Consumers Guide to Finding a Harrisonburg Auto Insurance Agent

Comparing car insurance companies in Harrisonburg, VA can be challenging because there are a lot of options and selecting the best Harrisonburg insurance agency for your needs is more difficult than just picking up the phone. Consumers require a good agent that listens to you, and also want to find cheap rates.

There is such a variety of insurance agencies to buy insurance from, and even though it’s nice to have a choice, lots of choices makes it harder to compare rates and cut insurance costs.

Your insurance agent down the street

Licensed agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about getting online price quotes is that you can obtain better rates but still work with a licensed agent.

For easy comparison, once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is sent to participating agents in Harrisonburg who will compete for your coverage. You don’t have to drive around since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. How’s that for easy! It’s the lowest rates AND a local agent.

Selecting an auto insurance agent requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Agents should be asked these questions:

  • Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
  • How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
  • Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
  • How long has their agency been in business in Harrisonburg?
  • If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
  • Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
  • Are they full-time agents?

Captive and independent Harrisonburg car insurance agents

When researching a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple different types of agents from which to choose. Agencies in Harrisonburg can either be independent or captive.

Captive Insurance Agents

This type of agents have only one company to place business with and examples are AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. They are unable to place coverage with different providers so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agencies receive extensive training on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage.

The following are captive insurance agents in Harrisonburg that are able to give price quote information.

Allstate Insurance – 101 W Mosby Rd # A – Harrisonburg, VA 22801 – (540) 434-3950
State Farm Insurance – 2322 Blue Stone Hill Dr – Harrisonburg, VA 22801 – (540) 432-0542
Rockingham Farm Bureau Assn – 1938 Deyerle Ave – Harrisonburg, VA 22801 – (540) 434-6778

Independent Agents

Independent agencies do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, the business is moved internally and you don’t have to find a new agent.

When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you include at least one independent agent to ensure the widest selection of prices.

Listed below is a short list of independent insurance agencies in Harrisonburg that are able to give rate quotes.

HIS Insurance and Svc Inc – 787 E Market St # A – Harrisonburg, VA 22801 – (540) 434-3111
Nationwide Insurance – – Harrisonburg, VA 22801 – (540) 432-1000

To view a full list of Harrisonburg insurance agents, please view this page.

After getting good answers to all your questions and a low price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that will properly insure your vehicles.

What if I want to buy from an online company?

Auto insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you can also buy Virginia car insurance direct from companies online. Even companies like State Farm and Allstate who have local agents in Harrisonburg additionally provide the ability to buy a policy online, and that is helpful as an alternative to contacting agents.

If you’re worried about not having an agent to talk to when buying online, that shouldn’t be an issue. Companies provide toll-free numbers for getting questions answered.

find Virginia insurance agents

Will auto insurance cost less online? That is a tough question to answer because there are a lot of things that can increase policy rates. Many people think that buying direct saves the cost of an agent commission. In many cases, it’s expensive to advertise so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.

What is YOUR best insurance company?

Cost effective car insurance is attainable from both online companies in addition to many Harrisonburg insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some car insurance companies do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

Insureds leave their current company for many reasons like policy non-renewal, high rates after DUI convictions, unfair underwriting practices and even delays in paying claims. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.

To learn more about car insurance in Virginia

Additional detailed information is available at the Virginia Bureau of Insurance website. Virginia drivers can download brochures, file complaints about a company, read industry bulletins, and find disaster information.