When pricing auto insurance in Bluefield, West Virginia, there are a lot of options and choosing the right Bluefield auto insurance agent is more difficult than just driving to the closest agent’s office. There is a good chance you require not only a great agent that can assess your needs, but you also want to find the lowest possible price.
With companies like State Farm, Allstate and Farmers Insurance all competing for business in Bluefield, consumers have a hard time knowing which car insurance agent will provide you with the lowest rates and best service. To begin, you can use insurance quotes online to build a list of insurance agents from which to choose.
Quote online but work with a neighborhood agent
Educated insurance agents can answer important questions and help you file claims. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is that you can obtain the best rates but still work with a licensed agent. And providing support for local businesses is important particularly in Bluefield.
Once you complete this simple form, your insurance coverage information is emailed to participating agents in Bluefield who will compete for your business. There is no need to visit any agencies because quoted prices will be sent to your email. Now that’s easy!
Types of insurance agents
When finding a good Bluefield insurance agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents to choose from. Agencies in Bluefield are either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can do a good job, but it’s good to learn how they differ because it can impact the type of agent you choose
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agents do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparing rates, we recommend you contact at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from.
The following is a short list of independent insurance agents in Bluefield willing to provide price quotes.
Burgess Insurance Svc – 3 Meadow Cir – Bluefield, WV 24701 – (304) 425-4074
Guardian Insurance – 210 North St – Bluefield, WV 24701 – (304) 325-2160
Agency Insurance Marketing – Airport Rd – Bluefield, WV 24701 – (304) 327-0077
Sam Baker Agency – 2001 Stadium Dr – Bluefield, WV 24701 – (304) 325-7283
Captive Agents
This type of agents work for only one company such as AAA, Allstate and State Farm. These agents are unable to provide prices from multiple companies so it’s a take it or leave it situation. These agents are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents.
Shown below is a short list of captive agencies in Bluefield willing to provide comparison quotes.
State Farm Insurance – 308 North St – Bluefield, WV 24701 – (304) 325-8659
Allstate Insurance – 3213 E Cumberland Rd – Bluefield, WV 24701 – (304) 325-5811
For a full directory of captive insurance agencies in Bluefield, visit this site.
Deciding on an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the premium amount. Some important questions to ask are:
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in West Virginia?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
- What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- What insurance companies do they work with?
After getting good answers to your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, it’s possible that you found an auto insurance agent that is a good match to provide auto insurance coverage.
Online alternative for car insurance
Auto insurance agents are important, but you also have the option of buying West Virginia car insurance direct over the internet. Some specific companies who employ agents also give you the ability to get a quote and buy online, so this should also be taken into consideration if the lowest rate is your goal.
If you’re concerned about not getting proper coverage when buying car insurance direct, that shouldn’t be an issue. Insurance companies provide toll-free numbers that you can contact for information. Most companies also provide anytime access to help and a customer research section that can help answer basic questions.
Does coverage cost less online? The answer to that question is complicated because there are many components that impact your premium. It’s often assumed that buying direct saves by not paying a commission. But that assumption is generally incorrect because getting their brand in front of customers is expensive so this can offset any savings.
Quote often and quote early
Drivers change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as high rates after DUI convictions, questionable increases in premium, high prices or even extreme rates for teen drivers. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding a new company is actually quite simple.
Cost effective auto insurance is attainable from both online companies and with local Bluefield insurance agents, so compare prices from both to get a complete price analysis. A few companies do not offer online quoting and usually these smaller companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.
For more reading
Much more information about auto insurance in West Virginia can be read on the website for the West Virginia Insurance Commission through this link. West Virginia consumers can learn about specific coverages, read consumer alerts, learn about insurance regulations, and read state legal mandates and laws.
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