When trying to find a good insurance agent in Smithville, Texas, it’s recommended you do the preliminary legwork for an agent online rather than picking up the phone. We’re assuming that not only do you want a competent insurance agent, but you also need affordable coverage.
With companies like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers and independent agents having local Smithville offices, consumers have a hard time knowing which one will give you the best rates, service and coverage. To begin, it’s easy to use online quotes to get a list of insurance agencies and price estimates.
Your insurance agent down the street
Insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about getting online price quotes is you can get lower rates but still work with a licensed agent. And providing support for local businesses is definitely important in Smithville.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this quick form, your coverage information is instantly submitted to agents in your area who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to visit any agencies because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy! You’ll get the best rates and a licensed agent to work with.
Choose the right insurance agency
When looking for a good insurance agency, there are two different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Smithville can either be captive or independent.
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage amongst many companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency.
When searching for an agent, you should always contact several independent insurance agents for maximum quote selection.
Listed below is a list of independent agents in Smithville that may be able to provide price quotes.
Goode Insurance – 1207 NE Loop 230 – Smithville, TX 78957 – (512) 237-3500
Saunders Insurance – 305 Main St – Smithville, TX 78957 – (512) 237-2565
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents are contracted to one company such as Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They generally cannot give you multiple price quotes so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. They receive extensive training on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage.
Choosing a car insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the premium amount. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- How long has their agency been in business in Smithville?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
Once you have good answers to all your questions and locked in a price quote, it’s possible that you found an insurance agent that meets your needs to adequately provide auto insurance.
Online companies should be in the mix
Professional insurance agents serve a purpose, but you also have the option of buying direct over the internet. Some car insurance companies who sell through the agent channel also allow you to buy online, and online price comparisons are easy if you’re trying to lower your rates.
If you’re worried about selecting your own policy coverages when shopping online, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Online companies that allow you to purchase coverage all have client service departments for getting the best coverage.
Is pricing better online? It’s hard to say exactly since there are many things that determine the price you pay. It would make sense to think that purchasing direct online prevents the agent from taking a cut. But the reality is there are high advertising and marketing costs so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
If the lowest price is important, the best way to know whether online companies or local agents have lower rates is to make apples-to-apples comparisons of both. It’s possible to get different rates using an online quote and an agent quote from the SAME company.
Additional Texas consumer information
Additional information can be found on the website for the Texas Department of Insurance located here. Texas drivers can file complaints about a company, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and discover disciplinary actions.
Also read more on FindNewCarInsurance.com and this list of insurance agents in Smithville, TX.
Final thoughts
When you buy insurance online, it’s not a good idea to reduce needed coverages to save money. In too many instances, someone dropped liability limits or collision coverage and discovered at claim time that the savings was not a smart move. Your focus should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
People who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including high prices, high rates after DUI convictions, lack of trust in their agent and being labeled a high risk driver. Whatever your reason, switching companies can be easy and end up saving you some money.