When searching for a licensed insurance agent in Champaign, you can do the preliminary legwork using online quotes rather than picking up the phone. We’re guessing that not only do you want an excellent agent, but you also want to find the best rates possible.
With companies like independent agents, Allstate and State Farm having offices in Champaign, it’s difficult to determine which one will provide you with the best service and rates. To begin, consumers can get insurance quotes online to build a list of agencies and price estimates.
Online quotes with a local Champaign insurance agent
Educated insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and help submit paperwork. The best thing about getting online price quotes is the fact that you can find lower rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from local businesses is definitely important in Champaign.
To find an agent, once you fill out this quick form, your information gets sent to companies in Champaign who will give you bids for your coverage. You never need to even leave your home as quotes are delivered immediately to your email address. How cool is that?! You can find better rates and work with a local agent.
Insurance agent types
When researching a good Champaign insurance agent, there are two different types of agents from which to choose. Agencies in Champaign are either captive or independent.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, they simply move the coverage in-house without you having to go to a different agency.
When searching for an agent, you should always include price quotes from at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection.
Shown below is a list of independent insurance agencies in Champaign willing to provide comparison quotes.
Bud Myers Agency – 211 W Springfield Ave – Champaign, IL 61820 – (217) 356-6268
Country Insurance and Financial – 1713 W Springfield Ave – Champaign, IL 61821 – (217) 352-2652
Country Insurance and Financial – 801 N Country Fair Dr # C – Champaign, IL 61821 – (217) 352-0012
Champaign General Agency – 44 E Main St # 210 – Champaign, IL 61820 – (217) 356-4832
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents work for only one company such as American Family, Liberty Mutual and AAA. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agents are usually quite knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Listed below are Champaign captive insurance agencies willing to provide price quote information.
Farmers Insurance Group – 702 Bloomington Rd # 208 – Champaign, IL 61820 – (217) 403-1920
Allstate Insurance – 471 Devonshire Dr – Champaign, IL 61820 – (217) 355-9000
American Family Insurance – 1821 S Neil St – Champaign, IL 61820 – (217) 356-5952
To view a complete directory of captive insurance agents in Champaign, simply jump to this page.
Selecting a car insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- Are they full-time agents?
- How are they compensated?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
Upon receiving positive feedback to these questions as well as a affordable price, you’ve probably found an insurance agency that will properly service your auto insurance policy.
Keep your options open
Insurance agencies can be invaluable at times, but you can also buy Illinois car insurance from online companies direct. Some car insurance companies who have local agents in Champaign additionally provide the ability to buy direct on their websites, so that should be considered if you don’t want to take the time to contact agents.
If you’re uncomfortable with choosing your own coverages when buying direct, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. Online insurance companies provide toll-free numbers to walk you through the process. You can also use anytime access to help and a customer research section so you can feel comfortable buying online.
Can you find lower rates online? A lot of shoppers won’t buy anywhere else, but it’s impossible to say because there are a lot of things that influence the price you pay. It’s logical to say that going direct saves the cost of an agent commission. For most online online companies, however, there are very high advertising costs and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
A little work can save a LOT of money
Discount auto insurance can be bought both online and also from your neighborhood Champaign agents, so you should compare both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.
Drivers change insurance companies for a variety of reasons including an unsatisfactory settlement offer, high prices, lack of trust in their agent and even delays in responding to claim requests. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch choosing a new company is actually quite simple.
Additional information is available on the website for the Illinois Department of Insurance through this link. Consumers can read industry bulletins, find a variety of consumer forms, find out industry alerts, and report car insurance fraud.
