Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of insurance policies does Thomas Scott Agency offer?

We provide a range of insurance policies including auto, home, life, commercial, recreational vehicle, renters, and equipment coverage tailored to your needs.

How can I determine the right coverage for my vehicle or property?

Are there any discounts available for bundling multiple policies?

How can I lower my premium?

If you want to lower your monthly premium, or buy more coverage for less money, one way is to carry a higher deductible. A higher deductible also may make sense if you believe that your chances of making a claim are remote enough to warrant assuming extra financial risk.

What should I do if another driver hits my car?

If you were not at fault in the accident, you will make a third-party claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Because you are the claimant, the insurance company typically will issue the check directly to you. It’s your responsibility to pay the repair shop, and the lender if you have a car loan. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage will take effect.

What happens if my car is stolen?

If your car was stolen, be prepared to wait. Most insurance companies will impose a waiting period to see if the police recover your car. If your car is still missing after the waiting period, usually 21 days, you should receive a settlement soon after. If your car is recovered during the waiting period, the insurance company will want to see a repair estimate before deciding how to proceed.

What does it mean when a car is “totaled”?

After an accident or theft recovery, if the insurance company decides your car is “totaled,” it means the estimate of repairs exceeds the car’s value. At this point, the insurance company will likely send you a check for your car’s value. It gets to keep your car unless you make arrangements to buy it back “as is”.

What auto insurance coverage is required in Texas and Arkansas?

Both states require liability insurance that pays for injuries or damage you cause to others. Texas minimum limits are 30/60/25, and Arkansas minimum limits are 25/50/25. Just a thought the average new pickup price in Texarkana is $50,000. Is $25,000 enough to cover if the accident is your fault and the other drivers vehicle is a total loss?

What is liability insurance?

Liability coverage pays for injuries and property damage you cause to other people in an accident. It does not cover your own vehicle.

What does collision coverage pay for?

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of fault.

What is full coverage auto insurance?

“Full coverage” typically means liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, protecting both your vehicle and others involved in an accident. However, here again attention needs to be focused on your policy limits.

What does comprehensive coverage cover?

Comprehensive covers damage caused by theft, hail, fire, vandalism, falling objects, or hitting an animal.

What can I do about expensive possessions like jewelry or camera equipment that are far more valuable than the coverage limits of my homeowners policy?

You can purchase additional coverage, through an endorsement to your existing policy or with a separate policy, to extend the limits of coverage for specific items.

What damage to my house would not be covered by homeowners policy?

It depends on the type of policy you own. But in general, unless you buy additional coverage, you won’t be compensated for losses due to floods, earthquakes, nuclear accidents, wars, intentional damage, and normal wear and tear. Other exclusions may also apply.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?

It covers sudden and accidental water damage, but not damage caused by long-term leaks or flooding.

Are my personal belongings covered outside the home?

Yes. Most policies cover personal property anywhere in the world, subject to policy limits.

Does home insurance cover liability if someone is injured on my property?

Yes. Liability coverage helps pay for medical bills, legal expenses, and damages if someone is injured on your property.

What information do I need for an insurance quote?

Typically you will need driver information, vehicle details, property information, and current coverage details.

Still have questions?

The team at Thomas Scott Agency is here to help. Contact us today for a free review of your home and auto insurance coverage in Texas or Arkansas.

Contact Thomas Scott Agency

Reach out to our team for tailored insurance guidance and support. Whether you have questions about your current policy or need help selecting coverage, we’re here to assist you promptly and personally.