When trying to find a good insurance agent in Burnsville, Minnesota, we recommend you do the preliminary legwork on the internet rather than picking up the phone. For this article’s sake, it’s assumed you’re not only searching for a professional agent, but you also want to find great rates as well.
With insurance companies like Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents all competing for your business, consumers have a hard time knowing which car insurance agent will provide the best service and rates. To begin, you can use online price quotes to get a list of agents from which to choose.
Compare Burnsville agent rates online
Good agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help submit paperwork. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you may find better rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from local agencies is especially important in Burnsville.
Once you complete this simple form, your coverage information is submitted to local insurance agents who will give you bids for your business. You never need to leave your house since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier! You can find better rates AND a local agent.
Independent or Captive: It’s your choice
When researching a local agent, you need to know there are two different agency structures that you can select. Agencies in Burnsville are either captive or independent.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agents are not locked into one company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part. When comparison shopping, it’s a good idea to get quotes from at least one independent agent for the best price selection.Many can place coverage with smaller companies who may have lower rates.
The following is a short list of independent insurance agents in Burnsville who may be able to give you rate quotes.
- Mark Arens Insurance – 14400 W Burnsville Pkwy – Burnsville, MN 55306 – (952) 895-9999
- Naitonwide Provident Insurance – 494 Meadowood Ln – Burnsville, MN 55337 – (952) 736-9137
- James D Lunneborg Agency – 2420 E 117th St – Burnsville, MN 55337 – (952) 881-8866
- Flicek and Kerry Agency – 12751 County Road 5 # 185 – Burnsville, MN 55337 – (952) 894-1880
- Gerry Smith Agency – 1020 E 146th St # 107 – Burnsville, MN 55337 – (952) 432-7310
Agency Captives
This type of agents can only write with one company like AAA, Allstate and State Farm. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents receive extensive training in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some people will only buy from captive agents primarily because of loyalty to the company and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Listed below is a short list of captive agents in Burnsville that can give you price quotes.
- American Family Insurance – 14587 Grand Ave – Burnsville, MN 55306 – (952) 435-7222
- Farmers Insurance Group – 2500 County Road 42 W # 220 – Burnsville, MN 55337 – (952) 890-9890
- State Farm Insurance – 1301 Riverwood Dr – Burnsville, MN 55337 – (952) 895-3900
To view a full list of captive insurance agents in Burnsville, go to this page.
Picking an insurance agency should depend on more than just the bottom line cost. These are valid questions to ask:
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Minnesota?
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
- Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
Once you have positive feedback to any questions you have as well as a affordable price, you’ve probably found a car insurance agent that can properly service your car insurance policy.
But what about Geico, Esurance and Progressive?
Professional insurance agents are important to many people, but Minnesota consumers also have the option to buy direct from companies that only sell online. Certain companies like Allstate and State Farm who sell through agents in Burnsville also permit you to get a quote and buy online, so keep that in mind if you want to do it yourself.
If you’re worried about having to choose coverages yourself when buying car insurance direct, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. Online companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages all provide contact methods you can use to get advice on coverages. They also offer live help and 24/7 access to clarify any questions you may have.
Will auto insurance cost less online? The answer to that question is complicated because there are many factors that impact your rate calculation. Some people think that shopping online for auto insurance lowers rates due to not having any agent compensation. But the fact is, there are high advertising and marketing costs so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
One last thing about your coverage
When shopping online for car insurance, make sure you don’t buy less coverage just to save a little money. In many cases, someone sacrificed collision coverage only to find out they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your strategy should be to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price.
Cheaper car insurance can be sourced both online and with local Burnsville insurance agents, so you should compare both to have the best selection. Some insurance companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.
To find out more about Minnesota car insurance
Much more information about car insurance in Minnesota can be read on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website found here. Minnesota consumers can read state legal mandates and laws, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.
