Perplexed by the wide range of auto insurance company choices in Haltom City? Lot’s of other consumers are too. You have so many companies to choose from that it can be a real challenge to find lower rates.
If you have insurance now or need a new policy, you will benefit by learning to shop for the lowest rates while maximizing coverage. Buying affordable coverage in Haltom City is quite easy. Texas drivers just need to understand the tricks to shop their coverage around online.
Comprehensive Auto Insurance Comparison in Haltom City
All major auto insurance companies give price estimates directly from their websites. Getting quotes is fairly straightforward as you just type in your personal and coverage information into the quote form. When the form is submitted, the company’s rating system obtains information on your driving record and credit history and returns pricing information based on many factors.
Online quotes streamlines rate comparisons, but the time it takes to visit multiple sites and enter the same data into a form can be a bit repetitive. Unfortunately, it is important to compare as many rates as possible if you want to find lower prices.
Isn’t there an easier way to compare rates?
A quicker way to find lower prices utilizes a single form that gets price quotes from many companies. It saves time, helps eliminate reptitive entry, and makes online price comparison a lot less work. After your information is entered, it is rated and you are able to buy any or none of the resulting price quotes. If a lower price is quoted, it’s easy to complete the application and purchase the new policy. The entire process takes just a few minutes to complete and you’ll know if lower rates are available.
To quickly find out what other companies charge, simply click here to open in new window and complete the simple form. If you have your current policy handy, we recommend you replicate the insurance coverages just like they are on your policy. Using the same limits helps guarantee you will be getting rate quotes for similar coverage.
Do you really save 40% when you switch?
Texas drivers constantly see and hear ads that promise big savings by companies like Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. They all make the same claim about savings if you move to them.
But how can every company say the same thing?
Different companies are able to cherry pick for the type of driver that is profitable for them. An example of a driver they prefer might be profiled as between 30 and 50, has no tickets, and drives newer vehicles. A customer who fits that profile receives the best rates and as a result will probably pay quite a bit less when switching companies.
Potential customers who don’t meet these standards will have to pay more money which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. The ad wording is “customers that switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save that kind of money. This is how insurance companies can make the claims of big savings. Because of the profiling, it is so important to compare many company’s rates. It’s just too difficult to predict the company that will give you the biggest savings.
Be sure to get all your discounts
Companies don’t list every available discount in a way that’s easy to find, so here is a list some of the more common and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using. If you aren’t receiving every discount you qualify for, you’re paying more than you need to.
- Safety Course Discount – Taking part in a course in driver safety could save 5% or more if you qualify.
- Air Bag Discount – Factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems may earn rate discounts up to 30%.
- More Vehicles More Savings – Buying insurance for multiple cars or trucks with the same company qualifies for this discount.
- Discount for Life Insurance – Some companies give better rates if you take out a life insurance policy as well.
- Theft Prevention Discount – Vehicles with anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
- Drivers Education – Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver’s ed class if it’s offered in school.
- Drive Safe and Save – Safe drivers may save up to 50% more than drivers with accidents.
- Service Members Pay Less – Being on active duty in the military could mean lower rates.
- 55 and Retired – If you’re over the age of 55, you may receive a discount up to 10%.
- Good Student Discount – Performing well in school can save 20 to 25%. The discount lasts up to age 25.
It’s important to note that most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. Just because it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, you won’t be that lucky.
To see a list of providers with the best auto insurance discounts in Haltom City, click this link.
Compare online but buy from a local Haltom City agent
Some consumers would prefer to sit down with an agent and that is OK! Insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and help you file claims. The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain the best rates and still have an agent to talk to.
After completing this short form, the coverage information is submitted to agents in your area who will return price quotes to get your business. You never need to even leave your home since price quotes are sent to the email address you provide.
Picking an provider should depend on more than just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
- Who are their largest clients?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
Insurance agent types
When researching a reputable insurance agent or broker, you need to know there are two different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Haltom City can either be captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can do a good job, but it’s worth mentioning how they are different because it can influence buying decisions.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies work for only one company such as AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. These agents are not able to give you multiple price quotes so they have to upsell other benefits. These agents are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which can be an advantage. Consumers frequently buy insurance from these agents mostly because of high brand loyalty and strong financial ratings.
