Comparing car insurance companies in New Carrollton, MD can be challenging because picking a good Maryland auto insurance agent is more difficult than just randomly choosing from the yellow pages. Consumers need a great agent that can assess your needs, but also competitive car insurance rates.
There is such a variety of insurance agencies to choose from, and even though it’s nice to be able to choose, it can be more difficult to compare company pricing.
Comparing prices from New Carrollton agents
Good agents can help determine the best coverages and help file insurance claims. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent.
After completing this quick form, the quote information is instantly submitted to companies in New Carrollton who will return price quotes for your coverage. You never need to even leave your home since price quotes are sent to the email address you provide. How cool is that?!
Deciding on a car insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap price. These questions are important to ask:
- Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
The type of insurance agency you choose is important
When searching for an insurance agent, there are a couple of different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in New Carrollton can either be independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can do a good job, but it’s good to learn how they differ since it may influence the type of agent you choose
Captive Agents
Captive agents are contracted to one company and some examples include State Farm, AAA, Farmers Insurance or Allstate. They are unable to place coverage with different providers so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. They receive extensive training on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers frequently buy from captive agents mainly due to loyalty to the company and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies do not work for one specific company but rather can write business with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. To transfer your coverage to a different company, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency.
When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to include at a minimum one independent agency to ensure the widest selection of prices. They often place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.
After receiving good answers for all questions you ask and an affordable coverage quote, you may have just found a car insurance agent that will properly service your car insurance policy.
Online alternative for car insurance
Local insurance agents are important, but Maryland car insurance can also be bought direct from companies that only sell online. Some specific companies like State Farm and Allstate who sell through agents in New Carrollton also let you buy direct online, and that is helpful.
If you’re apprehensive about not having professional advice, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. All companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages all have client service departments for getting advice on proper coverages. They also offer a frequently asked questions page that can help answer basic questions.
Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online? The answer to that question is complicated because there are many factors that determine the price you pay. It’s logical to say that purchasing direct online reduces premiums because there is no agent. But the fact is, there are very high advertising costs and this drives up their premium costs.
Quote more, save more
Drivers leave their current company for many reasons like delays in responding to claim requests, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, extreme rates for teen drivers or poor customer service. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch switching car insurance companies can be easier than you think.
The cheapest car insurance is possible on the web in addition to many New Carrollton insurance agents, so compare prices from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some car insurance companies do not provide online quoting and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.
Learn more about car insurance in Maryland
More detailed Maryland car insurance information can be read at the Maryland Insurance Administration website. Maryland consumers can learn about insurance regulations, report car insurance fraud, find out which companies have the most complaints, and find disaster information.
Other useful links include this link for Maryland coverage information and this list of agents in New Carrollton, MD.
