When shopping for auto insurance, finding the best Rhode Island insurance agency is more difficult than just driving to the closest agent’s office. You require a professional agent, but also competitive auto insurance rates.
Consumers have many auto insurance agents to purchase coverage from, and even though it’s nice to have a choice, too many choices makes it more difficult to get the best deal.
How to compare West Warwick auto insurance rates
Good agents can help determine the best coverages and help file insurance claims. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you may find lower rates but still work with a licensed agent.
After filling out this form (opens in new window), your information is transmitted to participating agents in West Warwick who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You never need to even leave your home as quotes are delivered immediately to your email address. How cool is that?! You’ll get the best rates and an insurance agent to talk to.
Deciding on an insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a cheap price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- Are they full-time agents?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- How are they compensated?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
Two different types of car insurance agents
When researching local West Warwick agents, you need to know there are two types of agencies from which to choose. Insurance agencies in West Warwick are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive).
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies are contracted to one company like State Farm or Allstate. These agents are not able to give you multiple price quotes so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agents are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers often purchase coverage from captives partially due to loyalty to the company and strong financial ratings.
The following is a list of captive insurance agents in West Warwick that can give you price quote information.
- Allstate Insurance – 711 Quaker Ln – West Warwick, RI 02893 – (401) 823-7170
- Liberty Mutual Insurance – 289 Cowesett Ave # 16 – West Warwick, RI 02893 – (401) 828-5219
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To move your coverage to a new company, the agent simply finds a different carrier without you having to go to a different agency. When comparing rates, we recommend you get quotes from multiple independent agents for the best price selection. They also have the ability to place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.
Listed below are West Warwick independent insurance agencies that can give you price quotes.
- Liberty Mutual Insurance – 1300 Division Rd # 204 – West Warwick, RI 02893 – (401) 885-1634
- C O Agency Inc – 1350 Division Rd – West Warwick, RI 02893 – (401) 886-1830
- Gmac Insurance – 1300 Division Rd # 305 – West Warwick, RI 02893 – (401) 822-3750
To view a full list of West Warwick insurance agents, visit this site.
Upon getting positive responses to all your questions and a low price estimate, chances are good that you have found an insurance agent that is a good match to properly service your auto insurance policy.
Purchasing car insurance direct online is an option
Insurance agencies are important, but Rhode Island drivers can also buy directly from online companies. Certain auto insurance companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, that sell primarily through agents also give you the option to quote and buy online. This is something to consider if you are the do-it-yourself type.
If you’re concerned about selecting your own policy coverages, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Companies provide toll-free numbers for answering any questions you have. In addition, they usually offer online education and live help anytime so buying online is not difficult.
Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online? Whether or not you’ll save is impossible to say because there are many factors that are calculated into your premium. You may think that buying online reduces premiums because there is no agent. For most companies selling online, however, promoting brand recognition is pricey so there may not be significant savings.
In the end, you save
Discount auto insurance is possible on the web and with local West Warwick insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.
While you’re price shopping online, do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. In too many instances, an insured cut liability coverage limits only to regret at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The ultimate goal is to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford.
For more information
Additional detailed information is available at the Rhode Island Division of Insurance Regulation website. Rhode Island consumers can read state legal mandates and laws, find out which companies have the most complaints, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.
