If you’re looking for a licensed insurance agent in Gaithersburg, we recommend you do the preliminary legwork online instead of calling around. You need a good professional insurance agent, but also the best possible rates.
Popular companies such as Allstate, Progressive and Geico continually hit you with ads and it is challenging if not impossible to separate fact from fiction and find the best price available.
Shop online but buy locally
Professional agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help file insurance claims. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is you may find lower rates and still have an agent to talk to.
To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), the quote information is submitted to participating agents in Gaithersburg who will compete to get your business. You never need to drive around as quotes are delivered to your email. How’s that for easy!
Choosing an insurance agency shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Maryland?
- What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- Are they full-time agents?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- How long has their agency been open in Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg insurance agents are either independent or captive
When finding an insurance agent, there are a couple of types of insurance agents from which to choose. Insurance agencies in Gaithersburg are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s good to learn how they are different because it can influence your agent selection.
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents can only write with one company like AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to compare other company’s rates so always compare other rates. Captive agents are trained well on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only buy from captive agents partially due to high brand loyalty and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Listed below is a short list of captive agencies in Gaithersburg who may provide you with price quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 357 Main St – Gaithersburg, MD 20878 – (301) 330-6612
- Allstate Insurance Co – 8645 Zetts Ave – Gaithersburg, MD 20877 – (301) 947-7556
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparing rates, we recommend you include multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection.Most can insure with lesser-known insurance companies which can save you money.
Below are Gaithersburg independent agencies willing to provide comparison quotes.
- Fryer Insurance Agency – 19536 Club House Rd – Gaithersburg, MD 20886 – (301) 417-2944
- Mulling’s Agency – 963 Russell Ave # B – Gaithersburg, MD 20879 – (301) 330-9002
- Boizelle Insurance Assoc – 845 Quince Orchard Blvd # K – Gaithersburg, MD 20878 – (301) 948-2010
- Norken-Ramirez Insurance Inc – 615 S Frederick Ave – Gaithersburg, MD 20877 – (240) 243-9900
For a full directory of licensed insurance agents in Gaithersburg, view this link.
Once you have acceptable answers to these questions and an affordable coverage quote, you’ve probably found an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to properly service your auto insurance policy.
Online companies can help you save
Car insurance agents are important to many people, but you also have the option of buying direct over the internet. Some specific companies like State Farm and Allstate that sell primarily through agents additionally provide the ability to quote and buy online, and that can save time.
If you’re concerned about choosing your own coverages when shopping online, this is expected but don’t let that bother you. Companies that allow you to purchase coverage have customer service departments to answer any questions you may have. Also available are anytime access to help and a customer research section that you can use if you have questions.
Is it cheaper to buy online? It’s difficult to say for sure due to the fact that there are multiple individual factors that can increase policy rates. Some people think that buying online saves the cost of an agent commission. In many cases, there are high advertising and marketing costs and this drives up their premium costs.
Final thoughts
Cost effective auto insurance is attainable both online as well as from independent agents in Gaithersburg, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance companies don’t offer the ability to get a quote online and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.
Insureds leave their current company for many reasons like delays in paying claims, lack of trust in their agent, extreme rates for teen drivers or questionable increases in premium. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, switching companies is easier than you think.
Even more information can be found at the Maryland Insurance Administration website. Visitors are able to file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, file complaints about a company, learn about specific coverages, and view a list of available companies.
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