When searching for a good North Smithfield agent, it’s recommended you begin your search using online quotes to save time. We’re assuming you not only want a highly trained agent, but you also want the lowest possible price.
With companies like Allstate, Farmers and State Farm as well as independent agents all competing for your business, it’s hard to tell which provider will provide you with the best service and rates. Thankfully, consumers can get insurance quotes online to assemble a group of agents and thier coverage prices.
Shop online but buy locally
Insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help file insurance claims. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is you can get the lowest rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local businesses is important especially in North Smithfield.
Once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is transmitted to insurance agents in North Smithfield who will return price quotes to get your business. You don’t have to visit any agencies as quotes are delivered immediately to your email address. How’s that for easy!
What types of car insurance agents are in North Smithfield?
When searching for local North Smithfield agents, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that you can select. Agents are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). While both can insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know the difference between them since it may influence buying decisions.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These agents do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles amongst many companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part.
When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you include price quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from. Most have the option of insuring with smaller companies who may have lower rates.
Below are North Smithfield independent insurance agents that can give you competitive price quotes.
- Best Insurance Group – 636 Eddie Dowling Hwy – North Smithfield, RI 02896 – (401) 765-1400
- Charles L Kirby Agency Inc – 75 Park Sq – North Smithfield, RI 02896 – (401) 762-4500
- Auto Insurance Group – 636 Eddie Dowling Hwy # C – North Smithfield, RI 02896 – (401) 765-1400
- Charles L Kirby Agency Inc – 75 Eddie Dowling Hwy – North Smithfield, RI 02896 – (401) 762-4500
Agency Captives
These agents can only write with one company such as AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agents are very knowledgeable on the products they sell which can be an advantage. Consumers frequently purchase coverage from captives primarily because of loyalty to the company and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
The following is a list of captive agents in North Smithfield who can help you get comparison quotes.
- Allstate – 125 Eddie Dowling Hwy – North Smithfield, RI 02896 – (401) 765-5000
To view a full list of auto insurance agents in North Smithfield, click here to link.
Choosing an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just a low price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Who are their largest clients?
- How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
After getting good answers to your questions and locked in a price quote, you’ve probably found a car insurance agent that meets your needs to properly service your auto insurance policy.
Isn’t it cheaper to buy direct online without an agent?
Professional insurance agents are indespensible for some people, but Rhode Island car insurance can also be bought direct from companies online. Some specific companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, that sell primarily through agents also let you buy a policy online, so that should be considered if you don’t want to take the time to contact agents.
If you’re uncomfortable with having to choose coverages yourself when buying car insurance direct, this really isn’t an issue. Car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages have customer service departments to walk you through the process. They also have live help and an extensive research center you can access prior to buying.
If you’re not set on any one company, the best way to find out who has the best rates, online companies or local insurance agents, is to get price quotes for both. It’s fairly common that you receive different coverage costs for the exact same company when using both online and agent quotes. But you won’t know where the best price is unless you actually compare identical quotes from both.
Is pricing better online? It’s difficult to say for sure because of the number of factors that determine your policy premium. It’s logical to say that a consumer who buys direct cuts out the agent as a middleman. For most online online companies, however, there are very high advertising costs so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.
Additional Rhode Island car insurance resources
Additional information can be read on the Rhode Island Division of Insurance Regulation website located here. Rhode Island consumers can read industry bulletins, learn about specific coverages, and view agent and company licensing information.
Other useful links include this online resource for free quotes in Rhode Island and this link where you can make North Smithfield auto insurance comparisons.
Smart shoppers get results
While you’re price shopping online, don’t be tempted to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are a lot of situations where an accident victim reduced liability coverage limits only to regret that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your aim should be to purchase plenty of coverage for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.
People change insurance companies for any number of reasons including high prices, being labeled a high risk driver, poor customer service or even extreme rates for teen drivers. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding a great new company is actually quite simple.
