If you’re trying to find an insurance agent in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we recommend you do the preliminary legwork using online quotes instead of calling around. It’s highly likely that not only do you want a highly trained agent, but you also need affordable coverage.
With insurance companies like Allstate, Farmers and State Farm as well as independent agents all competing for business in Grand Rapids, it’s hard to tell which insurance agency will give you the best service and rates. To begin, consumers can get online quotes to build a list of insurance agents from which to choose.
Buying auto insurance from a local Grand Rapids agent
Good agents can point out coverage gaps and help submit paperwork. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is the fact that you can find the lowest rates but also keep your business local. And supporting local insurance agencies is especially important in Grand Rapids.
By using this simple form, your coverage information is emailed to local insurance agents in Grand Rapids who will battle for your business. There is no reason to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. Now that’s easy!
What types of insurance agencies are in Grand Rapids?
When searching for a good insurance agency, there are a couple of different types of agents to choose from. Agencies in Grand Rapids are either independent (non-captive) or captive. Either one can do a good job, but it’s worth mentioning how they are different since it may influence the type of agent you choose
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, the business is moved internally and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparing rates, you should always include price quotes from at least one independent agent to get the best comparison.
Listed below is a list of independent agents in Grand Rapids that can give you price quote information.
J Todd Agency Inc – 511 Wilson Ave NW # D – Grand Rapids, MI 49534 – (616) 791-9616
J K Campbell Agency – 3835 28th St SE # 106 – Grand Rapids, MI 49512 – (616) 940-0008
L A Insurance – 2169 Alpine Ave NW – Grand Rapids, MI 49544 – (616) 364-4400
Bill Everett Insurance – 1625 Diamond Ave NE – Grand Rapids, MI 49505 – (616) 365-7676
Dave Zylstra Agency Inc – 4201 Richmond St NW – Grand Rapids, MI 49544 – (616) 791-4200
Agency Captives
Captive agencies can only place business with one company like American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They usually cannot compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. Captives are trained well on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage.
Listed below are Grand Rapids captive insurance agencies willing to provide rate quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 4362 Cascade Rd SE # 116 – Grand Rapids, MI 49546 – (616) 954-5700
State Farm Insurance – 5280 Northland Dr NE # A – Grand Rapids, MI 49525 – (616) 365-1300
Farm Bureau Insurance – 4976 Plainfield Ave NE – Grand Rapids, MI 49525 – (616) 447-0274
For a full directory of auto insurance agents in Grand Rapids, click here to link.
Picking an insurance agency should depend on more than just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Michigan?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
Once you have positive feedback for all questions you ask in addition to an acceptable price estimate, most likely you have located an insurance agency that will service your policy.
Can you buy online and save?
Professional insurance agents are a valuable resource, but Michigan consumers also have the option to buy direct over the internet. Certain companies like Allstate and State Farm who have local Grand Rapids agents also allow you to buy a policy online, and online price comparisons are easy.
If you’re uneasy about not having professional advice when shopping online, that shouldn’t be an issue. Online insurance companies provide toll-free numbers for customer questions.
Will you save money buying auto insurance online? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer because there are a lot of things that influence your rates. It’s a logical assumption that buying direct saves by not paying a commission. But in reality, marketing their products costs a lot of money so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
More Michigan auto insurance information
More information can be read on the website for the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation found here. Michigan consumers can find a variety of consumer forms, read state legal mandates and laws, and report car insurance fraud.
In the end, you save
Insureds change insurance companies for a variety of reasons including an unsatisfactory settlement offer, extreme rates for teen drivers, unfair underwriting practices or policy non-renewal. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch switching companies can be easy and end up saving you some money.
Discount auto insurance can be found from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Grand Rapids, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance companies don’t offer online price quotes and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.
