Bristol Auto Insurance Provider FAQ

Finding good auto insurance in Bristol can be challenging since choosing the right Bristol insurance agency is not as easy as just randomly choosing from the yellow pages. You require a decent agent, but also need competitive auto insurance rates.

Since consumers have many different company options, it’s nearly impossible to locate the lowest cost insurer.

Quote online but still have a local agent

Educated insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and help submit paperwork. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is the fact that you can find the best rates but still work with a licensed agent.

For easy comparison, once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is emailed to local insurance agents who will return price quotes to get your business. You won’t need to even leave your home because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. How cool is that?!

Deciding on an insurance agency should depend on more than just a cheap price. Here are some questions to ask:

Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
Is assistance available after office hours?
Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?

Compare rates from both independent and captive auto insurance agents

When finding a reliable agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both write coverage properly, but it’s worth learning the difference between them because it can influence your agent selection.

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive agencies have only one company to place business with and examples are Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They generally cannot provide prices from multiple companies so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents are very knowledgeable in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage. Some consumers prefer to choose to use a captive agent primarily because of the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.

Shown below is a list of captive agencies in Bristol who may provide you with price quotes.

Allstate Insurance – 500 Metacom Ave – Bristol, RI 02809 – (401) 253-2413

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent insurance 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, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part. When searching for an agent, you should always get quotes from several independent insurance agents for maximum quote selection.Many can place coverage with smaller companies which may provide better rates.

The following is a list of independent insurance agents in Bristol that can give you price quote information.

Oliver Insurance Inc – 645 Metacom Ave – Bristol, RI 02809 – (401) 253-4900
Mc Carthy and Assoc Insurance – 13 State St – Bristol, RI 02809 – (401) 253-0443

To view a full list of Bristol insurance agents, visit this site.

After getting satisfactory answers to these questions and a good coverage price, you’ve probably found an auto insurance agent that can provide auto insurance coverage.

Can you find lower rates by buying online?

Licensed agents are important, but you also have the option of buying Rhode Island car insurance from online companies direct. A few companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who sell through the agent channel also let you get quotes and purchase online, and online price comparisons are easy.

If you’re uneasy about having to choose coverages yourself when buying online, this really isn’t an issue. Car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages all provide contact methods that you can contact for information. You may also access extensive coverage information and 24/7 assistance to help with the buying process.

Is auto insurance cheaper online? It’s difficult to provide an answer since there are many things that influence the price you pay. Some people will tell you that going direct saves the commission normally paid to an agent. But truthfully, there are high advertising and marketing costs so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.

Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal

Drivers change insurance companies for many reasons like not issuing a premium refund, high prices, extreme rates for teen drivers or delays in paying claims. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch switching auto insurance companies is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.

Low-cost auto insurance can be bought on the web and also from your neighborhood Bristol agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who may not provide online quoting and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.