Comparing auto insurance rates in Hayward can be a lot of work since you have many choices and choosing the right Hayward insurance agent is more difficult than just driving to the closest agent’s office. Consumers require a highly trained agent, but also the cheapest rates you can possibly find.
Drivers have so many car insurance agents to choose from, and though it is a good thing to have multiple companies, it can be more challenging to compare rates and cut insurance costs.
Your insurance agent down the street
Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. One of the best bonuses of getting online price quotes is you may find better rates but still work with a licensed agent.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this short form, your insurance coverage information is immediately sent to participating agents in Hayward who will battle for your business. There is no reason to leave your computer due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!
Choosing an insurance agency requires more thought than just the price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
The different types of insurance agents
When looking for a local agent, you must know there are a couple different agency structures to choose from. Agents are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning the differences because it can impact the selection process.
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents are contracted to one company and some examples include Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. They are unable to shop your coverage around so keep that in mind. These agents are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Listed below are captive agents in Hayward that are able to give rate quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 30042 Mission Blvd # 221 – Hayward, CA 94544 – (510) 441-7490
State Farm Insurance – 30030 Mission Blvd # 215 – Hayward, CA 94544 – (510) 489-0203
Farmers Insurance Group – 715 E Lewelling Blvd – Hayward, CA 94541 – (510) 276-0384
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company but rather can write business with multiple insurance companies and potentially find a lower price. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally and you don’t have to find a new agent. When shopping rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from several independent insurance agents for maximum quote selection.
Shown below is a list of independent insurance agencies in Hayward that are able to give rate quotes.
Rick Trullinger Insurance – 3401 Investment Blvd # 209 – Hayward, CA 94545 – (510) 781-0944
John Roberts Insurance – 612 E Lewelling Blvd – Hayward, CA 94541 – (510) 278-3733
To view a complete directory of insurance agents in Hayward, click here to link.
Upon getting satisfactory answers and a good coverage price, it’s possible that you found a car insurance agent that is a good match to adequately provide auto insurance.
Is buying direct online an option?
Insurance agencies are important, but California car insurance can also be bought from companies direct over the internet. Even companies like State Farm and Allstate who sell through agents in Hayward also give you the ability to buy direct on their websites, and that is helpful if you prefer not to work with an agent.
If you’re uneasy about not having an insurance agent’s advice, that is normal but is not a big issue. Online companies provide access to licensed agents to help you decide which coverages are appropriate.
Does car insurance cost less online? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer because there are a lot of things that are calculated into your premium. You may think that shopping direct cuts out the middleman. But truthfully, there are high advertising and marketing costs and this tends to eat up any savings.
In Summary
As you prepare to switch companies, it’s a bad idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many instances, consumers will sacrifice full coverage only to find out that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The proper strategy is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at an affordable rate.
Cost effective auto insurance can be found from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Hayward, and you should be comparing both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.
More tips and info about auto insurance is available at the California Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to find a variety of consumer forms, read state legal mandates and laws, and download brochures.
