TCDS Insurance Agency

Who We're NOT a Good Fit For

Most agencies won't tell you this. We will. If you fall into these categories, we're probably not the right agency for you—and that's okay. Here's who we recommend instead.

At TCDS Insurance Agency, we've built our reputation on honesty and transparency. That means being upfront about who we serve best—and who we don't. If you're looking for any of the following, we're not your best option, and we'll tell you exactly where to go instead.

You Only Care About the Absolute Lowest Price

If price is your only consideration and you're willing to sacrifice coverage, service, and claims support to save $50/year, we're not the right fit.

Why We're Not Right:

We focus on finding the best value—the right balance of coverage, price, and service. Sometimes we're the cheapest, often we're not. We won't sell you inadequate coverage just to win your business with a low quote.

Where to Go Instead:

Try direct-to-consumer online carriers like Geico, Progressive, or The General. They specialize in high-volume, low-touch, price-focused policies. Just understand what you're giving up in coverage and service.

⚠️ Warning: The cheapest policy often becomes the most expensive when you have a claim and discover what wasn't covered.

You Want to Handle Everything Online Without Talking to Anyone

If you prefer 100% self-service with zero human interaction, we're probably not your best choice.

Why We're Not Right:

While we offer online tools and digital convenience, our value comes from personal relationships and expert guidance. We believe insurance is too important to be purely transactional. You'll talk to a real person who knows your situation.

Where to Go Instead:

Lemonade, Root, or Esurance offer fully digital experiences with minimal human interaction. You can buy, manage, and file claims entirely through apps.

You Have Multiple DUIs or a Very High-Risk Driving Record

If you have 2+ DUIs, multiple at-fault accidents, or a suspended license, we may not be able to help you effectively.

Why We're Not Right:

While we work with many carriers, extremely high-risk drivers need specialized non-standard insurance markets. We don't focus on this niche and can't always get you the best rate in this category.

Where to Go Instead:

Contact agencies that specialize in high-risk insurance like The General, Acceptance Insurance, or SafeAuto. They work exclusively with non-standard markets and can get you better rates than we can.

💡 Good news: Once you have 3-5 years of clean driving, come back to us. We'll likely save you significant money at that point.

You're Looking for Exotic or Specialty Insurance

Classic cars, exotic vehicles, aviation insurance, or highly specialized commercial policies aren't our specialty.

Why We're Not Right:

We focus on personal lines (auto, home, life) and standard commercial insurance. Specialty markets require deep expertise and carrier relationships we don't maintain.

Where to Go Instead:

For classic cars: Hagerty or Grundy. For high-value homes: Chubb or AIG Private Client. For aviation: AOPA Insurance. These specialists will serve you far better than we can.

You Want to Buy State Minimum Coverage and Nothing More

If you're determined to buy only Alabama's 25/50/25 minimum liability and refuse to consider adequate protection, we'll have a hard time working together.

Why We're Not Right:

We can't in good conscience sell you coverage we know is inadequate. If you cause a serious accident with only $25,000 in coverage, you could lose everything you own. We'll strongly recommend better coverage, which might frustrate you if you're set on minimums.

Where to Go Instead:

Direct online carriers will sell you state minimums without pushback. But please read our article on why this is financially dangerous first.

You're Outside Our Service Area

We primarily serve Alabama, with focus on Birmingham, Pelham, Hoover, and Cullman areas.

Why We're Not Right:

While we can write policies in other states, our deep expertise is in Alabama insurance markets, regulations, and risk factors. You'll get better service from an agent who specializes in your state.

Where to Go Instead:

Find a local independent insurance agent in your state through Trusted Choice (trustedchoice.com) or the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (iiaba.net).

So Who IS a Good Fit?

If you don't fall into the categories above, we're probably a great match. Here's who we serve best:

You Value Expertise Over Price Alone

You want the best value—proper coverage at a fair price—not just the cheapest quote.

You Want a Long-Term Relationship

You're looking for an agent who knows your situation and proactively helps you over time.

You Appreciate Honest Advice

You want an agent who'll tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.

You're in Alabama

You live in or near Birmingham, Pelham, Hoover, Cullman, or elsewhere in Alabama.

You Want Choice

You like that we quote 10+ carriers to find the best match for your specific situation.

You Need Standard Personal or Commercial Insurance

Auto, home, life, business—our core specialties where we excel.

Think We Might Be a Good Fit?

If you read through this page and thought "this sounds like the kind of honesty I want," let's talk. We'd love to see if we can help.

Why We're This Transparent

Most insurance agencies try to be everything to everyone. We don't. We'd rather be honest about our strengths and limitations than waste your time (or ours) on a relationship that won't work.

When we tell you we're not the right fit, we're saving you from frustration and saving ourselves from trying to serve someone we can't help effectively. And when we do work together, you'll know it's because we genuinely believe we can serve you well.

That's the foundation of trust. And trust is what insurance relationships should be built on.