If you’re looking for an insurance agent in Poughkeepsie, NY, you can start your research for an agent online instead of calling around. You need a decent agent, and also want to find competitive auto insurance rates.
Drivers have multiple car insurance agents to choose from, and although it’s a good thing to be able to choose, too many choices makes it more difficult to find the lowest cost provider.
Save time by quoting online
Good agents can help determine the best coverages and help file insurance claims. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find the lowest rates but also keep your business local.
After completing this form (opens in new window), the quote information is transmitted to participating agents in Poughkeepsie who will compete for your business. You don’t have to leave your computer since price quotes are sent to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy! It’s the lowest rates and work with a local agent.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just the price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- Which company do they place the most coverage with?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
Captive or Independent: There is a difference
When finding a good Poughkeepsie insurance agent, there are two different types of agents from which to choose. Insurance agencies in Poughkeepsie are either independent or captive.
Captive Agents
Captive insurance agents are contracted to one company and some examples include American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They generally cannot provide prices from multiple companies so keep that in mind. Captive agencies are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers frequently choose to use a captive agent mostly because of the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
The following are Poughkeepsie captive agencies that can give you price quote information.
- Allstate Insurance Co – 2506 South Rd – Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 – (845) 462-4800
- State Farm Insurance – 38 Manchester Rd – Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 – (845) 471-3531
Independent Agents
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage with any number of different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies 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 ensure the widest selection of prices. They also have the ability to place coverage with different regional companies which can be an advantage.
Below are independent insurance agencies in Poughkeepsie that are able to give price quotes.
- Daniels Agency – 510 Haight Ave – Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 – (845) 471-2113
- Doris Brown Insurance – 544 Main St – Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 – (845) 471-1883
- Mcfadden and Assoc Insurance – 22 Ibm Rd # 204b – Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 – (845) 463-1045
- Barry Scott Agency – 220 Main St – Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 – (845) 452-1431
For a complete listing of Poughkeepsie insurance agents, please go to this site.
After getting positive responses to your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to service your policy.
Aren’t online insurance companies like Geico cheaper?
Auto insurance agents are a valuable resource, but New York consumers also have the option to buy directly from online companies. Some car insurance companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, that are more known for using agents, also give you the option to buy online, so that should be considered and can also potentially find you lower rates.
If you’re uneasy about not getting proper coverage when buying direct, don’t sweat it. Online car insurance companies provide access to licensed agents that you can contact for information. Many online companies also provide live chat and online tools to make it easier to purchase.
The only way to know whether online companies or local agents have lower rates is to take the time to compare rates from both. It’s even possible to receive different pricing when comparing quotes online and from an agent from the exact same provider.
Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer since there may be dozens of rate factors that impact your premium. It’s logical to say that buying car insurance online cuts out the middleman. But the fact is, there are high advertising and marketing costs and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
More detailed New York auto insurance information can be read at the New York Department of Financial Services website. Visitors are able to discover disciplinary actions, view agent and company licensing information, and read consumer alerts.
Other useful links include this link for New York coverage information and this page on QuoteClickInsure.com.
A tidy conclusion
As you restructure your insurance plan, never buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are too many instances where an insured cut comprehensive coverage or liability limits and learned later that it was a big mistake. Your aim should be to buy enough coverage at the best price.
Consumers change insurance companies for a variety of reasons including delays in responding to claim requests, not issuing a premium refund, unfair underwriting practices or even an unsatisfactory settlement offer. It doesn’t matter what your reason, choosing a new insurance company is pretty easy and you might even save some money in the process.
