How to Find the Cheapest Hockley Auto Insurance

If online auto insurance comparisons are new to you, it's easy to be confused by the sheer number of auto insurance companies offering insurance in Hockley.

If you currently have car insurance, you will be able to reduce your rates substantially using this information. Locating affordable coverage in Hockley can be fairly easy. But Texas drivers do need to know how insurance companies price online insurance.

Vehicle Insurance Comparison

The are a couple different ways of comparing price quotes from different Hockley insurance companies. The recommended way to find the lowest rates is simply to get online rate quotes. This can be accomplished in several different ways.

The first (and easiest) way to find the lowest comparison rates is a comparison rater form like this one (opens in new window). This type of form saves time by eliminating boring form submissions for each company. Just one form compares rates from all major companies. It's the fastest way to compare.

A more difficult way to shop for auto insurance online is going to each individual company website to complete a price quote. For examples sake, let's assume you want to compare , and . You would have to take the time to go to each site and enter your information, which is why the first method is quicker.

For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Hockley, click here.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to compare exactly the same coverage limits and deductibles with each company. If the quotes have different liability limits then you won't be able to make an equal comparison in Hockley. Slightly different insurance coverages may result in a large different in cost. Keep in mind that getting more free quotes will increase your chances of finding the best rates.

You have some control over your rates

It's important that you understand the factors that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that could result in better auto insurance rates.

What are your deductibles? - The deductibles represent how much money you are willing to pay before your auto insurance pays a claim. Insurance for physical damage to your car, also known as collision and other-than-collision, insures against damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply could be colliding with a building, collision with an animal, and burglary. The more expense you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the lower your rates will be.
Careful drivers pay lower rates - Only having one ticket can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. Careful drivers get better rates than bad drivers. Drivers with serious tickets such as reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence are required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state DMV in order to continue driving.
Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - Most insurance companies will award you with lower prices to customers who have multiple policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can add up to 10 percent or more. Even though this discount sounds good, it's still a good idea to shop around to ensure the best deal.
Save money with special equipment - Owning a car with a theft deterrent system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft features such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar can help prevent auto theft.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Auto insurance companies do not advertise all available discounts in a way that's easy to find, so the following is a list of both well-publicized and also the lesser-known discounts you could be receiving.

Homeowners Savings - Owning a home in Hockley can save you money because owning a home demonstrates responsibility.
Early Signing - Some companies give discounts for switching policies before your current policy expires. This can save 10% or more.
Anti-theft System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems help deter theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
Payment Discounts - By paying your policy upfront rather than paying monthly you may reduce your total bill.
Multi-car Discount - Buying insurance for more than one vehicle on one policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
Life Insurance Discount - Select insurance companies reward you with better rates if you take out life insurance from them.
Accident Forgiveness - A handful of insurance companies allow you one accident without raising rates so long as you haven't had any claims for a certain period of time.
Anti-lock Brakes - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
Passive Restraints - Vehicles equipped with air bags or motorized seat belts can qualify for discounts of more than 20%.
Auto/Home Discount - When you have multiple policies with one company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.

Drivers should understand that some credits don't apply to the entire policy premium. Most only reduce specific coverage prices like physical damage coverage or medical payments. So even though it sounds like you could get a free auto insurance policy, companies wouldn't make money that way.

For a list of insurers offering auto insurance discounts in Hockley, click here.

Insurance agents can help

When it comes to choosing coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a cookie cutter policy. Every situation is different.

For example, these questions may help highlight whether your personal situation may require specific advice.

When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
What are the financial responsibility laws in Texas?

If you can't answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form.

More detailed Texas auto insurance information can be read at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Texas consumers can report car insurance fraud, file complaints about a company, and read consumer alerts.

Final considerations

Budget-conscious auto insurance can be found online and also from your neighborhood Hockley agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies may not provide online quoting and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

You just read a lot of ways to lower your auto insurance rates. The key thing to remember is the more rate comparisons you have, the better your comparison will be. Drivers may discover the biggest savings come from some of the smallest insurance companies.

As you restructure your insurance plan, it's not a good idea to reduce needed coverages to save money. In too many instances, someone dropped collision coverage and discovered at claim time that they should have had better coverage. Your focus should be to get the best coverage possible at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.