When trying to find a good Bladensburg agent, you can always begin your search by comparing prices online instead of making phone calls. You require a great agent that can assess your needs, but also the cheapest rates you can possibly find.
Big-name insurance companies like State Farm, Geico and Farmers Insurance all claim big savings with TV and radio ads and consumers find it hard to see through the cute green geckos and mayhem and find the best price available.
Quote online but work with a neighborhood agent
Professional agents can help determine the best coverages and help file insurance claims. One of the best bonuses of getting online price quotes is you may find lower rates and still choose a local agent.
By using this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is sent to companies in Bladensburg who will return price quotes for your business. You never need to drive around as quotes are delivered immediately to your email address. How’s that for easy!
Deciding on an insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a low price. These questions are important to ask:
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
Not all auto insurance agents are the same
If you’re trying to find a local agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents from which to choose. Insurance agencies in Bladensburg can either be captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can do a good job, but it’s good to learn the differences since it can impact your agent selection.
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents write business for a single company like Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. They are unable to give you multiple price quotes so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agents are very knowledgeable on their company’s products which helps them compete with independent agents.
Independent Agents
Independent insurance agents are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles with any number of different companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparing rates, we recommend you include several independent insurance agents for the best price selection.
Below is a list of independent agencies in Bladensburg willing to provide price quotes.
Classic Insurance – 5639 Annapolis Rd – Bladensburg, MD 20710 – (301) 699-3344
Metro Insurance – 5400 Annapolis Rd – Bladensburg, MD 20710 – (301) 277-1200
To view a full list of licensed insurance agents in Bladensburg, please click here.
After getting satisfactory answers for all questions you ask as well as a affordable price, most likely you have located an insurance agent that will provide auto insurance coverage.
Purchasing car insurance direct online is an option
Professional insurance agents are important, but you can also find affordable Maryland auto insurance direct from companies that only sell online. Some specific companies like State Farm and Allstate that sell primarily through agents also let you get a quote and buy online, and that is helpful if you prefer not to work with an agent.
If you’re uneasy about not receiving proper advice, don’t sweat it. Online insurance companies all provide contact methods for answering any questions you have. Also available are live help and an extensive research center you can access prior to buying.
Can you save money buying online? It’s difficult to provide an answer due to the fact that there are many factors that influence your rates. Many people think that purchasing direct online saves the cost of an agent commission. But in reality, the cost of constant advertising is expensive so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.
If you just want to find lower premiums, the most effective way to determine who has the best deal, local agents or online insurance companies, is to get free quotes from both and compare them. It’s not unheard of to actually get different prices for the exact same company depending on if you quote online or with their agents. It’s not possible to know which method provides the best price until after comparing identical coverage quotes from both.
Even more information is located at the Maryland Insurance Administration website. Consumers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, download brochures, read industry bulletins, and report car insurance fraud.
Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal
While you’re price shopping online, it’s very important that you do not sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. In too many instances, someone dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits and found out when filing a claim that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The aim is to buy a smart amount of coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.
Drivers leave their current company for a variety of reasons including delays in paying claims, lack of trust in their agent, policy non-renewal and high rates after DUI convictions. It doesn’t matter what your reason, choosing a new company can be pretty painless.
