Comparing auto insurance rates in Clay can be a lot of work since there are a lot of options and selecting the best Clay auto insurance agent for your needs takes more work than just using the same insurance agency as your neighbor. Consumers require a good agent that listens to you, but also the cheapest rates you can possibly find.
Companies like State Farm, Farmers Insurance, Geico and Allstate all claim big savings with TV and radio ads and it can be hard to see through the cute green geckos and mayhem and take the time to shop coverage around.
Compare online but buy from a local Clay agent
Insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and give you someone to call. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is you can get the lowest rates and still choose a local agent.
To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is emailed to agents in your area who will give you bids for your business. You don’t have to visit any agencies because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy!
Selecting an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
Multiple types of car insurance agents in Clay
When finding a local agent, there are a couple of types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ because it can influence your agent selection.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies can only place business with one company and some examples include Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives are trained well on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers frequently buy insurance from these agents mainly due to loyalty to the company and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Shown below is a list of captive agents in Clay who can help you get price quote information.
- Allstate Insurance Co – 4531 State Route 31 # 1 – Clay, NY 13041 – (315) 622-1208
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company so they can insure your vehicles with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency.
When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to get quotes from several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. Most have the option of insuring with smaller companies which may provide better rates.
Listed below are independent agencies in Clay who can help you get comparison quotes.
- Secreti Insurance – 5542 Piazza Ln – Clay, NY 13041 – (315) 699-8999
To view a complete directory of auto insurance agents in Clay, click here to link.
Once you have received positive responses to any questions you have and an affordable coverage quote, you have narrowed it down to a car insurance agent that will adequately provide auto insurance.
Consider all options when shopping for auto insurance
Car insurance agents are important, but New York drivers can also buy from companies direct over the internet. Certain auto insurance companies who sell through the agent channel also give you the ability to buy a policy online, and online price comparisons are easy.
If you’re uncomfortable with selecting your own policy coverages when shopping online, this really isn’t an issue. All companies provide access to licensed agents for customer questions.
Are online companies cheaper? The answer to that question is complicated because of the fact that insurance companies use many factors that impact your rate calculation. It’s often assumed that buying direct lowers rates due to not having any agent compensation. For most online online companies, however, marketing their products costs a lot of money so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
Best coverage at the best price
Cheaper auto insurance is attainable from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Clay, and you need to comparison shop both to get a complete price analysis. Some auto insurance companies don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.
As you prepare to switch companies, make sure you don’t sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There are many occasions where someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits to discover at claim time that it was a big error on their part. Your focus should be to buy enough coverage for the lowest price.
More information about auto insurance
More detailed New York auto insurance information can be found at the New York Department of Financial Services website. Visitors are able to find out which companies have the most complaints, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and get help finding coverage.
