When searching for a licensed insurance agent in Salem, you can always start your research for an agent online instead of making phone calls. Consumers require a good agent that listens to you, and also want to find competitive auto insurance rates.
Popular companies such as Geico, Progressive and Allstate all claim big savings with ads and it is difficult to see past the geckos and flying pigs and effectively compare rates to find the best deal.
Buying auto insurance from a local Salem agent
Professional agents can help determine the best coverages and help you file claims. The biggest benefit of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the best rates but still work with a licensed agent.
Upon completion of this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is sent to participating agents in Salem who will battle for your insurance coverage. You won’t need to even leave your home as quotes are delivered to your email. It doesn’t get any easier! It’s the lowest rates and work with a local agent.
Choosing an auto insurance agent requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. These questions are important to ask:
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
Salem insurance agents come in two flavors
When searching for a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are a couple of different types of agents from which to choose. Agents are either independent or captive.
Captive Agents
This type of agents can only write with one company such as American Family, State Farm and Allstate. These agents are not able to shop your coverage around so they have to upsell other benefits. They are well schooled on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage.
Shown below are Salem captive insurance agents who may provide you with rate quotes.
American Family Insurance – 3000 Market St NE # 218 – Salem, OR 97301 – (503) 588-3979
Farmers Insurance Group – 830 Commercial St SE – Salem, OR 97302 – (503) 585-2318
Allstate Insurance Co – 2290 Commercial St SE # 130 – Salem, OR 97302 – (503) 363-4717
State Farm Insurance – 4093 Commercial St SE – Salem, OR 97302 – (503) 378-1509
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage with any number of different companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency.
When comparing rates, we recommend you get quotes from at least one independent agent to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Shown below are Salem independent agencies that can give you price quote information.
Brister and Assoc Insurance Svc – 1644 Liberty St SE – Salem, OR 97302 – (503) 362-9160
All Risk Auto Insurance – 2680 Portland Rd NE – Salem, OR 97303 – (503) 588-0999
Mid Valley General Agency – 3400 State St # G740 – Salem, OR 97301 – (503) 365-7001
To view a full list of auto insurance agents in Salem, click here to link.
Once you have received reasonable responses to your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, most likely you have located an insurance agent that will provide auto insurance coverage.
Can you save by buying online?
Auto insurance agents can be invaluable at times, but you also have the option of buying direct online. Some companies who have local agents in Salem also allow you to buy a policy online, and online price comparisons are easy.
If you’re uneasy about not getting proper coverage when buying online, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. Online car insurance companies provide phone numbers and online resources to answer any questions you may have.
Is auto insurance cheaper online? The answer is complex because of the fact that insurance companies use many factors that can increase policy rates. Some people think that shopping online for auto insurance lowers rates due to not having any agent compensation. But truthfully, there are very high advertising costs and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Affordable insurance is out there
Cheaper auto insurance can be found from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Salem agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best selection. Some insurance providers may not provide the ability to get a quote online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.
As you restructure your insurance plan, it’s a bad idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. In many cases, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to discover later that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage at the best price.
Informative consumer insurance sites
More tips and info about auto insurance can be found at the Oregon Insurance Division website. Consumers can file complaints about a company, read consumer alerts, find a variety of consumer forms, and find disaster information.
Also read more on BankRate.com’s Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this page where you can also get Salem auto insurance quotes.
