When searching for a good insurance agent in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, we recommend you do the preliminary legwork for an agent online to save time. There is a good chance that not only do you want a good professional insurance agent, but you also want to find the lowest possible price.
With companies like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers and independent agents all competing for your business, it’s difficult to determine which provider will give you the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To begin, consumers can get online quotes to build a list of agents and thier coverage prices.
Compare Fitchburg agent rates online
Agents can help determine the best coverages and give you someone to call. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is you can get better rates and still choose a local agent. And supporting small agencies is definitely important in Fitchburg.
After completing this simple form, the coverage information gets sent to local insurance agents in Fitchburg who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. There is no reason to leave your house since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. How’s that for easy! You’ll get the best rates and an insurance agent to talk to.
The type of insurance agency you choose is important
When searching for a good insurance agency, there are a couple of types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Fitchburg are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to include price quotes from at least one independent agent for the best price selection. They also have the ability to place coverage with smaller companies which can be an advantage.
Below are independent agents in Fitchburg that may be able to provide comparison quotes.
- Horace Mann Insurance Co – 203 Ashburnham Hill Rd – Fitchburg, MA 01420 – (978) 345-6013
- Halstead Insurance Inc – 11 Electric Ave – Fitchburg, MA 01420 – (978) 345-2505
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive insurance agents write business for a single company and some examples include Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. Captives cannot give you multiple price quotes so they have no alternatives for high prices. They are trained well on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents. Some people will only buy from captive agents primarily because of loyalty to the company and strong financial ratings.
Picking an auto insurance agent requires more thought than just a low price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Massachusetts?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- Which company do they place the most coverage with?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
Once you have positive feedback for all questions you ask and locked in a price quote, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agency that will provide auto insurance coverage.
You have the option to buy car insurance direct online
Auto insurance agents are a valuable resource, but Massachusetts consumers also have the option to buy direct from companies online. A few companies who sell through agents in Fitchburg also allow consumers to buy a policy online, and that is helpful if you prefer not to work with an agent.
If you’re worried about not having an insurance agent’s advice when buying car insurance direct, this is normal but is quickly overcome. Companies that allow you to purchase coverage provide options to answer any questions you may have.
The only way to know where you can get the lowest rate, either online or from agents, is to take the time to compare rates from both. It’s possible to get different rates when comparing quotes online and from an agent from the same company.
Does car insurance cost less online? It’s hard to say exactly due to the fact that there are many factors that are calculated into your premium. Some people think that shopping online for auto insurance saves money by not requiring a commission. But in reality, online and traditional media advertising are expensive and that can quickly cost more than paying an agent.
Smart shoppers get results
When you buy insurance online, make sure you don’t skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. In many instances, consumers will sacrifice full coverage to discover at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your focus should be to purchase plenty of coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.
People who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as policy non-renewal, high rates after DUI convictions, lack of trust in their agent and even policy cancellation. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, switching auto insurance companies is easier than you think.
For more information
Additional auto insurance information is located on the Massachusetts Division of Insurance website found here. Visitors are able to view agent and company licensing information, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and report car insurance fraud.
