance coverages are right for me?
The right coverage varies from person to person depending upon their needs. The best way to identify the coverage you need is to talk to our agents, who can help you evaluate your options when it comes to auto insurance.
- Why is uninsured motorist coverage especially important in Texas?
Texas has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the country. Approximately 20% of all vehicles statewide may not carry the insurance required by law. That means roughly one in five cars on the road could leave you with no recourse if they cause an accident. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage steps in to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage covers the difference when the other driver’s policy limits aren’t enough to make you whole. In the Rio Grande Valley, UM/UIM coverage isn’t just recommended; it’s a practical necessity. Texas law requires insurers to offer you this coverage; ask your Safeguard agent to make sure it’s included on your policy.
- Does Safeguard handle SR-22 filings?
Yes, Safeguard handles SR-22 filings. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurer files with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles on your behalf, confirming you carry at least the state minimum required coverage. It is commonly required after a DUI conviction, driving without insurance, or a license suspension. If you’ve been notified that you need an SR-22, simply contact your nearest Safeguard location. Our agents will get you insured, file the certificate with the state, and help you find the most affordable coverage available. We’ll also explain how long the filing requirement lasts and what to expect throughout the process.
- Reevaluate your coverage with life changes
Life happens. When it does, your insurance needs may change. What life changes may lead to insurance changes? Marriage, divorce, home renovations, purchasing or selling a house, starting a business, buying a luxury item or vehicle, getting a pet, and more. Here at SafeGuard, our professional team is ready to adapt your coverage at any time. Just give us a call!
- Weigh the benefits and discounts
With multiple competitive quotes to choose from, you can easily compare the benefits, discounts, and prices of each to find the very best deal. Our team uses our established relationships with carriers to get you the lowest rates and the most favorable discounts. All you have to do is consider your options to find the perfect insurance solution for you.
- What is not covered by auto insurance?
Auto insurance does not typically provide coverage for wear and tear and normal repairs for your vehicle. For example, new tires, regular maintenance, or engine repairs not caused by an accident may not be covered by your insurance policy. Your policy will probably also not cover the theft of personal items from your vehicle.
- Will my auto insurance rate go up over time?
Your auto insurance rate may go up over time. Any time you change your vehicle, residence, drivers on the policy, or other factors that influence your rate, your rate may change. In addition, your rate may go up if you receive tickets or get into accidents. Our insurance agents will work with you to help you find and keep rates as low as possible.
- Does my auto insurance cover rental cars?
Many auto insurance policies will cover some or all of the cost of a rental car if you need it after an accident. Your auto insurance may also offer other services, such as towing and roadside assistance. If these things are important to you, discuss them with your insurance agent to make sure you get a policy that includes them.
- Ofrecen servicio en español? / Do you offer services in Spanish?
Expanded answer: Sí, ofrecemos servicio completo en español en todas nuestras oficinas del Valle del Río Grande. Nuestros agentes le pueden ayudar a obtener cotizaciones, comparar coberturas y presentar reclamaciones en español. Yes, Safeguard offers full service in Spanish at all of our Rio Grande Valley locations. Our bilingual agents can help you get quotes, compare coverage options, and file claims in the language that’s most comfortable for you. We believe insurance decisions are too important to make without fully understanding what you’re buying.
- Does my U.S. auto insurance cover me when driving in Mexico?
Expanded answer: No, standard U.S. auto insurance policies do not provide coverage in Mexico. Mexican law requires all drivers to carry a valid Mexican auto insurance policy while operating a vehicle south of the border. Driving in Mexico without one, even for a short trip, can result in your vehicle being impounded and serious legal liability if you are involved in an accident. If you regularly cross into Mexico from the Rio Grande Valley, ask your Safeguard agent about Mexican auto insurance options. This is a common need for RGV residents and we can help you find the right coverage before your next trip.
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