If you’re trying to find a good Cheektowaga agent, it’s recommended you do an initial search on the web to save yourself time. There is a good chance you not only want a professional licensed agent, but you also need affordable coverage.
With companies like Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents having offices in Cheektowaga, it’s difficult to determine which car insurance agent will give you the lowest rates and best service. Fortunately, it’s easy to use online quotes to assemble a group of agencies from which to choose.
Quote online but still have a local agent
Good agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you may find better rates and still have an agent to talk to. And supporting local agencies is especially important in Cheektowaga.
After filling out this simple form, your insurance data is transmitted to companies in Cheektowaga who will battle to get your business. You won’t need to even leave your home because quoted prices will be sent to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy! You’ll get the best rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.
Two types of insurance agents
When researching a local agent, you need to know there are two types of agencies that you can select. Cheektowaga agents can either be independent (non-captive) or captive.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparison shopping, you should always include price quotes from at least one independent agent to get the best comparison.
Below are independent insurance agents in Cheektowaga that can give you pricing information.
Michael Keane Insurance – 3083 William St # 5 – Cheektowaga, NY 14227 – (716) 656-0556
Bakos Agency Inc – 1099 French Rd – Cheektowaga, NY 14227 – (716) 668-5700
Dan Scaglione Insurance – 928 French Rd # A – Cheektowaga, NY 14227 – (716) 668-4088
Gocella Agency Inc – 2875 Union Rd # 7a – Cheektowaga, NY 14227 – (716) 683-4200
ABLE Agency – 817 Borden Rd – Cheektowaga, NY 14227 – (716) 668-0026
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents write business for a single company and some examples include American Family, State Farm and Allstate. These agents are unable to shop your coverage around so they have no alternatives for high prices. These agents are well schooled in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents.
The following is a short list of captive insurance agents in Cheektowaga willing to provide price quotes.
State Farm Insurance – 626 Cleveland Dr – Cheektowaga, NY 14225 – (716) 834-8384
Allstate Insurance Co – 2910 William St – Cheektowaga, NY 14227 – (716) 896-3315
To view a complete directory of captive insurance agencies in Cheektowaga, visit this link.
Selecting an insurance agency should depend on more than just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:
- How long has their agency been in business in Cheektowaga?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
Upon getting positive responses for all questions you ask and an acceptable price quote, it’s possible that you found an insurance agent that will adequately provide car insurance.
Keep your options open
Auto insurance agents are a valuable resource, but New York drivers can also buy direct from companies that only sell online. Certain companies who sell through agents in Cheektowaga also give you the ability to buy direct online, so this should also be taken into consideration.
If you’re uneasy about not having an agent to talk to, that is normal but is not a big issue. Online car insurance companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide toll-free numbers for getting questions answered. You can also use online help and live chat to help you answer questions.
Can buying online lower your premiums? The answer is complex due to the large number of individual components that determine the price you pay. It would make sense to think that a customer who purchases direcly from an online company saves money by not requiring a commission. But the fact is, promoting brand recognition is pricey and this tends to eat up any savings.
Additional car insurance information is located on the website for the New York Department of Financial Services found here. New York drivers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, view a list of available companies, and view agent and company licensing information.
Final thoughts
Discount car insurance is definitely available online as well as from independent agents in Cheektowaga, so compare prices from both to have the best selection. Some insurance providers don’t offer online price quotes and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.
Insureds change insurance companies for any number of reasons including extreme rates for teen drivers, lack of trust in their agent, an unsatisfactory settlement offer or even poor customer service. No matter why you want to switch, finding the right car insurance provider can be pretty painless.
