Comparing auto insurance rates in Longmont can be a lot of work since choosing the right Longmont insurance agency is more difficult than just randomly choosing from the yellow pages. For the sake of this article, we’ll assume you require not only a professional licensed agent, but you also want to find the lowest possible price.
With Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents all competing for your business, it’s hard to tell which auto insurance agent will give you the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To begin, consumers can get online quotes to assemble a group of agents from which to choose.
Comparing prices from Longmont agents
Licensed agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is that you can obtain lower rates and still choose a local agent. Supporting local insurance agencies is important especially in Longmont.
Once you complete this quick form, your coverage information is instantly submitted to agents in your area who will return price quotes for your business. You don’t have to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy!
The difference between Longmont auto insurance agents
If you’re trying to find a reputable insurance agent or broker, you need to know there are two types of agencies from which to choose. Longmont agents are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive). While both can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s good to learn how they are different since it may influence the type of agent you choose
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents are not required to write business for one company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency. When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection. Most have the option of insuring with different regional companies which can save you money.
The following is a short list of independent insurance agencies in Longmont who may be able to give you competitive price quotes.
- Thompson Insurance – 752 17th Ave # 102 – Longmont, CO 80501 – (303) 774-2061
- Jodi Lynch Agency – 939 Coffman St – Longmont, CO 80501 – (303) 678-0911
- Sparby and Assoc Insurance LLC – 829 Main St – Longmont, CO 80501 – (303) 684-9034
- SRI Agency Inc – 615 Ken Pratt Blvd – Longmont, CO 80501 – (303) 485-8899
- Westmoreland Agency – 1801 Sunset Pl # A – Longmont, CO 80501 – (303) 678-0358
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents are contracted to one company and examples are State Farm, AAA and Liberty Mutual. They usually cannot provide prices from multiple companies so they have no alternatives for high prices. They are usually quite knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage. Some consumers prefer to buy from captive agents mainly due to the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
The following is a short list of captive agencies in Longmont who can help you get price quotes.
- Farmers Insurance Group – 637 Kimbark St – Longmont, CO 80501 – (303) 776-8507
- American Family Insurance – 1515 Main St – Longmont, CO 80501 – (720) 494-0500
- Shelter Insurance – 1630 Main St # 103 – Longmont, CO 80501 – (303) 772-1609
- State Farm Insurance – 1811 Hover Rd – Longmont, CO 80501 – (303) 651-0111
- Allstate Insurance – 1930 Main St – Longmont, CO 80501 – (303) 772-4600
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 720 Main St – Longmont, CO 80501 – (303) 776-7842
To view a full list of auto insurance agents in Longmont, please click here.
Choosing an insurance agency should depend on more than just the bottom line cost. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
- Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
After getting good answers to your questions and a good coverage price, it’s possible that you found an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to adequately provide auto insurance.
But what about Geico, Esurance and Progressive?
Auto insurance agents are important, but you also have the option of buying direct online. Even companies who have local Longmont agents also allow you to buy a policy online, and consumers should do that if finding the best price is important.
If you’re apprehensive about not getting advice from an agent when buying online, that should not be a issue. Companies all provide contact methods to help you decide which coverages are appropriate. Most companies also provide anytime access to help and a customer research section you can access prior to buying.
If you’re not set on any one company, the best way to find out if agents have better prices than online companies is to make apples-to-apples comparisons of both. It’s even possible to receive different pricing returned by the same company when they get quotes from both. But you can’t find out which method provides the best price until after comparing identical coverage quotes both ways.
Is auto insurance cheaper online? Whether or not you’ll save is impossible to say due to the fact that there are many factors that impact your premium. It’s a common assumption that going direct saves by not paying a commission. In many cases, advertising budgets are huge and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
More Colorado auto insurance information
More information can be found on the Colorado DORA Division of Insurance website found here. Colorado consumers can find out industry alerts, learn about specific coverages, and find disaster information.
In Summary
When you buy insurance online, it’s a bad idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. In many instances, an insured cut comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your goal should be to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.
Insureds leave their current company for many reasons like extreme rates for teen drivers, poor customer service, denial of a claim and even unfair underwriting practices. No matter why you want to switch, choosing a new company is not as hard as you think.
