Comparing car insurance rates in Westerly can be a lot of work since you have many choices and finding the best Rhode Island auto insurance agent is not as easy as just making a phone call. Consumers require a good professional insurance agent, but also cheaper car insurance prices.
There is such a variety of car insurance agents to choose from, and although it’s nice to have a selection, lots of choices makes it harder to locate the cheapest rates.
Shop online but buy locally
Insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is that you can obtain lower rates but still work with a licensed agent.
For easy comparison, once you complete this form (opens in new window), the quote information is transmitted to participating agents in Westerly who will give you bids to get your business. You don’t have to even leave your home because quoted prices will be sent immediately to your email address. How cool is that?!
Selecting an insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
Is a captive or independent insurance agent right for you?
When searching for a good Westerly insurance agent, there are a couple of types of insurance agents from which to choose. Agencies in Westerly can either be captive or independent (non-captive). Both do a good job, but it’s worth learning the difference between them because it can influence buying decisions.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents can only write with one company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. They are unable to give you multiple price quotes so always compare other rates. Captive agents are well schooled on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents. Some people will only buy from captive agents mainly due to high brand loyalty and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Listed below is a short list of captive agents in Westerly who may provide you with comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance Co – 105 Franklin St – Westerly, RI 02891 – (401) 596-7770
Independent Agents
These agents are not locked into one company but instead can place your coverage with multiple insurance companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparison shopping, we recommend you contact multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection. Most have the option of insuring with smaller regional carriers which can save you money.
Below is a list of independent insurance agencies in Westerly who can help you get comparison quotes.
- LA Pere Insurance and Real Est – 185 Shore Rd – Westerly, RI 02891 – (401) 596-6880
- Lathrop Insurance – 85 Beach St # A – Westerly, RI 02891 – (401) 596-2525
For a full directory of licensed insurance agents in Westerly, please click here.
After receiving positive feedback to all your questions and a low price estimate, you have narrowed it down to a car insurance agent that will insure your vehicles.
Also think about buying car insurance direct
Licensed agents are important to many people, but you also have the option of buying Rhode Island car insurance direct over the internet. Certain companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who employ agents additionally provide the ability to buy a policy online, and that is helpful if the lowest rate is your goal.
If you’re concerned about not having professional advice when buying car insurance direct, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Online companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages all provide contact methods to answer any questions you may have.
Is online auto insurance cheaper? The answer to that question is complicated since there are so many components that impact your rate calculation. Some people will tell you that a shopper who purchases direct reduces premiums because there is no agent. In many cases, the cost of constant advertising is expensive so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
A little work can save a LOT of money
Cheap car insurance can be found on the web and with local Westerly insurance agents, and you should be comparing both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.
When shopping online for car insurance, you should never skimp on coverage in order to save money. In too many instances, someone sacrificed liability coverage limits only to regret at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The aim is to purchase plenty of coverage at a price you can afford.
More tips and info about car insurance is available at the Rhode Island Division of Insurance Regulation website. Rhode Island consumers can read industry bulletins, report car insurance fraud, and find a variety of consumer forms.
The following information may also be useful.
