Wish you could get out of overpriced car insurance? You’re preaching to the choir because many consumers are feeling buyer’s remorse and feel like there’s no way out. Because you have many car insurance companies to choose from, it’s difficult to locate the right car insurance provider.
Consumers need to shop coverage around as often as possible since insurance prices go up and down regularly. Even if you think you had the best price for Enclave coverage two years ago you can probably find a better rate quote now. Ignore everything you know about car insurance because you’re going to learn the only way to reduce your cost while increasing coverage.
Buying more affordable car insurance coverage in San Antonio is quite easy. If you have a current car insurance policy or are looking for a new policy, you can use this information to find better prices and still get good coverage. Texas drivers just need to learn the most efficient way to find the lowest price on the web.
San Antonio Insurance Prices are Influenced by These Factors
Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for car insurance. If you have a feel for what determines premiums, this allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to cheaper rates.
- High premiums for teenage drivers – Older people are more responsible, tend to cause fewer accidents and get fewer tickets.Youthful drivers are statistically shown to be less responsible in a vehicle so car insurance rates are higher.
- Drive fewer miles and save – The more you drive annually the more you will pay for car insurance. Most insurance companies calculate prices partially by how you use the vehicle. Vehicles not used for work or commuting qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. It’s a smart idea to ensure your car insurance policy states the correct usage for each vehicle, because it can save money. An incorrectly rated Enclave may be costing you higher rates.
- Higher comp and collision deductibles reduce costs – Insurance for physical damage, also called comprehensive and collision insurance, is used to repair damage to your Buick. Some coverage claims are a windshield shattered by a rock, flood damage, and having your car stolen. Deductibles for physical damage are how much you are willing to pay out-of-pocket in the event of a claim. The more of the claim the insured has to pay upfront, the less your company will charge you for insurance for Enclave coverage.
- Obey driving laws and save – Getting just one citation may increase your cost forty percent or more. Good drivers have lower premiums as compared to careless drivers. Drivers who have received serious citations like hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state’s licensing department in order to legally drive a vehicle.
Lower-cost Texas car insurance quotes with discounts
Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but there are discounts available that can drop the cost substantially. Certain reductions will be credited at quote time, but a few must be requested specifically prior to receiving the credit.
- Payment Method – If paying your policy premium upfront rather than paying in monthly installments you could save up to 5%.
- Low Mileage – Driving fewer miles may enable drivers to earn cheaper rates.
- Early Renewal Discounts – A few car insurance companies allow discounts for buying a policy before your current coverage expires. It can save you around 10%.
- Passive Restraints – Vehicles equipped with air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.
- Sign Online – Some of the larger companies will provide an incentive for buying your policy on the internet.
Policy discounts save money, but many deductions do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Most only cut the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. Despite the appearance that adding up those discounts means a free policy, it’s just not the way it works. But all discounts should help reduce the premium cost.
Companies and their offered discounts are:
- State Farm may have discounts that include student away at school, Drive Safe & Save, good student, Steer Clear safe driver discount, good driver, multiple policy, and multiple autos.
- American Family policyholders can earn discounts including air bags, bundled insurance, good driver, accident-free, multi-vehicle, defensive driver, and early bird.
- AAA may offer discounts for good student, multi-car, AAA membership discount, good driver, and education and occupation.
- GEICO may include discounts for membership and employees, anti-theft, air bags, five-year accident-free, and multi-vehicle.
- Mercury Insurance includes discounts for accident-free, type of vehicle, ease of repair, low natural disaster claims, multi-car, annual mileage, and good student.
- Farmers Insurance offers discounts for mature driver, teen driver, electronic funds transfer, homeowner, and alternative fuel.
- Progressive discounts include multi-vehicle, multi-policy, online quote discount, homeowner, continuous coverage, and online signing.
Check with all companies you are considering to apply every possible discount. Some discounts might not be available to policyholders in San Antonio. To see insurers who offer online car insurance quotes in Texas, follow this link.
Are auto insurance agents obsolete?
Many people still prefer to get advice from a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. Good insurance agents can make sure you are properly covered and help in the event of a claim. A good thing about comparing rate quotes online is you can get lower prices and still choose a local agent. Buying from and supporting neighborhood agents is definitely important in San Antonio.
To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), your information gets sent to local insurance agents who will return price quotes for your car insurance coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to contact any insurance agencies as quotes are delivered immediately to your email address. If you need to quote rates from a specific car insurance provider, just go to their quote page to submit a rate quote request.
Captive agents vs. Independent agents
If you want to buy car insurance from an insurance agent, you must know there are a couple different types of agents and how they are slightly different. Car insurance agents in San Antonio are either captive agents or independent agents. Either type can sell car insurance policies, but we need to point out the differences because it may have an impact on which agent you choose.
Independent Car Insurance Agents
Agents that elect to be independent are not limited to a single company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies and find you cheaper rates. If you want to switch companies, the agent simply finds a different carrier and the insured can keep the same agent.
If you are trying to find cheaper rates, you will definitely want to include price quotes from multiple independent agents to have the best price comparison.
Captive Insurance Agencies
These agents work for only one company like AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance, and Allstate. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents are usually well trained on their company’s products which can be an advantage.
Deciding on a auto insurance agent requires more thought than just the price. Any good agent should know the answers to these questions.
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- Can they give you a list of client referrals?
- What is their Better Business Bureau rating?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
Read more about Texas car insurance
Additional information is available on the found here. Consumers can file complaints about a company, read state legal mandates and laws, find a variety of consumer forms, and learn about specific coverages.
More related San Antonio car insurance information:
- Uncover the Secrets to Saving Money on San Antonio Texas Car Insurance
- How to Find the Lowest Price on San Antonio Texas Car Insurance
Final thoughts
When trying to cut insurance costs, you should never skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are many occasions where drivers have reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to find out that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your objective should be to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.
Some insurance providers may not offer the ability to get quotes online small insurance companies only sell coverage through local independent agencies. Budget-friendly car insurance can be purchased online and from local insurance agents, and you should compare rates from both so you have a total pricing picture.