Comparing auto insurance rates in Portales can be a lot of work since there are a lot of options and selecting the best Portales car insurance agent for your needs is harder than just picking up the phone. Consumers require a good agent that listens to you, but also the best possible price.
Numerous insurance agencies battle to insure your vehicles, so it can be very hard to choose a insurance agent to find the absolute lowest rate possible.
Comparing rates from local agents
Insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and give you someone to call. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is the fact that you can find the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent.
After completing this short form, the coverage information is transmitted to agents in your area who will return price quotes for your business. There is no need to leave your house as quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. Now that’s easy! You can find better rates and an insurance agent to talk to.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
Is a captive or independent insurance agency right for you?
When looking for a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple different types of agents to choose from. Agencies in Portales are either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies have only one company to place business with and examples are State Farm or Allstate. Captives cannot place coverage with different providers so they have to upsell other benefits. These agents are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage.
Shown below is a list of captive agents in Portales that can give you rate quotes.
Allstate Insurance Co – 122 S Avenue A – Portales, NM 88130 – (505) 356-4489
Farmers Insurance Group – 1433 S Avenue D – Portales, NM 88130 – (505) 356-6657
State Farm Insurance – 310 S Main Ave – Portales, NM 88130 – (505) 356-8503
Farm Bureau Insurance – 217 S Avenue C – Portales, NM 88130 – (505) 356-6621
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with any number of different companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparing rates, it’s recommended you include at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from.
Listed below is a list of independent agents in Portales who can help you get price quote information.
Farmer Insurance – 117 Oklahoma Dr – Portales, NM 88130 – (505) 356-4502
Paden Agency – 1422 S Avenue O – Portales, NM 88130 – (505) 359-1271
Don Hammons Agency – 1433 S Avenue D – Portales, NM 88130 – (505) 356-6657
Eastern Plains Insurance Corp – 700 S Avenue C – Portales, NM 88130 – (505) 359-1227
For a complete listing of licensed insurance agents in Portales, view this link.
After receiving positive responses to any questions you have in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you may have just found a car insurance agent that will adequately provide auto insurance.
Also keep in mind buying direct
Auto insurance agents are indespensible for some people, but you also have the option of buying direct over the internet. A few companies who sell through agents in Portales also let you buy direct on their websites, so this should also be taken into consideration if you don’t want to take the time to contact agents.
If you’re uneasy about not receiving proper advice, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. All companies that allow you to purchase coverage have toll-free phone numbers and other options for answering any questions you have.
Can you find lower rates online? It’s difficult to say for sure because there are many components that impact your premium. It’s a logical assumption that buying online prevents the agent from taking a cut. In many cases, there are very high advertising costs and that can cost more than having to pay agents.
The only way to know whether prices are lower online or from agents is comparing rate quotes from both. You could possible even receive different price quotes when comparing agent prices to online quotes for the exact same company.
Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal
As you prepare to switch companies, never buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, consumers will sacrifice collision coverage only to regret at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The proper strategy is to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.
Insureds switch companies for a number of reasons such as delays in responding to claim requests, questionable increases in premium, policy non-renewal or even policy cancellation. It doesn’t matter what your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is not as difficult as it may seem.
More detailed New Mexico auto insurance information can be found at the New Mexico Insurance Division website. New Mexico consumers can view agent and company licensing information, read state legal mandates and laws, and read consumer alerts.
The articles below may also help you learn more about auto insurance in Portales
