Tightwads Tips for Saving on Argyle Auto Insurance

No one in their right mind likes having to buy auto insurance, in particular when they are paying too much.

Consumers have many to pick from, and even though it's nice to have a choice, it can be more difficult to compare rates.

It's important to compare rates periodically because insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best rates a few years ago you may be paying too much now. Don't believe everything you read about auto insurance on the web, but we're going to give you some great ways to slash your auto insurance rates.

The purpose of this post is to familiarize you with the most effective way to quote insurance and some money-saving tips. If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using this strategy. Although Texas drivers do need to know the way insurance companies price insurance differently.

How to Get Argyle Auto Insurance Comparison Quotes

Most major insurance companies like State Farm and Allstate provide prices on the web. Getting online rates is quite easy as you simply enter your personal and coverage information as detailed in the form. Behind the scenes, the company's rating system will obtain your credit score and driving record and gives you a price quote based on many factors. This simplifies rate comparisons, but the process of having to visit different websites and enter the same data into a form can be a bit repetitive. But it's very important to get many rate quotes if you want to find the best price on auto insurance.

A less time-consuming method to compare rates uses one simple form that analyzes rates from multiple companies. The form is fast, reduces the work, and makes online quotes much easier to do. After sending the form, it gets priced and you can select any one of the returned quotes.

If you find a better price you can click and sign and purchase coverage. The whole process can be completed in a matter of minutes and you will find out if you're overpaying now.

To save time and find out if lower rates are available, click here to open in new window and input your coverage information. If you have your current policy handy, we recommend you complete the form with as close as possible to your current policy. This way, you will have a price comparison based on similar coverages.

Texas auto insurance

You have some control over your rates

It's important that you understand the different types of things that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels enables informed choices that can help you get big savings.

The following are some of the items auto insurance companies consider when setting your rates.

  • Performance makes a difference - The type of vehicle you drive makes a substantial difference in how high your rates are. The lowest base rates are generally reserved for economy passenger cars, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
  • Traffic violations increase rates - Even a single ticket can boost insurance rates by twenty percent. Careful drivers get better rates compared to drivers with tickets. Drivers who get flagrant violations such as reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to submit a SR-22 form with their state DMV in order to keep their license.
  • Where you reside plays a part - Living in less populated areas has it's advantages when insuring your vehicles. Drivers who live in large cities have to deal with congested traffic and longer commutes to work. Fewer people translates into fewer accidents and a lower car theft rate.
  • Please use or commuting - Driving more miles each year the higher your rates will be. Most insurance companies apply a rate based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars and trucks not used for work or commuting get more affordable rates than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Ask your agent if your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Car insurance can cost a lot, but there could be available discounts to reduce the price significantly. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at the time of purchase, but some may not be applied and must be manually applied prior to receiving the credit.

  • Early Switch Discount - Some companies give discounts for switching policies before your current policy expires. It's a savings of about 10%.
  • Good Student - Getting good grades can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The good student discount can last well after school through age 25.
  • Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
  • Driver Safety - Taking part in a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more depending on where you live.
  • E-sign - A handful of insurance companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying your policy over the internet.
  • Theft Prevention System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • No Accidents - Good drivers with no accidents pay less compared to frequent claim filers.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only reduce specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. So when it seems like all those discounts means the company will pay you, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will bring down the cost of coverage.

For a list of providers who offer auto insurance discounts in Texas, click here to view.

Tailor your coverage to you

When it comes to choosing coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions may help highlight whether you would benefit from professional advice.

  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Should I buy only the required Texas minimum liability coverage?
  • When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
  • What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
  • What are the financial responsibility laws in Texas?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area.

Additional information can be read on the website for the Texas Department of Insurance found here. Texas consumers can learn about specific coverages, file complaints about a company, view agent and company licensing information, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Other useful links include III.org's auto insurance page and this directory of insurance agents in Argyle Texas.

Texas auto insurance

Final considerations

In this article, we presented many tips how you can lower your auto insurance rates. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. Drivers may discover the best price on auto insurance is with a small mutual company. Smaller companies may cover specific market segments cheaper than the large multi-state companies such as .

As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don't reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many cases where someone dropped collision coverage and discovered at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your goal should be to get the best coverage possible at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

The cheapest auto insurance can be purchased online and also from your neighborhood Argyle agents, and you need to price shop both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers may not provide online quoting and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.