Did you come to the realization that you have overpriced auto insurance? You’re preaching to the choir because you’re not the only one. There are many insurers to pick from, and although it’s nice to have a choice, it can be more challenging to adequately compare rates.
It’s important to get comparison quotes occasionally because auto insurance prices are rarely the same from one policy term to another. If you had the best deal on Edge insurance six months ago you can probably find a lower rate today. There is a lot of bad advice regarding auto insurance out there, but in a few minutes you can learn some of the best ways to save money.
Performing a rate comparison can take hours if you aren’t aware of the most efficient way to do it. You can waste a few hours (or days) driving to insurance companies in Fort Worth, or you could use online quoting to get rate comparisons in just a few minutes.
Many popular insurance companies participate in an industry program where prospective buyers submit their information once, and each participating company then returns a price quote based on that information. This eliminates the need for quote requests to every company. To fill out one form to compare multiple rates now click here (opens in new window).
The one disadvantage to using this type of system is buyers cannot specifically choose the providers you want to price. So if you prefer to pick from a list of companies to request quotes from, we have assembled a list of auto insurance companies in Texas. View list of Texas insurance companies.
Compare rates however you want, just try to use the same coverages on every quote you get. If you enter different deductibles it’s not possible to determine the lowest rate for your Ford Edge in Fort Worth. Just a small difference in insurance coverages or limits could throw off the whole comparison. And when comparison shopping, comparing a wide range of rates increases the change that you will find the best rates.
Your auto insurance coverage should be tailored to you
When buying the right insurance coverage, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s needs are different so your insurance needs to address that. For instance, these questions can aid in determining if you might need an agent’s assistance.
- Is Texas a no-fault state?
- Is my Ford Edge covered for smoke damage?
- Is my custom paint covered by insurance?
- What discounts do I qualify for?
- Which companies will insure high-risk drivers?
- Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?
- Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
- Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
- Why is insurance for a teen driver so high in Fort Worth?
- Is my vehicle covered by my employer’s policy when using it for work?
If you’re not sure about those questions, you might consider talking to an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area.
Auto insurance coverage information
Understanding the coverages of a auto insurance policy helps when choosing the right coverages at the best deductibles and correct limits. Policy terminology can be impossible to understand and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording. These are typical coverages found on most auto insurance policies.
Auto liability
This protects you from damage that occurs to other people or property that is your fault. Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. As an example, you may have limits of 100/300/100 which means a $100,000 limit per person for injuries, a limit of $300,000 in injury protection per accident, and $100,000 of coverage for damaged propery. Another option is a combined limit which combines the three limits into one amount with no separate limits for injury or property damage.
Liability can pay for claims such as legal defense fees, pain and suffering, medical expenses and emergency aid. How much liability should you purchase? That is your choice, but buy as large an amount as possible. Texas requires drivers to carry at least 30,000/60,000/25,000 but you should think about purchasing more coverage.
Comprehensive coverages
Comprehensive insurance will pay to fix damage from a wide range of events other than collision. A deductible will apply then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against claims such as hail damage, fire damage, rock chips in glass, theft and a broken windshield. The maximum amount a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the actual cash value, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Uninsured and underinsured coverage
Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other motorists when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. Covered claims include hospital bills for your injuries as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Due to the fact that many Texas drivers have only the minimum liability required by law (which is 30/60/25), it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is a good idea. Most of the time the UM/UIM limits are similar to your liability insurance amounts.
Coverage for medical payments
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage kick in for short-term medical expenses for things like nursing services, doctor visits and chiropractic care. They are utilized in addition to your health insurance program or if you lack health insurance entirely. It covers not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and will also cover being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP coverage is not available in all states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage
Collision coverage protection
Collision coverage will pay to fix damage to your Edge caused by collision with an object or car. You have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.
Collision can pay for claims such as crashing into a ditch, sideswiping another vehicle, hitting a parking meter and driving through your garage door. This coverage can be expensive, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. It’s also possible to bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.
Additional resources for Texas consumers
Much more information about auto insurance in Texas can be read on the . Click here for link. Texas drivers can find out industry alerts, file complaints about a company, and learn about insurance regulations.
The following information may also be useful.