If you’re looking for a good Portland agent, you can always start your search using online quotes rather than looking in the yellowpages. It’s highly likely that not only do you want a professional agent, but you also want to find affordable coverage.
With companies like Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents all competing for business in Portland, it can be hard to know which one will have the lowest rates and best service. To help decide, consumers can use online quoting to get a list of insurance agents and price estimates.
Comparing prices from Portland agents
Licensed agents can answer important questions and give you someone to call. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is you may find better rates and still choose a local agent. And providing support for local businesses is definitely important in Portland.
After filling out this short form, your insurance coverage information is instantly submitted to agents in your area who will give you bids for your coverage. There is no need to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier! You’ll get the best rates AND a local agent.
Two types of insurance agents
If you’re trying to find a reliable agent, you must know there are a couple different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Portland are either captive or independent (non-captive).
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and that require little work on your part.
When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you get quotes from several independent insurance agents for maximum quote selection.
Listed below are independent agents in Portland who may be able to give you comparison quotes.
Russell Auto Insurance – 1101 Railroad Dr – Portland, TX 78374 – (361) 643-2600
Marcia Tesauro Insurance – 609 8th St – Portland, TX 78374 – (361) 643-0421
Captive Agents
These agents have only one company to place business with and some examples include Allstate, AAA, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. These agents are unable to compare other company’s rates so they have no alternatives for high prices. These agents are trained well on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Listed below is a list of captive insurance agencies in Portland that are able to give price quote information.
State Farm Insurance – 609 8th St – Portland, TX 78374 – (361) 643-8585
Farmers Insurance Group – 904 Memorial – Portland, TX 78374 – (361) 643-6265
Allstate Insurance – 300 8th St # A – Portland, TX 78374 – (361) 643-9576
For a full directory of Portland captive insurance agencies, visit this site.
Picking a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a cheap price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
After getting answers to your satisfaction to these questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you may have just found an insurance agency that will adequately provide car insurance.
Alternatives to local agents
Insurance agencies are important, but you also have the option of buying Texas car insurance from online companies direct. Some companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who have local agents in Portland also allow consumers to buy a policy online, and that can save time.
If you’re worried about not having an insurance agent’s advice, don’t be too concerned. Online insurance companies provide toll-free numbers to answer any questions you may have. You can also use help pages and frequently asked questions to clarify any questions you may have.
Does it save money buying online? That is a tough question to answer because there are many components that can increase policy rates. Many people think that shopping online for auto insurance prevents the agent from taking a cut. In reality, there are very high advertising costs and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Some additional reading
Additional car insurance information is located on the website for the Texas Department of Insurance located here. Texas drivers can find out which companies have the most complaints, view agent and company licensing information, learn about insurance regulations, and file complaints about a company.
These articles may also be worth reading.
- Insider Tips to Saving Money on Portland Auto Insurance
- Car Insurance in Portland 8 Discounts to Better Rates
- Easily Find a Car Insurance Agent in Portland
More effort can pay off
People leave their current company for a number of reasons such as being labeled a high risk driver, high prices, lack of trust in their agent and even high rates after DUI convictions. Regardless of your reason, choosing a new insurance company can be pretty painless.
Cheap car insurance can be bought on the web and also from your neighborhood Portland agents, so compare prices from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. There are still a few companies who may not provide online price quotes and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.