When trying to find a good insurance agent in Greenbelt, Maryland, it’s recommended you do the preliminary legwork by comparing rates online in order to save time. The chances are good you’re wanting a professional licensed agent, but you also want to find the best rates possible.
With insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate and many independent agents all competing for business in Greenbelt, it’s hard to tell which one will give you the lowest rates and best service. Fortunately, consumers can get online quotes to get a list of insurance agents and price estimates.
Best way to find Greenbelt agents
Agents can answer important questions and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about comparing rates online is the fact that you can find the best rates and still choose a local agent. And providing support for small agencies is especially important in Greenbelt.
By using this simple form, your insurance coverage information is transmitted to companies in Greenbelt who will give you bids for your coverage. You don’t have to leave your house as quotes are delivered immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier!
Different types of Greenbelt insurance agencies
When looking for a good Greenbelt insurance agent, there are two different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Greenbelt are either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can write coverage properly, but it’s worth learning how they are different because it can impact the type of agent you choose
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency.
When comparing rates, you should always include price quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to ensure the widest selection of prices.Many can place coverage with smaller companies which may provide better rates.
The following are Greenbelt independent insurance agents that are able to give comparison quotes.
- Telcom Insurance Group – 6301 Ivy Ln # 506 – Greenbelt, MD 20770 – (301) 220-3200
- Clark Insurance – 7505 Greenway Center Dr # 3 – Greenbelt, MD 20770 – (301) 345-0103
Captive Agents
Captive insurance agents work for only one company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agencies are well schooled on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents. Some people will only choose to use a captive agent partially due to high brand loyalty and solid financial strength.
Listed below is a list of captive insurance agents in Greenbelt who can help you get rate quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 7474 Greenway Center Dr # 500 – Greenbelt, MD 20770 – (301) 982-8600
- Allstate Insurance – 7865 Belle Point Dr – Greenbelt, MD 20770 – (301) 699-1212
For a full directory of auto insurance agents in Greenbelt, visit this site.
Deciding on a car insurance agent requires more thought than just a cheap price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- How are they compensated?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
Once you have received positive responses for all questions you ask and a low price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that can properly service your auto insurance policy.
Keep your options open
Car insurance agents are important, but you also have the option of buying Maryland car insurance from companies direct over the internet. Some companies like State Farm and Allstate who sell through the agent channel also permit you to get a quote and buy online, and consumers should do that.
If you’re uncomfortable with choosing your own coverages when buying direct, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Online insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages give you access to trained agents for customer questions. They also have a frequently asked questions page that you can use if you have questions.
Is online auto insurance cheaper? It’s hard to say exactly due to the fact that there are many factors that influence your rates. It’s a common assumption that going direct saves the commission normally paid to an agent. But in most cases, getting their brand in front of customers is expensive so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
One last thing about your coverage
Affordable auto insurance is attainable on the web as well as from independent agents in Greenbelt, so you should compare both in order to have the best chance of saving money. There are still a few companies who don’t offer online quoting and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.
People who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including poor customer service, questionable increases in premium, denial of a claim and an unsatisfactory settlement offer. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch choosing a new company is actually quite simple.
Additional auto insurance information is located on the Maryland Insurance Administration website found here. Visitors are able to find disaster information, find a variety of consumer forms, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and download brochures.