Shown below is a short list of captive agencies in Haltom City that are able to give price quote information.
- Farmers Insurance Group – 4610 Western Center Blvd # 118 – Haltom City, TX 76137 – (817) 581-6888
- State Farm Insurance – 5808 Denton Hwy # C – Haltom City, TX 76148 – (817) 485-5660
- Allstate Insurance – 5684 Denton Hwy – Haltom City, TX 76148 – (817) 514-0358
- American Family Investment – 2700 Carson St – Haltom City, TX 76117 – (682) 647-1439
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agents are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When searching for an agent, you should always contact at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from. They also have the ability to place coverage with different regional companies who may have lower rates.
Shown below are independent agencies in Haltom City who can help you get price quote information.
- All Coverage Insurance – 6105 Denton Hwy – Haltom City, TX 76148 – (817) 503-0980
- A-Affordable Insurance – 5200 Denton Hwy – Haltom City, TX 76148 – (817) 485-1116
For a full directory of insurance agents in Haltom City, click here to link.
Once you have reasonable responses to your questions and a low price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to insure your vehicles. But keep in mind you can always cancel a policy whenever you wish so don’t assume that you’re stuck with any specific agency for the full term.
Car insurance is unique, just like you
When it comes to choosing the best auto insurance coverage, there really is not a cookie cutter policy. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs.
Here are some questions about coverages that can aid in determining whether or not you may require specific advice.
- What is covered by UM/UIM coverage?
- Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
- What if I don’t agree with a claim settlement offer?
- Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?
- Is pleasure use cheaper than using my vehicle to commute?
- Why is insurance for a teen driver so high in Haltom City?
- How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in Texas?
- Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
- Do I have coverage when pulling a U-Haul trailer?
- When should I remove comp and collision on my vehicle?
If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form. It’s fast, free and can provide invaluable advice.
Educate yourself about auto insurance coverages
Knowing the specifics of your auto insurance policy aids in choosing appropriate coverage at the best deductibles and correct limits. Policy terminology can be difficult to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring.
Coverage for liability – This will cover damage that occurs to other people or property in an accident. It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. Your policy might show liability limits of 50/100/50 which stand for $50,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a total of $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and a total limit of $50,000 for damage to vehicles and property.
Liability coverage protects against things like attorney fees, structural damage, loss of income, pain and suffering and bail bonds. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is a personal decision, but you should buy as high a limit as you can afford. Texas state law requires minimum liability limits of 30,000/60,000/25,000 but it’s recommended drivers buy higher limits.
Comprehensive auto insurance – Comprehensive insurance coverage will pay to fix damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You need to pay your deductible first then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive coverage protects against things such as rock chips in glass, fire damage, falling objects, hitting a bird and theft. The highest amount your auto insurance company will pay is the ACV or actual cash value, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Coverage for medical expenses – Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance reimburse you for bills such as funeral costs, EMT expenses, prosthetic devices and doctor visits. They are often used to fill the gap from your health insurance plan or if you lack health insurance entirely. It covers all vehicle occupants and also covers any family member struck as a pedestrian. Personal injury protection coverage is only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers – This protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other motorists when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. Covered claims include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants and damage to your vehicle.
Due to the fact that many Texas drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits (30/60/25 in Texas), it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is a good idea.
Collision – Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision insurance covers things like hitting a parking meter, backing into a parked car and crashing into a ditch. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so you might think about dropping it from older vehicles. You can also choose a higher deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.
More detailed Texas auto insurance information is located at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Texas drivers can find out which companies have the most complaints, find a variety of consumer forms, and view a list of available companies.
Final thoughts
Drivers who switch companies do it for many reasons like being labeled a high risk driver, policy cancellation, high prices or even poor customer service. Whatever your reason, finding a new company can be easier than you think.
Throughout this article, we presented many ways to compare auto insurance prices online. The key thing to remember is the more rate quotes you have, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even discover the most savings is with the least-expected company.
As you prepare to switch companies, don’t be tempted to buy less coverage just to save a little money. In many instances, an insured dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your aim should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at an affordable rate.