To find a good insurance agent in Long Branch, New Jersey, you can always start your search by comparing rates online rather than picking up the phone. Chances are you’re looking for a professional agent, but you also need the lowest possible price.
With insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate and many independent agents having offices in Long Branch, it’s difficult to determine which will provide the lowest rates and best service. To begin, consumers can use online price quotes to get a list of agencies to choose from.
Compare Long Branch agent rates online
Educated insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help file insurance claims. The best thing about getting online price quotes is that you can obtain better rates and still choose a local agent. And providing support for local agencies is important particularly in Long Branch.
After filling out this short form, your information is emailed to companies in Long Branch who will compete to get your business. You don’t have to drive around because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy! It’s the lowest rates AND a local agent.
Two different types of auto insurance agents
When researching local Long Branch agents, you must know there are a couple different agency structures to choose from. Agents can either be independent (non-captive) or captive.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and that require little work on your part. When comparison shopping, it’s a good idea to contact multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection. Most have the option of insuring with smaller companies who may have lower rates.
The following are Long Branch independent insurance agents that are able to give price quote information.
- Michael Drew Agency – – Long Branch, NJ 07740 – (732) 449-0666
- Norwood Agency – 505 Broadway – Long Branch, NJ 07740 – (732) 222-2400
- Prudential Insurance Co – 541 Broadway # 1 – Long Branch, NJ 07740 – (732) 870-2200
- Eastern Shore Community Agency – 36 Memorial Pkwy – Long Branch, NJ 07740 – (732) 229-5936
Agency Captives
These agents write business for a single company like American Family, Liberty Mutual and AAA. These agents are unable to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives receive extensive training in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers frequently buy from captive agents mainly due to the brand legacy and solid financial strength.
Selecting an insurance agent should depend on more than just the premium amount. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
- Are they full-time agents?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
After getting positive feedback and an acceptable price quote, most likely you have located an insurance agent that is a good match to insure your vehicles.
Can you find lower rates by buying online?
Licensed agents are important, but New Jersey car insurance can also be bought from online companies direct. Some specific companies like Allstate and State Farm who sell through agents in Long Branch also give you the option to quote and buy online. This is something to consider if finding the best price is important.
If you’re apprehensive about not having an insurance agent’s advice, don’t sweat it. Online car insurance companies provide toll-free numbers to help you decide which coverages are appropriate.
Is auto insurance cheaper online? That question is hard to answer because of the fact that insurance companies use many factors that influence your rates. Some people will tell you that buying car insurance online lowers rates due to not having any agent compensation. But in reality, getting their brand in front of customers is expensive and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Smart consumers save more
When trying to cut insurance costs, do not reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many situations where an insured cut liability limits or collision coverage to discover at claim time that it was a big error on their part. The proper strategy is to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.
The cheapest auto insurance can be bought online in addition to many Long Branch insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. There are still a few companies who do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.
Consumer auto insurance information in New Jersey
More information can be found on the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website found here. New Jersey consumers can find disaster information, download brochures, report car insurance fraud, and find out which companies have the most complaints.
Additional helpful sites include this site for rates in New Jersey and this page for help finding agents in Long Branch, NJ.
