To locate a good Houston agent, it’s recommended you do the preliminary legwork on the web to save yourself time. Consumers require a friendly agent and also affordable rates.
You have multiple insurance agents to choose from and even though it’s nice to have multiple companies, it can be more difficult to compare rates.
How to buy auto insurance from an agent in Houston
Agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is the fact that you can find lower rates and still choose a local agent.
After filling out this short form, the coverage information is transmitted to agents in your area who will compete for your coverage. You won’t need to even leave your home since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. It’s the lowest rates AND a local agent.
Deciding on an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the price. Here are some questions to ask:
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Which insurance company do they recommend?
- Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
Do you need an independent or captive auto insurance agent?
When searching for an insurance agent, there are a couple of types of insurance agents that differ in how they insure your property. Houston insurance agents are either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents have only one company to place business with like Farmers Insurance or State Farm. Captives cannot give you multiple price quotes so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agencies are well schooled on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some people will only buy insurance from these agents mainly due to loyalty to the company and strong financial ratings.
Below is a list of captive agents in Houston that are able to give price quotes.
- Liberty Mutual Insurance – 13201 Northwest Fwy # 400 – Houston, TX 77040 – (713) 460-4650
- State Farm Insurance – 10111 Cedar Creek Dr – Houston, TX 77042 – (713) 784-2620
- Allstate Insurance – 13936 Westheimer Rd – Houston, TX 77077 – (281) 531-8300
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 10998 North Fwy – Houston, TX 77037 – (281) 447-0499
- American Family Insurance – 10603 Grant Rd # 210 – Houston, TX 77070 – (281) 955-7332
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles with many different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To move your coverage to a new company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies. When searching for an agent, we recommend you contact several independent insurance agents to get the best comparison.They also have the ability to place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.
Shown below are independent insurance agencies in Houston willing to provide rate quotes.
- Lipton Agency – 2611 Fm 1960 Rd W # D100 – Houston, TX 77068 – (281) 580-2510
- Fred Loya Insurance – 946 Fm 1960 Rd W – Houston, TX 77090 – (281) 583-7666
- Gwen Foster Agency – 5414 Katy Fwy – Houston, TX 77007 – (713) 426-3900
- Auto Insurance Discounters – 6943 Fm 1960 Rd W – Houston, TX 77069 – (281) 583-0499
To view a full list of insurance agents, go to this page.
Upon getting answers to your satisfaction to these questions and a low price estimate, chances are good that you have found a car insurance agent that will adequately provide auto insurance. But remember, policyholders can cancel your coverage any time you want so don’t assume that you’re stuck with your new company for the full term.
Additional detailed information can be found at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Texas consumers can find out which companies have the most complaints, read state legal mandates and laws, get help finding coverage, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies. Also read more on auto insurance in Texas.
Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal
When trying to cut insurance costs, don’t be tempted to buy less coverage just to save a little money. In many instances, consumers will sacrifice comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret they didn’t have enough coverage. Your aim should be to purchase plenty of coverage for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Cheap auto insurance can be purchased online and also from your neighborhood Houston insurance agents, so compare prices from both to get a complete price analysis. Local independent agents have access to many regional insurance providers who may not provide you the ability to get quotes online.