Finding good auto insurance in Havre can be challenging since picking a good Montana insurance agency takes more work than just making a phone call. We’re assuming you require not only a good professional insurance agent, but you also need great rates as well.
With insurance companies like Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents all competing for business in Havre, it can be hard to know which one will have the lowest rates and best service. Fortunately, consumers can get online quoting to assemble a group of insurance agents and price estimates.
Buying auto insurance from a local Havre agent
Agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you peace of mind. One of the best bonuses of price shopping on the web is you can get better rates and still choose a local agent. Supporting local businesses is especially important in Havre.
To find an agent, once you fill out this short form, your information is sent to participating agents in Havre who will battle for your insurance coverage. There is no reason to visit any agencies because quoted prices will be sent directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!
Car insurance agents in Havre come in two varieties
If you’re trying to find local Havre agents, you must know there are a couple different types of agents that you can select. Agents are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s good to learn the difference between them since it can impact the selection process.
Independent Agents
Independent agencies do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparing rates, we recommend you contact several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.Most can insure with smaller regional carriers which can save you money.
Listed below is a list of independent insurance agencies in Havre who can help you get rate quotes.
- Koefod Agency – 223 3rd Ave # A – Havre, MT 59501 – (406) 265-6766
- Kralich Insurance – 230 1st St – Havre, MT 59501 – (406) 265-5545
- Insurance and Bonding Svc – 601 3rd Ave – Havre, MT 59501 – (406) 265-4344
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents are contracted to one company like American Family, State Farm and Allstate. Captives cannot place coverage with different providers so they have no alternatives for high prices. They receive extensive training on the products they sell which can be an advantage. Some consumers prefer to choose to use a captive agent primarily because of the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Picking a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a low price. These questions are important to ask:
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
- What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
After getting good answers to these questions and locked in a price quote, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that will adequately provide auto insurance.
What if I want to shop online?
Insurance agencies are a valuable resource, but you also have the option of buying directly from online companies. Certain auto insurance companies who have local agents in Havre also permit you to get quotes and purchase online, so this should also be taken into consideration if you prefer to buy online.
If you’re worried about not having an insurance agent’s advice when buying direct, that shouldn’t be an issue. Car insurance companies have customer service departments to help you decide which coverages are appropriate. Additionally, most companies also offer a frequently asked questions page to help with the buying process.
Does it save money buying online? Whether or not you’ll save is impossible to say since there are many things that influence the price you pay. It’s a logical assumption that shopping direct saves money by not requiring a commission. For most online online companies, however, advertising budgets are huge and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Affordable insurance is out there
Cost effective auto insurance can be bought from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Havre, so you should compare both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance companies don’t offer online price quotes and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.
Drivers switch companies for many reasons like lack of trust in their agent, unfair underwriting practices, delays in responding to claim requests or even high rates after DUI convictions. Regardless of your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider can be easy and end up saving you some money.
Additional information is available on the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance website through this link. Montana consumers can view agent and company licensing information, download brochures, report car insurance fraud, and find out which companies have the most complaints.
The articles below may also help you learn more about auto insurance in Havre
