When finding a licensed insurance agent in New Bedford, we recommend you start your research on the web rather than looking in the yellowpages. Consumers require an excellent agent, and also want to find cheap rates.
Popular companies such as Allstate and Progressive constantly blast consumers with ad campaigns and it is difficult to see through the cute green geckos and mayhem and take the time to shop coverage around.
Why do I need an agent?
Good agents can answer important questions and give you someone to call. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is you may find lower rates but also keep your business local.
Upon completion of this simple form, your insurance coverage information is immediately sent to insurance agents in New Bedford who will compete for your insurance coverage. There is no need to drive around since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. How’s that for easy! You can find better rates and work with a local agent.
Selecting an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just the premium amount. Here are some questions to ask:
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
- 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?
- Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
Multiple types of insurance agents in New Bedford
If you’re trying to find a local agent, there are a couple of types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents are either independent or captive.
Agency Captives
Captive agents work for only one company like State Farm, Allstate and AAA. These agents are not able to provide prices from multiple companies so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. These agents are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When shopping rates, we recommend you include price quotes from multiple independent agents to get the best comparison.
Below is a short list of independent agencies in New Bedford that are able to give comparison quotes.
Resendes Insurance – 1291 Acushnet Ave – New Bedford, MA 02746 – (508) 992-0504
Baylies Square Insurance – 1805 Acushnet Ave – New Bedford, MA 02746 – (508) 995-8061
For a full directory of New Bedford insurance agents, go to this page.
Once you have received good answers to these questions and a good coverage price, most likely you have located an insurance agency that meets your needs to insure your vehicles.
Does buying direct online cost less?
Professional insurance agents are important, but Massachusetts car insurance can also be bought direct over the internet. Some specific companies like Allstate and State Farm that sell primarily through agents also allow you to buy online, and online price comparisons are easy if you are the do-it-yourself type.
If you’re anxious about choosing your own coverages when buying direct, that should not be a issue. Car insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide options to answer any questions you may have. In addition, they usually offer anytime access to help and a customer research section that you can use before buying.
Can you save money buying online? That question is hard to answer because there are so many things that impact your final bill. It would make sense to think that buying direct lowers rates due to not having any agent compensation. But the reality is there are very high advertising costs so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
Additional resources for Massachusetts consumers
More tips and info about car insurance can be found at the Massachusetts Division of Insurance website. Visitors are able to read state legal mandates and laws, discover disciplinary actions, find a variety of consumer forms, and find out industry alerts.
These articles may also be worth reading.
- Never Shop For New Bedford, MA Car Insurance Without Knowing These Money Saving Methods
- Pay Less for New Bedford Massachusetts Car Insurance Rates in Five Minutes
Final thoughts
When you buy insurance online, it’s not a good idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. Too many times, an insured dropped liability limits or collision coverage and learned later that they should have had better coverage. The aim is to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Affordable car insurance is definitely available from both online companies in addition to many New Bedford insurance agents, so you should compare both to get a complete price analysis. Some car insurance companies do not provide online price quotes and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.
