If you’re looking to buy auto insurance, selecting the best Ames car insurance agent for your needs is not as easy as just using the same auto insurance agent as your neighbor. It’s likely you not only want a professional licensed agent, but also affordable coverage.
With companies like Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents all competing for your business, it’s difficult to determine which provider will have the lowest rates and best service. Thankfully, you can use online quoting to get a list of agents and thier coverage prices.
Car Insurance through a local Ames agent
Good agents can answer important questions and give you someone to call. The best thing about price shopping on the web is the fact that you can find better rates but also keep your business local. And providing support for local businesses is important particularly in Ames.
By using this short form, your insurance coverage information is instantly submitted to insurance agents in Ames who will battle to get your business. There is no reason to leave your computer due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. How cool is that?!
The difference between Ames auto insurance agents
When finding a reputable insurance agent or broker, you need to know there are two different agency structures that you can select. Agents are categorized either captive or independent. Both write coverage properly, but it’s worth learning how they are different since it may influence the selection process.
Independent Agents
Independent insurance agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with any number of different companies depending on which coverage is best. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to get quotes from several independent insurance agents for maximum quote selection. Most have the option of insuring with smaller companies who may have lower rates.
The following are independent insurance agents in Ames that may be able to provide pricing information.
- Rust Agency Insurance – 506 Kellogg Ave – Ames, IA 50010 – (515) 663-8750
- Knapp-Tedesco Insurance Inc – 414 Northwestern Ave – Ames, IA 50010 – (515) 232-7060
- Rust Agency Insurance – 506 Kellogg Ave – Ames, IA 50010 – (515) 663-8750
- Jim Lohr Agency – 113 Colorado Ave – Ames, IA 50014 – (515) 292-2500
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents can only write with one company and some examples include AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. They are unable to compare other company’s rates so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agents receive extensive training on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents. Some consumers prefer to choose to use a captive agent primarily because of high brand loyalty and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Shown below is a list of captive agencies in Ames who can help you get rate quotes.
- American Family Insurance – 803 24th St – Ames, IA 50010 – (515) 232-3333
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 1606 S Duff Ave # 300 – Ames, IA 50010 – (515) 233-2480
- State Farm Insurance – 1112 Buckeye Ave – Ames, IA 50010 – (515) 233-1295
- Allstate Insurance – 516 Lincoln Way # B – Ames, IA 50010 – (515) 232-0771
- Shelter Insurance – 311 Lincoln Way # 2 – Ames, IA 50010 – (515) 232-1555
To view a full list of captive insurance agencies in Ames, visit this site.
Choosing an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just the premium amount. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- How are claims handled?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
Once you have answers to your satisfaction to your questions and an acceptable price quote, you may have just found an auto insurance agent that can service your policy.
Don’t forget about online companies
Local insurance agents are important, but you also have the option of buying Iowa car insurance from online companies direct. Certain companies like State Farm and Allstate who have local Ames agents also give you the option to buy online, so that should be considered.
If you’re apprehensive about not getting proper coverage, that shouldn’t be an issue. Online insurance companies all have toll-free customer service for customer questions. In addition, they usually offer live help and 24/7 access you can access prior to buying.
Do customers save by switching to an online company? The answer is complex because of the fact that insurance companies use many factors that influence the price you pay. It would make sense to think that buying car insurance online saves money because there is no commission. But in most cases, it’s expensive to advertise and this tends to eat up any savings.
Buy online or local, you save
When shopping online for auto insurance, make sure you don’t buy less coverage just to save a little money. Too many times, consumers will sacrifice collision coverage only to discover later they didn’t have enough coverage. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.
Low-cost auto insurance is possible on the web and also from your neighborhood Ames agents, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. A few companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
Additional auto insurance information is located on the Iowa Insurance Division website through this link. Consumers can learn about specific coverages, download brochures, read industry bulletins, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.
The articles below may also help you learn more about auto insurance in Ames