If you’re looking to buy auto insurance, picking a good Texas auto insurance agent is more difficult than just using the same insurance agent as your neighbor. There is a good chance you want a professional licensed agent, but also great rates as well.
With Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents all competing for business in Arlington, it’s hard to tell which one will give you the best rates, service and coverage. To begin, you can use online quotes in order to build a list of insurance agents and price estimates.
Your insurance agent down the street
Agents can help determine the best coverages and help in the event of a claim. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is the fact that you can find the lowest rates but also keep your business local. Buying from small agencies is especially important in Arlington.
Upon completion of this form (opens in new window), your information is sent to local insurance agents in Arlington who will compete for your business. You don’t have to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go to your email. It doesn’t get any easier! You’ll get the best rates AND an agent nearby.
If you wish to select a specific agent in Arlington, please view this page.
Selecting a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a low price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
After getting answers to your satisfaction as well as a affordable price, it’s possible that you found an auto insurance agent that can properly insure your vehicles.
How do online company rates compare?
Local insurance agents are important to many people, but you also have the option of buying directly from online companies. Even companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who sell through the agent channel also give you the option to quote and buy online, and online price comparisons are easy.
If you’re uncomfortable with whether or not you’ll have guidance, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. Online companies provide customer service for getting questions answered. They also have online education and live help anytime so you can feel comfortable buying online.
For price-conscious consumers, the only way of knowing if car insurance prices are lower online or from agents is making fair comparisons of each of their rates. Even though it sounds odd, people frequently get different pricing when getting a price from both an agent and online returned by the same company. But it’s difficult to know which is cheaper unless free rate quotes are compared using both methods.
Do online companies have better rates? Whether or not you’ll save is impossible to say because there are so many things that determine your policy premium. It’s often assumed that buying direct reduces premiums because there is no agent. But in reality, marketing their products costs a lot of money and this tends to eat up any savings.
A tidy conclusion
As you prepare to switch companies, make sure you don’t buy less coverage just to save a little money. In too many instances, an insured dropped collision coverage only to regret that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The ultimate goal is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Insureds switch companies for a variety of reasons including policy cancellation, unfair underwriting practices, high rates after DUI convictions or policy non-renewal. No matter why you want to switch, finding a new auto insurance company is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
Additional information is located on the Texas Department of Insurance website located here. Consumers can view agent and company licensing information, find out industry alerts, and read consumer alerts.
Other related articles: