Additional coverage you can add to your basic auto insurance

A basic auto insurance policy is what is required by the law. It is liability coverage that protects other drivers from an accident that you cause. However, you could benefit from many different types of auto insurance coverage. At Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX, we are an independent insurance agency offering our customers personalized service and more choices. 

Collision

Collision coverage is what it sounds like. It covers damage to your vehicle when you are the driver at fault in an accident or if you are a victim of a hit-and-run. It has a deductible that you choose when you get your policy. 

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage is coverage for things other than a collision that can damage your car. It covers things like vandalism, theft, hail, flooding, deer, and more. 

Gap Coverage

Gap coverage should be considered if you have a new vehicle and a car loan. As soon as you drive a car off the lot, it depreciates, and if you have an accident, you could find that the amount the insurance values your vehicle is less than you owe on it. Gap insurance will cover the difference between your policy and what you owe. 

Full glass

Your comprehensive coverage provides glass coverage, but you must pay the deductible. If you opt for full glass coverage, you won’t have to pay a deductible. 

Roadside service

Roadside service is similar to the coverage that you get from the auto club. It will give you a tow, a charge, or change a tire if you are out on the road or at home and have an issue. 

Contact our office at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX, when you need to review your auto insurance coverage. Give us a call or stop by the office. 

How to prepare your vehicle for winter weather

Steps for Winter Weather

As winter approaches the Arlington, TX area, it is vital to ensure your car is ready for the cold months ahead. To prepare your car for winter, there are several steps we at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency suggest that you should take. 

  • First, make sure to check the level and quality of your oil. If the oil has a dark color or a lot of sediment, it’s time for an oil change. You should also check the coolant levels in your radiator and top it off as needed. While doing so, checking your other fluid levels is also a good idea. 
  • Next, check your headlights and taillights to ensure they are in good condition and working properly. Winter weather can decrease visibility significantly, so it is important to have lights that are bright enough for other drivers to see you clearly. 
  • Also, consider getting new windshield wipers if yours no longer works efficiently. Snow and ice can be tough on wipers, so having good ones will help keep you safe in those winter storms. 
  • Finally, make sure all four tires are properly inflated and ready for winter driving conditions. Tire pressure often drops as temperatures get colder, so check them frequently throughout the season just to be safe. 

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your car is prepared for whatever this winter throws! For more winter driving tips, call us at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency today. We proudly serve the Arlington, TX area and would be glad to help keep you safe on the road this winter.

Tips for Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe

While summer may be particularly risky when behind the wheel, the truth of the matter is that every day is a risk. Teenagers tend to be the most vulnerable, especially throughout the summer because school is out. If you have a new, young driver hitting the road soon in Arlington, TX, you will want to protect them with auto insurance from Rickey McGill Insurance Agency. Here are a few additional tips to keep your teen driver as safe as possible.

Limit the Number of Passengers

When your child is new to driving, a car full of rowdy siblings and friends can make it incredibly hard to focus on driving and their surroundings. Therefore, you should limit your child’s passengers to one at a time. Depending on your state, your child may be restricted by law from having anyone other than a sibling or more than one passenger at a time until they reach a certain age.

Put Cell Phones Away

Teens often fail to comprehend the consequences of certain actions, such as texting and driving. Implement a stipulation that your teen must keep their smartphone away when they are driving. In the event your teen needs the phone for navigation, there are apps that can be downloaded onto the phone that will not allow it to be used for any other purpose until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

Offer Options

You need to ensure that your teen understands poor behavior will not be tolerated. This includes underage drinking and driving. While you never want your teen to drink before they are of age, the most important thing is they feel comfortable giving you a call if they do decide to drink as opposed to getting behind the wheel and driving home. Options like this will reduce the chance of your teen making poor, dangerous decisions.

If your child is of age, you need to ensure they are on your insurance policy or has their own. Contact Rickey McGill Insurance Agency for more information on teen auto insurance in Arlington, TX.

Why You Need the Right Auto Insurance

The right auto insurance is important, so you can protect your assets and have peace of mind, as well. If you’re in the Arlington, TX area, Rickey McGill Insurance Agency can help you find the auto policy that will work for your lifestyle and needs. When you’re unsure what kind of coverage to get or what level of protection you need, talking with a knowledgeable agent can be a great way to find quality information so you can make the best decision for your vehicle and how you use it.

An auto policy that’s right for you should cover you as fully as you want and expect, so you don’t have gaps in coverage that could put you at risk. But you also want to be sure you’re not getting more coverage than you need or a lot of extras that don’t work for your driving habits. By talking to our agents, you can get the help and support you’re looking to make a great choice for your next insurance policy. Then you can drive your vehicle with security and confidence no matter where your travels take you.

Reach out to us at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency today, and let us help you choose the right auto insurance. If you’re in the Arlington, TX area, we can help you locate a policy that fits your needs and will keep you feeling secure. You and your family will be better protected that way, and you won’t have to worry about the level of coverage you have on your vehicle. If you have more than one vehicle in your family, you may want or need different coverage levels, too. By working with a dedicated, professional agent, you can make a great choice for your next auto policy.

Safe Driving Tips for New RV Owners

If you’re used to driving a small car, navigating an RV through Texas traffic can be a challenge. By taking some practice runs around Arlington and beyond, you can become more accustomed to your RV before hitting the road. These RV safety tips from Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX can also help you enjoy safer RV road trips.  

Plan Your Routes for Easier Travels

When you drive an RV, factors like low bridges, narrow roads, and congested city traffic can make a big difference in your travels. By planning your routes, you can avoid situations that make maneuverability more difficult as a new RV driver. Even buying gas can be tricky in an RV. Look for gas stations that provide you with ample space for reaching pumps and parking.

Driving Habits

Your driving habits will be different in an RV than a compact car. Your turns will need to be wider to avoid hitting the curb or crossing into the lane of another driver. Braking will take more time, so you’ll have to start braking sooner and maintain longer distances behind other drivers to avoid rear-end collisions. As you’ll be going slower, you’ll also need to be on the lookout for impatient drivers who will try to pass you at any given moment.

Watch the Weather

Driving an RV in severe rain or windstorms, on icy roads, or in foggy weather can be treacherous. Before hitting the road, listen to the weather forecast to avoid driving in bad weather. If you do hit inclement weather during your road trip, be ready to find a safe place to stop and wait it out.

RV Insurance for your Next Trip

Make sure you have ample RV insurance coverage to protect you on the road. For quality RV coverage at affordable costs, contact Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX.