When searching for a good La Plata agent, you can do the preliminary legwork for an agent online instead of calling around. You need a good professional insurance agent, and also want to find affordable rates.
You have so many auto insurance agents to choose from, and though it is a good thing to have a selection, it can be more difficult to find the lowest rates.
Quote online, buy local
Good agents can help determine the best coverages and help file insurance claims. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find the best rates but also keep your business local.
Upon completion of this quick form, the coverage information is sent to participating agents in La Plata who will return price quotes for your coverage. You won’t need to drive around since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. How’s that for easy! Get lower rates and an insurance agent to talk to.
Choosing an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap price. These are valid questions to ask:
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
Two different types of insurance agents
When finding a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. La Plata agents can either be independent or captive.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents can only place business with one company such as Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. Captives cannot compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. They receive extensive training on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers sometimes buy insurance from these agents mainly due to the brand legacy and solid financial strength.
Shown below are captive agencies in La Plata that are able to give comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 9375 Chesapeake St # 217 – La Plata, MD 20646 – (301) 870-3999
Independent Agents
Independent agencies are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage amongst many companies depending on which coverage is best. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to include several independent insurance agents to have the most options to choose from.Many can place coverage with different regional companies which can save you money.
Shown below are independent insurance agencies in La Plata that can give you price quotes.
- Mallory Insurance Group – 9405 Chesapeake St – La Plata, MD 20646 – (301) 392-0600
- Alger and O’Neill Insurance – 300 Charles St – La Plata, MD 20646 – (301) 870-3500
For a complete listing of La Plata insurance agents, click here to link.
Once you have satisfactory answers to your questions and a low price estimate, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that will adequately provide car insurance.
Have you considered online alternatives?
Auto insurance agents are important, but you can also find affordable Maryland auto insurance from online companies direct. Certain companies that are more known for using agents, also give you the ability to quote and buy online, and that can save time if you prefer not to work with an agent.
If you’re concerned about not receiving proper advice when buying online, this really isn’t an issue. Auto insurance companies all have toll-free customer service for getting questions answered.
Does coverage cost less online? That question is hard to answer since there are so many components that determine the price you pay. It’s a common assumption that a shopper who purchases direct saves money by not requiring a commission. But in reality, online and traditional media advertising are expensive so there may not be significant savings.
Compare but don’t skimp
Budget-conscious car insurance can be found both online and with local La Plata insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies do not offer online quoting and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.
People leave their current company for many reasons like policy non-renewal, policy cancellation, lack of trust in their agent and unfair underwriting practices. Whatever your reason, choosing a new company is not as difficult as it may seem.
Additional Maryland consumer information
More tips and info about car insurance can be read at the Maryland Insurance Administration website. Visitors are able to discover disciplinary actions, read industry bulletins, view a list of available companies, and read state legal mandates and laws.
Other informative sites include III.org’s auto insurance page and this link where you can get more info about La Plata coverage.
