Find the Secrets to Cheaper Plano Auto Insurance

Nobody I know likes paying for auto insurance, in particular when the cost is too high.

Lots of insurance companies contend for your insurance dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates and get the definite lowest rate

If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to save some money using these methods. Finding affordable coverage in Plano is not rocket science. But Texas consumers can benefit by having an understanding of how insurance companies market on the web because it can help you find the best coverage.

What impacts Plano insurance rates?

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the different types of things that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. Understanding what determines base rates enables informed choices that could result in lower auto insurance prices.

  • Do you have a high stress job? – Did you know your job can affect your rates? Occupations such as judges, business owners and financial analysts have higher average rates in part from high stress and long work days. Conversely, jobs such as pilots, engineers and performers get better rates.
  • Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? – Some companies provide better rates to insureds who carry more than one policy such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can add up to anywhere from five to ten percent in most cases. Even with this discount, it’s still a good idea to compare other company rates to make sure you are getting the best deal. Drivers may still find better rates by splitting coverages up.
  • Safer cars are cheaper to insure – Safer cars tend to have better insurance rates. These vehicles result in less severe injuries and better occupant protection means less money paid by your insurance company and more competitive rates for policyholders.
  • Liability coverage protects you – Liability insurance is the coverage that protects you when you are found to be at fault for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. Liability provides legal defense coverage which can cost thousands of dollars. Liability insurance is quite affordable compared to physical damage coverage, so drivers should carry high limits.
  • Theft deterrents lower rates – Choosing a vehicle with an alarm system can save you a little every year. Anti-theft features such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar can thwart car theft.
  • Poor credit can mean higher rates – Having a bad credit score is a huge factor in determining what you pay for auto insurance. Therefore, if your credit is lower than you’d like, you could pay less to insure your by repairing your credit. Consumers who have high credit ratings tend to be less risk to insure than drivers with poor credit.
  • Add-on coverages can add up – There are many additional coverages that you can buy when buying auto insurance. Insurance for vanishing deductibles, towing coverage and motor club memberships may be wasting your money. They may seem good at first, but if you don’t need them eliminate the coverages to reduce your premium.

Companies offer discounts so take them!

Car insurance companies don’t always publicize all available discounts very well, so here is a list both well-publicized and the harder-to-find ways to save on auto insurance.

  • Safety Course Discount – Successfully completing a defensive driving course could possibly earn you a 5% discount if your company offers it.
  • 55 and Retired – If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may be able to get reduced rates.
  • Low Mileage Discounts – Low mileage vehicles can earn a substantially lower rate.
  • Discount for Swiching Early – Some insurance companies reward drivers for signing up prior to your current policy expiration. The savings is around 10%.
  • Resident Student – Kids in college who live away from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle may be able to be covered for less.
  • Save with a New Car – Insuring a new car can be considerably cheaper compared to insuring an older model.
  • Government Employees – Being employed by or retired from a federal job could cut as much as 10% off depending on your company.

Keep in mind that some credits don’t apply to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like physical damage coverage or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears you could get a free auto insurance policy, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous.

For a list of companies offering auto insurance discounts in Texas, click this link.

Compare online but buy from a local Plano agent

Certain consumers just want to sit down with an agent. The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent.Plano Texas insurance prices

To help locate an agent, after submitting this simple form, your insurance data is transmitted to local insurance agents in Plano who will compete for your business. There is no reason to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier! You can find better rates and an insurance agent to talk to.

Deciding on an insurance company requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

  • Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
  • How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
  • Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
  • Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
  • Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
  • Is assistance available after office hours?

The following is a short list of car insurance companies in Plano that can give you price quote information.

Garza Insurance – 1225 19th St # 101d, Plano, TX 75074 – (972) 881-3793
Farmers Insurance Group – 7120 Coit Rd # 118, Plano, TX 75025 – (972) 618-2020
Allstate Insurance – 2831 W Parker Rd # 2, Plano, TX 75023 – (972) 985-5515
Farm Bureau Insurance – 3209 Premier Dr # 130, Plano, TX 75075 – (972) 881-0044
Liberty Mutual Insurance – 3516 Preston Rd # 800, Plano, TX 75093 – (972) 867-3499
Tri-Star Insurance Pro Inc – 4949 Hedgcoxe Rd, Plano, TX 75024 – (214) 387-0600
State Farm Insurance – 6100 K Ave # 106, Plano, TX 75074 – (972) 424-5900
Don Johansson Insurance Agency – 2805 Dallas Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093 – (469) 467-7144

After getting reasonable responses and locked in a price quote, it’s possible that you found an provider that can insure your vehicles.

Can switching companies really save?

Companies like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO consistently run television and radio advertisements. All the ads have a common claim that you’ll save big if you change your coverage to them. How do they all make almost identical claims? It’s all in the numbers.

Different companies have a certain “appetite” for the right customer that earns them a profit. An example of a driver they prefer could be between 25 and 40, insures multiple vehicles, and has a high credit rating. A driver who meets those qualifications gets the lowest rates and therefore will pay quite a bit less when switching companies.

Consumers who don’t qualify for the “perfect” profile must pay higher prices and ends up with business not being written. The ad wording is “drivers who switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save that much. That is how insurance companies can confidently make those claims. This illustrates why you should compare many company’s rates. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Car insurance is unique, just like you

When buying the right insurance coverage, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Every situation is different so your insurance needs to address that. For instance, these questions may help you determine whether or not you could use an agent’s help.

save money in Plano TX

  • Do all my vehicles need collision coverage?
  • Are split liability limits better than a combined single limit?
  • Do I need higher deductibles?
  • When should I remove comp and collision on my vehicle?
  • Am I covered by my employer’s commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?
  • Does having multiple vehicles earn me a discount?
  • Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
  • When would I need additional glass coverage?
  • Should I buy more coverage than the required Texas minimum liability coverage?
  • Can I afford to pay high deductible claims out of pocket?

If you can’t answer these questions but a few of them apply, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier

Learn more about auto insurance in Texas

More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to read enforcement actions against agents and companies, download brochures, view agent and company licensing information, and view a list of available companies.

The following articles may also be useful.

Buy online or local, you save

When you buy insurance online, don’t be tempted to buy less coverage just to save a little money. There are too many instances where an insured dropped collision coverage to discover at claim time they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your goal should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

Low-cost auto insurance can be purchased from both online companies in addition to many Plano insurance agents, so compare prices from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some companies do not provide online price quotes and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.