How-to Guide to Finding an Auto Insurance Agent in Mercedes

If you’re looking for a good insurance agent in Mercedes, Texas, we recommend you do an initial search by getting online comparison quotes rather than picking up the phone. For this article’s sake, it’s assumed you require not only a good agent that listens to you, but you also want affordable coverage.

With companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers all competing for business in Mercedes, it’s difficult to determine which will have the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To begin, consumers can use online quoting to build a list of insurance agents to choose from.

Buying auto insurance from a local Mercedes agent

Educated insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and give you someone to call. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is you can get the best rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from local insurance agencies is definitely important in Mercedes.

After filling out this quick form, your insurance coverage information gets sent to companies in Mercedes who will battle for your insurance coverage. There is no need to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. Now that’s easy!

Is a captive or independent car insurance agent right for you?

When researching an insurance agent, there are a couple of types of agencies to choose from. Agencies in Mercedes are categorized either captive or independent. Both do a good job, but it’s worth learning how they are different because it can impact the type of agent you choose

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

These agents do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. 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 shopping rates, we recommend you contact at least one independent agent to get the best comparison.

The following is a list of independent insurance agents in Mercedes that can give you rate quotes.

Amco Auto Insurance – 425 W 2nd St – Mercedes, TX 78570 – (956) 565-0595
Sensible Insurance Solutions – 1406 S Ohio St – Mercedes, TX 78570 – (956) 565-3323
Mc Afee Agency – 321 W 2nd St – Mercedes, TX 78570 – (956) 565-2481

Captive Insurance Agents

These agents can only write with one company and some examples include State Farm, AAA, Farmers Insurance or Allstate. These agents are not able to shop your coverage around so they have no alternatives for high prices. They are usually quite knowledgeable on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.

Deciding on an insurance agent requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:

  • How are they compensated?
  • If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
  • Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Texas?
  • How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
  • How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
  • Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
  • Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
  • Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?

Once you have satisfactory answers to all your questions and a good coverage price, chances are good that you have found an insurance agency that is a good match to insure your vehicles.

The online companies are an option

Professional insurance agents are important, but you can also find affordable Texas auto insurance from companies direct over the internet. Some specific companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who have local agents in Mercedes also allow you to quote and buy online, and that is helpful if you are the do-it-yourself type.

If you’re uncomfortable with not receiving proper advice when shopping online, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. Online car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide phone numbers and online resources to walk you through the process. You can also use help pages and frequently asked questions to help you answer questions.

Will buying online save you money? That question is hard to answer since companies use quite a few components that are calculated into your premium. It’s logical to say that buying online saves the commission normally paid to an agent. For the majority of companies, however, the cost of constant advertising is expensive so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.

Additional auto insurance information can be read on the website for the Texas Department of Insurance found here. Visitors are able to read industry bulletins, view agent and company licensing information, and find a variety of consumer forms.

compare Mercedes TX insurance agents

The following articles may also be useful.

A tidy conclusion

People switch companies for many reasons like unfair underwriting practices, lack of trust in their agent, delays in paying claims or not issuing a premium refund. Regardless of your reason, switching auto insurance companies can be easy and end up saving you some money.

Cost effective auto insurance can be found both online and also from your neighborhood Mercedes agents, so you should compare both in order to have the best chance of saving money. A few companies may not provide online quoting and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.