Did you make the mistake of buying an underperforming, overpriced auto insurance policy? It’s a common feeling and many Fort Worth consumers are in the same pinch. Vehicle owners have so many insurance companies to choose from, and although it’s a good thing to have a choice, so many choices can make it hard to locate the cheapest rates.
It’s important to do price comparisons at least once a year because prices change frequently. Despite the fact that you may have had the lowest rates on MDX coverage six months ago you can probably find a lower rate today. Ignore everything you know about auto insurance because you’re about to learn one of the quickest ways to get good coverage at a lower rate.
Reducing your Acura MDX insurance rates can be relatively painless. All you need to do is spend a little time comparing rate quotes provided by online insurance companies. Comparing prices online can be done using one of these methods.
The most efficient method to get quotes would be an industry-wide quote request form like this one (opens in new window). This quick form eliminates the need for repetitive form submissions for every company. A single form gets insurance cost estimates instantly.
A more time consuming way to find lower rates is to take the time to go to each company’s website to request a price quote. For example, we’ll pretend you want to see prices from Liberty Mutual, Esurance and Farmers. You would be required to take the time to go to each site and enter your information, which is why the first method is quicker.
For a list of companies in Fort Worth, click here.
The least recommended method to get price estimates is driving around to local Fort Worth insurance agencies. Comparing rate quotes online eliminates this option unless you want the peace of mind that only a licensed agent can provide. It is possible with some companies obtain prices from the web and still use a local agent.
The approach you take is up to you, just try to use the exact same quote information with each company. If your comparisons have different coverage information it will be next to impossible to determine the lowest rate for your Acura MDX in Fort Worth.
Auto insurance rates and discounts
Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, but there could be significant discounts to reduce the price significantly. Some trigger automatically when you purchase, but some must be manually applied before being credited.
- Senior Citizen Rates – Drivers that qualify as senior citizens may receive reduced rates on MDX coverage.
- ABS and Traction Control Discounts – Cars, trucks, and SUVs that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are much safer to drive so you can save 10 percent or more.
- Student Discounts – Performing well in school could provide a savings of up to 20% or more. Most companies allow this discount until age 25.
- Distant Student – who live away from home to go to college and leave their car at home may be able to be covered for less.
- Club Memberships – Belonging to certain professional organizations can get you a small discount on auto insurance.
- Buy New and Save – Insuring a vehicle that is new can be considerably cheaper compared to insuring an older model.
- Drivers Ed for Students – Have your child take driver’s ed class in school.
One thing to note about discounts is that some of the credits will not apply to the entire cost. Most cut the price of certain insurance coverages like collision or personal injury protection. So even though they make it sound like you can get free auto insurance, it doesn’t quite work that way.
A list of companies and some of their more popular discounts include:
- American Family may include discounts for accident-free, Steer into Savings, bundled insurance, air bags, TimeAway discount, good student, and early bird.
- Farm Bureau has discounts for youthful driver, driver training, safe driver, multi-policy, renewal discount, and multi-vehicle.
- State Farm has savings for good student, safe vehicle, Drive Safe & Save, Steer Clear safe driver discount, driver’s education, and multiple policy.
- Travelers discounts include multi-policy, new car, multi-car, student away at school, save driver, and payment discounts.
- The Hartford policyholders can earn discounts including anti-theft, defensive driver, driver training, good student, and bundle.
- GEICO may offer discounts for membership and employees, multi-policy, federal employee, multi-vehicle, anti-theft, emergency military deployment, and daytime running lights.
- Progressive offers premium reductions for online quote discount, multi-policy, continuous coverage, multi-vehicle, online signing, homeowner, and good student.
Before you buy a policy, ask each company or agent which credits you are entitled to. Some discounts may not apply to policies in every state. To see providers who offer cheap auto insurance quotes in Fort Worth, click here.
Informed Consumers Can Save Money
Many things are used in the calculation when you get your auto insurance bill. Some are pretty understandable like a motor vehicle report, but other factors are not quite as obvious like where you live or how financially stable you are. An important part of buying insurance is that you know the factors that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively positively or negatively impacts your premiums, this empowers consumers to make smart changes that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.
The list below includes a few of the “ingredients” used by companies to determine rates.
- How old are your drivers? – Older, more experienced drivers are viewed as being more responsible, cause fewer claims and accidents , and are generally more financially stable.Teenage drivers are proven to be inattentive and easily distracted when at the wheel of a vehicle so they pay higher auto insurance rates.
