To find an insurance agent in Ingleside, Texas, we recommend you do the preliminary legwork by comparing rates online rather than picking up the phone. Chances are you’re wanting a friendly agent, but also the lowest possible price.
With companies like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers and independent agents all competing for your business, it can be hard to know which will provide the cheapest rates and the best coverage. Thankfully, it’s easy to use online price quotes to build a list of agents to choose from.
Comparing prices from Ingleside agents
Educated insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and help file insurance claims. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is you may find the best rates and still choose a local agent. And supporting local agencies is especially important in Ingleside.
Upon completion of this simple form, your insurance coverage information is emailed to local insurance agents in Ingleside who will return price quotes to get your business. There is no reason to even leave your home since price quotes are sent to the email address you provide. Now that’s easy! It’s the lowest rates AND a local agent.
The type of insurance agency you choose is important
When researching a local agent, there are a couple of types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Ingleside are categorized either independent or captive.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These agents are not locked into one company but rather can write business with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part. When comparison shopping, we recommend you include multiple independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. They also have the ability to place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can save you money.
Shown below is a list of independent agencies in Ingleside that are able to give pricing information.
- Coastal Bend Insurance – 2817 Main St – Ingleside, TX 78362 – (361) 776-6400
- Ward Insurance – 2832 Main St – Ingleside, TX 78362 – (361) 776-9686
Captive Agents
These agents can only place business with one company such as Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so keep that in mind. Captives are usually quite knowledgeable on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only choose to use a captive agent primarily because of high brand loyalty and strong financial ratings.
Shown below is a short list of captive agents in Ingleside willing to provide rate quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 2741 Dallas Ave – Ingleside, TX 78362 – (361) 776-3579
- Allstate Insurance – 2701 Main St # B – Ingleside, TX 78362 – (361) 775-0367
To view a full list of Ingleside captive agencies, click here to link.
Deciding on an insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:
- Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
- Can they give you a list of client referrals?
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Texas?
Once you have received good answers to your questions and a low price estimate, most likely you have located a car insurance agent that is a good match to properly service your car insurance policy.
Online car insurance providers
Car insurance agents are a valuable resource, but Texas car insurance can also be bought from online companies direct. Some companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who sell through the agent channel also give you the option to quote and buy online, and that can save time.
If you’re uneasy about having to choose coverages yourself when shopping online, don’t sweat it. Car insurance companies provide phone numbers and online resources for getting advice on proper coverages. In addition, they usually offer live help and an extensive research center to help you answer questions.
If you’re not set on any one company, the best way to find out if local insurance agents or online providers are cheaper is getting rates for as many of both types of providers as possible. It’s even possible to receive different pricing from insurance agents and online quoting from the exact same provider. You won’t know if the company’s rates are lower online or from an agent until after comparing identical coverage quotes for both.
Are online companies cheaper? The answer to that question is complicated due to the fact that there are many factors that influence the price you pay. It’s often assumed that shopping direct reduces premiums because there is no agent. But that assumption is generally incorrect because it’s expensive to advertise so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
Much more information about car insurance in Texas can be read on the Texas Department of Insurance website through this link. Texas drivers can get help finding coverage, find disaster information, read state legal mandates and laws, and find out which companies have the most complaints.
In conclusion
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, it’s not a good idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are a lot of situations where consumers will sacrifice collision coverage only to regret they didn’t have enough coverage. The proper strategy is to purchase plenty of coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.
Insureds switch companies for a number of reasons such as lack of trust in their agent, being labeled a high risk driver, high rates after DUI convictions or questionable increases in premium. Regardless of your reason, choosing a new company is pretty easy and you might even save some money in the process.