Finding good car insurance in Post Falls can be challenging since you have many choices and picking a good Idaho car insurance agent is more difficult than just driving to the closest agent’s office. The chances are good that not only do you want a competent insurance agent, but you also want to find the best rates possible.
With independent agents, Allstate and State Farm having local Post Falls offices, it’s hard to tell which one will provide you with the lowest rates and best service. Thankfully, consumers can use insurance quotes online to build a list of insurance agencies and price estimates.
Price shop online but buy from a local Post Falls agent
Licensed agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. The best thing about comparing rates online is that you can obtain better rates and still choose a local agent. Buying from small agencies is important particularly in Post Falls.
After filling out this short form, your insurance data is instantly submitted to local insurance agents who will return price quotes for your insurance coverage. There is no reason to leave your computer since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. How’s that for easy!
Captive agents vs. Independent agents
When researching an insurance agent, there are a couple of different agency structures that you can select. Agents are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know how they are different because it can impact your selection of an agent.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage with any number of different companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you contact at a minimum one independent agency to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Listed below is a short list of independent insurance agencies in Post Falls who can help you get price quote information.
Dickinson Insurance Svc – 565 N Greenferry Rd – Post Falls, ID 83854 – (208) 773-0504
Taylor Agency – 606 E Seltice Way – Post Falls, ID 83854 – (208) 773-6441
Post Falls Insurance – 802 N Lincoln St – Post Falls, ID 83854 – (208) 777-9800
Post Falls Agency – 504 E Seltice Way – Post Falls, ID 83854 – (208) 773-7548
Captive Agents
These agents can only place business with one company and examples are AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captives are trained well on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents.
Listed below are captive agents in Post Falls willing to provide price quote information.
Farmers Insurance Group – 2700 E Seltice Way # 2 – Post Falls, ID 83854 – (208) 773-8484
State Farm Insurance – 1810 E Schneidmiller Ave # 201 – Post Falls, ID 83854 – (208) 773-7537
Farm Bureau Insurance – 1100 E Polston Ave – Post Falls, ID 83854 – (208) 457-8018
For a complete listing of car insurance agents in Post Falls, please click here.
Selecting a car insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap price. These questions are important to ask:
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
Once you have reasonable responses to any questions you have as well as a affordable price, you’ve probably found a car insurance agent that can provide car insurance coverage.
Online companies are an option
Local insurance agents are perfect for certain consumers, but you also have the option of buying directly from online companies. Some specific companies who have local agents in Post Falls also permit you to buy a policy online, and that is helpful if you want to do it yourself.
If you’re uncomfortable with not having professional advice when shopping online, don’t let it bother you. Car insurance companies all provide contact methods to help you decide which coverages are appropriate.
Do people save by buying online? It’s difficult to provide an answer because there are many components that impact your rate calculation. Common sense would say that going direct saves money because there is no commission. But the fact is, getting their brand in front of customers is expensive so the rates may be similar to buying from an agent.
Some additional reading
More information is located on the website for the Idaho Department of Insurance found here. Visitors are able to file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, view agent and company licensing information, and read state legal mandates and laws.
The following information may also be useful.
Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal
Cost effective car insurance is attainable online as well as from independent agents in Post Falls, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best selection. A few companies don’t offer the ability to get a quote online and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
While you’re price shopping online, never skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There have been many cases where someone dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits and discovered at claim time that it was a big error on their part. Your aim should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.