When searching for a good Galveston agent, we recommend you begin your search by comparing rates online instead of making phone calls. For this article’s sake, it’s assumed you want a professional licensed agent, but you also want to find the best rates possible.
With companies like Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents having local Galveston offices, consumers have a hard time knowing which will give you the lowest rates and best service. Fortunately, consumers can get online quotes to build a list of insurance agencies to choose from.
Your insurance agent down the street
Good agents can help determine the best coverages and give you peace of mind. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain lower rates but also keep your business local. And supporting local insurance agencies is important particularly in Galveston.
After completing this form (opens in new window), your insurance data gets sent to agents in your area who will return price quotes for your coverage. There is no reason to even leave your home as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy!
Car insurance agents in Galveston come in two varieties
When looking for a local agent, you need to know there are two different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Galveston can either be captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can do a good job, but it’s important to know how they differ because it can impact your selection of an agent.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage with multiple insurance companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency. When shopping rates, you should always get quotes from several independent insurance agents for maximum quote selection.
Listed below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Galveston that are able to give price quotes.
Neil Nathan Agency – 2102 Mechanic St # 107 – Galveston, TX 77550 – (409) 763-4391
Saracco Insurance – 2702 Broadway St – Galveston, TX 77550 – (409) 765-7797
Jim Murray Agency – 6511 Stewart Rd – Galveston, TX 77551 – (409) 740-7788
Fuentes Insurance – 6611 Stewart Rd – Galveston, TX 77551 – (409) 740-1808
Lamb Agency For Marine and Bonds – 1102 Sealy St – Galveston, TX 77550 – (409) 762-1444
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents can only place business with one company such as American Family, Liberty Mutual and AAA. These agents are unable to shop your coverage around so keep that in mind. Captives are well schooled on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage.
The following is a list of captive insurance agents in Galveston who can help you get rate quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 5928 Stewart Rd – Galveston, TX 77551 – (409) 744-1888
For a complete listing of captive insurance agencies in Galveston, visit this site.
Selecting an insurance agent requires more thought than just a low price. Some important questions to ask are:
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
After receiving reasonable responses to all your questions and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that meets your needs to insure your vehicles.
Do online companies like Esurance, GEICO and Progressive give better rates?
Professional insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but Texas drivers can also buy from online companies direct. Some specific companies that sell primarily through agents also give you the option to buy direct on their websites, so that should be considered.
If you’re uncomfortable with whether or not you’ll have guidance when buying direct, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. Car insurance companies give you access to trained agents to help you decide which coverages are appropriate.
Can online rates save money? It’s difficult to say for sure because of the number of factors that influence the price you pay. It’s a logical assumption that buying directly from the company saves by not paying a commission. In reality, the cost of constant advertising is expensive so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.
When trying to find the best rates, the only way to determine if prices are better online or from an agent is to set aside time to compare rates from both. It’s possible to get different rates from the same insurance company when they use both methods. But you won’t know if the lower rates are from agents or online until you actually compare rates using both methods.
Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal
Insureds switch companies for any number of reasons including an unsatisfactory settlement offer, not issuing a premium refund, delays in paying claims and even unfair underwriting practices. Whatever your reason, finding a great new company can be less work than you think.
As you shop your coverage around, do not buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There have been many cases where consumers will sacrifice comprehensive coverage or liability limits and found out when filing a claim that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your aim should be to buy enough coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Additional information is located on the website for the Texas Department of Insurance through this link. Visitors are able to get help finding coverage, view a list of available companies, and learn about specific coverages.