Paying for high-priced auto insurance can dwindle your checking account and put the squeeze on your family’s finances. Comparing price quotes is free, only takes a few minutes, and is a good way to reduce premiums and put more money in your pocket. Many car insurance companies compete for your business, and it can be difficult to compare rates to discover the definitive cheapest price
What impacts Bay City insurance rates?
It’s important that you understand the factors that play a part in calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that can help you get lower auto insurance prices.
- Performance makes a difference – The performance of the vehicle you own makes a big difference in the rate you pay. Small economy passenger vehicles generally have the cheapest insurance rates, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
- Where do you drive? – The higher the mileage driven in a year the more you’ll pay to insure your vehicle. Most insurance companies rate vehicles based on how the vehicle is used. Autos used primarily for pleasure use get more affordable rates than those used for commuting. Double check that your auto insurance declarations sheet is showing the correct usage for each vehicle.
- Discounts for multiple policies – Some insurance companies provide better rates to insureds who consolidate policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can be 10 percent or more. If you currently are using one company, it’s still a good idea to shop around to ensure the best deal. Drivers may still find better rates by buying auto insurance from a different company.
- Safe vehicles cost less to insure – Vehicles with high crash test scores tend to have better insurance rates. Safer cars reduce injuries and better occupant protection means less money paid by your insurance company passed on to you as lower rates.
- Cautious drivers pay less – Good drivers tend to pay less for car insurance than bad drivers. Even a single moving violation can increase rates twenty percent or more. Drivers with serious tickets such as DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions are required to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state motor vehicle department in order to continue driving.
Verify you’re getting all your discounts
Companies that sell car insurance don’t always advertise all their discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so we took the time to find some of the best known and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using. If you aren’t receiving every discount you deserve, you are paying more than you should be.
- Senior Discount – If you’re over the age of 55, you may be able to get reduced rates.
- Paperless Signup – A few companies will give a small break for buying your policy digitally online.
- Drive Less and Save – Keeping the miles down can earn discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
- Driver Safety – Taking a course teaching defensive driving skills could cut 5% off your bill if your company offers it.
- Safe Drivers – Insureds without accidents can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates than drivers with accidents.
Keep in mind that many deductions do not apply the the whole policy. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like medical payments or collision. Just because it seems like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, you won’t be that lucky.
To see a list of insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Bay City, click here.
Neighborhood agents for auto insurance
A small number of people just want to buy from a local agent. Licensed agents can answer important questions and help in the event of a claim. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain better rates but also keep your business local.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this form (opens in new window), your information is immediately sent to local insurance agents in Bay City who will battle for your coverage. There is no reason to visit any agencies because quoted prices will be sent directly to your email. Now that’s easy!
Selecting an insurer should depend on more than just the bottom line cost. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
- How long has their agency been open in Bay City?
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
- How are they compensated?
The different types of insurance agents
When looking for an insurance agent, there are a couple of different types of agents from which to choose. Agents are either independent or captive. While both can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the differences since it may influence the selection process.
Agency Captives
Captive agents can only write with one company and some examples include State Farm, AAA, Farmers Insurance or Allstate. They are unable to shop your coverage around so keep that in mind. Captives receive extensive training in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Below is a list of captive insurance agencies in Bay City who may provide you with rate quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 3120a Avenue F – Bay City, TX 77414 – (979) 244-4671
Farmers Insurance Group – 1916 Nichols Ave – Bay City, TX 77414 – (979) 245-3317
Farm Bureau Insurance – 901 Avenue F N – Bay City, TX 77414 – (979) 245-9139
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These agents are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If you are not satisfied with one company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you include at a minimum one independent agency to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Shown below is a list of independent agencies in Bay City that can give you comparison quotes.
Farm Bureau Insurance – 901 Avenue F N – Bay City, TX 77414 – (979) 245-9139
Nalley Insurance – 2805 4th St – Bay City, TX 77414 – (979) 245-1194
To view a full list of Bay City insurance agents, simply jump to this page.
Once you have received positive feedback to these questions and locked in a price quote, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agency that is a good match to provide auto insurance coverage.
Do I need special coverages?
When it comes to buying adequate coverage, there isn’t really a single plan that fits everyone. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. For instance, these questions can help discover whether or not you could use an agent’s help.
- Is my teen driver covered when they drive my company car?
- Is business equipment covered while in my vehicle?
- Do I benefit by insuring my home with the same company?
- Should I sign the liability waiver when renting a car?
- Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
- Are my friends covered when driving my vehicle?
If you’re not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an agent. If you don’t have a local agent, simply complete this short form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It’s fast, free and may give you better protection.
More information about auto insurance
More detailed Texas auto insurance information can be read at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Consumers can learn about specific coverages, download brochures, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and file complaints about a company.
Additional helpful sites include NAIC.org’s Understanding your Policy and this list of insurance agents in Bay City, TX.
A tidy conclusion
You just read a lot of information how to lower your auto insurance rates. The most important thing to understand is the more times you quote, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. You may even discover the best prices are with an unexpected company. These companies can often provide lower rates in certain areas as compared to the big name companies such as Progressive or GEICO.
The cheapest auto insurance can be purchased online and with local Bay City insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to get a complete price analysis. Some auto insurance companies do not offer online quoting and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.