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Articles and Resources
What Determines the Price of an Auto Insurance Policy?
What Determines the Price of an Auto Insurance Policy?

Ever wonder what factors determine the cost of your auto insurance? The answer lies in the varying factors that insurance companies use to determine your individual risk profile and, ultimately,...

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What are Insurance Scores and Do They Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates?
What are Insurance Scores and Do They Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates?

Ever wondered why your friend with a "clean driving record" pays more for auto insurance than you? It might have something to do with insurance scores. But what exactly are they, and h...

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Does Filing an Auto Insurance Claim Mean Higher Premiums?
Does Filing an Auto Insurance Claim Mean Higher Premiums?

Hit a bump in the road with your car? While accidents happen, navigating the aftermath, especially when insurance is involved, can feel like a winding road. One question that often pops up: &quo...

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Don't Get Blindsided: Understanding Auto Policy Cancellation vs. Nonrenewal
Don't Get Blindsided: Understanding Auto Policy Cancellation vs. Nonrenewal

Ever wondered why your auto insurance might not be renewed? It's a scenario that raises eyebrows and questions. At UHCU Insurance Services, we believe navigating the twists and turns of insu...

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8 Auto Insurance Myths
8 Auto Insurance Myths

Confused about auto insurance? You're not alone. Many myths and misconceptions swirl around this essential protection, leading to costly coverage gaps or overspending. At UHCU Insurance Serv...

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What is Covered By an Auto Insurance Policy?
What is Covered By an Auto Insurance Policy?

Hitting the open road feels liberating, but it's crucial to be prepared for the unexpected. And that's where your trusty auto insurance policy comes in – your financial guardian an...

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What is Auto Insurance?
What is Auto Insurance?

Hitting the gas on your car feels freeing, but the thought of navigating auto insurance can leave you feeling stuck at a red light. UHCU Insurance Services is here to shed light on the intricaci...

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5 Tips When Researching a New Car
5 Tips When Researching a New Car

Purchasing a new car is a big commitment and can often be the biggest purchase a person makes, after their home. Like buying a home, plenty of research should be done before you consider buying....

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Tips for Buying Your First Car
Tips for Buying Your First Car

Buying your first car is exciting, but can also be a bit nerve-racking.  With a little planning and a bit of research, you can make the process easier and faster. Doing some homework before...

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Boost Your Auto Buying Power - Get Pre-Qualified
Boost Your Auto Buying Power - Get Pre-Qualified

We’ve mentioned before how getting pre-qualified for an auto loan can increase your buying power, but what does that mean exactly? We’ll outline how doing some planning before you sh...

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Leasing vs. Purchasing a Car: What You Should Know Before You Start Shopping
Leasing vs. Purchasing a Car: What You Should Know Before You Start Shopping

If you’ve been shopping for a new car or truck, it’s very likely that you’ve seen some great pricing on auto advertisements. Most feel as if they are geared towards buyers with...

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Credit Union Auto Loans - More Than Just a Loan
Credit Union Auto Loans - More Than Just a Loan

One of the most exciting parts of shopping for a new car is the seemingly endless options available. You’ve got heated seats, cooled steering wheels and third row options galore, but you a...

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Get the Most Out of Your Auto Loan
Get the Most Out of Your Auto Loan

Car loans are more straight-forward than some might think; you find a car you like and can reasonably afford, you finance the car and drive it off the lot. Sometimes this can happen in the span ...

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5 Tips for Buying a New Car
5 Tips for Buying a New Car

Whether you're buying a new vehicle or a pre-owned vehicle that’s new-to-you, the experience should feel rewarding. Unfortunately, many people find buying a new car to be stressful. Do...

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7 Steps for First-Time Car Buyers
7 Steps for First-Time Car Buyers

Are you a first-time car buyer? Before heading to the dealership, check out these steps on how to best buy a car.

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5 Ways for Austin Drivers to Minimize Auto Expenses
5 Ways for Austin Drivers to Minimize Auto Expenses

Although sitting in traffic can take a toll on the health of your vehicle, following a few simple guidelines can help ensure you're not spending a fortune on your car.

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How Much Car Can You Afford?
How Much Car Can You Afford?

January is typically a slower car-buying month, which opens up the opportunity for potential savings. While acting fast can benefit you financially, it's still important to consider all of y...

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Auto Info & FAQs

Planning for Buying a Car

Buying a car is an exciting time that’s often overwhelmed with a focus on the particulars: new car vs. used car, safety ratings and even color. Before getting carried away with the details, there are steps you can take to put yourself in the driver’s seat.

Determine your budget.

One of the most important first steps down the path to new car ownership is deciding on a budget. It’s important to be realistic here – buy only what you can afford. From this budget, you’re able to determine if you’re in the market for a new or used car, as well as the types of vehicles in your price range. Most advisors suggest your total monthly expenses (car payment, insurance, gas, etc.) not exceed 20 percent of your income.

Clean up your credit history.

If you’ve seen your credit score and know it won’t get you the financing options you’d like, take a step back and reassess. If your new car purchase can wait, consider working on improving your credit first. Low credit scores will result in much higher interest rates, causing the final price of your dream car to exceed the sticker price.

Shop for money before you start shopping for a car.

Getting pre-approved for your new (or new to you) car loan gives you added confidence as you shop for cars and negotiate a fair price, putting you at an advantage when you’re ready to buy. If you have questions or are ready to start the pre-approval process, speak to a UHCU loan specialist by calling 512.435.4444 or by applying online.

Know how to work the dealer.

Before you stroll into the dealership, do your homework. Show up with paperwork on market values, trade-in values and financing options.

Know exactly what you’re buying.

Be wary of dealer add-ons and up sales. Add-ons like service contracts and extended warranties can inflate the price of your vehicle. Check with United Heritage first; we often offer the same products as the dealership but at a much lower cost. And of course, make sure to read all the fine print before signing anything.

What should I ask my Agent?

  • How much can you afford to pay if you get in an accident? To keep premiums low you may want to discuss a higher deductible and be willing to pay more for repairs.
  • What is the insurance company's level of service and ability to pay claims?
  • What discounts are available? Ask about good driver, multiple policy and student discounts.
  • What's the procedure for filing and settling a claim? Ask who to call and what happens after you file a claim.

What is auto insurance?

Auto 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:

  • Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car.
  • Liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage.
  • Medical coverage pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.

An auto 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 or a year. Your insurance company should notify you by mail when it's time to renew the policy and to pay your premium.

Why do you need auto insurance?

It's about protecting yourself financially.

  • If you're in an accident or your car is stolen, it costs money -- often a lot of money -- to fix or replace it.
  • If you or any passengers are injured in an accident, medical costs can be extremely expensive.
  • If you or your car is responsible for damage or injury to others, you may be sued for much more than you're worth.
  • Not only is having insurance a prudent financial decision, many states require you to have at least some coverage.