Finding good auto insurance in Balch Springs can be challenging since picking a good Texas car insurance agent takes more work than just picking up the phone. Chances are you require not only a good agent, but you also need great rates as well.
With Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents all competing for business in Balch Springs, it’s difficult to determine which one will provide the best rates, service and coverage. Fortunately, consumers can get online price quotes to build a list of insurance agents and price estimates.
Working with a local agent
Professional agents can answer important questions and help submit paperwork. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you may find the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from local insurance agencies is important especially in Balch Springs.
For easy comparison, once you complete this simple form, the coverage information is sent to companies in Balch Springs who will compete for your insurance coverage. You never need to even leave your home as quotes are delivered directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!
Not all car insurance agents are the same
When looking for a reputable insurance agent or broker, you need to know there are two different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents are categorized either captive or independent. While both can write coverage properly, but it’s worth learning the difference between them since it may influence buying decisions.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with many different companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part.
When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to contact multiple independent agents for the best price selection. They often place coverage with smaller regional carriers who may have lower rates.
Listed below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Balch Springs that may be able to provide competitive price quotes.
- Mc Donald Insurance – 4000 Pioneer Rd # 108a – Balch Springs, TX 75180 – (972) 557-3994
- Crosby and Assoc Agency – 11206 Lake June Rd # B – Balch Springs, TX 75180 – (214) 553-0766
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies are contracted to one company and examples are Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. These agents are unable to provide prices from multiple companies so keep that in mind. Captives are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some people will only purchase coverage from captives mostly because of loyalty to the company and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
The following is a list of captive agencies in Balch Springs that can give you price quote information.
- Allstate Insurance – 1720 W Bruton Rd # 106 – Balch Springs, TX 75180 – (972) 289-2764
For a full directory of captive agents in Balch Springs, click here to link.
Selecting a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the premium amount. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
- Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
- How are they compensated?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
Once you have satisfactory answers to all your questions and an affordable coverage quote, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to adequately provide auto insurance.
Online companies should be compared
Local insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you also have the option of buying Texas car insurance from online companies direct. Some specific companies who sell through the agent channel also let you buy a policy online, and online price comparisons are easy if the lowest rate is your goal.
If you’re apprehensive about not having an agent to talk to when shopping online, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Online companies all have toll-free customer service to answer your questions. You may also access help pages and frequently asked questions so buying online is not difficult.
Will you save money buying auto insurance online? That question is hard to answer due to the large number of individual components that influence the price you pay. Common sense would say that shopping direct reduces premiums because there is no agent. But truthfully, marketing their products costs a lot of money so this can offset any savings.
Texas auto insurance information
Much more information about auto insurance in Texas can be found on the Texas Department of Insurance website found here. Consumers can find out which companies have the most complaints, find disaster information, view agent and company licensing information, and discover disciplinary actions.
Other useful links include III.org’s auto insurance page and this link where you can get more info about Balch Springs coverage.
One last thing about your coverage
Cost effective auto insurance can be found online and also from your neighborhood Balch Springs agents, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some auto insurance companies may not provide online price quotes and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.
Insureds who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including poor customer service, denial of a claim, extreme rates for teen drivers or even high prices. Whatever your reason, choosing a new company is not as difficult as it may seem.