When pricing car insurance in Hickory, NC, you have many choices and picking a good North Carolina auto insurance agent is harder than just using the same auto insurance agent as your neighbor. Consumers require a good agent that listens to you, and also want to find the best car insurance prices in Hickory.
Because you have many car insurance companies to choose from, it’s difficult to choose the lowest price insurance company.
Quote online but work with a neighborhood agent
Educated insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and give you peace of mind. One of the best bonuses of getting online price quotes is you may find the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to.
To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), your coverage information is submitted to companies in Hickory who will return price quotes for your business. You don’t have to drive around since price quotes are sent to your email. Now that’s easy!
Picking a car insurance agent should depend on more than just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- How are they compensated?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in North Carolina?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- Who are their largest clients?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
Choose an insurance agent wisely
If you’re trying to find an insurance agent, there are two types of agencies from which to choose. Insurance agencies in Hickory are classified as either independent or captive. Both types can write coverage properly, but it’s worth mentioning how they are different since it may influence the type of agent you choose
Agency Captives
This type of agents are contracted to one company like State Farm, AAA, Farmers Insurance or Allstate. They usually cannot give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agencies are trained well on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage.
The following is a list of captive agencies in Hickory that are able to give rate quotes.
State Farm Insurance – 1410 Old Lenoir Rd # A – Hickory, NC 28601 – (828) 431-2299
Allstate Insurance Co – 1825 N Center St – Hickory, NC 28601 – (828) 324-6787
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business amongst many companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, the agent simply finds a different carrier and that require little work on your part.
When comparison shopping, you should always contact multiple independent agents to get the best comparison.
The following are Hickory independent insurance agents who can help you get comparison quotes.
Jeff Brittain Insurance – 2329 Springs Rd NE – Hickory, NC 28601 – (828) 322-6637
Direct General Ins Agency – 332 Us Highway 70 SW – Hickory, NC 28602 – (828) 322-7002
Broome Associated Insurance – 630 4th St SW – Hickory, NC 28602 – (828) 328-5671
For a full directory of insurance agents in Hickory, please view this page.
Once you have answers to your satisfaction for all questions you ask and an acceptable price quote, it’s possible that you found an auto insurance agent that will service your policy.
Online companies are an option
Insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you can also find affordable North Carolina auto insurance direct over the internet. Some car insurance companies like Allstate and State Farm who have local Hickory agents also give you the option to buy online, and online price comparisons are easy if finding the best price is important.
If you’re concerned about not getting proper coverage, don’t let it bother you. Insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages all have client service departments to walk you through the process.
Are car insurance rates lower online? It’s difficult to provide an answer due to the fact that there are many factors that impact your rate calculation. It’s a common assumption that buying direct cuts out the middleman. But the fact is, it’s expensive to advertise so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.
Online plus local equals savings
Cost effective car insurance is possible on the web and also from your neighborhood Hickory agents, so compare prices from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers may not provide online price quotes and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.
When shopping online for car insurance, make sure you don’t skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many cases where someone dropped full coverage only to discover later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your aim should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.
Additional car insurance links
More detailed North Carolina car insurance information can be found at the North Carolina Department of Insurance website. North Carolina drivers can view agent and company licensing information, get help finding coverage, read industry bulletins, and find out industry alerts.
