To find an insurance agent in Bluffton, South Carolina, you can always do the preliminary legwork by comparing prices online rather than picking up the phone. The chances are good you’re wanting a professional licensed agent, but you also want the lowest possible price.
With insurance companies like independent agents, Allstate and State Farm having local Bluffton offices, it can be hard to know which provider will give you the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To help decide, you can use online quotes to assemble a group of insurance agencies and thier coverage prices.
Quote online but work with a neighborhood agent
Educated insurance agents can answer important questions and help file insurance claims. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is you may find better rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local insurance agencies is definitely important in Bluffton.
For easy comparison, once you complete this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is emailed to companies in Bluffton who will compete for your coverage. You never need to visit any agencies as quotes are delivered directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier! It’s the lowest rates and a licensed agent to work with.
Multiple types of insurance agencies in Bluffton
When researching a good Bluffton insurance agent, there are two different types of agents that you can select. Agencies in Bluffton are categorized either captive or independent.
Independent Agents
These agents do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency.
When shopping rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Below is a short list of independent agents in Bluffton that may be able to provide rate quotes.
Kinghorn Insurance Svc – 1160 Fording Island Rd – Bluffton, SC 29910 – (843) 837-8000
Coastal Plains Insurance – 11 Arley Way # 102 – Bluffton, SC 29910 – (843) 706-3006
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents work for only one company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. Captives cannot give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They are trained well on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents.
Selecting an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just the premium amount. Agents should be asked these questions:
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- How are claims handled?
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in South Carolina?
Upon receiving positive feedback to your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you’ve probably found a car insurance agent that will properly insure your vehicles.
Buying direct is an option
Professional insurance agents can be invaluable at times, but South Carolina consumers also have the option to buy direct over the internet. Certain auto insurance companies like Allstate and State Farm that sell primarily through agents also permit you to buy online, so this should also be taken into consideration if finding the best price is important.
If you’re concerned about selecting your own policy coverages, that is quite common when buying online the first time. Companies provide access to licensed agents for getting the best coverage.
Is auto insurance cheaper online? A lot of shoppers won’t buy anywhere else, but it’s impossible to say because of the number of factors which can adversely affect your policy premium. Common logic is that a consumer who buys direct saves the cost of an agent commission. In reality, marketing expenses are significant so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
Smart shoppers get results
Budget-conscious car insurance can be sourced from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Bluffton agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.
Consumers switch companies for a variety of reasons including policy non-renewal, lack of trust in their agent, extreme rates for teen drivers and even poor customer service. Whatever your reason, choosing a new insurance company can be easier than you think.
Some additional reading
More information can be found on the website for the South Carolina Department of Insurance through this link. Visitors are able to read industry bulletins, report car insurance fraud, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and view agent and company licensing information.
