If you’re looking to buy car insurance, selecting the best Bowie insurance agency for your needs takes more work than just calling the closest agent. Consumers require a good agent, and also cheap rates.
Online insurance companies like Progressive, State Farm and Geico continually hit you with advertising and it is challenging if not impossible to see past the corporate glitz and find the best price available.
Price shop online but buy from a local Bowie agent
Good agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is you can get the best rates but also keep your business local.
Upon completion of this short form, the quote information is sent to local insurance agents in Bowie who will compete for your coverage. There is no reason to drive around as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier! Get lower rates AND a local agent.
Selecting an auto insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
- Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
- How are they compensated?
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
- Can they give you a list of client referrals?
Types of insurance agents
When searching for local Bowie agents, there are a couple of types of insurance agents from which to choose. Bowie agents are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive insurance agents can only write with one company such as AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. They usually cannot give you multiple price quotes so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captives are well schooled on their company’s products which can be an advantage.
Shown below is a short list of captive agents in Bowie who may provide you with price quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 3000 Mitchellville Rd – Bowie, MD 20716 – (301) 390-8100
State Farm Insurance – 4339 Northview Dr – Bowie, MD 20716 – (301) 464-2108
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies do not work for one specific company but rather can write business amongst many companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To move your coverage to a new company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and that require little work on your part.
When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you contact at a minimum one independent agency to get the best comparison.
The following are Bowie independent agencies that are able to give price quotes.
Rich Reilly Insurance LLC – 6911 Laurel Bowie Rd # 301 – Bowie, MD 20715 – (301) 262-8600
Nationwide Insurance – 3020 Mitchellville Rd # 201 – Bowie, MD 20716 – (301) 218-9000
To view a full list of licensed insurance agents in Bowie, view this link.
Once you have received answers to your satisfaction to these questions and an affordable coverage quote, most likely you have located a car insurance agent that will service your policy.
Do online companies like Esurance, Geico and Progressive give better rates?
Professional insurance agents serve a purpose, but you also have the option of buying Maryland car insurance from companies direct over the internet. Even companies who sell through the agent channel also permit you to buy direct online. This is something to consider.
If you’re concerned about not having someone to ask questions when shopping online, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. Car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide toll-free numbers to walk you through the process.
Is online auto insurance cheaper? It’s difficult to say for sure due to the fact that there are many factors that are calculated into your premium. Many people think that buying directly from the company lowers rates due to not having any agent compensation. For most online online companies, however, the cost of constant advertising is expensive and this drives up their premium costs.
More detailed Maryland car insurance information can be found at the Maryland Insurance Administration website. Consumers can file complaints about a company, download brochures, learn about specific coverages, and learn about insurance regulations.
The following articles may also be useful.
- Proven Tricks for Cheaper Bowie Car Insurance
- Pay Less for Bowie Auto Insurance Rates in Five Minutes
Best coverage at the best price
Consumers who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including high prices, high rates after DUI convictions, extreme rates for teen drivers or even unfair underwriting practices. It doesn’t matter what your reason, finding a new car insurance company can be easier than you think.
Cheap car insurance is available on the web in addition to many Bowie insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers do not provide online price quotes and these smaller companies work with independent agents.
