When trying to find a good Westminster agent, it’s recommended you do an initial search on the web rather than looking in the yellowpages. Most likely you’re looking for a great agent that can assess your needs, but you also want the best rates possible.
With companies like Allstate, Farmers, State Farm and many independent agents all competing for business in Westminster, it’s difficult to determine which provider will provide you with the best service and rates. To help decide, it’s easy to use insurance quotes online to get a list of insurance agents and thier coverage prices.
Why do I need an agent?
Licensed agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about getting online price quotes is you may find the best rates but also keep your business local. And providing support for local insurance agencies is definitely important in Westminster.
By using this quick form, your insurance data is sent to insurance agents in Westminster who will compete for your business. You don’t have to leave your computer as quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. It doesn’t get any easier!
The difference between Westminster auto insurance agents
When searching for a reliable agent, you must know there are a couple different types of agents from which to choose. Agents are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). While both can write coverage properly, but it’s worth mentioning the difference between them because it can impact the selection process.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with many different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part.
When shopping rates, you should always get quotes from at least one independent agent to have the most options to choose from. They often place coverage with different regional companies which may provide better rates.
Shown below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Westminster that may be able to provide price quote information.
- Steve Coleman Agency – 8791 Wolff Ct # 230 – Westminster, CO 80031 – (303) 412-5990
- M and M Insurance – 3380 W 72nd Ave # 101 – Westminster, CO 80030 – (303) 427-2000
- Chatham Insurance – 8753 Yates Dr – Westminster, CO 80031 – (303) 301-2655
- D M Pergola Agency Inc – 7190 Julian Way – Westminster, CO 80030 – (303) 429-8188
- Mark Platek Agency Inc – 8791 Wolff Ct # 200 – Westminster, CO 80031 – (303) 457-1232
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies can only write with one company such as Farmers Insurance or State Farm. Captives cannot shop your coverage around so keep that in mind. Captive agents are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which can be an advantage. Consumers sometimes buy from captive agents mostly because of the brand legacy and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Listed below are captive agencies in Westminster that can give you rate quotes.
- Farmers Insurance Group – 2701 W 84th Ave # 201 – Westminster, CO 80031 – (303) 428-6512
- Shelter Insurance – 4810 W 80th Ave # L102 – Westminster, CO 80030 – (303) 430-1163
- Allstate Insurance – 9101 Harlan St # 105 – Westminster, CO 80031 – (303) 487-0168
- State Farm Insurance – 3520 W 92nd Ave # 102 – Westminster, CO 80031 – (303) 421-6888
- American Family Insurance – 8020 Federal Blvd # 2 – Westminster, CO 80031 – (303) 426-9500
For a full directory of captive insurance agents in Westminster, visit this link.
Selecting an auto insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
- Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
- How long has their agency been open in Westminster?
- Can they give you a list of client referrals?
Upon receiving answers to your satisfaction to these questions and a good coverage price, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to service your policy.
But what about Geico and Esurance?
Car insurance agents can be invaluable at times, but Colorado drivers can also buy direct over the internet. Some companies like State Farm and Allstate who have local agents in Westminster also give you the ability to buy direct online, and online price comparisons are easy to possibly find a better rate.
If you’re uneasy about whether or not you’ll have guidance when buying online, that is normal but is not a big issue. Car insurance companies have toll-free phone numbers and other options to answer any questions you may have. You may also access help pages and frequently asked questions to make it easier to purchase.
If the best price is important to you, the most effective way to determine if car insurance prices are lower online or from agents is to get price quotes for both. Even though it sounds odd, people frequently get different pricing from the same insurance company from their agents and their website. But you won’t know whether online or agents have the lower rates until after comparing identical coverage quotes from both ways.
Do online companies have better rates? A lot of shoppers won’t buy anywhere else, but it’s impossible to say since there are so many factors that influence how your policy is priced. It’s a logical assumption that buying car insurance online cuts out the middleman. But that assumption is generally incorrect because advertising and marketing take a lot of money and this tends to eat up any savings.
More effort can pay off
As you prepare to switch companies, it’s not a good idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are many occasions where an accident victim reduced liability limits or collision coverage and learned later that it was a big mistake. The aim is to find the BEST coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.
Consumers leave their current company for many reasons like an unsatisfactory settlement offer, being labeled a high risk driver, delays in paying claims or high prices. It doesn’t matter what your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is not as difficult as it may seem.
More consumer information in Colorado
Much more information about auto insurance in Colorado can be found on the Colorado DORA Division of Insurance website located here. Colorado consumers can read consumer alerts, view a list of available companies, view agent and company licensing information, and find out which companies have the most complaints.
Also read more on Auto Insurance 101 and this link which helps you find a Westminster agent.
