Quick Guide to Researching a Chesterfield Insurance Agency

Comparing auto insurance rates in Chesterfield can be a lot of work since you have many choices and choosing the right Chesterfield car insurance agent is more difficult than just driving to the closest agent’s office. You require a highly trained agent, and also the best possible price.

Drivers have so many insurance agencies to buy insurance from, and although it’s a good thing to have multiple companies, lots of choices makes it harder to find the lowest cost provider.

Price shop online but buy from a local Chesterfield agent

Licensed agents can answer important questions and give you peace of mind. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is the fact that you can find better rates and still have an agent to talk to.

Once you complete this short form, the coverage information is submitted to companies in Chesterfield who will give you bids for your business. You never need to visit any agencies as quotes are delivered directly to your email. How cool is that?!

Deciding on an insurance agency shouldn’t rely on just the premium amount. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

  • Which company do they place the most coverage with?
  • Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
  • How often do they review policy coverages?
  • Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
  • Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
  • Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
  • Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
  • Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?

Best insurance agent in Chesterfield

When searching for an insurance agent, you must know there are a couple types of agencies from which to choose. Agencies in Chesterfield are either captive or independent. Both types can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s good to learn the difference between them because it can impact buying decisions.

Captive Insurance Agents

This type of agents have only one company to place business with like AAA, Allstate and State Farm. These agents are unable to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They are usually quite knowledgeable on their company’s products which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.

Shown below is a short list of captive insurance agents in Chesterfield willing to provide comparison quotes.

Farmers Insurance Group – 42 4 Seasons Shopping Ctr #103 – Chesterfield, MO 63017 – (314) 434-3100
Shelter Insurance – 42 Four Seasons Shopping Ctr – Chesterfield, MO 63017 – (314) 434-2612
State Farm Insurance – 14 Clarkson Wilson Ctr – Chesterfield, MO 63017 – (636) 532-5544
American Family Insurance – 15239 Olive Blvd – Chesterfield, MO 63017 – (636) 530-1221
Allstate Insurance – 247 Lamp And Lantern Vlg – Chesterfield, MO 63017 – (636) 230-0900

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company but rather can write business amongst many companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency. When comparison shopping, we recommend you get quotes from at least one independent agent for the best price selection.

Below are Chesterfield independent insurance agencies that can give you rate quotes.

Steven Cook Agency Inc – 15239 Olive Blvd # A – Chesterfield, MO 63017 – (314) 579-9945
Charles L Crane Agency – 400 Chesterfield Ctr – Chesterfield, MO 63017 – (636) 537-5000
Cox Agency – 18510 Dogwood Acres Ln – Chesterfield, MO 63005 – (636) 458-5999
Morshed Insurance Group – 1426 Westmeade Dr – Chesterfield, MO 63017 – (636) 530-0031
Metropolitan Insurance – 1350 Timberlake Manor Pkwy – Chesterfield, MO 63017 – (636) 736-3300

To view a full list of Chesterfield insurance agents, click here to link.

After getting positive responses to any questions you have and locked in a price quote, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that can insure your vehicles.

Have you considered online alternatives?

Professional insurance agents are a valuable resource, but you also have the option of buying Missouri car insurance direct from companies online. Some companies like State Farm and Allstate who sell through agents in Chesterfield also allow consumers to buy direct online, and online price comparisons are easy if the lowest rate is your goal.

If you’re apprehensive about whether or not you’ll have guidance when shopping online, that is normal but is not a big issue. Online insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide phone numbers and online resources for getting advice on proper coverages.

best Missouri agent

Is it cheaper to buy online? The answer is complex because there are many factors that determine your policy premium. Some people will tell you that shopping online for auto insurance saves money by not requiring a commission. But that assumption is generally incorrect because advertising budgets are huge so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.

In conclusion

Cheaper auto insurance can be sourced both online as well as from independent agents in Chesterfield, so compare prices from both to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who don’t offer the ability to get a quote online and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.

Drivers switch companies for a variety of reasons including high rates after DUI convictions, not issuing a premium refund, unfair underwriting practices or questionable increases in premium. Whatever your reason, switching companies is easier than you think.

More tips and info about auto insurance is located at the Missouri Department of Insurance website. Missouri consumers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, view a list of available companies, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and read consumer alerts.