When finding a good West Columbia agent, it’s recommended you start your search by getting online comparison quotes rather than picking up the phone. Consumers require a great agent that can assess your needs, but also decent rates too.
Big companies like GEICO, Progressive and Allstate all claim big savings with advertising and it is difficult to not get sucked in by the cute commercials and find the best price available.
Your insurance agent down the street
Insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you peace of mind. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is you can get the best rates but still work with a licensed agent.
Once you complete this simple form, your information gets sent to local insurance agents in West Columbia who will battle to get your business. You never need to leave your computer due to the fact that quote results will go to the email address you provide. How cool is that?!
Picking an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
Two types of West Columbia insurance agents
When looking for a good insurance agency, you need to know there are two different agency structures to choose from. West Columbia agents are categorized either captive or independent. While both can insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know the differences since it may influence your selection of an agent.
Captive Agents
Captive agencies work for only one company and some examples include AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to place coverage with different providers so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. They are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which can be an advantage.
The following is a list of captive insurance agents in West Columbia who can help you get comparison quotes.
State Farm Insurance – 510 E Brazos Ave # A – West Columbia, TX 77486 – (979) 345-3104
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, they simply move the coverage in-house without you having to go to a different agency.
When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to include at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from.
The following is a short list of independent agencies in West Columbia that can give you price quotes.
Salyer Insurance – 314 E Brazos Ave – West Columbia, TX 77486 – (979) 345-4479
Hays Insurance – 507 E Brazos Ave – West Columbia, TX 77486 – (979) 345-2271
For a full directory of licensed insurance agents in West Columbia, visit this link.
Once you have received positive responses in addition to an acceptable price estimate, chances are good that you have found an insurance agent that can adequately provide car insurance.
You have the option to purchase direct online
Car insurance agents serve a purpose, but Texas consumers also have the option to buy direct online. A few companies who have local West Columbia agents also give you the option to buy direct online, and consumers should do that as an alternative to contacting agents.
If you’re uneasy about whether or not you’ll have guidance, don’t let it bother you. Car insurance companies have toll-free phone numbers and other options you can use to get advice on coverages.
Do people save by buying online? It’s hard to say exactly because there are so many things that can increase policy rates. Many people think that a customer who purchases direcly from an online company lowers rates due to not having any agent compensation. But in reality, promoting brand recognition is pricey so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
Additional detailed information is available at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Consumers can read consumer alerts, find out industry alerts, and download brochures.
One last thing
Cheap car insurance is definitely available both online as well as from independent agents in West Columbia, and you need to price shop both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who don’t offer online price quotes and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.
People who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as being labeled a high risk driver, high rates after DUI convictions, unfair underwriting practices or even policy non-renewal. Whatever your reason, finding a great new company is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.