If you’re looking to buy auto insurance, finding the best South Dakota auto insurance agent is more difficult than just driving to the closest agent’s office. You need an excellent agent, and also the best possible rates.
You have so many car insurance agents to buy insurance from, and even though it’s nice to have a choice, so many choices can make it hard to compare rates and find the lowest cost auto insurance.
Comparing rates from local agents
Agents can help determine the best coverages and help you file claims. The biggest benefit of comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find the best rates and still have an agent to talk to.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this form (opens in new window), your coverage information is emailed to participating agents in Belle Fourche who will compete for your business. You won’t need to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. How cool is that?!
Choosing an insurance agent requires more thought than just the price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in South Dakota?
Captive and independent Belle Fourche car insurance agents
When finding a good Belle Fourche insurance agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents that you can select. Agencies in Belle Fourche are categorized either captive or independent. While both can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the difference between them because it can influence the selection process.
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents write business for a single company like Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They are unable to place coverage with different providers so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agents are well schooled in insurance sales which can be an advantage.
Shown below is a short list of captive agencies in Belle Fourche that are able to give rate quotes.
Farmers Insurance Group – 506 1/2 State St – Belle Fourche, SD 57717 – (605) 723-2046
Farm Bureau Insurance – 622 State St – Belle Fourche, SD 57717 – (605) 892-2120
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage with any number of different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparing rates, we recommend you include at least one independent agent to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Shown below are Belle Fourche independent insurance agencies that can give you price quotes.
Farm Bureau Insurance – 622 State St – Belle Fourche, SD 57717 – (605) 892-2120
Duke Boston Insurance Inc – 619 5th Ave – Belle Fourche, SD 57717 – (605) 892-4628
For a full directory of licensed insurance agents in Belle Fourche, visit this link.
After getting good answers as well as a affordable price, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that is a good match to service your policy.
You have the option to buy auto insurance direct online
Professional insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you can also find affordable South Dakota auto insurance direct from companies online. Some specific companies who employ agents additionally provide the ability to buy a policy online, and that is helpful if you prefer not to work with an agent.
If you’re uncomfortable with not having an insurance agent’s advice when buying car insurance direct, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Online car insurance companies provide phone numbers and online resources that you can contact for information. You can also use live help and 24/7 access to make it easier to purchase.
Do online companies provide lower prices? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer because there are many components that impact your rate calculation. You may think that buying car insurance online saves the commission normally paid to an agent. But the reality is there are very high advertising costs and that can cost more than having to pay agents.
If you’re not set on any one company, the best way to find out who has the best deal, local agents or online insurance companies, is to get free quotes from both and compare them. It’s even possible to receive different pricing from exactly the same company depending on if you quote online or with an agent. It’s just impossible to know where the best price is unless you get rate quotes utilizing both methods.
Online plus local equals savings
As you shop your coverage around, never reduce needed coverages to save money. In too many instances, someone sacrificed physical damage coverage only to regret that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The proper strategy is to buy the best coverage you can find for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.
People switch companies for any number of reasons including denial of a claim, poor customer service, policy cancellation and not issuing a premium refund. Whatever your reason, switching companies is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
Even more information can be read at the South Dakota Division of Insurance website. South Dakota drivers can read industry bulletins, discover disciplinary actions, and download brochures.
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