Never Shop For Mcallen Car Insurance Without Knowing These Money Saving Methods

Searching for low-cost Mcallen car insurance on the internet is challenging for consumers new to comparing rates online. Since there are so many insurers to choose from, how can consumers effectively compare every one to find the lowest price?

It is always a good idea to price shop coverage on a regular basis since insurance rates change quite often. If you had the lowest price two years ago there is a good chance you can find better rates now. Ignore everything you know about car insurance because I’m going to let you in on the secrets to the only way to find better coverage at a better price.

Finding Car Insurance Deals in Mcallen, TX

Finding lower Mcallen car insurance rates is a fairly straight forward process. Just spend a little time comparing rate quotes online from several insurance companies. This can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.

  1. The first (and easiest) way to get quotes is a comparison rater form click here to open form in new window. This easy form eliminates the need for repetitive form entry for every car insurance company. One quote request will get you rate comparisons direct from many companies. This is by far the quickest method.
  2. A less efficient way to compare rate quotes is going to the website of each company and complete a new quote form. For examples sake, let’s say you want rates from USAA, Progressive and GEICO. You would have to take the time to go to each site to input your insurance information, which is why most consumers use the first method. For a list of links to insurance companies in Mcallen, click here.
  3. The hardest way to get comparison rates is driving around to insurance agents’ offices. Shopping for car insurance online eliminates the need for an insurance agent unless you prefer the trained guidance that only a license agent can provide. Drivers can comparison shop online and get advice from an agent in your area and we’ll talk about that later.

It’s up to you how you get prices quotes, just ensure you are comparing identical coverages and limits for every quote you compare. If your comparisons have unequal deductibles or liability limits it will be very difficult to truly determine the lowest rate in Mcallen.

Advertising myths

Texas consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for car insurance savings by companies like Allstate and Progressive. They all say the same thing about savings after switching to them.

But how can every company make almost identical claims? This is how they do it.

Insurance companies have a preferred profile for the driver that makes them money. A good example of a driver they prefer could be over the age of 50, has no prior claims, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. Any new insured who fits that profile will get the preferred rates and is almost guaranteed to pay quite a bit less when switching companies.

Drivers who do not match these standards will be charged a more expensive rate and ends up with business going elsewhere. The ad wording is “drivers who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save money. That’s the way insurance companies can confidently claim big savings.

That is why you need to get as many comparisons as possible. You cannot predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

These discounts can lower your rates

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but you can get discounts to help bring down the price. Most are applied at the time of quoting, but a few must be specially asked for before you get the savings. If you aren’t receiving every discount you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

  • Driver Safety – Completing a course in driver safety could possibly earn you a 5% discount if you qualify.
  • Payment Discounts – By paying your policy upfront instead of making monthly payments you could save up to 5%.
  • Driver’s Ed – Have your child take driver’s ed class in high school.
  • More Vehicles More Savings – Buying insurance for multiple cars or trucks on one policy qualifies for this discount.
  • Military Rewards – Having a deployed family member may qualify for rate reductions.
  • Safe Driver Discount – Drivers who avoid accidents may receive a discount up to 45% less than drivers with accident claims.

A little note about advertised discounts, many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So when the math indicates it’s possible to get free car insurance, you won’t be that lucky. Any qualifying discounts will help reduce your premiums.<img class="alignright" style="padding-top:15px;" src="https://www.findnewcarinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/ci175-19.jpg" alt="Texas car insurance quote”/>

Local Mcallen agents and car insurance

Some people would rather visit with an insurance agent. Insurance agents can answer important questions and give you someone to call. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is you can get better rates but still work with a licensed agent. And supporting local insurance agencies is definitely important in Mcallen.

To help locate an agent, after submitting this simple form, your insurance data is instantly submitted to local insurance agents who will compete for your business. You don’t have to leave your computer due to the fact that quote results will go to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy!

Do you need an independent or captive insurance agent?

When searching for local Mcallen agents, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents that you can select. Agencies in Mcallen are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can write coverage properly, but it’s worth learning how they are different because it can influence the selection process.

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent agents are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage amongst many companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency.

When shopping rates, we recommend you get quotes from multiple independent agents to get the best comparison. Most have the option of insuring with smaller companies which can save you money.

The following are Mcallen independent agents that may be able to provide pricing information.

  • Valmor Insurance – 1303 N 10th St # 3 – Mcallen, TX 78501 – (956) 630-3081
  • Fielder Insurance – 1015 Nyssa Ave – Mcallen, TX 78501 – (956) 631-0145
  • Cardenas Agency – 400 Nolana St # K – Mcallen, TX 78504 – (956) 994-0585
Captive Agents

Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. Captives cannot place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers frequently buy insurance from these agents primarily because of loyalty to the company and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

Listed below are Mcallen captive agents that are able to give price quotes.

  • State Farm Insurance – 701 E Expressway 83 – Mcallen, TX 78501 – (956) 632-6800
  • Allstate Insurance – 15 S 11th St – Mcallen, TX 78501 – (956) 631-7185
  • Farmers Insurance Group – 3313 N Ware Rd – Mcallen, TX 78501 – (956) 661-8338

For a full directory of captive agents in Mcallen, click here to link.

Picking a car insurance agent requires more thought than just a low price. These are valid questions to ask:

  • Can they give you a list of client referrals?
  • Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
  • Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
  • Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Texas?
  • Is assistance available after office hours?
  • Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?

Once you have positive responses to these questions and a low price estimate, you have narrowed it down to a car insurance agent that meets your needs to insure your vehicles.

Texas car insurance quote

Additional information can be found on the Texas Department of Insurance website through this link. Consumers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, get help finding coverage, read consumer alerts, and file complaints about a company.

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Online plus local equals savings

Insureds leave their current company for a number of reasons such as not issuing a premium refund, questionable increases in premium, poor customer service and even lack of trust in their agent. Whatever your reason, choosing a new insurance company can be easy and end up saving you some money.

Discount car insurance can be found on the web as well as from independent agents in Mcallen, and you need to price shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies don’t offer online quoting and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

While you’re price shopping online, you should never buy less coverage just to save a little money. There are too many instances where someone sacrificed liability coverage limits and found out when filing a claim that they should have had better coverage. The ultimate goal is to find the BEST coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.