To find a good insurance agent in Boston, Massachusetts, you can always start your search by comparing prices online instead of calling around. We’re guessing you want a competent insurance agent, but you also want great rates as well.
With companies like American Family, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers having local Boston offices, consumers have a hard time knowing which will give you the best service and rates. To help decide, consumers can get online quotes to assemble a group of insurance agencies to choose from.
Price shop online but buy from a local Boston agent
Good agents can answer important questions and help file insurance claims. The biggest benefit of comparing insurance prices online is you can get the best rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from local agencies is definitely important in Boston.
Upon completion of this quick form, the coverage information gets sent to local insurance agents in Boston who will return price quotes to get your business. You don’t have to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent to the email address you provide. It doesn’t get any easier!
Do you need an independent or captive insurance agency?
When searching for a good insurance agency, there are a couple of types of insurance agents from which to choose. Boston agents are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive. While both can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ since it may influence the selection process.
Independent Insurance Agents
These agents do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part. When comparison shopping, you should always contact at least one independent agent for the best price selection.
Shown below is a short list of independent agents in Boston that may be able to provide pricing information.
Lohr Insurance – 111 State St # 3 – Boston, MA 02109 – (617) 227-1660
James Mc Carthy Agency – 286 Congress St – Boston, MA 02210 – (617) 542-1111
Gediman Insurance – 15 Court St – Boston, MA 02108 – (617) 523-0285
Samuel Wong Agency – 68 Harrison Ave – Boston, MA 02111 – (617) 423-3112
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents write business for a single company such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They are unable to place coverage with different providers so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agencies are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents.
Shown below is a short list of captive agents in Boston that are able to give rate quotes.
Liberty Mutual Reinsurance Grp – 316 Stuart St – Boston, MA 02116 – (617) 423-6639
For a complete listing of captive insurance agents in Boston, click here to link.
Choosing an insurance agent should depend on more than just a low price. These questions are important to ask:
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
Once you have received positive responses for all questions you ask and an acceptable price quote, most likely you have located a car insurance agent that will insure your vehicles.
Keep your options open
Insurance agencies are important to many people, but Massachusetts consumers also have the option to buy from online companies direct. Some companies, such as Farmers Insurance and State Farm, who employ agents also allow you to buy a policy online, and online price comparisons are easy if you want to do it yourself.
If you’re worried about not getting advice from an agent when buying online, that is normal but is not a big issue. Online car insurance companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide phone numbers and online resources for getting the best coverage. Additionally, most companies also offer live help and an extensive research center that you can use before buying.
Do customers save by switching to an online company? It’s difficult to provide an answer since there may be dozens of rate factors that can increase policy rates. Common logic is that buying online prevents the agent from taking a cut. But in most cases, online and traditional media advertising are expensive so rates may not be all that different from traditional agents.
Much more information about car insurance in Massachusetts is located on the website for the Massachusetts Division of Insurance located here. Visitors are able to learn about specific coverages, learn about insurance regulations, and read industry bulletins.
In conclusion
As you shop your coverage around, never buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, someone sacrificed liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your focus should be to get the best coverage possible at the best price while still protecting your assets.
Cost effective car insurance can be found from both online companies and with local Boston insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best rate selection. A few companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
