Are you confused by the sheer number of auto insurance choices in Georgetown? You have a lot of company. Drivers have so many companies to choose from that it can be a lot of work to locate the lowest price.
It’s important to compare rates yearly because prices go up and down regularly. Even if you got the lowest price a few years ago other companies may now be cheaper. You can find a lot of wrong information about auto insurance online but I’m going to show you some tested techniques to find cheap auto insurance.
Components of your insurance rates
Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that play a part in calculating your auto insurance rates. Understanding what controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that could result in lower auto insurance prices.
Shown below are some of the factors companies use to determine premiums.
- Battle of the sexes – Statistics have proven that women are safer drivers than men. Now that doesn’t mean women are BETTER drivers than men. Both sexes are in accidents at about the same rate, but men tend to have more serious accidents. Men also get cited for more serious violations like DUI and reckless driving.
- Too many auto insurance claims drive up costs – If you frequently file small claims, you can look forward to higher rates. Auto insurance companies in Texas award lower rates to drivers who do not file claims often. Insurance coverage is intended for larger claims.
- Where do you drive? – The higher the mileage driven each year the more you’ll pay to insure your vehicle. Almost all companies price each vehicle’s coverage based upon how you use the vehicle. Autos left parked in the garage can get a lower rate than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Make sure your auto insurance declarations sheet properly reflects the correct usage for each vehicle, because it can save money.
- Bundling policies can get discounts – The majority of companies provide better rates to customers who carry more than one policy such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can amount to anywhere from five to ten percent in most cases. Even with this discount, you may still want to compare rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible. Consumers may find a better deal by splitting coverages up.
- Always keep insurance in force – Driving with no insurance is against the law and your next policy will cost more because you let your coverage have a gap. Not only will you pay more, failure to provide proof of insurance might get you a revoked license or a big fine.
How to Get Georgetown Auto Insurance Comparison Quotes
Finding lower Georgetown auto insurance rates is not a difficult process. Just take the time to compare quotes from different insurance companies. This can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.
The best way to get quotes is a comparison rater form (click to open form in new window). This method saves time by eliminating repetitive form submissions for each company. In just a few minutes this one form gets rate comparisons from multiple companies. Recommended for those who want to invest the least amount of time.
A slightly less efficient method to find lower rates is to take the time to go to each company website to complete a price quote. For example, let’s assume you want comparison quotes from Nationwide, Progressive and GMAC. To find out each rate you need to take the time to go to each site and enter your policy data, which is why the first method is quicker.
To view a list of companies in Georgetown, click here.
The least recommended method of comparing rate quotes to local Georgetown insurance agencies. Buying insurance online eliminates the need for an insurance agent unless you have a need for the personal advice that only a license agent can provide. You can, however, comparison shop online but still have the advice of a local agent.
Which method you use is up to you, but make sure you use the exact same coverage limits for each price quote. If each company quotes different values for each quote it will be next to impossible to determine which rate is truly the best in Georgetown.
Cut your auto insurance rates with discounts
Companies offering auto insurance don’t always publicize every available discount in a way that’s easy to find, so the following is a list of both the well known and the harder-to-find savings tricks you should be using. If you aren’t receiving every discount you deserve, you are paying more than you should be.
- Multiple Policy Discount – If you insure your home and vehicles with the same insurance company you will save 10% to 20% off each policy.
- Save over 55 – Mature drivers may be able to get a small decrease in premiums.
- Good Students Pay Less – Getting good grades can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. This discount can apply up until you turn 25.
- Drivers Ed for Students – Cut your cost by having your teen driver take driver’s ed class if offered at their school.
- Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Vehicles equipped with air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can receive discounts of up to 25% or more.
- Accident Free – Drivers with accident-free driving histories can save substantially as compared to bad drivers.
- Military Discounts – Having a family member in the military could be rewarded with lower premiums.
- Paperless Signup – Some insurance companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
Keep in mind that most credits do not apply the the whole policy. A few only apply to individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. Just because you may think it’s possible to get free car insurance, companies wouldn’t make money that way.
To see a list of insurers who offer auto insurance discounts in Texas, follow this link.
Price shop online but buy from a local Georgetown agent
Certain consumers just want to visit with an insurance agent and that is just fine! Agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help submit paperwork. The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is you can get the best rates but still work with a licensed agent.
After completing this simple form, your information is sent to agents in your area who will compete for your coverage. There is no need to visit any agencies as quotes are delivered to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!
Selecting an insurer needs to be determined by more than just the price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
Types of car insurance agents in Georgetown
When looking for a good insurance agency, you must know there are a couple different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Georgetown agents are categorized either independent or captive. While both can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the differences because it can impact your selection of an agent.
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents are contracted to one company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. They generally cannot place coverage with different providers so they have to upsell other benefits. They are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which can be an advantage. Some consumers prefer to choose to use a captive agent partially due to the brand legacy and solid financial strength.
Listed below are captive insurance agencies in Georgetown who can help you get comparison quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 1101 Leander Rd Ste 105 – Georgetown, TX 78628 – (512) 868-6700
- Farmers Insurance Group – 1219 Leander Rd – Georgetown, TX 78628 – (512) 930-5053
- Allstate Insurance – 214 W 8th St – Georgetown, TX 78626 – (512) 869-2570
Independent Agents
Independent agencies are not locked into one company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparing rates, you should always include multiple independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.Many can place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.
Shown below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Georgetown that can give you comparison quotes.
- Prudential Insurance Co – 400 Del Webb Blvd – Georgetown, TX 78628 – (512) 864-0707
- Lonestar Agency – 1520 Leander Rd # 103 – Georgetown, TX 78628 – (512) 819-0007
- Tunnell Agency – 2803 Williams Dr # 101 – Georgetown, TX 78628 – (512) 869-4326
- W E Edmiston Insurance – 118 E 8th St – Georgetown, TX 78626 – (512) 863-2587
For a complete listing of licensed insurance agents in Georgetown, go to this page.
After receiving acceptable answers to all your questions and a good coverage price, most likely you have located an insurance agency that will service your policy.
More tips and info about auto insurance is located at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Consumers can find out which companies have the most complaints, file complaints about a company, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and learn about specific coverages.
Shop smart and save
Consumers change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as delays in paying claims, not issuing a premium refund, lack of trust in their agent or poor customer service. It doesn’t matter what your reason, choosing a new company is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
Low-cost auto insurance can be bought from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Georgetown, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. Some companies don’t offer online price quotes and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.
As you prepare to switch companies, you should never buy less coverage just to save a little money. There have been many situations where someone sacrificed liability limits or collision coverage and found out when filing a claim they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The aim is to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.