If you’re trying to find a good Lima agent, we recommend you start your search on the web instead of calling around. For the sake of this article, we’ll assume you’re wanting a professional agent, but you also want the lowest possible price.
With insurance companies like independent agents, Allstate and State Farm all competing for your business, consumers have a hard time knowing which car insurance agent will provide you with the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To help decide, it’s easy to use insurance quotes online to get a list of agents from which to choose.
Online quotes with a local Lima insurance agent
Professional agents can answer important questions and give you someone to call. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find lower rates but also keep your business local. And supporting local agencies is important especially in Lima.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this simple form, the coverage information is sent to local insurance agents who will compete for your coverage. There is no reason to drive around because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier! You can find the lowest rates and work with a local agent.
Captive agents vs. Independent agents
If you’re trying to find a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple types of agencies that you can select. Insurance agencies in Lima are either independent or captive.
Independent Agents
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part. When comparing rates, it’s recommended you include at least one independent agent to get the best comparison. They often place coverage with smaller regional carriers which can save you money.
Listed below are independent agencies in Lima who may be able to give you price quote information.
- Acceptance Insurance Agency – 3200 Elida Rd # C – Lima, OH 45805 – (419) 224-5656
- Richard L Kirby Insurance – 3117 W Elm St – Lima, OH 45805 – (419) 999-3030
- Craft Insurance and Assoc – 1603 Allentown Rd – Lima, OH 45805 – (419) 222-8201
- Davidson Agency – 925 N Cole St – Lima, OH 45805 – (419) 222-7041
Agency Captives
Captive insurance agents write business for a single company like Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. They generally cannot place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives are well schooled in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers frequently choose to use a captive agent mainly due to loyalty to the company and strong financial ratings.
Shown below is a short list of captive agents in Lima that are able to give rate quotes.
- American Family Insurance – 309 W High St – Lima, OH 45801 – (419) 224-1952
- Allstate Insurance – 1164 W North St – Lima, OH 45805 – (419) 224-5553
- State Farm Insurance – 105 Cam Ct – Lima, OH 45805 – (419) 998-3500
To view a full list of captive agencies in Lima, please go to this site.
Selecting an insurance agency requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- How are they compensated?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
Upon receiving positive feedback to any questions you have and a low price estimate, you have narrowed it down to a car insurance agent that will provide car insurance coverage.
You have the option to buy auto insurance direct online
Licensed agents are important, but Ohio car insurance can also be bought direct from companies that only sell online. Some car insurance companies who have local agents in Lima also allow consumers to buy direct online, so this should also be taken into consideration if you’re trying to lower your rates.
If you’re apprehensive about having to choose coverages yourself, that should not be a issue. Online insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide access to licensed agents to answer any questions you may have. They also make available the ability to chat online live with a sales rep and online research to help you answer questions.
Do people save by buying online? Many people think so, but it’s hard to say for sure since there are many things that are calculated into your premium. It would make sense to think that purchasing direct online saves money because there is no agent involvement. But the fact is, promoting brand recognition is pricey so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.
Learn more about Ohio car insurance
More information can be read on the Ohio Department of Insurance website found here. Ohio drivers can read industry bulletins, view a list of available companies, get help finding coverage, and read state legal mandates and laws.
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Online plus local equals savings
Consumers change insurance companies for a variety of reasons including policy cancellation, delays in paying claims, lack of trust in their agent or even not issuing a premium refund. No matter why you want to switch, finding a great new company is not as difficult as it may seem.
Low-cost car insurance can be found online in addition to many Lima insurance agents, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some companies do not provide online price quotes and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.