When pricing car insurance in Brookings, South Dakota, finding the best South Dakota insurance agency takes more work than just picking up the phone. It’s assumed you’re wanting a professional agent, but you also want great rates as well.
With insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate and Farmers Insurance having local Brookings offices, it can be hard to know which will give you the best service and rates. Thankfully, it’s easy to use online quotes to assemble a group of insurance agencies to choose from.
Comparing prices from Brookings agents
Licensed agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help submit paperwork. The biggest benefit of comparing insurance prices online is you can get lower rates and still choose a local agent. And supporting local insurance agencies is important especially in Brookings.
For easy comparison, once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is immediately sent to companies in Brookings who will give you bids to get your business. There is no need to visit any agencies since price quotes are sent to the email address you provide. It doesn’t get any easier!
Types of insurance agents
When researching a local agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents from which to choose. Agents are categorized either captive or independent. While both can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning how they are different because it can impact buying decisions.
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparing rates, it’s recommended you include several independent insurance agents to have the most options to choose from.
Below are independent agencies in Brookings that may be able to provide competitive price quotes.
Santema Agency – 101 Main Ave – Brookings, SD 57006 – (605) 692-9484
Fishback Insurance – 424 5th St – Brookings, SD 57006 – (605) 696-2236
Ross Anderson Insurance – 104 6th St W – Brookings, SD 57006 – (605) 692-4722
Sutton Agency – 410 5th St – Brookings, SD 57006 – (605) 692-6735
Sterling Agency Insurance – 706 Main Ave S – Brookings, SD 57006 – (605) 692-3027
Agency Captives
Captive insurance agents are contracted to one company like Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They usually cannot place coverage with different providers so always compare other rates. Captives are usually quite knowledgeable on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents.
Listed below are captive insurance agencies in Brookings who can help you get rate quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 1451 6th St # B – Brookings, SD 57006 – (605) 692-8198
Farm Bureau – 601 4th St # 3 – Brookings, SD 57006 – (605) 692-4343
State Farm Insurance – 511 6th St – Brookings, SD 57006 – (605) 692-8383
For a complete listing of Brookings captive insurance agents, visit this site.
Picking an insurance agent requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in South Dakota?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
- Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
Upon receiving answers to your satisfaction to any questions you have and locked in a price quote, chances are good that you have found an insurance agency that can properly insure your vehicles.
Can I save by cutting out the agent?
Auto insurance agents can be invaluable at times, but you can also find affordable South Dakota auto insurance from companies direct over the internet. Even companies who have local Brookings agents also give you the ability to buy online, so that should be considered if you prefer not to work with an agent.
If you’re worried about not getting proper coverage when buying car insurance direct, this really isn’t an issue. Insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage have toll-free phone numbers and other options to answer your questions.
Does coverage cost less online? It’s difficult to provide an answer because of the fact that insurance companies use many factors that impact your premium. Common sense would say that buying directly from the company prevents the agent from taking a cut. But in reality, the cost of constant advertising is expensive so there may not be significant savings.
A tidy conclusion
Consumers switch companies for a number of reasons such as high rates after DUI convictions, being labeled a high risk driver, policy non-renewal and even high prices. Whatever your reason, finding a new car insurance company is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
Cost effective car insurance is attainable on the web and also from your neighborhood Brookings agents, so you should compare both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.
More information is available on the website for the South Dakota Division of Insurance through this link. Visitors are able to discover disciplinary actions, find disaster information, and file complaints about a company.
The articles below may also help you learn more about car insurance in Brookings
