Auto

How does where I live affect my premium?

Where you drive your car directly affects your chances of having an accident or becoming a victim of theft or vandalism. The likelihood of encountering these problems increases in larger, more densely populated cities, while such incidents remain relatively low in rural areas.

Additionally, the time and efficiency of police response and law enforcement, local road and traffic conditions, and the quality of local medical services can affect regional insurance rates. Some insurers even factor in the litigation rates in a given area (how many lawsuits are filed, go to trial, out of court settlements, and their amounts).

What is the legal requirement for auto insurance in Texas?

All drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance. These policies must provide no less than $20,000 bodily injury per person/ $40,000 bodily injury per accident /$15,000 of property damage coverage.  However, we recommend you carry higher limits than these for your own personal protection.  State law does not require collision or comprehensive coverage but your lender probably will.  You should carry uninsured motorist coverage for those that don’t have coverage.

How can I control the cost of my auto insurance?

Besides maintaining a clean driving record, consider investing in special safety and security features for your car. If you've been in an accident or gotten a ticket, consider taking a defensive driving course.  Make monthly payments timely.

What happens when I loan my car to someone?  Is that person covered by my policy?  Am I still covered?

Yes. Liability and coverage for Physical Damage (i.e. Comprehensive and Collision) always follow your car. Plus, if the driver of your car is insured, his/her policy will also be available to cover the cost of damages and injuries.

The same rules apply when you borrow someone else's vehicle. Your own insurance follows you no matter whose car you're driving, but the vehicle owner's policy is the key coverage in the event of an accident.

Am I covered for natural disasters or “Acts of God”?

Comprehensive insurance, which covers you for fire and theft, generally covers you against damage by flood, earthquake, hail, and other natural perils, except when your car is overturned (which is technically considered a collision). If you have specific concerns about the safety of your vehicle in natural disasters, contact us for information on catastrophic coverage.

How can I challenge my insurers if they refuse to cover a claim?

Usually, insurers that refuse to cover a claim have a strong legal reason for doing so — even if you disagree.  First, contact us if you feel you're being treated unfairly.  Miller & Miller is your strongest advocate in insurance matters.  But if it's a legal problem, you might have to consult with an attorney.

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Homeowners

Who decides on the type of insurance, the mortgage company or me?

You do. The mortgage company usually collects a set amount from you each month in order to protect their investment. This money is put in escrow and covers your insurance and taxes. However, the policy is still yours and you should select the insurance you feel offers the best coverage at the best rates.

What does a Homeowners policy cover?

Property insurance covers your structures and possessions. Personal Liability, as its name implies, means you're legally obligated to pay money to another person for actions caused by you, your family, or your property. That liability extends to medical payments to others for injuries caused by you or your family. 

All homeowner’s policies exclude damage from rising water including water that enters the house as the result of inadequate drainage that can occur even in higher elevations.  A separate flood policy is required to cover this risk.

Homeowners Coverage – What has changed?

The HO-B form is broader than the HO-A policy being offered by most insurance companies today.  As the result of large mold claims, the broad coverage under the HO-B policy form is much more expensive and may not be available.  Certain types of water damage are limited and mold coverage is limited unless expensive upgrade options are elected, if available.

The HO-B form covers risks subject to certain exclusions. The HO-A form covers only the listed risks. Therefore a careful analysis is required to compare these forms.

It is very important that you review your coverage options with our customer service representatives since coverage can vary substantially from one company to another and compared to the coverage you may have had in the past.

What is Replacement Cost Compared to Actual Cash Value Coverage?

Replacement cost coverage is designed to cover the cost to repair or replace your home in the event of a loss, subject to certain limitations, if you carry an adequate amount of coverage to meet the co-insurance requirement.  Coverage will not exceed the policy limit.

Actual cash value provides less coverage since claims are reduced for depreciation and obsolescence.  This could be substantially less than replacement cost.  Some insurance companies may offer only actual cash value for older roofs and older homes.

What may not be covered?

Neglect, intentional loss, “earth movement,” general power failure, and even damage caused by war may not be covered.  If you fail to take care of your property (e.g., a leaky roof), you might not be covered.  Obviously, if you intend to lose an object or damage your property, there's no coverage.

Building codes established by governmental bodies that drive up the cost of rebuilding or repairing after a loss occurs might not be covered by your insurance policy.  Thus, if you discover when replacing damaged property that current law demands higher grade or more expensive materials than those you're replacing, the new materials might not be covered fully unless the policy is specifically endorsed to cover this exposure.

Is mobile home coverage different from homeowner's coverge?

Mobile homes are written on a separate form from permanent structures. Although many of the same coverage issues apply, there are significant differences, which you should discuss with our customer service representatives.

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Additional Coverages

Other personal assets - is separate coverage required?

Motorcycles, motor homes, travel trailers, jet skis and other property not attached to your home will require a separate policy for property and liability protection.

Do I need separate coverage when driving to Mexico?

Your automobile coverage may not cover the exposure you face when you drive into Mexico or another foreign country. You may need separate coverage for the limited time period you are driving in another country.

So why do I buy renters insurance?

Your contents and liability when you are in a leased house or apartment require separate coverage.  The property owner's insurance covers the building itself and seldom covers a tenant's possessions or liability.  Clarify this with your landlord before signing a lease.

What does flood insurance cover?

This coverage, which is underwritten by the US Government (FEMA), covers damage caused by rising water.  Home and business property insurance does not cover this hazard. The price varies substantially based on the elevation of the property relative to the historical flood evaluations.  Coverage must be bound 30 days before the flooding occurs in most cases.