If you’re looking to buy car insurance, choosing the right New Bern car insurance agent is more difficult than just using the same insurance agent as your neighbor. There is a good chance you want a good professional insurance agent, but also great rates as well.
With State Farm, Allstate and Farmers Insurance having local New Bern offices, it’s difficult to determine which insurance agency will give you the lowest rates and best service. To begin, consumers can get online quotes to get a list of insurance agencies from which to choose.
New Bern agents for car insurance
Agents can answer important questions and give you someone to call. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you can get lower rates and still choose a local agent. And supporting local insurance agencies is definitely important in New Bern.
To find an agent, once you fill out this quick form, the quote information is instantly submitted to companies in New Bern who will compete for your business. There is no reason to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. How’s that for easy! You can find better rates AND an agent nearby.
The different types of insurance agents
When finding a local agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in New Bern are either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Independent Insurance Agents
These agents do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency. When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you include price quotes from at a minimum one independent agency for maximum quote selection. Many write coverage with smaller regional carriers which can save you money.
Shown below are New Bern independent insurance agencies willing to provide price quote information.
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 902 Washington Post Rd – New Bern, NC 28560 – (252) 637-6125
- Senior Care Insurance Svc – 790 Cardinal Rd – New Bern, NC 28562 – (252) 633-2234
Agency Captives
This type of agents write business for a single company and examples are AAA, Allstate and State Farm. These agents are unable to compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. These agents are trained well on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers frequently buy from captive agents primarily because of the brand legacy and solid financial strength.
Listed below is a short list of captive insurance agents in New Bern that are able to give rate quotes.
- Allstate Insurance Co – 1702 US Highway 70 E # B – New Bern, NC 28560 – (252) 638-0175
- Nc Farm Bureau – 1505 S Glenburnie Rd – New Bern, NC 28562 – (252) 633-1060
For a complete listing of captive insurance agencies in New Bern, please click here.
Deciding on an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just a low price. These are valid questions to ask:
- How long has their agency been in business in New Bern?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- How are claims handled?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
- How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
Once you have reasonable responses to your questions and an affordable coverage quote, you may have just found an insurance agent that meets your needs to service your policy.
Have you considered online alternatives?
Car insurance agents can be invaluable at times, but you can also buy North Carolina car insurance direct over the internet. Even companies like Allstate and State Farm who employ agents also give you the option to buy online, so this should also be taken into consideration if you prefer to buy online.
If you’re uneasy about choosing your own coverages when buying direct, this really isn’t an issue. Insurance companies provide customer service that you can contact for information. You may also access anytime access to help and a customer research section that can help answer basic questions.
Can online rates save money? A lot of shoppers won’t buy anywhere else, but it’s impossible to say since companies use quite a few components that determine the price you pay. It’s logical to say that buying directly from the company reduces premiums because there is no agent. For most companies selling online, however, online and traditional media advertising are expensive and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Better coverage you can count on
Insureds change insurance companies for any number of reasons including an unsatisfactory settlement offer, denial of a claim, high rates after DUI convictions or delays in responding to claim requests. Whatever your reason, choosing a new company is pretty easy and you might even save some money in the process.
Budget-conscious car insurance can be bought from both online companies in addition to many New Bern insurance agents, so compare prices from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance providers do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
More resources for learning
More information is located on the North Carolina Department of Insurance website located here. Consumers can discover disciplinary actions, file complaints about a company, and get help finding coverage.
