Elkhart Car Insurance Agents – Which is Best for Your Needs?

If you’re trying to find a good insurance agent in Elkhart, Indiana, you can always start your search by comparing prices online rather than looking in the yellowpages. The chances are good you’re not only searching for a professional agent, but you also want the best rates possible.

With companies like Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents all competing for your business, consumers have a hard time knowing which one will give you the best service and rates. To help decide, consumers can use online quotes to build a list of agents and price estimates.

Local Elkhart car insurance agents

Agents can help determine the best coverages and give you someone to call. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find lower rates and still have an agent to talk to. And supporting local agencies is especially important in Elkhart.

To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), your coverage information is immediately sent to participating agents in Elkhart who will return price quotes for your business. There is no reason to drive around since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier! You can find better rates and work with a local agent.

Two types of Elkhart car insurance agents

When searching for local Elkhart agents, you need to know there are two types of agencies from which to choose. Agencies in Elkhart are either captive or independent.

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent agents do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part.

When searching for an agent, you should always include multiple independent agents for the best price selection.

The following is a list of independent agents in Elkhart that can give you price quote information.

Jan Ballowe Agency – 23585 Us Highway 33 – Elkhart, IN 46517 – (574) 875-4540
Shultz Insurance Inc – 219 S 3rd St – Elkhart, IN 46516 – (574) 293-9571
Holmes Insurance Inc – 311 W Hively Ave – Elkhart, IN 46517 – (574) 294-7612
Scott Brockus Agency – 810 W Bristol St # R – Elkhart, IN 46514 – (574) 264-5008
A Agency Insurance – 505 S 3rd St # 140 – Elkhart, IN 46516 – (574) 522-4455

Captive Insurance Agents

These agents write business for a single company such as AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. They usually cannot place coverage with different providers so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. They are well schooled in insurance sales which can be an advantage.

Listed below are Elkhart captive agents that are able to give price quotes.

Farm Bureau Insurance – 2310 W Lexington Ave – Elkhart, IN 46514 – (574) 295-4488
State Farm Insurance – 5230 Beck Dr # 7 – Elkhart, IN 46516 – (574) 294-7205
American Family – 23737 Us Highway 33 # A – Elkhart, IN 46517 – (574) 875-5723
Allstate Insurance – 519 Baldwin St – Elkhart, IN 46514 – (574) 262-8838

To view a full list of captive insurance agents in Elkhart, visit this site.

Selecting a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. Agents should be asked these questions:

  • Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
  • Is assistance available after office hours?
  • If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
  • How are they compensated?
  • How are claims handled?
  • Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
  • Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?

Once you have received good answers to these questions and an affordable coverage quote, you may have just found a car insurance agent that will properly insure your vehicles.

The online company option

Local insurance agents are a valuable resource, but you can also buy Indiana car insurance direct online. Some car insurance companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who sell through agents in Elkhart also give you the option to buy online, and that can save time if finding the best price is important.

If you’re uneasy about having to choose coverages yourself, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. Online car insurance companies have toll-free phone numbers and other options to answer any questions you may have.

best Indiana agent

Does buying online save money? A lot of shoppers won’t buy anywhere else, but it’s impossible to say because there are so many things that impact your premium. Common logic is that purchasing direct online saves by not paying a commission. But that assumption is generally incorrect because there are very high advertising costs so there may not be significant savings.

More sites with car insurance information

Additional car insurance information can be found on the website for the Indiana Department of Insurance located here. Indiana drivers can get help finding coverage, learn about specific coverages, and view a list of available companies.

One last thing about your coverage

Budget-conscious car insurance is attainable both online in addition to many Elkhart insurance agents, so you should compare both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance companies do not provide online price quotes and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.

Consumers change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as delays in responding to claim requests, policy cancellation, high rates after DUI convictions or even questionable increases in premium. Regardless of your reason, finding a new car insurance company is not as difficult as it may seem.