When shopping for auto insurance, there are a lot of options and choosing the right Sinton insurance agent is harder than just using the same auto insurance agent as your neighbor. Chances are good you’re not only searching for a good professional insurance agent, but also the lowest possible price.
With companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and independent agents all competing for business in Sinton, consumers have a hard time knowing which insurance agency will provide the lowest rates and best service. Fortunately, you can use online price quotes to assemble a group of insurance agents from which to choose.
Price shop online but buy from a local Sinton agent
Insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and help submit paperwork. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain the best rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from small agencies is important particularly in Sinton.
After filling out this simple form, your insurance data is transmitted to local insurance agents in Sinton who will return price quotes for your business. There is no reason to drive around because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. How cool is that?!
Sinton insurance agents come in two flavors
When looking for a good Sinton insurance agent, there are two different types of agents from which to choose. Agents are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can write coverage properly, but it’s important to know how they differ because it can impact buying decisions.
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage with any number of 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 shopping rates, it’s a good idea to include price quotes from at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection. They also have the ability to place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which may provide better rates.
The following are independent agents in Sinton that can give you comparison quotes.
- Acg Insurance – 222 W Sinton St – Sinton, TX 78387 – (361) 364-4303
- Farrow Insurance and Real Estate – 400 S San Patricio St – Sinton, TX 78387 – (361) 364-1999
- Deases Insurance Agency – 205 S Rachal St – Sinton, TX 78387 – (361) 364-2870
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents can only place business with one company such as Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. These agents are unable to provide prices from multiple companies so always compare other rates. These agents are very knowledgeable on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only buy from captive agents mostly because of high brand loyalty and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Below are captive agents in Sinton that are able to give price quotes.
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 1129 E Sinton St – Sinton, TX 78387 – (361) 364-1392
- Farmers Insurance Group – 205 S Rachal St # 601 – Sinton, TX 78387 – (361) 364-2841
- State Farm Insurance – 220 W Sinton St – Sinton, TX 78387 – (361) 364-2440
For a full directory of captive insurance agencies in Sinton, please view this page.
Picking an insurance agency shouldn’t rely on just the price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- How are they compensated?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Texas?
Upon receiving satisfactory answers to all your questions and an affordable coverage quote, you’ve probably found a car insurance agent that can insure your vehicles.
Alternatives to buying locally
Auto insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but Texas drivers can also buy from companies direct over the internet. A few companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who sell through agents in Sinton additionally provide the ability to get quotes and purchase online, and online price comparisons are easy if you are the do-it-yourself type.
If you’re uneasy about whether or not you’ll have guidance when buying direct, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. Insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages have toll-free phone numbers and other options for getting the best coverage. Additionally, most companies also offer help pages and frequently asked questions you can access prior to buying.
Does it save money buying online? A lot of shoppers won’t buy anywhere else, but it’s impossible to say because there are many factors that impact your premium. You may think that going direct saves the commission normally paid to an agent. In many cases, the cost of constant advertising is expensive so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
In the end, you save
Cheap auto insurance is available online and also from your neighborhood Sinton agents, and you need to price shop both to get a complete price analysis. Some auto insurance companies may not provide online quoting and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
As you shop your coverage around, never skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are a lot of situations where an insured dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret at claim time that the savings was not a smart move. Your focus should be to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.
For more information
Much more information about auto insurance in Texas can be found on the Texas Department of Insurance website located here. Texas consumers can find out which companies have the most complaints, discover disciplinary actions, view agent and company licensing information, and file complaints about a company.