If you’re looking to buy car insurance, there are a lot of options and selecting the best Blaine car insurance agent for your needs is harder than just calling the closest agent. It’s assumed you require not only a good professional insurance agent, but also the best rates possible.
With State Farm, Allstate, Farmers and independent agents having local Blaine offices, it can be hard to know which provider will have the best rates, service and coverage. Fortunately, consumers can get online quoting to get a list of insurance agencies and thier coverage prices.
Save time by quoting online
Licensed agents can help determine the best coverages and help submit paperwork. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you may find lower rates but still work with a licensed agent. Supporting local businesses is important especially in Blaine.
Upon completion of this short form, your information is sent to insurance agents in Blaine who will compete for your coverage. There is no reason to drive around since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier! You can find the lowest rates AND a local agent.
How to choose the best insurance agency in Blaine
When researching a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Blaine agents are either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Independent Agents
Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency.
When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you get quotes from several independent insurance agents for the best price selection.
Listed below is a short list of independent agents in Blaine who can help you get price quotes.
Anderson Agency – 11000 Central Ave NE # 111 – Blaine, MN 55434 – (763) 767-7218
Horace Mann Insurance Co – 12401 Radisson Rd NE – Blaine, MN 55449 – (763) 755-0277
Bob Stanger Agency – 8535 Central Ave NE # 101 – Blaine, MN 55434 – (763) 427-0770
A Fierst Insurance – 12375 Oak Park Blvd NE – Blaine, MN 55434 – (763) 753-6186
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies can only write with one company and examples are Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so keep that in mind. Captive agents are very knowledgeable on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents.
Shown below are captive insurance agents in Blaine who can help you get price quotes.
American Family Insurance – 12265 Central Ave NE # 5 – Blaine, MN 55434 – (763) 755-9305
Farmers Insurance Group – 9921 Central Ave NE – Blaine, MN 55434 – (763) 784-2465
For a complete listing of Blaine captive agents, visit this link.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
Once you have acceptable answers to any questions you have as well as a affordable price, most likely you have located an insurance agent that is a good match to properly insure your vehicles.
What about online companies that cut out the middleman?
Insurance agencies can be invaluable at times, but you also have the option of buying Minnesota car insurance direct online. Some specific companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who have local Blaine agents also allow consumers to buy a policy online, and that is helpful if you prefer to buy online.
If you’re worried about choosing your own coverages, don’t be too concerned. Auto insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages all have toll-free customer service that you can contact for information.
Will you save money buying auto insurance online? It’s difficult to say for sure since companies use quite a few components that impact your premium. It’s a common assumption that buying directly from the company saves by not paying a commission. For most companies selling online, however, getting their brand in front of customers is expensive and this tends to eat up any savings.
For price-conscious consumers, the only way of knowing if the cheapest policy comes from an agent or online is to take the time to compare rates from both. Lots of times people will get different prices comparing agents to online prices for the exact same company. But it’s impossible to know where the best price is until after you compare the same coverages both ways.
More effort can pay off
Insureds who switch companies do it for many reasons like delays in paying claims, not issuing a premium refund, unfair underwriting practices or questionable increases in premium. Regardless of your reason, finding the right car insurance provider is actually quite simple.
When buying insurance coverage, make sure you don’t buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There have been many situations where someone sacrificed full coverage only to regret they didn’t have enough coverage. Your aim should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at a price you can afford.
Additional car insurance information is available on the website for the Minnesota Department of Commerce found here. Minnesota consumers can read industry bulletins, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and find disaster information.
