When finding an insurance agent in Salinas, California, we recommend you begin your search for an agent online instead of calling around. There is a good chance you’re looking for a decent agent, but also the best rates possible.
With companies like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers and independent agents all competing for business in Salinas, it’s hard to tell which insurance agency will provide the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To help decide, it’s easy to use online price quotes to get a list of insurance agents from which to choose.
Buying car insurance from a local Salinas agent
Agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is you may find lower rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from small agencies is important particularly in Salinas.
After filling out this quick form, the coverage information is submitted to participating agents in Salinas who will battle to get your business. There is no need to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy!
Choose an insurance agent wisely
When looking for a reliable agent, you need to know there are two types of agencies to choose from. Agents are either independent (non-captive) or captive. Either one can write coverage properly, but it’s good to learn the difference between them since it may influence your selection of an agent.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with any number of different companies and potentially find a lower price. If you are not satisfied with one company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies. When searching for an agent, we recommend you include at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection.
The following is a list of independent insurance agents in Salinas that may be able to provide price quotes.
Marini Insurance – 1093 S Main St – Salinas, CA 93901 – (831) 754-2722
Coast Auto Insurance Svc – 512 N Main St – Salinas, CA 93901 – (831) 424-1990
Toscano Agency – 342 San Juan Grade Rd – Salinas, CA 93906 – (831) 443-9571
Captive Agents
Captive agencies work for only one company and some examples include Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. These agents are unable to compare other company’s rates so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agents are very knowledgeable on their company’s products which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Below are captive insurance agents in Salinas that can give you rate quotes.
Farmers Insurance Group – 21 W Laurel Dr # 55 – Salinas, CA 93906 – (831) 424-1054
Allstate Insurance – 184 E Laurel Dr – Salinas, CA 93906 – (831) 751-7377
State Farm Insurance – 27 Navajo Dr – Salinas, CA 93906 – (831) 443-6457
For a full directory of car insurance agents in Salinas, visit this site.
Deciding on an insurance agency shouldn’t rely on just a low price. These questions are important to ask:
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
Once you have received positive feedback for all questions you ask and a good coverage price, you’ve probably found an insurance agent that can properly service your car insurance policy.
But I don’t know anything about car insurance
When buying the best car insurance coverage, there is no best way to insure your cars. Everyone’s needs are different and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. For instance, these questions can aid in determining whether or not you would benefit from an agent’s advice.
- Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
- Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
- What are the financial responsibility laws in California?
- Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
- Does liability extend to a camper or trailer?
- Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
- Does my insurance cover my expensive audio equipment?
- Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Salinas?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent.
Have you considered online alternatives?
Car insurance agents are important to many people, but you also have the option of buying California car insurance from online companies direct. Certain companies that sell primarily through agents also let you quote and buy online, so this should also be taken into consideration if finding the best price is important.
If you’re anxious about whether or not you’ll have guidance when buying car insurance direct, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. All companies that allow you to purchase coverage all have toll-free customer service for getting advice on proper coverages. They also offer online help and live chat to make it easier to purchase.
Do customers save by switching to an online company? That question is hard to answer because there are a lot of things that influence the price you pay. Common logic is that buying directly from the company cuts out the agent as a middleman. For most companies selling online, however, getting their brand in front of customers is expensive so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
If you just want to find lower premiums, the most effective way to determine if car insurance prices are lower online or from agents is making fair comparisons of each of their rates. It’s fairly common that you receive different coverage costs from the same car insurance company depending on where you get the price quote from.
Online plus local equals savings
Consumers leave their current company for many reasons like poor customer service, unfair underwriting practices, delays in paying claims and lack of trust in their agent. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, switching companies is easier than you think.
When buying insurance coverage, don’t be tempted to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. Too many times, consumers will sacrifice full coverage only to regret at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your strategy should be to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.
Learn more about car insurance in California
Additional car insurance information can be read on the website for the California Department of Insurance located here. California drivers can get help finding coverage, find out which companies have the most complaints, view a list of available companies, and find disaster information.
