No one looks forward to buying auto insurance, in particular when the cost is way too high.
Numerous car insurance companies battle for your hard-earned dollar, so it’s not easy to compare every company and uncover the absolute lowest rate
You should make it a habit to do rate comparisons quite often due to the fact that insurance rates are variable and change quite frequently. Even if you think you had the lowest price six months ago a different company probably has better rates today. Starting right now, forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because you’re going to get a crash course in the best methods to save on auto insurance.
Save big with these discounts
Companies that sell car insurance don’t list every available discount very well, so here is a list some of the more common and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using.
- No Charge for an Accident – Some insurance companies will allow you to have one accident before raising your premiums as long as you don’t have any claims for a certain period of time.
- Military Rewards – Having a deployed family member could be rewarded with lower premiums.
- Discount for Life Insurance – Companies who offer life insurance give lower rates if you buy life insurance from them.
- Anti-theft Discount – Vehicles with anti-theft systems can help prevent theft and will save you 10% or more.
- Seat Belts Save more than Lives – Buckling up and requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts can save up to 15% off your medical payments premium.
Drivers should understand that most discount credits are not given the the whole policy. Most only cut specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. Even though it may seem like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies don’t profit that way.
To choose providers offering auto insurance discounts in Hereford, follow this link.
How do I know if I need professional advice?
When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there is no cookie cutter policy. Everyone’s needs are different and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. For example, these questions might help in determining if your insurance needs may require specific advice.
- Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
- Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
- Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
- Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
- Does my policy pay for OEM or aftermarket parts?
- Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?
- Is there coverage for injuries to my pets?
- Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you know they apply to you, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies.
What if I want to buy from a local Hereford agent?
Some people just want to talk to a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain better rates and still choose a local agent.
After filling out this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is transmitted to agents in your area who will battle for your business. You don’t have to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. How cool is that?! It’s the lowest rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.
Picking an insurance company should depend on more than just a cheap price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- How are claims handled?
The difference between Hereford car insurance agents
If you’re trying to find a reliable agent, there are two types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Hereford are categorized either independent or captive.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies write business for a single company such as Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They are unable to give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They receive extensive training on their company’s products which can be an advantage.
Listed below are captive agents in Hereford who may provide you with comparison quotes.
State Farm Insurance – 615 S 25 Mile Ave – Hereford, TX 79045 – (806) 364-3161
Farmers Insurance Group – 240 Main St – Hereford, TX 79045 – (806) 364-7676
Farm Bureau Insurance – 1306 W Park Ave – Hereford, TX 79045 – (806) 364-1070
Allstate Insurance – 801 Main St – Hereford, TX 79045 – (806) 364-6874
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles with many different companies and potentially find a lower price. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency. When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you contact at a minimum one independent agency for maximum quote selection.
The following are independent agents in Hereford that can give you rate quotes.
Polk Insurance – 902 Lee Ave – Hereford, TX 79045 – (806) 363-2739
Gililland Insurance Assoc – 201 E Park Ave – Hereford, TX 79045 – (806) 364-1881
To view a full list of licensed insurance agents in Hereford, please go to this site.
After getting answers to your satisfaction to any questions you have and an acceptable price quote, you have narrowed it down to a car insurance agent that is a good match to properly insure your vehicles.
Do drivers who switch really save $401 a year?
Companies like Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm consistently run ads in print and on television. All the ads make the same claim that you can save if you change to them. How can each company claim to save you money?
All the different companies have a certain “appetite” for the type of driver that is profitable for them. An example of a preferred risk could be between the ages of 30 and 50, insures multiple vehicles, and has excellent credit. A driver who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and therefore will save a lot of money.
Potential customers who fall outside these standards will be quoted a higher premium and this can result in the customer not buying. The ads state “drivers who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save money. This is how companies can advertise the way they do. This emphasizes why it’s extremely important to get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.
Additional detailed information is available at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Texas consumers can view a list of available companies, download brochures, and discover disciplinary actions.
What is YOUR best insurance company?
When shopping online for auto insurance, it’s very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. Too many times, drivers have reduced collision coverage only to regret at claim time they didn’t have enough coverage. The aim is to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.
Low-cost auto insurance is definitely available both online and also from your neighborhood Hereford agents, so you should compare both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance providers may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.