When searching for a licensed insurance agent in Radford, it’s recommended you start your search for an agent online rather than picking up the phone. It’s assumed you’re not only searching for a good agent that listens to you, but also the best rates possible.
With insurance companies like Allstate, Farmers and State Farm as well as independent agents all competing for business in Radford, it’s difficult to determine which provider will give you the best rates, service and coverage. Thankfully, you can use online quotes in order to build a list of insurance agents and thier coverage prices.
Why do I need an agent?
Licensed agents can answer important questions and help in the event of a claim. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is you can get lower rates and still choose a local agent. And supporting local businesses is definitely important in Radford.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this simple form, your insurance data is immediately sent to companies in Radford who will battle for your coverage. There is no need to visit any agencies as quotes are delivered immediately to your email address. How cool is that?!
Different types of car insurance agents in Radford
When searching for a good insurance agency, there are a couple of types of agencies that you can select. Agencies in Radford are either independent or captive. Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ since it may influence your agent selection.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part.
When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to contact at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection. They also have the ability to place coverage with smaller companies which can save you money.
Below is a list of independent agencies in Radford that may be able to provide competitive price quotes.
- Hill Insurance – 206 W Main St – Radford, VA 24141 – (540) 639-3901
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents have only one company to place business with like Allstate, AAA, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. They generally cannot shop your coverage around so it’s a take it or leave it situation. These agents are trained well on the products they sell which can be an advantage. Some people will only buy from captive agents mainly due to high brand loyalty and strong financial ratings.
Listed below are Radford captive insurance agents that can give you price quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 612 W Main St – Radford, VA 24141 – (540) 639-3810
For a full directory of captive agents in Radford, view this link.
Selecting an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just a low price. These questions are important to ask:
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
Upon receiving good answers to all your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you’ve probably found an insurance agent that will properly service your car insurance policy.
Consider all buying options to save money
Auto insurance agents are important, but you can also buy Virginia car insurance from companies direct over the internet. Some specific companies like Allstate and State Farm who sell through agents in Radford also let you get quotes and purchase online, so that should be considered if you want to do it yourself.
If you’re anxious about not having an insurance agent’s advice when buying direct, don’t let it bother you. Insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages have customer service departments to answer any questions you may have. You can also use 24/7 live help and a car insurance FAQ section to help you make a buying decision.
Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online? That is a tough question to answer because there are so many things that determine your policy premium. It’s a logical assumption that buying online saves the commission normally paid to an agent. For most online online companies, however, getting their brand in front of customers is expensive so this can offset any savings.
Keep this in mind
Drivers who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including policy cancellation, questionable increases in premium, policy non-renewal and even poor customer service. Whatever your reason, finding a new car insurance company can be easier than you think.
Low-cost car insurance is attainable both online and with local Radford insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best rate selection. A few companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.
Much more information about car insurance in Virginia is available on the Virginia Bureau of Insurance website. Click here for link. Visitors are able to learn about specific coverages, discover disciplinary actions, and file complaints about a company.
