Comparing auto insurance rates in Springfield can be a lot of work since choosing the right Springfield insurance agent is not as easy as just picking up the phone. Chances are you require not only a decent agent, but you also want the lowest possible price.
With State Farm, Allstate and Farmers Insurance all competing for business in Springfield, it can be hard to know which insurance agency will give you the best rates, service and coverage. Thankfully, consumers can get online quotes to get a list of insurance agents from which to choose.
Local Springfield agents and auto insurance
Educated insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and give you someone to call. One of the best bonuses of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain lower rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from small agencies is especially important in Springfield.
To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), the quote information is submitted to participating agents in Springfield 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! You’ll get the best rates and a licensed agent to work with.
The different types of insurance agents
When searching for a reliable agent, there are two different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents are either captive or independent.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These agents are not locked into one company but rather can write business amongst many companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To move your coverage to a new company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you won’t have to switch agencies. When shopping rates, we recommend you contact several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.
The following are Springfield independent agents willing to provide comparison quotes.
Michael J Lauro Insurance – 468 Main St – Springfield, MA 01105 – (413) 737-4604
Insurance Services – 1380 Main St – Springfield, MA 01103 – (413) 746-1504
R L and G Agency Inc – 1391 Main St – Springfield, MA 01103 – (413) 739-2066
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents can only place business with one company and examples are Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. They usually cannot place coverage with different providers so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agents are trained well in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents.
Selecting an insurance agency requires more thought than just the premium amount. Here are some questions to ask:
- Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
- Who are their largest clients?
Upon receiving answers to your satisfaction to all your questions and a good coverage price, it’s possible that you found a car insurance agent that is a good match to service your policy.
What if I want to shop online?
Car insurance agents are a valuable resource, but Massachusetts car insurance can also be bought direct from companies that only sell online. Some specific companies that are more known for using agents, also give you the ability to quote and buy online, so keep that in mind.
If you’re worried about not getting advice from an agent when shopping online, don’t be too concerned. All companies that require consumers to choose their own coverages provide customer service to answer any questions you may have.
Can you save money buying online? Whether or not you’ll save is impossible to say since there may be dozens of rate factors which can adversely affect your policy premium. Common logic is that a consumer who buys direct saves money because there is no commission. For the majority of companies, however, the cost of constant advertising is expensive so this can offset any savings.
For price-conscious consumers, the only way of knowing whether online companies or local agents have lower rates is comparing rate quotes from both. Lots of times people will get different prices from insurance agents and online quoting for the same auto insurance company.
Additional information can be found on the website for the Massachusetts Division of Insurance located here. Massachusetts drivers can file complaints about a company, learn about specific coverages, view a list of available companies, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.
Other informative sites include Auto Insurance 101 and this page of insurance agents in Springfield.
One last thing about your coverage
Insureds change insurance companies for any number of reasons including lack of trust in their agent, extreme rates for teen drivers, questionable increases in premium or delays in paying claims. Whatever your reason, choosing a new insurance company is not as hard as you think.
When buying insurance coverage, make sure you don’t buy less coverage just to save a little money. There are many occasions where an insured dropped liability coverage limits only to discover later that the savings was not a smart move. The aim is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.
