When trying to find an insurance agent in Shelby, MT, it’s recommended you start your research by getting online comparison quotes instead of making phone calls. Consumers need an excellent agent, but also the best possible price.
Consumers have many insurance agencies to choose from, and though it is a good thing to have a choice, it can be more challenging to compare rates and cut insurance costs.
Best way to find Shelby agents
Educated insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and help in the event of a claim. The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is you may find better rates but still work with a licensed agent.
Upon completion of this form (opens in new window), your coverage information is submitted to companies in Shelby who will compete to get your business. There is no reason to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent to the email address you provide. It doesn’t get any easier! You’ll get the best rates AND a local agent.
Deciding on a car insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap price. Some important questions to ask are:
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Montana?
- Who are their largest clients?
- Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
Insurance agent types
When searching for a good insurance agency, you must know there are a couple types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Shelby agents can either be captive or independent.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive insurance agents write business for a single company like AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. These agents are unable to compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. They are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents. Some people will only buy insurance from these agents primarily because of the prominence of the brand and solid financial strength.
Listed below are Shelby captive agents that can give you comparison quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 111 1st St S – Shelby, MT 59474 – (406) 434-5342
- Farmers Insurance Group – 424 Main St – Shelby, MT 59474 – (406) 434-7930
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent insurance agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part.
When comparing rates, you should always include price quotes from at least one independent agent for the best price selection. Many write coverage with smaller companies which may provide better rates.
Listed below are independent insurance agencies in Shelby that are able to give price quotes.
- Seubert Insurance – 234 Front St – Shelby, MT 59474 – (406) 434-5211
- Seubert Insurance – 114 Division St – Shelby, MT 59474 – (406) 434-5211
For a full directory of licensed insurance agents in Shelby, visit this link.
Upon getting satisfactory answers for all questions you ask and a good coverage price, most likely you have located a car insurance agent that will insure your vehicles.
What if I want to shop online?
Auto insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you also have the option of buying directly from online companies. Even companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who sell through the agent channel also allow consumers to quote and buy online, so that should be considered to possibly find a better rate.
If you’re uneasy about not having an insurance agent’s advice when buying car insurance direct, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Companies provide options for getting advice on proper coverages.
The only way to know if car insurance prices are lower online or from agents is to take the time to compare rates from both. It’s even possible to receive different pricing from online quotes as compared to agent rates from the same company. It’s not possible to know which has the best rates until you actually compare rates utilizing both methods.
Do online companies have better rates? It’s hard to say exactly since companies use quite a few components that influence the price you pay. Common logic is that buying car insurance online saves money because there is no agent involvement. For most online online companies, however, marketing expenses are significant so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
Additional reading for auto insurance information
More detailed Montana auto insurance information is available at the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance website. Consumers can read state legal mandates and laws, learn about insurance regulations, and read industry bulletins.
These articles may also be worth reading.
- Shelby, MT Auto Insurance Buying Tips You Arent Supposed to Know
- Discover the Secrets to Saving Money on Shelby Ohio Auto Insurance
- Lowest Auto Insurance Exclusively for Shelby Residents
Online plus local equals savings
As you restructure your insurance plan, it’s very important that you do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many instances, drivers have reduced liability limits or collision coverage only to regret at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your strategy should be to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate.
People switch companies for many reasons like policy non-renewal, policy cancellation, high rates after DUI convictions and even high prices. No matter why you want to switch, finding the right auto insurance provider is not as hard as you think.
