I can’t think of a single person who enjoys paying for auto insurance, especially knowing the cost is too high. Due to the increasing number of different company options, it can be impossible to find the most affordable auto insurance company.
It’s a good idea to do rate comparisons on a regular basis because auto insurance prices go up and down regularly. Even if you think you had the lowest price for Malibu coverage a year ago other companies may now be cheaper. Ignore everything you know about auto insurance because you’re about to find out how to use online quotes to find better coverage at a better price.
All the larger auto insurance companies make it easy to get prices for coverage online. Getting quotes is fairly straightforward as you just enter the coverages you want into the quote form. After you submit the form their rating system automatically orders your credit score and driving record and returns a price quote based on many factors. This makes it simple to compare prices but the work required to visit different websites and type in the same data can be a bit tiresome and repetitive. But it’s absolutely necessary to get many rate quotes in order to get the best price possible.
An easier way to compare rates utilizes a single form that gets prices from several different companies. It saves time, eliminates form submissions, and makes online shopping much more enjoyable. Immediately after you send the form, your coverage is rated and you are able to buy any of the quote results.
If the quotes result in lower rates, you can click and sign and buy the policy. It takes 15 minutes at the most and you will find out if you’re overpaying now.
To save time and use this form to compare rates, click here to open in new window and complete the simple form. If you have your current policy handy, we recommend you input your coverages just like they are on your policy. This helps ensure you will have rate comparison quotes for exact coverage.
How much auto insurance do I need?
When buying the best auto insurance coverage, there really is no one size fits all plan. Everyone’s situation is unique so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions can help discover if your situation could use an agent’s help.
- What are the best liability limits?
- What are the financial responsibility laws in Texas?
- Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
- Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
- Does my Chevy Malibu qualify for pleasure use?
- Am I covered when driving a rental car?
- If my Chevy Malibu is totaled, can I afford another vehicle?
- Does my Chevy Malibu need full coverage?
If you can’t answer these questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area.
When do I need to contact an insurance agent?
A lot of people prefer to have an agent’s advice and there is nothing wrong with that. A good thing about comparing auto insurance online is you may find lower rates and still have an agent to talk to. And providing support for neighborhood agents is definitely important in Houston.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this short form, the coverage information gets sent to agents in your area who will give competitive quotes for your auto insurance coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to find an agent on your own since price quotes are sent to your email. It’s the lowest rates and a licensed agent to talk to. If you wish to get a price quote from a specific auto insurance provider, you can always visit that company’s website to submit a rate quote request.
If you want to buy auto insurance from a local Houston insurance agent, there are a couple of different agency structures and how they can quote your rates. Auto insurance agents in Houston can be described as either captive agents or independent agents.
Independent Insurance Agents
These agents do not work for one specific company so they can write business with multiple insurance companies and potentially find a lower price. If you are not satisfied with one company, they simply move your policy to a different company and that require little work on your part.
When comparison shopping, you need to get some free quotes from independent agents to have the most options to choose from.
Captive Insurance Agencies
These agents write business for a single company and some examples include Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They generally cannot place coverage with different providers so keep that in mind. Captives receive extensive training on their company’s products which helps them compete with independent agents.
Finding the right auto insurance agent should depend on more than just the price. Some important questions to ask are:
- Do you work with a CSR or direct with the agent?
- If independent agents, which companies do they recommend?
- Does the agent have a valid license to sell insurance in Texas?
- How many years of experience in personal auto insurance do they have?
- By raising physical damage deductibles, how much would you save?
- Where would your vehicle be repaired?
- Does the agency have a current Errors and Omissions policy?
- Does the company have a solid financial rating?
Much more information about auto insurance in Texas is located on the Texas Department of Insurance website through this link. Consumers can find a variety of consumer forms, report car insurance fraud, view a list of available companies, and find out industry alerts.
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