Residents of Texas who are in the market for auto insurance should compare Texas auto insurance policies offered by several different insurance companies in order to get the best deal possible on insurance. The best deal not only means the lowest premium, but also the best customer service. In addition, you should look for a company that expedites claims quickly and provides fair settlements of those claims.

Determining the Coverage You Want and Need

Before you can start comparing the auto insurance products offered by different Texas auto insurance companies, you will need to know what insurance you are required to have and any additional insurance you may want to have. Texas law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance. The minimum amounts of $30,000 in bodily injury for a single individual, $60,000 for all injured in a single accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability are usually not adequate for proper protection for most people. You may want to consider doubling or maybe tripling the basic liability coverage.

In addition to mandatory liability coverage, if you finance or lease your vehicle, the lender will require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage equal to the value of the car and/or the amount you still owe on the car. If you do not owe anything on your car, you may still decide it is worthwhile to carry this additional insurance coverage.

Shopping Different Texas Auto Insurance Providers

Whether you choose to look in the phone book and call individual insurance companies, go online and get quotes from several different companies, or go to an independent broker who represents a number of Texas auto insurance companies, you need to do due diligence if you want the best deal on auto insurance. Get quotes for the exact same coverage so you can compare prices.

Determining which company provides the best customer service and claim payment service is a little more subjective. Ask a lot of questions and try to find out the average length of time it takes a specific company to settle a claim. With a little prodding you can get the insurance company to release some of its internal data that will be a good indication of how well the company is run. With an independent broker, they do most of the legwork, and you have to feel comfortable enough with them to take their word that they are getting you the best possible coverage at the best price.