When shopping for auto insurance, you have many choices and selecting the best Hamden car insurance agent for your needs is not as easy as just randomly choosing from the yellow pages. Chances are that not only do you want an excellent agent, but you also need the lowest possible price.
With insurance companies like Farmers, Allstate, and independent agents all competing for business in Hamden, it’s difficult to determine which provider will have the cheapest rates and the best coverage. To begin, consumers can get online quoting to assemble a group of insurance agents and thier coverage prices.
Online price comparisons from Hamden agents
Licensed agents can point out coverage gaps and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to. And supporting small agencies is definitely important in Hamden.
Once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is instantly submitted to local insurance agents who will return price quotes for your business. You won’t need to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go to your email. How’s that for easy!
Independent or Captive: It’s your choice
If you’re trying to find a local agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Hamden are either captive or independent. Either one can write coverage properly, but it’s worth learning how they differ because it can impact buying decisions.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you include multiple independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. Many write coverage with smaller companies who may have lower rates.
Below is a list of independent agencies in Hamden that may be able to provide price quotes.
- De Genaro Insurance – 1384 Dixwell Ave – Hamden, CT 06514 – (203) 248-6337
- Rocco Agency – 1418 Dixwell Ave – Hamden, CT 06514 – (203) 248-3294
- Emil J Isaacs Agency – 1612 Dixwell Ave – Hamden, CT 06514 – (203) 248-6859
- CONTINENTAL Agency – 105 Sanford St – Hamden, CT 06514 – (203) 230-4100
- Margaret Kramer Insurance – 3540 Whitney Ave – Hamden, CT 06518 – (203) 287-1178
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents can only place business with one company like Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. These agents are unable to shop your coverage around so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agents are very knowledgeable on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers often purchase coverage from captives partially due to high brand loyalty and solid financial strength.
Listed below are captive agencies in Hamden who can help you get price quote information.
- State Farm Insurance – 1890 Dixwell Ave # 108 – Hamden, CT 06514 – (203) 288-7141
- Allstate Insurance – 2693 Whitney Ave – Hamden, CT 06518 – (203) 281-6635
For a full directory of captive agencies in Hamden, please click here.
Selecting an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the premium amount. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
- Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
After receiving good answers to all your questions and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that is a good match to adequately provide auto insurance.
Do online companies have better prices?
Car insurance agents serve a purpose, but you also have the option of buying direct over the internet. Some companies who sell through agents in Hamden also allow consumers to buy a policy online. This is something to consider as an alternative to contacting agents.
If you’re apprehensive about not having an agent to talk to, this really isn’t an issue. Companies provide access to licensed agents for getting the best coverage. You may also access online help and live chat to clarify any questions you may have.
If the lowest price is important, the best way to know if prices are better online or from an agent is comparing prices for both of them. It’s possible to get different rates for the identical company depending on where you get the price quote from. You won’t discover whether online or agents have the lower rates until after comparing identical coverage quotes using both methods.
Can buying online lower your premiums? That is a tough question to answer because there are many components that influence the price you pay. It’s a logical assumption that a consumer who buys direct saves money by not requiring a commission. For the majority of companies, however, online and traditional media advertising are expensive so the lack of a commission may be a wash.
Learn more about auto insurance in Connecticut
Additional information is available on the Connecticut Insurance Department website. Click here for link. Consumers can get help finding coverage, view a list of available companies, report car insurance fraud, and download brochures.
These articles may also be worth reading.
- Discover the Secrets to Paying Less for Hamden Auto Insurance
- Hamden, CT Auto Insurance Buying Tips You Arent Supposed to Know
More comparisons equals lower rates
As you restructure your insurance plan, it’s a bad idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In many cases, an insured dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to discover later that it was a big mistake. Your goal should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.
Consumers switch companies for many reasons like poor customer service, extreme rates for teen drivers, questionable increases in premium and even delays in paying claims. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, choosing a new insurance company can be easier than you think.
