When buying auto insurance in Auburn, selecting the best Auburn insurance agent for your needs is more difficult than just making a phone call. Chances are you require not only a good agent, but you also want to find affordable coverage.
With insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate and many independent agents all competing for business in Auburn, it’s hard to tell which provider will provide you with the lowest rates and best service. Fortunately, you can use insurance quotes online to build a list of insurance agents and thier coverage prices.
How to compare Auburn auto insurance rates
Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about price shopping on the web is you may find the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to. And supporting local businesses is especially important in Auburn.
By using this quick form, the coverage information is instantly submitted to agents in your area who will return price quotes for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to leave your computer since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. How cool is that?! It’s the lowest rates and an insurance agent to talk to.
Pick the best auto insurance agent in Auburn for you
When searching for a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two types of insurance agents that you can select. Auburn agents can either be captive or independent.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agencies do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles with multiple insurance companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency.
When comparing rates, we recommend you include price quotes from at least one independent agent to get the best comparison.
The following are independent agencies in Auburn that are able to give comparison quotes.
A C Huey Agency – 708 Green St – Auburn, AL 36830 – (334) 821-2553
Jerry C Powell Insurance – 166 N Gay St – Auburn, AL 36830 – (334) 887-5164
Alfa Insurance Corp – 766 E Glenn Ave – Auburn, AL 36830 – (334) 887-8502
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents can only write with one company like American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They usually cannot provide prices from multiple companies so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agents are well schooled on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage.
Below are Auburn captive agents that are able to give price quotes.
Kathy Powell State Farm – 2408 E University Dr # 104 – Auburn, AL 36830 – (334) 501-8245
Allstate Insurance – 721 E Glenn Ave – Auburn, AL 36830 – (334) 821-7570
For a full directory of auto insurance agents in Auburn, please view this page.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent requires more thought than just the premium amount. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- Which company do they place the most coverage with?
- Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
Once you have received satisfactory answers for all questions you ask as well as a affordable price, you may have just found a car insurance agent that is a good match to service your policy.
Online insurance company options
Local insurance agents are a valuable resource, but Alabama car insurance can also be bought direct from companies that only sell online. Some car insurance companies that sell primarily through agents also allow you to buy a policy online, and consumers should do that.
If you’re uncomfortable with whether or not you’ll have guidance when buying direct, that should not be a issue. Online insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide phone numbers and online resources to walk you through the process.
Are online premiums lower? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer due to the fact that there are multiple individual factors that influence the price you pay. Common sense would say that going direct saves the commission normally paid to an agent. In reality, advertising budgets are huge so this can offset any savings.
If the best price is important to you, the most effective way to determine if car insurance prices are lower online or from agents is getting rates for as many of both types of providers as possible. You may actually get a different price when comparing quotes online and from an agent for the same auto insurance company. You won’t know which has the best rates unless free rate quotes are compared each way.
Much more information about auto insurance in Alabama is available on the website for the Alabama Department of Insurance found here. Consumers can view a list of available companies, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, get help finding coverage, and read industry bulletins.
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Summing up your auto insurance search
Drivers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as extreme rates for teen drivers, denial of a claim, high rates after DUI convictions and even lack of trust in their agent. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch finding a new auto insurance company is pretty easy and you might even save some money in the process.
While you’re price shopping online, it’s not a good idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. In many instances, consumers will sacrifice comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret at claim time they didn’t have enough coverage. Your focus should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate.
