If you’re looking to buy auto insurance, you have many choices and selecting the best Port Isabel insurance agency for your needs takes more work than just using the same insurance agency as your neighbor. For the sake of this article, we’ll assume you want a good agent, but you also want to find affordable coverage.
With insurance companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers having local Port Isabel offices, it’s hard to tell which provider will have the lowest rates and best service. To begin, consumers can use online quoting to build a list of insurance agencies and thier coverage prices.
Local Port Isabel agents and auto insurance
Licensed agents can answer important questions and give you peace of mind. One of the best bonuses of price shopping on the web is you may find the lowest rates but also keep your business local. And supporting local agencies is important particularly in Port Isabel.
Upon completion of this short form, your coverage information is immediately sent to local insurance agents who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You won’t need to drive around as quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. Now that’s easy!
Do you need an independent or captive auto insurance agent?
When researching a local agent, there are two different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Port Isabel are either captive or independent. Either one can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ since it may influence your agent selection.
Independent Agents
Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with any number of different companies and potentially find a lower price. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparison shopping, you should always include at least one independent agent to ensure the widest selection of prices. Most have the option of insuring with smaller companies which can save you money.
Listed below is a list of independent insurance agents in Port Isabel that may be able to provide competitive price quotes.
- English Marine Agency – 306 S Shore Dr – Port Isabel, TX 78578 – (956) 943-5182
- Caddell Insurance – 306 W South Shore Dr – Port Isabel, TX 78578 – (956) 943-5303
- Gutierrez Insurance Svc – 202 W Queen Isabella Blvd – Port Isabel, TX 78578 – (956) 943-1032
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents work for only one company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. They usually cannot place coverage with different providers so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captives are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage. Consumers sometimes purchase coverage from captives mostly because of high brand loyalty and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a low price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
After getting reasonable responses to your questions and a good coverage price, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to properly insure your vehicles.
Is buying direct online an option?
Insurance agents are indespensible for some people, but Texas car insurance can also be bought direct over the internet. A few companies like Allstate and State Farm who have local Port Isabel agents also allow you to buy a policy online, and online price comparisons are easy to possibly find a better rate.
If you’re uncomfortable with choosing your own coverages when buying direct, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Online companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide customer service to answer any questions you may have.
Are online premiums lower? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer since companies use quite a few components that determine your policy premium. Some people will tell you that buying directly from the company saves by not paying a commission. But the reality is there are high advertising and marketing costs so this can offset any savings.
Additional auto insurance information is available on the Texas Department of Insurance website located here. Visitors are able to view a list of available companies, find disaster information, download brochures, and find a variety of consumer forms.
Do the work, save more money
Cheap auto insurance can be purchased online and with local Port Isabel insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and these smaller companies work with independent agents.
Insureds switch companies for a number of reasons such as an unsatisfactory settlement offer, being labeled a high risk driver, extreme rates for teen drivers or policy non-renewal. No matter why you want to switch, switching companies is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.