Selecting a auto insurance company in Buda, TX can be time consuming since selecting the best Buda auto insurance agent for your needs is more difficult than just randomly choosing from the yellow pages. You require a good agent, but also need the lowest rates in Buda.
Insurance companies such as GEICO, Progressive and Allstate all promote huge savings with ad campaigns and it is difficult to see through the deception and effectively compare rates to find the best deal.
Online quotes help locate Buda agents
Professional agents can answer important questions and help you file claims. The best thing about price shopping on the web is you can get better rates and still choose a local agent.
By using this form (opens in new window), your information is submitted to participating agents in Buda who will battle for your insurance coverage. You never need to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy! You can find the lowest rates and work with a local agent.
Choosing an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a low price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
Two types of Buda car insurance agents
When looking for a reliable agent, you must know there are a couple types of agencies from which to choose. Agencies in Buda can either be captive or independent (non-captive).
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents work for only one company and examples are Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are not able to compare other company’s rates so always compare other rates. Captives receive extensive training on the products they sell which can be an advantage. Some consumers prefer to purchase coverage from captives partially due to the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
The following are captive agencies in Buda who can help you get comparison quotes.
- Farmers Insurance Group – 909 N Loop 4 # F – Buda, TX 78610 – (512) 295-6464
- Allstate Insurance – 102 N Main St – Buda, TX 78610 – (512) 312-2009
Independent Agents
Independent insurance agents are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business amongst many companies and potentially find a lower price. If you are not satisfied with one company, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency.
When comparison shopping, you should always include several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. Most have the option of insuring with different regional companies which can be an advantage.
After getting good answers to all your questions and locked in a price quote, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to insure your vehicles.
Also think about buying car insurance direct
Auto insurance agents are important to many people, but Texas consumers also have the option to buy direct online. Even companies who employ agents also let you buy online, and online price comparisons are easy if you want to do it yourself.
If you’re uneasy about not having someone to ask questions, this really isn’t an issue. Auto insurance companies have toll-free phone numbers and other options to walk you through the process.
Is pricing better online? A lot of shoppers won’t buy anywhere else, but it’s impossible to say because there are a lot of things that determine your policy premium. Some people will tell you that going direct saves money because there is no agent involvement. For the majority of companies, however, marketing expenses are significant so there may not be significant savings.
Online plus local equals savings
Insureds who switch companies do it for many reasons like not issuing a premium refund, extreme rates for teen drivers, high rates after DUI convictions and even high prices. It doesn’t matter what your reason, choosing a new company is easier than you think.
The cheapest auto insurance is available from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Buda, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. There are still a few companies who don’t offer online price quotes and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.
Online resources for education
More tips and info about auto insurance can be found at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Texas consumers can learn about specific coverages, read state legal mandates and laws, view agent and company licensing information, and report car insurance fraud.