When finding a licensed insurance agent in Colchester, you can start your research on the internet instead of making phone calls. Chances are you’re wanting a good professional insurance agent, but you also want great rates as well.
With companies like Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents all competing for your business, it can be hard to know which insurance agency will have the cheapest rates and the best coverage. Thankfully, it’s easy to use online quoting to build a list of agents from which to choose.
Local Colchester agents and auto insurance
Insurance agents can answer important questions and give you someone to call. The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain better rates but still work with a licensed agent. And providing support for local agencies is definitely important in Colchester.
After filling out this quick form, your insurance data is immediately sent to insurance agents in Colchester who will return price quotes to get your business. There is no reason to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!
Two types of Colchester insurance agents
If you’re trying to find local Colchester agents, there are a couple of types of agencies that you can select. Insurance agencies in Colchester are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive. Either one can do a good job, but it’s good to learn the differences because it can influence your selection of an agent.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with any number of different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you get quotes from at least one independent agent to have the most options to choose from. They also have the ability to place coverage with smaller companies which can save you money.
Listed below are Colchester independent insurance agents that may be able to provide competitive price quotes.
- Sudha G Parikh Insurance – 48 Rathe Rd – Colchester, VT 05446 – (802) 654-7161
- Coburn Insurance Inc – 336 Watertower Cir – Colchester, VT 05446 – (802) 654-4500
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents can only write with one company such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so keep that in mind. Captives are well schooled on their company’s products which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers often buy from captive agents primarily because of high brand loyalty and strong financial ratings.
Choosing an insurance agency requires more thought than just the premium amount. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- Who are their largest clients?
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
After getting positive feedback in addition to an acceptable price estimate, most likely you have located an insurance agency that meets your needs to service your policy.
But what about Geico, Esurance and Progressive?
Licensed agents serve a purpose, but you can also buy Vermont car insurance from companies direct over the internet. Certain companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who have local Colchester agents also permit you to buy online, so this should also be taken into consideration.
If you’re anxious about not having someone to ask questions when shopping online, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. Auto insurance companies have customer service departments for customer questions. You can also use extensive coverage information and 24/7 assistance to help you answer questions.
When trying to find the best rates, the only way to determine whether prices are lower online or from agents is comparing rate quotes from both. You may actually get a different price from exactly the same company depending on where you get the price quote from. But it’s impossible to know which method provides the best price until after comparing identical coverage quotes using both methods.
Will buying online save you money? It’s difficult to say for sure since there are many things that impact your final bill. It would make sense to think that buying directly from the company saves money by not requiring a commission. But the fact is, online and traditional media advertising are expensive so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.
Buy online or local, you save
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, you should never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are a lot of situations where someone dropped collision coverage and discovered at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The ultimate goal is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.
Drivers who switch companies do it for many reasons like questionable increases in premium, not issuing a premium refund, poor customer service or even delays in responding to claim requests. No matter why you want to switch, choosing a new company can be less work than you think.
More Vermont auto insurance information
Much more information about auto insurance in Vermont is available on the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation website located here. Consumers can read state legal mandates and laws, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.
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