Consumers Guide to Researching a Biddeford Insurance Agent

To locate a good insurance agent in Biddeford, Maine, we recommend you start your research by comparing rates online in order to save time. Most likely you not only want a highly trained agent, but also great rates as well.

With insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate and many independent agents having local Biddeford offices, consumers have a hard time knowing which one will provide you with the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To begin, consumers can get insurance quotes online to assemble a group of insurance agencies and price estimates.

Compare online but buy from a local Biddeford agent

Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help in the event of a claim. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is the fact that you can find the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. And providing support for small agencies is important particularly in Biddeford.

Once you complete this simple form, your coverage information is instantly submitted to local insurance agents in Biddeford who will battle for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to leave your house since price quotes are sent directly to your email. Now that’s easy! You’ll get the best rates and an insurance agent to talk to.

Pick the best car insurance agent in Biddeford for you

If you’re trying to find a good Biddeford insurance agent, you must know there are a couple types of insurance agents to choose from. Agencies in Biddeford are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive).

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent agents are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage with any number of different companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency.

When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to contact multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection.

Listed below are Biddeford independent insurance agencies that can give you comparison quotes.

Audie Agency Insurance – 300 Elm St – Biddeford, ME 04005 – (207) 284-5265
Normand M Methot Agency Inc – 319 Main St – Biddeford, ME 04005 – (207) 282-3314
Paquin and Carroll Insurance – 260 Main St – Biddeford, ME 04005 – (207) 283-1486
Bastarache Insurance – 10 Highland St – Biddeford, ME 04005 – (207) 284-5195

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive agents are contracted to one company like Allstate, AAA, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. They usually cannot compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They are trained well on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents.

The following is a list of captive insurance agencies in Biddeford who can help you get rate quotes.

Allstate Insurance – 411 Alfred St – Biddeford, ME 04005 – (207) 283-9141

For a complete listing of captive agencies in Biddeford, please click here.

Selecting a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:

  • Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
  • Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
  • Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
  • Will your rates increase after a single accident?
  • How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?

Once you have good answers for all questions you ask and an acceptable price quote, you’ve probably found an insurance agency that meets your needs to properly service your car insurance policy.

Online auto insurance companies

Car insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but Maine consumers also have the option to buy direct online. A few companies who employ agents also let you buy online, and online price comparisons are easy.

If you’re concerned about having to choose coverages yourself when buying car insurance direct, don’t be too concerned. Companies all have client service departments for getting questions answered. Many online companies also provide online help and live chat to help you make a buying decision.

Is auto insurance cheaper online? The answer to that question is complicated since there are so many components that determine the price you pay. It would make sense to think that going direct cuts out the middleman. But that assumption is generally incorrect because marketing expenses are significant and this drives up their premium costs.

find Biddeford ME insurance agents

In Summary

When shopping online for car insurance, you should never buy less coverage just to save a little money. There have been many cases where consumers will sacrifice collision coverage only to regret that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your strategy should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.

Cheaper car insurance can be bought from both online companies in addition to many Biddeford insurance agents, so you should compare both to get a complete price analysis. A few companies do not provide the ability to get a quote online and usually these smaller companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

Additional consumer information websites

Additional information can be found on the website for the Maine Bureau of Insurance through this link. Consumers can find a variety of consumer forms, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and report car insurance fraud.

More related Biddeford car insurance information: