When searching for a good insurance agent in Myrtle Beach, SC, you can always do the preliminary legwork online instead of calling around. You need a great agent that can assess your needs, and also the lowest rates in Myrtle Beach.
Lots of auto insurance agents contend for your business, so it’s not easy to compare every insurance agent and get the best coverage at the cheapest price
Why do I need an agent?
Good agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is you may find the best rates and still have an agent to talk to.
Upon completion of this form (opens in new window), your insurance data is emailed to local insurance agents in Myrtle Beach who will give you bids for your coverage. You won’t need to leave your computer since price quotes are sent to your email. How cool is that?! Get lower rates AND a local agent.
Selecting a car insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. These are valid questions to ask:
- Are they full-time agents?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- How are claims handled?
Myrtle Beach car insurance agents come in two flavors
If you’re trying to find an insurance agent, you need to know there are two different agency structures that you can select. Myrtle Beach agents can either be captive or independent (non-captive).
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents work for only one company such as American Family, State Farm and Allstate. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so they have to upsell other benefits. They are very knowledgeable on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some consumers prefer to buy insurance from these agents partially due to the prominence of the brand and strong financial ratings.
Below is a list of captive agencies in Myrtle Beach that are able to give price quote information.
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 534 Broadway St # A – Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 – (843) 444-0851
- Allstate Insurance – 607 Briarwood Dr – Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 – (843) 272-8850
- State Farm Insurance – 4341 Highway 501 – Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 – (843) 349-3500
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These agents are not locked into one company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies and potentially find a lower price. To move your coverage to a new company, the business is moved internally and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparing rates, we recommend you include multiple independent agents to have the most options to choose from. Most have the option of insuring with smaller regional carriers which can be an advantage.
Listed below is a list of independent agents in Myrtle Beach who can help you get comparison quotes.
- Rick Hines Insurance Svc – 5513 N Kings Hwy – Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 – (843) 497-8898
- Wade K Davis Insurance – 321 Broadway St – Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 – (843) 626-3545
For a complete listing of licensed insurance agents in Myrtle Beach, go to this page.
Once you have acceptable answers to any questions you have and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to service your policy.
Is buying direct online an option?
Professional insurance agents are a valuable resource, but you can also find affordable South Carolina auto insurance direct online. Even companies who have local Myrtle Beach agents also let you buy direct online, so this should also be taken into consideration as an alternative to contacting agents.
If you’re uneasy about not getting advice from an agent when buying direct, don’t be too concerned. Companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide access to licensed agents that you can contact for information. Consumers also can use anytime access to help and a customer research section to clarify any questions you may have.
Is auto insurance cheaper online? The answer is complex since there are so many components which can raise or lower premium rates. It’s often assumed that purchasing direct online saves by not paying a commission. But in reality, getting their brand in front of customers is expensive so there may not be significant savings.
Additional detailed information can be read at the South Carolina Department of Insurance website. Consumers can report car insurance fraud, learn about insurance regulations, and discover disciplinary actions.
One last thing
When you buy insurance online, don’t be tempted to buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, an accident victim reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to find out that it was a big error on their part. Your aim should be to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price while still protecting your assets.
Low-cost auto insurance is possible online as well as from independent agents in Myrtle Beach, so compare prices from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some companies don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.
