When finding a good insurance agent in Darien, Connecticut, it’s recommended you do the preliminary legwork using online quotes to save yourself time. The chances are good you’re looking for a competent insurance agent, but you also want affordable coverage.
With companies like Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents all competing for business in Darien, it can be hard to know which car insurance agent will provide the best service and rates. To help decide, consumers can get online price quotes to get a list of insurance agents from which to choose.
Best way to find Darien agents
Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help file insurance claims. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you can get lower rates and still choose a local agent. And providing support for local businesses is definitely important in Darien.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is instantly submitted to local insurance agents who will battle for your coverage. You never need to drive around due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy!
Captive and independent Darien insurance agents
If you’re trying to find a good insurance agency, you need to know there are two types of agencies that you can select. Darien agents are classified as either independent or captive. Both write coverage properly, but it’s worth mentioning how they are different since it may influence the selection process.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These agents do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage with any number of different companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparing rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from at least one independent agent to have the most options to choose from. They also have the ability to place coverage with smaller regional carriers which may provide better rates.
Below are independent agencies in Darien who can help you get price quotes.
- Chubb and Sons Insurance Inc – 9 Oakshade Ave – Darien, CT 06820 – (203) 327-5481
- Peter J Daigle Agency – 108 Old Kings Hwy N – Darien, CT 06820 – (203) 655-6974
- Innovative Insurance – – Darien, CT 06820 – (203) 656-0873
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive insurance agents write business for a single company and some examples include AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. They generally cannot place coverage with different providers so they have to upsell other benefits. These agents are very knowledgeable in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only purchase coverage from captives partially due to the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Listed below is a short list of captive insurance agents in Darien that are able to give comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 1084 Post Rd – Darien, CT 06820 – (203) 655-2615
- State Farm Insurance – 115 Old Kings Hwy N – Darien, CT 06820 – (203) 662-1027
For a full directory of Darien captive insurance agents, view this link.
Picking an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. These are valid questions to ask:
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- How long has their agency been in business in Darien?
Upon receiving acceptable answers for all questions you ask in addition to an acceptable price estimate, most likely you have located an insurance agent that is a good match to insure your vehicles.
What if I want to buy online?
Insurance agencies are important, but Connecticut drivers can also buy direct from companies that only sell online. Some companies who employ agents additionally provide the ability to buy a policy online, and that is helpful if you don’t want to take the time to contact agents.
If you’re anxious about selecting your own policy coverages when buying direct, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. Online car insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage all provide contact methods to walk you through the process. Many online companies also provide online help and live chat to clarify any questions you may have.
The best way to determine if prices are better online or from an agent is to set aside time to compare rates from both. It’s even possible to receive different pricing for the same auto insurance company when they use both methods.
Does coverage cost less online? The answer is complex since there may be dozens of rate factors which can adversely affect your policy premium. Some people think that buying car insurance online cuts out the agent as a middleman. For most online online companies, however, marketing their products costs a lot of money and this drives up their premium costs.
Informative consumer insurance sites
Additional auto insurance information can be read on the Connecticut Insurance Department website. Click here for link. Connecticut consumers can report car insurance fraud, discover disciplinary actions, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and download brochures.
More comparisons equals lower rates
Insureds change insurance companies for any number of reasons including high rates after DUI convictions, extreme rates for teen drivers, an unsatisfactory settlement offer or even policy cancellation. Whatever your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider can be easy and end up saving you some money.
While you’re price shopping online, do not skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are a lot of situations where someone dropped liability coverage limits and learned later that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The aim is to buy enough coverage at the best price.
