If you’re looking for a good Grand Forks agent, you can always start your search on the web to save time. For the sake of this article, we’ll assume you not only want a great agent that can assess your needs, but you also want great rates as well.
With companies like Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents having local Grand Forks offices, it’s hard to tell which will give you the best service and rates. Thankfully, you can use online quotes in order to build a list of insurance agencies to choose from.
Working with a local agent
Professional agents can help determine the best coverages and give you peace of mind. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is that you can obtain the lowest rates but also keep your business local. And providing support for local insurance agencies is important especially in Grand Forks.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this form (opens in new window), the coverage information is emailed to agents in your area who will return price quotes to get your business. You never need to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy! Get lower rates AND an agent nearby.
Not all insurance agencies are the same
When looking for an insurance agent, you must know there are a couple types of agencies from which to choose. Insurance agencies in Grand Forks can either be captive or independent (non-captive).
Independent Agents
These agents are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage with any number of different companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency. When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to contact several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. Many write coverage with smaller companies who may have lower rates.
Shown below are independent insurance agencies in Grand Forks that are able to give pricing information.
- Raymond F Schaefer Insurance – 923 N 6th St – Grand Forks, ND 58203 – (701) 775-3125
- Eric Pearson Agency – 523 Demers Ave – Grand Forks, ND 58201 – (701) 787-5433
- Brendle Agency – 2811 Knight Dr – Grand Forks, ND 58201 – (701) 775-7328
- Prudential Insurance Co – 2850 24th Ave S # 300 – Grand Forks, ND 58201 – (701) 746-0052
- Tom Lerud Agency Inc – 3325 S Washington St – Grand Forks, ND 58201 – (701) 772-1466
Captive Agents
Captive agencies can only write with one company and some examples include Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They usually cannot shop your coverage around so keep that in mind. They are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers frequently choose to use a captive agent partially due to the prominence of the brand and strong financial ratings.
Below are Grand Forks captive agents that can give you rate quotes.
- Farmers Insurance Group – 2212 Library Cir – Grand Forks, ND 58201 – (701) 775-8122
- Allstate Insurance Co – 2512 S Washington St # B – Grand Forks, ND 58201 – (701) 772-3429
- State Farm Insurance – 1521 24th Ave S – Grand Forks, ND 58201 – (701) 772-2279
- American Family Insurance – 1515 S Washington St – Grand Forks, ND 58201 – (701) 746-1919
For a complete listing of auto insurance agents in Grand Forks, visit this site.
Picking an insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. These are valid questions to ask:
- Are they full-time agents?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
After receiving positive feedback and a low price estimate, chances are good that you have found a car insurance agent that can adequately provide auto insurance.
But what about Geico and Esurance?
Licensed agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you also have the option of buying North Dakota car insurance from online companies direct. Certain companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who have local Grand Forks agents also let you quote and buy online, so keep that in mind.
If you’re apprehensive about not having someone to ask questions when shopping online, don’t be too concerned. Online car insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage all have client service departments to help you decide which coverages are appropriate.
Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online? It’s difficult to say for sure because there are many components that can increase policy rates. Common logic is that buying directly from the company saves by not paying a commission. But that assumption is generally incorrect because marketing expenses are significant and this tends to eat up any savings.
The best insurance company isn’t always the cheapest
Discount auto insurance can be bought from both online companies in addition to many Grand Forks insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. A few companies do not provide online price quotes and usually these smaller companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.
When trying to cut insurance costs, it’s a bad idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. In many cases, someone sacrificed collision coverage only to discover later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your focus should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Informative consumer insurance sites
Additional auto insurance information can be found on the North Dakota Insurance Department website through this link. Consumers can read industry bulletins, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and read state legal mandates and laws.
The following information may also be useful.
