When shopping for auto insurance, there are a lot of options and choosing the right Gary car insurance agent takes more work than just making a phone call. We’re assuming that not only do you want a good professional insurance agent, but also great rates as well.
With American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers having local Gary offices, consumers have a hard time knowing which auto insurance agent will have the cheapest rates and the best coverage. Thankfully, it’s easy to use online quoting to build a list of insurance agencies from which to choose.
Comparing rates from local agents
Insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you someone to call. The best thing about getting online price quotes is that you can obtain lower rates but also keep your business local. Buying from small agencies is important particularly in Gary.
Once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is instantly submitted to participating agents in Gary who will return price quotes to get your business. You never need to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!
Is a captive or independent insurance agent right for you?
When finding a good Gary insurance agent, there are two types of agencies to choose from. Agents are categorized either independent or captive. Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s good to learn the differences since it can impact your selection of an agent.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent. When shopping rates, you should always get quotes from several independent insurance agents for the best price selection.
Listed below is a short list of independent agents in Gary that may be able to provide comparison quotes.
Insurance Service-Nw Indiana – 5532 W Ridge Rd – Gary, IN 46408 – (219) 845-3060
Classic Auto Insurance Of Gary – 1711 W Ridge Rd – Gary, IN 46408 – (219) 884-3547
Agency Captives
These agents are contracted to one company and examples are State Farm, AAA and Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so keep that in mind. These agents are well schooled in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents.
Listed below is a list of captive insurance agents in Gary that can give you price quote information.
American Family Insurance – 3270 Grant St – Gary, IN 46408 – (219) 980-2886
Farmers Insurance Group – 4499 W 5th Ave – Gary, IN 46406 – (219) 977-9447
State Farm Insurance – 5425 Melton Rd – Gary, IN 46403 – (219) 938-3010
Allstate Insurance – 1336 Broadway # 1 – Gary, IN 46407 – (219) 881-9249
For a complete listing of captive agencies in Gary, visit this site.
Picking an insurance agency shouldn’t rely on just the price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- How long has their agency been in business in Gary?
- Are they full-time agents?
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
After getting positive responses for all questions you ask as well as a affordable price, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that meets your needs to properly insure your vehicles.
Are Progressive, Geico and Esurance cheaper?
Insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you also have the option of buying directly from online companies. A few companies that sell primarily through agents also give you the ability to buy direct online, and that can save time if you want to do it yourself.
If you’re concerned about selecting your own policy coverages when buying online, that should not be a issue. Companies all have toll-free customer service to help you decide which coverages are appropriate.
Is auto insurance cheaper online? That question is hard to answer since there are so many components that influence how your policy is priced. Common sense would say that going direct saves money because there is no agent involvement. But truthfully, advertising budgets are huge and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Additional information can be found on the website for the Indiana Department of Insurance located here. Consumers can get help finding coverage, report car insurance fraud, learn about insurance regulations, and download brochures.
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And the best car insurance company is…
While you’re price shopping online, it’s not a good idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. Too many times, an accident victim reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret at claim time that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your strategy should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.
Lower-priced auto insurance is attainable on the web and also from your neighborhood Gary agents, and you should compare price quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who may not provide the ability to get a quote online and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
