If you’re looking for an insurance agent in San Angelo, TX, you can always begin your search on the internet rather than looking in the yellowpages. Consumers need a professional licensed agent, but also need cheaper auto insurance prices.
Insurance companies such as Allstate, Progressive and GEICO all claim big savings with fancy advertisements and it can be hard to ignore the flying pigs and cute green geckos and find the best price available.
How to buy auto insurance from an agent in San Angelo
Licensed agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain better rates and still choose a local agent.
By using this short form, your insurance data gets sent to local insurance agents who will battle to get your business. You won’t need to visit any agencies because quoted prices will be sent directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!
Picking an insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- Who are their largest clients?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Texas?
- Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
The different types of insurance agents
When researching a local agent, you need to know there are two different agency structures from which to choose. Agents are either independent or captive. While both can do a good job, but it’s important to know the difference between them because it can impact buying decisions.
Agency Captives
Captive agents can only write with one company such as State Farm, AAA, Farmers Insurance or Allstate. These agents are unable to compare other company’s rates so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agents are well schooled in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
The following is a short list of captive insurance agents in San Angelo that can give you rate quotes.
State Farm Insurance – 2525 Johnson Ave – San Angelo, TX 76904 – (325) 944-4534
Allstate Insurance – 5114 Knickerbocker Rd – San Angelo, TX 76904 – (325) 944-4500
Farmers Insurance Group – 3809 Tridens Trl – San Angelo, TX 76904 – (325) 944-2693
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agents are not locked into one company but instead can place your coverage with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the business is moved internally and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparison shopping, we recommend you get quotes from multiple independent agents for the best price selection.
The following are independent agencies in San Angelo that can give you rate quotes.
Mc Donald Agency – 3415 Johnson Ave – San Angelo, TX 76904 – (325) 949-4682
Menchaca Insurance – 6438 Lincoln Park Rd W – San Angelo, TX 76904 – (325) 942-9600
Statewide Insurance – 3112 Sherwood Way – San Angelo, TX 76901 – (325) 223-2227
Texas Star General Agency – 30 W Beauregard Ave # 2 – San Angelo, TX 76903 – (325) 659-5474
To view a full list of licensed insurance agents in San Angelo, view this link.
After getting positive responses to these questions and locked in a price quote, it’s possible that you found an insurance agent that is a good match to adequately provide auto insurance.
Is buying direct online an option?
Licensed agents are important, but you can also buy Texas car insurance from companies direct over the internet. Certain companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who sell through the agent channel also give you the ability to quote and buy online, and online price comparisons are easy and can also potentially find you lower rates.
If you’re uncomfortable with not receiving proper advice, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Online car insurance companies provide customer service to help you decide which coverages are appropriate. Many online companies also provide the ability to chat online live with a sales rep and online research so you can feel comfortable buying online.
Will buying online save you money? Whether or not you’ll save is impossible to say because there are so many things that are calculated into your premium. It’s often assumed that buying online lowers rates due to not having any agent compensation. But the fact is, it’s expensive to advertise and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Smart consumers save more
Low-cost auto insurance is attainable both online and also from your neighborhood San Angelo agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best selection. A few companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.
As you restructure your insurance plan, don’t be tempted to skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are many occasions where an insured dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits and learned later that the savings was not a smart move. The ultimate goal is to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
For more Texas auto insurance information
More detailed Texas auto insurance information can be read at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Texas drivers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, find out industry alerts, and get help finding coverage.