Finding good auto insurance in Bellevue can be challenging since you have many choices and finding the best Washington insurance agency is not as easy as just driving to the closest agent’s office. We’re assuming you’re wanting a good professional insurance agent, but you also need affordable coverage.
With companies like Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents all competing for your business, it can be hard to know which will provide you with the best rates, service and coverage. To begin, you can use insurance quotes online to assemble a group of agents to choose from.
How to compare Bellevue auto insurance rates
Educated insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help submit paperwork. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is you can get better rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from local insurance agencies is important particularly in Bellevue.
Once you complete this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is instantly submitted to companies in Bellevue who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You never need to drive around as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. How cool is that?! You can find better rates and an insurance agent to talk to.
Auto insurance agents in Bellevue come in two varieties
If you’re trying to find a reputable insurance agent or broker, you need to know there are two different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Bellevue are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive).
Independent Agents
Independent agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, the business is moved internally and that require little work on your part. When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection. They also have the ability to place coverage with different regional companies who may have lower rates.
The following are independent insurance agents in Bellevue willing to provide price quote information.
- Independent Agency Marketing – 14042 NE 8th St – Bellevue, WA 98007 – (425) 643-2060
- Baugh-Schlepp Insurance – 14400 Bel Red Rd # 110 – Bellevue, WA 98007 – (425) 641-0367
- Joe Hughes Agency – 3805 108th Ave NE # 204 – Bellevue, WA 98004 – (425) 827-8066
- Ireland Insurance Assoc – 13635 NE 8th St # 101 – Bellevue, WA 98005 – (425) 746-6047
Captive Agents
These agents have only one company to place business with and some examples include State Farm, Allstate and AAA. They are unable to compare other company’s rates so they have to upsell other benefits. They receive extensive training on the products they sell which can be an advantage. Some people will only buy insurance from these agents mostly because of the prominence of the brand and solid financial strength.
Shown below are Bellevue captive insurance agencies that can give you price quote information.
- Allstate Insurance – 14925 SE Allen Rd # 104 – Bellevue, WA 98006 – (425) 747-4200
- American Family Insurance – 3180 139th Ave SE # 100 – Bellevue, WA 98005 – (425) 644-3027
- Farmers Insurance Group – 1417 116th Ave NE – Bellevue, WA 98004 – (425) 635-2900
To view a full list of Bellevue captive agents, visit this site.
Deciding on an insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
After getting good answers to your questions and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agency that is a good match to adequately provide auto insurance.
Also keep in mind buying direct
Car insurance agents are important to many people, but Washington drivers can also buy from companies direct over the internet. Certain companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who employ agents additionally provide the ability to quote and buy online, and that is helpful if the lowest rate is your goal.
If you’re uneasy about not getting proper coverage when shopping online, this is a normal reaction for first-time shoppers. Car insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide customer service to answer your questions. You may also access online education and live help anytime to clarify any questions you may have.
Do online companies have better rates? A lot of shoppers won’t buy anywhere else, but it’s impossible to say because there are a lot of things that are calculated into your premium. Many people think that buying car insurance online saves the commission normally paid to an agent. In many cases, online and traditional media advertising are expensive and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Better coverage you can count on
Discount auto insurance is attainable both online as well as from independent agents in Bellevue, so compare prices from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. A few companies don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.
When buying insurance coverage, you should never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are many occasions where someone dropped collision coverage only to regret that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your goal should be to buy enough coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.
Additional information is available on the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website found here. Consumers can find out which companies have the most complaints, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, discover disciplinary actions, and find a variety of consumer forms.
Also read more on this page for auto insurance prices in Washington and this page where you can also get Bellevue auto insurance quotes.
