Shopping for affordable Richardson auto insurance on the web can be challenging for beginners to comparing rates online. With dozens of online companies available, how can consumers effectively compare every one to find the best price?
Finding the best rates in Richardson is quite easy. Just about every driver who shops for auto insurance will more than likely be able to find lower rates. Nevertheless, Texas car owners do need to understand how insurance companies determine prices and apply this information to your search.
Automobile Insurance Quotes in Richardson
Shopping for lower auto insurance rates can be a lot of work if you don’t understand the most efficient way. You can waste a few hours (or days) discussing policy coverages with agents in Richardson, or you could save time and use online quotes to get rate comparisons in just a few minutes.
The majority of car insurance companies belong to a marketplace that enables customers to send in one quote, and at least one company then returns a price quote based on that information. This saves time by eliminating quote requests to each individual auto insurance company.
To find out how much you’re overpaying now click here to open in new window.
The only downside to getting quotes like this is you don’t know exactly the providers you want to price. If you prefer to choose specific providers to compare prices, we put together a list of low cost auto insurance companies in Texas. Click here to view list.
Which method you use is up to you, but ensure you’re using exactly the same deductibles and coverage limits on every quote you get. If each company quotes different limits and deductibles on each one it will be very difficult to find the best deal in Richardson. Having just a slight variation in insurance coverages could mean much higher rates. And when price shopping your coverage, more quotes helps you find the best price.
Is there deception in advertising?
Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm constantly bombard you with ads in print and on television. All the companies have a common claim about savings if you switch your coverage to them. How does each company claim to save you money? This is how they do it.
Insurance companies can use profiling for the driver that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk might be over the age of 50, has no prior claims, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A driver who meets those qualifications will get very good rates and as a result will probably save when switching.
Potential insureds who fall outside the requirements will be quoted more money which leads to the customer not buying. The ads state “customers who switch” not “people who quote” save money. That’s why companies can truthfully state the savings. This emphasizes why it is so important to quote coverage with many companies. It’s just too difficult to predict which company will have the lowest rates.
Understand what determines the rate you pay
It’s important that you understand the rating factors that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to big savings.
- Bundling policies can get discounts – Many insurers will give a discount to policyholders who buy several policies from them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. This can amount to five, ten or even twenty percent. Even if you’re getting this discount you may still want to shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal. You may still find a better deal by insuring with multiple companies.
- Claim-free discounts can add up – If you frequently file small claims, you can expect either higher rates or even cancellation. Car insurance companies in Texas provide better rates to policyholders who file claims infrequently. Car insurance is intended for the bigger claims that can’t be paid out-of-pocket.
- How your age affects price – Youthful drivers in Texas tend to get distracted easily when behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. Older insureds are more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and tend to be better behind the wheel.
- Traffic violations increase rates – Whether or not you get tickets has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Only having one speeding ticket may increase your cost forty percent or more. Drivers with clean records get better rates than people who have multiple driving citations. Drivers with severe tickets such as hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions are required to file a SR-22 with their state DMV in order to drive a vehicle legally.
Don’t miss out on these money-saving discounts
Car insurance companies don’t always publicize every available discount in an easy-to-find place, so we break down both the well known and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using.
- More Vehicles More Savings – Having multiple cars or trucks on one policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
- Student Driver Training – Require your teen driver to enroll in driver’s education if offered at their school.
- Use Seat Belts – Drivers who require all occupants to use a seat belt could cut 10% or more on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
- Distant Student – Kids in college who are attending college and do not have a car can receive lower rates.
- Discount for Good Grades – 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.
A little note about advertised discounts, some of the credits will not apply to the entire cost. The majority will only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears you would end up receiving a 100% discount, it doesn’t quite work that way.
What if I want to buy from a local Richardson agent?
Certain consumers would prefer to talk to a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. The best thing about comparing rates online is you can get better rates and still have an agent to talk to.
Once you complete this form (opens in new window), the quote information is sent to companies in Richardson who will return price quotes for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. Now that’s easy! You can find the lowest rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.
Choosing an insurance company shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Texas?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
Pick the best insurance agent in Richardson for you
When finding a good insurance agency, you need to know there are two different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Agency Captives
Captive agents work for only one company and some examples include AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. They usually cannot place coverage with different providers so they have no alternatives for high prices. These agents receive extensive training in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers frequently choose to use a captive agent partially due to loyalty to the company and solid financial strength.
The following is a short list of captive agencies in Richardson who may provide you with price quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 800 E Campbell Rd # 203 – Richardson, TX 75081 – (972) 231-1480
- Farmers Insurance Group – 1201 Richardson Dr – Richardson, TX 75080 – (972) 671-2933
- Allstate Insurance Co – 1893 N Plano Rd – Richardson, TX 75081 – (972) 470-0905
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents are not locked into one company but rather can write business with lots of companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent. When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to include at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection. They often place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which may provide better rates.
Below are Richardson independent insurance agencies willing to provide price quote information.
- Sandy Garza Agency – 212 W Campbell Rd – Richardson, TX 75080 – (972) 889-1833
- Phan Insurance Inc – 445 Walnut St # 107 – Richardson, TX 75081 – (972) 889-9924
- Don Carroll Agency – 2007 N Collins Blvd – Richardson, TX 75080 – (972) 669-1980
- Martin Agency – 1411 E Campbell Rd # 1800 – Richardson, TX 75081 – (972) 437-2401
- Lakeside Insurance – 509 E Boydstun Ave – Richardson, TX 75080 – (972) 997-7247
For a complete listing of licensed insurance agents in Richardson, view this link.
Upon receiving positive responses to your questions and an acceptable price quote, most likely you have located an auto insurance agent that can properly service your auto insurance policy.
Smart shoppers get results
Consumers switch companies for many reasons like high rates after DUI convictions, delays in paying claims, lack of trust in their agent and even poor customer service. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch choosing a new insurance company can be easier than you think.
You just read many ways to lower your auto insurance rates. The key thing to remember is the more times you quote, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. You may even find the lowest rates come from the smaller companies.
Cheaper auto insurance can be found both online as well as from independent agents in Richardson, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some companies don’t offer online quoting and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.
Additional Texas car insurance resources
Additional detailed information is located at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Consumers can find disaster information, read industry bulletins, discover disciplinary actions, and read state legal mandates and laws.