Is Your Dallas, TX Auto Insurance Too High? Learn How to Lower Your Rates
No one in their right mind enjoys paying for auto insurance, especially when their premiums are too high. Many insurers compete for your hard-earned dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates and get the best coverage at the cheapest price
If you have a current auto insurance policy or need a new policy, you will benefit by learning to find better prices and still get good coverage. Choosing the best insurance company for you in Dallas is easy if you know what you’re doing. Texas drivers just need to learn the tricks to compare rates online.
Don’t overlook these discounts
Insurance can be prohibitively expensive, but companies offer discounts that you may not know about. Certain discounts will be applied at quote time, but some may not be applied and must be inquired about before you get the savings. If you aren’t receiving every discount you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.
- One Accident Forgiven – Certain companies allow you one accident without raising rates if you are claim-free for a certain period of time.
- Theft Prevention Discount – Vehicles with anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and will save you 10% or more.
- New Car Discount – Insuring a new car can be considerably cheaper because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
- Defensive Driver – Completing a driver safety course could possibly earn you a 5% discount if your company offers it.
- Distant Student – Children who live away from home and don’t have a car can be insured at a reduced rate.
As a disclaimer on discounts, most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. Most only cut individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. So when the math indicates adding up those discounts means a free policy, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous. But any discount will cut the cost of coverage.
What about my local Dallas agents?
Some consumers would prefer to get advice from a local agent and that is just fine! Agents can help determine the best coverages and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is you can get lower rates and still choose a local agent. And providing support for local insurance agencies is especially important in Dallas.
For easy comparison, once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is emailed to local insurance agents in Dallas who will compete for your business. You don’t have to leave your house as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. How cool is that?!
Not all auto insurance agents are the same
When finding a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two different agency structures to choose from. Agents can either be captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know how they differ because it can influence your selection of an agent.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agents are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparing rates, we recommend you get quotes from at least one independent agent to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Shown below are independent insurance agencies in Dallas who can help you get competitive price quotes.
International Insurance Svc – 5000 Quorum Dr – Dallas, TX 75254 – (972) 991-2219
National Insurance Agency – 4040 Mcewen Rd – Dallas, TX 75244 – (214) 342-8588
Texas All Risk General Agency – 12610 Perimeter St – Dallas, TX 75228 – (972) 669-1188
Hamilton Agency – 1000 Emerald Isle Dr – Dallas, TX 75218 – (214) 328-4725
Skyline Insurance – 2031 John West Rd # 111 – Dallas, TX 75228 – (214) 320-3344
Captive Agents
Captive agencies can only place business with one company such as State Farm or Allstate. Captives cannot compare other company’s rates so they have to upsell other benefits. They receive extensive training on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage.
Below is a short list of captive insurance agencies in Dallas that can give you rate quotes.
Texas Farm Bureau – 9560 Skillman St – Dallas, TX 75243 – (214) 340-8394
Farmers Insurance Group – 12225 Greenville Ave – Dallas, TX 75243 – (972) 479-9333
Liberty Mutual Insurance – 6060 N Central Expy – Dallas, TX 75206 – (214) 987-2275
State Farm Insurance – 7605 Mccallum Blvd – Dallas, TX 75252 – (972) 407-9995
Allstate Insurance – 5934 Royal Ln – Dallas, TX 75230 – (214) 361-9870
For a full directory of Dallas captive agencies, please click here.
Selecting an insurance agency requires more thought than just the premium amount. Here are some questions to ask:
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- Who are their largest clients?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
- Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
After getting good answers for all questions you ask and a good coverage price, most likely you have located an insurance agency that will properly service your auto insurance policy.
Additional auto insurance links
Much more information about auto insurance in Texas can be read on the website for the Texas Department of Insurance through this link. Texas consumers can learn about specific coverages, discover disciplinary actions, and learn about insurance regulations.
The following articles may also be useful.
Smart consumers save more
We’ve covered many tips how you can lower your auto insurance rates. The key thing to remember is the more providers you compare, the better chance you’ll have of finding lower rates. Drivers may discover the lowest premiums are with an unexpected company. These companies often have lower prices on specific markets compared to the large companies like Progressive or GEICO.
Cheaper auto insurance is available from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Dallas agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best selection. Some insurance companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.