Find the Best Car Insurance Companies in Waco, TX

How to choose car insurance in Waco

McLennan County reported a total of 5,398 vehicle crashes in 2017. Car insurance protects you and your vehicle not only after an accident, but also helps cover other mishaps as well, such as vehicle theft.

In Texas, each car owner must hold insurance for these minimum liability limits:

• Per injured person/per accident: $30,000/$60,000
• Property damage: $25,000

This is called 30/60/25 coverage, but because of the high costs associated with car wrecks, this coverage may not be enough. Experts warn not to get caught short by meeting just minimum liability limits. Standard coverage is 100/300/100. If you want to save money on your insurance, it’s recommended that you raise your deductible instead.

Your annual premium is based on a few factors, including the type of vehicle, your demographics and your driving record. Below is a breakdown of average annual premiums for a 40-year-old male living in Waco.

If you want more a well-rounded policy, add other types of coverage. In fact, auto lenders require that you have both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage if still paying off your car. In the case of an accident with another vehicle, your insurance company will either fix or total your car with collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage repairs or replaces your car due to theft or damage from an event other than a vehicle crash.

Additional types of coverage you can add to your car insurance policy include:

• Medical payments coverage
• Personal injury (PIP) coverage*
• Towing and labor coverage
• Rental reimbursement coverage
• Electronic coverage (for stereo systems, etc.)

*Some states require PIP coverage. In Texas, the laws are a bit different. Texas law states that your insurance carrier must offer PIP insurance, but you can refuse to purchase it, as long as all of this is in writing. While in theory everyone would be covered by insurance—no matter who’s at fault—that isn’t the reality. Texas ranks among the top 20 states with 14 percent of drivers being uninsured. In general, PIP covers you and your passengers if there are injuries due to a car accident regardless of who’s at fault and whether or not the other driver has insurance.

How to buy car insurance in Waco

You can purchase auto insurance online, through an independent agent or broker, or with a captive agent. A captive agent, which is the more traditional option, works exclusively for one insurance company and will become your point of contact throughout your partnership. Your agent will walk you through what coverage is required and offer advice based on your driving habits.

Each way has benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a quick look:

How you decide to purchase auto insurance is up to you. If you value building a relationship with your insurer more than competitive pricing, consider working with a captive agent. Purchasing online is more flexible, which suits busy people or those who prefer doing things themselves.

You can even receive car insurance quotes from all three sources before you decide which route to take. Working with a company you trust is ultimately the most important aspect so that you are covered for any scenario.