- Vehicles with better crash test results mean better rates – Vehicles with good safety scores are cheaper to insure. These vehicles result in less severe injuries and any reduction in injury severity translates into savings for insurance companies and more competitive rates for policyholders.
- Poor credit history equals high rates – Credit score factor in your rate calculation. Insureds with excellent credit tend to be less risk to insure than drivers with poor credit. If your credit is low, you may save money insuring your Acura MDX by improving your rating.
- Urban areas may pay more – Residing in less populated areas can be a good thing when trying to find low car insurance rates. Less people translates into fewer accident claims as well as less vandalism and auto theft. People in densly populated areas have to deal with more auto accidents and longer commutes to work. The longer drive time means higher likelihood of an accident.
When should I talk to an insurance agency?
Many drivers prefer to buy from a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. Professional insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and will help you if you have claims. An additional benefit of comparing rates online is that you can find better rates and still buy from a local agent.
After completing this form (opens in new window), the coverage information is submitted to local insurance agents who will give competitive quotes and help you find cheaper coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to drive around since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. If for some reason you want to compare rates from a particular provider, just visit that company’s website and submit a quote form there.
Choosing an insurer should depend on more than just a cheap quote. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- Is insurance their full-time profession?
- What companies can they write with?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
- How would your car be valued if totalled?
The type of car insurance agent you choose is important
If you’re trying to find local Fort Worth agents, it’s important to understand the different types of agencies and how they differ in how they quote coverages. Auto insurance agents can either be independent agents or captive agents. Both types can sell affordable auto insurance policies, but it’s worth learning the difference in how they write coverage since it could factor into your selection of an agent.
Captive Insurance Agents
Agents in the captive channel are contracted to one company and some examples include Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They generally cannot shop your coverage around so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agents are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents.
Independent Auto Insurance Agents
Agents that choose to be independent do not work for one specific company and that is an advantage because they can write policies with multiple insurance companies and help determine which has the cheapest rates. If your premiums go up, your agent can switch companies and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When comparing auto insurance prices, it’s recommended you get several quotes from multiple independent agents in order to compare the most rates.
Special considerations
When buying the best auto insurance coverage, there is no one size fits all plan. Everyone’s situation is a little different so this has to be addressed. For instance, these questions may help you determine whether you would benefit from professional advice.
- Does my insurance cover my expensive audio equipment?
- Should I sign the liability waiver when renting a car?
- Do I get a pro-rated refund if I cancel my policy early?
- How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in Texas?
- I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
- How much underlying liability do I need for an umbrella policy?
- Are all vehicle passengers covered by medical payments coverage?
- When should I not file a claim?
- Is pleasure use cheaper than using my Acura MDX to commute?
- Can I afford low physical damage deductibles?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you know they apply to you then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It only takes a few minutes and may give you better protection.
More detailed Texas auto insurance information is available at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Consumers can discover disciplinary actions, report car insurance fraud, view a list of available companies, and learn about specific coverages.
Other related articles:
- Proven Strategies for Low-Cost Fort Worth, TX Auto Insurance
- Consumers Guide to Searching Online for a Fort Worth Insurance Agent
Can you really save if you switch?
Texas consumers can’t avoid all the ads that claim the best prices by State Farm and Allstate. All the ads convey the message of big savings just by moving your policy.
How does every company sell you cheaper insurance coverage?
Many companies give the best rates for the right customer that is profitable for them. For instance, a preferred risk might be described as over the age of 40, carries full coverage, and drives a safe vehicle. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile may get the lowest car insurance rates in Fort Worth and will also save money with a new company.
Insureds who don’t meet this ideal profile will see a more expensive rate which results in the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The wording the ads use say “drivers who switch” not “all people who quote” save that kind of money. That’s why insurance companies can make those statements. Because every company is different, drivers must compare price quotes frequently. It’s impossible to know which insurance companies will fit your personal profile best.
Summing up your auto insurance search
Some companies do not provide online quoting and many times these regional carriers prefer to sell through independent insurance agents. Budget-friendly auto insurance can be found from both online companies in addition to local insurance agencies, and you should compare rates from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from.
As you shop your coverage around, don’t be tempted to buy less coverage just to save a little money. In many instances, an insured dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The aim is to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.