Comparing auto insurance companies in Cumberland, MD can be challenging because you have many choices and selecting the best Cumberland auto insurance agent for your needs is more difficult than just using the same auto insurance agent as your neighbor. Consumers need a good agent that listens to you, and also want to find the best possible rates.
With consumers having so many companies to choose from, it’s nearly impossible to pick the most affordable insurer.
Quote online, buy local
Good agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help submit paperwork. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is you may find better rates but also keep your business local.
Once you complete this simple form, your coverage information is emailed to companies in Cumberland who will battle to get your business. There is no reason to even leave your home since price quotes are sent directly to your email. Now that’s easy! You can find the lowest rates and work with a local agent.
Selecting an auto insurance agent requires more thought than just a cheap price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- How long has their agency been open in Cumberland?
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Maryland?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
Choose the right insurance agent
When finding a local agent, you must know there are a couple different types of agents that you can select. Agencies in Cumberland are classified as either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies have only one company to place business with and some examples include State Farm, AAA and Liberty Mutual. They generally cannot give you multiple price quotes so they have to upsell other benefits. They are well schooled in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage.
Below is a short list of captive agencies in Cumberland that can give you price quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 13117 Warrior Ave – Cumberland, MD 21502 – (301) 729-4701
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To move your coverage to a new company, they simply move the coverage in-house and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When searching for an agent, you should always include price quotes from multiple independent agents to get the best comparison.
Shown below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Cumberland that are able to give price quote information.
Knippenberg Insurance – 609 N Mechanic St – Cumberland, MD 21502 – (301) 724-1724
KMK Agency Inc – 63 Henderson Ave # 2 – Cumberland, MD 21502 – (301) 724-1013
American Insurance Ctr – 17202 Mcmullen Hwy SW – Cumberland, MD 21502 – (301) 729-1201
To view a full list of insurance agents in Cumberland, please click here.
Upon getting good answers in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you’ve probably found an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to provide auto insurance coverage.
Online companies can help you save
Licensed agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you can also find affordable Maryland auto insurance from companies direct over the internet. Even companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who employ agents also let you buy direct online, so this should also be taken into consideration if you don’t want to take the time to contact agents.
If you’re uneasy about selecting your own policy coverages when shopping online, that should not be a issue. Online companies have toll-free phone numbers and other options to answer any questions you may have. In addition, they usually offer online education and live help anytime so you can feel comfortable buying online.
Is it cheaper to buy online? It’s hard to say exactly due to the fact that there are many factors that influence the price you pay. It would make sense to think that buying car insurance online saves the commission normally paid to an agent. But in reality, there are high advertising and marketing costs so there may not be significant savings.
Consumer auto insurance information in Maryland
Additional detailed information is available at the Maryland Insurance Administration website. Maryland drivers can learn about insurance regulations, get help finding coverage, view agent and company licensing information, and read state legal mandates and laws.
More related Cumberland auto insurance information:
- Learn How to Shop For Cumberland, RI Car Insurance Like an Informed Consumer
- 9 Tips Guaranteed to Lower Car Insurance Costs in Cumberland, RI
A tidy conclusion
As you restructure your insurance plan, it’s very important that you do not buy less coverage just to save a little money. There have been many cases where someone dropped full coverage only to regret at claim time they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The proper strategy is to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.
Cost effective auto insurance can be bought on the web as well as from independent agents in Cumberland, so compare prices from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. There are still a few companies who don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.
