Consumers Guide to Finding a Gilmer Insurance Agent

When trying to find an insurance agent in Gilmer, Texas, you can always start your research by comparing rates online to save time. There is a good chance you want a decent agent, but you also want affordable coverage.

With companies like independent agents, Allstate and State Farm all competing for your business, consumers have a hard time knowing which provider will provide you with the cheapest rates and the best coverage. Fortunately, consumers can get insurance quotes online to assemble a group of agents and thier coverage prices.

Car Insurance from Gilmer insurance agents

Good agents can answer important questions and help in the event of a claim. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is the fact that you can find better rates and still choose a local agent. And providing support for local businesses is especially important in Gilmer.

After completing this short form, the coverage information gets sent to insurance agents in Gilmer who will give you bids to get your business. You won’t need to leave your computer as quotes are delivered directly to your email. How cool is that?!

Choose an insurance agent wisely

When finding local Gilmer agents, there are two different types of agents from which to choose. Gilmer agents are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive). Both properly insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know how they are different because it can influence the type of agent you choose

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

These agents are not locked into one company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If you are not satisfied with one company, they simply move the coverage in-house without you having to go to a different agency.

When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you contact multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection.

Below is a list of independent agencies in Gilmer that are able to give price quotes.

Stewart Insurance and Realty – 200 E Jefferson St – Gilmer, TX 75644 – (903) 843-2717
Underwood Insurance Inc – 206 E Jefferson St – Gilmer, TX 75644 – (903) 843-3125

Captive Agents

Captive agencies have only one company to place business with and some examples include State Farm, AAA and Liberty Mutual. Captives cannot shop your coverage around so keep that in mind. Captive agencies receive extensive training on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.

Shown below is a short list of captive agents in Gilmer willing to provide price quote information.

Allstate Insurance – 910 W Tyler St – Gilmer, TX 75644 – (903) 843-7777
Farmers Insurance Group – 107 W Tyler St – Gilmer, TX 75644 – (903) 843-2475
State Farm Insurance – 305 N Cypress St – Gilmer, TX 75644 – (903) 843-1104

To view a full list of captive agencies in Gilmer, please go to this site.

Picking an auto insurance agent requires more thought than just the price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:

  • Do they assist clients in filing claims?
  • What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
  • Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
  • Do they make recommendations based only on price?
  • Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Texas?
  • Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
  • Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
  • Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?

Upon receiving answers to your satisfaction to any questions you have as well as a affordable price, you’ve probably found a car insurance agent that can adequately provide car insurance.

Do online auto insurance companies have better rates?

Insurance agencies serve a purpose, but Texas car insurance can also be bought direct from companies online. Certain companies like Allstate and State Farm who sell through agents in Gilmer additionally provide the ability to buy direct on their websites, and online price comparisons are easy if you are the do-it-yourself type.

If you’re anxious about not having professional advice when buying online, that is quite common when buying online the first time. All companies have customer service departments to answer any questions you may have. In addition, they usually offer extensive coverage information and 24/7 assistance you can access prior to buying.

Are online companies cheaper? Whether or not you’ll save is impossible to say since there are many things that influence your rates. It’s often assumed that purchasing direct online saves by not paying a commission. For the majority of companies, however, advertising and marketing take a lot of money and that can cost more than having to pay agents.

find Gilmer Texas insurance agents

Keep this in mind

Cost effective car insurance is possible from both online companies in addition to many Gilmer insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies do not provide online quoting and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, never buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are many occasions where an insured dropped liability limits or collision coverage and discovered at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your focus should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.

Learn more about car insurance in Texas

Additional car insurance information can be read on the website for the Texas Department of Insurance through this link. Texas consumers can get help finding coverage, download brochures, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Also read more on these car insurance answers and this list of insurance agents in Gilmer, TX.