How to Get a Great Car Insurance Agent in Tyler, TX

When finding a licensed insurance agent in Tyler, we recommend you begin your search by getting online comparison quotes rather than looking in the yellowpages. It’s likely you want an excellent agent, but you also want to find affordable coverage.

With companies like Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents having local Tyler offices, it’s hard to tell which car insurance agent will give you the best service and rates. To begin, you can use online quotes in order to build a list of insurance agencies from which to choose.

Online quotes help locate Tyler agents

Insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and give you peace of mind. The best thing about getting online price quotes is you can get better rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from local businesses is important especially in Tyler.

Once you complete this short form, your information is sent to local insurance agents in Tyler who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. There is no need to drive around since price quotes are sent directly to your email. Now that’s easy!

Not all insurance agents are the same

When researching a local agent, there are a couple of types of insurance agents to choose from. Agencies in Tyler are classified as either captive or independent. Either one can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know the differences since it may influence the selection process.

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles with multiple insurance 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 searching for an agent, we recommend you include at least one independent agent to ensure the widest selection of prices. They also have the ability to place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.

The following is a short list of independent insurance agents in Tyler who can help you get competitive price quotes.

Lance Eitel Agency – 16700 Fm 2493 # 200 – Tyler, TX 75703 – (903) 894-7003
Paramount General Agency – 2737 S Broadway Ave – Tyler, TX 75701 – (903) 533-9499
Mutual Of Omaha Insurance Co – 501 Shelley Dr # 100 – Tyler, TX 75701 – (903) 561-5022
Vaughn General Agency Inc – 3800 Paluxy Dr – Tyler, TX 75703 – (903) 561-8500
Alamo Auto Insurance – 3400 S Southwest Loop 323 – Tyler, TX 75701 – (903) 509-4000

Agency Captives

These agents can only place business with one company such as Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so always compare other rates. Captive agencies are trained well on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only buy from captive agents primarily because of loyalty to the company and solid financial strength.

Below are captive agencies in Tyler willing to provide price quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 723 S Broadway Ave – Tyler, TX 75701 – (903) 593-2503
Allstate Insurance – 4719 Old Bullard Rd – Tyler, TX 75703 – (903) 561-5100
Farm Bureau Insurance – 12208 State Highway 31 W – Tyler, TX 75709 – (903) 596-0690
Farmers Insurance Group – 3302 Old Jacksonville Rd – Tyler, TX 75701 – (903) 939-1770

For a complete listing of car insurance agents in Tyler, visit this link.

Selecting an insurance agency requires more thought than just a cheap price. Agents should be asked these questions:

How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
How are claims handled?
How are they compensated?
Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
Can glass repairs be made at your home?
Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?

After receiving reasonable responses and an acceptable price quote, it’s possible that you found an auto insurance agent that will properly service your car insurance policy.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying coverage for your vehicles, there really is no cookie cutter policy. Every situation is different.

These are some specific questions might point out if your situation could use an agent’s help.

Do I get a pro-rated refund if I cancel my policy early?
Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
Is my business laptop covered if it gets stolen from my vehicle?
Is a new car covered when I drive it off the dealer lot?
Am I covered when driving someone else’s vehicle?
How much liability coverage do I need in Texas?
Do I need PIP coverage since I have good health insurance?
Is business equipment covered while in my vehicle?
Is my babysitter covered when using my vehicle?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to an insurance agent.

The online companies promise big savings

Insurance agents are indespensible for some people, but Texas drivers can also buy direct over the internet. Certain companies who have local agents in Tyler also let you quote and buy online, and that is helpful if the lowest rate is your goal.

If you’re apprehensive about not having someone to ask questions, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. Online insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide phone numbers and online resources to answer your questions.

Can buying online lower your premiums? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer due to the large number of individual components that can increase policy rates. It’s a logical assumption that a customer who purchases direcly from an online company saves by not paying a commission. But the reality is there are very high advertising costs and this drives up their premium costs.

Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal

As you prepare to switch companies, never buy poor coverage just to save money. In many cases, consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that it was a big mistake. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

Cost effective car insurance is definitely available online in addition to many Tyler insurance agents, so you should compare both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance companies do not provide online price quotes and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.

Additional consumer information websites

More information can be found on the Texas Department of Insurance website found here. Consumers can discover disciplinary actions, get help finding coverage, file complaints about a company, and view a list of available companies.