If you’re looking for a good Kerrville agent, you can always do the preliminary legwork using online quotes instead of calling around. Chances are you’re wanting a friendly agent, but also great rates as well.
With insurance companies like Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents all competing for your business, consumers have a hard time knowing which will give you the best service and rates. To help decide, consumers can use online quotes to assemble a group of agents to choose from.
How to compare Kerrville car insurance rates
Licensed agents can answer important questions and help in the event of a claim. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. Supporting local businesses is definitely important in Kerrville.
For easy comparison, once you complete this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is sent to insurance agents in Kerrville who will compete for your business. You don’t have to visit any agencies since price quotes are sent to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy! You can find the lowest rates and work with a local agent.
The difference between Kerrville car insurance agents
If you’re trying to find a good insurance agency, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents to choose from. Agencies in Kerrville can either be independent or captive.
Independent Agents
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage with any number of different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparing rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to get the best comparison. Most have the option of insuring with smaller regional carriers who may have lower rates.
The following is a short list of independent agencies in Kerrville who can help you get pricing information.
- Hotchkiss Insurance Inc – 505 Junction Hwy – Kerrville, TX 78028 – (830) 257-5545
- Hinson Agency – 201 W Water St – Kerrville, TX 78028 – (830) 257-7262
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 1813 Junction Hwy – Kerrville, TX 78028 – (830) 895-2525
- Joe Cook Agency – 327 Earl Garrett St # 110 – Kerrville, TX 78028 – (830) 896-1689
- Hill Country Agency – 820 Main St # 200 – Kerrville, TX 78028 – (830) 896-3727
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents write business for a single company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They are unable to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents receive extensive training on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers often purchase coverage from captives mostly because of the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Below are captive agencies in Kerrville that can give you price quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 330 Junction Hwy # A – Kerrville, TX 78028 – (830) 896-1551
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 1813 Junction Hwy – Kerrville, TX 78028 – (830) 895-2525
To view a full list of captive insurance agents in Kerrville, please click here.
Choosing an insurance agent requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Which company do they place the most coverage with?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- How are they compensated?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
Once you have answers to your satisfaction to these questions and locked in a price quote, you may have just found an auto insurance agent that will insure your vehicles.
Online companies should get a look
Auto insurance agents are a valuable resource, but Texas consumers also have the option to buy direct from companies online. Even companies like State Farm and Allstate who have local Kerrville agents also give you the option to buy direct online, so this should also be taken into consideration.
If you’re uncomfortable with not getting advice from an agent, that is normal but is not a big issue. Car insurance companies all have toll-free customer service for customer questions.
If you’re not set on any one company, the best way to find out if prices are better online or from an agent is to compare price quotes from both. You can actually get different rates when quoting both agents prices and online prices for the exact same company. You won’t know which method provides the best price until after you compare the same coverages utilizing both methods.
Are online premiums lower? Many people think so, but it’s hard to say for sure because there are many components that determine the price you pay. Common logic is that shopping direct cuts out the middleman. But in reality, the cost of constant advertising is expensive and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Final thoughts
When buying insurance coverage, it’s very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. In many cases, an insured dropped full coverage only to regret that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The ultimate goal is to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford.
Consumers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as poor customer service, not issuing a premium refund, being labeled a high risk driver or extreme rates for teen drivers. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch switching companies can be pretty painless.
More Texas car insurance resources
Additional car insurance information can be read on the Texas Department of Insurance website found here. Consumers can learn about specific coverages, download brochures, and get help finding coverage.
Additional helpful sites include QuoteClickInsure.com and this page for help finding agents in Kerrville, TX.