To find an insurance agent in Ballinger, Texas, you can always begin your search by comparing rates online instead of calling around. It’s highly likely that not only do you want a professional agent, but you also need the best rates possible.
With American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers all competing for business in Ballinger, it can be hard to know which will provide you with the best service and rates. To help decide, consumers can use insurance quotes online to assemble a group of insurance agents to choose from.
Why do I need an agent?
Agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help file insurance claims. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is you can get the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. Supporting local businesses is especially important in Ballinger.
To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is emailed to companies in Ballinger who will give you bids for your coverage. You never need to leave your house because quoted prices will be sent immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier! You’ll get the best rates AND a local agent.
Captive or Independent: There is a difference
When finding a reliable agent, there are two types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Ballinger can either be captive or independent.
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent insurance agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with many different companies and potentially find a lower price. To move your coverage to a new company, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to include price quotes from several independent insurance agents to have the most options to choose from.
Listed below are Ballinger independent agencies that can give you comparison quotes.
Germania Farm Mutual Insurance – 506 Fm 2887 – Ballinger, TX 76821 – (325) 365-4815
Willingham Insurance – 111 S 8th St – Ballinger, TX 76821 – (325) 365-2516
Agency Captives
These agents work for only one company and examples are Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They usually cannot give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives are well schooled on their company’s products which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Shown below is a short list of captive agencies in Ballinger that are able to give comparison quotes.
Farm Bureau Insurance – 809 Hutchins Ave – Ballinger, TX 76821 – (325) 365-2562
State Farm Insurance – 800 Hutchins Ave – Ballinger, TX 76821 – (325) 365-3114
For a full directory of Ballinger captive insurance agents, go to this page.
Choosing an insurance agent requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- How are they compensated?
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
Once you have satisfactory answers to these questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you may have just found an auto insurance agent that can service your policy.
Alternatives to buying from an agent
Car insurance agents serve a purpose, but you can also buy Texas car insurance direct from companies that only sell online. Some car insurance companies like Allstate and State Farm who employ agents also give you the ability to quote and buy online, so keep that in mind if you prefer not to work with an agent.
If you’re anxious about not having someone to ask questions when buying direct, that shouldn’t be an issue. Car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide toll-free numbers you can use to get advice on coverages. Many online companies also provide help pages and frequently asked questions so you can feel comfortable buying online.
Are car insurance rates lower online? It’s hard to say exactly since there are so many factors which can adversely affect your policy premium. It would make sense to think that a customer who purchases direcly from an online company saves the cost of an agent commission. But in most cases, there are very high advertising costs and this drives up their premium costs.
To find out more about Texas car insurance
More information is available on the website for the Texas Department of Insurance through this link. Texas consumers can download brochures, view a list of available companies, read consumer alerts, and get help finding coverage.
Additional helpful sites include this page for car insurance in Texas and QuoteClickSave.com.
Keep this in mind
Cheaper car insurance is possible both online and also from your neighborhood Ballinger agents, so you should compare both to have the best selection. Some companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.
Insureds change insurance companies for a variety of reasons including high prices, being labeled a high risk driver, policy non-renewal or high rates after DUI convictions. No matter why you want to switch, finding a new car insurance company is not as difficult as it may seem.