For most of us, driving is a necessity. Whether we’re travelling to and from work, school or simply doing the weekly grocery shopping, we’re on the roads. Part of the responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle is car insurance. And in today’s uncertain economy, finding the most affordable rates is something we are all eager to do. But with all the choices out here, how do you find the most affordable car insurance in Texas and still get the quality coverage you need to be protected?
Choose Coverage Carefully
In Texas, everyone on the road is required to meet a minimum level of car insurance coverage- it’s the law. This is your starting point for finding coverage you can afford, and where you begin to choose the right coverage to fit your needs and your budget. The more coverage you add above the minimums, the less out-of-pocket expenses you will be responsible for in the event of an accident.
Currently, Texas requires drivers to carry bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. Specifically, the amounts are $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 bodily injury per accident and $25,000 property damage per accident. It’s important to remember, these are the minimums and not optimal levels. In most cases, you will want to add coverage up from these levels. The bottom line? Choose your coverage carefully, being sure to add enough over the minimums to protect yourself, but not so much that you can’t afford the rates.
Use a Local Agent
Why will using a local agent help save you money? Simple. A local agent is connected with all the top companies and has access to information the average consumer does not. This means while you may benefit from doing some preliminary research ahead of time, you won’t have access to the same discounts, special package deals or other cost saving strategies a local agent can offer you. Local representatives are keyed in with these advantages and can provide them to you all together, making your entire shopping experience, easier and more convenient.
Consider a Higher Deductible
No one likes to think they will ever use car insurance, but at the time of an accident, most people are pretty happy they have the opportunity. With that said, you can save money on your monthly premium if you agree to carry a higher deductible. Basically, what that means for you is that in the event of an accident, you will have to pay more out-of-pocket before the insurance company pays.
For families and folks looking to save money on car insurance premiums in Texas, a higher deductible is a solution for keeping monthly premiums low. A respectable deductible shouldn’t be so high that you can’t cover it if you need to, but it should also be high enough to make a significant difference in your monthly premium.
Finding affordable car insurance in Texas can be challenging. Luckily, if you choose your coverage carefully, use the expertise and connections of a local agent and consider a higher deductible you can keep your premiums low and still get peace of mind that when you need dependable car insurance, you’ll have it.