Having to pay for overpriced auto insurance can overdraw your bank account and put the squeeze on your family’s finances. Doing a price comparison is free, only takes a few minutes, and is a good way to reduce premiums and put more money in your pocket.
With consumers having so many choices, it can be impossible to choose the most cost effective insurer.
Finding the best rates in Raton is quite easy. Just about everyone who has to buy auto insurance will more than likely be able to find lower rates. Although New Mexico drivers can benefit from knowing how insurance companies sell insurance online.
Auto Insurance Prices in Raton, New Mexico
Comparing auto insurance rates can take time and effort if you don’t know the best way to get rate quotes. You can waste a few hours (or days) discussing policy coverages with local insurance agents in Raton, or you could use the internet to get pricing more quickly.
Many of the larger companies enroll in a system that enables customers to submit one quote, and every company can provide price quotes based on the submitted data. This saves time by eliminating quote forms for every auto insurance company.
To fill out one form to compare multiple rates now click here to open in new window.
The one disadvantage to pricing coverage this way is you don’t know exactly the providers you want pricing from. So if you want to choose from a list of companies for rate comparison, we put together a list of low cost auto insurance companies in New Mexico. Click here for list of insurance companies in New Mexico.
However you get your quotes, be sure to compare the exact same coverage information with each company. If you compare higher or lower deductibles you will not be able to determine which rate is truly the best in Raton. Having just a slight variation in coverage limits can mean a large discrepancy in price. Just keep in mind that comparing a large number of companies gives you a better chance of getting the best offered rates.
Don’t overlook these 5 discounts
Companies don’t always advertise every discount very clearly, so here is a list some of the best known as well as the least known savings tricks you should be using.
- Government Employees – Active or retired federal employment can save as much as 8% with a few auto insurance companies.
- Homeowners Discount – Owning a house in Raton may earn you a small savings because of the fact that having a home shows financial diligence.
- Safe Driver Discount – Drivers who don’t get into accidents can pay as much as 50% less than drivers with accidents.
- Low Mileage Discounts – Low mileage vehicles can earn discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
- Senior Citizens – If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for a small decrease in premiums.
Keep in mind that most discounts do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. So even though it sounds like all those discounts means the company will pay you, you won’t be that lucky.
Compare online but buy from a local Raton agent
Certain consumers would prefer to get advice from a local agent and that is a personal choice. One of the best bonuses of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain the best rates and still choose a local agent.
Upon completion of this quick form, the coverage information is emailed to local insurance agents who will compete for your business. You won’t need to drive around because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. Get lower rates AND a local agent.
Picking an insurer requires more thought than just a cheap price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in New Mexico?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
Insurance agent types
If you’re trying to find local Raton agents, there are two types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents are either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Agency Captives
Captive agencies can only write with one company like Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They are unable to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents receive extensive training in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents.
Below is a list of captive agencies in Raton that are able to give comparison quotes.
State Farm Insurance – 339 S 3rd St – Raton, NM 87740 – (505) 445-4357
Independent Agents
Independent agents are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles amongst many companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, your agent can switch companies and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparison shopping, you should always include several independent insurance agents to get the best comparison.
Shown below is a list of independent insurance agents in Raton willing to provide comparison quotes.
Insurance Plus Inc – 122 S 3rd St – Raton, NM 87740 – (505) 445-2597
Crow Insurance – 344 N 2nd St – Raton, NM 87740 – (505) 445-4443
For a full directory of auto insurance agents in Raton, please go to this site.
Once you have answers to your satisfaction to these questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you’ve probably found an auto insurance agent that will service your policy. But keep in mind once you purchase a policy you can terminate coverage for any reason so never assume that you’re stuck with the auto insurance policy for any length of time.
Car insurance is unique, just like you
When choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s situation is unique so your insurance should reflect that These are some specific questions might help in determining whether or not you might need an agent’s assistance.
- Does my insurance cover damage caused when ticketed for reckless driving?
- Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
- Is my teen driver covered when they drive my company car?
- What can I do if my company denied a claim?
- Can I afford low physical damage deductibles?
- Does my insurance cover my expensive audio equipment?
- Am I covered by my spouse’s policy after a separation?
- Am I covered when driving someone else’s vehicle?
- What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
- When should I drop full coverage on my vehicle?
If you’re not sure about those questions but one or more may apply to you, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, take a second and complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies.
Auto insurance coverage breakdown
Having a good grasp of your auto insurance policy aids in choosing the right coverages for your vehicles. The terms used in a policy can be ambiguous and nobody wants to actually read their policy. Below you’ll find typical coverage types found on most auto insurance policies.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when the “other guys” are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. Covered losses include injuries to you and your family and damage to your vehicle.
Since many New Mexico drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits (which is 25/50/10), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is important protection for you and your family.
Auto liability insurance
This can cover damage or injury you incur to other’s property or people by causing an accident. Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. Your policy might show liability limits of 50/100/50 that means you have $50,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $100,000, and a total limit of $50,000 for damage to vehicles and property.
Liability can pay for claims like medical expenses, medical services, structural damage and attorney fees. How much coverage you buy is a personal decision, but you should buy as high a limit as you can afford. New Mexico requires minimum liability limits of 25,000/50,000/10,000 but you should consider buying better liability coverage.
Medical payments coverage and PIP
Med pay and PIP coverage pay for expenses such as hospital visits, prosthetic devices, pain medications and funeral costs. The coverages can be used to fill the gap from your health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. It covers not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and also covers if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal Injury Protection is not an option in every state but can be used in place of medical payments coverage
Auto collision coverage
Collision coverage will pay to fix damage to your vehicle caused by collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. A deductible applies and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.
Collision coverage protects against things like hitting a parking meter, sideswiping another vehicle, driving through your garage door, hitting a mailbox and damaging your car on a curb. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider removing coverage from older vehicles. Drivers also have the option to increase the deductible to save money on collision insurance.
Comprehensive coverage
This pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against things like a tree branch falling on your vehicle, fire damage, damage from getting keyed and vandalism. The most a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the ACV or actual cash value, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider dropping full coverage.
More quotes mean more savings
As you shop your coverage around, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are many occasions where drivers have reduced full coverage to discover at claim time that it was a big error on their part. The proper strategy is to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.
Low-cost auto insurance is attainable from both online companies and with local Raton insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some auto insurance companies do not offer online quoting and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.
Additional detailed information can be read at the New Mexico Insurance Division website. New Mexico drivers can find disaster information, discover disciplinary actions, file complaints about a company, and learn about specific coverages.