Comparison shopping for Bellaire auto insurance can seem to be nearly impossible for people who are new to buying insurance online. Consumers have so many options that it can turn into a real challenge to compare prices in Bellaire.
You should take the time to take a look at other company’s rates on a regular basis since rates trend upward over time. Even if you think you had the lowest price on your last policy a different company probably has better rates today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you’re about to learn how to use the internet to reduce your cost while improving coverage.
If you are insured now or are just looking to switch companies, you will benefit by learning to find better prices and still get good coverage. Locating cheaper auto insurance in Bellaire can be fairly easy. Texas consumers only need an understanding of the most effective way to buy auto insurance online.
Don’t pay full price with these discounts
Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, but there could be available discounts to cut the cost considerably. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically when you purchase, but a few need to be inquired about before you will receive the discount. If they aren’t giving you every credit available, you’re paying more than you need to.
- Multiple Cars – Buying insurance for all your vehicles with the same company qualifies for this discount.
- Auto/Home Discount – If you have multiple policies with the same company you will save 10% to 20% off each policy.
- Braking Control Discount – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can avoid accidents and will save you 10% or more.
- Auto/Life Discount – Companies who offer life insurance give better rates if you take out a life insurance policy as well.
- Early Signing – Select companies give a discount for signing up prior to your current policy expiring. This can save 10% or more.
- Good Student – A discount for being a good student can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The good student discount can last up to age 25.
It’s important to note that most of the big mark downs will not be given to the entire cost. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like physical damage coverage or medical payments. So even though they make it sound like you can get free auto insurance, it just doesn’t work that way. But all discounts will help reduce the amount you have to pay.
Buy Cheaper Auto Insurance with These Tips
Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that go into determining auto insurance rates. Knowing what influences your rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that could result in better auto insurance rates.
- Tickets mean higher rates – Drivers with clean records get better rates than people who have multiple driving citations. Even a single ticket may increase your cost by as much as thirty percent. Drivers with severe tickets like hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions are required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility to the state department of motor vehicles in order to drive a vehicle legally.
- Drive a safer car and pay less – Safer cars tend to have better insurance rates. Safe vehicles protect occupants better and better occupant protection means less money paid by your insurance company and lower rates for you.
- Your age impacts your rates – More mature drivers are viewed as being more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations. Teen drivers are known to be less responsible when driving and because of this, their auto insurance rates are much higher.
- Where you reside plays a part – Living in a small town can save you money when talking about auto insurance. Fewer people means a lower chance of having an accident. Urban drivers have traffic congestion and longer commutes to work. More time commuting means more change of being in an accident.
- What are your deductibles? – Physical damage deductibles define the amount you are willing to pay if you file a covered claim. Physical damage insurance, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, insures against damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply are running into the backend of another car, collision with an animal, and rolling your vehicle. The more you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the bigger discount you will receive.
- Always keep insurance in force – Not having insurance is against the law and as a result your rates will increase for letting your insurance lapse. Not only will rates go up, getting caught without coverage may earn you a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.You may then be required to prove you have insurance by filing a SR-22 with the Texas department of motor vehicles.
- Is your vehicle built for speed? – The make and model of the vehicle you own makes a huge difference in how high your rates are. Economy passenger cars usually have the lowest rates, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
- Don’t sacrifice liability coverage – The liability section of your policy is the protection if ever you are found to be at fault for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. Liability insurance provides for a legal defense which can be incredibly expensive. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
Which policy gives me the best coverage?
When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage, there is no single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s situation is unique.
For instance, these questions could help you determine whether your personal situation would benefit from an agent’s advice.
- Is my custom paint covered by insurance?
- Is my business laptop covered if it gets stolen from my vehicle?
- Is Texas a no-fault state?
- Are my friends covered when driving my vehicle?
- How can I get high-risk coverage after a DUI?
- Do I need medical payments coverage since I have good health insurance?
- Am I covered when driving someone else’s vehicle?
If you can’t answer these questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and may give you better protection.
But buying car insurance online seems impersonal
Some consumers would prefer to visit with an insurance agent and that is just fine! Insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and give you someone to call. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is the fact that you can find better rates and still have an agent to talk to. And supporting small agencies is definitely important in Bellaire.
Upon completion of this simple form, your information is submitted to insurance agents in Bellaire who will give you bids to get your business. You never need to visit any agencies because quoted prices will be sent to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy!
Two different types of insurance agents
When searching for a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two different agency structures from which to choose. Agents are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ since it may influence the selection process.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These agents are not employed by any specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When shopping rates, it’s recommended you include several independent insurance agents to get the best comparison.Many can place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which may provide better rates.
The following are independent insurance agents in Bellaire willing to provide price quotes.
- Larry Haas Agency – 5114 Bissonnet St – Bellaire, TX 77401 – (713) 667-8999
- Frost Insurance Agency Inc – 6750 West Loop S # 300 – Bellaire, TX 77401 – (713) 388-1250
- Bridgette C Emanuel Insurance – 5959 West Loop S – Bellaire, TX 77401 – (713) 666-3115
- Jan L Stomel Insurance – 4900 Bissonnet St # 202 – Bellaire, TX 77401 – (713) 660-0990
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents can only write with one company and some examples include Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They are unable to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives are usually quite knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers frequently buy from captive agents primarily because of high brand loyalty and solid financial strength.
Shown below are Bellaire captive insurance agencies that can give you rate quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 4545 Bissonnet St # 130 – Bellaire, TX 77401 – (713) 661-0893
To view a full list of auto insurance agents in Bellaire, click here to link.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Agents should be asked these questions:
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
Upon getting positive feedback to these questions and an affordable coverage quote, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agency that can properly insure your vehicles.
More Texas auto insurance resources
Additional information is available on the Texas Department of Insurance website. Click here for link. Texas consumers can read state legal mandates and laws, learn about specific coverages, and find out industry alerts.
And the best car insurance company is…
When you buy insurance online, never buy less coverage just to save a little money. In too many instances, someone dropped liability coverage limits to discover at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The ultimate goal is to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price.
Insureds switch companies for a variety of reasons including policy cancellation, poor customer service, delays in responding to claim requests and delays in paying claims. Regardless of your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider is not as difficult as it may seem.
We just covered some good ideas how you can compare auto insurance prices online. It’s most important to understand that the more providers you compare, the higher the chance of saving money. You may be surprised to find that the lowest priced auto insurance comes from some of the lesser-known companies.