Things You Must Know Before Buying Raton New Mexico Car Insurance Online

If online car insurance comparisons are new to you, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the large number of online car insurance companies and websites competing for business in Raton.

You should take the time to take a look at other company’s rates once or twice a year since rates fluctuate regularly. Even if you got the best rates two years ago you may be paying too much now. There is too much inaccurate information about car insurance online, so we’re going to give you some great ways to put money back in your pocket.

If you have insurance now or are looking for a new policy, you can learn to shop for the lowest rates while maintaining coverages. This article will familiarize you with the most effective way to quote insurance and some tricks to saving. New Mexico vehicle owners just need to learn how to compare price quotes online.

How to Compare Raton Car Insurance Rates

Finding a lower price on insurance can be surprisingly simple. The only thing you need to do is invest a few minutes to compare quotes online from several insurance companies. This can be done using a couple different methods.

One of the simplest ways to get quotes would be an industry-wide quote request form (click to open form in new window). This easy form prevents you from having to do separate quote forms for every car insurance company. One form submission gets you price quotes from multiple companies. It’s definitely the quickest method.
A different way to compare rate quotes requires a trip to the website of each company to complete a price quote. For examples sake, let’s assume you want to compare rates from Auto-Owners, Esurance and Progressive. To get each rate you have to go to every website and enter your policy data, which is why most consumers use the first method.
For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Raton, click here.
The most time-consuming way to compare rates is to waste gas driving to different Raton agent offices. Buying insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you require the personal advice of a licensed agent. You can, however, get prices online and still use a local agent and we’ll cover that in a bit.

It’s up to you how you get prices quotes, just make sure you use the exact same information on every quote. If your comparisons have different liability limits it will be very difficult to determine the best price in Raton.

Don’t overlook these discounts

Car insurance companies don’t always advertise every discount in a way that’s easy to find, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using. If you aren’t receiving every discount you deserve, you’re just leaving money on the table.

Early Switch Discount – Some insurance companies reward drivers for signing up prior to your current policy expiring. It’s a savings of about 10%.
Own a Home – Being a homeowner can save you money because maintaining a house requires personal responsibility.
Discounts for Safe Drivers – Drivers who avoid accidents can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates than drivers with accidents.
Anti-lock Brake System – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems are safer to drive and earn discounts up to 10%.
Drivers Ed for Students – Have your child successfully complete driver’s ed class if it’s offered in school.
Auto/Home Discount – If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you will save at least 10% off all policies.

It’s important to understand that many deductions do not apply the the whole policy. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So when the math indicates you can get free auto insurance, you won’t be that lucky.

To see a list of insurers offering car insurance discounts in New Mexico, follow this link.

Buying car insurance from a local agent

A small number of people prefer to talk to a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. Educated insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you peace of mind. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find better rates and still have an agent to talk to.

After completing this simple form, the coverage information is submitted to local insurance agents in Raton who will compete for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to drive around as quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. How cool is that?! New Mexico insurance ad

Choosing an insurance company should depend on more than just the premium amount. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:

Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
How are claims handled?
Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
Does the agency support the community they serve?
Will your rates increase after a single accident?

Two types of Raton car insurance agents

When looking for local Raton agents, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents from which to choose. Agents can either be captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning how they are different since it may influence the type of agent you choose

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive insurance agents are contracted to one company like Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. Captives cannot place coverage with different providers so they have no alternatives for high prices. These agents are well schooled on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers frequently buy insurance from these agents primarily because of loyalty to the company and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

Below are captive agencies in Raton that can give you price quote information.

State Farm Insurance – 339 S 3rd St – Raton, NM 87740 – (505) 445-4357

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with multiple insurance companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and that require little work on your part. When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to get the best comparison.Many can place coverage with smaller companies which can save you money.

Below are Raton independent insurance agents that can give you price quotes.

Crow Insurance – 344 N 2nd St – Raton, NM 87740 – (505) 445-4443
American National Insurance Co – 1144 S 2nd St – Raton, NM 87740 – (505) 445-2084

To view a complete directory of licensed insurance agents in Raton, visit this site.

Once you have received satisfactory answers and an affordable coverage quote, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to service your policy.

But I don’t know anything about car insurance

When it comes to choosing coverage, there really is no perfect coverage plan. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs.

Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight whether you may require specific advice.

Does having multiple vehicles earn me a discount?
Exactly who is provided coverage by my policy?
Is business equipment covered while in my vehicle?
Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
Do I need added coverage for expensive stereo equipment?
Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
Do I need roadside assistance coverage?
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It only takes a few minutes and can provide invaluable advice.

More detailed New Mexico car insurance information can be found at the New Mexico Insurance Division website. New Mexico consumers can learn about insurance regulations, find disaster information, view agent and company licensing information, and report car insurance fraud.

Additional helpful sites include BankRate.com’s Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and CarInsuranceDIY.com.

Shop smart and save

When you buy insurance online, it’s a bad idea to reduce needed coverages to save money. In many instances, someone sacrificed uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret at claim time that it was a big error on their part. Your focus should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

We just covered some good ideas how to lower your car insurance rates. The most important thing to understand is the more price quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may even discover the most savings is with the least-expected company.

Consumers change insurance companies for many reasons like denial of a claim, high rates after DUI convictions, delays in responding to claim requests and even policy non-renewal. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch switching car insurance companies is actually quite simple.