Comparing car insurance companies in Carlsbad, CA can be challenging because there are a lot of options and finding the best California auto insurance agent is not as easy as just making a phone call. Consumers require a competent insurance agent, but also need the lowest rates in Carlsbad.
Companies like Geico, Farmers Insurance and State Farm all claim big savings with advertising and it can be hard to separate fact from fiction and find the best price available.
Why do I need an agent?
Insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and give you peace of mind. The best thing about getting online price quotes is you may find better rates and still have an agent to talk to.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this short form, the quote information gets sent to local insurance agents who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You never need to drive around since price quotes are sent to the email address you provide. How cool is that?!
Picking an insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- How long has their agency been in business in Carlsbad?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
Carlsbad insurance agencies are either independent or captive
When finding a good Carlsbad insurance agent, you need to know there are two different types of agents to choose from. Agencies in Carlsbad can either be independent or captive. While both can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning how they differ since it may influence the selection process.
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents work for only one company like State Farm or Allstate. They generally cannot provide prices from multiple companies so keep that in mind. Captive agents are trained well on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
The following is a list of captive insurance agents in Carlsbad that are able to give rate quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 7040 Avenida Encinas # 205 – Carlsbad, CA 92011 – (760) 438-8945
Farmers Insurance Group – 7700 El Camino Real # 201 – Carlsbad, CA 92009 – (760) 632-8490
Independent Agents
Independent agents do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with many different companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you don’t have to find a new agent. When shopping rates, it’s recommended you include at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from.
The following are independent agencies in Carlsbad that are able to give comparison quotes.
Arnold Lee Insurance – 3055 Corte Trabuco – Carlsbad, CA 92009 – (760) 602-0141
Richard Fickett Insurance Svc – 6994 El Camino Real – Carlsbad, CA 92009 – (760) 931-6245
To view a full list of insurance agents in Carlsbad, click here to link.
Once you have received satisfactory answers to these questions and a good coverage price, it’s possible that you found an insurance agent that is a good match to properly insure your vehicles.
But what about buying from online companies?
Insurance agencies are indespensible for some people, but you also have the option of buying direct over the internet. Some companies, such as State Farm, Allstate and Farmers, who have local agents in Carlsbad also give you the option to get quotes and purchase online, and that can save time if you prefer to buy online.
If you’re anxious about having to choose coverages yourself when buying direct, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. All companies all have client service departments you can use to get advice on coverages.
Does car insurance cost less online? Many people swear by it, but it’s difficult to answer due to the fact that there are many factors which can raise or lower premium rates. It would make sense to think that buying online reduces premiums because there is no agent. For most companies selling online, however, the cost of constant advertising is expensive so there may not be significant savings.
If you’re not set on any one company, the best way to find out whether prices are lower online or from agents is comparing prices for both of them. You may actually get a different price for the identical company if you compare an online quote to agent rates. But it’s difficult to know where you can get the lowest rates until you actually compare rates for both.
Additional detailed information is available at the California Department of Insurance website. California consumers can download brochures, learn about insurance regulations, view a list of available companies, and read industry bulletins.
Other informative sites include this site for car insurance rates in California and this page of insurance agents in Carlsbad.
Quote more, save more
Insureds switch companies for many reasons like lack of trust in their agent, unfair underwriting practices, high rates after DUI convictions or being labeled a high risk driver. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, switching companies is not as difficult as it may seem.
As you shop your coverage around, you should never sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There are a lot of situations where an accident victim reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret at claim time that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The aim is to buy a smart amount of coverage at the best price.
