When trying to find a good insurance agent in Albany, GA, it’s recommended you do the preliminary legwork on the web rather than picking up the phone. Consumers require a good professional insurance agent, but also the best price on auto insurance.
Lots of insurance agents contend to insure your vehicles, so it can be very hard to choose a car insurance agent to find the lowest cost out there.
How to buy auto insurance from an agent in Albany
Good agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. The biggest benefit of comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find lower rates but also keep your business local.
Upon completion of this simple form, the quote information is sent to participating agents in Albany who will give you bids for your business. There is no need to leave your computer as quotes are delivered immediately to your email address. Now that’s easy!
Picking an insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
- Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
What types of car insurance agents are in Albany?
When looking for a good Albany insurance agent, there are a couple of different types of agents that you can select. Insurance agencies in Albany can either be captive or independent (non-captive). Both insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning the differences because it can influence buying decisions.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents can only place business with one company and some examples include Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They are unable to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. These agents receive extensive training in insurance sales which can be an advantage. Some consumers prefer to choose to use a captive agent partially due to the prominence of the brand and solid financial strength.
Below is a short list of captive agencies in Albany willing to provide rate quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 1708 Gillionville Rd – Albany, GA 31707 – (229) 888-0813
- Allstate Insurance – 1111 Whispering Pines Rd – Albany, GA 31707 – (229) 439-0473
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the business is moved internally and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparing rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from. Many write coverage with smaller regional carriers who may have lower rates.
Listed below are independent agents in Albany who can help you get price quotes.
- Bush Insurance – 1704 Gillionville Rd – Albany, GA 31707 – (229) 432-9466
- Laramore Agency – 406 N Westover Blvd – Albany, GA 31707 – (229) 420-3750
- Bush Insurance – 1704 N Slappey Blvd – Albany, GA 31701 – (229) 432-9466
- Direct General Ins Agency – 2418 Sylvester Rd – Albany, GA 31705 – (229) 439-9456
For a full directory of insurance agents in Albany, please go to this site.
Once you have received good answers and an acceptable price quote, you may have just found an auto insurance agent that can service your policy.
What if I want to compare online rates?
Local insurance agents serve a purpose, but you can also find affordable Georgia auto insurance direct from companies that only sell online. Certain auto insurance companies who sell through the agent channel also let you get a quote and buy online, so keep that in mind as an alternative to contacting agents.
If you’re worried about not having someone to ask questions when buying direct, don’t let it bother you. Online car insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage have toll-free phone numbers and other options for getting the best coverage. You may also access anytime access to help and a customer research section so you can feel comfortable buying online.
If you’re trying to save the most money, the best approach to discovering who has the best rates, online companies or local insurance agents, is to get free quotes from both and compare them. You may actually get a different price returned by the same company from their agents and their website.
Does buying online save money? That is a tough question to answer because of the number of factors that determine your policy premium. It’s logical to say that a consumer who buys direct reduces premiums because there is no agent. For most online online companies, however, the cost of constant advertising is expensive so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
Shop smart and save
While you’re price shopping online, make sure you don’t skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut liability limits or collision coverage only to regret that it was a big error on their part. The aim is to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.
Insureds leave their current company for any number of reasons including high rates after DUI convictions, denial of a claim, unfair underwriting practices or being labeled a high risk driver. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding a new auto insurance company is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
Even more information is available at the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner website. Consumers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, find out which companies have the most complaints, view a list of available companies, and get help finding coverage.
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