Comparing auto insurance rates in Simi Valley can be a lot of work since you have many choices and selecting the best Simi Valley insurance agency for your needs is not as easy as just using the same insurance agency as your neighbor. For this article’s sake, it’s assumed you’re wanting a good professional insurance agent, but you also need great rates as well.
With insurance companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers all competing for your business, it’s difficult to determine which provider will have the cheapest rates and the best coverage. Fortunately, you can use online quoting to build a list of agents and thier coverage prices.
How to find Simi Valley insurance agents online
Agents can point out coverage gaps and give you peace of mind. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is you can get better rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from local businesses is definitely important in Simi Valley.
To find an agent, once you fill out this simple form, your insurance coverage information gets sent to companies in Simi Valley who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You won’t need to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go to your email. Now that’s easy!
Captive or Independent: There is a difference
If you’re trying to find a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Simi Valley are categorized either independent or captive. Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning how they are different because it can impact the type of agent you choose
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with many different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparing rates, we recommend you include at least one independent agent to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Below is a list of independent insurance agencies in Simi Valley that can give you competitive price quotes.
Beatty and Assoc Insurance – 40 W Cochran St – Simi Valley, CA 93065 – (805) 579-1590
Romero Insurance – 5775 E Los Angeles Ave # 212 – Simi Valley, CA 93063 – (805) 582-4655
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents can only write with one company like AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to provide prices from multiple companies so keep that in mind. They receive extensive training on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage.
Shown below is a list of captive agencies in Simi Valley who can help you get comparison quotes.
State Farm Insurance – 1782 E Los Angeles Ave – Simi Valley, CA 93065 – (805) 522-8315
Farmers Insurance Group – 1445 E Los Angeles Ave – Simi Valley, CA 93065 – (805) 520-2884
Allstate Insurance – 4210 E Los Angeles Ave – Simi Valley, CA 93063 – (805) 581-5014
To view a full list of captive agencies in Simi Valley, visit this link.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
Upon receiving positive responses and an acceptable price quote, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that can service your policy.
Which policy gives me the best coverage?
When it comes to choosing adequate coverage, there is no single plan that fits everyone. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s so your insurance needs to address that. Here are some questions about coverages that can aid in determining if your situation might need an agent’s assistance.
- Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
- How high should my uninsured/underinsured coverage be in California?
- Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
- What is high-risk coverage and where do I buy it?
- Is a new car covered when I drive it off the dealer lot?
- Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
- How much liability do I need to cover my assets?
- Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
- At what point should I drop full coverage?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions, you might consider talking to a licensed agent.
What about online companies that don’t sell through insurance agents?
Licensed agents serve a purpose, but you also have the option of buying from online companies direct. Certain auto insurance companies like State Farm and Allstate who have local agents in Simi Valley also let you buy a policy online, so this should also be taken into consideration if you prefer to buy online.
If you’re uncomfortable with not getting proper coverage, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. All companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide access to licensed agents for getting advice on proper coverages.
Do online companies provide lower prices? It’s difficult to provide an answer since there are many things that impact your premium. It would make sense to think that a shopper who purchases direct saves the cost of an agent commission. For most online online companies, however, the cost of constant advertising is expensive so this can offset any savings.
If you have the time, the only way to find out if local insurance agents or online providers are cheaper is getting rates for as many of both types of providers as possible. You could possible even receive different price quotes from the exact same provider if you compare an online quote to agent rates. But you can’t find out whether the best rates are online or from an agent until after comparing identical coverage quotes each way.
What is YOUR best insurance company?
When you buy insurance online, make sure you don’t skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are a lot of situations where drivers have reduced collision coverage to discover at claim time that it was a big mistake. The aim is to find the BEST coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.
People who switch companies do it for any number of reasons including poor customer service, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, questionable increases in premium or even not issuing a premium refund. No matter why you want to switch, finding a great new company is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
Additional information can be found on the website for the California Department of Insurance. Click here for link. Visitors are able to learn about specific coverages, learn about insurance regulations, and find out which companies have the most complaints.
