If you’re looking for a good insurance agent in Barrow, AK, we recommend you start your search by getting online comparison quotes rather than picking up the phone. You require an excellent agent, and also want to find competitive auto insurance rates.
Since consumers have many different company options, it is hard for the average consumer to locate the best insurer.
Comparing prices from Barrow agents
Good agents can point out coverage gaps and help file insurance claims. One of the best bonuses of getting online price quotes is the fact that you can find better rates and still choose a local agent.
After filling out this simple form, the coverage information is emailed to companies in Barrow who will battle to get your business. You won’t need to visit any agencies as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy!
Choosing an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the price. These are valid questions to ask:
- How long has their agency been open in Barrow?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- Are they full-time agents?
Choose the right auto insurance agent
When researching a good insurance agency, there are two different types of agents that you can select. Insurance agencies in Barrow are classified as either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the difference between them because it can influence your agent selection.
Agency Captives
Captive agencies write business for a single company such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are unable to place coverage with different providers so they have to upsell other benefits. They receive extensive training on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents. Some people will only choose to use a captive agent mostly because of loyalty to the company and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agents are not employed by any specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with multiple insurance companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To move your coverage to a new company, they simply move the coverage in-house and that require little work on your part. When comparing rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to ensure the widest selection of prices. Many write coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.
Upon receiving answers to your satisfaction to these questions as well as a affordable price, you’ve probably found an insurance agency that will properly insure your vehicles.
Can I save by buying direct online?
Professional insurance agents are important, but you can also buy Alaska car insurance direct from companies online. Certain companies who sell through agents in Barrow also give you the ability to buy a policy online. This is something to consider.
If you’re worried about not having an agent to talk to, don’t let it bother you. Online companies give you access to trained agents for customer questions. Many online companies also provide 24/7 live help and a car insurance FAQ section you can access prior to buying.
The only way to know if prices are better online or from an agent is to set aside time to compare rates from both. Lots of times people will get different prices from the same company if you compare an online quote to agent rates. It’s difficult to tell which has the best rates without quoting identical coverages both ways.
Will buying online save you money? A lot of shoppers won’t buy anywhere else, but it’s impossible to say since companies use quite a few components that influence the price you pay. Common sense would say that purchasing direct online saves money because there is no agent involvement. But the reality is advertising and marketing take a lot of money and this drives up their premium costs.
Alaska insurance information
More detailed Alaska auto insurance information can be read at the Alaska Division of Insurance website. Alaska drivers can discover disciplinary actions, learn about specific coverages, get help finding coverage, and download brochures.
The articles below may also help you learn more about auto insurance in Barrow
Buy online or local, you save
Drivers change insurance companies for many reasons like high rates after DUI convictions, poor customer service, unfair underwriting practices and even extreme rates for teen drivers. Whatever your reason, switching companies is not as difficult as it may seem.
When buying insurance coverage, don’t be tempted to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are many occasions where drivers have reduced collision coverage only to find out that it was a big error on their part. The proper strategy is to buy a smart amount of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
