Shopping online for Converse auto insurance might seem complicated at first if you have never used quoting online. But relax because comparing prices is actually very simple.
If you have a policy now or need new coverage, you can use this information to shop for the lowest rates and still get good coverage. The purpose of this article is to introduce you to how car insurance quotes work and some tips to save money. Texas consumers just need to learn the best way to find the lowest price on the web.
Low Cost Converse Auto Insurance
Finding lower auto insurance rates can be relatively painless. Drivers just need to invest a little time getting comparison quotes online from several insurance companies. It is quite easy and can be accomplished using a couple different methods.
- The fastest way to find the lowest comparison rates is to use a rate comparison form click to view form in new window. This type of form saves time by eliminating separate quotes for each company. Taking the time to complete one form gets you price quotes direct from many companies. This is by far the quickest method.
- A slightly less efficient method to compare prices is to take the time to go to the website for each individual company and request a quote. For instance, we’ll assume you want to compare GEICO, Safeco 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 more popular.
To view a list of companies in Converse, click here.
- The least efficient way of comparing rate quotes is to waste gas driving to different Converse agent offices. The ability to buy insurance online can eliminate the need for a local agent unless you want the personal advice that only a license agent can provide. You can, however, comparison shop your insurance online but buy from a local insurance agent and we’ll touch on that later.
It doesn’t matter which method you choose, just compare exactly the same coverage limits for every quote you compare. If your comparisons have differing limits it will be very difficult to determine which rate is truly the best in Converse.
Are you getting all your discounts?
Car insurance companies don’t always advertise all their discounts very well, so we took the time to find some of the more common and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using. If you don’t get every credit you qualify for, you’re just leaving money on the table.
- Drivers Education – Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to take driver’s ed class in school.
- Military Rewards – Having a deployed family member can result in better rates.
- Accident Waiver – A handful of insurance companies allow you one accident before hitting you with a surcharge if you are claim-free for a certain period of time.
- Good Students Pay Less – This discount can save 20 to 25%. The good student discount can last up until you turn 25.
- Multiple Cars – Having all your vehicles with the same company qualifies for this discount.
- Safe Driver Discount – Drivers who avoid accidents may receive a discount up to 45% less than their less cautious counterparts.
- Federal Government Employee – Being employed by or retired from a federal job may qualify you for a discount depending on your company.
- Sign Early and Save – A few companies offer discounts for switching to them before your current expiration date. It can save you around 10%.
- No Accidents – Drivers who don’t have accidents can earn big discounts compared to bad drivers.
- Sign Online – A handful of insurance companies give back up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up digitally online.
As a disclaimer on discounts, most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So when the math indicates having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it just doesn’t work that way.
To see a list of companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Converse, follow this link.
What impacts Converse insurance rates?
It’s important that you understand the rating factors that come into play when calculating your auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.
The list below includes a partial list of the pieces that factor into rates.
- Rate your vehicle for proper use – The higher the mileage driven each year the higher your rates will be. The majority of insurers charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Vehicles used primarily for pleasure use receive lower rates than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Double check that your auto insurance declarations sheet shows the correct usage for each vehicle, because improper ratings can cost you money.
- Don’t sacrifice liability coverage – The liability section of your policy will protect you if ever a jury decides you are liable for damages caused by your negligence. Liability provides for a legal defense starting from day one. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so buy as much as you can afford.
- With age comes lower rates – Older drivers tend to be more responsible, file fewer claims and are safer drivers. Youthful drivers are statistically proven to be careless and easily distracted behind the wheel and because of this, their auto insurance rates are much higher.
- Is your vehicle built for speed? – The performance of the vehicle you are buying insurance for makes a big difference in the rate you pay. Economy passenger vehicles generally have the cheapest insurance rates, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
But buying car insurance online seems impersonal
Some consumers would prefer to buy from a local agent and that is OK! Agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is the fact that you can find the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to.
To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is emailed to participating agents in Converse who will return price quotes for your insurance coverage. There is no reason to even leave your home since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier!
Deciding on an insurer requires more thought than just the price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- How long has their agency been open in Converse?
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Texas?
The different types of insurance agents
When looking for an insurance agent, there are two types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Converse agents are classified as either independent or captive. Both do a good job, but it’s worth learning the difference between them because it can impact the selection process.
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents can only write with one company and examples are Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. They usually cannot compare other company’s rates so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captives receive extensive training in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only buy insurance from these agents partially due to the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
The following are Converse captive agents that are able to give comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 9075 Fm 78 – Converse, TX 78109 – (210) 566-9405
- State Farm Insurance – 9160 Fm 78 # 5 – Converse, TX 78109 – (210) 659-5538
Independent Agents
Independent agents do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, the agent simply finds a different carrier and that require little work on your part. When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to contact at a minimum one independent agency for maximum quote selection.Many can place coverage with smaller regional carriers which can save you money.
Shown below is a list of independent agents in Converse who can help you get price quotes.
- Alves Insurance – 8603 Fm 78 – Converse, TX 78109 – (210) 659-6176
To view a complete directory of licensed insurance agents in Converse, simply jump to this page.
After receiving good answers to your questions and a good coverage price, most likely you have located a car insurance agent that will insure your vehicles.
More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to get help finding coverage, find a variety of consumer forms, and find disaster information.
Can you really save that much by switching?
Texas drivers can’t get away from ads that promise big savings by companies like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. All the ads make the same claim about savings if you move to them.
How can each company say the same thing?
All the different companies have a certain “appetite” for the right customer they prefer to insure. An example of a profitable customer might be profiled as between the ages of 40 and 55, has no tickets, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A driver who fits that profile will qualify for the lowest rates and as a result will probably save a lot of money.
Consumers who don’t qualify for these standards will have to pay a higher premium which leads to business going elsewhere. The ad wording is “customers who switch” not “people who quote” save that kind of money. That is how insurance companies can confidently advertise the way they do. Because of the profiling, it’s extremely important to get a wide range of price quotes. Because you never know the company that will have the lowest rates.
Online plus local equals savings
When shopping online for auto insurance, don’t be tempted to reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many cases where someone dropped physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that they should have had better coverage. Your focus should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Cost effective auto insurance can be purchased both online and also from your neighborhood Converse agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers may not provide the ability to get a quote online and these smaller companies work with independent agents.
You just learned many ideas to get a better price on auto insurance. The most important thing to understand is the more rate quotes you have, the higher the chance of saving money. Drivers may discover the best price on auto insurance is with the least-expected company.