To locate a good insurance agent in Corvallis, OR, you can do an initial search online instead of calling around. Consumers need a good agent, but also the cheapest rates you can possibly find.
Insurance companies such as Geico, Farmers Insurance and State Farm continually hit you with TV and radio ads and it is difficult to see past the corporate glitz and take the time to shop coverage around.
Working with a local agent
Educated insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and give you someone to call. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is that you can obtain better rates but also keep your business local.
By using this quick form, the coverage information is transmitted to local insurance agents in Corvallis who will compete to get your business. There is no need to leave your computer due to the fact that quote results will go to the email address you provide. It doesn’t get any easier! You’ll get the best rates AND a local agent.
Deciding on a car insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the premium amount. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Oregon?
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
- How long has their agency been in business in Corvallis?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
What type of Corvallis insurance agent is right for you?
When researching a reputable insurance agent or broker, you need to know there are two different agency structures from which to choose. Insurance agencies in Corvallis are either captive or independent.
Captive Agents
Captive agencies can only place business with one company and some examples include Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. Captives cannot compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. Captive agents receive extensive training on their company’s products which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers frequently choose to use a captive agent mainly due to the prominence of the brand and solid financial strength.
Listed below is a short list of captive agents in Corvallis willing to provide comparison quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 1869 NW 9th St – Corvallis, OR 97330 – (541) 757-1690
- Allstate Insurance – 2141 NW Fillmore Ave – Corvallis, OR 97330 – (541) 753-2168
- Farmers Insurance Group – 410 NW 5th St – Corvallis, OR 97330 – (541) 758-0103
- American Family Insurance – 2535 NW Kings Blvd – Corvallis, OR 97330 – (541) 738-7950
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles with any number of different companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, the business is moved internally and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to include multiple independent agents to get the best comparison. They also have the ability to place coverage with smaller regional carriers which may provide better rates.
Shown below is a list of independent agencies in Corvallis that are able to give price quotes.
- Willamette Valley Insurance – 470 NW Buchanan Ave – Corvallis, OR 97330 – (541) 753-5999
- Swanson Agency Inc – 310 NW 5th St # 205 – Corvallis, OR 97330 – (541) 757-7166
- Cynthia Stevenson Insurance – 520 NW Oak Ave # B – Corvallis, OR 97330 – (541) 752-7336
- Pendley Agency – 989 NW Circle Blvd – Corvallis, OR 97330 – (541) 758-4669
To view a full list of Corvallis insurance agents, please click here.
After receiving positive responses to all your questions and a good coverage price, you’ve probably found a car insurance agent that can service your policy.
But what about Progressive, Geico and other online companies?
Licensed agents serve a purpose, but you also have the option of buying Oregon car insurance from companies direct over the internet. Certain companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who have local Corvallis agents also give you the ability to get a quote and buy online, and that can save time if you prefer to buy online.
If you’re worried about not getting proper coverage, that is normal but is not a big issue. Online insurance companies provide phone numbers and online resources for customer questions. They also offer live chat and online tools so you can feel comfortable buying online.
For price-conscious consumers, the only way of knowing who has the best rates, online companies or local insurance agents, is to make apples-to-apples comparisons of both. It’s even possible to receive different pricing when comparing agent prices to online quotes from the same car insurance company. It’s not possible to know which way will be cheaper until you actually compare rates from both.
Is online auto insurance cheaper? It’s hard to say exactly since there are so many factors that impact your premium. Common sense would say that buying online saves money because there is no commission. For the majority of companies, however, it’s expensive to advertise so this can offset any savings.
More detailed Oregon auto insurance information is located at the Oregon Insurance Division website. Consumers can find a variety of consumer forms, find out industry alerts, and find disaster information.
A little work can save a LOT of money
Drivers leave their current company for a number of reasons such as an unsatisfactory settlement offer, lack of trust in their agent, extreme rates for teen drivers or questionable increases in premium. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch finding the right auto insurance provider is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
While you’re price shopping online, it’s a bad idea to buy less coverage just to save a little money. Too many times, an insured cut collision coverage only to regret at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The aim is to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
