Comparing auto insurance companies in San Jose, California can be challenging because there are a lot of options and finding the best California auto insurance agent is not as easy as just making a phone call. It’s assumed that not only do you want a highly trained agent, but also the best rates possible.
With companies like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers and independent agents all competing for business in San Jose, it’s difficult to determine which will provide the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To begin, you can use online price quotes to assemble a group of insurance agents to choose from.
Shop online but buy locally
Professional agents can answer important questions and give you someone to call. The best thing about getting online price quotes is you can get lower rates and still have an agent to talk to. And supporting local businesses is especially important in San Jose.
To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this simple form, the quote information is instantly submitted to insurance agents in San Jose who will give you bids for your coverage. You don’t have to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go to the email address you provide. How cool is that?! It’s the lowest rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.
How to choose the best insurance agent in San Jose
When searching for a local agent, you must know there are a couple different types of agents from which to choose. Agencies in San Jose can either be captive or independent.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents are not locked into one company but rather can write business amongst many companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To move your coverage to a new company, they simply move the coverage in-house and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparing rates, you should always contact at least one independent agent to get the best comparison. They often place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies who may have lower rates.
Listed below is a list of independent agents in San Jose willing to provide competitive price quotes.
- NBI Auto Insurance – 2354 Alum Rock Ave – San Jose, CA 95116 – (408) 254-7050
- Jess Perez Agency – 1515 Meridian Ave # 201 – San Jose, CA 95125 – (408) 723-1542
- Lozon Agency – 1341 Lincoln Ave – San Jose, CA 95125 – (408) 292-0555
- Alice Chan Agency – 2136 Ringwood Ave – San Jose, CA 95131 – (408) 453-8831
- Pablo Curiel Insurance – 2448 Story Rd – San Jose, CA 95122 – (408) 935-8057
Captive Agents
Captive agents work for only one company such as State Farm or Allstate. They are unable to shop your coverage around so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agencies are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some people will only buy from captive agents partially due to high brand loyalty and solid financial strength.
Below are San Jose captive insurance agencies willing to provide rate quotes.
- Farmers Insurance Group – 2549 S King Rd – San Jose, CA 95122 – (408) 223-9883
- Allstate Insurance – 4950 Hamilton Ave # 103 – San Jose, CA 95130 – (408) 378-0834
- Liberty Mutual Insurance – 2550 N 1st St – San Jose, CA 95131 – (408) 577-1191
- State Farm Insurance – 1816 Tully Rd # 246 – San Jose, CA 95122 – (408) 270-7976
For a full directory of captive agencies in San Jose, please view this page.
Deciding on an insurance agent should depend on more than just the premium amount. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Does the agency support the community they serve?
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
Once you have positive feedback to all your questions and an acceptable price quote, you’ve probably found an insurance agency that will adequately provide auto insurance.
Don’t forget about online-only companies
Car insurance agents serve a purpose, but you also have the option of buying directly from online companies. Even companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who employ agents also allow you to buy online, and online price comparisons are easy.
If you’re worried about not having an insurance agent’s advice, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Online companies have toll-free phone numbers and other options for getting advice on proper coverages.
Does it save money buying online? Whether or not you’ll save is impossible to say due to the large number of individual components that influence how your policy is priced. Some people will tell you that buying online saves money by not requiring a commission. In many cases, there are high advertising and marketing costs so this can offset any savings.
California auto insurance information
Additional information is located on the California Department of Insurance website through this link. California consumers can learn about insurance regulations, view a list of available companies, and read industry bulletins.
Other informative sites include this site for auto insurance rates in California and this page of insurance agents in San Jose.
Compare but don’t skimp
Cheaper auto insurance is possible online and also from your neighborhood San Jose agents, so you should compare both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance providers may not provide online quoting and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.
Consumers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as high rates after DUI convictions, unfair underwriting practices, being labeled a high risk driver and extreme rates for teen drivers. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding the right auto insurance provider is not as difficult as it may seem.
