Finding good auto insurance in Smithtown can be challenging since you have many choices and picking a good New York insurance agency takes more work than just calling the closest agent. Consumers require a professional licensed agent, and also the best possible rates.
Having so many different company options, it can be impossible to pick the lowest cost insurance company.
Smithtown agents and online quotes
Professional agents can help determine the best coverages and give you someone to call. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is you can get better rates and still have an agent to talk to.
To find an agent, once you fill out this simple form, your information is sent to companies in Smithtown who will battle for your insurance coverage. There is no need to leave your computer due to the fact that quote results will go immediately to your email address. How cool is that?! You’ll get the best rates AND an agent nearby.
Choosing a car insurance agent should depend on more than just the price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
- Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
Two types of auto insurance agents
When finding a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that you can select. Agencies in Smithtown can either be captive or independent.
Captive Agents
Captive agents are contracted to one company and some examples include State Farm, AAA, Farmers Insurance or Allstate. They generally cannot shop your coverage around so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives are very knowledgeable in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers often choose to use a captive agent mostly because of the brand legacy and strong financial ratings.
Shown below are Smithtown captive agents who may provide you with comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance Co – 89 E Main St # 1 – Smithtown, NY 11787 – (631) 724-2100
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house without you having to go to a different agency.
When comparing rates, you should always contact at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection. Many write coverage with lesser-known insurance companies who may have lower rates.
Below are independent insurance agents in Smithtown who can help you get comparison quotes.
- Schaever Agency Inc – 22 Lawrence Ave – Smithtown, NY 11787 – (631) 265-7277
- Levinson Agency – 811 W Jericho Tpke # 103w – Smithtown, NY 11787 – (631) 360-3361
- Bagatta Insurance – 823 W Jericho Tpke – Smithtown, NY 11787 – (631) 864-1111
- JSM Insurance – 51 E Main St – Smithtown, NY 11787 – (631) 366-2586
- Charles Poillon Agency Inc – 42 Terry Rd – Smithtown, NY 11787 – (631) 724-0002
For a full directory of licensed insurance agents in Smithtown, visit this link.
Once you have acceptable answers to all your questions and an acceptable price quote, it’s possible that you found a car insurance agent that can insure your vehicles.
What about online companies that don’t have local agents?
Professional insurance agents are important, but New York consumers also have the option to buy directly from online companies. Certain companies who sell through the agent channel also let you buy direct on their websites, and that is helpful if you prefer to buy online.
If you’re uncomfortable with whether or not you’ll have guidance when shopping online, don’t sweat it. Online car insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage give you access to trained agents for getting advice on proper coverages. Additionally, most companies also offer live chat and online tools so buying online is not difficult.
Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer since there are so many factors that impact your rate calculation. Common sense would say that purchasing direct online saves money by not requiring a commission. For most online online companies, however, there are high advertising and marketing costs and this drives up their premium costs.
Additional detailed information can be read at the New York Department of Financial Services website. Visitors are able to find a variety of consumer forms, get help finding coverage, and find disaster information.
In conclusion
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, it’s not a good idea to sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There are many occasions where consumers will sacrifice collision coverage only to regret at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your strategy should be to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.
Cheap auto insurance is possible on the web as well as from independent agents in Smithtown, and you should be comparing both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.
