To locate an insurance agent in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, you can always do an initial search by comparing rates online in order to save time. It’s likely you’re not only searching for a highly trained agent, but you also want the lowest possible price.
With companies like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers and independent agents all competing for your business, consumers have a hard time knowing which one will have the lowest rates and best service. To begin, consumers can use online quoting in order to build a list of agents and price estimates.
Online quotes with a local Perth Amboy insurance agent
Licensed agents can help determine the best coverages and help you file claims. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find the best rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from local businesses is especially important in Perth Amboy.
After completing this form (opens in new window), your insurance data is immediately sent to agents in your area who will battle for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to leave your computer since price quotes are sent to your email. How’s that for easy!
Choose the right auto insurance agent
When finding a reliable agent, there are two types of insurance agents that you can select. Agencies in Perth Amboy can either be independent (non-captive) or captive. Both write coverage properly, but it’s worth learning how they are different since it may influence your agent selection.
Independent Agents
Independent insurance agents are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies and potentially find a lower price. To move your coverage to a new company, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparing rates, you should always contact at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection. Many write coverage with smaller regional carriers which may provide better rates.
The following is a short list of independent agencies in Perth Amboy who can help you get comparison quotes.
- Central Jersey Insurance – 430 Washington St – Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 – (732) 442-7522
- EPM Insurance Corp – 533a New Brunswick Ave – Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 – (732) 376-0006
Captive Agents
Captive agents have only one company to place business with such as Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. These agents are not able to provide prices from multiple companies so always compare other rates. They are well schooled in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers sometimes choose to use a captive agent mainly due to high brand loyalty and strong financial ratings.
Deciding on a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the premium amount. Some important questions to ask are:
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- How are they compensated?
- Which company do they place the most coverage with?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
Once you have good answers for all questions you ask and an affordable coverage quote, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that will properly insure your vehicles.
What about online companies that cut out the middleman?
Professional insurance agents are important, but you also have the option of buying direct online. Some specific companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who have local Perth Amboy agents also allow you to get quotes and purchase online. This is something to consider to possibly find a better rate.
If you’re anxious about not having an insurance agent’s advice, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Companies all have toll-free customer service for getting questions answered. Consumers also can use live help and 24/7 access so you can feel comfortable buying online.
If you’re trying to save the most money, the best approach to discovering if car insurance prices are lower online or from agents is making fair comparisons of each of their rates. It’s possible to get different rates for the identical company when using both online and agent quotes.
Are car insurance rates lower online? That question is hard to answer since there are so many factors that influence how your policy is priced. You may think that buying direct saves money by not requiring a commission. But that assumption is generally incorrect because advertising budgets are huge so this can offset any savings.
Learn more about New Jersey car insurance
More information can be found on the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website located here. New Jersey consumers can read industry bulletins, learn about insurance regulations, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.
Additional helpful sites include FindNewCarInsurance.com and this page for help finding agents in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Buy online or local, you save
When buying insurance coverage, make sure you don’t sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There have been many cases where an accident victim reduced full coverage only to regret that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your strategy should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at an affordable rate.
Consumers change insurance companies for many reasons like lack of trust in their agent, delays in responding to claim requests, policy non-renewal or unfair underwriting practices. Regardless of your reason, finding the right car insurance provider is pretty easy and you might even save some money in the process.
