Useful Tips for Researching a Woodburn Insurance Agent

If you’re looking for an insurance agent in Woodburn, OR, we recommend you begin your search by comparing rates online instead of calling around. Consumers require a professional licensed agent, and also want to find cheap rates.

Many car insurance agents vie for your insurance dollar, so it’s not easy to compare every insurance agency to get the cheapest price

Compare online but buy from a local Woodburn agent

Agents can point out coverage gaps and give you someone to call. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is you may find better rates and still have an agent to talk to.

After filling out this quick form, your insurance coverage information is instantly submitted to local insurance agents in Woodburn who will give you bids to get your business. You won’t need to leave your computer since price quotes are sent to your email. It doesn’t get any easier! Get lower rates AND a local agent.

Selecting an auto insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a low price. Here are some questions to ask:

  • Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
  • Does the agency support the community they serve?
  • Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
  • Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
  • Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
  • Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Oregon?

Different types of Woodburn insurance agents

When researching local Woodburn agents, there are a couple of different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Woodburn are classified as either captive or independent.

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive agencies can only write with one company such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They usually cannot place coverage with different providers so always compare other rates. Captive agents are well schooled in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.

Listed below is a short list of captive agencies in Woodburn that can give you comparison quotes.

Farmers Insurance Group – 1541 N Pacific Hwy – Woodburn, OR 97071 – (503) 981-0045
State Farm Insurance – 1016 Newberg Hwy – Woodburn, OR 97071 – (503) 982-5433

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

These agents are not required to write business for one company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and that require little work on your part.

When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to include at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from.

Shown below are independent agents in Woodburn who can help you get rate quotes.

Scarborough Insurance Inc – 1385 Meridian Dr – Woodburn, OR 97071 – (503) 981-3111
Mendenhall Insurance – 560 Glatt Cir – Woodburn, OR 97071 – (503) 981-0161

For a complete listing of Woodburn insurance agents, visit this site.

Upon getting reasonable responses to these questions as well as a affordable price, it’s possible that you found an auto insurance agent that can properly service your car insurance policy.

Do online insurance companies cost less?

Auto insurance agents are important to many people, but you also have the option of buying from companies direct over the internet. Some car insurance companies like State Farm and Allstate who sell through agents in Woodburn also allow consumers to buy a policy online, and online price comparisons are easy to possibly find a better rate.

If you’re uneasy about not having someone to ask questions when buying direct, this is normal but is quickly overcome. All companies provide access to licensed agents to answer any questions you may have. You may also access a frequently asked questions page to help you answer questions.

Does coverage cost less online? That is a tough question to answer because of the fact that insurance companies use many factors that can increase policy rates. Some people will tell you that buying online saves by not paying a commission. But the reality is getting their brand in front of customers is expensive and that impacts the rates consumers pay.

compare Oregon insurance agents

If the lowest price is important, the best way to know whether prices are lower online or from agents is to set aside time to compare rates from both. It’s not unheard of to actually get different prices using an online quote and an agent quote from the same insurance company.

For more Oregon car insurance information

Even more information can be found at the Oregon Insurance Division website. Visitors are able to download brochures, discover disciplinary actions, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

More comparisons equals lower rates

As you prepare to switch companies, it’s very important that you do not sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. Too many times, an insured dropped full coverage only to find out they didn’t have enough coverage. Your aim should be to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

People leave their current company for a variety of reasons including an unsatisfactory settlement offer, delays in paying claims, unfair underwriting practices or even poor customer service. No matter why you want to switch, switching companies is pretty easy and you might even save some money in the process.