How-to Guide to Finding an Auto Insurance Agent in Joplin

To find an insurance agent in Joplin, Missouri, you can always do the preliminary legwork for an agent online in order to save time. It’s likely you not only want a good agent, but you also want to find the best rates possible.

With insurance companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers all competing for your business, it’s hard to tell which one will have the lowest rates and best service. Fortunately, consumers can get online quoting to assemble a group of agents and price estimates.

How to find Joplin insurance agents online

Insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and help in the event of a claim. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is you can get better rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from small agencies is important especially in Joplin.

By using this quick form, the coverage information is emailed to local insurance agents in Joplin who will give you bids for your business. There is no need to drive around because quoted prices will be sent directly to your email. How’s that for easy!

Do you need an independent or captive auto insurance agent?

If you’re trying to find an insurance agent, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents can either be independent (non-captive) or captive. Both do a good job, but it’s good to learn the difference between them since it may influence the type of agent you choose

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage and you don’t have to find a new agent.

When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to include at a minimum one independent agency to get the best comparison.

Below are independent insurance agents in Joplin who can help you get price quote information.

Don Gould Agency – 1331 Illinois Ave # A – Joplin, MO 64801 – (417) 781-8368
Finley Agency Inc – 1700 E 4th St – Joplin, MO 64801 – (417) 624-9484
Prudential Insurance Co – 2902 Mc Clelland Blvd # A – Joplin, MO 64804 – (417) 624-6100
4 State Insurance – 500 E 32nd St # 2 – Joplin, MO 64804 – (417) 624-5757
Linda Teeter Agency – 1321 Illinois Ave – Joplin, MO 64801 – (417) 781-4820

Captive Insurance Agents

These agents are contracted to one company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. Captives cannot shop your coverage around so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents receive extensive training on their company’s products which can be an advantage.

Shown below are Joplin captive agents who can help you get comparison quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 116 N Range Line Rd – Joplin, MO 64801 – (417) 627-0505
Farmers Insurance Group – 6409 Dutch Elm Dr – Joplin, MO 64804 – (417) 624-8186
Allstate Insurance Co – 1531 E 32nd St – Joplin, MO 64804 – (417) 624-7355
Shelter Insurance – 1425 E 32nd St # B – Joplin, MO 64804 – (417) 781-5286
American Family Insurance – 2615 N Rangeline Rd – Joplin, MO 64801 – (417) 623-5522

To view a full list of auto insurance agents in Joplin, go to this page.

Picking a car insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:

  • Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
  • Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
  • Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Missouri?
  • Do they assist clients in filing claims?
  • Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
  • Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?

After getting reasonable responses to your questions and a low price estimate, you may have just found a car insurance agent that will adequately provide auto insurance.

What about online companies that cut out the middleman?

Professional insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but Missouri car insurance can also be bought direct from companies online. Certain companies like State Farm and Allstate who employ agents also give you the option to buy a policy online, so that should be considered if you are the do-it-yourself type.

If you’re concerned about whether or not you’ll have guidance, that shouldn’t be an issue. Online car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide options for getting the best coverage.

Is pricing better online? The answer is complex due to the fact that there are multiple individual factors that influence the price you pay. Many people think that buying direct saves money because there is no commission. In many cases, marketing their products costs a lot of money so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.

Quote more, save more

Discount auto insurance is definitely available on the web in addition to many Joplin insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who do not provide the ability to get a quote online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

When buying insurance coverage, it’s not a good idea to sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There are too many instances where an insured dropped collision coverage and learned later that it was a big mistake. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.

Additional information can be read on the website for the Missouri Department of Insurance. Click here for link. Visitors are able to report car insurance fraud, find a variety of consumer forms, and view a list of available companies.

The articles below may also help you learn more about auto insurance in Joplin