When searching for a good insurance agent in Port Lavaca, Texas, it’s recommended you do the preliminary legwork online rather than picking up the phone. It’s likely you want a great agent that can assess your needs, but you also want to find affordable coverage.
With companies like State Farm, Allstate and Farmers Insurance having offices in Port Lavaca, it’s difficult to determine which insurance agency will provide you with the best rates, service and coverage. To begin, consumers can get insurance quotes online to assemble a group of agencies from which to choose.
Online quotes with a local Port Lavaca insurance agent
Agents can help determine the best coverages and help in the event of a claim. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is you can get the lowest rates and still choose a local agent. Buying from local insurance agencies is definitely important in Port Lavaca.
To find an agent, once you fill out this quick form, your information is emailed to agents in your area who will battle for your business. You won’t need to leave your computer since price quotes are sent directly to your email. Now that’s easy!
The different types of insurance agents
When searching for a local agent, there are two types of agencies that you can select. Port Lavaca agents are either captive or independent. While both can write coverage properly, but it’s important to know the differences since it may influence the type of agent you choose
Independent Agents
Independent agencies do not work for one specific company but rather can write business with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and that require little work on your part. When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you include multiple independent agents for the best price selection. Many write coverage with different regional companies which may provide better rates.
Listed below is a list of independent insurance agencies in Port Lavaca who may be able to give you competitive price quotes.
- Mireles Insurance – 1936 W Main St – Port Lavaca, TX 77979 – (361) 552-9615
- Galvin Insurance – 225 N Virginia St # 2e – Port Lavaca, TX 77979 – (361) 552-7207
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents write business for a single company such as State Farm, AAA and Liberty Mutual. They generally cannot place coverage with different providers so keep that in mind. Captives are very knowledgeable on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers sometimes buy from captive agents primarily because of the brand legacy and solid financial strength.
The following are captive agents in Port Lavaca willing to provide price quote information.
- Allstate Insurance – 1219 N Virginia St – Port Lavaca, TX 77979 – (361) 552-1935
To view a complete directory of captive agents in Port Lavaca, view this link.
Picking an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the premium amount. Here are some questions to ask:
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
After receiving satisfactory answers to these questions and an acceptable price quote, most likely you have located a car insurance agent that will provide car insurance coverage.
Are online companies an option?
Professional insurance agents serve a purpose, but you also have the option of buying Texas car insurance direct online. Certain auto insurance companies who have local agents in Port Lavaca also give you the option to get quotes and purchase online, so this should also be taken into consideration and can also potentially find you lower rates.
If you’re anxious about not receiving proper advice when buying online, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Online car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide customer service for getting advice on proper coverages. Most companies also provide live help and 24/7 access that can help answer basic questions.
Does coverage cost less online? That is a tough question to answer since there are so many factors that impact your rate calculation. It’s a common assumption that shopping direct saves money because there is no commission. In many cases, advertising budgets are huge so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
In the end, you save
Cost effective car insurance is available on the web in addition to many Port Lavaca insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers do not provide the ability to get a quote online and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.
While you’re price shopping online, it’s not a good idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. In too many instances, drivers have reduced liability limits or collision coverage only to regret at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.
Much more information about car insurance in Texas can be found on the Texas Department of Insurance website found here. Texas drivers can discover disciplinary actions, get help finding coverage, read consumer alerts, and view a list of available companies.
Also read more on III.org’s auto insurance page and this list of insurance agents in Port Lavaca, TX.