When looking for auto insurance we all want the same thing – to place money. This is especially legal given the unique economic times. However, the current trend is to scour the internet searching for the best deal in car insurance. This, while useful at times, is often confusing, time consuming and even overwhelming – it would take days to search through all the available auto agencies online. Therefore, it is often much easier and more time effective to search the old fashioned way, pull out the phone book and call local agencies for. Searching among local insurance agents often offers various benefits.
Everyone, it seems, guarantees that they will save you money on your novel insurance rates. Geico promises 15% or more, Progressive promises to compare quotes for you to find you the best rate; Allstate promises “you will save more”; State Farm promises the “best rates”; and the list continues on. Undoubtedly, all these companies, and many others, honestly are interested in saving you money, they want your business and in order to get your business they have to be competitive in their pricing.
Nevertheless, almost all these companies’ websites use fairly generic information forms when generating your car insurance quotes. These estimated quotes are often worthy higher than what they would be if you where to actually visit these agencies in person or speak with an agent. These is because local insurance agents also want your business, often more so than a national company, and are aware of the prices online and are likely to be wiling to do whatever they can to beat any online price you may fetch. A apt example of this is my experience with Allstate.
When I entered my information into Allstate’s online quote estimator the estimate was just over $1000 every six months or $180 a month. My wife and I have two cars, and have totaled one with in the last year, and have been in three other accidents (it has been a banner year). However, when I went into a local Allstate agent’s office he quoted me an insurance premium which was noteworthy less: $790 for six months or $132.38 a month. I was surprised at the difference. This may not always be the case, but often is. If you are truly looking for the best auto insurance rate available to you it would be worth your while to devote at least half of your looking efforts towards local agencies. Sometimes the best deals are with local car insurance agents who sell for a larger national company.
Filed under Car Insurance Questions by on Feb 27th, 2011. Comment. 
I toyed with the idea of purchasing online car insurance. I thought I would save a lot of money. After all, I see hundreds of Progressive and Geico insurance commercials each and every day. These commercials promise large savings. After I did a limited research myself, I found that I might set a few dollars. What I would lose, however was priceless: a relationship with a car insurance agent.
I like my car insurance agent. He is always there to respond my questions. When someone backed in to me at a Walgreen’s parking lot and then filed a claim against ME my car insurance agent was there. When I received a curious bill on a Saturday morning, it was my car insurance agent’s cell phone that I called. There are many benefits of having a car insurance agent as opposed to an online policy. I would like to allotment five car insurance agent benefits with you:
Benefit of Having a Car Insurance Agent #1: You Have Somewhere To Go If you Have a Question
If you have an online policy and need a put a question to answered, you have to call a 1-800 number. I am sure that many people can vouch for the fact that sometimes you don’t come by the best service through a 1-800 number. Of course, there are exceptions. I am distinct there are many polite and courteous people working at online insurance companies that will help you. However, if you have an urgent question and can’t reach someone by phone you can visit your car insurance agent.
Car Insurance Agent Benefit #2: Someone is Watching Out for You
A great car insurance agent benefit is that you always have someone watching out for you. If there is a novel discount available, they will apply it to your epic. If they have a new product available that might effect you some money, they will call and tell you about it.
Benefit of Having a Car Insurance Agent #3: They May Help You Save Money on Other Insurance Policies
A great car insurance agent benefit is that they can help you with most of your insurance needs. Most car insurance companies that have agents have a vast array of insurance services available – from auto insurance to life, renters, homeowners, boat, RV, and even medical insurance. Your car insurance agent knows your personal needs and can recommend policies. Sometimes the discount you are given on the policies for having multiple policies almost pays for the added policy itself. Having an insurance agent that knows what you need and can get you the policies you need is a great encourage.
Benefit of Having a Car Insurance Agent #4: A Car Insurance Agent Can Keep Your Records in Order
I can’t state for all car insurance agents, but my car insurance agent keeps a file of any documentation I give him. I have a homeowners policy through him and I gave him a CD with photos of what is in my home. On the CD was also my excel spreadsheet of what I paid for my big ticket items. I have a copy of the CD in my fire proof safe, but if something happens to that too I know I have my records in order. My car insurance agent keeps that CD in the event I have a catastrophe we can start working a claim right away. They won’t even have to ask me for a list of my items, as they will have everything right at their disposal!
Car Insurance Agent Benefit #5: Having a Relationship with a Human
These days you don’t even have to even call a pizza space and talk to a human to site an order. You can order pizza online, send flowers online, bank online, you can even go to school online. The Internet and computers have taken an interesting role in our lives, oftentimes replacing very common social mechanisms. Sometimes it’s nice to impartial have an idle conversation with an actual human being. If you are in a car accident, your computer can’t send flowers and a derive well card to the hospital. Your computer can’t call to see if you are doing okay. Your computer can’t earn certain paperwork around for you. Having an actual car insurance agent reaps the benefits of actually having a business relationship with an actual human being who cares about you and your family. That’s one benefit that’s hard to replace.
Filed under Car Insurance Questions by on Feb 18th, 2011. Comment.
