When finding a good insurance agent in Martinsburg, WV, you can do the preliminary legwork for an agent online rather than looking in the yellowpages. You need a highly trained agent, but also competitive auto insurance rates.
Drivers have so many insurance agencies to insure vehicles with, and although it’s a good thing to have multiple companies, too many choices makes it more difficult to compare rates and find the lowest cost auto insurance.
Why do I need an agent?
Agents can point out coverage gaps and help file insurance claims. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is you may find the best rates and still choose a local agent.
Once you complete this form (opens in new window), the quote information is emailed to participating agents in Martinsburg who will return price quotes to get your business. You don’t have to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy! You can find better rates AND a local agent.
Selecting an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price. These questions are important to ask:
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
Compare rates from both independent and captive insurance agents
When finding a reliable agent, there are two types of agencies to choose from. Agencies in Martinsburg are categorized either independent or captive.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies can only place business with one company such as Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. These agents are not able to provide prices from multiple companies so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agents are very knowledgeable on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers often purchase coverage from captives partially due to loyalty to the company and solid financial strength.
Listed below are Martinsburg captive insurance agents who can help you get price quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 2610 Aikens Ctr – Martinsburg, WV 25401 – (304) 267-6639
- State Farm Insurance – 772 Foxcroft Ave – Martinsburg, WV 25401 – (304) 262-0300
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparison shopping, we recommend you include at a minimum one independent agency to ensure the widest selection of prices.Many can place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies who may have lower rates.
Listed below is a list of independent insurance agencies in Martinsburg willing to provide rate quotes.
- Nationwide Insurance – 1445 Edwin Miller Blvd – Martinsburg, WV 25401 – (304) 262-3100
- Myers Agency – 114 Aikens Ctr # 4 – Martinsburg, WV 25401 – (304) 263-3349
- Myers Agency – 115 Aikens Ctr # 4 – Martinsburg, WV 25401 – (304) 263-3349
- Perry Insurance – 2 Lavalette – Martinsburg, WV 25401 – (304) 529-0080
For a full directory of insurance agents in Martinsburg, visit this link.
Once you have received good answers to these questions and locked in a price quote, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that is a good match to provide auto insurance coverage.
Can you buy online and save?
Insurance agencies are a valuable resource, but you also have the option of buying directly from online companies. Some specific companies like State Farm and Allstate that are more known for using agents, also let you get quotes and purchase online, so that should be considered if the lowest rate is your goal.
If you’re anxious about not receiving proper advice, this really isn’t an issue. Online companies have toll-free phone numbers and other options for customer questions. You can also use live help and 24/7 access to clarify any questions you may have.
Is online auto insurance cheaper? Many people think so, but it’s hard to say for sure due to the fact that there are multiple individual factors that influence the price you pay. It’s a logical assumption that a consumer who buys direct saves by not paying a commission. But the reality is marketing expenses are significant so this can offset any savings.
More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the West Virginia Insurance Commission website. West Virginia drivers can find disaster information, report car insurance fraud, read state legal mandates and laws, and get help finding coverage.
More quotes mean more savings
The cheapest auto insurance is attainable both online and with local Martinsburg insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some auto insurance companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.
While you’re price shopping online, don’t be tempted to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In too many instances, an accident victim reduced liability limits or collision coverage only to regret that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The aim is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.
