When trying to find a licensed insurance agent in Waterville, we recommend you do the preliminary legwork online instead of calling around. For the sake of this article, we’ll assume you’re wanting a competent insurance agent, but also affordable coverage.
With companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers all competing for your business, it’s difficult to determine which provider will provide you with the lowest rates and best service. Thankfully, consumers can get insurance quotes online in order to build a list of agents and thier coverage prices.
Quote online but work with a neighborhood agent
Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. Supporting small agencies is important especially in Waterville.
After filling out this quick form, the coverage information is submitted to insurance agents in Waterville who will battle to get your business. There is no need to even leave your home as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy! Get lower rates and work with a local agent.
Captive or Independent: There is a difference
When researching a local agent, there are a couple of types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Waterville are either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Independent Insurance Agents
These agents are not locked into one company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part.
When searching for an agent, we recommend you get quotes from several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Shown below are Waterville independent insurance agents that may be able to provide competitive price quotes.
GHM Agency – 51 Main St – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 873-5101
Weber Insurance – 39 Silver St – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 877-9980
Varney Agency Inc – 9 Getchell St – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 873-0646
Cosgrove Insurance Inc – 230 Main St – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 873-0181
Captive Agents
Captive agencies can only place business with one company and some examples include American Family, State Farm and Allstate. Captives cannot place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. These agents are well schooled in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents.
Shown below are Waterville captive insurance agencies who can help you get comparison quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 102 Silver St – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 873-5200
State Farm Insurance – 341 Main St – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 872-0999
To view a full list of captive insurance agencies in Waterville, view this link.
Selecting an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
After getting positive responses to these questions and locked in a price quote, it’s possible that you found an insurance agency that can properly service your auto insurance policy.
Don’t forget about online companies
Auto insurance agents are a valuable resource, but you can also buy Maine car insurance from online companies direct. Some car insurance companies like State Farm and Allstate who sell through agents in Waterville also allow consumers to quote and buy online, so this should also be taken into consideration.
If you’re uncomfortable with not having an agent to talk to when buying direct, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. Insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage all have client service departments for getting questions answered.
Will you save money buying auto insurance online? That is a tough question to answer because there are many factors that influence how your policy is priced. Some people think that going direct saves money because there is no commission. In many cases, marketing expenses are significant so this can offset any savings.
And the best car insurance company is…
As you shop your coverage around, you should never sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There have been many cases where consumers will sacrifice liability limits or collision coverage and learned later they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The proper strategy is to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Cost effective auto insurance is attainable on the web and also from your neighborhood Waterville agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance providers may not provide online price quotes and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.
Additional information is located on the website for the Maine Bureau of Insurance through this link. Maine consumers can download brochures, learn about insurance regulations, view a list of available companies, and view agent and company licensing information.
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